Kansas Governor Sebelius to Deliver Democratic Address on State of the Union; Texas...

Kansas Governor Sebelius to Deliver Democratic Address on State of the Union;
Texas State Senator Van de Putte to Deliver Spanish Language Address

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate
Majority Leader Harry Reid announced today that Governor Kathleen Sebelius of
Kansas will deliver the Democratic Address on the State of the Union following
the President's speech to Congress on Monday, January 28. Texas State Senator
Leticia Van de Putte, immediate past president of the National Conference of
State Legislatures (NCSL), will deliver the Spanish language address.

Governor Sebelius will deliver her speech from the Governor's residence in
Topeka, Kansas.

"Governor Sebelius is a forward-thinking, solutions-oriented Democratic
leader, who has worked in a bipartisan way to create jobs, grow the economy,
make historic investments in education, and make college more affordable" said
Speaker Pelosi and Leader Reid. "Her record of accomplishment in Kansas is
evidence of what can be achieved when leaders reach across the aisle on behalf
of all Americans. Governor Sebelius epitomizes the leadership that is moving
America in a New Direction."

Governor Sebelius said: "These are extraordinarily challenging times, both at
home and abroad. To meet those challenges, the American people expect their
leaders to resolve their differences and put partisanship on the back-burner.
They demand leadership focused squarely on solving our problems, making the
most of our opportunities, and moving America forward. That is exactly the
kind of leadership we've demonstrated in Kansas, and I am honored to share
that example with the American people in response to the President's State of
the Union message."

Reid and Pelosi praised state Senator Van de Putte as an effective state and
national leader. "As the first Latina to head NCSL and chair her caucus in the
Texas Senate, Senator Van de Putte has demonstrated tremendous leadership and
a commitment to improving the lives of all Americans, Reid and Pelosi said.
"As a national Hispanic leader for nearly 20 years, she has a proven record of
advocating for Latino families. Senator Van de Putte is uniquely positioned
to articulate the Democrats' leadership on issues affecting the Hispanic
community."

Senator Van de Putte said: "Latinos in this country share all Americans'
anxiety about the direction of our nation. We want responsive government and
committed leaders. We want opportunities for our communities to grow and
prosper. We want a brighter future for our children. I am especially honored
to be able to share these sentiments in response to our President's State of
the Union Address."

SOURCE Office of the Speaker of the House

Brendan Daly, or Nadeam Elshami, both of the Office of the Speaker of the
House, +1-202-226-7616; or Jim Manley or Rodell Mollineau, both of the Office
of the Senate Majority Leader, +1-202-224-2939