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Presidential Inauguration of 2005: Basic Facts and Information on Inaugural Festivities [Updated December 7, 2004]
"The next presidential inauguration is set for January 20, 2005. This report provides general information and facts concerning past inaugurations and the forthcoming one, as well as historical information on the weather on inauguration day and the financing of past inaugural festivities. Also provided is information on where to obtain tickets for the inaugural festivities and how to participate in the inaugural parade, and a brief list of resources on the history of presidential inaugurations and compilations of inaugural addresses. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Coipuram, Tom
2004-12
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Executive Summary of Findings: Multi-Agency Response to Concerns Raised by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for the 56th Presidential Inauguration
"The report entitled Multi-Agency Response to Concerns Raised by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for the 56th Presidential Inauguration, dated March 17, 2009, represents a collective and collaborative effort of the principally-involved agencies to compile an assessment of the planning, execution and operational shortfalls of the Inaugural event in terms of security and crowd management. That report reflects the blending of viewpoints and perspectives fundamental to the multi-agency planning process that supports such an event."
United States. Secret Service
2009-03-20
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Readout of Secretary Napolitano's Call With Federal, State and Local Officials to Discuss Preparations for the 2013 Presidential Inaugural [January 16, 2013]
On January 16, 2013, the Department of Homeland Security issued the following press release: "Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today participated in a conference call with Washington, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell, U.S. Secret Service Director Mark Sullivan, Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Craig Fugate, Deputy Assistant to the President for Homeland Security Richard Reed, representatives from the Presidential Inaugural Committee and Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, and other officials to discuss security preparations for the 2013 Presidential Inaugural. 'While the Secret Service takes the lead in securing the inaugural, protecting an event this large and complex requires collaboration among many agencies and organizations,' said Secretary Napolitano. 'We are appreciative of the many public and private partners working together to secure the 57th Presidential Inaugural.'"
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Press Office
2013-01-16
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Public Affairs and Information: The District of Columbia's 2009 Presidential Inauguration Web Site and Use of Social Networking Programs
The District of Columbia Presidential Inaugural Committee developed a 2009 Presidential Inauguration Web site and used social networking programs to provide important information to the public prior to and during the 2009 Inauguration. These efforts, in collaboration with other National Capital Region partners, contributed to a unified and coordinated public information effort for the 2009 Inauguration.
United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency
2009-10-30?
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DHS to Support Security Operations for 57th Presidential Inaugural [January 18, 2013]
On January 18, 2013, the Department of Homeland Security issued the following press release: "The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will support security operations for the 57th Presidential Inaugural, coordinating with federal, state and local agencies to secure transportation systems and protected sites surrounding the event. The U.S. Secret Service has primary responsibility for the coordination of security planning and implementation. In addition, the Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection will provide assets and personnel. The 57th Presidential Inaugural, to be held on January 21, 2013, was designated a National Special Security Event (NSSE) by the Secretary of Homeland Security on September 12, 2012. The NSSE also includes events sponsored by the Presidential Inaugural Committee. This allows the full force of the federal government to be brought to bear in the development of the event security and incident management plans, ensuring the safety of all participants."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Press Office
2012-01-18
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Fact Sheet: 2005 Presidential Inauguration: National Special Security Event [November 18, 2004]
In this press release, the Department of Homeland Security announces that the Presidential Inauguration to be held on January 20, 2005, has been designated a National Special Security Event. This designation was also extended to the Swearing-in Ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, the Inaugural Parade, the official reviewing stand on Pennsylvania Avenue, and the Inaugural Balls. When an event is designated a National Special Security Event, the Secret Service assumes its mandated role as the lead federal agency for the design and implementation of the operational security plan and coordinator for all Federal resources deployed to maintain the level of security needed for the designated events. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) serves as the lead agency responsible for intelligence and law enforcement operations as well as statutory Federal criminal investigations. The goal of such an operation is to prevent terrorist attacks and criminal acts.
