All American friends, good morning.
Some dates are echoed throughout history. These dates instantly recall all those who lived during them. These dates are not just a date on our calendars but also occupy a space in our collective memories. December 7, 1941. September 11th 2001. Also January 6, 2021.
That day I was Vice President-elect and a United States Senator. That morning I was at the Capitol to attend a classified hearing along with other members of Senate Intelligence Committee. The Capitol’s gates were opened hours later.
Then I was gone. My thoughts turned immediately to my colleagues and my staff. They had been made to flee our office after being forced to convert filing cabinets into barricades.
These halls were not just for elected leaders. They wanted to destroy not just a building as beautiful and historic as it was. The institutions and values that American generations have worked so hard to protect and build were what they wanted to destroy.
The 6th of January was a day when we saw the future for our country if those who want to destroy our democracy succeed. The lawlessness and violence are all part of the chaos.
It was the right of all people to decide our future as the Constitution requires.
Our future cannot be determined by people who want to silence our voices and overturn our votes. They also propagandize lies and misinformation. This radical group may just be emerging, but its roots are deep and rooted.
Many young people ask me questions about democracy and January 6. What I say is that January 6th shows the dual nature and strength of democracy.
Rule of law is the foundation of democracy. Democracies are built on the principles that all people should be treated equally and that democracy should not be viewed as a competition. Democracies are strong because they empower the people.
The fragility of democracy comes down to this: if democracy doesn’t have our attention, and if it isn’t protected, it won’t last; it will crumble and fall.
It is the fragility that democracy is that we saw the violence and assaults that occurred here.
But, it is the strength of our elected leaders that I witnessed when I returned from the Senate chamber on that night, their determination not to surrender but to certify that election; their loyalty to the Constitution of America and not to any party or individual — that speaks to its strength.
The Capitol Police, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, National Guard and all other law enforcement officers that answered the call on the day of 9/11, include those who died from visible or invisible wounds.
All the families that have lost someone they love are in our thoughts.
It begs the question: How will January 6th become a memorable date in years to come?
Is it going to be remembered for being a turning point in the demise of the most ancient and greatest democracy on the planet, or an opportunity to strengthen democracy for the future?
American spirit is under scrutiny
We, the people, are where we find out whether or not that test will be met.
It will be a difficult task. In this building we’ll make a decision on whether to uphold our right to vote, and assure fair elections.
Let’s be clear: We must pass the voting rights bills that are now before the Senate, and the American people must also do something more.
We can’t remain silent. To defend our democracy, we must all unite to create a better union, assure justice, domestic peace, foster the general welfare and ensure the blessings and security of liberty for ourselves, our descendants, and our future prosperity.
This is the Preamble to the Constitution, which President Biden and myself swore an Oath to defend and uphold. That is the United States of America’s enduring promise.
My fellow Americans, it is my honor to introduce a public servant with the character and fortitude to meet this moment, a leader whose life’s work has been moving our nation toward that more perfect union: President Joe Biden.