President Trump gave his third State of the Union speech this week and greatly highlighted the successes of our nation. He spoke on many issues facing Americans from the economy and healthcare to our Constitutional rights to life, religious liberty, and to bear arms. There were many moments where Americans could identify with the stories of people who are currently living out their dreams in this nation. Even though the partisan tension over impeachment was hard to ignore, President Trump put that aside and spoke directly to the hearts of his fellow Americans.
No one can deny the economic success that our President has spurred. Over the last few years, Americans have seen what President Trump called the “Blue-Collar Boom”. More than 7 million jobs have been added during his term. The employment rate has been consistently low and is currently at 3.5 percent being the lowest in fifty years. The bottom half of households have seen a 47 percent growth in net income.
The President tackled one of the most egregious ideologies that is seeping into our culture: socialism. He pointed to Venezuelan opposition leader, Juan Gaido, who has fought against the harmful Maduro regime. After calling him Venezuela’s “true and legitimate president”, he asked Gaido to take back this message to his people: “All of the American people are united with the Venezuelan people in their righteous struggle for freedom.” In the same vein, he vowed to never allow it to destroy our healthcare system.
Conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh was a special guest of the President. Because of his radio show, many conservatives have felt empowered to be engaged in today’s politics. Recently, he announced that he has stage four lung cancer. The President announced that Limbaugh would be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor; and in a break with tradition, he authorized the First Lady to make the presentation at the State of the Union.
Of course, our most pro-life President did not forget to mention the importance of every life, even inside of the womb. President Trump introduced Ellie Schneider who was born at 21 weeks and 6 days old. He stated, “Ellie reminds us that every child is a miracle of life. Every human life is a gift from God.” He then called on Congress to pass legislation to ban late-term abortions.
The best was saved for last. President Trump introduced Amy Williams and her children from Fort Bragg, North Carolina whose husband was deployed to Afghanistan. As he was thanking her for her sacrifice, he also announced that her husband was back, and they reunited in the House Chamber.
As the President finished his speech, Speaker Nancy Pelosi crudely ripped up his written words directly behind him. Not only is this a reflection of the intolerable left’s attitude against the President, but also against those who uphold traditional values. Many Democrats have started a culture of reacting with pettiness when they disagree with someone else. This has not stopped conservatives however from striving to preserve every person’s rights, including free speech.
The President touched on many more issues, some that we will keep an eye on such as paid family leave, education, and immigration. You can read the full transcript of his speech here. Eagle Forum will continue to support the President in achieving great successes for American families. To sum up the President’s ambitions, he declared, “Our agenda is pro-worker, pro-family, pro-growth, and most importantly, pro-American.”
Acquittal roll-call votes:
- Roll-Call Vote on Impeachment Article I, Abuse of Power (48-52)
- Roll-Call Vote on Impeachment Article II, Obstruction of Congress (47-53)