[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 11 (Wednesday, January 20, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S66]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      59TH INAUGURATION CEREMONIES

  Mr. GRASSLEY. One, I congratulate my friend, Patrick Leahy for once 
again assuming the position of President pro tempore after 6 years of 
absence, I believe, and also to express my working relationship with 
him in the 40 years that he and I have served together in the U.S. 
Senate.
  But also to the fourth estate, because we always read about rancor on 
television, radio, and print--they never speak about how Senators get 
along. We have seen a peaceful transfer of leadership position in the 
U.S. Senate, from a Senator from Kentucky to a Senator from New York.
  Now, for the first purpose of rising, because most of my colleagues 
don't know, when there is nobody on the Senate and I open the Senate up 
for prayer and for the Pledge of Allegiance, I usually give a 1-minute 
speech. And I would like to give my last 1-minute speech as President 
pro tempore. I am not saying that I won't take advantage of that 
opportunity when nobody else is around, as well.
  Four years ago, our Nation's Capital was full of people who had come 
to celebrate a new President's inauguration, and it was full of people 
who came to protest the winner of that election.
  This Biden inauguration was different in that respect. But this year, 
just like 4 years ago, there are Americans who question the election 
outcome and did not want the inauguration to proceed. Since election 
day, I have urged Americans to have faith in our constitutional system 
and let the Constitution work the way it has for 240 years--work its 
course. Today was the culmination of that process.
  Like 4 years ago, I know that many Americans are not happy with how 
it turned out. That is absolutely fine, just like 4 years ago was fine 
for those people that resisted.
  In our country, nobody is obliged to like or support a President, 
but, hopefully, people will really respect the Office of the 
Presidency, regardless who holds it.
  However, while the Presidency changed hands, I hope we can retire, 
hashtag ``resist.''
  You wouldn't know it listening to partisan commentators from the 
right or left, but you do not have to make a choice between giving your 
President unqualified support or total opposition to the President.
  As a legislator, I would be doing a disservice to those I represent 
if I did either unqualified support for a Republican President or total 
opposition to a Democratic President. In my work on behalf of Iowans, I 
have to engage with the administration of the day if I want to be a 
responsible Senator.
  As I have with every President, I will seek to find common ground 
with President Biden wherever possible, but I will strongly oppose 
policies that I think are not good for Iowa and all Americans. That 
will be on input that I receive from my fellow Iowans.
  I yield the floor.
  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Schatz). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

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