TEXT MESSAGES

Colorado Springs, CO

3/3/17 11:29 AM 

Hey Richard, Pikes peak firearms coalition city council candidate forum. 5/9 at the vfw on pikes peak 7 til 9 pm. Jeff Crank is moderator. Call me if you want more info, love a plug to get people there to hear about our local govt. Have a great day   Elizabeth   11:29 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

3/3/17 9:59 AM

Carol here. Check out Cedric Richmond nasty things about Kellyanne. 9:59 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

3/3/17 9:52 AM

What's Doug's opinion on term limits? Falcon Dave 9:28 AM

Good job Tim Fisher , piss on a veteran ( Ventura) ..your boy Trump is WWF too..Fakcon Dave 9:52 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

3/3/17 9:48 AM

Has Hillary ever been called before Congress to explain her relationship with Russia? Didn't she sell them some uranium? Every time the Democrats come in the 9:48 AM

room I smell red herring! 9:48 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

3/3/17 9:44 AM 

Good morning Richard, Please help me understand how the news treatment is not bullying and cyber-bulling when it comes to Ms. Conway. 9:44 AM

Las Vegas, NV

3/3/17 9:34 AM 

Top of Drudge: Senator Chucky Schumer courts Putin in 2003... Hmm... 'What's good for the goose is good for the gander'. Not sure if it was mentioned. 8:59 AM

Think back to the beginning of the Ukraine and Crimea issue: The 'Elected' Ukraine government signed an energy deal with Russia instead of the EU. Then their elected president was ousted because of mass division within their administration. Then came sanctions on Russians and the annexation of Crimea. My opinion is, it's the same forces at work here and now. Using the exact same tactics to have Our Elected President step down of abandon office. "A house divided amongst itself cannot stand" 9:33 AM

Same actors are in play: McCain, Grahmm, Schumer. All those who pushed sanctions then are the same ones conducting the Russian witch hunt. Thx 9:34 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

3/3/17 9:34 AM 

On my way to work getting gas. Channel 13 jump s around the corner of the gas station. They ask me what I think about the guy walking around naked in widefield, and as a father of 5 daughters my advice for talking to children about something like that. Typical Merida/ left positions. 60 seconds to explain loss of mores in the community, and being defensive, making excuses for the perpetrator instead of holding them accountable. 9:34 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

3/3/17 9:25 AM 

Richard Varney & Company just highlighted a photo of the Russian ambassador during President Trump's speech. He was standing, apparently he had just gotten up, surrounded by Democrats. 9:25 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

3/3/17 9:18 AM 

How come libs and Dems never hold their side to the same standards? They are hypocrites and is why they have been losing at the ballot box. 8:56 AM

Richard, there is going to be 4 years of witch hunts. You should just ignore them and not even aknowledge it exists. 9:18 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

3/3/17 9:14 AM

Defending garbage once again. .. 9:14 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

3/3/17 9:08

 Ask for conclusive proof not circumstantial crud that they are good at throwing around. Stand up for America and those who have and are serving us, the American people. 9:08 AM

Arvada, CO

3/3/17 8:45 AM

Sorry, but can't take Jerry or Rudy any longer. Giving them a forum to undermine the salvation of this country is too much. Turned your show off. 8:45 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

3/3/17 8:41 AM

 As American we deserve to know the conversation!!! They could be doing bad thinks to American interest!!! 8:41 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

3/2/17 10:03 AM

In the United States and Canada, a sanctuary city is a loosely defined term for a city that welcomes refugees and illegal immigrants. The designation has no precise legal meaning, <1> <2> but generally applies to cities that do not use municipal funds or resources to enforce national immigration laws, and may forbid their police or municipal employees to inquire about a person's immigration status or share such information with immigration enforcement - and by ensuring that all residents have access to city services, regardless of immigration status. Such a policy can be set out expressly in a law (de jure) or observed only in practice (de facto). 7:26 AM

If I am illegal or not is not the important thing. The important thing is the majority of immigrants coming to this Country came to work. Of course they are bad guys, but these guys do not deserve even to live in their own Country. Not because 1 % of these guys.. we are bad guys!!! 10:03 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

3/2/17 9:40 AM

Obama made3.2 mil in salary how did he leave office wort 7.2mil 9:40 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

3/2/17 9:39 AM

Liberals, & conservatives too, have lowered their standards of evidence. This is the essence of fake news. All you have to do is ask your Jeff sessions critic "how do you know that?" I also think media people must do a better job detailing how it is they really know what they say. O'Reilly no longer goes with any unnamed sources. 9:39 AM

"Screw you." Yea verily! Be well. 9:39 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

3/2/17 9:34 AM 

Sessions was not a surrogate for Trump then either. 8:57 AM

When they can't defend their position and are losing the debate, they resort to name calling. 9:34 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

