News Mississippi
Mississippi leaders react to State of the Union
By Alex Paton
President Donald Trump gave his second State of the Union address on Tuesday night and now Mississippi’s leaders are responding to the address which mentioned everything from bipartisan cooperation to border security, legal immigration, and record job creation.
“I am glad the President pointed to our shared successes and opportunities,” said U.S. Senator Roger Wicker. “Our economy continues to surge, wages are increasing, and unemployment is low. We are taking better care of our veterans and rebuilding our military. There is bipartisan support for the President’s appeal to improve America’s infrastructure. As chairman of the Commerce Committee, this goal is among my top priorities.”
Wicker continued saying the President has backed up his rhetoric by showing his willingness to negotiate in good faith.
“In a divided government, Congress will have to do the same to overcome our disagreements,” Wicker said. “I am confident we can continue to work together in the best interest of the American people and to further strengthen our union.”
Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith said President Trump set out an optimistic message that challenges us to embrace unity and work together to keep our economy strong and solve the problems facing our country.
“I like this message, which will help our country be great,” said Hyde-Smith. “The Congress can do more working together than it can by focusing on differences. I’m ready to get to work with the President and my colleagues to protect Mississippi’s interests with fairer trade deals, invest in infrastructure improvements, which are long overdue and necessary, strengthen our national security, which includes securing our borders and lower the cost of healthcare and prescription drugs.
@PhilBryantMS: What an amazing Address. @realDonaldTrump owned this night. Democrats looked like petulant children refusing to support or clap for the most basic of human rights or American achievements, such as protecting the unborn or celebrating historically high job numbers. #SOTU
Lt. Governor Tate Reeves echoed Governor Bryant’s support of the President’s speech.
“President Trump laid out a bold vision that all Americans can support. Democrat politicians must stop blocking border security and must stop fighting deals that put America first. Strong speech with real solutions for Americans.”
Democrat Congressman Bennie Thompson who Chairs the House Committee on Homeland Security said the President failed to give an accurate account of the State of the Union and said there was no meaningful information given during the speech.
@BennieGThompson: This was a long show filled with lies and over the top dramatization. #SOTU
With immigration and border security at the front of the conversation, Congressman Steven Palazzo said he echoed the president’s determination to end illegal immigration in America.
“We’ve experienced an increase of illegal activities along the southern border, which is harmful to our communities and our way of life,” said Palazzo. “I will continue advocating for more resources being sent to our southern border to tackle the humanitarian and security crisis in front of us. I remain committed to prioritizing the safety and security of our citizens, and ensuring that we do not fail the American people on the promise of securing our borders.
Palazzo noted that under President Trump’s leadership, Republicans in Congress passed the most historic tax reform bill that made our tax code flatter and fairer so it could work for, and not against, the American people.
“Since we passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, we’ve seen more than 5.3 million jobs created and record unemployment levels for African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans,” Palazzo said. “We are bringing jobs that went overseas back to our country and providing new opportunities to all Americans. One thing in particular resonated with me, that when we work together we unlock America’s extraordinary potential. It is time for both parties to set partisan and personality politics aside and work together to put America first.”
Newly elected Congressman Michael Guest and his wife Haley were also in attendance at the Address and Guest reiterated the need for bipartisanship in Washington.
“In his address to our nation, President Trump called for all Americans to put aside our differences and to come together by focusing on those interests we have in common,” Guest said. “President Trump challenged Congress to lead this effort by adopting a spirit of compromise and to work together to create a better future for our children and grandchildren.”
Congressman Guest repeated the President’s message for unity.
“I hope President Trump’s address tonight reminded all Americans that our shared interests are stronger than our perceived differences and that we must always choose greatness,” Guest said.