PolicyBrief
S.CON.RES. 1
119th CongressJan 3rd 2025
A concurrent resolution extending the life of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.
HOUSE PASSED

This concurrent resolution extends the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, allowing them to continue organizing the Presidential and Vice Presidential inauguration and use the Capitol for related proceedings, starting January 3, 2025.

John Thune
R

John Thune

Senator

SD

LEGISLATION

Inauguration Prep Extended: Joint Committee and Capitol Access Reauthorized for 2025

This concurrent resolution keeps the ball rolling on the next Presidential and Vice Presidential inauguration by extending the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. Basically, it reactivates the committee responsible for planning and executing the whole inauguration ceremony, effective January 3, 2025. The resolution also greenlights the continued use of the Capitol rotunda and Emancipation Hall for the ceremonies, maintaining the same setup as before (per Senate Concurrent Resolution 35).

Keeping Tradition Alive

The main thing this resolution does is ensure continuity. The Joint Committee’s powers and authority remain exactly as they were—no changes there. This means the same group that handles the logistics, security, and overall flow of the inauguration gets to keep doing their job. For anyone involved in planning or participating in the inauguration, from committee members to event staff, this provides a clear, consistent framework.

Capitol Access Granted

Section 2 of the resolution specifically allows the use of the Capitol rotunda and Emancipation Hall. These spaces are iconic and practical for hosting large-scale events like the inauguration. By reauthorizing their use, the resolution ensures that the ceremonies can proceed in their traditional setting without interruption. This affects not only the officials being sworn in but also the public, who will experience an orderly and organized transition of power.