New Jersey's two African-American members of the U.S. House sat behind U.S. Sen. Cory Booker as he urged the Senate Judiciary Committee to reject the nomination of U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions as attorney general.
The three lawmakers stood together in defense of U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), after President-elect Donald Trump attacked the civil rights icon.
But the first black to represent New Jersey in the U.S. Senate won't be joining Reps. Donald Payne Jr. (D-10th Dist.) and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-12th Dist.) in boycotting Friday's inauguration.
Booker (D-N.J.) said he would be at the Capitol, though not to support Trump.
"I am as eager as anyone to hold Donald Trump accountable for his words and his actions, but out of respect for the peaceful transition of power that has defined our democracy for centuries, and to bear witness to President Obama's last act as commander-in-chief, I will be attending the inauguration," Booker said.
"The moment the ceremonies end, you can rest assured I will be back on the front lines working to defend our democracy and advance our nation's highest ideals," he said.
Booker has become more outspoken following Trump's election. In opposing Sessions, he broke with tradition in testifying against a fellow U.S. senator nominated for a Cabinet post.
"We have to let folks know we're going to fight the good fight here," Booker said earlier this month. "This year could potentially be one of the most difficult and challenging years in modern American history."