The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
What they are saying: Ohio’s senators, representatives congratulate Biden, Harris
As Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States, U.S. representatives and senators released statements congratulating him and Vice President Kamala Harris on their inauguration.
“Today, I join Ohioans and the rest of the nation in celebrating the historic inauguration of President Joe
Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris,” Democratic Senator Sherrod
Brown said. “American workers will fi- nally have someone on their side in the
White House, and millions of girls — especially Black and brown girls — all over the country are seeing that there is no limit to their dreams, and they belong in every room where decisions are made.
“I look forward to working with President Biden,
Vice President Harris and my colleagues to rise to meet the challenges before us, bring our country together and continue our fight for the Dignity of Work.”
Republican Sen. Rob Portman said he attended the inauguration as he has for every president since 1988.
“I extend my congratulations to President and Dr. Biden, as well as Vice President Harris and Mr. Emhoff, on today’s historic Inauguration,” Portman said. “I had the honor of attending, and I look forward to working with the new administration on areas where we agree in order to make a difference in
the lives of Ohioans and all Americans. When we disagree, I will do so respectfully.
“Public service is a noble calling and anyone who serves deserves the respect of the American people, regardless of political affiliation.”
Rep. Marcia Fudge, DWarrensville Heights, is Biden’s nominee for secretary of the U.S. Department Housing and Urban Development. She said in a tweet, “today is a new day in Amer- ica.”
“I am reflecting on these words from my friend Congressman John Lewis: ‘Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime.’”
Rep. Dave Joyce, R-Bainbridge
Township, said he was also in attendance.
“Inaugurations represent the peaceful transition of power that are a pillar of our nation’s democracy,”
Joyce said. “I’m proud to have now attended five presidential inaugurations, regardless of whether or not I voted for who was elected.
“While I did not vote for President Biden and Vice President Harris, I wish them nothing but the best because the fact of the matter is that their success is the American people’s success,” Joyce continued. “We will not always agree on how to achieve that success, but I will always be willing to reach across the aisle with the respect and civility necessary for us to work together so that we can effectively tackle the challenges facing our country.”