Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) released a statement on President Trump’s address last night to a Joint Session of Congress:

“Last night’s address was unlike any other I’ve witnessed in my 12 years as a Member of Congress. It is clear that President Trump has no interest in tackling the real challenges facing the American people. Instead of offering solutions to unite us, he doubled down on a divisive and harmful agenda that will leave our nation weak, vulnerable and isolated. 

“I came to Washington in 2013 with a clear mission: make our government more responsive to the needs of the American people by reaching across the aisle and breaking through partisan gridlock. That principle has guided me to always seek common ground and build meaningful relationships with colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Over the years, I have come to respect and understand many of my Republican colleagues as principled public servants who, even when we disagree, were here for the right reasons. That is why I was particularly disappointed to see many of them last night turn their backs on their principles and fully succumb to President Trump’s dangerous worldview.

“After last night, it is clear that the Republican majority now owns every part of his agenda.

“The president’s actions erode our global standing and undermine the very values that define our nation. By withdrawing from international agreements, alienating allies and abandoning our commitments abroad, he diminishes America’s leadership on the world stage. 

“I want our nation to succeed and hope President Trump proves me wrong, but his policies—gutting the federal government, engaging in reckless trade wars, slashing safety nets and prioritizing tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy—will only harm hardworking Americans.

“As the son of immigrants, I have lived the American dream and know its promise. But that promise is only as strong as our commitment to protect it. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to stand up for our values, defend our democracy and keep the American dream alive for generations to come.”