WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger tonight released the following statement after President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address.

“Tonight, I was encouraged to hear the President focus on lowering costs, investing in our physical infrastructure, and curbing the overdose and substance abuse crisis in our communities. These are some of the top priorities I have heard from the Virginians I represent. Additionally, I was glad to hear him acknowledge the urgency of protecting the rights of our fellow Americans — from reproductive rights to the right to vote.

“As a former CIA case officer and a Member of the U.S. House Intelligence Committee, I also appreciate the President’s recognition of the serious threats faced by the United States and our allies. The Chinese Communist Party’s aggressive behavior, Putin’s unrelenting brutality, and the rise of anti-democratic forces in western nations all underscore the need for strong U.S. global leadership. That’s why I commend the President and his national security team for rallying our security partners behind the people of Ukraine — and I look forward to continued support from the vast majority of both Democrats and Republicans in Congress as we provide the Ukrainian military with the assistance it needs to win the war.

“In the weeks and months ahead, the President must find more common ground between Democrats and Republicans. Unfortunately, we continue to grapple with hyper-partisanship in the U.S. House — particularly on the issue of paying our nation’s bills and avoiding a debt ceiling default. Going forward, I’ll continue to remind my colleagues that Virginians — and the American people overall — expect us to resolve our differences, get things done, and provide more opportunity to the next generation of Americans.”

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