Tom Reed (left) and Donald Trump
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump will make his first address to a joint session of Congress Tuesday night and will use it as an opportunity to refocus his young administration on the economic issues that helped him get elected.
His allies hope it will help him move beyond the distractions and self-inflicted wounds that he has dealt with so far. Chautauqua County’s representative in Congress, Republican Tom Reed, says he’s look forward to hearing the president’s message on spending reform, as well as addressing healthcare concerns.
“I’m always the eternal optimist so I hope the message will be one of positive vision – one of solutions for the American people,” Reed said. “I’m looking for things like tax reform, how we’re going to rebuild U.S. manufacturing and bring manufacturing back to the American soil, and so from my perspective, I’m eagerly awaiting the president’s speech to give us that positive vision that he sees for the opportunities across all spectrums in America.”
In anticipation of his speech, the Trump administration announced Monday that the president will look to increase spending for the military and defense by 10 percent – an increase of $54 billion. Reed said he’s in support of that move.
“I do support the increase of military spending. I believe we’ve reduced military spending significantly over the past seven years and it’s at the point now where those resources need to be reallocated to the military,” Reed said. “I’m glad to see the initial reports that have reduced foreign aid. I believe it’s time to invest in America first and have foreign aid be a secondary item in the budget.”
Meanwhile, Trump’s advisers say he will use his speech tonight to declare early progress on his campaign promises, including withdrawing the U.S. from a sweeping Pacific Rim trade pact, and to map a path ahead on thorny legislative priorities, including health care and infrastructure spending.
Tuesday’s speech by the President will begin at 9 p.m.
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