WASHINGTON, D.C.  — U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger tonight released the following statement after President Biden’s State of the Union Address.

“Tonight, the country heard President Biden’s call to advance an agenda of unity and affirm U.S. leadership on the world stage. We demonstrate this leadership not only by standing with our allies and standing up to autocracies and war criminals, but by showing strength at home. That includes keeping our communities safe, funding our police, and securing our borders.

“That’s also why I was encouraged to hear President Biden directly address the economic concerns of Virginia families and families across our country. We still have much work ahead in addressing supply chain challenges, rising grocery bills, and high gas prices. I will continue to press this administration to respond to these concerns as we rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Perhaps the most exciting part of tonight’s speech was the recognition of Seventh District resident Joshua Davis, one of the bravest Virginians I know. Joshua and his family have been strong advocates for those with diabetes in Virginia and across the country. Last month, I was honored to introduce Joshua to the President during an event in Culpeper. His attendance at tonight’s speech was an opportunity to stress the importance — for our families, our neighbors, and our communities — of getting prescription drug-focused legislation done.

“And finally, President Biden’s address provided hope that the United States and our allies can keep rallying together in the face of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As we build global support for the Ukrainian people, I have been proud to see Democrats and Republicans stand united in condemning Putin. But going forward, we need to do more. As the war continues, we must continue supporting our Ukrainian allies who are bravely fighting for their freedom by providing the arms, technical equipment, and humanitarian support they need. We must also ensure that Putin, his inner circle, and his oligarch cronies face unrelenting economic, social, and worldwide consequences. We must take a step beyond sanctioning them and begin seizing their assets throughout the world, creating crushing consequences for Putin and all who enable him.”

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