Mrvan introduces President Biden at National Prayer Breakfast

The congressman representing Northwest Indiana was front-and-center Thursday at the National Prayer Breakfast in the U.S. Capitol.

U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland, had the honor of introducing President Joe Biden at the annual bipartisan breaking of bread and saying of prayer for the United States, the American people and their leaders.

Mrvan began his prelude to the address by the Democratic president by favorably comparing Northwest Indiana with Biden's hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania.

"While I have not personally been to Scranton, Pennsylvania, I know that the president has been to my hometown in Hammond, Indiana," Mrvan said.

"I do believe that these two communities have many similarities, comprising of working class families who know the value of hard work, and who look out for one another, and who know the grounding value of family, community and attending church on Sunday."

Mrvan also told the president how he joined Bishop Warren and the congregants at the Temple of Deliverance of Christ in Gary Sunday in praying for enlightenment for Congress and the Biden administration, and that the two branches of government "work together in a more perfect union."

The Region congressman then welcomed the president to the stage: "Thank you, President Biden for being here with us this morning. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming my friend, the 46th President of the United States, Joseph R. Biden," Mrvan said.

Biden rose from his front-row seat, smiled at Mrvan and shook his hand before taking his place at the microphone.

"Frank, thank you for that introduction," the president said.

It was the first time Mrvan has introduced Biden at the National Prayer Breakfast. Typically, Mrvan greets the president after major addresses, such as the State of the Union, and engages Biden in a brief chat about what the federal government can do for Northwest Indiana.