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Press Office
2004-11-18
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Fact Sheet: DHS Provides Security for Presidential Inaugural 2005 [January 11, 2005]
On November 8, 2004, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that the 55th Presidential Inaugural was designated a National Special Security Event (NSSE) establishing the U.S. Secret Service as the lead federal agency in charge of the design and implementation of the operational security plan. DHS has been working with federal, state and local partners to ensure attendees to the 55th Presidential Inaugural Ceremonies are able to safely and securely enjoy one of the greatest celebrations in American democracy. During the activities, these agencies will staff several command centers throughout the Washington, D.C. area in order to maintain constant communication in an effort to prevent and deter potential acts of terrorism.
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Press Office
2005-01-11
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LLIS Practice Note: Emergency Communications: Use of an Encrypted Radio Channel for Senior Regional Officials during the 2009 Presidential Inauguration
"The National Capital Region (NCR) established an encrypted radio channel for use by the
region's senior leaders, operations centers, and command posts during the 56th
Presidential Inaugural events. This secure channel provided a dedicated and reliable
method for these parties to coordinate activities and information throughout the
Inauguration."
Lessons Learned Information Sharing (LLIS)
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LLIS Practice Note: Special Event Management: Serve DC's Volunteer Planning and Coordination during the 2009 Presidential Inauguration
"Serve DC, the District of Columbia Mayor's Office on Volunteerism, successfully recruited and trained volunteers to support the District's operations during the 2009 Presidential Inauguration."
Lessons Learned Information Sharing (LLIS)
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FBI Security Support for 56th Presidential Inauguration [January 17, 2009]
This press release describes the role of the FBI in preparing for the inauguration of President Barack Obama, and announces a demonstration of the FBI's tactical response vehicles to assist local law enforcement agencies with on-the-scene response capabilities. Pictures from the demonstration are included.
United States. Federal Bureau of Investigation
2009-01-17
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Radiological Survey of Downtown Washington DC for the 2009 Presidential Inauguration
"At the request of the United States Secret Service, the Aerial Measuring System (AMS) conducted an aerial radiological survey on January 10 - 12, 2009. This survey covered approximately 5 square miles over downtown Washington DC. This aerial survey was performed at the altitude of approximately 150 feet with 250 ft line spacing. Water line and test line flights were conducted to determine the non-terrestrial background contributed by aircraft, radon, and cosmic activity, and to determine the altitude-dependent air mass attenuation coefficient. The AMS twin-engine Bell 412 (tail number N412DE) helicopter based at Andrews Air Force Base was used to perform the survey. The gamma data were collected by the AMS data acquisition system, REDAR V, using an array of twelve 2' x 4' x 16' sodium iodide (NaI) detectors mounted in two external pods on the AMS helicopter. One-second gamma-energy spectral data were recorded continuously while in flight. This spectral data allow the system to distinguish between natural terrestrial background contributions and man-made radioisotope contributions. Spectral data can also be used to identify specific man-made radioactive isotopes. Data geo-locations were determined with a Real-Time Differential Global Positioning System (RDGPS) simultaneously with radiation data."
United States. National Nuclear Security Administration
2009-03
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Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies: History, Membership, and Inaugural Activities [Updated July 15, 2020]
From the Introduction: "Every four years, on January 20 at noon, the President-elect is sworn in as President of the United States. Pursuant to the Constitution, the next presidential inauguration is set for Wednesday, January 20, 2021. Each year prior to an inauguration, Congress authorizes the creation of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (Joint Inaugural Committee). The Joint Inaugural Committee is responsible for the planning and execution of the swearing-in ceremony and for hosting an inaugural luncheon for the President and Vice President at the U.S. Capitol. The 2021 Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies was authorized by the 116th Congress (2019-2020) when S.Con.Res. 38 was agreed to on June 26, 2020. Pursuant to the concurrent resolution, the Joint Inaugural Committee consists of three Senators, appointed by the President of the Senate, and three Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House. The resolution further authorizes the committee 'to make the necessary arrangements for the inauguration of the President-elect and the Vice President-elect of the United States.' This report provides a history of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, including committee membership, staffing, and inaugural activities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Straus, Jacob R.
