Dear Friend,
It was a busy month in Washington. Last week, our President addressed the nation during his first ever State of the Union. My, was that a great speech! Our nation is back on track and moving steadily forward!
In the last year, a lot has been accomplished. We've had record-breaking stock market highs; trillions of dollars generated in new wealth; 2.4 million jobs added; rising wages; unemployment at record lows; confidence among consumers, businesses, and manufacturers at its highest in decades; overall economic growth; fewer crippling regulations; and more.
One of the most notable achievements was our Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. In just over a month, over 250 companies have announced bonuses, raises, expansions, and more, all of which boosts the economy. A recent announcement, which directly affects TX14, is from ExxonMobil - by expanding their Permian Basin project, their refineries are about to see a boom. Get ready, Beaumont!
Starting next month, you should see the difference in your paycheck. This is a BIG deal. Every extra dollar counts - it provides a little bit of extra money to buy your kids something they've been needing, or it may give you a chance to pay off a little more of a loan or save for the future.
Just about 3 million workers have already received bonuses due to the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The law provides relief to the middle class and small businesses and puts more money in your back pocket. This amounts to so much more than crumbs. For anyone to tell you that an extra hundred dollars is mere “crumbs” is exactly what is wrong with the mindset of some in Washington D.C.
Together with the White House, we are rolling back burdensome regulations, unleashing American energy, and focusing on issues that matter to you.
Read on for some highlights from the State of the Union.
Sincerely,
Randy K. Weber
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| SOTU Highlights |
Rise in wages and unemployment claims at a 45-year low
This is incredible news. Additionally, unemployment in both African American and Hispanic American communities has hit an all-time low.
As the President said, "This is our new American moment. There has never been a better time to start living the American Dream." The American Dream is here.
Eleven months into Trump's presidency, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act became law
This means lower tax rates, a doubled standard deduction, a doubled child tax credit, and major relief to middle class Americans and small businesses. Starting next month, you'll see relief in your paycheck and more money in your bank accounts. Filing under the new code starts in 2019, and starting January 1, 2019, Obamacare's individual mandate is no more.
Curious about how many companies are excited about Tax Cuts and Jobs Act? Look no further → www.majoritywhip.gov/taxreformworks/
Dignity in family, faith, and work
We are a country with a government, not a government with a country. Family and faith are at the heart of many of our lives. We trust in God - it's that simple. Congress and the President are working hard to provide Americans the opportunities and tools needed to achieve the American Dream.
The President said it best "We want every American to know the dignity of a hard day's work ... We can lift our citizens from welfare to work, from dependence to independence, and from poverty to prosperity." Powerful words from our President...
Safe, fast, reliable, modern infrastructure
We have some serious work to do regarding our infrastructure and transportation systems. Working with local and state entities, we can pin-point the areas that need our help and work to rebuild. We have to get our permitting process under control in order to do so. As Americans, building is in our very nature. Our roads, bridges, highways, railways, and waterways need some care, upkeep, and rebuilding.
Peace through strength and rebuilding our military
The House has many times over voted to support our brave military men and women. In December, the President supported them by signing the National Defense Authorization Act into law. Terrorists are terrorists, no matter where they come from. Releasing terrorists is not the answer. In his address, the President announced that Guantanamo Bay will stay open as a detention facility. Our days of announcing tactics and deadlines are over. We are rebuilding our military and supporting our troops, in every way we can.
YOU are make America great.
The message was clear - Americans are brave. Americans are thoughtful. Americans are inventive. "As long as we are proud of who we are, and what we are fighting for, there is nothing we cannot achieve. As long as we have confidence in our values, faith in our citizens, and trust in our God, we will not fail." - President Trump
We are fearless, daring, and determined. We are American.
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| Live from the floor |
From the House Floor, I was tweeting along side the President's remarks. These are a few of the moments that were most telling.
For the full story, I created a "moment" → 2018 SOTU.
Follow my twitter account for updates and news → twitter.com/TXRandy14
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