Leader Schumer Floor Remarks On The Second Inauguration Of President Trump And The Importance Of The Peaceful Transfer Of Power
Washington, D.C. – Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today spoke on the Senate floor on the peaceful transfer of power as Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, and thanked President Biden and Vice President Harris for their service to the country. Below are Senator Schumer’s remarks, which can also be viewed here:
A few hours ago, beneath the dome of the U.S. Capitol, with the eyes of the world upon us, the United States carried out yet again the peaceful transfer of power.
We fulfilled the sacred commandment handed down to us by the framers, nearly two and a half centuries ago.
We observed the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States.
I congratulate President Trump. I congratulate Vice President Vance. The prayers of the American people are with them.
Today, let me also thank, one more time, our nation’s forty-sixth President, Joe Biden.
History will look kindly on President Biden’s four years in office. He lifted America out of the abyss of crisis. He restored decency and integrity to the White House. His bold agenda, made possible by Democrats in Congress, particularly in the Senate, will stand the test of time.
When Americans drive on better roads, breathe cleaner air, enjoy good-paying manufacturing jobs, and save on prescription drugs, it will be because of the things we accomplished under Presidents Biden’s watch.
So I thank President Biden, and I thank Vice President Harris, for their service to our nation.
The peaceful transfer of power is the defining feature of a free society. It’s what separates nations like the United States from the wastelands of despotism and autocracy.
As we’ve seen recently, the peaceful transfer of power can never be taken for granted. It requires all sides to accept the will of the people and affirm the results of the democratic process, no matter the outcome. That is what Democrats firmly believe in.
Democrats believe in the peaceful transfer of power. And we showed it today.
Democrats are loyal above all to our Constitution and to our democratic principles. And today we practiced what we preached: the democratic transfer of power.
I hope that today’s inauguration shows the world that the chaos of four years ago was an unfortunate aberration, and not the norm.
It’s now time to look to the future. The challenges that face America are many and great. The Senate must respond with resolve, bipartisanship, and fidelity to the working and middle class of this country.
While President Trump and I disagree often, I stand ready to with him and with anyone, regardless of party, to advance the nation’s wellbeing. The American people want us to work together to make their lives better. Democrats are ready to do just that. We always have been and always will.
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