Inauguration Day 2021: Preparing for 2021 and Beyond

It would be understandable for the Biden administration, Congress, and the American people to seek a little time to heal. But the multiple crises facing the nation require the new administration and Congress to get to work immediately. The surging pandemic and resulting economic instability have left millions of Americans facing joblessness, homelessness, and hunger. Whether our wounded government can respond to the immediate crises—let alone produce solutions to the complex, generation-defining problems that predate and transcend the current emergency—is the question that hangs over the nation.

Among the incoming administration’s many promises, none is more important than President Biden’s commitment to represent all Americans—including the 74 million people who voted against him. The new administration and Congress face a choice: continue emphasizing their differences or do the harder and braver work of compromising to advance the nation’s interests.

The abhorrent attack on the Capitol on January 6 shattered the premise that our nation’s leaders can denigrate our democracy without consequences. Following the attack, BPC commended Congress for swiftly reconvening to certify the election of President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. During that extraordinary session, many lawmakers offered inspiring statements about the imperative to protect our vital traditions and heal our divisions. The proof of these assertions will be in our elected officials’ commitment and ability to repair our damaged institutions and constructively engage the profound challenges facing our nation.