3/2/17 9:32 AM

 Richard. You and Tim are terrific additions to our community. Jill Gaebler and Helen Collins are fine people. No one is perfect. The establishment ties are trying to cram their puppets down our throats. Don't let them. 9:32 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

3/2/17 9:32 AM

Hi Richard, All the "Dummycrats" can do is pick at petty things. Oh that they would devote this time to serving their constituents-what a concept 🙄 9:32 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

3/2/17 9:31 AM 

Carol here. Senators meet with ambassadors all the time. My God the ignorance runs rampant in the DIMMS world. 8:59 AM

Carol again. There is now a Les Deplorable wine. 9:31 AM

Honolulu, HI

3/2/17 9:13 AM 

No COS sanctuary. We need to follow the rule of law. 8:53 AM

Somehow we need to hold immigrant countries accountable for not providing for their own citizens. Maybe receive some of their oil revenue or gain access to 9:13 AM

some of their nature resources. 9:13 AM

Arvada, CO

3/2/17 9:12 AM 

Patrick is deranged. I hope he has nothing sharper than a spoon in his possession. He needs professional help. 9:12 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

3/2/17 9:05 AM 

You are ridiculous, you claim you are not hateful? You are full of hate Richard. The way you dealt with that man before the break, he was right, you are trying to smoke screen the fact that the idiot in chief trump has serious Russian connections and they helped him bamboozle the trailer park people into voting for him. Please quit using the word "snarky", you sound like a three year old. The Richard Randall Show is the Romper Room of talk radio. 9:05 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

3/2/17 9:03 AM

Lots of German, Polish, other Eastern European, and Hispanics peoples in our area that have legally come in to our country. Do are we still requing these same people to go through the hoops, while we usher in people from the Middle East and Hispanics. Seems like some unbalanced policy proposals. 9:02 AM

Hillary Clinton, uranium? Hmmm. 9:03 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

3/2/17 9:01 AM

 (1/2) It's Allison... what about Eric Holder with Fast and Furiois? Bill Clinton lied to a grand jury. Hillary lied and cheated. Now while I don't know what's 9:01 AM

 (2/2) going on yet, I must say, ... WHY WASN'T THE LEFT ASKING FOR TRUTH WHEN HILLARY WASNRUNNING!!!!???? 9:01 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

3/2/17 9:00 AM

Richard I hate this guy Patrick cut him off don't let him talk anymore he's a bona fide idiot with nothing to say that makes any sense. This is the biggest witch-hunt against Donald Trump's Administration since the Salem witch trials!!! Mitch. 9:00 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

3/2/17 8:45 AM

If Trump is going to withhold Federal money from Sanctuary cities why would I want to put that burden on my citizens. My answer would be hell no 8:45 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

3/1/17 9:58 AM

Rudy and his double standards. One set for Dems and another for Repubs. 9:32 AM

Dems will never admit if they agree with anything Pres Trump says or does. 9:56 AM

Turkey shot down a Russian fighter and how did they respond? 9:58 AM

Las Vegas, NV

3/1/17 9:54 AM 

Trump Nuked the Dems! He showed Americans who their Real Enemy is. ANY Democrat unwilling to work with Trump is an Enemy to the positive changes needed for OUR Nation & All American People! Democrats = Enemies of Real Change in America! For decades, we see now! 9:51 AM

Last night invoked that Spirit we all had on September 10th, 2001 and that shared American Unity felt on September 12th, 2001. Trump is 100% Correct: Nothing can defeat the United American Spirit! Nothing 9:54 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

3/1/17 9:52 AM 

Young women wandering in search of s role model, pls ignore Hollywood. You need look no further than Mrs. Owens, widow of fallen Navy Seal, Ryan Owens. 9:52 AM

Thank u  9:52 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

3/1/17 9:48 AM 

Thanks for making my mouth water with your mention of Portillo's...best beef sammys anywhere 9:48 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

3/1/17 9:40 AM 

Trump for Amnesty 2017!!!! 8:35 AM

Latino people are with Trump!!! Amnesty!!! Amnesty!!!! Amnesty!!! 8:36 AM

Richard.. first lady was bored, with stone face...she does not want that type of life. Actually, Ivanka is the one running the rol of first lady. 9:40 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

3/1/17 9:39 AM 

Good morning Richard I thought that speech from President Trump was a great speech I did not like the Democratic rebuttal they did not have their facts and figures so for me I need to grow up 9:33 AM

Sorry Richard last part of mine did not come out right I meant to say Democrats need to cool off 9:39 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

3/1/17 9:29 AM

Remind Rudy that they blamed Bush all the time, be a use he said Obama was now out of office. 9:29 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

