Utah’s all-GOP delegation reacts to Biden, Harris inauguration
Jan 20, 2021, 5:03 PM
Utah Reps. Burgess Owens and John Curtis attend the inauguration of Pres. Joe Biden and Vice Pres. Kamala Harris on Jan, 20, 2021. Photo: Rep. John Curtis on Twitter
SALT LAKE CITY — In tweets and written statements, Utah’s congressional delegation is weighing in on the historic inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
In a tweet, Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) mentioned the common ground he believes he shares with Pres. Biden on several issues including criminal justice reform and Sen. Lee expressed a desire for bipartisan success in the legislative process.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) January 20, 2021
In a statement shared with the media, Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) said he felt Pres. Biden’s speech was strong and much needed, and he issued a call to Pres. Biden to “call upon our better angels to bring us together.” Sen. Romney was one of the first Republicans to congratulate Joe Biden after it was clear Mr. Biden had garnered in excess of 270 Electoral College votes.
New Utah congressman, Rep. Blake Moore also tweeted congratulations to Pres. Biden and Vice Pres. Kamala Harris, and like Sen. Lee, said that he looks forward to finding common goals with the Biden administration.
Congratulations to President Joe Biden & Vice President Kamala Harris! It was an honor to witness the inauguration today and support a peaceful transfer of power. I look forward to working with this administration to reach America’s common goals. #utpol pic.twitter.com/tu0mOsBsVr
— Rep. Blake Moore (@RepBlakeMoore) January 20, 2021
Utah’s other new congressman, Rep. Burgess Owens, issued a series of tweets on inauguration day, first thanking soldiers, airmen, and law enforcement officials in Washington D.C. for helping assure the safety of the inaugural events.
Next, he noted his honor in celebrating a peaceful transition of power.
I’m honored to attend the 59th Presidential Inauguration and join the country in celebrating a peaceful transition of power that has served as a cornerstone of American democracy for over 200 years.
— Rep. Burgess Owens (@RepBurgessOwens) January 20, 2021
Later in the day on Wednesday, Rep. Owens tweeted that he’d joined several of his colleagues in the Congress who’d pledged to “rise above the partisan fray [and] work toward meaningful change for Utah’s Fourth District” and all Americans.
Proud to join my colleagues in signing a letter to President Biden and Vice President Harris, pledging to rise above the partisan fray & work towards meaningful change for Utah’s Fourth District and Americans across the nation. pic.twitter.com/0avCvwkhPX
— Rep. Burgess Owens (@RepBurgessOwens) January 20, 2021
In his tweet, Rep. John Curtis noted his philosophical differences with Pres. Biden but that he respects the office of the presidency. Further, with a nod to the contentious 2020 election cycle, Rep. Curtis indicated that his presence at the inauguration on Wednesday should be viewed as his commitment to being an agent of “love and light” as opposed to “hate and darkness.”
Although I may have philosophical differences with the President, I have tremendous respect for the Office. My attendance should stand as my commitment to wake up every morning and look in the mirror as I ask myself if I’m an agent for hate and darkness or for love & light.🇺🇸💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/SBOT1k0Tzk
— Rep. John Curtis (@RepJohnCurtis) January 20, 2021
Rep. John Curtis wished the Biden Administration luck in a Tweet on Tuesday.
