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WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Paul D. Tonko released the following statement ahead of the Presidential Inauguration:

“As our nation pauses today to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and to mark the inauguration of Donald Trump as our 47th President, I find myself, as I often am, drawn back to the teachings of Dr. King. King often spoke not only of the infinite nature of hope, but also the fierce urgency of action. Both will be needed in the years to come.

“Donald Trump is reassuming the Presidency at an inflection point in the history of our great nation. I will approach his second term with King’s infinite hope, wishing for him, as I do for all our leaders, a successful Presidency that betters the lives of all Americans and honors the rich tapestry of diversity that has always made America great. Our shared future is not yet written, and I will always remain open to the possibilities of tomorrow.

“While holding on to infinite hope, I stand ready to act with the fierce urgency this moment demands. The challenges before us are clear. Sharing the inauguration stage today will be some of the richest men in the world, many of whom lavishly supported President Trump’s campaign and stand to benefit greatly from his Presidency. At this moment, plans are in motion to provide a massive tax giveaway to these billionaires and big corporations while ripping away health care from millions of people. Families, expecting concrete actions to lower costs, instead see rambling rhetoric about using military force against our allies. As Los Angeles burns, fossil fuel executives are already celebrating the incoming administration’s plans to dismantle clean energy programs and give big oil free rein to defile our public lands, exacerbating our climate crisis. Queer kids are living in fear, not only from policies that take us backwards, but also from the ascendant culture of cruelty that is enabled by extreme voices in leadership. And women across the country, still grappling with the loss of the fundamental freedoms of their own reproductive rights, see a President who doesn’t understand their pain.

“The task before us is monumental. But — just as Dr. King dared us to pursue his dream — with our hope and with our action, we move forward.”