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Tom Reed Praises Trump’s State Of The Union Address

Following President Donald Trump’s second State of the Union address, Rep. Tom Reed praised the fellow Republican’s message that he said reinforced the idea that the United States is a strong union.

“I really heard his call,” the Corning Republican said. “If we don’t find that common ground, … then we’re going to fail in our endeavor.”

As the larger context of a possible second partial federal government shutdown for the year looms over highly politicized debates of border security, Reed reiterated his call for bipartisan compromise that he thinks would lead to legislation that would allow for $5.7 billion to fund segments of a steel barrier and other border security methods as Trump spoke of Tuesday night.

“The core of the nation is strong,” Reed said.

“These are huge opportunities.”

In addition to being optimistic about reaching a consensus on how to handle the U.S.-Mexico border, Reed also complimented Trump for bringing up the nation’s recent economic and foreign affairs successes.

Trump made the claim that the United States would be at war with North Korea if he was not president. When asked how Reed responded to that claim, he said that not just one person could make such a difference but did agree that his negotionary tactics has helped build a relationship and averted conflict with North Korea.

Reed called out some Democrats for not applauding Trump for saying the United States will never become a socialist country. Trump’s comment seemed to be directed toward a recent push for democratic socialism on the left by proponents such as former presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, D-VT, and when asked if Reed had considered the difference between socialism and democratic socialism as the reason why not all Democrats applauded the president, Reed said that democratic socialism is still rooted in typical socialist ideals.

He said that the government shouldn’t dictate people as the ultimate tool for power, but principles of democratic socialism include a greater emphasis on individuals controlling the economy instead of the upper class in a capitalist society. Democratic socialism seeks to reform capitalism instead of replace it.

“Many of the priorities the president laid out, such as rebuilding our infrastructure, lowering the cost of health care and prescription drugs, and ensuring our country embraces a safe, fair and legal immigration system, are issues the Problem Solvers Caucus made a top priority as well this Congress,” Reed said, “and we look forward to working together.”

When asked whether he believes the caucus Reed co-chairs will have an impact in negotiations of border security, he expressed that he thinks so and that extremes on either side will be directed toward a moderate, effective and practical solution for the southern border.

He said legislators have an opportunity to answer one of the major calls to action of this generation, and if gridlock continues and another shutdown ensues after the Feb. 15 deadline for a consensus, Reed said the American people will be the ones who lose.

“Obviously, that’s a reality we have to recognize,” said Reed, who recommitted himself to not wanting to accept more endless debate and another shutdown.

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