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[Pages H1365-H1366]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HIGHLIGHTS FROM PRESIDENT TRUMP'S STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) for 5 minutes.
Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, last night we heard a
tremendous State of the Union Address from President Trump that
expressed confidence and hope for the future of this great Nation.
Our economy is growing. Thanks in part to historic tax reform, there
are currently more than 7 million job openings. This truly is the land
of opportunity. We must continue to support smart policies that will
expand opportunities for all Americans.
Mr. Speaker, I agree with President Trump: Together, we can break
decades of political stalemate and choose greatness over gridlock. We
can work together for the common good to improve our outdated
infrastructure; to protect American workers; to provide a check against
the high cost of healthcare, prescription drugs; to secure our borders;
and, yes, to fix our broken immigration system.
As a nation, we have a right to secure our borders. As President
Trump stated, tolerance for illegal immigration is not compassionate;
it is cruel. Smugglers use migrant women and children to exploit our
laws and to gain access to our country.
Congress must act to address these issues that have plagued our
country for far too long because it is clear that America is stronger
when we work together.
We saw incredible moments of unity last night. One that stands out
for me is when Republicans and Democrats in this Chamber sang ``Happy
Birthday'' to Holocaust survivor, Judah Samet. Mr. Samet narrowly
avoided the mass killing at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh.
Last night, he turned 81 years old. Mr. Speaker, I have witnessed many
State of the Union Addresses, but that is a moment I will truly never
forget.
The President and First Lady had many distinguished guests in
addition to Mr. Samet, including another Pennsylvania resident,
Pittsburgh Police Officer Timothy Matson.
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Officer Matson raced into the Tree of Life synagogue and was shot
seven times as he chased down the shooter. Officer Matson has undergone
12 surgeries. I understand he has more in the future, but he made the
trip to Washington to be in the gallery last night.
We are proud of the bravery and heroism of both Officer Matson and
Mr. Samet. It was an honor to have them in the Chamber last night.
The President and First Lady also welcomed a World War II and D-day
veteran; the first man to step on the Moon; a childhood cancer
survivor; former prisoners who, thanks to criminal justice reform, have
their lives back; and many other special guests.
The State of the Union is both a time to reflect and look to the
future, and this administration has achieved record-setting
accomplishments. The policies being put forth truly are lifting up all
Americans and setting a foundation to build a safe, strong, and proud
America:
We have worked to combat the opioid crisis; we have provided relief
from burdensome regulations; we have given our military the resources
it needs to be successful; and we can continue to work towards solving
the very serious problems facing this Nation.
Now, I thank President Trump for outlining his vision for the path
forward, and I look forward to working together to overcome some of our
greatest challenges. I know we can do it because it is the American
way.
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