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Stefanik speaks on inauguration

In this image from video, Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., speaks as the House reconvenes to debate the objection to confirm the Electoral College vote from Arizona, after protesters stormed into the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6. (House Television via AP)

North Country Rep. Elise Stefanik shared her thoughts on the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris Wednesday, saying she hoped for unity but also criticizing the new administration as “far-left.”

Stefanik did not say if she attended virtually or in-person. In-person attendance was limited because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

She said the event was a “uniquely American tradition” of a peaceful transfer of power from one president to the next.

“It is a reminder that despite the significant challenges we face, we are blessed to live in the greatest country on Earth,” she wrote in a statement. “I am grateful to President Trump and Vice President Pence for their hard work, service and strong record of achievements for the American people over the past four years. I congratulate President Biden and Vice President Harris on their swearing in, and I look forward to working with their administration to deliver bipartisan solutions for New York’s 21st Congressional District.”

Biden’s speech Wednesday focused heavily on unity.

In that theme, Stefanik tweeted Wednesday morning, thanking the outgoing president Donald Trump and vice president Michael Pence and congratulating Biden on his role as the new president.

“We must work together to unify as a nation and deliver results for all Americans,” she wrote.

But in an interview with Fox News’ Brian Kilmeade Tuesday night, Stefanik said she believes the two-way street of unity has already been betrayed by the new administration.

“Even though president-elect Biden is talking about unifying, his policy proposals are far-left policy proposals,” she wrote. “We’re seeing that in his first COVID relief plan, where he didn’t even reach out to Republicans.”

Stefanik did not return an email requesting further comment on how unity can be achieved despite political differences. She also did not return questions asking what she felt while watching the ceremony, if the Republican Party should continue forward with Trump’s “Make America Great Again” message and what she believes the next four years look like for America.

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