2020-07-15
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LLIS Lesson Learned: Special Event Planing: Using Existing Collaborative Tools to Coordinate Regional Planning Efforts
"After the historic 2008 election of Barack Obama as the first African-American president, planners anticipated that the 56th Presidential Inauguration would draw record crowds to the District of Columbia for the 3-day program of events. Early projections of Inauguration Day attendees ranged from 2 million to as high as 5 million. The extraordinary scope of the Inauguration required multiple agencies and jurisdictions to coordinate their planning, response, and support efforts. The Department of Homeland Security designated the Inauguration as a National Special Security Event (NSSE), which made the US Secret Service the lead federal agency for planning, coordinating, and implementing security operations. The District's Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency served as the lead District agency for planning and coordinating District resources for the Inauguration. […] NCR partners developed comprehensive plans that addressed communications, mass care, public health, sheltering, transportation, and other functions. However, no NCR-wide Inauguration plan was developed for the entire region. Therefore, activation times, daily operational periods, and deactivation times varied for each NCR emergency operations center (EOC). The NCR's 2009 Presidential Inauguration Regional After-Action Report (AAR) Summary observed that EOC operations across the region illustrated opportunities for further 2 integration and coordination. The AAR recommends that NCR partners explore additional opportunities to expand and apply collaborative initiatives to short- and no-notice regional events. Emergency managers within a region should identify opportunities for using collaborative tools to share calendars, taskings, documents, and plans. This will enable regional partners to better coordinate their planning efforts for special events."
Lessons Learned Information Sharing (LLIS)
2010-01-08
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President-Elect: Succession and Disability Issues During the Transition Period [November 26, 2008]
"Procedures governing replacement of a President or Vice President-elect during the transition period depend on when the events that might lead to a temporary or permanent replacement occur. At the general election, voters choose members of the electoral college, which formally selects the President and Vice President several weeks later. Between election day and the electors' meeting, the two major political parties' rules provide that replacement candidates would be chosen by their national committees should vacancies occur. Most authorities agree that the President- and Vice President-elect will have been chosen once the electoral votes are cast on December 15, 2008. The electoral votes are counted and declared when Congress meets in joint session for this purpose on January 8, 2009. During this period, between December 15 and the January 20 inauguration, if the President-elect dies, the Vice President-elect becomes President-elect, under the 20th Amendment to the Constitution. Although the 20th Amendment does not specifically address questions of disability or resignation by a President- or Vice President-elect, the words 'failure to qualify' found in the amendment might arguably be interpreted to cover such contingencies. While the 20th Amendment does not address vacancies in the position of Vice President-elect, these would be covered after the inauguration by the 25th Amendment. In the event no person qualifies as President or Vice President, then the Presidential Succession Act (61 Stat. 380, 3 U.S.C. 19) would apply: the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President pro tempore of the Senate and duly confirmed Cabinet officers, in that order, would act as President. Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, observers have expressed concern that an attack during the presidential inauguration ceremony might lead to the death or disability of most or all officials in the line of presidential succession. This concern takes particular note of the fact that there are generally few, if any, duly confirmed cabinet members at that time. One potential remedy for this situation would be for an official in the line of succession to be absent from the ceremony. Another might be for a cabinet secretary from the outgoing Administration to remain in office until after the inauguration; alternatively, a cabinet secretary-designate of the new administration might be nominated by the incumbent President, confirmed by the Senate, and installed prior to the inauguration. Either action would avoid a gap in the line of presidential succession under these circumstances."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Neale, Thomas H.
2008-11-26
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Inauguration Security: Operations, Appropriations, and Issues for Congress [December 17, 2012]
"Every four years, in January, the President-elect is sworn in as President of the United States. Presidential inauguration ceremonies are unique public events in the District of Columbia. The inauguration ceremonies are public and, like the President's State of the Union address, they are events in which a significant proportion of the American political leadership is in attendance. Consequently, the inauguration is designated as a National Special Security Event (NSSE) by the Department of Homeland Security. NSSEs are events that require significant security, in part because of the attendance of U.S. and foreign dignitaries and the event's public or official nature. Significant funding for inauguration security operations is provided from the U.S. Secret Service's National Special Security Event general account. In limited circumstances, however, Congress has also provided supplemental appropriations to reimburse local jurisdictions for inauguration-related activities. Other inauguration spending is less easily identifiable because it is indirect and a part of typical annual appropriations to the relevant agencies. Because of the absence of specificity, substantive policy analysis on costs associated with inauguration security may be limited."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Reese, Shawn; Straus, Jacob R.; Bailey, Christina M.
