Congress Still Apologizing For Inaugural Snafus

By Paul Bedard, Washington Whispers

The apology campaign continues from Congress as it tries to figure out why so many people with swearing-in tickets were turned away at last week's inaugural. Whispers has received a copy of a letter sent to House and Senate administrative directors in which the joint inaugural committee calls for a probe and offers gifts to those turned away. The memo in full is below:

Dear Administrative Directors,

The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies is aware that there were ticket entry problems with the swearing-in ceremonies. We deeply regret that certain guests were unable to witness this historic event. As a result, we have asked that the U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Capitol Police conduct a thorough analysis of two incidents: first, delayed or limited screening and entry to purple and blue standing areas; and second, the fact that thousands of people - many with tickets - were stuck for several hours in the 3rd Street Tunnel without the presence of any law enforcement personnel.

If any of your staff members or constituents were involved in these incidents and have information that can be of assistance, we encourage you to have them contact the JCCIC at 202-224-2228 or at feedback@jccic.senate.gov

For those constituents with tickets who were unable to gain access to the inauguration, the JCCIC will be distributing a special, limited printing of packets of the 56th Inaugural commemorative programs, invitations, photos of the President and Vice President, and a full color print of the Ceremony. These packets should be available within the next week. You can either direct these constituents to the feedback site where they can leave their name and address, or provide this information directly to the JCCIC staff.

The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies
Senate Russell Courtyard #3
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-2228 Main

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