WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today a spokesperson for the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) released the following statement about the President-elect’s request to move the 60th Inaugural Swearing-In Ceremonies indoors:
“The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies will honor the request of the President-elect and his Presidential Inaugural Committee to move the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies inside the U.S. Capitol to the Rotunda.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) announced the official map and guidelines for the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies, which will take place on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2025. The JCCIC is chaired by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and includes Senate Democratic Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA), House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY).
The JCCIC will release tickets to Members of Congress beginning January 13, 2025. Each member’s office is then responsible for distributing their allotment of tickets to constituents.
The over 220,000 color-coded tickets were printed by the Government Publishing Office and contain multiple security features to protect against counterfeiting. Every person attending the Inaugural Ceremonies on Capitol Grounds is required to have a ticket, including children. The official map can be found below.
Ticketed guests must enter the Capitol Grounds through the entry point designated for their particular section. Due to expected crowds and street closings, ticketed guests are encouraged to arrive early and use public transportation to ensure they will be in place by the time the Inaugural Ceremonies begin at 11:30 a.m. Ticketholders should be aware of the following entry points and suggested metro transportation routes that correspond with tickets:
Lime Ticket Holders: Take Metro to Capitol South (Orange or Blue Line) or Eastern Market (Orange or Blue Line). Enter screening point at First Street and D Street SE. – Lime Gate ONLY.
Orange Ticket Holders: Take Metro to Federal Center SW (Orange or Blue Line) or L’Enfant Plaza (Orange, Blue, Yellow or Green Line). Enter screening point at Second Street and D Street SW. – Orange Gate ONLY.
Yellow Ticket Holders: Take Metro to Union Station (Red Line) or NoMa Gallaudet U (Red Line). Enter screening point at First Street and D Street NW. – Yellow Gate ONLY.
Blue Ticket Holders: Take Metro to Union Station (Red Line) or NoMa Gallaudet U (Red Line). Enter screening point at Delaware Avenue and D Street NE. – Blue Gate ONLY.
Turquoise Ticket Holders: Take Metro to Federal Center SW (Orange or Blue Line) or L’Enfant Plaza (Orange, Blue, Yellow or Green Line). Enter screening point at Third Street and C Street SW. – Turquoise Gate ONLY.
Pink Ticket Holders: Take Metro to Judiciary Square (Red Line) or Gallery Place (Red, Yellow or Green Line). Enter screening point at Third Street and D Street NW. – Pink Gate ONLY.
Security screening gates will open at 5 a.m., music will begin approximately at 9:30 a.m.
Ticketed guests should be aware of safety guidelines determined by the U.S. Capitol Police. To protect the safety and well-being of attendees, many items will not be permitted on the Capitol Grounds, and a complete list can be found here.
Attendees without tickets who want to participate in the festivities can also view the ceremonies on the National Mall west of 4th Street. For accessibility details about the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies, please call the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services (OCAS) at (202) 224-4048 or (202) 224-4049 (TTY).
WASHINGTON – Today, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) provided an update on preparations for the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies on January 20, 2025. Construction on the Presidential Platform is on schedule to be completed for the Swearing-In Ceremonies in less than one month.
“In less than one month, we will gather at the Capitol to once again carry forward the Constitution’s commitment to a peaceful transfer of power,” said Senator Amy Klobuchar. “As Chair of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, I have been working for nearly a year with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the Senate and the House on the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies.”
“A peaceful transfer of power is the hallmark of a healthy democracy, and in one month, we will honor our Constitutional commitment when we come together for the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. The bipartisan work of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies is a testament to this sacred tradition and ensures the will of the people is respected,” said Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer.
“Our democracy is more than a legacy; it is a living promise that must be safeguarded and strengthened for future generations. As a member of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, I’ve had the honor of working alongside my colleagues in both the House and Senate over the past year to uphold that promise. I look forward to celebrating President Trump’s second inauguration next month during the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies,” said Senator Deb Fischer.
“In less than 30 days, President-Elect Trump will make his triumphant return to Washington and usher in a new day in America. The inauguration at the Capitol is one of the greatest traditions in our history, and I’m thankful for the work of the Joint Congressional Committee to organize this landmark event. I look forward to joining millions of Americans at our Capitol to celebrate Donald J. Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States. January 20 cannot arrive soon enough,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson.
