Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD), House Majority Leader:
Today, our Nation celebrated a day of renewal. The Inauguration of Barack Obama was not simply the end of one presidency and the beginning of another: so many of us hope that it also marked the close of an era of partisanship and irresponsible government. In the same way, today’s ceremony was about far more than one man. It was about the millions who shaped a movement for change, and the millions more who came to Washington to take part in history and a new spirit of public service.
Generations to come will remember the history that has already been made by Barack Obama and the movement he inspired. But in office, President Obama will be judged by a single standard: his success in meeting the tremendous challenge of the days and years to come, beginning with two wars overseas and an economic crisis here at home. I have great confidence in our new President and his seasoned team of advisors. Congress stands ready to work with the Administration to rebuild our economy, create jobs, and restore American leadership in the world. But rising to meet our challenges will take all of us working together. If change ends in Washington, we will know that our Nation has not lived up to the promise of this moment.
Congressman John B. Larson (D-CT), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus:
Today, we celebrate the historic inauguration of President Barack Obama. Mr. Obama’s inauguration as our country’s first African-American president reminds us that in America anyone can achieve their dreams. Mr. Obama has brought hope and a sense of urgency about the difficulties we face.
The legacy this new administration has been left is nothing short of catastrophic - an economy in turmoil and a war on two fronts. It will take years of effort in the halls of Washington, DC and on the streets of communities across this nation to repair the damage that has been done. But, in the faces of the crowds that stood on our national mall today, I saw the perseverance and the strength to make our country great. So, tomorrow we get back to the hard work of solving some of the greatest challenges our country has faced.
As we move forth from this day, it is tempting to put the past behind us — to not look back and ask how we got here. What caused this economic crisis? But, that is too easy and makes it too likely that generations to come will repeat some of the mistakes that have been made. I believe that knowledge can give us the tools to revive our economy responsibly, and for the long-term.
My family and I wish strength, success and safety to our new president and the entire Obama family. There is nothing short of our country’s future riding on his shoulders.
Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Assistant to the Speaker:
Today we celebrate a profound moment in American history as Barack Obama becomes our nation’s 44th President and the first African-American to lead our country.
Congratulations to President Obama on his historic inauguration. His inauguration renews our faith in the power of ordinary Americans to come together to create extraordinary change. As President Obama said this week, while retracing the route that President Lincoln took to Washington for his inaugural, ‘while our problems may be new, what is required to overcome them is not.’
The extraordinary challenges we face demand we leave bitter partisanship in the past. In the words of Thomas Jefferson, ‘every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle.’ Democrats, Republicans, and Independents must work together with President Obama to renew the American dream for all Americans.
I look forward to working arm-in-arm with President Obama to deliver change on the urgent priorities that all Americans share – creating millions of new jobs, keeping America safe and secure, making health care more affordable, and declaring America’s energy independence. Now is the time for every single American to look towards a brighter future and join with one another to move this great nation in a bold New Direction.