E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 117 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

Vol. 167 WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021 No. 12 Senate The Senate met at noon and was sage to those domestic terrorists that Traditionally, the Senate has con- called to order by the President pro they will never prevail. firmed several national security nomi- tempore (Mr. LEAHY). Even as the festivities were in full nees for an incoming administration f swing, our new President and this new during their first few days. Even as Senate commenced the work of re- power changes hands from one adminis- PRAYER building our country and healing its tration to the other, the work of keep- The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- wounds. With the stroke of a pen, ing our Nation safe must not be paused fered the following prayer: President Biden started the process of or be disrupted. Foreign adversaries Let us pray. rejoining the United States to the will seek to exploit this period of tran- Almighty God, You are our shelter Paris accords. He extended the pause sition, and we cannot allow America’s from the storm. Keep us from shame. on student loan payments, put an end military, intelligence, and national se- Lord, You often answer prayers in to the Muslim travel ban, reinstalled curity policy to be disrupted by staff- mysterious ways. As the Heavens are safeguards for our Nation’s Dreamers, ing delays. higher than the Earth, so are Your and put a halt on the ineffective border In 2017, President Trump had his De- thoughts higher than our contempla- wall. fense Secretary and Secretary of Crucially, President Biden signed a tion. Homeland Security in place on Inau- number of orders to refocus the Federal Inspire our Senators to be so sen- guration Day. President Biden deserves Government’s efforts on fighting the sitive to Your Spirit that they can rec- his national security team in place as coronavirus pandemic. The United ognize Your gentle nudge. Make them soon as possible, as well as key officials States has rejoined the World Health glad that You are near. in charge of responding to the current Organization. A mask mandate has Lord, equip our lawmakers with wis- health and economic crises. With the been issued for all Federal properties. cooperation of our Republican col- dom and foresight for these challenging And President Biden has named a new times. May Your peace go with them as leagues, we can and should confirm the coronavirus response coordinator to Secretaries of Defense, State, Home- they seek to do Your will. manage vaccine distribution, which is We pray in Your strong Name. Amen. land Security, and Treasury without so desperately needed and was such a much delay. f failure under the Trump administra- While national security is para- PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE tion. mount, I would remind my colleagues Our country has suffered deeply from that we are in the middle of an eco- The President pro tempore led the the chaotic, lackluster, and incom- nomic crisis. The sooner we confirm a Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: petent Federal response to COVID–19. Treasury Secretary, the better. I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the As we cross the grim milestone of And so, as we begin the process of United States of America, and to the Repub- 400,000—400,000—American fatalities bringing our country back together, let lic for which it stands, one nation under God, from COVID, the Biden administration the first week of this Congress be a col- indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. is wasting no time in marshaling the laboration between our two parties to f resources of the Federal Government confirm President Biden’s Cabinet. RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY into action and today released a na- f LEADER tional strategy to defeat the pandemic. What a concept—a President who ac- INAUGURAL CEREMONY The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The tually takes the defining crisis of our Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask majority leader is recognized. time seriously. What a change—and unanimous consent that the Inaugural f how great is the need. Ceremony proceedings be printed in the Here in the Senate, the first order of BIDEN ADMINISTRATION RECORD. business is to fulfill our constitutional There being no objection, the pro- Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, it is duty to advise and consent on the ceedings of the Inaugural Ceremony nice to see you back in that position. President’s appointments to his Cabi- were ordered to be printed in the Yesterday, Mr. President, we began a net. Last night, the Senate confirmed RECORD, as follows: new chapter in the history of our Na- the President’s selection for the Direc- There being no objection, the mate- tion. On the same steps stormed by do- tor of National Intelligence, Avril rial was ordered to be printed in the mestic terrorists 2 weeks ago, we held Haines. We appreciate the bipartisan RECORD, as follows: a ceremony to the enduring power of cooperation to get her confirmation INAUGURAL CEREMONY our democracy. It was a symbol to the done yesterday, and we should con- Inauguration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Janu- world that America is back and a mes- tinue in that spirit today. ary 20, 2021, 10:33 a.m.

∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor.

