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26 years later, a president hears rural America  On January 13, 1992, President George H. W. Bush spoke at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual convention in Kansas City, Missouri. Fresh off a 12-day trip to Asia, he talked about trade, security, and prosperity for rural America in the new global economy. For more than a quarter-century, no American president returned to speak at the convention, which is a staple of the U.S. agriculture industry. Yesterday, President Donald J. Trump broke that trend. Here is what he told the convention: “We have been working every day to deliver for America’s farmers just as they work every day to deliver for us.” Tax reform means that “American farmers will be able to deduct 100% of the cost of new equipment in the year you make the investment.” “We are reviewing all of our trade agreements to make sure they are fair and reciprocal.” The President signed two orders moments after he spoke, both of which act on the recommendation of his Agriculture and Rural Prosperity Task Force to expand access to broadband internet in rural America. Read: “Our farmers deserve a government that serves their interest.” The power of conservative voices  “I think from the conservative perspective, we accomplished more thanks to President Trump’s leadership than has been accomplished in more than a generation,” Vice President Mike Pence told Dana Loesch in an interview yesterday. The Vice President covered a lot of ground with the conservative radio and television host. The two discussed the economy, infrastructure, North Korea, and what to expect from Republicans in 2018. Loesch also asked Vice President Pence about the state of political commentary during the Trump Administration. “The reality is that great, strong . . . [conservative voices] have, while outnumbered, served to create a tremendous counterweight,” the Vice President said. Read the full conversation here. Tax reform: Where are we going?  Council of Economic Advisers Chairman Kevin Hassett shares a simple message on tax reform: Wage growth in America has been much too slow for too long, but business tax reform offers a glimmer of hope. Here is Dr. Hassett’s breakdown: “Wage growth has been stagnant for much of the past two decades.” “With the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act now enacted, America’s corporate tax position stands to encourage rather than discourage investment and therefore wage growth.” What’s next? “The corporate income tax base stands to increase, allowing America’s tax rate to fall while revenues remain unchanged.” Read: On tax reform, where have we been and where are we going? PHOTO OF THE DAY President Donald J. Trump participates in on field ceremonies at the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship between the University of Alabama Crimson Tide and the University of Georgia Bulldogs | January 8, 2018 (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead) POTUS TODAY This morning, President Trump will host a meeting with bipartisan members of the Senate about immigration. In the afternoon, the President will sign an Executive Order on “Supporting our Veterans during their Transition from Uniformed Service to Civilian Life.” Later, the President will meet with Secretary of Defense James Mattis. Vice President Mike Pence will travel to the U.S. Capitol to participate in the Senate Republican Policy Lunch. Rebuilding rural America  Today, President Donald J. Trump travels to Nashville, Tennessee, to deliver a major address at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting. It will mark the first time since 1992 an American president has spoken at the event. That symbolism is important. From his earliest days on the campaign trail, President Trump has highlighted the difference in prosperity between rural America and the country’s wealthiest coastal enclaves. One sentence explains why this message resonated across America’s interior. It comes from the opening lines of a report from President Trump’s Agriculture and Rural Prosperity Task Force, which the President will share during his speech today: “While other sectors of the American economy have largely recovered from the Great Recession, rural America has lagged in almost every indicator.” Watch the President’s speech live at 4:10 p.m. ET. Bonus read: President Trump stands with local communities against government overreach on land management. Council of Economic Advisers: 2017 was a ‘banner year’  This week, the President’s Council of Economic Advisers weighed in on why “2017 was a banner year for the United States labor market.” In the Council’s own words: “The economy added 2.1 million jobs and reversed job losses in critical sectors, most notably in manufacturing.” “Unemployment rates for America’s veterans, African-Americans, and Hispanics . . . reached historic lows in 2017.” “The first wave of tax reform job and wage gains should produce continued tightness in the labor market and thus bigger take-home checks for workers.” Read the CEA’s blog post about what happened to the American economy in 2017. Behind the scenes at Camp David President Trump spent the weekend at Camp David, hosting bicameral Congressional Leadership for a small-group discussion of 2018 legislative priorities that will build on the success of tax reform. The President specifically mentioned national security, infrastructure, the federal budget, and opioids as major topics of conversation. “We have a lot of things to work on, a lot of things to accomplish,” the President said before boarding Marine One on Friday. Behind the scenes: See photos and remarks from the President’s weekend with Congressional leaders at Camp David. PHOTO OF THE DAY President Donald J. Trump listens to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, during a dinner with legislative leadership at Camp David | January 5, 2018 (Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian) POTUS TODAY After President Trump delivers remarks at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, he will attend the NCAA National Championship football game in Atlanta. COMING UP On Wednesday morning, President Trump will hold a meeting with his Cabinet. Later, the President will welcome Prime Minister Erna Solberg of Norway to the White House. The two will discuss the bilateral ties between the United States and Norway, and how to jointly advance regional and global security, and economic prosperity.