3/1/17 9:28 AM

Carol here. Well Rudy here u go again. Did you complain about Obama always blaming Bush? 9:28 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

3/1/17 9:00 AM 

Ray here, Just get rid of liberal ideology. Problem solved. 9:00 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

3/1/17 8:58 AM 

RICHARD! I no u will b talkin sanctuary cities 2morrow But if u have an extra second give us where 2 start 2 knock this down and keep it down b 4 it even gets started. . . .let me change that 2 a big HELL NO!! What idiot is behind this? 8:58 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

2/28/17 3:46 PM 

Richard, let's talk about the amnesty Donald Trump will talk today!!!! 8:38 AM

http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/28/politics/trump-immigration-bill/index.html 3:45 PM

Richard.. I wrote you this morning about it. Trump will give amnesty!!! 3:46 PM

Colorado Springs, CO

2/28/17 10:35 AM 

I know you are not the air, but it frustrates me listing to this guy from Denver, saying he want to cut the Congress time by constitutional amendment. This i think is very dangerous to do have said anything about this? Sorry I have not heard your show the last couple of days. Good show!!!. George Murphy 10:35 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

2/28/17 9:40 AM

Richard, Please be mindful on how you speak of President Trump. This morning (and past mornings) you say "President Obama" and Donald Trump" or "Mr. Trump". You are not alone in you slips, the rest of the media do this too. Maybe our society doesn't want to recognize that President Trump is actually our President, but for you, as a fair-minded, highly effective orator, need to be mindful of this word- choice. Thanks. I love your show and am a faithful listener! 9:40 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

2/28/17 9:33 AM

Richard, did you know that 50% of LEGAL immigrants are on welfare? Why do we want legal immigration? 9:33 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

2/28/17 9:28 AM

I have not been able to see a picture of Kelly Ann Conway's shoes on the couch, as her feet are under her legs. Maybe her shoes were behind the couch. It just confirms how petty the media is being. 9:28 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

2/28/17 9:27 AM 

Per Conway's feet on the couch, how about Obama's feet on all of the furniture in the oval office including the President's desk. His respect for OUR WHITE HOUSE was always pathetic. OH, THAT'S RIGHT, LIBERALS CAN DO WHAT THEY WANT. 9:27 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

2/28/17 9:23 AM

Ms Connelly is 50 yes old. She is NOT sitting ladylike, several men in the room are trained on her not the Pres. She knows those cameras r itching to p 9:22 AM

ounce. Why give them fuel and distract from the meeting? The Trump family exemplifies decorum, humble respect and dignity. His staff shld mirror that 9:22 AM

This wasn't a casual staff meeting w/ no cameras. Always act first class when representing the President! Men r giving her a pass, many of we conser 9:23 AM

vative women r not. 9:23 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

2/28/17 9:20 AM 

Richard, Dems can do no wrong, and Repubs can do no right. We will have a constant criticism of Pres Trump and staff for the next 4 years. Best to get used to it and respond 'whatever' 8:49 AM

Jerry is trying to silence you because the story makes his side look bad. 9:15 AM

Jerry is not willing to take the high ground but wants to lower himself to do what he disapproved of when Obama was Pres. Very immature. 9:20 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

2/28/17 9:09 AM 

Richard, you really are hateful. Don't get me wrong, I'm no fan of tits on parade up in Boulder but for two days you've been preaching about how ugly the woman in Boulder is. Come on, be fair, you want to talk about ugly, there is no one uglier than Kellyanne Conway! That woman is uggggly! She's as ugly as her boss is crazy. 9:09 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

2/28/17 9:04 AM

354 terrorist attacks in 34 countries over 2,ooo dead 3,ooo injured as of January 1 st but headline news in denver person throws rock through window of mosque not condoning it but it is lopsided 8:59 AM

My sister was offended that all women marches and all women to choose from a 60 year old white guy gets women of the year award? 9:04 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

2/28/17 9:01 AM

Carol here. Please call her by her correct name that Curt Schilling gave her. LIEAWATHA. 9:01 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

2/28/17 8:55 AM

Good Thursday Richard...Happy Mardi Gras!!! Call it what you will tonight, but do you think the Dems will show up and if they do will they sit on the floor in protest? Some of those who elected them are questioning their votes. Norm 8:46 AM

Hey it's Fat Tuesday nay Thursday😁. My bad... 8:48 AM

Rather than bring in victims...if they are illegal aliens, then take them into custody in front of the joint session and all those watching on TV 8:55 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

2/28/17 8:53 AM 

Mayors office costs twice as much as city manager used too. Focusing on marijuana barter vs bad management 8:53 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

2/28/17 8:49 AM

Of course the left Is upset with Kelly Ann's attire, in thier world women should were either pant suits or birthday suits 8:49 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

