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While the State of the Union is certainly one of the greatest American ceremonies, it is much more than a production that takes place each year. Indeed, the gathering adds record to our history, affirming our founding principles and demonstrating our striving still toward a more perfect union.

With the partial government shutdown recently ended, I wanted to provide a recap of the turn of events. The past several weeks were certainly frustrating and inconvenient for all Americans, but the shutdown was especially painful for those who went without pay for more than a month. Like others, I am grateful to the hundreds of thousands of federal workers for their commitment and dedication despite the hardship. But I am also disappointed that Democrats prolonged that hardship by playing political games rather than coming to the table to negotiate with Republicans and President Trump.

Each year, we rightly pause to remember the life of a legendary figure in American history and courageous change agent for freedom and equality. Though Martin Luther King Jr. emerged in the midst of societal tension and conflict, his message and approach was one that sought to erase division, racism and hatred.

Without question, King set an incredible example of leadership, and he clearly recognized the tremendous weight of his calling. While he always spoke with unapologetic conviction, King also demonstrated that tactics matter for bringing real and lasting change.