Congressman Jo Bonner, R-Alabama, issued the following statement after President Obama’s State of the Union address to Congress.

“The president talked a lot about his plan to create an America that’s ‘built to last.’ However, his track record is eroding our country and creating growing disillusionment among the middle class.

“Since Mr. Obama has been president unemployment has never fallen below 8 percent, 12.7 million more Americans are on food stamps and our national debt has eclipsed the size of our entire economy. It’s very hard to find any measure of success in a record like that.

“If the president’s goal is to strengthen the anemic economy and restore business confidence, he will find House Republicans willing to work with him to pass needed reforms, including the 28 jobs bills already cleared by the House and awaiting action in the Senate.

“The House is ready and willing to sit down with the president if he is willing to reduce government regulation on business, simplify the tax code and take concrete steps to stop government overspending. These goals can be accomplished this year if the president will make good on his promise to fight obstruction.”