U.S. Congressman and Orange County’s representative David Price shared his comments on the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday following the ceremony.
Biden and Harris were sworn in on the steps of the U.S. Capitol Building shortly before noon in front of a limited crowd of federal representatives, judges and family members. The historical ceremony for the 46th president came amid a global pandemic, but saw the swearing-in of the country’s first woman Vice President, who is also the United States’ first Black person and the first person of South Asian descent elected to the position.
Afterward, Price said Wednesday represents the opportunity for Americans to “breathe a sigh of relief” and that he believes Biden and Harris can properly lead during a time of crisis.
“Make no mistake,” the Democratic congressman wrote, “President Biden inherits not just one, but several crises of historic proportions as he enters office: the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic fallout, devastating climate change that threatens our future, persistent racial inequality, and rising anti-government extremism and white supremacist movements. Restoring America’s leadership and reputation both at home and abroad will require a whole of government approach. President Biden’s experiences – both personal and professional – have prepared him for this moment and we could not be in more capable hands.
During his inaugural speech as the new president, Biden focused on the themes of unity and shared values to prepare the country for its continued fight against COVID-19, approach to addressing racial injustice and challenge moving past hostile rhetoric between differing political ideologies. Calling it an “uncivil war” between the county’s political parties, addressing the nation’s divided state following an attempted insurrection was central to the president’s 21-minute address.
Price said he believed President Biden’s message represents a clear break from the leadership style of President Donald Trump, one moves “from chaos toward steady, principled leadership.”
“He has laid out an aggressive agenda to combat the virus, improve vaccination distribution, help struggling families, and pursue policies that create opportunity and shared prosperity for all our citizens, not just the privileged or well-connected,” Price said of the new president. “The Biden-Harris administration will chart a positive course for America as we Build Back Better, and I stand ready to help pass this agenda in Congress.”
Price was elected to his 17th term as the congressman for North Carolina’s District 4 in November.
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