"With the Great Recession behind us and robust growth ahead of us, tonight President Obama called on Congress to join him in support of an agenda that expands economic opportunity and enhances financial security for all. I agree the time is now to build an economy where the hard work of all Americans pays off and the rules are not rigged in favor of those already at the top. The people who stand to gain from guaranteed paid leave and affordable child care are not Republicans or Democrats, but Americans who deserve a Congress focused on solving the challenges they face in their daily lives. 

"As a Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I was listening closely as the President discussed foreign policy issues of great concern to my constituents in South Florida. While I agree it is time to reevaluate our policy with Cuba, we must take great care to ensure any policy changes actually improve the human rights and freedoms of the Cuban people rather than merely embolden the abusive Castro regime. I also reject the premise that negotiations over Iran’s nuclear weapons program would be derailed by Congress passing carefully-crafted sanctions that only take effect if the regime fails to live up to its international obligations.  After all, it was sanctions that drove Iran to the negotiating table in the first place. 

"Tonight, the President made a compelling case for a United States of America that leads by example abroad and stays true to our values at home. I share his hope that the 114th Congress can put partisanship aside to advance those values, from building a more just immigration system to restoring the promise of the Voting Rights Act."

​Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21) is a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, House Ethics Committee, and the House Foreign Affairs Committee, where he serves as Ranking Democrat on the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee.