Rep. Kelly Celebrates Inauguration of Donald Trump as 45th President

WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) – a member of the House Ways and Means Committee – issued the following statement today regarding the inauguration of Donald J. Trump and Michael R. Pence as President and Vice President of the United States.

“Today begins a better and brighter era for our entire country. The energy and enthusiasm I felt firsthand on the campaign trail last year with our new president is being relived today as we witness the peaceful transfer of power that is a hallmark of our democracy. Donald Trump is taking office with wind at his back and an unmistakable mandate to put everyday hardworking Americans first again. I offer my sincerest congratulations to both the Trump and Pence families as they begin this historic journey and will pray for their success and well-being every day.

“Abraham Lincoln once said, ‘If you want to test a man’s character, give him power.’ To my deepest regret, President Obama used his executive power to divide Americans and denigrate the legislative process in pursuit of an aggressively partisan agenda—all despite campaigning on an inspirational promise to do the very opposite. I am confident that President Trump has learned the lessons of his predecessor and will govern in a spirit of national unity, faithful to our Constitution and guided by an unapologetic belief in American exceptionalism.

“With a unified Republican government now leading America forward, the opportunities at hand are tremendous, as are the responsibilities. I commend President Trump’s desire to get to work right away in order to correct our country’s course, at home and in many arenas abroad. As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, where health care and tax reform remain our shared priorities, I look forward to working with him toward a future with lower, simpler taxes and more affordable and accessible health care insurance that is choice-filled and patient-centered.

“I wish President Obama and his family well in their future endeavors. I call on all of my colleagues in Congress to now put country before party and help President Trump and his administration make America greater, safer, stronger, and more prosperous for all Americans.”

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