“In November, the American people took to the polls to make their voices heard in Washington, and the result was a resounding mandate. Hardworking Americans voted to put Donald J. Trump back in office to implement his America First agenda. We’re looking forward to inaugurating President Donald Trump on January 20th to serve as our 47th President of the United States and getting back to fighting for American families and workers,” said House Majority Leader Steve Scalise.
“The peaceful transfer of power is a foundational principle of the United States of America. I thank Senator Amy Klobuchar and all the members of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for their commitment to our democracy and their efforts bringing America’s promise to life once again,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Platform construction has been ongoing since the First Nail Ceremony on September 18. The Architect of the Capitol’s dedicated team has been working hard to keep the construction on schedule and is on track for completion. Once completed, the Presidential Inaugural Platform will hold nearly 1,400 inaugural guests, including members of the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, Supreme Court justices, former presidents, and the President and Vice President and their families. More than 220,000 tickets to the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies will be distributed in the weeks ahead.
Those looking to attend the Inaugural Ceremonies can request tickets through members of the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives for the 119th Congress. The JCCIC will release tickets to the offices of Members of Congress in early January 2025 for distribution to constituents.
The theme of the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies, “Our Enduring Democracy: A Constitutional Promise,” recognizes the Founders’ commitment to future generations of Americans to preserve the continuity and stability of our democratic system of government. The first words of the Preamble to the Constitution present a promise to the American people to “secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.” Throughout its history, the nation has been tested and has persevered because of the sacred American principles rooted in our founding documents. The Inaugural Ceremonies, a tradition since 1789, embodies the principles expressed by the Founders in 1776 and symbolizes our continuing commitment to these ideals. When we gather for the 60th Presidential Inauguration, we will honor the Constitution’s promise to preserve liberty through a stable, enduring democracy for generations to come.
About the JCCIC
Since 1901, and in accordance with the 20th Amendment of the Constitution, the JCCIC has been responsible for the planning and execution of the Inaugural Ceremonies of the President-elect and Vice President-elect of the United States at the Capitol.
WASHINGTON – Today the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) and the Architect of the Capitol held the First Nail Ceremony for the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. The event marks the launch of construction of the Inaugural Platform, where the next President and Vice President of the United States will take the oath of office on Monday, January 20, 2025.
During the ceremony, JCCIC Chair Amy Klobuchar, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Rules Committee Ranking Member Deb Fischer, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Architect of the Capitol Thomas Austin drove nails into a plank at the site of the future platform on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol. The Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black also offered a blessing over the platform.
“The Presidential Inauguration is a powerful symbol of American democracy and our country’s commitment to the peaceful transfer of power. Today’s ceremony marks the beginning of this cherished tradition,” said Chair Klobuchar. “As the Chair of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in organizing a successful 60th Presidential Inauguration.”
“For each incoming president, the Inaugural Platform is built anew to symbolize new beginnings. In this remarkable ceremony, Republicans and Democrats place the first nails together to show support for our peaceful transfer of power, a sacred tradition we should never take for granted. It’s a great honor to participate, and I look forward to the 2025 inauguration,” said Senator Fischer.
The 60th Presidential Inaugural Platform will be more than 10,000 square feet – the same size as every platform used since the 2005 inaugural ceremonies – which was the largest platform built for any inauguration. The platform is constructed entirely from scratch for each inaugural ceremony. The completed platform will hold approximately 1,600 inaugural guests, including members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, Supreme Court justices, former presidents, and the president and vice president and their families.
The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies is charged with the planning and execution of the inaugural events of the President-elect and Vice President-elect of the United States at the U.S. Capitol since 1901.
The nail used by Senator Klobuchar at the ceremony was made from iron ore mined and processed on Minnesota’s Iron Range by U.S. Steel at their facilities in Keewatin and Mountain Iron. The hammer used was made by Malco Tools of Annandale, Minnesota.
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO), Chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, today released the following statement regarding the 59th Inaugural Ceremonies:
“Since 1901, the Joint Committee has been entrusted to plan and host the inaugural ceremonies every four years to mark the transition to a new presidential administration or the commencement of a new presidential term—thus fulfilling the 20th Amendment of the Constitution.
“Yesterday was a sad and solemn day for our country. The outrageous attack on the Capitol, however, will not stop us from affirming to Americans—and the world—that our democracy endures. Our committee’s bipartisan, bicameral membership remains committed to working with our many partners to execute ceremonies that are safe and showcase our determined democracy.
“The great American tradition of an inaugural ceremony has occurred in times of peace, in times of turmoil, in times of prosperity, and in times of adversity. We will be swearing in President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021.”
