Below is the full text of Murthy’s speech, delivered at Wilmington, Delaware in December afternoon:

“Mr. President-elect and Madam Vice President-elect, thank you for your trust and confidence.

When I left my role as Surgeon General, I never dreamed I would have an opportunity to serve again. And in this moment of crisis, when so many Americans have fallen sick and lost loved ones, when people are losing jobs and struggling with childcare, I feel grateful to be able to do everything I can to end this pandemic. While this is a daunting task, we absolutely have what it takes to get the job done. We have world class scientists. We have courageous medical professionals who are risking their lives to care for the ill. We have companies on the cusp of delivering vaccines, and we are blessed with generous, compassionate people all across America who are stepping up to help those who are struggling.