GOP rep advises China: Negotiating with Trump is in their 'best interest'

Key Concepts

• US-China Trade Relations: Discussions surrounding President Trump's upcoming trade talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, focusing on the potential for a deal.
• Immigration and Trucking Safety: Concerns raised about illegal immigrants driving commercial trucks, highlighted by a fatal crash in Florida.
• Legislative Solutions for Trucking: A proposed bill by Congressman Byron Donalds to address the issue of migrant truckers.
• Economic Sentiment and Political Rewards: An assessment of the current economic climate and its potential impact on the Republican party's political standing.
• Caribbean Focus in South Florida: The specific concerns and priorities of constituents in South Florida, particularly regarding the Caribbean region.
• Obamacare Subsidies: Issues related to the potential elimination of Obamacare subsidies and the role of Democrats in government shutdowns.
• US vs. China Shipbuilding Capacity: A stark comparison of shipbuilding output between the United States and China.

US-China Trade Talks

Congressman Carlos Gimenez expressed uncertainty about the immediate outcome of President Trump's upcoming week-long trip to Asia, specifically his trade discussions with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday. However, he believes that "something will come out of it" because it is in China's best interest to negotiate a deal with the United States. Gimenez described President Trump's negotiation style as presenting a proposal, then potentially backing down from it to secure an agreement, characterizing him as a "dealmaker."

Immigration and Trucking Safety Concerns

The conversation shifted to a deadly truck crash in Florida that resulted in three fatalities. The driver of the truck was identified as an "illegal alien from India" who had reportedly failed his commercial driving test ten times within two months.

Key Points:

• A fatal truck crash in Florida killed three people.
• The driver was an illegal immigrant from India.
• The driver had a history of failing commercial driving tests.

Congressman Gimenez indicated that he does not expect Democratic support for a bill proposed by his Republican colleague, Byron Donalds, aimed at cracking down on migrant truckers. He characterized this as a likely "straight party-line vote," with Republicans supporting the bill. Gimenez criticized California's practice of issuing commercial driver's licenses to illegal immigrants, stating that the consequences are being suffered. He also mentioned another incident in California involving an illegal immigrant in a crash that killed three people, emphasizing that "this practice needs to stop."

Economic Sentiment and Political Rewards

When asked about the positive economic news, such as the rising market, and whether the Republican party is reaping political rewards, Gimenez offered a nuanced perspective. He stated that his district in South Florida has a different focus, primarily on the Caribbean region and the influx of exiled Cubans, Venezuelans, and Nicaraguans.

Key Points:

• Constituents in South Florida are generally feeling good about the President's actions in the Caribbean.
• No widespread economic complaints are being heard from constituents.
• Concerns are being raised about the "looming elimination of the Obamacare subsidies."
• Gimenez attributes the inability to solve the Obamacare subsidy issue to Democrats holding the government "closed."

Gimenez reiterated that while the economy is "fine," his constituents' attention is directed towards the situation in Venezuela. He humorously noted the Dow Industrials' 400-point gain while he was speaking, attributing it to his presence.

US vs. China Shipbuilding Capacity

In a final comment, Gimenez highlighted a significant disparity in shipbuilding capabilities between the United States and China. He stated, "For every large ship that the United States builds, China builds 250." He concluded by emphasizing, "We have a long, long way to go."

Synthesis/Conclusion

The discussion covered President Trump's upcoming trade negotiations with China, with an expectation of a deal being reached due to mutual interests. A significant portion of the conversation focused on the critical issue of illegal immigration and its intersection with public safety, particularly concerning commercial trucking, with a call for stricter enforcement and legislative action. While acknowledging positive economic indicators, Congressman Gimenez emphasized that constituent concerns in his South Florida district are more focused on regional issues in the Caribbean and the potential impact of changes to Obamacare subsidies. The stark contrast in shipbuilding capacity between the US and China was presented as a critical area requiring significant attention and improvement.