The State of the Union delivered a clear and unmistakable message: America First. When we put our country first, we are at our strongest. President Donald Trump outlined key priorities of the America First agenda — priorities I have been working to advance for years.

One of the most important issues raised was the crushing cost of health care. As the president said, he is confronting “one of the biggest ripoffs of our times.” I couldn’t agree more. That is why I spent more than two years fighting the healthcare cartel to pass the Hospital Price Transparency Act in Ohio. This law requires hospitals to put patients above profits by posting real prices — not vague estimates, not ranges, but actual dollar-and-cent amounts.

Trump doubled down on that sentiment saying, “my plan requires maximum price transparency.” Ohio now leads the country in transparency, with the only law requiring hospitals to publicly post all prices clearly and completely. When patients know the true cost of care, they are empowered to make informed decisions and competition can finally work the way it should.

Election integrity was another critical focus. The president made it clear, “to stop illegal aliens and others who are unpermitted persons from voting in our sacred American elections” that Congress must pass the SAVE America Act. In Ohio, I have taken action by writing House Bill 577 to require photo ID for mail-in ballots. Protecting the principle of one person, one vote is foundational to our republic. We must take every reasonable measure to safeguard the integrity of our elections so that every legal vote carries the full weight it deserves. As the President said, “It’s very simple. All voters must show voter ID.”

One of the most patriotic moments of the night was celebrating the achievements of our men’s and women’s hockey teams. Seeing the men raise gold medals raised for the first time since the Miracle on Ice reminded us of the power of American determination. Both teams defeated Canada in dramatic fashion, and the USA is now first in hockey too.

Jack Hughes, who scored the gold-medal-winning goal, said it best, “We’re all just proud Americans.” That kind of unity, mutual respect, and national pride is exactly what we want the next generation to see.

America is strong. America is confident. And when we stand together under the banner of America First, our best days are still ahead.

God Bless America.

(Ferguson, a Republican from Wintersviile, represents Ohio’s 96th House District)