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Thompson on the President's Address to Congress

February 28, 2017

Washington – Tonight, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) released the following statement after the President's address to a Joint Session of Congress:

"It is one thing to say you want to invest in Americans, it is another thing entirely to actually do it. Once again, tonight's address showed the sharp divide between the President's words and his actions. He spoke of draining the swamp and tackling corruption, but his administration is mired in scandals and appears troublingly close to Russia. He says our healthcare system is a disaster, but that we should care for those with pre-existing conditions and support those who need help affording coverage through tax credits—two principles of the very system he wants to dismantle. He at long last condemned the threats against our Jewish communities, but he continues to employ Steve Bannon and others who promote white nationalism and anti-Semitism.

"Giving rousing speeches is the easy part. Drafting policies, paying for them, and taking action is difficult. The American public cannot be fooled by soaring rhetoric. They want—and deserve—results. So far, the Administration has delivered only chaos, conflicting viewpoints, and hints of corruption.

"I wanted very much to see the new side of the President that we were all promised. I hoped he would make overtures to the millions of Americans he has alienated with his Muslim bans, deportation squads, and border wall. Unfortunately, we heard much the same speech he has delivered since the stump.

"The President was right about one thing: Americans are capable of great achievements. But we need real policies, real proposals, not campaign slogans and alternative facts."

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