[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 23 (Wednesday, February 6, 2019)]
[House]
[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can work together for the common good to improve our outdated 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.

[[Page H1366]]

  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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