Columns
Blaine's Bulletin: 58th Presidential Inauguration
Washington,
January 20, 2017
In 1789, President George Washington was sworn into office as the first President of the United States. In March of that year, the United States Constitution took effect and in April, Congress made it official that Washington had won the presidency. For that first inauguration, the ceremony was held on the balcony of Federal Hall in New York City. President Washington read his inaugural address to Congress, and in the evening, cannons and skyrockets were shot into the sky.
In 1789, President George Washington was sworn into office as the first President of the United States. In March of that year, the United States Constitution took effect and in April, Congress made it official that Washington had won the presidency. For that first inauguration, the ceremony was held on the balcony of Federal Hall in New York City. President Washington read his inaugural address to Congress, and in the evening, cannons and skyrockets were shot into the sky. It has been 228 years since President Washington’s inauguration and the 58th Presidential Inauguration just took place. Traditions have since changed since that first momentous one. The inaugural is now held in Washington, D.C. and is attended by almost one million Americans from across the country – but the same sentiments of turning a new page and moving our country forward into the future still hold true. It was an honor to have the opportunity to attend the 58th Presidential Inauguration. As I sat and listened to President Trump’s remarks, it was impossible to not feel uplifted and ready for the new administration to get to work with Congress. President Trump spoke about moving forward and clearing the way for the government to get out of the driver’s seat and put you back in charge. The first few weeks of a new administration are key for setting the agenda and prioritizing the issues that are most important to Americans. House Republicans know that and we are ready to work with the administration. That is why we have a framework put in place with specific policy points called the Better Way Agenda. The Better Way Agenda addresses some of our biggest challenges: national security, restoring the Constitution, tax reform, health reform, lifting individuals out of poverty, and growing the economy. It’s a bold agenda. There is no doubt about it. But this is why we are here. To work on behalf of you, enacting common-sense laws that will make our country a better place to live, work, and raise a family. We have hit the ground running and House Republicans will continue to institute reforms all across the board. This unified government will work together to change the status quo in Washington and create real progress and change for all Americans. President Washington set the stage 228 years ago and I am excited for what President Trump will do to move our country forward throughout his term. Inauguration is officially complete and we have a new president. Together, we are ready to get our country back on the right track to be great again. |