President Trump makes first address to joint session of Congress

WASHINGTON — For the first time, President Donald Trump faced Congress during a joint session. The president addressed both sides of the aisle and called on lawmakers to unite.

Channel 2’s Craig Lucie was in Washington for the speech Tuesday night.

Lucie was one of a handful of television anchors who were invited to a private dinner with President Trump Monday evening to discuss many of the issues he addressed during his speech to Congress.

Trump asked that much of what was said Monday night remain off the record because, Lucie revealed, he gave the group the speech that was heard Tuesday evening.

Lucie said he heard direct quotes from the speech during the dinner on Monday night.

During his first address to Congress, Trump explained how he hopes to rebuild infrastructure, discussed his immigration plan and called on Democrats and Republicans to work together.

He talked about repealing the Affordable Care Act and helping our veterans. He didn’t mention much foreign policy, aside from combating ISIS.

“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,” Trump said during his speech.

Trump outlined his plan for his next four years in office. He told the world millions voted him into the White House because “America must put its own citizens first.”

“We've spent trillions of dollars overseas, while our infrastructure at home has so badly crumbled,” Trump said.

RELATED STORIES:

• Man accused of killing 2 people, including mother
• Community remembers beloved music teacher killed in carjacking
• Slain music teacher's 'shoes will never be filled,' principal says

On health care, the president asked Congress for help.

“I am calling on all Democrats and Republicans in Congress to work with us to save Americans from this imploding Obamacare disaster,” Trump said.

Lucie asked Georgia Rep. Hank Johnson if he would help. He said he is not opposed to the idea of repairing Obamacare, but he wants specifics.

“I'm looking forward to seeing paper with (a) plan on it, (not a) lot of talk and hot air,” Johnson told Lucie.

President Trump touched on crime in communities and taxes.

“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,” Trump said.

Lucie sat down on Tuesday with businessman and Georgia Sen. David Perdue, who said he likes the president's plan.

“He's doing everything he said he would do. Job No. 1: Grow economy. So, focused taxes, regulations issued, regulations reversed. Regain the last eight years,” Perdue told Lucie.

On increasing military spending, the president said, “Our military will be given the resources its brave warriors so richly deserve.”

A group of Georgia veterans who were in the nation’s capital on Tuesday were optimistic the president will follow through on his promises.

“I really believe in the new administration that they will do the right thing and back the VA to have very strongly,” said Carmen Streit-Smith.

Cox Media Group