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Local Democrats Share ‘Relief’ And ‘Tears Of Joy’ During Biden Inauguration
US Vice President Kamala Harris bumps fists ahead of the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th US President on January 20, 2021. (Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Imag
Politicians: They work out big feelings on social media just like the rest of us.
Local elected representatives shared exuberant messages and selfies on Wednesday during the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Congresswoman Linda Sánchez, whose district includes L.A. and Orange County cities like Norwalk, Pico Rivera and Whittier, kicked things off with a video from the inaugural platform.
Sánchez also announced she will run point in the House of Representatives for a top priority for the new administration: the U.S. Citizenship Act, which creates an eight-year path to citizenship for many of the 11 million immigrants in the country without legal status.
"We've waited too long for reform," Sánchez said on Twitter. "On day one of this Biden Administration, we’re not wasting any time. We are getting to work and we will get this done."
“Honored to witness the swearing in of our first black, AAPI, woman Vice President,” San Gabriel Valley Rep. Judy Chu posted on Twitter. “Kamala Harris is the first, but she won't be the last.”
"The dream of justice for all will be deferred no longer" - @POTUS #InaugurationDay pic.twitter.com/zIqUG5Mwmq
— Judy Chu (@RepJudyChu) January 20, 2021
Congressman Jimmy Gomez, whose district includes Boyle Heights and parts of East and northeast L.A., attended with his wife, Mary Hodge.
Today, my wife and I had the honor to attend #Inauguration of Joe Biden as President of the United States, and Kamala Harris as the first woman Vice President of the United States. #Historic
— Jimmy Gomez (@JimmyGomezCA) January 20, 2021
Now we begin the hard work of healing and delivering for our country. pic.twitter.com/hnsKqorv8X
The Boston Globe’s Jazmine Ulloa caught up with freshman Democratic Rep. Sara Jacobs. She was elected in November to succeed 10-term congresswoman Susan Davis in San Diego.
One more: Representatives Nikema Williams of Georgia and Sara Jacobs of California are new to Congress.
— Jazmine Ulloa (@jazmineulloa) January 20, 2021
“The first Wednesday we had an insurrection on the Capitol, the second Wednesday we voted to impeach the president, and this Wednesday we are here,” Williams (left) said. pic.twitter.com/AWBIjJ2XPg
Los Angeles Rep. Maxine Waters, who chairs the House Financial Services Committee, shared her sentiments on Twitter:
I feel the burden of living in my country under President Trump has been lifted from my shoulders. For me, the relief brings tears of joy. I rejoice in knowing it’s a new day and a new way with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
— Maxine Waters (@RepMaxineWaters) January 20, 2021
Congressman Adam Schiff, House Intelligence Committee Chairman, echoed Waters’ feelings of relief.
For four years, our values and our democracy were under attack.
— Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) January 20, 2021
With difficulty, we withstood the assault.
But for the first time in a long time I’m breathing a sigh of relief.
Today marks the beginning of a national renewal.
The hopes of a nation are with you, Mr. President.
Democrats weren’t the only ones sharing positive vibes. Several Republicans expressed well-wishes for President Biden.
Freshman Congresswoman Young Kim, who represents the 39th District in North Orange County, plus parts of San Bernardino and L.A. counties, posted a photo with her daughter along with a message about unity.
Attending the Presidential Inauguration today with my daughter Kelly. For the good of our country, I wish the Biden administration the best and look forward to working with the new administration and my colleagues to get things done for #CA39. pic.twitter.com/h8khfHIdak
— Young Kim (@RepYoungKim) January 20, 2021
Longtime GOP Congressman Darrell Issa, who was just elected to return to the House representing the 50th District in inland San Diego County, issued a statement:
“Every Inauguration Day is a celebration of our enduring democracy — and today continues that uniquely American tradition. I have known President Biden for more than 20 years, I welcome his words of unity, and the country stands to benefit if he keeps the promises he made during the campaign to bring us together. Today is also a time to pray for our nation and its success. May God continue to bless America.”
“California Republicans have seen first-hand the consequences of far-left policies,” State Senate Republican Leader Shannon Grove said in a statement. “Republicans will continue to bring balance and fight to restore both the California and American Dream through peaceful and productive civic engagement.”
In a few cases, epidemiology got in the way. Rep. Raul Ruiz said on Twitter he was unable to attend the ceremony because of a positive COVID-19 test.
In preparation for attending the inauguration of President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris, I have taken multiple COVID-19 tests over the last 72 hours. After receiving an initial negative result over the weekend, this morning I tested positive for COVID- 19.
— Raul Ruiz (@RepRaulRuizMD) January 19, 2021
Also, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who campaigned for Biden and was a co-chair of his Inaugural Committee, was not in Washington for the festivities. Garcetti was spied Wednesday morning at Dodger Stadium where he was greeting people who were there to receive a coronavirus vaccination.