Rep. Zeldin on President Trump's First State of the Union Address

Statement

Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) just released the following statement after the conclusion of President Trump's first State of the Union Address:

"Tonight, during his first State of the Union Address, President Trump highlighted many important accomplishments, challenges and opportunities impacting our great nation. The President discussed how our country will rise to tackle the daunting needs we still face, such as our nation's crumbling infrastructure, heroin and opioid abuse epidemic, broken immigration system and the essential need to always protect our security at home and abroad.

Our economy is growing and our national security is strong. This is certainly good news, however, tonight in the gallery sat solemn reminders of the challenges we face in our communities on Long Island. Four of the President's distinguished guests were the parents of 15-year-old Kayla Cuevas and 16-year-old Nisa Mickens, two teenage girls who were brutally murdered at the hands of MS-13 in 2016. Extending the invitation to these grieving parents is a sign of unwavering commitment on behalf of the administration to crack down on dangerous illegal immigration, provide our law enforcement officials with the resources they need to protect our children and make our communities a safer place to live.

It was an honor tonight to bring Long Islander and Smithtown resident Donato Panico as my guest. Donato is a former deli owner who, in the wake of the September 11th, 2001, terrorist attacks, drove to Ground Zero to feed first responders for 10 straight days. His dedication to our first responders spurred the creation of his foundation Heros 4 Our Heroes, which last September 11th, distributed 3,000 sandwiches to police officers, firefighters and other emergency personnel. Mr. Panico is a leader in our community and it was an honor to be able to share this experience with him.

It is a privilege to serve in the United States Congress and I look forward to continuing to work with the President and my colleagues in Congress on the many important priorities affecting the greatest nation in the world."

To read more about Donato Panico, Congressman Zeldin's State of the Union guest, click here.

Source