Heinrich, Luján react to State of the Union Address

President Joe Biden focused on the economy and democracy in his State of the Union address Thursday.

Here’s how two U.S. senators from New Mexico congressional delegation reacted to the roughly 70-minute speech that served as a de facto campaign kickoff for the president:

Sen. Ben Ray Luján

“Tonight, President Biden delivered an important address to the American people with a clear theme: the state of our union is strong, jobs and the economy are growing, and our legislative accomplishments are paying off. President Biden and congressional Democrats have led the way in recovering from the pandemic, rebuilding our infrastructure, helping lower costs for families, and investing in research and development. President Biden and congressional Democrats have consistently delivered for the American people.

“The president’s speech tonight also furthered the contrast between President Biden and extremist Republicans who are focused on carrying water for the former president, stripping away reproductive rights, and endangering our national and global security.

“I was honored to welcome Tina Cordova as my guest, underscoring the need for the House to follow the Senate’s lead and pass RECA legislation. Every step of the way, Tina has been an exceptional leader, raising awareness, and building support for the need to compensate those impacted by radiation exposure.”

Sen. Martin Heinrich

“Tonight, President Biden called on Congress to put working families first and move our country forward.

“These last few years, Democrats have delivered monumental wins for working Americans. Under President Biden, we secured the largest expansion of health care for our nation’s veterans in generations. We created an American manufacturing boom by making historic investments in our workforce and in our infrastructure. And we’ve taken unprecedented strides toward lowering costs and accelerating a clean energy future. Meanwhile, Republicans were consumed by chaos, dysfunction, and extremism — bent on taking away freedoms, diminishing our democracy, and giving tax breaks out to their billionaire friends and ultrawealthy hedge fund executives.

“I am committed to working alongside President Biden and my Democratic colleagues to deliver for New Mexicans by ensuring the transformative investments we’ve secured reach every community in every corner of our state. This is how we will make sure our kids inherit a better world and receive every opportunity they need to thrive.”