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Senator and Mrs. Bennett to Play Key Roles at 56th Presidential Inauguration

Jan 16 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Bob Bennett (R-Utah), as the ranking member of the Senate Rules Committee and a member of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC), participated in a final walk-thru for the 56th Presidential Inaugural swearing-in ceremony, which will take place on Tuesday, January 20, 2009.

Senator Bennett has played a key role in planning the events leading up to the swearing-in ceremony. His wife, Joyce, also participated in the planning by assisting Senator Diane Feinstein (D-Calif.) with the menu selection for the Presidential Inaugural Luncheon that will follow the swearing-in of the new president and vice-president.

Below is a list of the Inaugural events and activities that Senator Bennett will participate in at the Inauguration:

  • Senator Bennett will escort President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney to their seats on the inaugural platform at the Capitol building.
  • Mrs. Bennett will join Secretary Elaine Chao, wife of Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Mrs. Debbie Boehner, wife of House Republican Leader John Boehner to escort First Lady Laura Bush and Mrs. Lynne Cheney.
  • Senator Feinstein will introduce Senator Bennett during the inaugural program.
    On the inaugural platform, Senator Bennett will introduce Associate Justice John Paul Stevens, who will administer the Vice President Oath.
  • Senator and Mrs. Bennett and the other JCCIC members will join President Obama and Vice President Biden for the official send off of Mr. and Mrs. Bush and Mr. and Mrs. Cheney.
  • Senator and Mrs. Bennett will attend the Presidential Inaugural Luncheon in the Capitol.
    At the luncheon, Bennett will present President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden with the official photograph of the swearing-in ceremony.
  • Senator and Mrs. Bennett will attend the Review of Troops with President Obama and Vice President Biden.
  • Senator and Mrs. Bennett will join the motorcade to the Presidential Inaugural Parade where they will watch the parade from the viewing stand in front of the White House.