Texas Republicans stand up for Trump; Democrats stay seated

Reaction to President Donald Trump's address to a joint session of Congress split along predictably partisan lines, with Republicans praising what they described as the president's optimistic agenda, and Democrats saying "talk is cheap."

"I think there's a lot of anticipation, a growing confidence, not only in our economy, but that America is now back in a leadership role and that the whole world will end up benefiting," said U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, the No. 2 Republican in the Senate, who said he thought Trump had offered a promising vision of deregulation, tax reform, creating jobs, reducing the bureaucracy and securing U.S. national security.

"I'm eager to learn about how Congress can continue to partner with our new president to make his administration a success so that America can remain a success and to make the rest of his campaign promises a reality," Cornyn said.

But U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, the lone Democratic member representing Central Texas, was unimpressed with what he considered Trump's negative vision for America.

"Big on talk, short on details," Doggett said. "He promotes an agenda for weakness, not strength."

"Blaming immigrants, weakening support for public schools, reducing resources for student financial assistance and workforce development, building a wall, repealing health care – this is a plan to deny individual opportunity and to reduce American competitiveness," Doggett said. "At my upcoming town halls I will offer a competing vision of what really makes America great."

Likewise, Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa said that he found the president's rhetoric empty.

"Promises have been broken, talk is cheap, and the assault on American values has begun. That is why millions of patriots are courageously fighting back," Hinojosa said. "Once again, minority President Donald Trump has done nothing to substantively improve the everyday lives of the majority of hardworking Americans. Instead, he is stacking the deck against them. He has already begun to rip working people off, launch lies and cover ups, and tear families apart."

At the other end of the spectrum, U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith, R-San Antonio, was exuberant.

"The president's address tonight was a home run. How could anyone disagree with putting Americans first?" Smith said.

"President Trump has taken swift action to address many of the bad policies instituted by the Obama administration. We need policies that promote economic growth and create jobs," Smith said. "We must have health care reforms that expand choice, improve access and lower costs. We must secure the border to stop the flow of drugs and protect American jobs and lives. We must reaffirm our commitment to our servicemen and servicewomen — past and present – by providing them with the best resources possible."

"Our work is just beginning as we continue on the path to increased economic growth and prosperity," said Smith, whose district runs through South Austin, downtown, Old West Austin and north to West Campus.

U.S. Rep. John Carter, R-Round Rock, offered a similar assessment.

"President Trump tonight delivered a very positive address outlining his vision for our great nation, one that includes bringing America together as we work to increase security across our communities, reduce regulations to create job growth, and renew investment in our middle class," Carter said.

"I'm glad the president shares my commitment to rebuilding our military," Carter said. "After eight years of gutting our armed forces, we must commit the resources needed to ensure our men and women in uniform have the tools necessary to succeed, and that we have the military strength to protect our great nation."

On Obamacare, Carter said: "The House is hard at work putting together legislation that will allow more choices, increase access to cutting-edge health care, and lower costs. We want to create a system that puts patients, not the government, first."

U.S. Rep. Bill Flores, R-Bryan, also praised Trump for what he characterized as "a bold and optimistic vision for the future of our nation. I believe a stronger and brighter future for hardworking Americans families relies on strong economic growth and opportunity."

"To accomplish this goal, Congress has been and will continue working with the president to restore liberty, opportunity and security," said Flores, who represents parts of North Austin, Manor and Pflugerville. "This starts by providing relief from the burdensome regulations left behind by the previous administration. It continues by putting an end to Obamacare's skyrocketing premiums and shrinking pool of choices for consumers."

U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin and chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, tweeted his support for the president naming "radical Islamic terrorism" in his speech, and also for his expression of support for law enforcement.

"I am pleased to hear @realDonaldTrump say `we are taking strong measures to protect our nation from radical Islamic terrorism," McCaul tweeted.

And, "I agree with @realDonaldTrump that we must work with — not against — the men and women of law enforcement."

U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, R-Austin, tweeted that he supported Trump's "plan to finally end the negative impact sequestration has had on the brave men & women who sacrifice to defend our nation."

"I've called for taking our military out of the budget sequester because it prevents them from carrying out their mission," Williams tweeted.