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Congressman Panetta Statement on the President’s State of the Union Address

February 4, 2020

WASHINGTON, DC– Today, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) released the following statement in response to President Donald Trump's State of the Union address:

"Unfortunately, the President's speech was heavy on rhetoric but light on substance. He spoke about lifting families up, but has worked to cut CalFresh and take away Social Security benefits from people with disabilities. He promised us better healthcare, but tried to repeal the Affordable Care Act, cut Medicaid and Medicare, and undermine pre-existing conditions protections. He boasted about a strong economy, but families on the Central Coast are struggling to make ends meet with stagnant wages and no help from his $1.5 trillion tax giveaway to the wealthiest Americans.

"Although I appreciated hearing about the individual stories of most of the President's guests, I hope he hears about the story of my guest, Pablo Martinez, and understands the need for immigration reform. Pablo is a former farmworker who has lived, worked, and studied on the Central Coast for years. Unfortunately, our current immigration system does not recognize his contributions to our economy and community and has left him in the shadows. We need to pass immigration reform that protects people like Pablo who have and will continue to give back to our community and country.

"Regardless of what was said tonight by the President, we in Congress will continue to act to address the many challenges facing our nation. We have passed bipartisan legislation to help fix our broken immigration system, protect our environment, invest in infrastructure and housing, strengthen our healthcare, and lower prescription drug prices.

"As I have done my entire time in office, I will work to deliver solutions to those issues and serve my neighbors on the central coast of California and hold this administration accountable to its callous policies and corrupt practices."