The Latest News The Policy Circle Team is Reading
We’ve gathered articles, videos, and analysis to dive-deeper into timely topics about the policy issues and opportunities that impact us all. Explore below and if you have additional news you think we should share, send us an email.
Inauguration 2021
The 2021 presidential inauguration won’t be the first atypical ceremony in the nation’s history. While this year’s inauguration will look quite different than recent ceremonies, the tradition of this ceremony is a cornerstone of our democracy as a new administration begins. It’s a day we’re all watching to see the transition of power and swearing-in of our new president and vice president – a historic day as Kamala Harris is sworn in as the first woman of color to serve as VP.
Here is a look at some facts about the inaugural event and the all-important oath of office.
Inauguration Facts:
- Since 1901, and in accordance with the 20th Amendment of the United States Constitution, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) has been responsible for the planning and execution of the Inaugural Ceremonies of the President-elect and Vice President-elect of the United States at the Capitol.
- This year’s inauguration will differ from most prior events, because of Covid-19 and security precautions. A small, socially distanced audience will be at the event, including three former presidents: Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.
- Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor will administer the oath to Kamala Harris. Sotomayor also administered the oath to Biden in 2013 when he was re-elected vice president.
- The tradition of swearing on a Bible dates back to George Washington. Biden will swear on his massive Biden family Bible, which dates to 1893. Biden has used the same 5-inch thick book for every swearing in since he first became a senator in 1973.
- George Washington gave the shortest inaugural address, 135 words, in 1793, and William Henry Harrison the longest, 8,460 words, in 1841. Modern addresses tend to be well under 3,000 words.
- Andrew Jackson was the first president to be sworn in at the U.S. Capitol building.
- The coldest January inauguration on record? That goes to Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration. In 1985, the mercury dipped to a frigid 7 degrees, with afternoon wind chill temps in the range of 10- to 20-below.
To watch: Here’s what’s on Biden’s agenda for the first 100 days.
Biden to sign 15 executive actions on Day One
Why it matters: The 15 actions — aimed at issues like climate change and immigration — mark more drastic immediate steps than the actions from Biden’s four predecessors combined, according to incoming White House press secretary Jen Psaki.
Highlights:
- Energy & Environment:
- Rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement
- An executive order to rescind the Keystone XL pipeline permit
- Temporarily halting oil and gas leasing in the Arctic Wildlife Refuge
- Asking the Department of Education to extend student loan relief
- Health & CDC directives:
- Launch a “100 Days Masking Challenge” and Leading by Example in the Federal Government
- Rejoining the World Health Organization
- Asking the CDC to “immediately” extend eviction restrictions
- Overturning a Trump order excluding undocumented immigrants from the census count
- Launch a Whole-of-Government Initiative to Advance Racial Equity
See the full list and review Biden’s list of actions to “address the COVID-19 Pandemic, provide economic relief, tackle climate change, and advance racial equity.”
Want to learn more about the issues? Explore our Policy Circle Brief Library!
Other News
Joe Biden’s Dogs Major and Champ Will Be the First Presidential Pups in the White
ICYMI: Future first dog Major Biden, adopted from a shelter, gets virtual ‘indoguration’
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