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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 68) authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks in the Record on this concurrent resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 68 authorizes advanced planning for the use of the Capitol rotunda on January 20, 2009, for the proceedings and ceremonies conducted for the inauguration of the President and Vice President of the United States. Congress traditionally passes this measure in the year prior to the event in order to begin 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.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 68 does not formally authorize use of the rotunda for the inaugural events, themselves, since it will expire on January 3, 2009, like all concurrent resolutions which are not made part of permanent law, and must be renewed in the 111th Congress. However, action today will initiate 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 passage of the Senate concurrent resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, as my colleague has aptly stated, the eyes of the world are on us as we focus on our election in this year of 2008. We know that this planning and preparation for the inaugural ceremonies will move smoothly and very well for all of the world to view.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise in support of S. Con. Res. 68, which will authorize use of the rotunda

for the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. Since the swearing in of Thomas Jefferson in March 1801, each inaugural address delivered by the President has been made in our Nation's Capitol. As we prepare for the next President of the United States to arrive in Washington to take the oath of office, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies is charged with ensuring the success of inaugural activities, including securing those facilities necessary to honor this important occasion.

As a symbol of democracy throughout the world, the United States Capitol is a fitting place to acknowledge the peaceful transition of power that will take place on January 20, 2009, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the authorization of use of the rotunda by the committee and by the future President and Vice President of the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that it be in order for the Senate to consider, en bloc, two concurrent resolutions, S. Con. Res. 67 and S. Con. Res. 68, both relating to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the concurrent resolutions be agreed to en bloc,

the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table, and that any statements relating to the matters be printed in the Record as if given.