During his final State of the Union speech, President Obama will address problems still plaguing the nation. A couple of Texas congressmen hope the President’s speech includes a number of national issues affecting the lives of Texans.
The White House says President Obama’s speech tonight will be a “non-traditional” discussion on some of the problems that continue to plague America.
San Antonio Democratic Congressman Joaquin Castro hopes that the President’s list includes a discussion of how to fuel more growth for the nation’s energy sector as the price of oil and gas continue to fall.
“The energy markets, particularly in Texas, have taken a real hit lately. We want to make sure there is a strategy to bounce back and we can continue to prosper in Texas," Castro said.
Castro is also hoping Obama addresses the need to halt future deportations of Central Americans seeking refugee status. And he, like San Antonio Republican Lamar Smith would like to hear the President’s ideas on what should be the nation’s response to the terror-group known as ISIS.
“Because right now the world is a more dangerous place, our enemies no longer fear us, our friends no longer trust us," Smith said.
Smith is hoping the president will reach across the political table to listen to republicans' ideas on how to attack ISIS aboard while still maintaining national security.
Part of President Obama’s speech tonight will focus on what can be done to end the cycle of gun violence the country has seen since he has taken office.
Traditionally, guests of the President are seated with the First Lady during his address, but this year there will be one empty seat, representing the victims of gun violence who could not otherwise attend. San Antonio parents Sandy and Lonnie Phillips will be attending tonight’s speech in honor of their daughter Jessica, who died during the 2012 movie theater shooting in Aurora, Colorado.
