Ohio members of Congress, Senate react to State of the Union

Here’s what Ohio members of the House and Senate had to say about President Trump’s State of the Union:

Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Troy

“I hope that Democrats listen to the President’s invitation to work across party lines with Republicans to find common ground on policies like modernizing our infrastructure, securing our border with Mexico, and fighting for free, fair and reciprocal trade. Only by working together can we solve our country’s biggest problems and move our country forward.”

Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio

“While there are many areas where I disagree with President Trump, I am always willing to work for him when it’s right for Ohio. I hope Republicans and Democrats will follow tonight’s speech with action and come together to rebuild our infrastructure, tackle the opioid epidemic, crack down on trade cheats, and keep the president’s promises to American workers.”

Rep. Mike Turner, R-Dayton

“This year, Congress and the White House worked together to provide economic relief and growth. I was very excited the President and First Lady welcomed the co-owners of Staub Manufacturing Solutions and one of their skilled welders. In August, I toured the Staub plant in Dayton, Ohio and Steve told me how much tax reform could help his manufacturing company. Since we’ve passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, he has been able to grow his small business and put more money into his employees’ pockets.”

Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Columbus

“The president read through a string of issues weaved through his scripted speech but failed to even acknowledge the many hurtful, divisive, bigoted and offensive statements he has hurled at countless Americans of all backgrounds. So, while I hope that the White House and Republicans will work with Democrats to ‘put politics aside’ to move our country forward … I believe their actions in the months ahead will provide more insight than tonight’s speech ever will.”

Rep. Steve Stivers, R-Upper Arlington

“Tonight, President Trump struck the right tone with the messages of hope, growth, opportunity and security. He focused on how we can build on our successes on tax reform and regulatory reform which are starting to grow our economy and bring opportunity to all Americans.”

Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Niles

“The president’s State of the Union Address can be summed up in four words: more of the same. Although polished and read with a teleprompter, the rhetoric, fear mongering, and falsehoods that President Trump so often leans on when facts elude him was as prevalent as ever.”

Rep. Bob Latta, R-Bowling Green

“The plan laid out by the president to give us safe, fast, reliable, and modern infrastructure should have bipartisan support. Removing roadblocks to the implementation of new technology will keep the U.S. as the place to be for innovation.

Rep. Steve Chabot, R-Cincinnati

"It was refreshing and inspiring tonight to hear President Trump advocate the point of view that it's the spirit and the drive of the American people, not the government, that will solve our problems and lift us higher as a nation. And the proof is in the results we've seen over the last year. During that time, President Trump and Congress have been working diligently to eliminate harmful and unnecessary regulations and make it easier for our nation’s small businesses to grow, prosper and create jobs. Not surprisingly, the economy has responded. Unemployment is at a 17-year low, while consumer confidence is at a 17-year high.

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