Tennesseans in Congress respond to Trump’s speech
WASHINGTON — Members of Tennessee’s congressional delegation reacted to President Donald Trump’s speech before a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night:
Rep. Diane Black, R-Gallatin, chairwoman of House Budget Committee: “President Trump campaigned on a promise of making America great again, and tonight he offered a bold, uplifting vision for how to reach that goal — one that every American can share in. His commitment to patient-centered health care solutions, his acknowledgment of the need for pro-growth tax reform, and his reference to the importance of school choice for parents and students were an encouraging reminder of how far we have come from the failed policies of the last eight years.”
Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Nashville: “An effective speech. I am glad he’s finally learning to act presidential. The best moments were honoring our fallen warrior and calling for unity. But he needlessly polarized issues like health care and immigration, which still have bipartisan solutions. He also ducked completely how to pay for his plans.”
Rep. Phil Roe, R-Johnson City: “I was proud to hear the president discuss our shared priorities like creating and keeping good-paying jobs; repealing and replacing Obamacare; ensuring we have a secure border and strong military; investing in infrastructure; and reforming the VA to work for our nation’s heroes. This is the kind of vision and direction our country has lacked but desperately needed for the last eight years.”
Rep. Scott DesJarlais, R-South Pittsburg: “I support the president’s plan for stronger borders and vetting of foreign nationals from terror-prone countries. … The president has also signed laws to cancel the Obama administration’s lastminute, job-killing regulations, and an executive order to relax Obamacare’s taxes, fees and mandates, which have crushed middle-class families.”
Rep. David Kustoff, R-Germantown: “I’m glad the president addressed the need for a new health care law with patient-centric, cost-efficient choices. … I was also pleased to hear how this administration is prioritizing American safety by increasing defense spending, strengthening border security and supporting law enforcement. It is clear President Trump is already keeping his promises to the American people.”
Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis:”I don’t feel that this apparent billionaire who lives a lifestyle of the rich and famous understands, much less is trying to serve, the middle class who often live paycheck to paycheck and find themselves in need of a helping hand.”
Reach Michael Collins at 703-8548927, at mcollins2@gannett.com or on Twitter at @mcollinsNEWS.