Statements on President Biden’s first day

REP. JOSH GOTTHEIMER

“Withdrawing the United States from the historic Paris Agreement on climate change was a mistake, an abdication of American leadership on the world stage, and a setback for the united effort needed to keep our air and water clean. We must prioritize addressing the threat of climate change and work to mitigate the harm to our environment, our economy, and our communities. When it comes to clean air and water and a healthy environment, we cannot afford to look the other way.”=

“Today, I applaud President Biden’s leadership in returning the United States to the Paris Agreement. While the rest of the world — like China — has already begun its transition to clean energy, we cannot let our economy get left behind, especially in the industries that will drive the future. By rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement, the United States can be the world’s leader in these industries and create millions of good paying jobs right here at home.”

REP. ANDY KIM

“Today’s executive orders show the magnitude of the challenge we have as a country ahead of us. We not only face a pandemic that has killed more than 400,000 of our fellow Americans and put millions out of work, but we face the challenge of picking up the pieces left by an administration that sought to divide instead of unite and shrink America from its role in leading the world.

These actions are just the beginning. It is up to us in Congress to come together and enact real, meaningful change in the coming months. We owe it to the next generation – and I owe it to my two baby boys – to get this right. I look forward to working with the Biden-Harris Administration and will continue to be a fierce advocate for the priorities of Burlington and Ocean Counties.”

“President Biden faces incredible challenges to our nation’s security and global stability on day one. He needs a proven leader at the Pentagon who understands the troops he’ll be responsible for and who can execute the President’s vision for a safer world; Secretary-Designee Austin is that leader.

I’ve seen Secretary-Designee Austin in the Situation Room. I know his thoughtfulness and his dedication to the principle of civilian control of our military. He is incredibly qualified and will make our country proud. I hope my colleagues join me tomorrow in voting for a waiver to allow his confirmation to move forward and the hard work of the new administration to begin.”

REP. MIKIE SHERRILL

“Our country is anchored on religious freedom. It makes us a beacon of hope to millions around the world. It is one of the values that I fought to uphold in the Navy and like so many Americans, I was deeply disturbed when the former president turned his back on this fundamental right and discriminated against foreign nationals from majority-Muslim countries. It was one of the things that moved me to run for public office.

“President Biden’s Executive Action to reverse the Muslim Ban marks a return to decency and American values. The Muslim community is part of the fabric of the United States. In New Jersey, our Muslim neighbors and friends bring us together in times of tragedy and celebration. I welcome this renewed commitment to religious freedom and proudly support this Executive Action.”

Rep. Sherrill co-sponsored and voted to pass the National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants (NO BAN) Act in July 2020 to limit the President’s authority to suspend or restrict foreign nationals from entering the United States, terminate certain presidential actions implementing such restrictions, and prohibit religious discrimination in various immigration-related decisions.

“I am incredibly heartened that within hours of assuming office, President Biden took strong action to heal our country and move us forward into a new era: marshaling a coordinated federal response to the pandemic, extending the eviction and foreclosure moratorium, rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement, and advancing racial equality. President Biden’s Day One Agenda is a reflection of our priorities and values. Congress must meet this moment with legislation that matches the magnitude of the crises we face.”

HOBOKEN MAYOR RAVI BHALLA

“I am grateful that President Joe Biden is taking immediate action, on the very first day in office, to rejoin the Paris Agreement.  Nowhere is climate change more real than coastal communities like Hoboken, where rising sea levels threaten the very future of our City. The President, in his address before a world stage, said America will lead, ‘not merely by the example of our power, but by the power of our example.’ Thank you to President Biden for putting those words into action today.”

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