JCCIC
December 16, 2020

JCCIC Announces Attendance Guidelines for 59th Inaugural Ceremonies

WASHINGTON— Today, members of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) announced attendance guidelines and logistic information for the 59^th 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 59^th 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 117^th Congress to distribute to constituents. For the 59^th Inaugural Ceremonies, invitations to Members of the 117^th 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.

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JCCIC
Oct 29, 2020
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.

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U.S. Senate Committee on Rules and Administration

Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies Kicks Off Planning for 59th Presidential Inauguration

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.