America is facing a number of challenges, both at home and abroad. We need to have a comprehensive strategy to defeat ISIS. We need tax reform and regulatory relief so our economy can grow. And we need the federal government to finally balance its budget.

I had hoped the president would address some of these challenges during his final State of the Union Address. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Though they didn’t get the attention they deserved in the president’s speech, I remain committed to finding solutions to these issues to make America safer and stronger.

America faces both internal and external threats from the terrorist organization ISIS. In the time that has passed since the attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, we have joined in the airstrikes in Syria attempting to contain ISIS. However, it is not enough to just contain ISIS; we need a comprehensive strategy to defeat ISIS. We should be engaging the nations in the region and building a coalition of allies to join in the fight.

There is no doubt that when America leads, the world is a safer place. It is time that America take the lead in the effort and develop an effective strategy to eliminate ISIS.

There are also steps we can take to address our challenges at home to make our economy stronger. For far too long, American businesses have been crippled by the unnecessary regulations and the complicated tax code. In fact, the corporate tax rate in the United States is the highest in the world. This is leading many businesses to leave for countries with friendlier business environments, and taking their jobs with them.

If we can provide regulatory relief and pass comprehensive tax reform, companies will not want to leave the United States to do business. In fact, companies will flock to the United States, providing jobs for the American people and growing our economy

Our economy will also be more stable if we stop the out-of-control government spending. Since taking office, I have been a strong supporter of a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution because the government should not be spending more than it receives. American families have to follow a budget, why shouldn’t the federal government? The rising debt as a result of the out-of-control spending places an incredible burden on future generations.

We are also putting our country in a position of weakness by borrowing money from other countries, like China. The day after the president’s address, I introduced a bipartisan constitutional amendment to force the federal government to adhere to a balanced budget.

I hope Congress will take up this important legislation to make our economy and country stronger.

While I am disappointed these issues were not discussed in the State of the Union, I do agree with the president that we need to work together to solve our nation’s problems.

We have heard this rhetoric from President Obama before, but I sincerely hope in the last year of his presidency, he puts his words into action and finally works with Congress to address the challenges facing our country.

As 2016 progresses, I look forward to hearing from you about your concerns. I invite you contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-2015, Hilliard office at (614) 771-4968, Lancaster office at (740) 654-2654, or Wilmington office at (937) 283-7049.

Steve Stivers (R-OH) represents Ohio’s 15th Congressional District.