Incoming House GOP Conference Vice Chair Doug Collins said Thursday in the weekly Republican address that Americans "can be proud to live in a nation where we are free to voice our differences passionately, and resolve them peacefully."
He also said a unified Republican government offers "a better way to address some of" the nation's biggest challenges.
Tensions are high this holiday season following a bitter campaign between President-elect Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. They are so extreme, in fact, that media outlets have published articles on how to handle political discussions with family and friends around Thanksgiving.
"Our nation faces pressing problems,” said Collins. "We have just been through a long and at times divisive campaign. Thanksgiving dinner discussions may be a little more spirited this year than in previous years. But we can be proud to live in a nation where we are free to voice our differences passionately, and resolve them peacefully. We honor these values by gathering together."