Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) released the following statement after the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris:
“The inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris presents a new opportunity for America to pursue an agenda for the people, repair our international reputation, address systemic inequality, and close the chasms of political polarity that have been stoked and widened,” said Congresswoman Hayes.
“The historic implications of this day for all women – particularly women of color – is not lost on me. Vice President Kamala Harris is the first woman – first Black woman and first Indian-American – to hold the office of Vice President. Millions of Americans can now look to the White House and see themselves in the eyes of the Vice President. Her presence in the White House provides an incalculable level of validation and empowerment to millions of Americans who have never seen someone who looks like them hold such power and responsibility.
“The events leading up to this inauguration paint a clear picture that one of the primary missions of this Administration will be to reunite our citizenry. In that effort, I am looking forward to working with the Biden Administration to shepherd this nation out of the economic and public health crisis caused by COVID-19, bolster equitable public education and child care, expand access to affordable health care, eradicate food insecurity, and ensure plentiful and dignified work.”
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Rep. Jahana Hayes has been a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.
Rep. Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut’s 5th District.