Open Letter to Members of Congress from the President of the United States

Open Letter to Members of Congress from the President of the United States

To My Esteemed Colleagues in Congress:

I write today to lay out my vision for the future.  Americans, as they always have done, have emerged from serious difficulties with resolve and determination.  Unemployment is half of what it was four years ago; gas prices are low; the stock market has reached record highs; and we are ending our long war in Afghanistan.  Our great nation is back on track and I am bullish about the future of America.  Nevertheless, serious work remains.  The economic rebound of the last few years has not been felt by all Americans; the middle-class is shrinking; and serious foreign policy challenges exist in the Middle East and Ukraine.  Now is not the time for politics-as-usual.  We need to work together to ensure that all Americans share in the fruits of this great nation.   

Therefore, I am laying out an ambitious agenda to secure the promise of the American Dream for every one of our citizens.  I ask that you join with me to find common ground on the pressing issues of the day, many of which are squeezing our middle-class.  Therefore, I will ask that Congress:

• ·         Ensure that every 4 year old child has access to preschool. 
• ·         Raise the federal minimum wage to $9.
• ·         Protect our children’s future by passing cap-and-trade legislation limiting carbon emissions.
• ·         Invest in our nations’ infrastructure, but upgrading our roads, bridges, and technology.
• ·         Ensure fairness in our tax system so that each person pays their fair share.
• ·         Avoid budgetary brinksmanship and manage the deficit without hurting those most vulnerable to draconian cuts. 
• ·         Protect our communities by taking guns out of the hands of criminals.
• ·         Recognize that our country is a great melting pot and provide immigrants a path to citizenship.
• ·         Provide the executive branch with the resources necessary to defeat ISIL.   
• ·         Close the prison at Guantanamo Bay. 

I recognize that my Republican control Congress.  I realize, too, that they expect to govern.  However, I warn my good friends against sending me legislation that I will veto.  This includes:

• ·         Any new sanctions on Iran.
• ·         Draconian budget cuts to essential services.
• ·         Any attempt to defund or eliminate the Affordable Care Act.

This is not the time for gridlock and inaction.  This is the golden moment in our great nation’s future and it takes responsible action from Washington to ensure that all Americans wake up to a bright and promising future. 

God bless you and God bless The United States of America.

Sincerely,

Barack Obama