WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Pete Olson (TX-22) tonight issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s State of the Union address:
““I’m proud to be a Texan and an American and tonight is no exception. President Trump celebrated the achievements our great country has made over the past year, but also called on both sides to work together productively. As we face a looming government funding deadline, we have a duty to develop a solution now. It’s irresponsible to hold our federal workforce hostage over political disagreements.
“America faces a grave threat along our southern border as drug smugglers, human traffickers and dangerous gang members flood through our porous border. As the president mentioned, border security is more than a wall. It’s about implementing strategic security measures across the diverse terrain on our southern border. This includes improved technology, increased manpower and barriers where it makes sense. Most importantly, it means listening to our border patrol agents on the front lines every single day who are begging for the tools to effectively do their job.
“Increasing security measures along our southern border is more than only protecting our country – it’s about saving lives. We face an unprecedented humanitarian crisis where 7 in 10 people become victims to violence on their journey to the border. America is a compassionate country and we have to encourage people to immigrate here through legal and SAFE means.
“President Trump also touted our strong economy and the importance of well-negotiated trade agreements with other countries. As the energy capital of the world, our Houston region knows just how important these agreements are. The demand for American Liquefied Natural Gas has skyrocketed around the world and countries are clamoring for our exported Liquid Freedom. Our economy depends on strong trade deals. I will keep fighting for our region’s economic prosperity.
“As a former Naval aviator, I know firsthand the sacrifices the brave men and women of our Armed Forces make every single day. I’m thankful the president also recognizes the vital role the military plays in keeping America a safe place to call home. That’s why we must support and implement policies that help our heroes. Just this past year, the president signed into law a bill that provides a 2.8% pay raise for our troops and included funding to ensure our military remains the strongest in the world.
“The American people deserve the best. I hope the president’s speech inspires a new dialogue where both sides come together on behalf of the greatest nation on earth – the United States of America.”