Today, with the inauguration of President Biden, the U.S. observes one of its time-honored traditions and a true cornerstone of democracy – the peaceful transfer of power. In recent days, however, we have seen the rule of law and, indeed, the very fabric of our democracy tested and strained in ways that many of us would never have imagined. The events of January 6 brought into sharp focus the words of our esteemed namesake Congressman Tom Lantos, who often said, “The veneer of civilization is paper thin. We are its guardians, and we can never rest.”

Were Tom with us today, we have no doubt that he would urge us to face the challenges to our democracy at home with vigor, courage and an unrelenting commitment to freedom and justice for all. He would express his optimism that America remains the bedrock of democracy; it will weather the storm of current divisions and threats to its core values, and will emerge a better and more just nation. He would likely invoke another favorite turn of phrase: “We are just bending a windy corner of history, but around this corner are blue skies and wonderful opportunities.”

In 2020, and now into 2021, we have been sorrowfully reminded of the ways in which our country has fallen short of our high ideals. We must resolve to do better at closing this gap at home so we will be worthy of the human rights leadership that we have long exercised around the world. Though politics and pandemics may separate us, we can still come together around our dedication to universal human rights. In the coming year and beyond, it is our hope that a shared commitment to global human rights can help us find common ground and choose to walk a more unified and respectful path.

We look forward to the coming years of collaboration with President Biden’s administration. Over the course of their more than 30-year relationship as colleagues and dear friends, President Biden and Congressman Lantos often worked closely on human rights issues. We were pleased to honor President Biden in 2018 with our decennial Lantos Legacy Award for his bold defense of human rights. We know that he will continue to be a passionate and steadfast advocate for human rights – both at home and abroad – and we anticipate a strong partnership with his administration on human rights issues ranging from international religious freedom to the rule of law, and many others.