Vice President Mike Pence promoted the federal tax law to both Iowans and Nebraskans Tuesday. The America First Policies "Tax Cuts to Put America First" Rally was held at Council Bluffs’ Mid-America Center. The Vice President delivered a campaign-style speech focusing on the new tax overhaul law.
"I'm here today because we want to talk about the progress that we've made together," Pence said. "President Trump promised over the course of the campaign that we'd cut taxes across the board for working families and job creators large and small. Jobless claims have not been this low in nearly 50 years. Unemployment hasn't been this low for 17 years and Iowa & Nebraska are tied for fourth lowest unemployment in America."
Nebraska and Iowa are both at 2.9 percent unemployment. The Vice President's visit also brought a handful of protesters who held signs meant for the Trump administration.
Pence also spoke at a campaign dinner for Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts at the Omaha Marriott Downtown. Ricketts, a fellow Republican, is seeking a second term in the November general election.
Pence is expected to return to Nebraska at an undetermined date to campaign for incumbent U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, who represents the Omaha-centric 2nd Congressional District.
Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse, who has been critical of the president's recent comments on tariffs hopes Pence sees how vital trade is to the area.
In a statement, Sasse said, “Trade is a win-win. It's critical to our state's economy and helps every Nebraskan -- from the farmers and ranchers who wake up early to the moms and dads who swing by the grocery store after work. There are no better advocates for trade than Nebraskans, that’s why we welcome the Vice President to our state and hope that he sees firsthand the importance of trade to Nebraska.”