Our local leaders and legislators released statements on the inauguration of President Joseph Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Senator Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich.

“It was such an honor to witness history today as President Biden and Vice President Harris were sworn into office. The peaceful transfer of power is at the core of American democracy. Despite the events of these past weeks, today’s ceremony affirmed that the fabric of our country is strong. I intend to do everything in my power to help the Biden Administration bring our country together, combat the pandemic, get Americans back to work, and strengthen our democracy for our children and grandchildren.”

Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph:

“Today marks a new chapter in American history as Joe Biden is sworn in as the United States’ 46^th President. Our nation’s leaders must renew their commitment to working together in a bipartisan fashion to address the challenges facing the American people. COVID-19 is ravaging our country, the vaccine rollout has been disappointing, mom and pop shops are closing, and folks are struggling to keep food on the table. As a vice-chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, I am rolling my sleeves up and extending a hand across the aisle to work with anyone from any party who is serious about solving problems. Let’s get to work.”

Rep. Jackie Walorski, R-2nd District

“Today marks a vital moment in our democratic process: the inauguration of a new president and the peaceful transfer of power from one administration to the next. As President Trump and Vice President Pence leave office, I’m grateful for their tireless efforts over the last four years to put the American people first and make our country stronger, safer, and more prosperous.

“Dean and I want to offer our congratulations to President Biden and Vice President Harris and wish their families well. Our country faces unprecedented challenges, and the president has an opportunity to unite the American people by following the path of bipartisan cooperation and rejecting a radical agenda.

“No matter which party is in power, I will always fight for Hoosier workers, families, veterans, small businesses, and farmers. I stand ready to work with President Biden and his administration toward common goals, and I will stand firmly against policies that would threaten our economic recovery, weaken our national security, or erode Americans’ constitutional rights.”

Notre Dame President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C.:

“I congratulate Joseph R. Biden Jr. on his elevation today to president of the United States, becoming only the second Catholic in American history to assume the presidency, and, like the nation’s first Catholic president, John F. Kennedy, a recipient of Notre Dame’s highest honor, the Laetare Medal.

“In awarding the Laetare Medal in 2016 to then-Vice President Biden and former House Speaker John Boehner, I said, ‘Vice President Biden reminded his fellow Democrats that those in the other party are “our opponents, not our enemies.”’ May his leadership help quell the venomous enmity so prevalent in our nation today.

“We can only be encouraged by the auspicious beginning to inauguration day for President Biden, when he attended Mass at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in the company of the House and Senate Republican and Democratic leaders.

“I ask all in the Notre Dame community and persons of goodwill everywhere to pray for the new president and for America’s future.”