UNDATED (KMOX) — In Tuesday night's "State of the Union" address, President Donald Trump said the nation is at a moment of "unlimited potential."
What did Missouri and Illinois lawmakers think of that?
Missouri Republican Josh Hawley says Donald Trump outlined an ambitious path forward and he commends him.
Hawley says he was pleased to hear plans to lower the cost of health care and to emphasize border security.
Strong words tonight from @realDonaldTrump. Time now for Democrats to come to the table to secure the border, bring down prescription drug costs, and keep wages rising. Let’s get to work
— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO)
February 6, 2019 In Illinois, Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth says in a statement: "It's unfortunate the commander-in-chief did not use the state of the union as an opportunity to change course or deliver a positive and inclusive message that moves us forward as a nation."
Tonight, we saw the same reckless rhetoric that has been a signature of Donald Trump’s presidency. Instead of attempting to unite the country and bring people together after the ridiculous and unnecessary government shutdown... https://t.co/gBKKvMmuhz
— Tammy Duckworth (@SenDuckworth)
February 6, 2019 Senator Dick Durbin also wasn't at a loss for words on Twitter last night, blasting President Trump over health insurance, another looming partial government shutdown, climate change, and national security.
What is the state of the union under President Trump? Affordable health insurance — including for people with pre-existing conditions — is at risk because of a lawsuit filed by Republican Attorneys General and supported by this President and his Administration. #SOTU
— Senator Dick Durbin (@SenatorDurbin)
February 6, 2019 Locally, Democratic Representative Lacy Clay told KMOX's Brad Choat after the speech that the state of the union is broken.
"It's broken because of the damage and pain that Donald Trump has inflicted. Our friends no longer trust us and our enemies no longer fear us."
The #SOTU is broken because of the damage and pain that @realDonaldTrump has inflicted on the American people. pic.twitter.com/VFVRh5xExS
— Lacy Clay MO1st (@LacyClayMO1)
February 6, 2019 However, Clay was complimentary of President Trump's call for unity, along with his call for fighting HIV, AIDS, and childhood cancer. He also says he supports the President's call to remove troops from places like Afghanistan and Syria.
Missouri Republican Rep. Ann Wagner told CBS News that she felt President Trump's speech "wonderful" and "unifying", but she's worried about whether Democrats will ignore his call for unity.
"The concern is that this turns into subpoenas, investigations, witch hunts, and partisain politics. People are tired of that."
Illinois Republican Rep. Rodney Davis issued a statement saying he agrees with the president that the state of the union is strong.
My statement on tonight's State of the Union Address ⬇️ #SOTU pic.twitter.com/Os3AHCuMMQ
— US Rep Rodney Davis (@RodneyDavis)
February 6, 2019 Davis says there are a number of issues Mister Trump outlined that Republicans and Democrats can and should work together on: Increasing job opportunities - lowering the cost of health care - and spending on infrastructure are three of them he cites.
