Turkey and Trump: Congressman visits Cove to make delivery and chat

COPPERAS COVE — U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, R-Austin, was at the new Copperas Cove District No. 2 Fire Station to deliver turkeys to first responders, and he also talked about the transition of President-elect Donald Trump.

Williams, whose district includes Coryell County and parts of Fort Hood and Killeen, said people in Washington, D.C., are excited about Trump.

"Look, this is a historical election like we've never seen before," he said in an interview with Herald. "People were angry, and they wanted a chance, and they heard a guy who was saying the things that they've been saying to their family members. You merely have to look at the stock market. I think we're on a great course to inspire Main Street, inspire risk and reward."

About two months ago, Williams got the chance to talk to Trump about his Jumpstart America tax reform program. It's based on cutting personal tax brackets 20 to 30 percent, lowering the corporate tax rate in an effort to spur job creation and eliminate the inheritance tax, which Williams called the "most unfair tax there is," among other things. Williams said that Trump liked the idea so much, he adopted the name.

While the president-elect is in the midst of selecting his cabinet, Williams is impressed with who he's chosen so far.

"He said he's going to drain the swamp and he's appointed business people from the private sector who are going to get things done," said Williams, who owns a car dealership. "That's one of the reasons I got involved in Congress in the first place, I'm one of the few who still own a business."

Williams said he wants to beef up the military, and he was visibly excited when asked about the nomination of retired Marine Gen. James "Mad Dog" Mattis for secretary of defense.

"Mad Dog ... I think he's brought a lot of energy and it's already showing the enemy that you might want to step back and stop mouthing off about America, so he's a good choice," he said.

Williams said he was also impressed with Trump's picks of retired Gen. John Kelly to lead the Department of Homeland Security and Ryan Zinke as secretary of interior.

"Zinke is one of my buddies ... and he's a Navy SEAL, so I think his appointing process has gone well." Williams said. "I know most of them and I think it's great."