Rhode Island Leaders Welcome Biden, Harris Administration

PROVIDENCE, RI — Moments after Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States, Rhode Island voiced their support for the incoming Democratic administration.

U.S. Senator Jack Reed kept it clean and concise, posting "good morning! And hail to the new chief!" Wednesday morning.

Rep. Jim Langevin attended the inauguration with Dr. Megan Ranney, a frontline health care worker who has been vocal on social media about her experiences durign the pandemic.

"I'm honored to be joined by one of the many Rhode Island frontline heroes going above and beyond to save lives!" Langevin said before the ceremony.

After the inauguration, Langevin praised the new chapter for the country.

"A glass ceiling has been broken and America is better for it!" he said. "We'll move forward as a much stronger and united country."

Statements from other members of Rhode Island's congressional delegation and state leaders are below.

U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse

“I was filled with hope as I watched President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris being sworn in this afternoon. With President Biden in the Oval Office and Democrats in control of Congress, the work begins immediately to make significant progress on the issues that matter to Rhode Islanders.

"Our work is cut out for us. The normal buzzing inaugural crowd was replaced this year with thousands of soldiers patrolling the quiet streets of Washington due to an unchecked virus and threats of violent right-wing extremists. We need to repair the damage of the last four years while moving swiftly to end this pandemic, revive our economy, get big things done on climate change, fix the justice system, and root out the special interest influence choking progress on so many issues. It is urgent that we find a way to come together as Americans behind a shared reality and a government that is actually dedicated to making life better for all of its citizens. With President Biden leading the way, I believe we will restore the promise of America."

U.S. Rep. David Cicilline

Today is a great day for Rhode Island and for the United States.

"With President Biden and Vice President Harris in office, we will end this pandemic, build our economy back better, lower the cost of health care, root out corruption, secure racial justice, end gun violence, and take on the challenge of climate change. We will make our country stronger at home and more respected in the world. We will restore the soul of America.

"We have a lot of work to do, but I am more confident than ever that America’s best days still lie ahead. I look forward to doing whatever I can to help President Biden and Vice President Harris make our country safer and more prosperous in the days ahead."

Gov. Gina Raimondo

"Today we turn the page to a new chapter in America’s story — a time to come together, to heal, and to build back better. Congratulations to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. You are already making history, and the work is just beginning."

Lt. Gov. Dan McKee

"Today marks a new start for our nation – a time to come together to overcome the unprecedented challenges we face. I congratulate President Biden and Vice President Harris in this historic moment and look forward to working with them to beat COVID-19 and rebuild our economy here in Rhode Island so we come out of this pandemic stronger than we went in.

"Americans are ready for honest leadership and partners at the federal level who will help us deliver relief to small businesses, address a learning loss among millions of kids, and lift up hardworking families who are doing all they can to make ends meet. I am proud to have been one of the first leaders in our state to support President Biden because I believe in his commitment to achieving these goals and uniting our nation.

"I am also deeply grateful to our Rhode Island National Guard members and everyone who is in Washington, D.C. today to safeguard the inauguration and protect our democracy."