Comer Speaks to Paducah Rotary Club

Congressman James Comer spoke at the Paducah Rotary Club on Wednesday.

From the podium, Comer spoke about hemp research and production in his district. He praised Murray State University for getting involved in the early stages of research, saying that many people across the country are speaking highly of MSU's research and participation in the fast-growing hemp industry. 

Comer also discussed foreign trade, specifically with China, saying people in both parties have been frustrated with trade relations between the US and China. 

He said that recently, "China has not been playing by the same set of rules as we are," but he hopes we can overcome the difficulties and have a fair trade deal with China. 

Comer added that if we start seeing civil unrest in China, it could be evidence of the trade war's impact on their economy.

After the meeting, Comer spoke to the media, where he encouraged farmers who have been impacted by trade relations, saying there may be a little more short-term pain, but he believes there will be long-term gain. He said keeping and creating rural jobs is another part of the equation for farming families. 

"It's not just about how many soybeans China buys, it's also about giving rural communities the opportunity to have jobs for those spouses that provide benefits like a 401-k and health insurance. That's something that gets lost in translation a lot, but farmers understand that," Comer said. 

Regarding the recent announcement that Briggs and Stratton would close their plant in Murray, Comer said his office has been working with local officials since rumors of the announcement started circulating. He said he's worked to get grants to improve infrastructure, and has worked with MSU to build their hemp program and create related jobs.

Comer said, "We're, 'all hands on deck,' working with Murray-Calloway County people to try to find good paying jobs to replace those jobs at Briggs and Stratton."

Regarding recent shootings and cries from the public for more gun control, Comer said he hasn't seen any specific proposals yet, but he would have to examine any bill that's filed. As a supporter of the 2nd Amendment, Comer said it's tough to legislate against evil when someone wants to harm others. Although he would like to see less access to guns for people who are mentally ill, he is not sure how that would work.

Comer said, "If you have more 'red flag' laws, who is going to determine that? I'm open to legislation, I'll have to see what it looks like, but some of the things that I've been hearing from the liberal members of Congress that have been on the liberal TV stations are not anything that I think I would be open to supporting."

Regarding recent comments by Governor Matt Bevin where he again questioned the motives of teachers who called in sick to protest at the state Capitol during the legislative session, Comer said he's not sure why Bevin continues to criticize teachers.

Comer said, "I recognize that there are some tough decisions to be made with respect to the pension, but you don't have to constantly criticize our teachers. If you didn't go to Kentucky public schools, and you don't have kids in public schools, it's hard to understand and fully appreciate what our public school teachers do."