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VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:47 Jan 22, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21JA6.000 S21JAPT1 ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE S76 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE January 21, 2021 The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, companying the chairman of the Joint Con- In the end, that is America: our democ- General Mark A. Milley, assembled on the gressional Committee on Inaugural Cere- racy, a country of so much good. Today, on President’s platform. monies, the Honorable Roy Blunt, and Mrs. these Capitol steps and before this glorious Leadership of the United States House of Abigail Blunt, assembled on the President’s field of flags, we rededicate ourselves to its Representatives: Republican whip, the Hon- platform. cause. orable Stephen Scalise; and majority whip, Accompanying the President-elect, the Thank you. the Honorable James E. Clyburn, assembled staff director of the Joint Congressional (Applause.) on the President’s platform. Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, It is now my honor to introduce to you the Leadership of the : Fitzhugh Elder IV; the Acting House Ser- Senator who has worked with me and so President pro tempore emeritus, the Honor- geant at Arms, Tim Blodgett; and the Acting many others to make this ceremony pos- able Patrick Leahy, and Mrs. Marcelle Senate Sergeant at Arms, Jennifer sible, my friend and the chair of the Inau- Leahy; Democratic whip, the Honorable Dick Hemmingway, assembled on the President’s gural Committee, Missouri Senator Roy Durbin, and Ms. Reema Dodin; majority platform. Blunt. whip, the Honorable John Thune, and Mrs. The President-elect of the United States, (Applause.) Mr. BLUNT. Well, I should have known Kimberley Thune; Democratic leader, the Joseph R. Biden, Jr., and Dr. as- when Senator Klobuchar got involved, at Honorable Charles Schumer, and Mrs. Iris sembled on the President’s platform. least, there would be a touch of snow up here Weinshall Schumer; President pro tempore Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Vice President Pence, this morning. Of all the things we had con- of the Senate, the Honorable Chuck Grass- Mr. President-elect, Madam Vice President- sidered, I don’t think snow was on my agen- ley, and Ms. Jennifer Heins assembled on the elect, Members of Congress and the judicial da until I walked out the door a moment President’s platform. branch, former Presidents and First Ladies, ago. Former Vice President, the Honorable Dan Vice Presidents, leaders from abroad, and a But thank you, Senator Klobuchar, and Quayle, assembled on the President’s plat- whole bunch of Bidens, America, welcome to thanks to the other members of the Joint form. the 59th Presidential Inauguration, where in Congressional Committee on the Inaugura- The 42nd President of the United States, just a few moments and Kamala tion as we officially begin the 59th inaugural the Honorable William J. Clinton, and the Harris will take their solemn oaths. ceremony. I also want to thank the joint Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton assem- This ceremony is the culmination of 244 committee staff and our partners, particu- bled on the President’s platform. years of a democracy. It is a moment when larly our security partners, for the way they The 43rd President of the United States, leaders, brought to this stage by the will of have dealt with unprecedented cir- the Honorable George W. Bush, and Mrs. the people, promise to be faithful to our Con- cumstances. Laura Bush assembled on the President’s stitution, to cherish it, and defend it. It is a When I chaired the inauguration 4 years platform. moment when they become, as we all should ago, I shared President Reagan’s 1981 de- The 44th President of the United States, be, guardians of our country. scription of this event as ‘‘commonplace’’ the Honorable Barack H. Obama, and Mrs. Have we become too jaded, too accustomed and ‘‘miraculous.’’ It is ‘‘commonplace’’ be- assembled on the Presi- to the ritual of the passing of the torch of cause we have done it every 4 years since dent’s platform. democracy to truly appreciate what a bless- 1789; it is miraculous because we have done it The Chief Justice of the United States, the ing and a privilege it is to witness this mo- every 4 years since 1789. Americans have Honorable John G. Roberts, Jr., and the As- ment? I think not. celebrated this moment during war, during sociate Justices of the Supreme Court as- Two weeks ago, when an angry, violent depression, and now during pandemic. sembled on the President’s platform. mob staged an insurrection and desecrated Once again, all three branches of our gov- The children of Vice President-Elect Har- this temple of our democracy, it awakened ernment come together as the Constitution ris and Mr. , Cole Mackin us to our responsibilities as Americans. This envisions. Once again, we renew our commit- Emhoff and Ella Rose Emhoff, assembled on is the day when our democracy picks itself ment to our determined democracy, forging the President’s platform. up, brushes off the dust, and does what a more perfect union. The children of President-Elect Biden, America always does: It goes forward as a The theme for this inauguration, ‘‘Our De- Robert Hunter Biden II and Ashley Blazer nation, under God, indivisible with liberty termined Democracy: Forging a more perfect Biden and the grandchildren of the Presi- and justice for all. union,’’ was announced by the joint com- dent-elect, assembled on the President’s (Applause.) mittee before the election with the belief platform. This conveyance of a sacred trust between that the United States can only fulfill