Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on President Trump’s State of the Union

Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement after President Donald Trump delivered his first State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress:

"The American people deserve less talk and more action regarding the big challenges we face as a country. My constituents want real leadership from the President and action by Congress to get things done.

"Over a year into the President's term, it is completely unacceptable to continue funding the government just weeks at a time. Short-term bills hurt our military readiness and inject uncertainty into our economy.

"I was disappointed that the President failed to address the epidemic of gun violence in tonight's address. Gun violence affects every town in America. I was honored to have Flint Pastor Hawkins as my guest tonight, who tragically lost both of his sons to gun violence. President Trump and Congress need to do more to address senseless gun deaths and build safer communities.

"I want to work with the President on infrastructure. The ongoing Flint water crisis is a tragic example of what happens when we ignore our aging infrastructure. To fix our crumbling roads, bridges and water systems, we must make big and bold investments. The American Society of Civil Engineers gives our infrastructure a D+ rating and estimates America has a $3 trillion infrastructure deficit. The White House proposal—$200 billion over 10 years—is a drop in the bucket compared to the actual federal investments needed nationwide. If we fail to go big on infrastructure, we will hold back our economy, especially with countries like China already outspending us.

"After tonight's speech, Congress should act immediately on a bold infrastructure plan that addresses America's true infrastructure needs."