WASHINGTON— Today, members of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) announced attendance guidelines and logistic information for the 59th Inaugural Ceremonies, which will take place on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021. JCCIC Chairman Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) notified the congressional community of these guidelines earlier today.
“The JCCIC, in consultation with diversified public health and medical experts and the Presidential Inaugural Committee, has determined that this global pandemic and the rise in COVID-19 cases warranted a difficult decision to limit attendance at the 59th Inaugural Ceremonies to a live audience that resembles a State of the Union,” said Chairman Roy Blunt. “We are also working on enhanced opportunities to watch the ceremonies online, in addition to the traditional televised national broadcast.”
“The election of President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris was historic and we know that many Americans would have wanted to attend the Inauguration in-person. At the same time, safety must be our top priority,” said Senator Amy Klobuchar. “While the pandemic has forced us to limit in-person attendance, it also brings opportunities to honor our democracy in innovative ways so that Americans across the country can experience Inauguration Day from home.”
Traditionally, the JCCIC would distribute 200,000 tickets for the official ceremonies at the Capitol and provide ticket bundles to Members of the 117thCongress to distribute to constituents. For the 59th Inaugural Ceremonies, invitations to Members of the 117th Congress will be limited to themselves and one guest. Commemorative ticket bundles and program packets will be made available to Member offices for constituents following the ceremonies.
Since 1901, and in accordance with the 20th Amendment of the Constitution, the JCCIC has been responsible for the planning and execution of the inaugural ceremonies of the president-elect and vice president-elect of the United States at the Capitol.
WASHINGTON— Today, Senator Roy Blunt, Chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC), announced the theme for the 59th Inaugural Ceremonies—“Our Determined Democracy: Forging a More Perfect Union.” When drafting the Constitution, our Founders had the wisdom and foresight to know that to our young nation would face great challenges in the years ahead. This inaugural theme recognizes our country’s continual journey toward a more perfect union.
“The Constitution of the United States serves as a blueprint for our nation’s collective determination to form a more perfect union,” said Chairman Blunt. “When the country and the world gather on January 20, we will witness an event that has become both commonplace and miraculous. The inaugural events are not only a hallmark of American governance and democracy, but also fulfill our Constitutional duty and give assurance–for all people–of our continued and unbroken commitment to continuity, stability, perseverance, and democracy.”
The 59th Inaugural Ceremonies will take place on January 20, 2021, at the United States Capitol. Since 1901, and in accordance with the 20th Amendment of the Constitution, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) has been responsible for the planning and execution of the inaugural ceremonies of the president-elect and vice president-elect of the United States at the Capitol.
WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, convened an organizational meeting for the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC). Joined by Rules Committee Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (Minn.), the meeting marked the official start of the planning process for the 59th presidential inauguration.
“The U.S. Presidential Inaugural Ceremony is an iconic symbol of democracy,” said Blunt. “People from all over the world watch as we come together to celebrate this American tradition. It is a significant opportunity for us, as a country, to continue demonstrating democracy in action. As Chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, I look forward to working with all of our partners to ensure a safe and successful 59th Presidential Inauguration.”
“It is an honor to serve on this committee, which lays the groundwork for the inauguration of the president of the United States,” Klobuchar said. “The inaugural ceremony is one of the cornerstones of our democracy, representing the continuity of leadership in our nation.”
The agenda for the meeting included designating Blunt as the JCCIC chairman, designating the West Front of the Capitol as the 2021 Inaugural site, approving the $1.5 million Inaugural budget, and designating the official staff representative for each member of the committee.
A video of the meeting is available here and photos of the meeting are available here.
The Joint Committee was authorized by S. Con. Res. 38, which passed the Senate on May 6, 2020. In accordance with tradition, the Senate appointed Chairman of the Committee on Rules and Administration Roy Blunt, Ranking Member of the Committee on Rules and Administration Amy Klobuchar, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. S. Con. Res. 38 passed the House on June 26, 2020. By tradition, the House appointed Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, and House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy.
Washington, D.C. – Chairman Roy Blunt, on behalf of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, today announced the menu and details for the 2017 Inaugural Luncheon, which will follow the swearing-in ceremonies of Donald J. Trump and Michael R. Pence.
The luncheon, hosted by the members of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, has been a tradition for more than a century. Approximately 200 guests including the President, Vice President, members of their families, the Supreme Court, Cabinet Member-designates, and Members of Congressional leadership will attend the event in Statuary Hall.