its Accompanying the Vice President: The our leaders and our people takes place in promise and set an example for others if we Secretary of the Senate, the Honorable Julie front of this shining Capitol dome for a rea- are always working to be better than we Adams; and Chief Administrative Officer of son. When gave his first in- have been. the House of Representatives, Catherine augural address in front of this Capitol, the The Constitution established that deter- Szpindor, assembled on the President’s plat- dome was only partially constructed, braced mined democracy with its first three words, form. by ropes of steel. He promised he would fin- declaring the people as the source of the gov- The Vice President of the United States, ish it. He was criticized for spending funds ernment. The Articles of Confederation the Honorable Michael R. Pence, and Mrs. on it during the Civil War. To those critics, hadn’t done that. The Magna Carta hadn’t assembled on the President’s he replied, ‘‘If the people see the Capitol done that. Only the Constitution says the platform. going on, it is a sign we intend the Union government exists because the people are the Accompanying the Vice President-elect: shall go on.’’ And it did, and it will. source of the reason it exists. the Chief of Inaugural Ceremonies, Maria Generations of Americans gave their lives They immediately followed those first Miller Lohmeyer; the Acting Deputy House to preserve our Republic in this place. Great three words with the words ‘‘to form a more Sergeant at Arms, Kevin Grubbs; and the legislation to protect civil rights and eco- perfect union.’’ The Founders did not say to Acting Deputy Senate Sergeant at Arms, nomic security and lead the world was de- form a perfect union; they did not claim that U.S. Capitol Police Officer, PFC Eugene O. bated and crafted under this dome. Now, it in our new country nothing would need to be Goodman, assembled on the President’s plat- falls on all of us—not just the two leaders we improved. Fortunately, they understood that form. are inaugurating today—to take up the torch always working to be better would be the The Vice President-elect of the United of our democracy, not as a weapon of polit- hallmark of a great democracy. States, Kamala Devi Harris, and Mr. Douglas ical arson but as an instrument for good. The freedoms we have today and the Na- Emhoff assembled on the President’s plat- We pledge today never to take our democ- tion we have today is not here just because form. racy for granted as we celebrate its remark- it happened, and they aren’t complete. A The Joint Congressional Committee on In- able strength. We celebrate its resilience, its great democracy is working through the suc- augural Ceremonies: staff representative Al- grit. We celebrate the ordinary people doing cesses and failures of our history, striving to exandra Gourdikian Dicicco, accompanying extraordinary things for our Nation, the doc- be better than it had been. We are more than the House Republican leader, the Honorable tors and nurses on the frontline of this pan- we have been, and we are less than we hope Kevin McCarthy; staff representative demic, the officers in the Capitol, a new gen- to be. The assault on our Capitol at this very Bridget Brennan, accompanying House ma- eration never giving up hope for justice. place just 2 weeks ago reminds us that a gov- jority leader, the Honorable Steny Hoyer, We celebrate a new President, Joe Biden, ernment designed to balance and check itself and Ms. Yvette Lewis; staff representative who vows to restore the soul of America and is both fragile and resilient. Kate Knudsen, accompanying Speaker of the cross the river of our divides to a higher During the last year, the pandemic chal- House of Representatives, the Honorable plane. lenged our free and open society and called Nancy Pelosi, and Mr. Paul Pelosi; staff rep- We celebrate our first African-American, for extraordinary determination and sac- resentative Lindsey Kerr, accompanying the first Asian-American, and first woman Vice rifice and still challenges us today. Meeting Honorable Amy Klobuchar and Mr. John President, , who stands on the that challenge head on have been and are our Bessler; staff representative Stefanie Hagar shoulders of so many on this platform who healthcare workers, scientists, first respond- Muchow, accompanying Senate majority have forged the way to this day. When she ers, essential frontline workers, and so many leader, the Honorable Mitch McConnell, and takes the oath of office, little girls and boys others we depend on in so many ways. the Honorable Elaine L. Chao; and staff rep- across the world will know that anything Today, we come to this moment; people all resentative Rachelle Graves Schroeder, ac- and everything is possible. over the world, as we are here, are watching

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:47 Jan 22, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21JA6.009 S21JAPT1 ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE January 21, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S77 and will watch what we do here. Our govern- president of the International Association of as one Nation under God, indivisible, to ment comes together. The Congress and the Firefighters Local 3920 recited the Pledge of carry out the peaceful transfer of power as courts join the transition of Executive re- Allegiance.) we have for more than two centuries. sponsibility. One political party is more (Applause.) As we look ahead in our uniquely Amer- pleased today and on every inaugural day Ms. KLOBUCHAR. What you are all about ican way—restless, bold, optimistic—and set than the other. But this is not a moment of to be part of, America, is a historic moment our sights on a nation we know we can and division; it is a moment of unification. A of firsts. we must be, I thank my predecessors of both new administration begins and brings with it To administer the oath to our first Afri- parties for their presence here today. I thank a new beginning; and with that, our great na- can-American, our first Asian-American, and them from the bottom of my heart. tional debate goes forward, and a determined our first woman Vice President, Kamala Har- (Applause.) democracy will continue to be essential in ris, it is my great privilege to welcome to I know the resilience of our Constitution pursuit of a more perfect union and a better the inaugural stage the first Latina to ever and the strength—the strength of our Na- future for all Americans. What a privilege serve on the Supreme Court of the United tion—as does President Carter, who I spoke for me to join you today. States of America: Justice Sonia Sotomayor. with last night, who cannot be with us Thank you. The Associate Justice of the Supreme today, but whom we salute for his lifetime in (Applause.) Court, SONIA SOTOMAYOR, administered service. I am pleased to call to the podium a long- to the Vice President-elect the oath of office I have just taken the sacred oath each of time friend of the President-elect and his prescribed by the Constitution, which she re- those patriots have taken, the oath first family, Father Leo O’Donovan, to lead us in peated as follows: sworn by George Washington. But the Amer- an invocation. I, KAMALA DEVI HARRIS, do solemnly ican story depends not on any one of us, not Please stand if you are able and remain swear that I will support and defend the Con- on some of us, but on all of us—on we, the standing for the national anthem and the stitution of the United States against all en- people, who seek a more perfect union. This pledge to our flag. emies foreign and domestic; that I will bear is a great nation. We are good people. Over Father O’DONOVAN. Gracious and mer- true faith and allegiance to the same; that I the centuries, through storm and strife, in ciful God, at this sacred time, we come be- take this obligation freely, without any peace and at war, we have come so far, but fore you in need, indeed on our knees. But we mental reservation or purpose of evasion; we still have far to go. come still more with hope and with our eyes and that I will well and faithfully discharge We will press forward with speed and ur- raised anew to the vision of a more perfect the duties of the office on which I am about gency for we have much to do in this winter union in our land, a union of all our citizens to enter. So help me God. of peril and significant possibilities—much to promote the general welfare and secure (Applause.) to repair, much to restore, much to heal, the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our (Jennifer Lopez performed ‘‘This Land Is much to build, and much to gain. Few people posterity. Your Land’’ and ‘‘America the Beautiful’’ ac- in our Nation’s history have been more chal- We are a people of many races, creeds, and companied by the U.S. Marine Band.) lenged or found a time more challenging or colors, national backgrounds, cultures, and (Applause.) difficult than the time we are in now. A styles, now far more numerous and on land Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Well, that was great. once-in-a-century virus that silently stalks much vaster than when Archbishop John The Sun is shining and, Mr. President- the country has taken as many lives in 1 Carroll wrote his prayer for the inauguration elect, this is the first inauguration in the year as America lost in all of World War II. of George Washington 232 years ago. history of America where J-Lo was the Millions of jobs have been lost, and hun- Archbishop Carroll prayed that You, a Cre- warmup act for Chief Justice Roberts. dreds of thousands of businesses closed. A ator of all, would ‘‘assist with your Holy With that, it is now my distinct honor to cry for racial justice, some 400 years in the Spirit of counsel and fortitude the President introduce the Chief Justice of the Supreme making, moves us. The dream of justice for of these United States, that his administra- Court of the United States, John Roberts, to all will be deferred no longer. tion may be conducted in righteousness and administer the Presidential oath to the next (Applause.) be eminently useful to Your people.’’ President of the United States, Joseph R. A cry for survival comes from the planet Today, we confess our past failures to live Biden. itself, a cry that can’t be any more desperate according to our vision of equality, inclu- (Applause.) or any more clear now—the rise of political sion, and freedom for all; yet we resolutely The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, extremism, White supremacy, domestic ter- commit still more now to renewing the vi- JOHN G. ROBERTS, JR., administered to rorism that we must confront and we will de- sion, to caring for one another in word and the President-elect the oath of office pre- feat. deed, especially the least fortunate among scribed by the Constitution, which he re- (Applause.) us, and so becoming a light for the world. peated, as follows: To overcome these challenges, to restore There is a power in each and every one of I, JOSEPH ROBINETTE BIDEN, JR., do the soul and secure the future of America re- us that lives by turning to every other one of solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute quires so much more than words; it requires us, a trust of the spirit to cherish and care the office of President of the United States the most elusive of all things in a democ- and stand by others and, above all, those and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, racy: