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Representative Bill Johnson (R-Marietta) released the following statement after President Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45^th President of the United States:

President Donald Trump has taken the oath of office to the highest office in the land. His rise is a political phenomenon, something we've not seen in our lifetimes. We were reminded last November that polls, pundits, and political elites don’t determine our elections – rather, the American voters do.

Our new President – working with both the House and Senate – has an historic opportunity to really lead and make positive, lasting changes for the American people. I'm hopeful that President Trump doesn’t view Congress as an inconvenient obstacle - because, we are ready for the hard work of governing, and I believe that he is as well.

It’s time to begin working together on the many pressing issues facing our great nation. Issues like:

-Growing our economy and adding jobs – and not just part-time jobs, but full-time, good-paying jobs.

-Securing our energy independence – which includes developing all of our energy resources, including coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear.

-Eliminating excessive Washington red tape and costly regulations that make it harder for our job creators, innovators, and workers to succeed.

-Repealing ObamaCare - and replacing it with patient centered solutions that increase choices, lower cost, improve quality, and increase access.

-Reforming the broken Department of Veterans Affairs – our veterans have earned better treatment than they receive through the VA. As a veteran myself, this remains an important priority.

Now that he has taken office, President Trump must be a leader for all Americans – not just those who voted for him. The election was contentious, but it’s time to move the ball forward. In his speech on Election Night, then President-elect Trump called for “America to bind the wounds of division, and come together as one united people.” I agree; and, I believe that a spirit of unity is necessary to come up with sustainable solutions to the many challenges we face as a nation. The stakes are too high to do otherwise.

I heard an inspiring, uplifting vision for America’s future this afternoon. There is much to do over the next four years, and I look forward to working with President Trump to re-energize our economy at home, and reassert America’s leadership abroad. So, let's get to work.