2/27/17 9:50 AM

WTF is wrong with you ? WTF are you bitching about? .....Falcon Dave 8:43 AM

Whose wife posed naked in handcuffs? Whose wife posed naked holding a gun? WTF are you talking about? Falcon Dave 8:56 AM

Then Mexico should back charge the US for their war with the cartels..Some of your people are really simpleminded ..Falcon Dave 9:50 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

2/27/17 9:31 AM 

Let's compromise. If you rank or seven or better you can go topless. The problem will take care of itself. 9:31 AM

Walsenburg, CO

2/27/17 9:23 AM 

if boss wants to see private, uh Noperz.. no way... national security , don't have personal phone with in certain places.... 9:23 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

2/27/17 9:17 AM

Hello Richard - I missed a few weeks so I don't know if you spoke about this story or not: http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/02/20/denver-police-release-alien-before-alleged-murder/ 9:17 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

2/27/17 9:16 AM

 Richard. Former Senator Joseph McCarthy was right in 1950. Now we have to deal with Hollywood's left wing communist fakes. We are not blind ! We see the demonic left at work in education, entertainment & media. I also see how God's Word does not return void ( Isaiah 54:17 ). God has anointed President Donald Trump, because he has blessed Israel. Thank you. Robert 9:16 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

2/27/17 9:12 AM

Richard! 8:36 AM

Gov Hickenlooper says Feds might not be able to do anything about pot as it is part of state constition. So was amendment 43 on marriage, bv that didn't matter. 9:04 AM

Topless would be good for college enrollment of males in Ft Collins. Plus they have pot too. 9:12 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

2/27/17 9:11 AM

 Trump would be all for bare nipples, what's the difference between that and grabbing women by the pussies? 9:11 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

2/27/17 9:11 AM

Carol here. It's hard to believe women have lost do much respect for themselves. 9:11 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

2/27/17 8:56 AM

Happy Birthday! From Jackie. 8:56 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

2/27/17 8:42 AM

Hello Richard!!! We are ready for another chaos week of our America-Russian goverment!!! 8:42 AM

  

Colorado Springs, CO

2/27/17 8:36 AM

Good morning Richard 8:36 AM

PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP'S ADDRESS TO A JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS

Remarks as prepared for delivery

TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, the First Lady of the United States, and Citizens of America:

Tonight, as we mark the conclusion of our celebration of Black History Month, we are reminded of our Nation's path toward civil rights and the work that still remains. Recent threats targeting Jewish Community Centers and vandalism of Jewish cemeteries, as well as last week's shooting in Kansas City, remind us that while we may be a Nation divided on policies, we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all its forms.

Each American generation passes the torch of truth, liberty and justice --- in an unbroken chain all the way down to the present.

That torch is now in our hands. And we will use it to light up the world. I am here tonight to deliver a message of unity and strength, and it is a message deeply delivered from my heart.

A new chapter of American Greatness is now beginning.

A new national pride is sweeping across our Nation.

And a new surge of optimism is placing impossible dreams firmly within our grasp.

What we are witnessing today is the Renewal of the American Spirit.

Our allies will find that America is once again ready to lead.

All the nations of the world -- friend or foe -- will find that America is strong, America is proud, and America is free.

In 9 years, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of our founding -- 250 years since the day we declared our Independence.

It will be one of the great milestones in the history of the world.

But what will America look like as we reach our 250th year? What kind of country will we leave for our children?

I will not allow the mistakes of recent decades past to define the course of our future.

For too long, we've watched our middle class shrink as we've exported our jobs and wealth to foreign countries.

We've financed and built one global project after another, but ignored the fates of our children in the inner cities of Chicago, Baltimore, Detroit -- and so many other places throughout our land.

We've defended the borders of other nations, while leaving our own borders wide open, for anyone to cross -- and for drugs to pour in at a now unprecedented rate.

And we've spent trillions of dollars overseas, while our infrastructure at home has so badly crumbled.

Then, in 2016, the earth shifted beneath our feet. The rebellion started as a quiet protest, spoken by families of all colors and creeds --- families who just wanted a fair shot for their children, and a fair hearing for their concerns.

But then the quiet voices became a loud chorus -- as thousands of citizens now spoke out together, from cities small and large, all across our country.

Finally, the chorus became an earthquake -- and the people turned out by the tens of millions, and they were all united by one very simple, but crucial demand, that America must put its own citizens first ... because only then, can we truly MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.

Dying industries will come roaring back to life. Heroic veterans will get the care they so desperately need.

Our military will be given the resources its brave warriors so richly deserve.

Crumbling infrastructure will be replaced with new roads, bridges, tunnels, airports and railways gleaming across our beautiful land.