2012-12-17
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Pathfinder, Volume 7, Number 3, May/June 2009
This edition of Pathfinder contains the following articles: "On My Mind: Uniting the Global GEOINT Community; Up Front: DNI Blair Announces Plan For The Next Gneration of Electro-Optical Satellites; Presidential Inauguration Connects a Community; Inauguration Support to the U.S. Secret Service; Inauguration Support to the FBI [Federal Bureau of Investigation]; Inauguration Support to FEMA [Federal Emergency Management Agency]; Inauguration Support to the Department of Defense; Second-Generation Command Vehicle Enhances Homeland Deployments; Response to Mumbai Attacks Confirms Unified Operations Concept; Beyond the Museum Walls: National Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center; Exhibits GEOINT [Geospatial-Intelligence] History; Partnerships: NGA [National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency] Team Accelerates CENTCOM Intelligence Delivery; [and]Our Heritage: Regional Analysts, Deployers, and Legends."
United States. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
2009-06
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Inauguration Security and Operations [Updated January 8, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Since the 20th Amendment was ratified, the oath of office for President of the United States has been administered every four years at noon on January 20. In 2021, the President-elect Joseph R. Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala D. Harris are to be officially sworn in at noon on Wednesday, January 20. Planning for the 2021 inauguration is being challenged by the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID- 19) pandemic and the events at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, during Congress's counting and certification of the November 2020 presidential election electoral votes. Inauguration security and operations adjustments to traditional ceremonies, customs, and practices are being made. This In Focus presents information related to 2021 inauguration security and operations based on past inaugural activities and announced activities to date. Additional security details are expected to be implemented due to the Capitol security breach. This document will be updated if they are publicly announced."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Reese, Shawn; Straus, Jacob R.; Finch, Christina Miracle
2021-01-08
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Presidential Transitions: Issues Involving Outgoing and Incoming Administrations [November 16, 2016]
"The crux of a presidential transition is the transfer of executive power from the incumbent to the President-elect. Yet the transition process encompasses a host of activities, beginning with pre-election planning and continuing through inauguration day. The process ensures that the federal government provides resources to presidential candidates' transition teams, and, eventually, the President-elect's team; and includes close coordination between the outgoing and incoming Administrations. The Presidential Transition Act (PTA) of 1963, as amended, established formal mechanisms to facilitate presidential transitions and authorizes the Administrator of General Services to provide facilities and services to eligible presidential candidates and the President-elect. A presidential transition facilitates the establishment of a new Administration and prepares it to govern. Additionally, as noted by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs in a report on S. 1172 (114th Congress, Presidential Transitions Improvements Act of 2015), planning for a presidential transition helps to ensure the nation's security."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Halchin, L. Elaine
2016-11-16
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Presidential Transitions: Issues Involving Outgoing and Incoming Administrations [March 13, 2017]
"The crux of a presidential transition is the transfer of executive power from the incumbent to the President-elect. Yet the transition process encompasses a host of activities, beginning with pre-election planning and continuing through inauguration day. The process ensures that the federal government provides resources to presidential candidates' transition teams, and, eventually, the President-elect's team; and includes close coordination between the outgoing and incoming Administrations. The Presidential Transition Act (PTA) of 1963, as amended, established formal mechanisms to facilitate presidential transitions and authorizes the Administrator of General Services to provide facilities and services to eligible presidential candidates and the President-elect. A presidential transition facilitates the establishment of a new Administration and prepares it to govern. Additionally, as noted by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs in a report on S. 1172 (114th Congress, Presidential Transitions Improvements Act of 2015), planning for a presidential transition helps to ensure the nation's security."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Halchin, L. Elaine
2017-03-13
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National Special Security Events: Fact Sheet [January 25, 2017]
