The US Presidential Inauguration for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris is going to be held on 20th January. It will be a low-key affair restricted for the public, the organiser said urging people to participate in the historic event from home in view of the corona virus pandemic.
The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC), which is responsible for the planning; and execution of the inaugural ceremonies of the president-elect; and vice president-elect of the US at the Capitol, on Wednesday, said that; invitations to members of the 117th Congress will be limited to themselves and one guest.
The US President Inauguration Committee (PIC) urged the public to refrain from any travel and participate in the inaugural activities from home.
The Tribune India
PIC CEO Tony Allen said, “Our goal is to create an inauguration; that keeps people safe, honours the grand traditions of the Presidency, and showcases the Biden-Harris Administration’s renewed American vision; for an inclusive, equitable, and unified citizenry.”
Traditionally, the JCCIC would distribute 200,000 tickets for the official ceremonies; at the Capitol and provide ticket bundles; to members of Congress to distribute to constituents.
On 20th January, President-elect Biden, 78, and Vice-President-elect Harris, 56, will take their oaths of office at the US Capitol; during a historic ceremony that includes vigorous health and safety protocols.
President-elect Biden will also deliver an inaugural address; that lays out his vision to beat the virus, build back better, and bring the country together.
JCCIC Chairman Roy Blunt said, “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. We are also working on enhanced opportunities, in addition to the traditional televised national broadcast.”
Senator Amy Klobuchar said “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. While the pandemic has forced us to limit in-person attendance, it also brings opportunities; to honour our democracy in innovative ways so that; Americans across the country can experience Inauguration Day from home.”
The Electoral College, which met in respective State Capitols, on Monday, had declared Biden as the; winner of the 3rd November elections. President Donald Trump has refused to concede the elections, even as he asked his administration to cooperate on transition.
In a separate statement, the President Inauguration Committee; said that the ceremony’s footprint will be extremely limited, and the parade that follows will be re-imagined.
