The 55th presidential inauguration celebrated American democracy and saluted those who serve selflessly to preserve our system of self-government.
For well over 200 years the United States has served as a beacon of hope, freedom and opportunity to generations of Americans. As the 43rd president took his oath of office for a second term, his inaugural address emphasized America's fundamental belief in liberty and justice for all.
Americans come from all walks of life. Consider the many cultural, social, economic and political differences found among the people in our own hometowns. And yet Americans cherish the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. In times of uncertainty, Americans also understand the sacrifices that come with the privileges of citizenship.
The inaugural ceremonies paid tribute to the men and women in uniform who are putting their lives on the line to defend freedom and fight the war on terror.
Despite what has been described as a divided electorate, most Americans can appreciate the inaugural for what it represents. As a celebration of the American presidency, the quadrennial ceremony pays tribute to self-governance. Every four years, Americans get to choose their Commander-in-Chief. Occupying the highest public office in the land, the president often is referred to as the leader of the free world.
Whether Republican or Democrat, we are blessed to live in a nation graced with agricultural abundance, precious natural resources and founded upon the principles of freedom, liberty, equality and justice for all.
For the eighth time, I witnessed a presidential inauguration from the steps of the U.S. Capitol. As a federal lawmaker, it reinforces the ideals of a government established "of, by and for the people."
As an elected representative of the people, my job is to promote the promises spelled out in the Constitution: "to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity."
It takes a lot of work to build a consensus. The give and take is what's necessary to get the job done. The president has signaled his intentions to move ahead with bold ideas that advance an "ownership society" and improve the economic and social well-being of all Americans during his second term.
As chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, I'll be behind the steering wheel in the Senate as the debate unfolds to rebuild Social Security to strengthen retirement security for younger