Oregon lawmakers react to the President’s State of the Union last night. Oregon Junior U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley was disappointed that the State of the Union Address did not mention his plan to fight home foreclosures by simplifying the loan modification program. “We must move quickly to help families keep their homes and strengthen the housing market. But we did not hear specific plans to fix the foreclosure crisis. But I believe the administration will partner with Congress to refocus efforts to assist families and recharge our economy.” After listening to the State of the Union, Oregon Congressman Greg Walden cited progress by Republicans on their agenda for the coming session. “Now in just the first few weeks of Congress, House Republicans have acted on their pledge to repeal the Health Care Law; and to roll back spending to the 2008 levels; not freeze it at the 2010 levels.  And we’ve approved, with an overwhelming majority, my Bill to cut Congress’ own budgets.”