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).
Missouri Artist George Caleb Bingham’s “Verdict of the People” to be Displayed
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.), Chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, earlier today announced the painting that will be on display during the Inaugural Luncheon. He has selected George Caleb Bingham’s “Verdict of the People,” an oil painting from the American art gallery at the Saint Louis Museum of Art.
After the newly-elected President has taken the oath of office and delivered the inaugural address, Chairman Blunt and the JCCIC host a traditional inaugural luncheon in National Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol. Since 1953, the JCCIC has organized a luncheon celebration for the President, Vice President and their spouses, Senate and House leaders, the JCCIC members, and other invited guests. As chairman, Blunt selects a work of art to be displayed during the luncheon.
“Verdict of the People” (1854-55) is one of three works by the Missouri artist that comprise the Election Series, presenting the course of democratic elections from public debate between candidates, to the voting process, to the announcement of election. Bingham wanted to visually record the cultural tensions at play in American democracy in the 1850s.
After Election Day, it often took days to compile the votes. The results were publicly announced at the courthouse, and crowds gathered to hear the “Verdict of the People.” This painting depicts a chaotic street scene just as a clerk calls out the election results. Bingham’s electorate is one of inclusiveness. Everyone is here – the well-to-do farmers, laborers, merchants, westerners, kids, politicians, immigrants, veterans, women, and African-Americans. They are elated, dejected, confounded, argumentative, jovial, and intensely serious.
The painting will be on display in National Statuary Hall on January 20, 2017, then returned to the Saint Louis Art Museum.
Springfield, Mo. – U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, announced today at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts that the Missouri State University Chorale will perform during the 58th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20, 2017.
“I’m very proud to announce that MSU’s Chorale will represent the university and the state of Missouri on the national stage at the 58th Presidential Inauguration,” said Blunt. “I have no doubt that the millions of Americans watching the ceremony will be as impressed with these incredibly talented students as all of us who have had the opportunity to hear them perform.”
The Chorale, directed by Dr. Cameron LaBarr, will perform outdoors during the nationally televised inaugural ceremony. This select choir of 50 voices is MSU’s flagship touring choir and has toured throughout the United States, Europe, and Africa and regularly performs at conferences of the American Choral Directors Association, Missouri Music Educators Association, and the National Association for Music Education.
“We are honored that the Missouri State University Chorale has been selected to perform at the inauguration,” said Missouri State President Clifton M. Smart III. “This is an extraordinary opportunity for Chorale students to take part in an important and historic event.”
Washington, D.C. – Today, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) and the Architect of the Capitol held the First Nail Ceremony for the 2017 Presidential Inauguration. The event marks the traditional launch of construction on the inaugural platform, where the next President of the United States will take the oath of office on Friday, January 20, 2017.
During the ceremony, JCCIC Chairman Roy Blunt, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Rules Committee Ranking Member Charles E. Schumer, Speaker of the House Paul D. Ryan, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, and Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers drove nails into a plank at the site of the future platform on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol.
“The Presidential Inauguration may seem to be a routine event, but it remains a uniquely American symbol of our constitutional system,” said Chairman Blunt. “While inaugural traditions may have varied over the years, their fundamental premise remains unchanged and unwavering. They have represented both national renewal and continuity of leadership for two centuries and will continue to do so into the future.”
The 58th Presidential Inaugural Platform will be more than 10,000 square feet, the same size as every platform used since the 2005 inaugural, which was the largest platform built for an 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, cabinet members and nominees, 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 swearing-in ceremonies and the luncheon for the Inauguration of the President of the United States at the U.S. Capitol since 1901.
