HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

151st GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 5

HONORING JOSEPH ROBINETTE BIDEN JR. FOR HIS SERVICE AND DEDICATION TO THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, Joseph R. Biden Jr. was born on November 20, 1942 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and moved to Delaware in 1953, where he attended and graduated from Archmere Academy in 1961 and the University of Delaware in 1965; and

WHEREAS, Joseph R. Biden Jr. began his public service career in the State of Delaware as a member of the New Castle County Council, on which he served from 1970 to 1972 and demonstrated true care for and commitment to the residents and businesses of his adopted home state; and

WHEREAS, with his strong desire to serve, coupled with exemplary leadership skills, Joseph R. Biden Jr. was elected to the United States Senate in 1972 at age 29, becoming the sixth-youngest senator in American history upon taking office, and representing the people of Delaware from 1973 to 2009; and

WHEREAS, with Delaware in his heart, Biden made near daily trips between Washington D.C. and Wilmington, traveling from the Amtrak train station that now bears his name, so that he could spend as much time as possible with his beloved family, and regularly attend services at his home parish, Saint Joseph on the Brandywine church in Greenville; and

WHEREAS, in the course of his tireless work in the Senate, he served as Ranking Member and Chair of both the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Senate Judiciary Committee championing peace and human rights, defending America’s allies, , and advocating for criminal justice reform and civil liberties; and

WHEREAS, after representing Delaware in the Senate for 36 years, Biden was elected the 47th Vice President of the United States, serving in the historic administration of President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017; and

WHEREAS, Biden has earned the respect of many and has always shared his remarkable wit, humor, knowledge, empathy, and lived experiences with the people of Delaware; and

WHEREAS, Delaware has reciprocated that love and admiration with such honors as the establishment of the Biden Institute at the University of Delaware, the Joseph R. Biden Jr. Aquatic Center, and the Biden Welcome Center on Interstate-95, all of which illustrate the love and respect Delaware has for its hometown hero; and

WHEREAS, Joseph R. Biden Jr. has endured great family tragedies during his public life, grieving openly and sharing his loss with Delaware in a way that has demonstrated how tightly the Biden family is woven into the fabric of the state; and

WHEREAS, Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s election as the 46th President of the United States is an example of resilience and triumph, as Americans look forward to him leading the country to a better place, fostering unity, and advancing justice and equality for all; and

WHEREAS, the people of Delaware will continue to benefit from Biden’s leadership, passion, and progress for years to come.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 151st General Assembly, the Senate concurring therein, in recognition of the significant and positive impact, during some of the most challenging circumstances, professionally and personally, we congratulate Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. on his election as 46th President of the United States of America.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the House presents this resolution to President Biden with the most sincere thanks, appreciation, and support in his Presidency on behalf of all Delawareans.

SYNOPSIS

This resolution honors President-elect Joseph R. Biden, Jr. for his service and dedication to Delaware, and offers appreciation and support in his Presidency.