Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) attended yesterday’s inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. She issued the following statement:

“Today, our democracy showed its resilience. I was privileged to witness the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Filled with hope for our future, I watched Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic and Latina member to sit on the bench, swear in Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black woman and woman of south Asian descent to serve as vice president. Every American should be proud of our country today.

“From the early days of President Biden’s campaign, I have believed in and supported his vision for this country – one of unity and healing, one where truth and science matter, one where hope overshadows fear. Today, as he addressed the nation from the Capitol steps, we saw that vision taking shape.

“Shortly thereafter, President Biden signed a number of executive orders in accordance with that vision – policies that will help contain the COVID-19 virus, support working Americans who are struggling because of the drastic impact COVID-19 has had on the economy, address climate change alongside our allies in a serious way and restore humanity to our immigration system. I look forward to working with the Biden-Harris Administration and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to rebuild our economy, restore civility and decency to the national dialogue and more.

“And while we have cause to celebrate, we must remember that this was not a peaceful transition. Only two weeks ago, domestic terrorists attacked our Capitol building to prevent this very transition from happening. Our democracy is precious, and it is fragile. We all have a responsibility to uphold the tenets that bind our democratic republic together, to honor the Constitution that so many have laid down their lives for.

“I’d like to end with some of the strikingly profound words of youth poet laureate Amanda Gorman. She said,

“‘Somehow we’ve weathered and witnessed a nation that isn’t broken, but simply unfinished.’

“She continued,

“‘For there is always light if only we’re brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it.’

“It falls on each and every one of us to take up the mantle of soldiering on, to be that light and continue building a fairer, more equal, and more just country, one in which the true American dream is accessible to every single American.

“So today, we move forward with resolve, hope and purpose for our community, our Commonwealth and our country.”