President Barack Obama’s inauguration renews the promise of a more perfect America.  Today we turn a page of American history and start a new chapter – a chapter full of hope, engagement, and shared responsibility.

I am honored to represent the Tampa Bay community at the historic inauguration of the 44^th President.  Thousands of our neighbors from the Tampa Bay area traveled to witness history in the making. Their passion and determination to witness the inauguration in person is a testament to their hope and belief that President Obama will work to change the direction of our great country. 

President Obama has inherited dire economic conditions and difficult diplomatic challenges, but I have faith in his intelligence and abilities.  President Franklin D. Roosevelt said in his first inaugural address that in every dark hour of our national life, a leader of frankness and vigor emerges. Roosevelt also said that such leadership combines with the understanding and the support of the people to bring about recovery, even in hard times.  These words are true today about President Barack Obama.

I am optimistic and hopeful about our nation’s future. We have critical challenges and lots of hard work ahead – expanding access to quality, affordable health care, developing sound energy policies, helping keep families in their homes and, most importantly, bringing about an economic recovery that creates jobs. With President Obama’s leadership, I am confident we will find solutions to these challenges.

I am grateful to share this day with President Obama, my neighbors and with all of America.

Castor was sworn in two weeks ago to her second term in the U.S. Congress. She served as co-chair of Obama’s Florida presidential campaign.