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Harder Hopes President Trump Brings Country Together with State of the Union

February 3, 2020

WASHINGTON – Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) released the following statement in advance of President Donald Trump's State of the Union Address.

"I hope the President doesn't come out guns blazing. I'm sure it's tempting for him to be punchy because of all the fighting in Washington, but after all this chaos, it would be nice to hear something that's unifying and optimistic.

"He doesn't have to be hokey about it either – there are reasonable, commonsense issues that we all want to address – like problems with the VA and the need to invest in our failing roads and bridges. I'm bringing Joshua Melendez, a Vietnam Vet, to the speech, and it would be great to have him come away with some answers. Things are more productive when we start from a place of agreement.

"I'm not holding my breath, but here's hoping he has something positive to say."

Last week, Rep. Harder announced that he would bring local Vietnam Veteran Joshua Melendez of Modesto to the speech. Mr. Melendez developed bladder cancer as the result of his exposure to Agent Orange during the war, but the VA has refused to cover it. Rep. Harder is working to force the VA to provide benefits.