REP. SCOTT DESJARLAIS RESPONDS TO PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP'S FIRST STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump’s first State of the Union Address was a welcome return to a spirit of American optimism, said Congressman Scott DesJarlais, M.D., who attended the speech in the nation’s capital last night. “Instead of resigning ourselves to a future of economic stagnation, the New Normal, as the previous administration called it, I believe we can look forward to healthy economic growth, more jobs and rising wages,” said Rep. DesJarlais (TN-04).

            “Because the mainstream media rarely credits our accomplishments, the speech presented an excellent opportunity for the President to speak directly to the public, showing more appreciation for tax cuts now that they are law, and the benefits are real.

Rep. DesJarlais voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which President Trump touted in his address. “Companies across the country are paying big bonuses, 401K contributions, and higher salaries, and the best is yet to come. Billions of dollars of investment will pour into the United States, and employees will keep more of their earnings. That’s why consumer confidence and other indicators are hitting marks we have not seen in years,” said the Congressman.

            He pointed to foreign policy successes that appeared in the President’s address as well. “Political leaders who refused to seriously confront ISIS insisted the U.S. must learn to live with terror. While Islamic terrorists remain a danger, and we must strengthen our borders and other security, our new Commander-in-Chief has allowed commanders and troops in the field to do what they do best – destroy the enemy.”

            “The so-called ISIS caliphate in Iraq and Syria has been demolished.”

            Rep. DesJarlais is a member of the House Armed Services Committee. This week, he voted for a defense appropriations bill that reforms Pentagon spending, increases soldiers’ pay, and enables the military to repair outdated equipment and acquire the latest technology. He said the President’s respect for the armed forces was evident in his address, and Republicans in Congress share it. 

            “Now we need to convince our colleagues across the aisle to set politics aside and help us provide for the common defense, our number-one duty.”

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