What Pa. politicians had to say about President Joe Biden’s inaugural speech

By: - January 20, 2021 1:13 pm

WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 20: Joe Biden is sworn in as U.S. President during his inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. During today’s inauguration ceremony Joe Biden becomes the 46th president of the United States. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

(*This developing story will be updated)

Democrat Joe Biden became the 46th president of the United States at 12 p.m. on Wednesday. In a brief speech that evoked big themes, Biden called for Americans to unite at a time of extraordinary challenge. Vice President Kamala Harris made history as the first Black woman and person of South Asian descent to hold the post.

This is what Pennsylvania politicians had to say about the speech.

Gov. Tom Wolf:

U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa.: “President Joe Biden took the oath of office today during a health crisis and significant political strife. I commend President Biden for his call for national unity, and his assurance to those who did not support him that he will nevertheless be president for all Americans. I urge the president to follow through on this commitment by working with members of Congress from both sides of the aisle to pursue policies that will lead to peace and prosperity for all Americans. I am praying for President Biden and his success in leading our country forward.”

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa.: “Exactly two weeks ago, terrorists stormed the Capitol and attempted to undermine the will of the American people as expressed through their votes in a free, fair and lawful election. Today, American democracy prevailed when Joe Biden was sworn in as our Nation’s 46th President and Kamala Harris made history as the first woman and Black woman of South Asian descent to become Vice President. During his address, President Biden laid out a vision to heal our Nation, contain the COVID-19 pandemic and build our economy back better. It’s now time for us to get things done on behalf of working families.”

U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-2nd District:

U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans, D-3rd District:

U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean, D-4th District:

U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-5th District:

U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-6th District:

U.S. Rep. Susan Wild, D-7th District:

U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-8th District:

U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker, R-11th District:

U.S. Rep. Fred Keller, R-12th District:

U.S. Rep. John Joyce, R-13th District:

“As each new president takes office, the inauguration is a testament to our nation’s enduring commitment to the peaceful transition of power – a hallmark of American democracy. Despite the challenges that we are facing, there is more that unites the American people than divides us. This is the time to build national unity as we work together to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic, rebuild our economy, and restore our communities.

“As President Biden and Vice President Harris begin their administration, I will continue working hard to advance commonsense, conservative solutions to the issues before us. As a nation, we must continue to pursue the pro-growth agenda that has delivered results for American families, workers, and small businesses.”

U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, R-14th District:

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16th District: “After a peaceful transition of power, Joe Biden is the 46th President of the United States. I promise to work with him where we agree, and to responsibly oppose him where we do not. One way we can work together to unite our country is to build on the Trump Administration’s successful conservative policies that led to unprecedented economic growth for American workers, families, and small businesses before the pandemic. We know what works to build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous nation for all Americans so let’s stick with it to overcome our present challenges. Calls for unity and healing sound nice, but they must be backed by action. It is my hope that the Biden Administration will respect the lessons of the recent past by choosing common sense over radicalism that will only divide us further.”

U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb, D-17th District

U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, D-18th District

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro:

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