Biden inauguration live updates: Biden arrives at Capitol, prepares to assume presidency

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., one of the chairs on the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, kicked off the inauguration by acknowledging the attack on the Capitol two weeks ago.

“Two weeks ago when an angry violent mob staged an insurrection and desecrated this temple of our democracy, it awakened us to our responsibilities as Americans,” Klobuchar began. “This is the day when our democracy picks itself up, brushes off the dust, and does what America always does: goes forward as a nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

She also acknowledged the historic nature of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris’ ascension to office as the first woman, first Black woman and first South Asian American to be sworn in as vice president.

“When she takes the oath of office, little girls and boys across the world will know that anything and everything is possible,” Klobuchar said. “And in the end, that is America, our democracy, a country of so much good, and today, on these Capitol steps and before this glorious field of flags, we rededicate ourselves to its cause.”