(Editor's Note: The following is Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy's statement on President Bush's State of the Union address.)

"Earlier this evening, President Bush delivered his final State of the Union address. While the President outlines several strong policy initiatives, he must work with Congress to deliver results to all Americans.

"In his speech, President Bush outlined a strong plan to boost our struggling economy and provide real assistance to lower- and middle-income families. While this stimulus package will assist hard-working families and small businesses, it is only a short-term fix for a long-term problem. President Bush must be willing to work with the Congress to provide a lasting economic boost and create more jobs for all Americans.

"President Bush also addressed the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act. As a member of the Committee on Education and Labor, I agree with the president this legislation must be reauthorized, and I am working with my colleagues to include language that will make our schools safe places for learning. If President Bush is serious about our nation's education system he must fully fund NCLB when he releases his budget next month.

"I was encouraged to hear President Bush address the current healthcare situation in America. The president has continued the dialogue on health care reform in this country. However, I believe the President's plan is not the answer. Under President Bush's leadership, the nation's health insurance crisis has worsened: costs are up and the number of uninsured Americans has grown. If the president is truly committed to reforming our nation's healthcare, he will work with Congress and sign the bipartisan State Children's Health Insurance Plan (SCHIP) legislation into law.

"President Bush touched on many important issues facing our nation today. However, he must prove he will work with Congress to deliver real results for the American people."

(Editor's Note: The following is a statement from Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy on the economic stimulus package passed by the House of Representatives.)

"Today, I joined my colleagues in passing an economic stimulus package that will give a much-needed boost to our struggling economy and provide real assistance to lower- and middle-income families.

"The stimulus package will provide a tax cut for 117 million families: up to $600 per individual, $1,200 per married couple, plus $300 per child. These rebate checks could be sent as early as May, giving families much-needed assistance as we enter the summer months.

"While the rebate checks will provide families with temporary financial assistance, the stimulus package includes other aspects that will further boost the economy and provide new jobs for Americans. The stimulus will encourage business investment by doubling the amount small businesses can write off their taxes for new investments made in 2008 and by increasing the number of small businesses that are eligible for this tax relief.

"On Long Island, foreclosures have forced far too many families into financial hardship. The stimulus package expands affordable mortgage loan opportunities through reform of the Federal Housing Administration. It also provides a one-year increase in Government Sponsored Enterprise (GSE) housing loans for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from $417,000 to $729,750.

"Although I fully support the House stimulus package, I am hopeful the Senate will include language to release the remaining LIHEAP funds. These funds will help our nation's most at-risk families with their home heating costs and will free up more resources for other day-to-day living expenses.

"While this stimulus package will assist hard-working families and small businesses, it is only a short term fix for a long term problem. I will continue to work with my colleagues to reverse our current economic slowdown and to create more jobs and opportunities for Long Island's families."