"Major federal government or public events that are considered to be nationally significant may be designated by the President--or his representative, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)--as National Special Security Events (NSSE). P.L. [Public Law] 106-544 designated the U.S. Secret Service as the lead federal agency responsible for coordinating, planning, exercising, and implementing security for National Special Security Events. [...] Some events categorized as NSSEs include the following: presidential inaugurations, major international summits held in the United States, major sporting events, and presidential nominating conventions. [...] Prior to the establishment of DHS in January 2003, the President determined what events of national significance were designated as NSSEs. Since the establishment of the department, the DHS Secretary--as the President's representative--has had the responsibility to designate NSSEs. NSSE designation factors include the following: anticipated attendance by U.S. officials and foreign dignitaries; size of the event; and significance of the event. Recent NSSEs include President Donald Trump's 2017 inauguration, and the Republican and Democratic presidential candidate nominating conventions in 2016."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Reese, Shawn
2017-01-25
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2008-2009 Presidential Transition: National Security Considerations and Options [April 21, 2008]
"A presidential transition is a unique time in America and holds the promise of opportunity, as well as a possible risk to the nation's security interests. The 2008- 2009 election marks the first presidential transition in the post-9/11 era, and is of concern to many national security observers. While changes in administration during U.S. involvement in national security related activities are not unique to the 2008- 2009 election, many observers suggest that the current security climate and recent acts of terrorism by individuals wishing to influence national elections and change foreign policies portend a time of increased risk to the current presidential transition period. [...] How the new President recognizes and responds to these challenges will depend heavily on the planning and learning that occurs prior to the inauguration. Actions can be taken by the outgoing President and President-elect that may ameliorate decisionmaking activities in the new administration. Whether an incident of national security significance occurs just before or soon after the presidential transition, the actions or inactions of the outgoing Administration may have a long-lasting effect on the new President's ability to effectively safeguard U.S. interests and may affect the legacy of the outgoing President. This report discusses historical national-security related presidential transition activities, provides a representative sampling of national security issues the next administration may encounter, and offers considerations and options relevant to each of the five phases of the presidential transition period. Each phase has distinct challenges and opportunities for the incoming administration, the outgoing administration, and Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Rollins, John
2008-04-21
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Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General: United States Secret Service After-Action Review of Inaugural Security (Redacted)
The Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) states the following about the contents of this DHS Inspector General Report: "This report addresses the strengths and weaknesses of the United States Secret Service after-action review of concerns raised in the Washington Post on January 30, 2009, on inaugural security. It is based on interviews with employees and officials of relevant agencies and institutions, interviews with members of the public, direct observations, and a review of applicable documents." More specifically, "our review focused on two issues: (1) the adequacy of security at the events described in the Washington Post article and (2) how well the Secret Service managed its after-action review of the concerns cited in the article. The article described ticket-sharing practices that the political hosts of inaugural events have discretion to allow, rather than deficiencies in physical screening measures that the Secret Service uses to provide security. The article also described other permitted activities, such as bringing a camera without live batteries through screening or posing for photographs near presidential vehicles. We evaluated the article's concerns that screened guests mingled with the public, but determined that Secret Service security measures were not readily identifiable to inaugural participants. We determined that the Secret Service after-action review was prompt and thorough, and designed to identify security planning and implementation weaknesses. We also concluded that the Secret Service risk assessments and security plans for the events described in the article were reasonable. Because the Secret Service after-action report identified and addressed areas for improvement, we recommend that Secret Service inform us of the implementation of these changes."
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General
2009-10
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United States Secret Service: Fiscal Year 2009 Annual Report
"The 2009 Annual Report of the United States Secret Service provides an opportunity to recognize and reflect on this past year's accomplishments, some of which were truly historic in nature. This is highlighted by the particular emphasis this report places on the 56th Presidential Inauguration. The Inauguration of President Barack Obama was the largest and most complex event this agency has undertaken. Due to our long-standing ability to partner and collaborate with other federal, state and local law enforcement, at day's end, the nation enjoyed a safe and secure event without a single Inaugural-related arrest."
