Letter: Last week’s Portsmouth Times was full of good news

July 9, 2025

Contact: executivedirector@ri.gop

Statement from Chairman Joe Powers on Education Funding and Political Posturing

Warwick, RI — Chairman of the Rhode Island Republican Party, Joe Powers, released the following statement in response to the ongoing discussion surrounding federal education funds and the upcoming press conference hosted by Rep. Seth Magaziner, Mayor Brett Smiley, and Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green:

“It’s my understanding that the administration is reviewing how these funds are being used to support students and our schools. That’s a reasonable step. But let’s not pretend this is just about process. These funds were appropriated by Congress with a clear intent—to improve education. And given the state of public education in Rhode Island, we should all be demanding transparency and results.

I see that Congressman Magaziner, Mayor Smiley, and Commissioner Infante-Green are holding a press conference on this topic. No doubt it will include the usual political theater—complete with blame-shifting toward the Trump administration. They’ll say children are at risk. But let’s be honest: children are at risk—and they’ve been suffering for years under a broken education system that continues to fail them academically.

This is not a future threat. It’s a present-day crisis. Rhode Island students are falling behind in reading, writing, and math. That’s not rhetoric—it’s reality.

Instead of using this issue to score political points, our leaders should be laser-focused on making sure these funds are used for their intended purpose: to get our schools back to basics and our students back on track.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 3, 2025

Contact: executivedirector@ri.gop

RIGOP STATEMENT ON FINAL HOUSE PASSAGE OF PRESIDENT TRUMP’S ONE, BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL

WARWICK, RI – Today, Republican Party of Rhode Island Chairman Joe Powers released the following statement following the final House passage of President Trump and Congressional Republicans’ One, Big, Beautiful Bill:

“Today marks a major victory for the hardworking families of Rhode Island and across this nation,” said Chairman Joe Powers. “This bill delivers exactly what President Trump and Republicans promised, massive tax relief for the middle class, real border security to protect our communities, and deep cuts to reckless Washington spending. Democrats in both chambers had the chance to stand with working Americans, and instead, they stood in lockstep with their radical base. Make no mistake—Rhode Islanders won’t forget who fought for them, and who sold them out.”

Chairman Powers added, “The America First Agenda is alive and well, and this bill is just the beginning.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 21, 2025

Contact: executivedirector@ri.gop

Republican Party of Rhode Island Chairman’s Statement on U.S. Defensive Strikes Against Iran

Warwick, RI — The Republican Party of Rhode Island stands in full support of the recent targeted U.S. military strikes against Iran—measured, strategic, and necessary to deter further aggression from a regime that has long sought chaos over peace.

We commend President Donald J. Trump for his strength and clarity of purpose. Like President Reagan in the 1980s, who stood firm with the Soviet Union while extending a hand for peace, President Trump is reminding the world that America does not seek war—but will not run from confrontation when freedom and global stability are threatened.

President Trump has consistently and unequivocally called on Iran to cease its uranium enrichment and abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons. His position has remained firm, a nuclear-armed Iran poses a grave threat not only to the region but to global stability. The recent action serves as a reminder that while the United States remains open to diplomacy, it will not ignore continued violations or hostile intent. The path to peace is still open if Iran chooses it.

This was not an act of emotion—it was an act of resolve. A message, loud and clear, that the United States is not interested in forever wars, but it will not sit back and allow a hostile regime to endanger innocent lives or destabilize the world.

“President Trump’s leadership in this moment reflects the kind of steady hand our nation and the world needs,” said RI GOP Chairman Joe Powers. “He has demonstrated restraint, precision, and a deep understanding of what it means to act from strength, not impulse. His resolve in avoiding another forever war while protecting American lives is exactly what responsible leadership looks like.”

The RI Republican Party supports President Trump’s commitment to peace through strength. We pray for the safety of all military involved, the wisdom of our leaders, and a return to diplomacy grounded in reality, not appeasement.