Senator Roberts Issues Statement on President Trump's State of the Union Address

Statement

U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) today released the following statement on President Donald Trump's State of the Union Address:

To view or download Senator Roberts' video response, click here.

"In just one year, our nation has undergone profound change. The Republican Congress and the Trump Administration have lifted the regulatory and tax burdens of individuals and businesses. Our economy is growing, companies are hiring, and Kansas families are finding more money in their pocketbooks.

"I hear from many Kansans who like the direction the country is headed and that was not so just one year ago. They like the tax cuts. Businesses are no longer afraid of regulations and are willing to invest in their employees and their operations.

"Simply put, Kansans share the president's goal of a safe, strong and proud America.

"We must continue this effort to bring prosperity to every corner of the country. Farmers and ranchers are still struggling with low prices and surpluses. We must aggressively pursue trade policies that increase access to new markets for these producers.

"The U.S. is entering our 7th round of NAFTA negotiations. I am continuing to make the case to the president himself and to the Trump administration that the Kansas economy and rural America benefit significantly from NAFTA. We must preserve this important trading relationship.

"At the same time, we must move forward on new trade agreements with nations that are taking their business to our competitors. I look forward to working with the president and our negotiators to build upon our current economic growth."

Senator Roberts also praised the President's announcement to continue to operate the Guantanamo Bay detention center (GITMO). Roberts successfully fought Obama Administration attempts to close the facility and move enemy combatants to the mainland. Fort Leavenworth was one such site under consideration.

"GITMO remains the most appropriate and safest place to house current and future detainees," Roberts said. "I am glad this President understands that the American people do not want this security risk in their neighborhoods."

A recent analysis by the Business Roundtable found if the U.S. withdrew from NAFTA, Kansas would lose 17,410 jobs within one year. Kansas' exports to Mexico and Canada would drop by $846 million, and Kansas' economic output would lose more than $955 million.

In 2016 alone, Kansas exported more than $300 million agriculture goods to Canada. Since NAFTA entered into force on January 1, 1994, the value of U.S. agricultural exports to Canada has increased by 265 percent and to Mexico by 289 percent.

From day one of the Trump presidency, Senator Roberts has called for an aggressive trade agenda for U.S. agriculture, personally speaking to a receptive President Trump on several occasions. For more on Senator Roberts' efforts, go here.

Senator Roberts is a member of the Senate Finance Committee which has jurisdiction on taxes and trade. He is also Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.

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