WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement praising President Obama’s priorities outlined in the State of the Union address:

“The President is absolutely correct to focus on reviving our nation's manufacturing sector.  In the last decade alone, more than 5 million manufacturing jobs have disappeared and 57,000 factories have closed.  I will continue to strive for ways we can invigorate America's manufacturing sector and look for new ways to create high-tech, advanced manufacturing jobs. 

"President Obama also addressed infrastructure development as one of the keys to creating jobs and spurring economic growth.  Our nation's transportation infrastructure is weakening by the day, roads and bridges are deteriorating, and the traveling public's lives are at stake.  It's critical we focus on making transportation safety a top priority, and with sound investments in our infrastructure we can do just that.

"As Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, I fully support efforts to protect our national security by passing cyber security legislation.  I have been working for years to address our country's vulnerability to cyber-attacks and believe now is the time for Congress to act.

"I also commend the President for promoting innovation and furthering his call for national broadband connectivity.  I have pushed for affordable, high-speed and wireless Internet to be available to communities all across our country, and believe it's crucial that we close the digital divide in rural America.

"I believe, working together, we can accomplish much for our country."

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