Washington, D.C. -  U.S. Rep. David Price (D-NC) issued the following statement on the President's first address to Congress:

“President Obama’s speech shows a firm grasp of our economic situation.  The current crisis demands government action in the short term to create jobs, stem the tide of foreclosures, and get credit flowing again.  Our long-term fiscal health also demands that we make a sustained effort to reduce annual deficits while making targeted investments in health care, energy, and education to ensure our future economic competiveness.  Like the President, I am committed to this goal, and look forward to working with him to address the current crisis while eventually bringing our budget back into balance.”