Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), who chairs the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement in response to President Obama's State of the Union Address:

"The President spoke to almost every concern, hope and aspiration of the American people. It was a humble speech because he really credited the American people for how far we've come from the depths of the Great Recession.

"I am so pleased that the President took action to raise the minimum wage for federal contractors, and now Congress should raise the minimum wage for all workers. We should also heed the President's call to fix our broken immigration system, make pre-K available to every child, and ensure that no American is forced to wait hours in line to vote.

"As Chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee, I agree with the President that Congress must protect jobs by passing bills that invest in our nation's water resources and transportation infrastructure this year. And I was heartened by the President's call for action to fight climate change. As the President said, we owe it to our children and grandchildren to do everything in our power to protect them from the devastating impacts of climate change.

"Overall, our President was inspirational, confident and he's clearly the kind of leader we need in these times to build our middle class and make our nation one of boundless opportunity."

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