Shimkus, Duckworth w/Diverse Opinions on State of the Union Address

Mixed reviews for President Trump's State of the Union address from two federal legislators representing our listening area.

15th District US Representative John Shimkus had these thoughts on the speech...

“In his first address to a divided government, President Trump reported on his record — a stronger economy, a more powerful military, and a modernized tax code that is putting more money in middle class families' pockets. He noted important bipartisan achievements as well, including criminal justice reform, workforce education, landmark VA reform, and legislation to combat the opioid crisis. 

"To build on that record of success, the president also urged Congress to act on his priorities, securing our borders and reforming our broken immigration system; rebuilding our infrastructure; lowering drug prices and health care costs; and renegotiating fairer trade deals. On some of these issues we might find the bipartisan agreement we need to move forward. Others may take longer to find compromise. I look forward to working with President Trump and advancing the bold agenda he proposed tonight.”

US Senator Tammy Duckworth was less enthused...

“Tonight, we saw the same reckless rhetoric that has been a signature of Donald Trump’s presidency. Instead of attempting to unite the country and bring people together after the ridiculous and unnecessary government shutdown, the President played on America’s internal divisions and employed his usual xenophobic attacks on immigrants. Instead of proposing ethics reforms to clean up Washington, he asked Congress and law enforcement to stop investigating misconduct in his administration – and he missed a critical opportunity to present credible, thoughtful solutions to some of the serious challenges facing our country like our crumbling infrastructure and rising health care costs.

“The American people are counting on their elected leaders to come together on these difficult issues and pass common-sense solutions. It’s unfortunate that the commander-in-chief did not use tonight as an opportunity to change course or deliver a positive and inclusive message that moves us forward as a nation.”