United States. Secret Service; United States. Department of Homeland Security
2010
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Statement on Federal Emergency Assistance for the District of Columbia [January 13, 2009]
"The President today [January 13, 2009] declared an emergency exists in the District of Columbia and ordered Federal aid to supplement the District's response efforts in support of the 56th Presidential Inauguration. The President's action makes Federal funding available to the District of Columbia. Specifically, assistance is available to the District for emergency protective measures that are undertaken to save lives and protect public health and safety. Direct Federal assistance, at 100 percent Federal funding will be provided during the period of January 17-21, 2009, and reimbursement of emergency protective measures (Category B), under the Public Assistance program, at 100 percent Federal funding for work performed on January 20, 2009. FEMA will reimburse for eligible emergency protective measures performed on January 20, 2009, only if the District has expended on the Presidential Inauguration during the period of January 17-21, 2009, the $15 million appropriated to it for 'Emergency Planning and Security Costs' by the Continuing Appropriations Resolution 2009, P.L. 110-329."
United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary
2009-01-13
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Presidential Elections: Vacancies in Major- Party Candidacies and the Position of President-Elect [October 6, 2016]
"What would happen in 2016 if a candidate for President or Vice President were to die or leave the ticket any time between the national party conventions and the November 8 election day? What would happen if this occurred during presidential transition, either between election day and the December 19, 2016, meeting of the electoral college; or between December 19 and the inauguration of the President and Vice President on January 20, 2017? Procedures to fill these vacancies differ depending on when they occur. […] Succession procedures during the presidential election campaign period and the transition are governed by party rules, federal law, and constitutional requirements. […] It may be assumed that party rules would be adequate to provide for some future incident, although an extremely volatile post-election political climate or the prospect of a faithless elector or electors might introduce complicating factors, as noted previously in this report. With respect to the transition period itself, the 20th and 25th Amendments have anticipated most potential contingencies, and could be implemented to address a succession issue during the period between the meetings of the electoral college and inauguration of the President."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Neale, Thomas H.
2016-10-06
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Filling Advice and Consent Positions at the Outset of a New Administration [December 18, 2008]
"In its 2004 report, the 9/11 Commission identified what it perceived were shortcomings in the appointment process during presidential transitions. The report asserted that delays in filling top executive branch leadership positions, such as those experienced during the 2000-2001 transition, could compromise national security policy-making in the early months of a new Administration. [...]. The process is likely to develop a bottleneck during this time, even under the best of circumstances, due to the large number of candidates who must be selected, vetted, and, in the case of positions filled through appointment by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate (PAS positions), considered by that body. The advice and consent appointment process has three stages: selection and vetting, Senate consideration, and presidential appointment. Congress has taken steps to accelerate appointments during presidential transitions. In recent decades, Senate committees have provided for pre-nomination consideration of Cabinet-level nominations; examples of such actions are provided in this report. In addition, recently adopted statutory provisions appear designed to facilitate faster processing of appointments during presidential transitions. [...]. The final portion of the report provides comprehensive data and analyses related to the length of time taken during recent party-turnover transitions to fill Cabinet-level positions and selected higher-level subcabinet positions. In general, transition-period Cabinet-level nominees were selected, vetted, considered, and confirmed expeditiously; they generally took office shortly after the new President's inauguration."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hogue, Henry B.; Bearden, Maureen; Palmer, Betsy (Elizabeth A.)
