TULSA, Okla. — Several Oklahoma elected officials released statements after the 59th presidential inauguration on Jan. 20th.
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris took the oath of office on Wednesday to become president and vice president.
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Representative Kevin Hern attended the inauguration and said although he and Biden have different thoughts on how to get the country on the "right track," he respects the office Biden now holds.
“Our nation has always valued the peaceful transfer of power,” said Hern. “While President Biden and I certainly have different ideas for how to put our country on the right track, I respect the office he now holds. I have always said that I am willing to work with anyone – including President Biden – on the issues that matter to Oklahomans, especially finding common-sense solutions to the problems Americans face as we continue to combat and recover from COVID-19. We will likely more often disagree than agree on policy issues, but the fact that I did not vote for Joe Biden does not change the fact that we are now partners in the effort to forge a more perfect union.”
Congressman Tom Cole expressed his "best wishes" to President Joe Biden as he enters the White House.
“I was pleased to attend the inauguration of Joe Biden as he was officially sworn in as the 46th President of the United States, and I want to offer him my best wishes as he enters the White House. I also want to thank the United States Capitol Police, the National Guard and many others who protected the inaugural ceremonies and ensured a peaceful transition of power," said Cole. “Although we live in extremely divided times and a highly polarized political environment, I am hopeful all Americans will choose to see Inauguration Day as an opportunity to unite and move ahead together toward healing. Indeed, in the coming days, all elected officials should set the example by working together across party lines for the good of all Americans. As the Representative for the Fourth Congressional District of Oklahoma, I remain focused on delivering policies that reflect the best interests of my constituents and all Oklahomans.”
Congressman Frank Lucas, who did not attend the event, said he will continue to ensure "conservative solutions are brought to the table" as President Biden begins his agenda.
“Putting politics and ideology aside, today is a historic day for the United States of America as we honor our country’s most important civic ritual: the inauguration of the President of the United States. As President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris take office, I join millions of Americans in praying for our Nation’s continued success. This year, the traditions of the inaugural ceremony were a bit different- including my own tradition. As I assessed security requirements and adhered to the necessary standards for COVID-19 and the general policy of minimizing public involvement in this year’s inauguration, I, like many Americans, watched the inauguration of President Biden from home," said Lucas. “In the coming days as President Biden implements his agenda, I look forward to continuing my work to better the lives of my fellow Oklahomans and ensuring that conservative solutions are brought to the table to help eradicate COVID-19 from our communities; provide targeted economic relief for the American people and businesses; and ensure businesses and industries are not crushed by burdensome government regulation.”
Both Oklahoma Senator Jim Inhofe and Senator James Lankford attended the inauguration of President-elect Biden and have not released statements.
Representatives Stephanie Bice and Markwayne Mullin said they did not attend the presidential inauguration.
Lucas, Hern, Cole, and Bice all voted to challenge the electoral college vote.
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