A concurrent resolution authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.

Madam Speaker, I support S. Con. Res. 93, which authorizes planning for the use of the Capitol Rotunda on January 20, 2005, for the proceedings and ceremonies conducted for the inauguration of the President and Vice President of the United States. We traditionally pass this measure to begin the period of security planning and rehearsal for the inaugural, since the Rotunda is routinely used for ceremonial purposes during the inauguration and could host the event itself, depending on the weather at that time.

The 108th Congress does not formally authorize use of the Rotunda through this measure, since it will expire on January 3, 2005, like all concurrent resolutions which are not made part of permanent law and must be renewed in the 109th Congress. However, it initiates the period of pre-event planning necessary to bring one of our democracy's most memorable and historic ceremonies to fruition smoothly and safely. I urge its adoption.

The Senate concurrent resolution was concurred in.

A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of the following Senate concurrent resolutions which were introduced today en bloc: S. Con. Res. 93 and S. Con. Res. 94.

I ask unanimous consent that the resolutions be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table en bloc, and any statements relating to the resolutions be printed in the Record.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the Senate concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 93) authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of S. Con. Res. 93, the Senate concurrent resolution just concurred in.