In his State of the Union address February 4, President Trump highlighted the strength of the economy on the heels of tax cuts and trade agreements and called on Congress to work with him on issues including drug pricing, infrastructure and childcare.

"I am thrilled to report to you tonight that our economy is the best it has ever been," the President said, later adding that, "The vision I will lay out this evening demonstrates how we are building the world's most prosperous and inclusive society — one where every citizen can join in America's unparalleled success, and where every community can take part in America's extraordinary rise."

President Trump described the success of Opportunity Zones enacted as part of the 2017 tax law. "In other words, wealthy people and companies are pouring money into poor neighborhoods or areas that have not seen investment in many decades, creating jobs, energy, and excitement," he said. The President also said there is a resurgence in American manufacturing. "Companies are not leaving, they are coming back to the USA," he said.

The President said he delivered on his promise to replace the NAFTA trade deal in signing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act into law January 29 that will bring "fairness and reciprocity" in relations among nations. He also described successes in trade relations with China.

President Trump said he made an "ironclad pledge" to always protect patients with pre-existing conditions, and said, "we will always protect your Medicare and your Social Security."

Further on health care, the President mentioned an Executive Order requiring price transparency because "the American patient should never be blindsided by medical bills." He said the Administration approved a record number of affordable generic drugs, "and medicines are being approved by the FDA at a faster clip than ever before."

Congress can reduce drug prices substantially from current levels, the President said, and he has been in discussions with Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and others in Congress to get something done on drug pricing. "I am calling for bipartisan legislation that achieves the goal of dramatically lowering prescription drug prices," he said.

President Trump mentioned signing a law providing new parents in the Federal workforce paid family leave and called on Congress "to pass the bipartisan Advancing Support for Working Families Act, extending family leave to mothers and fathers all across our Nation." He also said 40 million American families "have an average $2,200 extra thanks to our child tax credit" and called on Congress to act on a plan to further expand access to high-quality childcare.

On infrastructure, the President called on Congress to pass Senator John Barrasso's (R-WY) highway bill "to invest in new roads, bridges, and tunnels all across our land," and also said he is committed to "ensuring that every citizen can have access to high-speed internet, including and especially in rural America."

President Trump also said the Administration has undertaken an unprecedented effort to secure the southern border of the United States and is working on legislation to replace an outdated immigration system. He also described efforts to defend national security.

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