On Tuesday, in my State of the Union Address, I laid out a blueprint¹ for an economy built to last – an economy built on American manufacturing, American energy, skills for American workers, and a renewal²（更新，恢复） of American values.

This week, I took that blueprint across the country, and what I saw was people who work hard and believe in each other. They believe in the America that's within our reach. But they're not sure that the right thing will get done in Washington this year, or next year, or the year after that. And frankly³, when you look at some of the things that go on in this town, who could blame them for being a little cynical⁴（愤世嫉俗的） ?

Just two days ago, a senator from Utah promised to obstruct⁵ every single American I appoint to a judgeship or public service position – unless I fire the consumer watchdog I put in place to protect the American people from financial schemes or malpractice（玩忽职守） .

For the most part, it's not that this senator thinks these nominees⁷ are unqualified. In fact, all of the judicial⁸（公正的，明断的） nominees being blocked have bipartisan support. And almost 90 percent have unanimous（全体一致的） support from the Judiciary Committee.

Instead, one of his aides told reporters that the senator plans to, and I'm quoting here, "Delay and slow the process in order to get the President's attention.”

This isn't about me. We weren't sent here to wage perpetual（永久的） political campaigns against each other. We were sent here to serve the American people. And they deserve better than gridlock and games. One senator gumming up the works for the whole country is certainly not what our founding fathers envisioned.

The truth is, neither party has been blameless in tactics like these. But it's time for both parties to put an end to them. I'm asking Congress, both Democrats⁹ and Republicans, to stop this kind of behavior by passing a rule that allows all judicial and public service nominations¹⁰ a simple up-or-down vote within 90 days.

We should also stem the corrosive¹¹ influence of money in politics. The House and Senate should send me a bill that bans insider trading by Members of Congress, and I will sign it immediately. They should limit any elected official from owning stocks in industries they impact. And they should make sure people who bundle（捆） campaign contributions for Congress can't lobby Congress, and vice⁶ versa.

During my Address on Tuesday night, I spoke¹² about the incredible example set by the men and women of our armed forces. At a time when too many of our institutions have let us down, they exceed all expectations. They're not consumed with personal ambition. They don't obsess¹³ over their differences. They focus on the mission at hand. They work together.

If you agree with me that leaders in Washington should follow their example, then make your voice heard. Tell your Member of Congress that it's time to end the gridlock, and start tackling the issues that really matter – an economy built on American manufacturing, American energy, American skills and education, and a return to American values. An economy built to last.

Thank you, God bless you, and have a great weekend.