Southampton - Congressman Tim Bishop applauded President Obama for outlining a bold agenda to bolster the struggling middle class during the State of the Union Address. Bishop echoed the President's call for expanding job training programs and creating incentives for companies to bring jobs back to America from overseas.

"For years, I have been advocating an end to taxpayer subsidies for companies that outsource American Jobs and new incentives for employers to bring skilled jobs back from overseas," said Bishop. "I welcome the President's leadership on this vital issue and look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to put Americans back to work and protect our future."

Bishop is the sponsor of the bipartisan "U.S. Call Center and Consumer Protection Act (H.R. 3596)," which would bar corporations that outsource U.S. call center jobs from receiving federal grants and loans. The legislation, which has attracted 18 bipartisan co-sponsors, is awaiting hearings in the Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Trade.

Bishop invited Iraq War Veteran Sergeant Jason D. Vieira, U.S. Marine Corps, to attend last night's State of the Union Address as his guest. Each member of Congress receives one ticket to the event.

Sgt. Vieira, currently a resident of Ronkonkoma, is a participant in the "Helmets to Hard Hats" program, in which veterans are recruited to join the building trades after their military service is completed.

"I invited Sgt. Vieira to recognize the service of our military in Iraq as that war has, thankfully, drawn to a close," said Congressman Bishop. "I also want to draw attention to 'Helmets to Hard Hats' and other important efforts to provide jobs for our veterans when they return home."

As he did last year, Bishop sat with his friend Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL) as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen personal relationships across the aisle and increase bipartisan cooperation in the House. Bishop and Shimkus became friends through their participation in the annual Congressional Baseball Game for charity, where Shimkus is a Pitcher for the Republican team and Bishop is starting Third Baseman for the Democrats.

"America's problems can only be addressed with bipartisan cooperation and sitting with John at the State of the Union was an effort to help set the proper tone as we return to work this year," said Bishop.

Bishop said he was proud to stand with his colleagues last night in an emotional ovation for Gabrielle Giffords, who announced that she will resign her House seat this week to focus on her medical rehabilitation. Bishop said he has contacted Giffords to express his best wishes and those of his constituents for her full and speedy recovery.

"I am sorry that my friend Gabby will no longer be my colleague, but her courageous example will continue to inspire to all of us in Congress and throughout the country," said Bishop.