Cattle Ranchers, Small Business Owners, Farmers: The Real State of Our Union Speaks for Itself
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Republican Study Committee (RSC) brought the voices of everyday Americans directly to Capitol Hill today, hosting a roundtable with more than a dozen constituents from across the country who testified to the real-world impact of conservative governance under Congressional Republicans and the Trump administration.
Led by RSC Messaging Task Force Chair Mark Alford (MO-04), the event featured cattle ranchers, small business owners, and farmers who spoke firsthand about how tax relief, energy dominance, and aggressive deregulation are already reshaping their bottom lines and restoring opportunity in their communities.
The roundtable served as a direct rebuke to Democrats, drawing a stark contrast between Republican policies delivering results and a Left that has turned its back on working Americans.
With President Trump set to address a joint session of Congress tonight, the RSC seized the moment to put constituent voices front and center, making clear that the America First agenda is not just a political platform but a lived reality for hardworking families, farmers, and entrepreneurs from coast to coast.
Members in attendance included: RSC Messaging Task Force Chair Mark Alford (MO-04), Reps. Dave Taylor (OH-02), Monica De La Cruz (TX-15), Pete Stauber (MN-08), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Julie Fedorchak (ND-AL), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Barry Moore (AL-01), Tim Moore (NC-14), and Adrian Smith (NE-03).
“As the Chairman of the RSC's Messaging Task Force, it was an honor to host this special State of the Union roundtable. We showed the real, tangible ways our America First agenda is lifting up families, securing our communities, and strengthening our economy. From parents to small business owners to law enforcement officers to farmers, the everyday Americans who joined us shared exactly how the Working Families Tax Cuts, lower energy prices, secure borders, and safer communities are improving their lives thanks to the leadership of President Trump and House Republicans,” said RSC Messaging Task Force Chair Mark Alford (MO-04).
“Kris represents the spirit of North Dakota—hardworking, entrepreneurial, and deeply rooted in her community. I’m proud to have her join me in highlighting the everyday Americans who are benefitting from our pro-growth, pro-worker policies that reward hard work and strengthen small businesses,” said Rep. Julie Fedorchak (ND-AL).
“As a proud North Dakota small business owner, I am deeply honored and thankful to Representative Fedorchak for extending an invitation to be her guest at the State of the Union Address. It is a once in a lifetime privilege to sit in the House chamber and represent the hardworking spa and salon professionals, as well as all tipped workers and individuals working over-time across our state. Thank you Congresswoman Fedorchak, for thinking of local business owners like me and for your steadfast support of policies that help North Dakota families. The no tax on tips is a game changer for my team at Gratitude Spa and Salon,” said Kristin Chorne, Owner, Gratitude Spa and Salon.
“Republicans passed the Working Families Tax Cuts to strengthen our local economies and deliver meaningful relief to hardworking Americans—like my State of the Union guest, David Briggs, CEO of Sustainable Beef. Sustainable Beef, a rancher-owned processing plant in North Platte, is a powerful example of how the Working Families Tax Cuts are making a difference. With a permanent 20 percent tax deduction and immediate expensing for new equipment, businesses like Sustainable Beef have the certainty they need to invest, grow, hire more workers, and remain competitive. These pro-worker, pro-growth policies ensure that hardworking Americans—and the businesses they depend on—can succeed without Washington standing in the way,” said Rep. Adrian Smith (NE-03).
“As President Trump’s laid out in his State of the Union address, America is stronger, safer, and more respected around the world. From securing our borders and rebuilding our military to standing unapologetically with law enforcement, his administration has put the American people first. Under the President’s leadership Republicans have fought for our workers, defended the rule of law, and backed the men and women who keep our communities safe. We’re proud to support a president who leads with strength and puts America First,” said Rep. Barry Moore (AL-01) and Coffee County Sheriff Scott Byrd.
“Ben and his family are deeply rooted in southeastern Arizona. Their responsible approach to ranching is a testament to how one of our state’s oldest and time-honored professions can not only survive but thrive in our high technology 21st century economy. I’m honored Ben will be joining me in Washington as my guest at the State of the Union,” Rep. Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06).
“I’m proud to attend the State of the Union as a representative of agriculture for our district and our state, and I’m beyond proud to stand with Juan Ciscomani as he fights for an industry the world can’t live without.
“The spaces between our cities and towns in Arizona’s 6th Congressional District are predominantly filled with agricultural land. Desert agriculture is some of the most efficient and productive in the nation, but this does not mean farming and ranching in our state isn’t faced with a broad array of issues. It is refreshing to know Congressman Ciscomani has worked on behalf of those who produce our food and fiber.
“He contributed lines to the One Big Beautiful Bill for cattle ranchers who have suffered cattle losses as the result of the presence of federally-protected Mexican Gray Wolf. Time and again, he has highlighted the importance keeping Arizona agriculturalists in business. Currently, he is working to resolve decades-old water issues among irrigators within our district. Needless to say, the future of Arizona agriculture would be much brighter if it were left solely up to Juan Ciscomani,” said Ben Menges, 5th-generation rancher from Graham County, Arizona.
“Thanks to President Trump’s leadership and support for local law enforcement, our nation is safer and more secure than ever. Our murder rate is at a 125-year low, robberies are down 20%, and there have been exactly ZERO releases at our southern border now that the ridiculous ‘catch and release’ era has ended,” said Rep. Dave Taylor (OH-02). “I’m proud to bring Sheriff Chris Stratton of Clermont County, Ohio as my guest to the State of the Union, who has kept our community safe for over three decades. I will always support our law enforcement, and now that President Trump has given our officers the tools they need to do their jobs, southern Ohio is a safer and more prosperous place to live than ever.”
“This morning’s roundtable hosted by the Republican Study Committee gave us the chance to see how President Trump and House Republicans are delivering real results for folks across the United States,” said Rep. Tim Moore (NC-14). “I’m excited for tonight’s State of the Union to outline the progress we’ve made since President Trump took office — from getting inflation down to restoring law and order — and, more importantly, where we’re headed next as we work to restore the American Dream for hardworking families. America is back, and we’re just getting started.”
“As a business owner in North Carolina, I’ve seen a real shift in the economy and in my ability to grow my company. A few years ago, I was watching more of my hard-earned money go out the door in taxes while Washington was spending it on woke programs overseas and housing illegal immigrants in New York City hotels,” said Billy Walkowiak, founder of Collision Safety Consultants in Gaston County, North Carolina. “Since President Trump returned to office and the Working Families Tax Cuts kicked in, things feel different. I can actually look ahead and make plans again. I can invest in better equipment, think about hiring, and focus on serving my customers instead of worrying about what’s coming out of Washington next. When small businesses have certainty and lower costs, we can grow. When we grow, that means more jobs, better pay, and stronger local economies.”
“I am honored that my guest for the State of the Union is Sheriff Robert Milby of Wayne County. Sheriff Milby represents the very best of Upstate New York: integrity, professionalism, and three decades of dedicated service protecting our families. As a graduate of the FBI National Academy and a leader in combating the opioid crisis and protecting vulnerable children, he embodies what real public safety leadership looks like. At a time when law enforcement faces unprecedented challenges, it is important to highlight leaders who serve courageously every single day. His presence at the State of the Union represents my solidarity with law enforcement and the men and women who keep our communities safe,” said Rep. Claudia Tenney (NY-24).
“Justice is strongest when every level of government stands shoulder to shoulder —protecting our citizens together and ensuring that accountability and responsibility are never optional,” said Wayne County Sheriff Milby.