Our terrible drug epidemic will slow down and ultimately, stop.

And our neglected inner cities will see a rebirth of hope, safety, and opportunity.

Above all else, we will keep our promises to the American people.

It's been a little over a month since my inauguration, and I want to take this moment to update the Nation on the progress I've made in keeping those promises.

Since my election, Ford, Fiat-Chrysler, General Motors, Sprint, Softbank, Lockheed, Intel, Walmart, and many others, have announced that they will invest billions of dollars in the United States and will create tens of thousands of new American jobs.

The stock market has gained almost three trillion dollars in value since the election on November 8th, a record. We've saved taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars by bringing down the price of the fantastic new F-35 jet fighter, and will be saving billions more dollars on contracts all across our Government. We have placed a hiring freeze on non-military and non-essential Federal workers.

We have begun to drain the swamp of government corruption by imposing a 5 year ban on lobbying by executive branch officials --- and a lifetime ban on becoming lobbyists for a foreign government.

We have undertaken a historic effort to massively reduce job‑crushing regulations, creating a deregulation task force inside of every Government agency; imposing a new rule which mandates that for every 1 new regulation, 2 old regulations must be eliminated; and stopping a regulation that threatens the future and livelihoods of our great coal miners.

We have cleared the way for the construction of the Keystone and Dakota Access Pipelines -- thereby creating tens of thousands of jobs -- and I've issued a new directive that new American pipelines be made with American steel.

We have withdrawn the United States from the job-killing Trans-Pacific Partnership.

With the help of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, we have formed a Council with our neighbors in Canada to help ensure that women entrepreneurs have access to the networks, markets and capital they need to start a business and live out their financial dreams.

To protect our citizens, I have directed the Department of Justice to form a Task Force on Reducing Violent Crime.

I have further ordered the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice, along with the Department of State and the Director of National Intelligence, to coordinate an aggressive strategy to dismantle the criminal cartels that have spread across our Nation.

We will stop the drugs from pouring into our country and poisoning our youth -- and we will expand treatment for those who have become so badly addicted.

At the same time, my Administration has answered the pleas of the American people for immigration enforcement and border security. By finally enforcing our immigration laws, we will raise wages, help the unemployed, save billions of dollars, and make our communities safer for everyone. We want all Americans to succeed --- but that can't happen in an environment of lawless chaos. We must restore integrity and the rule of law to our borders.

For that reason, we will soon begin the construction of a great wall along our southern border. It will be started ahead of schedule and, when finished, it will be a very effective weapon against drugs and crime.

As we speak, we are removing gang members, drug dealers and criminals that threaten our communities and prey on our citizens. Bad ones are going out as I speak tonight and as I have promised.

To any in Congress who do not believe we should enforce our laws, I would ask you this question: what would you say to the American family that loses their jobs, their income, or a loved one, because America refused to uphold its laws and defend its borders?

Our obligation is to serve, protect, and defend the citizens of the United States. We are also taking strong measures to protect our Nation from Radical Islamic Terrorism.

According to data provided by the Department of Justice, the vast majority of individuals convicted for terrorism-related offenses since 9/11 came here from outside of our country. We have seen the attacks at home --- from Boston to San Bernardino to the Pentagon and yes, even the World Trade Center.

We have seen the attacks in France, in Belgium, in Germany and all over the world.

It is not compassionate, but reckless, to allow uncontrolled entry from places where proper vetting cannot occur. Those given the high honor of admission to the United States should support this country and love its people and its values.

We cannot allow a beachhead of terrorism to form inside America -- we cannot allow our Nation to become a sanctuary for extremists.

That is why my Administration has been working on improved vetting procedures, and we will shortly take new steps to keep our Nation safe -- and to keep out those who would do us harm.

As promised, I directed the Department of Defense to develop a plan to demolish and destroy ISIS -- a network of lawless savages that have slaughtered Muslims and Christians, and men, women, and children of all faiths and beliefs. We will work with our allies, including our friends and allies in the Muslim world, to extinguish this vile enemy from our planet.

I have also imposed new sanctions on entities and individuals who support Iran's ballistic missile program, and reaffirmed our unbreakable alliance with the State of Israel.

Finally, I have kept my promise to appoint a Justice to the United States Supreme Court -- from my list of 20 judges -- who will defend our Constitution. I am honored to have Maureen Scalia with us in the gallery tonight. Her late, great husband, Antonin Scalia, will forever be a symbol of American justice. To fill his seat, we have chosen Judge Neil Gorsuch, a man of incredible skill, and deep devotion to the law. He was confirmed unanimously to the Court of Appeals, and I am asking the Senate to swiftly approve his nomination.

Tonight, as I outline the next steps we must take as a country, we must honestly acknowledge the circumstances we inherited.

