Missouri lawmakers respond to President Trump’s State of the Union Address

President Trump gave his first official State of the Union Address on Tuesday evening.

Missouri lawmakers have come forward with their responses to the State of the Union from both sides of the political arena.

Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler: “Tonight the President offered a vision of an America on the move, full of optimism and potential. Unlike other State of the Union addresses where the rhetoric did not match reality, indicators across the board demonstrate that we are experiencing a growing economy, increasing employment, and significant advances in the war against ISIS. This past year we have seen businesses grow and hire new workers because of an unprecedented roll back of burdensome regulations, and this renewed confidence in the economy has led to a record setting stock market that benefits millions of Americans.

The historic tax reform that Congress passed and the President signed into law at the end of 2017 will further encourage this growth and improve Missourians’ quality of life. I support the President’s goal of rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure and am particularly excited to see progress on rural broadband. An astonishing 61% of Missourians do not have access to broadband internet, and without it, my constituents are deprived of significant opportunities.

I was also pleased to see the President tackle our nation’s opioid epidemic in his speech tonight. Tragically, twenty-five percent of foster children in Missouri are in foster care because their parents abuse drugs. It’s time to turn the tide on this fast-spreading disease that threatens our families and loved-ones, and the President showed his commitment tonight to doing just that.

Also, as the President recognized in his speech, we still have work to do to rebuild our military. For years our men and women in uniform have been going without and it is taking its toll. I know the President recognizes this problem, and I applaud him for advocating for an increased budget for our armed forces.

I remain encouraged by the progress our country is making in the economy and in re-establishing ourselves as a world leader. There is still much to be done, but I am thankful we are well on the road to a safe, strong, and proud America.”

Senator Roy Blunt: “America has come a long way in the first year of the Trump administration. As the president made clear tonight, our economy is finally giving Americans a reason to be optimistic about their future, and the future of their kids and grandkids. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which marked the first major tax reform in more than three decades, has already benefited more than three million Americans who have received bonuses, wage increases, or enhanced benefits. Next month, the vast majority of U.S. workers will be taking home more money in their paycheck. Many of our nation’s largest employers have announced billions in new investments that will create good-paying jobs, fuel economic growth, and expand opportunity in the years ahead. On top of that, the president and Congress have eliminated hundreds of regulations that either weren’t needed or weren’t working, saving our economy billions.

It’s been a good year for Missouri families, but our work is far from finished. I was glad to hear the president focus on the need to improve our outdated infrastructure. I look forward to working with him to ensure Missouri maintains its competitive advantage as a hub for our nation’s highways, railways, and waterways. The president also addressed the opioid epidemic that is destroying lives in our state and across the nation. I’ve been proud to lead efforts to increase funding for programs targeting the opioid crisis, and will continue working to ensure we have the resources and policies in place to help more people get the treatment they need. And, as a member of the Intelligence Committee, I hear all the time that we are facing more threats from more directions than ever before. The president and Congress’ most important responsibility is keeping Americans safe, and we will continue working together to make sure our men and women in uniform have what they need to carry out their missions.”

Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer: “Every day I talk to people throughout Missouri who share the same priorities: job opportunities and keeping our loved ones safe. Tonight, just as he has throughout his presidency, President Trump continued focusing on these core values. Building on the success of tax reform that has seen pay raises, better benefits, more opportunity, and massive investments in communities across the U.S., the President laid out his vision for more economic growth through smarter regulation and a bold infrastructure proposal. Families in Missouri certainly welcome more job growth and much-needed improvements to our infrastructure system, including our roads, bridges, rivers, ports, and expanded broadband in rural areas.

It was also very encouraging to hear the President continue his support for our military, homeland security personnel, and law enforcement. He understands there is nothing more important to us than keeping our families and loved ones safe. Our powerful military, a strengthened border, and the law enforcement officers who patrol our streets everyday are the keys to making that happen. Like the President I am dedicated to protecting the homeland from threats abroad and here at home.

The state of our union is strong and the future is bright. By working together, the President and Congress can put in place policies that will create even more opportunities for communities across Missouri and America. I look forward to doing just that in 2018.”

Senator Claire McCaskill: “After a year of exhausting political divisions, I hope the President is serious when he says that he wants to begin bridging these divides. I’ve always said that I will work with the President when it’s right for Missouri – and while I disagree with some of what he said tonight, some of the goals he outlined are ones I’m eager to work with him on. These include paid family leave, curbing the opioid epidemic, and tackling prescription drug prices – something on which I’m a willing partner, and where I believe my bipartisan work with Senator Susan Collins would be a strong starting point.”