State delegation reacts to Bush's speech

"The president has acknowledged that technology is the answer to creating an environmentally sound energy policy that reduces our dependence on foreign oil. I am wholly supportive of this initiative."

Rep. David Reichert, R-Auburn

"In tonight's speech, Bush failed to address one of the critical problems our nation faces: an irresponsible and out-of-control fiscal policy. Bush insists on making his tax cuts permanent, yet these cuts are targeted to help the wealthiest in our country. They do almost nothing to benefit the average American, and they worsen the nation's poor fiscal health. He also showed no plan for reining in government spending and he appears content to simply continue his fiscally irresponsible policies."

Rep. Adam Smith, D-Tacoma

"As I listened to the president's speech tonight, I felt a real disconnect between his priorities and the challenges facing working families in Washington state, Americans across our country, and those fighting for our freedom abroad. ... I fear from the lack of attention paid to their sacrifice in tonight's speech that the president will again submit a budget that will mean longer lines and more out-of-pocket costs for our veterans. ... We have a health-care crisis in America, and the president didn't even offer a Band Aid to stop the bleeding."

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.

"The State of the Union has turned into a poll-tested pep rally designed to boost ratings, instead of a forum for offering real solutions to our nation's problems."

Rep. Brian Baird, D-Vancouver

"Tonight, I challenge the president to give Americans what they deserve. Our hearts are heavy from continued violence in Iraq, from news of unraveling ethics scandals among congressional leadership and from our senior citizens' frustrations as they try to navigate a new Medicare prescription-drug program.."

Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Lake Stevens

"President Bush presented a positive path forward for securing our nation and building a stronger future through responsible leadership. ... With our clean, low-cost hydropower system, Pacific Northwest residents understand the importance of renewable energy. I'm encouraged that the president highlighted the need for new energy sources, including the exploration of biofuels and nuclear power, which our nation and region should embrace as a part of meeting our growing energy needs."

Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Pasco

"After ignoring the energy issue, suddenly the president wants to have an energy plan. I'm going to welcome him to this and hope that this new religion isn't just a fad. A couple years ago, he talked about hydrogen cars, but it's not something I think he's been overly excited about in the past; but I think he's finally heard the American people."

Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash.

"If you hadn't lived in America over the last year, you might be taken in by the president's rhetoric. Instead of a speech, the president wanted a vote of confidence. He didn't get it. ... With U.S. forces stretched to the brink, the president unveils a new threat to Iran. Bravado, not diplomacy, appears to be the president's new strategy for winning over the Iranian people and changing the direction of the Iranian government. It's not a winning strategy, but it is a troubling course. The president reduced civil liberties — the foundation of America — to a chip he can play at will, on his own, without any check and balance. The president calls it part of his strategy in the war on terror. Big Brother is a more accurate description."

Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Seattle

"I was most disappointed tonight because the president paid only lip service to energy independence, even though national security was a major theme in his speech. The security of our nation depends, in large part, on ending our addiction to foreign oil. ... With developments like Exxon's $36.13 billion in annual profits, it's clear he needs to do more than offer a few token programs to reverse the damage his energy policies have done in the last five years."

Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Bainbridge Island