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WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), released the following statement in response to President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress.

“What we got from that address was lies, lies, and more lies. This Joint Address is supposed to be a moment to meet the American people where they are at — to outline a strong plan to better their lives moving forward.

“President Trump instead used this time to reaffirm his support for his billionaire friend and donor, Elon Musk, as he takes a chainsaw to the agencies whose job it is to support, serve, and protect our communities; attack our trans friends and neighbors for simply existing; and pat himself on the back for supporting Big Oil and condemning our children and planet to be weaker, sicker, and poorer.

“Time and again last year, President Trump promised the American people that his first and top priority would be addressing inflation and lowering costs for families. We are now six weeks into this administration and, not only has he patently failed to deliver any meaningful action that would lower costs, he has recklessly pursued actions that will raise prices for all but the very wealthiest 0.1 percent.

“The President has made his message clear — billionaires get to live the American Dream; everyone else must live the nightmare.”