unity. Unity. most in need. It is called love, and its path protect, and defend the Constitution of the In another January on New Year’s Day in is to give ever more of itself. Today, it is United States. So help me God. 1863, Abraham Lincoln signed the Emanci- called American patriotism, borne not of The CHIEF JUSTICE. Congratulations, Mr. pation Proclamation. When he put pen to power and privilege, but of care for the com- President. paper, the President said: mon good, with malice toward none and with (Applause.) If my name ever goes down in history, it charity for all. Ms. KLOBUCHAR. My fellow Americans—a will be for this act, and my whole soul is in For our new President, we beg of you the moment we have all been waiting for—it is it. wisdom Solomon sought when he knelt be- now my great privilege and high honor to be My whole soul is in it today, on this Janu- fore you and prayed for an understanding the first person to officially introduce the ary day. My whole soul is in this: bringing heart so that ‘‘I can govern your people . . . 46th President of the United States, Joseph America together, uniting our people, unit- and know the difference between right and R. Biden, Jr. ing our Nation. I ask every American to join wrong.’’ (Applause.) me in this cause. We trust in the counsel of the letter of The PRESIDENT. Chief Justice Roberts, (Applause.) James: Uniting to fight the foes we face—anger, In any of you lacks wisdom, you should Vice President Harris, Speaker Pelosi, Lead- resentment and hatred, extremism, lawless- ask God, who gives generously to all without er Schumer, Leader McConnell, Vice Presi- ness, violence, disease, joblessness, and hope- finding fault, and it will be given to you. dent Pence, and my distinguished guests, my Pope Francis has reminded us how impor- fellow Americans, this is America’s day. This lessness—with unity, we can do great things, tant it is to dream together. ‘‘By ourselves,’’ is democracy’s day—a day of history and important things. We can right wrongs. We he wrote, ‘‘we risk seeing mirages, things hope, of renewal and resolve. can put people to work in good jobs. We can that are not there. Dreams, on the other Through a crucible for the ages, America teach our children in safe schools. We can hand, are built together.’’ has been tested anew, and America has risen overcome the deadly virus. We can reward Be with us, Holy Mystery of Love, as we to the challenge. Today, we celebrate the tri- work and rebuild the middle class and make dream together. Help us under our new umph not of a candidate but of a cause, the healthcare secure for all. We can deliver ra- President to reconcile the people of our land, cause of democracy. The people—the will of cial justice, and we can make America, once restore our dream, and invest it with peace the people—has been heard, and the will of again, the leading force for good in the and justice and the joy that is the overflow the people has been heeded. world. of love. We have learned again that democracy is I know, speaking of unity, it can sound to To the glory of Your name forever. Amen. precious, democracy is fragile, and at this some like a foolish fantasy these days. I (Performance of the National Anthem by hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed. know the forces that divide us are deep and , accompanied by the U.S. Marine (Applause.) they are real, but I also know they are not Band.) Now, on this hallowed ground, where just a new. Our history has been a constant strug- (Fire Captain Andrea M. Hall, of the South few days ago violence sought to shake the gle between the American ideal, that we all Fulton Georgia Fire and Rescue Department, Capitol’s very foundation, we come together are created equal, and the harsh ugly reality

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:47 Jan 22, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21JA6.012 S21JAPT1 ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE S78 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE January 21, 2021 that racism, nativism, fear, and demoniza- love, defined by the common objects of their (Moment of silence.) tion have long torn us apart. The battle is love. What are the common objects we, as Amen. perennial, and victory is never assured. Americans, love that define us as Ameri- Folks, this is a time of testing. We face an Through Civil War, the Great Depression, cans? I think we know: opportunity, secu- attack on our democracy and on truth, a rag- World War, 9/11, and through struggle, sac- rity, liberty, dignity, respect, honor, and, ing virus, growing inequity, the sting of sys- rifice, and setbacks, our better angels have yes, the truth. temic racism, a climate in crisis, and Amer- always prevailed. In each of these moments, Recent weeks and months have taught us a ica’s role in the world. Any one of these enough of us—enough of us—have come to- painful lesson. There is truth, and there are would be enough to challenge us in profound gether to carry all of us forward, and we can lies, lies told for power and for profit. Each ways, but the fact is we face them all at do that now. of us has a duty and a responsibility as citi- once, presenting this Nation with one of the History, faith, and reason show the way, zens, as Americans, and especially as lead- gravest responsibilities we have had. the way of unity. We can see each other not ers—leaders who have pledged to honor our Now, we are going to be tested. Are we as adversaries, but as neighbors. We can Constitution and protect our Nation—to de- going to step up, all of us? It is time for bold- treat each other with dignity and respect. fend the truth and defeat the lies. ness, for there is so much to do. And this is We can join forces, stop the shouting, and (Applause.) certain: I promise you, we will be judged, lower the temperature. For without unity, Look, I understand that many of my fellow you and I, by how we resolve these cascading there is no peace, only bitterness and fury; Americans view the future with fear and crises of our era. Will we rise to the occasion no progress, only exhausting outrage; and no trepidation. I understand they worry about is the question. Will we master this rare and nation, only a state of chaos. This is our his- their jobs. I understand, like my dad, they difficult hour? Will we meet our obligations toric moment of crisis and challenge, and lay in bed at night staring at the ceiling, and pass along a new and better world to our unity is the path forward, and we must meet wondering: Can I keep my healthcare? Can I children? this moment as the United States of Amer- pay my mortgage? Thinking about their I believe we must. I am sure you do as well. ica. families and about what comes next. I prom- I believe we will. When we do, we will write If we do that, I guarantee you we will not ise you, I get it. the next great chapter in the history of the fail. We have never, ever, ever, ever failed in But the answer is not to turn inward and United States of America—the American America when we have acted together. So, to retreat into competing factions, dis- story—a story that might sound something today, at this time, in this place, let’s start trusting those who don’t look like you or like a song that means a lot to me. It is afresh—all of us. Let’s begin to listen to one worship the way you do or don’t get their called ‘‘American Anthem.’’ There is one another again, hear one another, see one an- news from the same sources you do. We must verse that stands out, at least for me, and it other, and show respect to one another. Poli- end this uncivil war that pits red against goes like this: tics doesn’t have to be a raging fire destroy- blue, rural versus urban, conservative versus The work and prayers of centuries have ing everything in its path. Every disagree- liberal. We can do this if we open our souls brought us to this day, which shall be our ment doesn’t have to be a cause for total instead of hardening our hearts, if we show a legacy, what will our children say? Let me war, and we must reject the culture in which little tolerance and humility, and if we are know in my heart when my days are facts themselves are manipulated and even willing to stand in the other person’s shoes, through, America, America, I gave my best manufactured. as my mom would say. Just for a moment, to you. (Applause.) stand in their shoes. Let us add our own work and prayers to My fellow Americans, we have to be dif- Because here is the thing about life: There the unfolding story of our great Nation. If we ferent than this. America has to be better is no accounting for what fate will deal you. do this, then when our days are through, our than this, and I believe America is so much Some days, you need a hand. There are other children and our children’s children will say better than this. Just look around. Here we days when we are called to lend a hand. That of us: They gave their best, they did their stand in the shadow of the Capitol dome, as is how it has to be. That is what we do for duty, they healed a broken land. was mentioned earlier, completed amid the one another. If we are this way, our country My fellow Americans, I close today where Civil War when the Union itself was literally will be stronger, more prosperous, more I began, with a sacred oath. Before God and hanging in the balance; yet we endured. We ready for the future, and we can still dis- all of you, I give you my word. I will always prevailed. agree. level with you. I will defend the Constitu- Here we stand, looking out on the great My fellow Americans, in the work ahead of tion. I will defend our democracy. I will de- Mall where Dr. King spoke of his dream. us, we are going to need each other. We need fend America, and I will give all—all of you— Here we stand, where 108 years ago, at an- all our strength to persevere through this keep everything I do in your service, think- other inaugural, thousands of protesters dark winter. We are entering what may be ing not of power but of possibilities, not of tried to block brave women marching for the the toughest and deadliest period of the personal interest but of public good. And to- right to vote. Today, we mark the swearing virus. We must set aside politics and finally gether, we shall write an American story of in of the first woman in American history face this pandemic as one Nation—one Na- hope, not fear; of unity, not division; of elected to national office, Vice President tion. light, not darkness; a story of decency and Kamala Harris. Don’t tell me things can’t (Applause.) dignity, love and healing, greatness and change. And I promise you this, as the Bible says: goodness—may this be the story that guides (Applause.) ‘‘Weeping may endure for a night, but joy us, the story that inspires us, and the story Here we stand, across the Potomac from cometh in the morning.’’ We will get through that tells ages yet to come that we answered Arlington Cemetery, where heroes who gave this together—together. the call of history. We met the moment. De- the last full measure of devotion rest in eter- (Applause.) mocracy and hope, truth and justice, did not nal peace. Here we stand, just days after a ri- Look, folks, all my colleagues I serve with die on our watch but thrived, that America otous mob thought they could use violence in the House and the Senate up here, we all secured liberty at home and stood once again to silence the will of the people, to stop the understand the world is watching, watching as a beacon to the world. That is what we work of our democracy, and to drive us from all of us today. So here is my message to owe our forbearers, one another, and genera- this sacred ground. It did not happen. It will those beyond our borders: America has been tions to follow. never happen, not today, not tomorrow, not tested, and we have come out stronger for it. So, with purpose and resolve, we turn to ever—not ever. We will repair our alliances and engage with those tasks of our time sustained by faith, (Applause.) the world once again—not to meet yester- driven by conviction, and devoted to one an- To all those who supported our campaign, day’s challenges but today’s and tomorrow’s other and the country we love with all our I am humbled by the faith you placed in us. challenges—and we will lead not merely by hearts. May God bless America, and may God To all those who did not support us, let me the example of our power but by the power of protect our troops. say this: Hear me out as we move forward. our example. Thank you, America. Take a measure of me and my heart. If you (Applause.) (Applause.) still disagree, so be it. That is democracy. We will be a strong and trusted partner for (Garth Brooks performed ‘‘Amazing That is America. The right to dissent peace- peace, progress, and security. Grace.’’) ably within the guardrails of our Republic is Look, you all know we have been through Mr. BLUNT. It is hard not to be reminded perhaps this Nation’s greatest strength; yet so much in this Nation. In my first act as of President Obama singing that same song hear me clearly. Disagreement must not lead President, I would like to ask you to join me at the Mother Emanuel Church, a song that to disunion, and I pledge this to you: I will in a moment of silent prayer. Remember all in our country is as close to both poetry and be a President for all Americans—all Ameri- those who we lost in this past year to the prayer as you could possibly come, and we cans. pandemic, those 400,000 fellow Americans— are going to finish with those two things. (Applause.) moms, dads, husbands, wives, sons, daugh- Let me introduce , our I promise you, I will fight as hard for those ters, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. We Nation’s first ever National Youth Poet Lau- who did not support me as for those who did. will honor them by becoming the people and reate. (Applause.) the Nation we know we can and should be. I Ms. GORMAN. Mr. President, Dr. Biden, Many centuries ago, St. Augustine, a saint ask you, let’s say a silent prayer for those Madam Vice President, Mr. Emhoff, Ameri- in my church, wrote that a people was a mul- who have lost their lives and those left be- cans, and the world: titude defined by the common action of their hind and for our country. When day comes we ask ourselves,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:47 Jan 22, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21JA6.015 S21JAPT1 ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE January 21, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S79 where can we find light in this never-ending prevail over us? People—Your people—shall no longer raise shade? We will not march back to what was up weapons against one another, who will The loss we carry, but move to what shall be rather use our resources for the national a sea we must wade A country that is bruised but whole, good, and become a beacon of life and good We’ve braved the belly of the beast benevolent but bold, will to the world, and neither shall we learn We’ve learned that quiet isn’t always peace fierce and free hatred anymore. We will lie down in peace And the norms and notions We will not be turned around and not make our neighbors afraid. of what just is or interrupted by intimidation In You, oh, God, we discover our humanity, Isn’t always just-ice because we know our inaction and inertia and in our humanity, we discover our com- And yet the dawn is ours will be the inheritance of the next genera- monness. Beyond the difference of color, before we knew it tion creed, origin, political party, ideology, geog- Somehow we do it Our blunders become their burdens raphy, and personal preferences, we will be- Somehow we’ve weathered and witnessed But one thing is certain: come greater stewards of Your environment, a nation that isn’t broken If we merge mercy with might, preserving the land, reaping from it a sus- but simply unfinished and might with right, tainable harvest, and securing its wonder We the successors of a country and a time then love becomes our legacy and miracle-giving power for generations to Where a skinny Black girl and change our children’s birthright come. descended from slaves and raised by a single So let us leave behind a country This is our benediction, that from these mother better than the one we were left with hallowed grounds where slaves labored to can dream of becoming president Every breath from my bronze-pounded chest, build this shrine and citadel to liberty and only to find herself reciting for one we will raise this wounded world into a won- democracy, let us all acknowledge—from the And yes we are far from polished drous one indigenous Native Americans to those who far from pristine We will rise from the gold-limbed hills of the recently received their citizenship, from the but that doesn’t mean we are west, African American to those whose foreparents striving to form a union that is perfect we will rise from the windswept northeast came from Europe and every corner of the We are striving to forge a union with purpose where our forefathers first realized revolu- globe, from the wealthy to those struggling To compose a country committed to all cul- tion to make it, from every human being, regard- tures, colors, We will rise from the