Candice S. Miller: “Yesterday we once again witnessed the greatest of American traditions, the peaceful transfer of power from one…”

“Yesterday we once again witnessed the greatest of American traditions, the peaceful transfer of power from one democratically elected President and leader of our Nation to another. Whether in times of peace or prosperity or war and economic difficulty, this great Nation has never wavered from its commitment to democracy and to the power of the American people to choose our leaders. This model of how a free people govern themselves is truly America's greatest gift to the world. At a time of great challenges facing our Nation, our new President was met with a sense of hope and an outpouring of support from the ever optimistic American people. And whether you consider yourself a Republican or a Democrat, Barack Obama today is a President for every American. It is now time for us, in this Congress, to work together to help our new President govern through these troubled times. Throughout our Nation's history, Madam Speaker, we have proven that united we can overcome any hardship and defeat any foe. I extend best wishes to our new President and my colleagues as we work together to do our best on behalf of the American people.”