WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) tonight released the following statement in response to President Biden’s State of the Union address:

“With three years of policies to stand on, the American people have ample data to assess the state of the union under President Biden’s leadership. Is America more prosperous, safer or unified?

“The American people were assured that inflation was transitory, but the high prices at the grocery store and the gas pump seem like they are here to stay. ‘Bidenomics’ reminded us of what we already knew – spending billions of dollars to reduce inflation only leads to higher prices for the everyday American.

“There is a national security and humanitarian crisis at the southern border. President Biden and his administration have been derelict in enforcing the laws that already exist and which would make our nation undoubtedly safer today. The current state of chaos at the southern border is nearing a breaking point. Our border patrol are overwhelmed; drugs and people are being trafficked into our country; families are losing loved ones to fentanyl poisoning and our cities are aren’t able to house and provide for thousands of migrants. President Biden must take immediate action to fortify the border, slow illegal migration and apprehend criminals.

“In addition to the crisis at the border, we are dealing with an internal crisis of rising violent crime. Criminals have learned that their actions will not be punished, and law enforcement officers are no longer revered but reviled. I will always back the blue and use my authority in Congress to provide our law enforcement with the equipment and training they need to faithfully execute their mission and protect our communities.

“In the midst of a divided Congress, support for our veterans has been unwavering. I was pleased to hear President Biden mention and address the success of the PACT Act for our nation’s veterans. The bicameral and bipartisan legislation has allowed thousands of veterans to enroll in VA health care to detect and treat illnesses caused by toxic exposures during their service.

“Gridlock in Washington is frustrating, but not new. The members of Congress are as diverse in their ideas as the people they represent, but our basic priorities, I hope, are the same – safety, prosperity and unity. Even as we approach an election season and continue working in a divided Congress, I urge President Biden to work with the House and the Senate to secure the border, lower prices and restore safety in our communities.”

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