Collins, first pro-Trump representative, seconds nomination of fellow New Yorker

Rep. Chris Collins, the first member of Congress to endorse Donald Trump for president of the United States, seconded his nomination to the highest office in the land at the Republican National Convention.

During his nominating speech on Tuesday, Collins focused on Trump’s proposed trade policies, saying they would help bring jobs back to America, a particularly important message for his native Western New York.

The New York delegation, with delegate Donald Trump, Jr. announcing the votes for his father, was also the delegation to put forth the votes putting Trump over the top, giving him the necessary votes to officially secure the nomination.

Below is a transcript of the congressman’s nominating speech:

"Thank you to my fellow New Yorkers. Speaker (Paul) Ryan, thank you for your introduction. Thank you for your leadership and willingness to put forth policies that will truly make America great again.

"As the first member of Congress to endorse Donald Trump, I also want to thank Sen. (Jeff) Sessions, who has stood with me from the beginning in support of Donald Trump.

"I proudly represent Western New York, which has been devastated by unfair trade deals, allowing countries like China and Mexico to steal our jobs, robbing our children of the opportunity to live the American dream.

"The stakes in this election cannot be overstated. We will either make America great again, or we will travel down a path to a third (President Barack) Obama term. Under Barack Obama we have been losing. The federal government tramples on our rights. Our allies can no longer depend on us. Our enemies defy us. Our country has no borders and China and Mexico will continue to steal our jobs.

"Enough is enough. It’s time to take back our country, the great United States of America.

"President Trump is going to build a wall and secure our borders. President Trump is going to defeat terrorism and make our country safe again. President Trump is going to bring back our stolen jobs.

"We in Western New York know Donald Trump is not merely a candidate. Donald Trump is a movement.

"That is why, Mr. Speaker, I have the honor of seconding the nomination of Donald J. Trump as the next president of the United States of America."