Washington, Feb 13 (IANS): Ami Bera, the only Indian-American member of the US Congress, has welcomed President Barack Obama's plan "to restore an economy that works for middle class families by investing in infrastructure, innovation, and education."

"America is at its strongest when we have a strong middle class, and growing jobs and the economy for the middle class should be our number one priority in Congress," said Bera, the third Indian-American to be ever elected to the US House of Representatives.

"We can do this by investing in our infrastructure," he said in a statement on Obama's State of the Union speech to the US Congress Tuesday.

Bera, a medical doctor who represents California's Sacramento County in the House, said he was also pleased the President showed strong support for early childhood education.

"We must invest in our children, make sure they're being taught real world skills and are ready to compete in the 21st century economy," he said urging the Congress to "do its part."

"Most importantly, now is the time to set aside petty partisanship and begin working together to move America forward," said Bera identifying himself as a member of a 40 strong bipartisan "No Labels Problem Solvers" group.