President Donald Trump made his first speech in front of both houses of Congress last night, and for the most part, Texas lawmakers and political analysts like what they heard.
As for Obamacare, Texas Senator Ted Cruz told Fox News that after what the President said about Obamacare, it’s time to get to work.
“I believe we can. I believe we must. I believe we have to honor our commitment. We campaigned for six years promising to repeal Obamacare,” Cruz said.
Another lawmaker, Woodlands Congressman Kevin Brady, thought the President did a good job in front of Congress last night.
“Tonight, President Trump spoke about the American spirit that inspires people in every community across our great nation. His speech was bold, specific, and focused on helping more people in our country get ahead in their lives. The President’s remarks made it clear once again that the Trump Administration is serious about working with Congress to solve the big problems that Washington has failed to confront for years.”
Political analyst Jacquie Baly told KTRH what Trump said about immigration was music to hear ears.
“I like the fact he wants to secure the border first. I’ve been saying all along that’s where we need to start,” Baly stated.
Overall, Gary Polland with the Texas Conservative Review said the speech was a home run.
“It was the most statesmen-like speech I’ve heard Trump give. It was very impressive and measured. I think he hit all the high notes. I think he tried to be bipartisan,” Polland explained.
But Matt Angle at the Lone Star Project disagreed.
“Democrats don’t trust Trump. I don’t think Republicans respect his ability to deliver on anything,” Angle told KTRH News.
Another Democrat, Houston Congressman Al Green, did not attend the speech as a form of protest.
“Although my desire was to attend tonight’s Joint Session of Congress, I cannot in good conscience do so given the action taken one day ago by the now Trump Justice Department to withdraw its longstanding claim that the Texas Voter ID law intentionally discriminated against minorities. My action is more than a refusal to attend the joint session, it is my resistance and protestation to the normalization and legitimization of our President’s harmful behavior.”
Another Houston Democrat, Gene Green, did attend. But, he did not agree with some of what the President said.
“What we heard this evening from President Trump is nothing different than what we heard when he was a candidate,” said Congressman Green. “He’s great at creating slogans, but he’s going to have a hard time legislating and providing solutions without a plan to deliver.”