Governor Lamont Statement on President Biden’s Farewell Address to the Nation

Governor Ned Lamont released the following statement in response to the farewell address to the nation delivered this evening by President Joe Biden:

“I extend my deepest gratitude to President Joe Biden for his unwavering dedication to public service and the American people over the past five decades. In his farewell address to the nation, delivered just now from the Oval Office, President Biden reflected on the immense challenges faced and the enduring progress achieved during his presidency. Assuming office during a time of unprecedented crisis – with the COVID-19 pandemic claiming more than a million American lives and the economy in turmoil – President Biden faced formidable challenges, and he met those challenges head on.

“President Biden never forgot where he came from. Born and raised in Scranton, Pennsylvania, he carried the values of hard work, resilience, and empathy instilled in him from those roots into every chapter of his public service. A steadfast ally of organized labor, President Biden championed the dignity of work and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with working Americans, fighting tirelessly to protect their rights and expand their opportunities.

“Under his leadership, the administration implemented the American Rescue Plan, delivering vital economic relief to Connecticut families and businesses and accelerating vaccination efforts nationwide. His commitment to revitalizing the nation’s manufacturing sector was evident in the passage of the CHIPS and Science Act, which has reinvigorated American production, strengthened supply chains, and ensured that the United States remains a global leader in critical technologies.

“Looking to the future, President Biden prepared the nation for economic competition in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and cleaner, more affordable energy. By investing in innovation and science, he set the foundation for long-term economic growth and job creation, ensuring that America stays at the forefront of technological advancement.

“To make everyday life more affordable, his administration reduced prescription drug costs, expanded access to affordable healthcare, and went after hidden fees that burden working families. After years of Washington politicians calling for more investments to modernize the nation’s public infrastructure, President Biden got it done when he enacted the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a landmark law that is modernizing roads, bridges, rail systems, sewers, and other infrastructure across Connecticut, creating countless jobs and improving our quality of life.

“On the international stage, President Biden restored and strengthened America’s alliances, including through initiatives like the AUKUS defense pact with Australia and the United Kingdom, exemplifying his strategic approach to enhancing national security and countering global threats.

“President Biden’s tenure is marked by historic achievements that expanded opportunities, alleviated financial burdens for Americans, and elevated the standing of the United States on the global stage. His steadfast leadership during times of adversity and his deep connection to the values that shaped him have paved the way for a more prosperous, innovative, and secure future for all of us.

“The nation is a better place for President Biden having been in the ‘room where it happens,’ fighting on behalf of the American people. Thank you, Joe.”