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STATEMENT: REP. KHANNA RESPONDS TO PRESIDENT TRUMP’S STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

January 31, 2018

WASHINGTON, DC - Rep. Ro Khanna responds to President Trump's State of the Union Address.

"The platitudes and promises of the president's address were as underwhelming as his first year's accomplishments for working families and the middle class. Americans deserve a thorough blueprint and real, effective leadership for the year ahead to support greater economic prosperity and equality for all. Instead, tonight was just another stump speech of broken promises we've heard before. What we need is action and a plan for our nation's well-being, from job creation to health care, to education and climate change.

We can all agree with his proposals to expand job and vocational training, but his economic policies and tax cuts haven't supported that goal. I will keep working to expand the Earned Income Tax Credit and policies supporting tech jobs, apprenticeships and economic growth. If the president wanted to support working families and invigorate the economy he would have presented a tangible agenda to enrich the lives of ordinary Americans and working families. We didn't see that agenda tonight.

The president spoke on foreign policy. It seems he doesn't remember that we have 30,000 of our own troops stationed nearby North Korea's nuclear weapons and in 14 other countries. He didn't acknowledge what is now the world's worst humanitarian disaster in Yemen or what should be our foreign policy imperatives of peace and diplomatic relations.

From someone who once said we'd have health insurance for everyone, there were no words for our citizens to have access to quality, affordable care all deserve. We need Medicare for all.

The president's speech ignored the concerns of millions who opposed the FCC's repeal of net neutrality. Big telecom companies should not be permitted to slow down their competitors and charge consumers more. Everyone should have equal access to the internet.

Absent in his remarks was a comprehensive approach to common sense gun safety and combating violence and bigotry in our divided nation. I took moments tonight to honor Heather Heyer, and Recy Taylor, and Erica Garner, among many others I've admired for their leadership and passion in pursuit of justice, equality, respect, and ultimately, what is right and just.

Tonight, Trump talked about immigration. His perception is flawed. Real lives are at stake, and I will not stop fighting for the 800,000 DREAMERs who deserve nothing less than a clean DREAM Act.

Finally, Trump and the Republicans cheered about handing a $1.3 trillion tax break to wealthy corporations with their tax scam that hurts working families who need it most.

I listened to the president tonight and will continue to do my constitutional duty to hold him accountable and serve my constituents and our nation. I will continue to be a voice for jobs and equality, full funding for CHIP, a clean DREAM Act, and necessary disaster relief funding, as well as long term economic solutions for working families. Thank you Congressman Joe Kennedy III for inspiring our nation to reject false choices and offer an inclusive positive vision for the future."

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About the Office

Congressman Khanna represents the 17th District of California, which covers communities in Silicon Valley. Visit his website at khanna.house.gov. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter @RepRoKhanna. Khanna Press Office: 202-225-2631