Zeldin Speaks On President Trump's State Of Union Address

EAST END, NY — After President Donald Trump's second State of the Union address Tuesday night, Rep. Lee Zeldin offered his thoughts.

Facing a divided Congress just days before another potential government shutdown, Trump called on Washington to reject "the politics of revenge, resistance and retribution" and stressed the need for bipartisanship and the importance of working together as one.

He also rejected "ridiculous partisan investigations."

Read more: Trump Calls For End Of Resistance Politics In State Of Union

After the address, Zeldin said Trump highlighted "the country’s important accomplishments and the opportunities we have as leaders of our exceptional nation, but also the many challenges that still lie ahead. In Congress, I have always been willing to work with absolutely anyone to move our country forward. Ideological differences will always exist and in need of sometimes confronting head on, but the pursuit of common ground must be the highest priority."

Zeldin said the nation faces "unique and daunting challenges — a real, ongoing homeland security threat along our nation's borders, the rise of gang violence, and the heroin and opioid abuse epidemic that has indiscriminately plagued our communities. From bolstering our nation’s infrastructure to strengthening our country’s homeland security, we must break through political stalemate to deliver on behalf of the American people, starting by compromising in good faith with important negotiations to fund the government before February 15," he said.

Zeldin also said it was an honor to bring Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart to the address.

"Throughout her 21-year tenure at the FBI, Commissioner Hart has more than earned her corruption-busting, crime-stopping reputation and she has certainly continued to uphold that reputation as Suffolk County Police Commissioner. Her commitment to combating the heroin and opioid abuse epidemic and gang violence on Long Island, are representative of the entirety of our local law enforcement’s commitment to keeping our communities safe."

The congressman then said he looks forward to working with Trump and his colleagues on the "many important priorities facing the greatest nation in the world."

Patch file photo.