Trump calls for bipartisan cooperation to achieve America’s destiny

Feb. 11, 2019
US President Donald Trump called on the 116th Congress to reject the politics of revenge and retribution for compromise and the common good in his 2019 State of the Union address.

US President Donald Trump called on the 116th Congress to reject the politics of revenge and retribution for compromise and the common good in his 2019 State of the Union address. “I am ready to work with you to achieve historic breakthroughs for all Americans,” he told a packed US House of Representatives chamber in a nationally broadcast address on Feb. 5. “Victory is not winning for our party. Victory is winning for our country.”

Trump said his administration has cut more burdensome federal regulations in its first 2 years than any other administration did in its entire tenure. “More overseas companies are coming to this country because of our energy revolution. For the first time in 65 years, we are a net energy exporter. Members of Congress, the state of the union is strong,” he declared.

“An economic miracle is taking place in the US, and the only things that can stop it are foolish foreign wars and partisan political investigations,” Trump added.

He urged the US Senate to confirm more than 300 nominations so federal departments and agencies can operate more effectively. The president also said Congress has 10 days left to fund federal operations for Fiscal 2019 “and protect our very dangerous southern border.” He added, “As I speak, large organized caravans are marching toward our country. I have ordered another 3,750 troops to protect our southern border.”

Other recommendations

Top officials from several national oil and gas trade associations and other business groups applauded his calls to improve the nation’s infrastructure and for Congress to ratify the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

“Investing in 21st century energy infrastructure remains critical to meeting that demand by safely and reliably delivering affordable natural gas and oil to America’s families and businesses,” American Petroleum Institute Pres. Mike Sommers said.

Sommers also pointed out that energy markets in Canada, Mexico, and the US are heavily integrated, and called on Congress to ratify the USMCA. “We urge the administration to end its policy of tariffs and quotas on steel that can slow down—or even stop—critical US energy infrastructure projects, raising the price of manufactured goods, and threatening American jobs,” he said.

National Ocean Industries Association Pres. Randall B. Luthi said Trump “reiterated his bold vision for American energy dominance in conjunction with facilitating new energy infrastructure.” He added, “The administration initiated regulatory and tax reforms that are allowing more US companies, including those in the offshore energy industry, to create American jobs, safely produce affordable American energy, and compete globally.”

In a statement, the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers said, “Free global trade is critical to the US realizing the widespread economic benefits of being home to the most efficient, high-tech, and competitive refining and petrochemical industries in the world. Fuels and petrochemicals are in demand across the globe and US companies and workers are better positioned than anyone to supply them, so long as trade policies allow market access.”

Interstate Natural Gas Association of America Pres. Donald F. Santa noted: “We are encouraged that the president continues to prioritize development of critical infrastructure. Expanding natural gas infrastructure is essential to improving our environment and growing our economy. Streamlining the permitting process so that private capital can be deployed efficiently will significantly spur job creation and allow for continued economic growth, without compromising on environmental protection.”

Positive policies

“I want to commend President Trump and his administration on their efforts to curb unnecessary regulations and to streamline the permit process for the midstream gas industry,” GPA Midstream Association Pres. Mark Sutton said in Tulsa. “These efforts have helped the midstream industry build out our operations and get our infrastructure projects under way in a more timely and efficient manner. GPA Midstream and its member companies stand with the president to help continue to build out our nation’s energy infrastructure, which is crucial to all Americans.”

National Association of Manufacturers Pres. Jay Timmons maintained, “Manufacturers’ progress has been built with the tools of tax reform and regulatory certainty, as manufacturers kept their promise to hire workers, raise wages and benefits, and invest in equipment and operations.”

Timmons added, “To continue this progress, manufacturers have a very clear and post-partisan agenda: approve [USMCA]; enact lasting, meaningful reforms to our broken immigration system; make an historic investment in our nation’s infrastructure; and recruit a new generation of talent to solve the ongoing manufacturing workforce crisis.”