TOMPKINS COUNTY, NY (WSKG) - As far as the election of Joe Biden as president is concerned, Republican Congressman Tom Reed has no worries about President Trump's law suits and his refusal to concede.
"I respect the president’s right to pursue those lawsuits but I also recognize that if you look at our two hundred year history and you look at the numbers of those lawsuits that Joe Biden has rightfully earned the title of being the projected president-elect and that should be recognized," he said.
Reed also doesn't worry President Trump will refuse to accept the election results. However, first, Reed says the President's legal challenges must run their course.
"If the evidence is not there then I think it is incumbent upon us as a Republican Party and the president himself to recognize that what we pride ourselves in America is a peaceful transition of power and I’m confident the president will do that," Reed said.
Reed was declared winner last week in his matchup against Tracy Mitrano.
When the new congress convenes in January, the congressman from Corning will push a clear list of priorities. His district also includes Hornell, Elmira and Ithaca.
If a new COVID-19 aid package is not passed before the new Congress convenes, then Reed says that must be their first priority. He said it needs to include more payroll protection help and additional unemployment benefits.
"And then taking on issues of immigration. But maybe before that taking on a police reform bill that we have worked together on now, the Problem Solvers Caucus, with Tim Scott and Cory Booker, now in the Senate," he said, referring to two Black Senators, South Carolina Republican Tim Scott and New Jersey Democrat Cory Booker.
Reed also said his caucus has spoken with the Congressional Black Caucus about police reform but he did not specify if there has been any agreement.
Reed voted against the Justice in Policing Act of 2020. It is a package of reforms proposed by the Congressional Black Caucus. It passed in the House in a party line vote.