Trump To Lay Out Optimistic Vision Of Future Before Congress
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MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) -- President Donald Trump is just hours away from his first address to a joint session of Congress.
Republican lawmakers are eager to hear some concrete plans on health care and taxes, while Democrats aren't expecting to like much about what the new president has to say.
President Trump was keeping a busy schedule ahead of his prime-time address before a joint session of Congress - signing bills, promoting women entrepreneurship and careers in space exploration.
The president also signed two executive orders one of which mandates a review of an Obama administration rule written to protect small bodies of water from pollution. The other order moves the initiative for historically black colleges and universities to the White House from the Education Department.
In an interview with Fox News channel's 'Fox & Friends,' President Trump acknowledged there is room for improving his message.
"I think I get an A in terms of what I have actually done, but in terms of messaging, I'd give myself a C or C plus," said Trump.
His speech Tuesday night is expected to be optimistic, according to senior White House officials. President Trump will focus on the economy and national security.
GOP lawmakers are eager to hear policy specifics - especially some concrete direction for repealing and replacing 'Obamacare.'
"We have obligation to step in front of collapse and provide something better," said House Speaker Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI).
To date, Democrats see the 45th president's actions as divisive but say a little outreach could go a long way.
"We could work together to fix what is not working in the Affordable Care Act. We could work together to rebuild our roads and bridges, but we're waiting," said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT).
President Trump's budget priorities are already facing some Congressional resistance. He is pitching a 10 percent increase in military spending and $54-billion in cuts to most government agencies and foreign aid.
The First Lady and President Trump have invited guests to Tuesday night's speech that reflect his top issues - including the widows of two California police officers killed by undocumented immigrants and the widow of the late Justice Antonin Scalia.
Democrats are bringing guests that highlight their opposition to the President's agenda - including Muslim immigrants.
(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