Ninety-four million Americans are out of the labor force.

Over 43 million people are now living in poverty, and over 43 million Americans are on food stamps.

More than 1 in 5 people in their prime working years are not working.

We have the worst financial recovery in 65 years.

In the last 8 years, the past Administration has put on more new debt than nearly all other Presidents combined.

We've lost more than one-fourth of our manufacturing jobs since NAFTA was approved, and we've lost 60,000 factories since China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001.

Our trade deficit in goods with the world last year was nearly $800 billion dollars.

And overseas, we have inherited a series of tragic foreign policy disasters.

Solving these, and so many other pressing problems, will require us to work past the differences of party. It will require us to tap into the American spirit that has overcome every challenge throughout our long and storied history.

But to accomplish our goals at home and abroad, we must restart the engine of the American economy -- making it easier for companies to do business in the United States, and much harder for companies to leave.

Right now, American companies are taxed at one of the highest rates anywhere in the world.

My economic team is developing historic tax reform that will reduce the tax rate on our companies so they can compete and thrive anywhere and with anyone. At the same time, we will provide massive tax relief for the middle class.

We must create a level playing field for American companies and workers.

Currently, when we ship products out of America, many other countries make us pay very high tariffs and taxes -- but when foreign companies ship their products into America, we charge them almost nothing.

I just met with officials and workers from a great American company, Harley-Davidson. In fact, they proudly displayed five of their magnificent motorcycles, made in the USA, on the front lawn of the White House.

At our meeting, I asked them, how are you doing, how is business? They said that it's good. I asked them further how they are doing with other countries, mainly international sales. They told me -- without even complaining because they have been mistreated for so long that they have become used to it -- that it is very hard to do business with other countries because they tax our goods at such a high rate. They said that in one case another country taxed their motorcycles at 100 percent.

They weren't even asking for change. But I am.

I believe strongly in free trade but it also has to be FAIR TRADE.

The first Republican President, Abraham Lincoln, warned that the "abandonment of the protective policy by the American Government [will] produce want and ruin among our people."

Lincoln was right -- and it is time we heeded his words. I am not going to let America and its great companies and workers, be taken advantage of anymore.

I am going to bring back millions of jobs. Protecting our workers also means reforming our system of legal immigration. The current, outdated system depresses wages for our poorest workers, and puts great pressure on taxpayers.

Nations around the world, like Canada, Australia and many others --- have a merit-based immigration system. It is a basic principle that those seeking to enter a country ought to be able to support themselves financially. Yet, in America, we do not enforce this rule, straining the very public resources that our poorest citizens rely upon. According to the National Academy of Sciences, our current immigration system costs America's taxpayers many billions of dollars a year.

Switching away from this current system of lower-skilled immigration, and instead adopting a merit-based system, will have many benefits: it will save countless dollars, raise workers' wages, and help struggling families --- including immigrant families --- enter the middle class.

I believe that real and positive immigration reform is possible, as long as we focus on the following goals: to improve jobs and wages for Americans, to strengthen our nation's security, and to restore respect for our laws.

If we are guided by the well-being of American citizens then I believe Republicans and Democrats can work together to achieve an outcome that has eluded our country for decades.

Another Republican President, Dwight D. Eisenhower, initiated the last truly great national infrastructure program --- the building of the interstate highway system. The time has come for a new program of national rebuilding.

America has spent approximately six trillion dollars in the Middle East, all this while our infrastructure at home is crumbling. With this six trillion dollars we could have rebuilt our country --- twice. And maybe even three times if we had people who had the ability to negotiate.

To launch our national rebuilding, I will be asking the Congress to approve legislation that produces a $1 trillion investment in the infrastructure of the United States -- financed through both public and private capital --- creating millions of new jobs.

This effort will be guided by two core principles: Buy American, and Hire American.

Tonight, I am also calling on this Congress to repeal and replace Obamacare with reforms that expand choice, increase access, lower costs, and at the same time, provide better Healthcare.

Mandating every American to buy government-approved health insurance was never the right solution for America. The way to make health insurance available to everyone is to lower the cost of health insurance, and that is what we will do.

Obamacare premiums nationwide have increased by double and triple digits. As an example, Arizona went up 116 percent last year alone. Governor Matt Bevin of Kentucky just said Obamacare is failing in his State -- it is unsustainable and collapsing.

One third of counties have only one insurer on the exchanges --- leaving many Americans with no choice at all.

Remember when you were told that you could keep your doctor, and keep your plan?

We now know that all of those promises have been broken.

Obamacare is collapsing --- and we must act decisively to protect all Americans. Action is not a choice --- it is a necessity.

So I am calling on all Democrats and Republicans in the Congress to work with us to save Americans from this imploding Obamacare disaster.