“The Inaugural Luncheon provides an opportunity for members of both parties to come together and, in the same spirit of all our Inaugural events, show the world how uniquely American we are in our peaceful transfer of power,” Blunt said. “I’m looking forward to welcoming all of the luncheon guests to the Capitol, and I thank all of the staff members who have had a hand in preparing for this wonderful event.”
The menu was created by members of the Joint Committee along with Design Cuisine, a catering company based in Arlington, Virginia. The wines that are to be served during the luncheon are from Leader Pelosi and Leader McCarthy’s home state of California. The wines were made by several of the Golden State’s prominent winemakers, and complement the flavors in each of the luncheon dishes.
The 2017 Inaugural Luncheon Menu
First Course:
Maine Lobster and Gulf Shrimp with Saffron Sauce and Peanut Crumble
J. Lohr 2013 Arroyo Vista Chardonnay
Second Course:
Grilled Seven Hills Angus Beef with Dark Chocolate and Juniper Jus and Potato Gratin
Delicato Black Stallion 2012 Limited Release Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Third Course:
Chocolate Soufflé and Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream
Korbel Natural “Special Inaugural Cuvée” California Champagne
The floral arrangements were designed by Jill Medawar of Toulies en Fleur, of Woodbridge, Virginia.
On behalf of the Congress and the American people, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies will present the President and Vice President of the United States with hand-cut, etched crystal bowls created by Lenox exclusively for the 2017 Inaugural Luncheon. The bowl crafted for the President features an illustration of the White House on one side and the Jefferson Memorial on the other. The Vice President’s bowl features an illustration of the U.S. Capitol on one side and the Lincoln Memorial on the other. Each bowl has a compass rose cut into the base that aligns with the cardinal directions of the illustrations. Both bowls rest on black cherry wood bases with inscriptions of the date and occasion engraved onto silver plaques. The bowls were designed by Timothy Carder, Vice President of Design for Lenox, and hand cut by master glass cutter Peter O’Rourke.
At Chairman Blunt’s invitation, the Smithsonian Chamber Players will perform during the luncheon. The Smithsonian Chamber Players was founded in 1976 as one of the first period-instrument groups of its kind in the United States. From its very inception, the ensemble toured extensively under the auspices of the Smithsonian National Associates, presenting programs of music by Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, Vivaldi, Telemann, and Johann Sebastian, Johann Christian, and Johann Christoph Friedemann Bach.
During the Inaugural Luncheon, the Smithsonian Chamber Players will play from a balcony overlooking the Luncheon. Their program will include a mixture of American repertoire pieces written for presidents, as well as some of the European compositions found in the extensive music library of Thomas Jefferson, who was a capable violinist.
Washington, D.C. – Today U.S. Senator Roy Blunt, Chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, unveiled the tickets for the 58th Inaugural Ceremonies. Blunt also unveiled the official map and guidelines.
“Attending the Inaugural Ceremony will be a truly unique and exciting experience for hundreds of thousands of Americans,” Blunt said. “I’m glad the attendees will soon be receiving their tickets, and I appreciate the work that’s been done to keep the tickets secure and ensure ticket holders can easily and safely find their viewing locations and enjoy the historic day.”
Beginning Monday, the JCCIC will release tickets to Members of Congress. Tickets will be distributed to House Members on Monday, January 9 and Senators on Tuesday, January 10. Each Member’s office is then responsible for distributing their allotment of tickets to their constituents.
The nearly 250,000 color-coded tickets were printed by the Government Publishing Office (GPO) and contain multiple security features to protect against counterfeiting. Every person attending the Inaugural Ceremonies on Capitol Grounds is required to have a ticket, including children.
Ticketed guests must enter the Capitol Grounds through the entry point designated for their particular section. Because of the large crowds expected to be traveling to the Capitol Grounds and National Mall, and the numerous street closures and other security measures that will impact travel routes, ticketed guests are advised to make careful plans to ensure they arrive at their designated access point well in advance of the start of the official program.
Security screening gates will open at 6 a.m., music will begin approximately at 9:30 a.m., and Chairman Blunt will deliver opening remarks at 11:30 a.m.
Attendees without tickets who want to participate in the festivities can also view the ceremonies on the National Mall west of 4th Street.
To get accessibility details about the 58th Presidential Inauguration, please call the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services (OCAS) at (202) 224-4048 or (202) 224-4049 (TTY).
