U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson, R-Mo., said he believed Clinton touched upon the major issues that most Americans believe must be addressed; however, major obstacles lie ahead in solutions.

"Regarding health care, for example, I am not sold on the Clinton plan," Emerson said. "I have many reservations about the devastating impact employer mandates will have on jobs.

"Additionally, I am concerned about tampering with one-seventh of our economy and how creating more layers of government bureaucracy and enacting more than 100 onerous regulations can be good for American businesses and workers."

Emerson said he felt encouraged that Clinton decided to follow the lead of many members of Congress -- himself included -- in supporting the concept of the "three strikes" LIFER bill. The bill would impose mandatory life sentences on those convicted of a third violent crime.

"We must go after the criminals with stiffer penalties, not law-abiding gun owners through sweeping gun controls," said Emerson.

The congressman said: "Looking at welfare reform, I am pleased to hear the president prod his fellow Democrat lawmakers in Congress who previously have wanted to stall on this critical issue. He will have my support on real initiatives that simplify the system and make taxpayers out of public assistance recipients."