Today, U.S. Congressmen Scott Peters (CA-52) released a statement following President Trump’s State of the Union Address:

“Tonight, President Trump tried to offer a message of bipartisanship and unity. That’s great to hear, but actions speak louder than words.

“In his speech, the president said that San Diego’s border wall has almost entirely stopped illegal immigration. It was not until 9/11 security procedures were implemented that the real decline began. Continued bickering about applying an archaic wall as the singular solution to the entire U.S.-Mexico border is foolish. We need tunnel detection technology, better screening of cargo at Ports of Entry, and a smarter approach to solving the pressures that drive families from their homes in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras to our border.

“Every week, I come to work ready to solve problems and advance our nation’s common interests. I’ve also said I’m willing to work with the president to create a more prosperous and secure future for all Americans. Unfortunately, he has not been willing to negotiate—even with his own party, at times—and his cabinet has been chaotic and dysfunctional at best.

“Recently, President Trump shut down the government because he didn’t like the outcome of our constitutional budgeting process. He continues to demand his wasteful, ineffective wall while dismissing real investments in border security and distracting from what’s actually important to the American people. He has demonized immigrants, disregarded our allies, and abandoned our international commitments. Worst of all, he has divided us. If the president genuinely wants to unify the country, we will be better for it, but that requires a dramatic change from what we’ve seen the last two years.”