Texas Freshman Rep. Beth Van Duyne (TX-R) led a group of 17 Republicans in a letter addressed to President Joe Biden on his inauguration day. The lawmakers pledged to work with the incoming Democratic president to work together on issues important to American families, workers, and businesses.
The letter began by congratulating Biden on the start of his presidency. While the letter fell short of formally recognizing Biden’s electoral victory, after an election season fraught with allegations of voter fraud and attempts to undermine election certification ceremonies, the warm opening was a significant gesture of goodwill.
After acknowledging recent events from November up until the recent violence at the Capitol, the congress members stressed that “the partisan divide between Democrats and Republicans does not serve a single American.” The Republicans announced their desire to work with the President on providing targeted coronavirus relief, protecting Americans with pre-existing health conditions, improving infrastructure and restoring the economy.
The letter was symbolic of impetus for bipartisanship among incoming freshmen. Van Duyne was joined by GOP Reps. Stephanie Bice (OK), Jerry Carl (AL), Madison Cawthorn (NC), Scott Franklin (FL), Andrew Garbarino (NY), Carlos Gimenez (FL), Yvette Herrell (NM), Ashley Hinson (IA), Young Kim (CA), Nicole Malliotakis (NY), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA), Peter Meijer (MI), Barry Moore (AL), Jay Obernolte (CA), Burgess Owens (UT) and David Valadao (CA). Moore’s presence was particularly significant; earlier this month he had led efforts to toss out Biden’s Electoral College votes.
Echoing Biden’s inauguration speech, the members called for unity.
“We firmly believe that what unites us as Americans is far greater than anything that may ever divide us,” the lawmakers concluded. “In that spirit, we hope that we can rise above the partisan fray to negotiate meaningful change for Americans across the nation and maintain the United States’ standing as the best country in the world.”
Van Duyne’s position stands in stark contrast to that of some senior members of the Texas GOP who have vowed to vehemently oppose Biden’s agenda. Others, however, have made similar calls for bipartisanship and expressed hope that Biden could unify the country.