Here are the principles that should guide the Congress as we move to create a better healthcare system for all Americans:

First, we should ensure that Americans with pre-existing conditions have access to coverage, and that we have a stable transition for Americans currently enrolled in the healthcare exchanges.

Secondly, we should help Americans purchase their own coverage, through the use of tax credits and expanded Health Savings Accounts --- but it must be the plan they want, not the plan forced on them by the Government.

Thirdly, we should give our great State Governors the resources and flexibility they need with Medicaid to make sure no one is left out.

Fourthly, we should implement legal reforms that protect patients and doctors from unnecessary costs that drive up the price of insurance -- and work to bring down the artificially high price of drugs and bring them down immediately.

Finally, the time has come to give Americans the freedom to purchase health insurance across State lines --- creating a truly competitive national marketplace that will bring cost way down and provide far better care.

Everything that is broken in our country can be fixed. Every problem can be solved. And every hurting family can find healing, and hope.

Our citizens deserve this, and so much more --- so why not join forces to finally get it done? On this and so many other things, Democrats and Republicans should get together and unite for the good of our country, and for the good of the American people.

My administration wants to work with members in both parties to make childcare accessible and affordable, to help ensure new parents have paid family leave, to invest in women's health, and to promote clean air and clear water, and to rebuild our military and our infrastructure.

True love for our people requires us to find common ground, to advance the common good, and to cooperate on behalf of every American child who deserves a brighter future.

An incredible young woman is with us this evening who should serve as an inspiration to us all.

Today is Rare Disease day, and joining us in the gallery is a Rare Disease Survivor, Megan Crowley. Megan was diagnosed with Pompe Disease, a rare and serious illness, when she was 15 months old. She was not expected to live past 5.

On receiving this news, Megan's dad, John, fought with everything he had to save the life of his precious child. He founded a company to look for a cure, and helped develop the drug that saved Megan's life. Today she is 20 years old -- and a sophomore at Notre Dame.

Megan's story is about the unbounded power of a father's love for a daughter.

But our slow and burdensome approval process at the Food and Drug Administration keeps too many advances, like the one that saved Megan's life, from reaching those in need.

If we slash the restraints, not just at the FDA but across our Government, then we will be blessed with far more miracles like Megan.

In fact, our children will grow up in a Nation of miracles.

But to achieve this future, we must enrich the mind --- and the souls --- of every American child.

Education is the civil rights issue of our time.

I am calling upon Members of both parties to pass an education bill that funds school choice for disadvantaged youth, including millions of African-American and Latino children. These families should be free to choose the public, private, charter, magnet, religious or home school that is right for them.

Joining us tonight in the gallery is a remarkable woman, Denisha Merriweather. As a young girl, Denisha struggled in school and failed third grade twice. But then she was able to enroll in a private center for learning, with the help of a tax credit scholarship program. Today, she is the first in her family to graduate, not just from high school, but from college. Later this year she will get her masters degree in social work.

We want all children to be able to break the cycle of poverty just like Denisha.

But to break the cycle of poverty, we must also break the cycle of violence.

The murder rate in 2015 experienced its largest single-year increase in nearly half a century.

In Chicago, more than 4,000 people were shot last year alone --- and the murder rate so far this year has been even higher.

This is not acceptable in our society.

Every American child should be able to grow up in a safe community, to attend a great school, and to have access to a high-paying job.

But to create this future, we must work with --- not against --- the men and women of law enforcement.

We must build bridges of cooperation and trust --- not drive the wedge of disunity and division.

Police and sheriffs are members of our community. They are friends and neighbors, they are mothers and fathers, sons and daughters -- and they leave behind loved ones every day who worry whether or not they'll come home safe and sound.

We must support the incredible men and women of law enforcement.

And we must support the victims of crime.

I have ordered the Department of Homeland Security to create an office to serve American Victims. The office is called VOICE --- Victims Of Immigration Crime Engagement. We are providing a voice to those who have been ignored by our media, and silenced by special interests.

Joining us in the audience tonight are four very brave Americans whose government failed them.

Their names are Jamiel Shaw, Susan Oliver, Jenna Oliver, and Jessica Davis.

Jamiel's 17-year-old son was viciously murdered by an illegal immigrant gang member, who had just been released from prison. Jamiel Shaw Jr. was an incredible young man, with unlimited potential who was getting ready to go to college where he would have excelled as a great quarterback. But he never got the chance. His father, who is in the audience tonight, has become a good friend of mine.

Also with us are Susan Oliver and Jessica Davis. Their husbands --- Deputy Sheriff Danny Oliver and Detective Michael Davis --- were slain in the line of duty in California. They were pillars of their community. These brave men were viciously gunned down by an illegal immigrant with a criminal record and two prior deportations.

