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Local lawmakers react to State of the Union speech

The president gets to give the State of the Union address, but local members of Congress are always ready to weigh in. Here's what they were saying Tuesday night.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, Springfield Democrat: "Beyond this critical work to be done, the president looked ahead and urged Americans to be optimistic about our future. We love our country."

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, Highland Park Republican: "Until our flawed screening process can be fixed, including reviewing social media posts, the security of the American people requires a pause in the Syrian refugee program."

Rep. Mike Quigley, Chicago Democrat: "He has challenged Congress and Americans around the nation to be an agent of positive change in their households, schools and communities."

Rep. Peter Roskam, Wheaton Republican: "If the president honestly believes the world is a more 'secure' and 'peaceful' place and Americans should feel more confident about their children's futures, he's the only one who thinks so."

Rep. Tammy Duckworth, Hoffman Estates Democrat: "I am hopeful that we can find common ground on important national priorities, whether reducing gun violence while respecting the Second Amendment, helping make college more affordable for all families or protecting our homeland from ISIL without slamming our doors on the innocent victims of terrorism."

Rep. Bob Dold, Kenilworth Republican: "It was also deeply troubling to hear the President dismiss the American people's concerns over both our economy and the growing strength of our enemies as mere 'political hot air.'"

Rep. Bill Foster, Naperville Democrat: "I was very impressed at the positive tone. The economy is stronger by every measure, and it's the envy of the world."

Rep. Randy Hultgren, Plano Republican: "The president tonight forced a clear choice: Americans should decide whether they want four more years of government intrusion and a bigger government presence in your lives, or a new direction that gives economic freedom back to all."

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Dick Durbin
Mark Kirk
Mike Quigley
Peter Roskam
Tammy Duckworth
Bill Foster
Randy Hultgren
Bob Dold
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