2008-12-18
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Filling Advice and Consent Positions at the Outset of Recent Administrations, 1981-2009 [February 24, 2017]
"The length of the appointment processes during presidential transitions has been of concern to observers for more than 30 years. The process is likely to develop a bottleneck during this time due to the large number of candidates who must be selected, vetted, and, in the case of positions filled through appointment by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate (PAS positions), considered by that body. The appointment process has three stages: selection and vetting, nomination and Senate consideration, and presidential appointment. Congress has taken steps to accelerate appointments during presidential transitions. In recent decades, Senate committees have provided for pre-nomination consideration of Cabinet-level nominations; examples of such actions are provided in this report. In addition, recently adopted statutory provisions appear designed to facilitate faster processing of appointments during presidential transitions. Among the new statutory provisions were those enacted by Congress in response to certain 9/11 Commission recommendations, mainly in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. Also part of this act was a sense of the Senate resolution stating that nominations to national security positions should be submitted by the President-elect to the Senate by Inauguration Day, and that Senate consideration of all such nominations should be completed within 30 days of submission." This report presents "analyses of data related to Cabinet and selected subcabinet appointments during the last five transitions from 1981 through 2009," and discusses the appointment process.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hogue, Henry B.; Greene, Michael; Rybicki, Elizabeth
2017-02-24
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Presidential Transitions: An Overview [November 24, 2020]
From the Introduction: "At its heart, a presidential transition is the transfer of executive power from the incumbent President to his successor. A single step--taking the oath of the office of President--accomplishes this transfer. Yet the transition process is more complex, beginning with pre-election planning and continuing through Inauguration Day on January 20. It involves key personnel from the outgoing and incoming Presidents' staffs; requires resources; and includes many activities, such as vetting candidates for positions in the new Administration, helping to familiarize the incoming Administration with the operations of the executive branch, and developing a comprehensive policy platform. The Presidential Transition Act (PTA) of 1963, as amended, established formal mechanisms to facilitate presidential transitions and authorized the Administrator of General Services to provide facilities and services to eligible presidential candidates and the President-elect."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Halchin, L. Elaine
2020-11-24
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First Day of a New Congress: A Guide to Proceedings on the House Floor [Updated December 1, 2004]
"This report focuses on the floor activities of the House during its first formal session in a new Congress, and serves as a guide for participating in or watching these proceedings. [...] On opening day, the House usually adopts resolutions assigning its Members to serve on committees. This process usually extends throughout January and often for several more weeks. The committee assignment process occurs primarily within the party groups -- the Republican Conference and the Democratic Caucus. Assignments cannot be considered on the House floor until both of these groups have adopted rules governing committee assignments. Other routine organizational business may also be taken up on the House floor on the first day. The Speaker usually announces his policies on certain floor practices; a resolution is adopted providing for a joint session of Congress to receive the President's State of the Union Message; and often a resolution is adopted to allow a judge or a Member of Congress to administer the oath of office to Members-elect who are absent due to illness or other reasons. Some resolutions on opening day are dependent on specific circumstances and do not occur at the beginning of each new Congress. In inaugural years, the House must adopt a resolution to authorize the use of the Capitol for the inauguration activities. At the outset of a new Congress following a presidential election, the House must also adopt a resolution providing for the counting of electoral votes for the President and Vice President of the United States by the new Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Amer, Mildred L. (Mildred Lehmann)
2004-12-01
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Afghanistan: Politics, Elections, and Government Performance [January 12, 2015]
"The capacity, transparency, legitimacy, and cohesiveness of Afghan governance are crucial to Afghan stability as nearly all international forces exit Afghanistan by the end of 2016. The size and capability of the Afghan governing structure has increased significantly since the Taliban regime fell in late 2001, but the government remains rife with corruption and ethnic and political tensions among its major factions are ever present. Its recent elections have been marred by allegations of vast fraud and resulting post-election political crises. Hamid Karzai, who served as president since late 2001, was constitutionally term-limited and left office when his successor, Ashraf Ghani, was inaugurated on September 29. The inauguration represented a resolution of a presidential election dispute that consumed Afghan and U.S. official attention from April to September. The results of the April 5, 2014, first round of the election required a June 14 runoff between Ghani and Dr. Abdullah Abdullah--increasing tensions between Ghani's Pashtun community, Afghanistan's largest group, and the Tajik community with which Abdullah is identified. […] Government authority remains constrained not only by the power-sharing arrangement but also by the exertion of influence by the long-standing informal power structure consisting of regional and ethnic leaders. […] International officials and groups are attempting to help ensure that the significant gains in civil society, women's rights, and media freedoms achieved since 2001 are preserved. […] Afghan civil society activists, particularly women's groups, assert that many of these gains are at risk as international forces depart, especially should there be a reconciliation agreement between the government and insurgent leaders."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2015-01-12
