Lawmakers react to President Trump’s State of the Union address
Lawmakers had mixed reactions to President Trump’s State of the Union address Tuesday night.
Sen. Josh Hawley released a statement after the speech in support of the president’s remarks.
“I was pleased to hear the president discuss his plans to lower the cost of health care. That’s a top priority of mine in the Senate,” Hawley said. “Congress should immediately break up the big government-big insurance axis and lower health care prices for Americans. We also need to guarantee protections for those with pre-existing conditions.”
Hawley went on to commend the president’s emphasis on border security.
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Meanwhile, Rep. Emanuel Cleaver criticized President Trump’s address in a series of tweets.
“For the 1,000,000th time: Illegal immigration is NOT a security crisis. Illegal border crossings are down 80% since 2001,” Cleaver tweeted.
In a separate tweet, Cleaver also disputed the president’s claims that he revived the economy.
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Rep. Vicky Hartzler said in a statement that the president laid out an optimistic agenda to unify the country.
“He reminded us of what America can accomplish when we work together, of how our economy is booming, and that Americans are truly better off because of tax reform,” Hartzler said. “His vision for a safe and legal immigration system that protects those who are most vulnerable while securing our border from the flow of illegal drugs is something I believe we can all support.”
Gov. Parson also released a statement Tuesday night, saying he will continue to work alongside the president to make America great again.
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“During the State of the Union, President Trump shared an inspiring vision of American greatness and outlined a bipartisan agenda that can break decades of political stalemate,” Parson said. “I was pleased to hear the President address our nation’s workforce demands and infrastructure needs, reaffirming his commitment to fighting for free and fairer trade deals for Missouri farmers and sharing a bold vision for rebuilding American infrastructure, much like the critical needs our state faces.”
Missouri Democratic Party Executive Director, Lauren Gepford, responded to President Trump’s State of the Union address in an emailed statement.
“Missouri Democrats agree that we need to bridge the divisions that have led to gridlock in Washington,” Gepford said. “However, President Trump has so far proven totally incapable of being an inclusive leader that brings people together for progress.”
Gepford went on to criticize the president’s first two years, citing the government shutdown.
“Our party will hold the President accountable to Missourians who are looking for the results he said that only he could deliver, including his promise to restore opportunity in the places left behind by an economic system rigged to benefit the wealthy,” Gepford said.
