In President Bush’s 7th State of the Union Address he outlined plans for how he’ll lead the nation during his final year in office. Bush spoke about the issue on all of our minds --the struggling economy.

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"To build a prosperous future we must trust people with their own money. And empower them to grow our economy. As we meet tonight our economy is undergoing a period of uncertainty," said Bush.

The speech to the nation comes amid fears of a recession and just days after Congressional leaders agreed on a multi-billion dollar proposal to revive our economy.

“The United States is prepared to adopt a tough, pro-growth economic policy to move us forward,” said Congressman Phil English.

Many Americans are strained by a housing slump, a credit crisis, and high energy prices.

“This President has an energy background, the Vice President an energy background. I’ve been very disappointed in their timid leadership on energy. That’s my opinion, timid leadership,” said Congressman John Peterson.

The President didn’t make any new, bold proposals but he kept the military’s progress in Iraq front and center.

"While the enemy is still dangerous and more work remains, the American and Iraqi surges have achieved results few of us could have imagined just one year ago," said Bush

Senator Bob Casey says the President needs to offer a new plan for our war weary nation.

“This administration has to do more to address the concern that a lot of Americans have that we ought to change course in Iraq and focus our energies on getting our troops out of a Civil War,” said Casey.

And even with the President’s approval ratings in the low 30’s Senator Arlen Specter says he hopes Bush can make some real progress.

“It’s an important year for the United States, and I do not think that because it is the President’s last year we ought to simply say, well not much can get done,“ said Specter.

As the President serves his last year in office has his work cut out for him.
Bush still faces a legislative arena controlled by democrats and a nation whose political attention is focused on the campaign trail.