lake-rimmed cities of less of their choices—that this is our coun- characters and the midwestern states, try. conditions of man we will rise from the sunbaked south As such, teach us, oh, God. As such, teach And so we lift our gazes not to what stands We will rebuild, reconcile and recover us, oh, God, to live in it, love in it, be healed between us and every known nook of our nation and in it, and reconcile to one another in it, less but what stands before us every corner called our country, we miss kingdom’s goal. We close the divide because we know, to put our people diverse and beautiful will emerge, To Your glory, majesty, dominion, and our future first, battered and beautiful power forever, hallelujah. Glory hallelujah, we must first put our differences aside When day comes we step out of the shade, in the strong Name of our collective faith. We lay down our arms aflame and unafraid Amen. so we can reach out our arms The new dawn blooms as we free it (Performance of ‘‘The Stars and Stripes to one another For there is always light, Forever’’ by the U.S. Marine Band.) We seek harm to none and harmony for all if only we’re brave enough to see it (Performance of ‘‘Let Freedom Ring’’ by Let the globe, if nothing else, say this is If only we’re brave enough to be it. the U.S. Marine Band.) true: (The Inaugural Ceremony was concluded at (Applause.) That even as we grieved, we grew 12:33 p.m.) That even as we hurt, we hoped Mr. BLUNT. Thank you, Amanda Gorman. That even as we tired, we tried Now, for our benediction, I am pleased to Mr. SCHUMER. Thank you, Mr. That we’ll forever be tied together, vic- introduce the Reverend Dr. Silvester President. torious Beaman, pastor of the Bethel African Meth- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Not because we will never again know defeat odist Episcopal Church in Wilmington, DE, a BOOKER). You are welcome. but because we will never again sow division friend of President Biden for 30 years. Mr. SCHUMER. A new politeness Scripture tells us to envision Reverend BEAMAN. As a nation and people from the Chair. that everyone shall sit under their own vine of faith gathered in this historical moment, I suggest the absence of a quorum. and fig tree let us unite in prayer. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The And no one shall make them afraid God, we gather under the beauty of Your If we’re to live up to our own time holiness and the holiness of Your beauty. We clerk will call the roll. Then victory won’t lie in the blade seek Your face, Your smile, Your warm em- The senior assistant legislative clerk But in all the bridges we’ve made brace. proceeded to call the roll. That is the promise to glade We petition You once more in this celebra- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I we climb tion. We pray for divine favor upon our ask unanimous consent that the order If only we dare President, Joseph R. Biden, and our First for the quorum call be rescinded. It’s because being American is more than a Lady, Dr. Jill Biden, and their family. We The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without pride we inherit, further ask that You would extend the same objection, it is so ordered. it’s the past we step into and how we repair favor upon our Vice President, Kamala D. it Harris, and our Second Gentleman, Doug f We’ve seen a force that would shatter our na- Emhoff, and their family. More than ever— RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY tion more than ever—they and our Nation need LEADER rather than share it You. Would destroy our country if it meant delay- We need You, for in You we discover our The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Re- ing democracy common humanity. In our common human- publican leader is recognized. And this effort very nearly succeeded ity, we will seek out the wounded and bind f But while democracy can be periodically de- their wounds. We will seek healing for those layed who are sick and diseased. We will mourn BUSINESS BEFORE THE SENATE it can never be permanently defeated our dead. We will befriend the lonely, the Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, for In this truth least, and the left out. We will share our this 117th Congress, the American peo- in this faith we trust abundance with those who are hungry. We ple chose an evenly split Senate—50 For while we have our eyes on the future will do justly to the oppressed, acknowledge history has its eyes on us sin, and seek forgiveness, thus grasping rec- Republicans and 50 Democrats. With This is the era of just redemption onciliation. the election of Vice President HARRIS, We feared at its inception In discovering our humanity, we will seek that means the Democratic leader will We did not feel prepared to be the heirs the good in and for all our neighbors. We will act as majority leader. of such a terrifying hour love the unlovable, remove the stigma of the So I want to congratulate my col- but within it we found the power to author a so-called untouchables. We will care for our league from New York. His pride and new chapter most vulnerable, our children, the elderly, emotion were palpable yesterday as To offer hope and laughter to ourselves emotionally challenged, and the poor. We this self-described ‘‘kid from So while once we asked, will seek rehabilitation beyond correction. how could we possibly prevail over catas- We will extend opportunity to those locked [and] son of an exterminator and a trophe? out of opportunity. We will make friends of housewife’’ became the first Jewish Now we assert our enemies. We will make friends of our en- Member of Congress to lead either How could catastrophe possibly emies. Chamber—a historic milestone.

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