Sitting with Susan is her daughter, Jenna. Jenna: I want you to know that your father was a hero, and that tonight you have the love of an entire country supporting you and praying for you.

To Jamiel, Jenna, Susan and Jessica: I want you to know --- we will never stop fighting for justice. Your loved ones will never be forgotten, we will always honor their memory.

Finally, to keep America Safe we must provide the men and women of the United States military with the tools they need to prevent war and --- if they must --- to fight and to win.

I am sending the Congress a budget that rebuilds the military, eliminates the Defense sequester, and calls for one of the largest increases in national defense spending in American history.

My budget will also increase funding for our veterans.

Our veterans have delivered for this Nation --- and now we must deliver for them.

The challenges we face as a Nation are great. But our people are even greater.

And none are greater or braver than those who fight for America in uniform.

We are blessed to be joined tonight by Carryn Owens, the widow of a U.S. Navy Special Operator, Senior Chief William "Ryan" Owens. Ryan died as he lived: a warrior, and a hero --- battling against terrorism and securing our Nation.

I just spoke to General Mattis, who reconfirmed that, and I quote, "Ryan was a part of a highly successful raid that generated large amounts of vital intelligence that will lead to many more victories in the future against our enemies." Ryan's legacy is etched into eternity. For as the Bible teaches us, there is no greater act of love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. Ryan laid down his life for his friends, for his country, and for our freedom --- we will never forget him.

To those allies who wonder what kind of friend America will be, look no further than the heroes who wear our uniform.

Our foreign policy calls for a direct, robust and meaningful engagement with the world. It is American leadership based on vital security interests that we share with our allies across the globe.

We strongly support NATO, an alliance forged through the bonds of two World Wars that dethroned fascism, and a Cold War that defeated communism.

But our partners must meet their financial obligations.

And now, based on our very strong and frank discussions, they are beginning to do just that.

We expect our partners, whether in NATO, in the Middle East, or the Pacific --- to take a direct and meaningful role in both strategic and military operations, and pay their fair share of the cost.

We will respect historic institutions, but we will also respect the sovereign rights of nations.

Free nations are the best vehicle for expressing the will of the people --- and America respects the right of all nations to chart their own path. My job is not to represent the world. My job is to represent the United States of America. But we know that America is better off, when there is less conflict -- not more.

We must learn from the mistakes of the past --- we have seen the war and destruction that have raged across our world.

The only long-term solution for these humanitarian disasters is to create the conditions where displaced persons can safely return home and begin the long process of rebuilding.

America is willing to find new friends, and to forge new partnerships, where shared interests align. We want harmony and stability, not war and conflict.

We want peace, wherever peace can be found. America is friends today with former enemies. Some of our closest allies, decades ago, fought on the opposite side of these World Wars. This history should give us all faith in the possibilities for a better world.

Hopefully, the 250th year for America will see a world that is more peaceful, more just and more free.

On our 100th anniversary, in 1876, citizens from across our Nation came to Philadelphia to celebrate America's centennial. At that celebration, the country's builders and artists and inventors showed off their creations.

Alexander Graham Bell displayed his telephone for the first time.

Remington unveiled the first typewriter. An early attempt was made at electric light.

Thomas Edison showed an automatic telegraph and an electric pen.

Imagine the wonders our country could know in America's 250th year.

Think of the marvels we can achieve if we simply set free the dreams of our people.

Cures to illnesses that have always plagued us are not too much to hope.

American footprints on distant worlds are not too big a dream.

Millions lifted from welfare to work is not too much to expect.

And streets where mothers are safe from fear -- schools where children learn in peace -- and jobs where Americans prosper and grow -- are not too much to ask.

When we have all of this, we will have made America greater than ever before. For all Americans.

This is our vision. This is our mission.

But we can only get there together.

We are one people, with one destiny.

We all bleed the same blood.

We all salute the same flag.

And we are all made by the same God.

And when we fulfill this vision; when we celebrate our 250 years of glorious freedom, we will look back on tonight as when this new chapter of American Greatness began.

The time for small thinking is over. The time for trivial fights is behind us.

We just need the courage to share the dreams that fill our hearts.

The bravery to express the hopes that stir our souls.

And the confidence to turn those hopes and dreams to action.

From now on, America will be empowered by our aspirations, not burdened by our fears ---

inspired by the future, not bound by the failures of the past ---

and guided by our vision, not blinded by our doubts.

I am asking all citizens to embrace this Renewal of the American Spirit. I am asking all members of Congress to join me in dreaming big, and bold and daring things for our country. And I am asking everyone watching tonight to seize this moment and --

Believe in yourselves.

Believe in your future.

And believe, once more, in America.

Thank you, God bless you, and God Bless these United States.