During his State of the Union speech, President Donald Trump presented Congress with a clear seven point agenda. He repeatedly called on lawmakers to act on issues tied to health care, housing, immigration, ethics reform and crime.
Below is a breakdown of the key proposals he urged Congress to move forward.
1. Make “Trump Rx” Drug Pricing Policy Permanent
Trump asked lawmakers to formally approve his “Most Favored Nation” prescription drug pricing plan. The proposal would link U.S. drug prices to the lowest rates paid by other developed countries.
Earlier this month, the White House launched a website that allows Americans to search certain brand name medications and view reduced prices negotiated with major pharmaceutical companies. The administration said the agreements cover high cost drugs used to treat diabetes, asthma, HIV and heart disease.
Even though Trump admitted repealing the policy might be politically tough, he still urged Congress to write it into law.
2. Ban Bulk Home Purchases by Wall Street Firms
Trump also focused on housing affordability. After sharing the story of a Houston mother repeatedly outbid by large investment groups, he asked Congress to make permanent his executive order blocking major Wall Street backed firms from buying single family homes in bulk.
He argued that homes should go to families, not corporations.
3. Pass the Stop Insider Trading Act
Turning to ethics reform, Trump pushed lawmakers to pass the Stop Insider Trading Act. The bill would prevent members of Congress from trading individual stocks and would require advance public notice before any stock sales.
Supporters say the measure could help restore public trust in government.
4. Approve the “Dalilah Law”
Trump again called for passage of the “Dalilah Law,” named after a young girl seriously injured in a crash involving a truck driver in the country illegally. The proposal would block states from issuing commercial driver licenses to undocumented immigrants.
He said stronger standards are needed to prevent similar tragedies.
5. Restore Border and Homeland Security Funding
The president criticized Democrats over funding disputes involving the Department of Homeland Security. He demanded immediate restoration of border and homeland security funds, saying national safety depends on it.
6. End Sanctuary City Policies
Trump urged Congress to impose tougher penalties on local officials who refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. He argued that sanctuary policies allow dangerous individuals to remain in communities.
7. Tougher Sentences for Repeat Offenders
Finally, Trump called for stricter laws targeting repeat violent criminals. He cited cases where suspects with long arrest records were released and later committed deadly crimes. He said lawmakers must ensure dangerous offenders stay behind bars.
