State, federal officials react to Biden inauguration
Credit: The Garrett County Republican
WASHINGTON — Maryland state officials and federal representatives released reactions to the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday afternoon.
Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, was one of the governors attending the ceremony that marked the shift to a Democratic administration.
“Today, it was my honor to attend the inauguration of Joe Biden on behalf of the people of Maryland as he was sworn in as our 46th president,” Hogan said. “Through the orderly and peaceful transfer of power, we show the world that the Constitution, the rule of law, and the will of the people ultimately prevail in the United States of America.”
Hogan said bipartisan action is needed to overcome the unprecedented challenges of defeating COVID-19 and restoring economic prosperity.
“I pledge to President Biden the same spirit of partnership, honesty, and goodwill that I offered to President Trump and President Obama. When we agree, I will never hesitate to work with President Biden for the betterment of the people of Maryland. And when we disagree, I will do so with civility and respect for the office of the president of the United States,” the governor said.
Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh said the new president marks a new chapter in the history of democracy.
“I look forward to working with the Biden-Harris Administration as we move forward to restore the rule of law; repair the damage done to our land, air and water; restore access to health care for all Americans; and protect the freedoms we all deserve,” Frosh said. “Tough days are ahead of us as we recover from a worldwide pandemic, ensure all of our neighbors are housed, fed, and secure, and build our economy stronger, better, and more equitable.”
The attorney general also sent a parting shot to President Donald Trump on his last morning in office, calling his administration the “chapter of division and falsehoods.”
Western Maryland’s federal lawmakers — all Democrats — welcomed the next four years with Biden.
“Today, we usher in a new era of leadership and progress in America as Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are sworn in as our president and vice president,” U.S. Rep. David Trone said. “I couldn’t be more excited knowing that we have leaders who are compassionate, civil, and competent, and that we can be united as we do the important work of improving American lives and leading our country through the challenges ahead.”
Sen. Ben Cardin, incoming chairman of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee and a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations, Finance and Environment and Public Works committees, issued his statement following the inauguration ceremony.
“Today, America is renewed and refreshed. After the insurrection at the Capitol just two weeks ago and the ugly vitriol that has dominated the last four years, our nation is ready again to embrace opportunity, optimism and the truth. We will confidently re-enter the world stage that has been looking for American leadership.
“We have seen firsthand that democracy may be challenged but it is resilient. I stand ready to work with the new Biden-Harris administration to ensure the rule of law and our Constitution continue to overcome whatever tests arise. And we will look forward to how we can make our country more welcoming and compassionate.”
Sen. Chris Van Hollen issued a call for working together to solve the nation’s problems.
“Today is a new day for our country. Today we witness the historic swearing-in of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to serve as our next president and vice president of the United States. As we turn this new page, I’m filled with hope for a brighter future. While our nation faces some of the most difficult challenges in our history — from tackling the health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis, to rooting out systemic racism and inequality, to addressing the pressing threats of the climate crisis — I am committed to working with the new Administration and my colleagues in Congress to meet these challenges head-on. Together, we must work to heal our country, stride boldly into the future, and pursue a more perfect, just, and equal union,” Van Hollen said.
