[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 4 (Tuesday, January 21, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S143]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 THE INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT CLINTON

  Mr. NICKLES. Mr. President, yesterday, in a moving ceremony, we 
witnessed the swearing in of President Bill Clinton and Vice President 
Al Gore for their second term. The inaugural ceremony is significant 
not only to the history of our Nation, but for the message it sends to 
the rest of the world about our democracy.
  The ceremony required a tremendous amount of planning by many, many 
people. The extensive preparations included construction of the 
platform, ticket distribution, coordination of security measures, 
organization of the ceremony, planning the luncheon in Statuary Hall 
and countless other tasks.
  Leading this team of dedicated people was the distinguished Senator 
from Virginia, Senator John Warner. As chairman of the Joint 
Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, he had the monumental 
task of making the arrangements for this historic occasion. He 
performed his responsibilities with great efficiency and with 
outstanding attention to every detail. As master of ceremonies, he 
skillfully orchestrated the entire program. I, along with my 
colleagues, would like to thank Senator Warner and congratulate him on 
a job well done.
  In addition, I would like to applaud the distinguished Senator from 
Kentucky, Senator Wendell Ford. His contribution of hard work and past 
experience as Chairman of the committee was evident in the success of 
this endeavor. I wish to express my gratitude to Senator Ford for his 
hard work.
  I would also like to thank and congratulate the other members of the 
Joint Inaugural Committee for such a successful ceremony. Those members 
were Majority Leader Lott, Speaker Gingrich, Representative Armey, and 
Minority Leader Gephardt. In addition, the members of the committee 
were ably assisted by the officers and employees of the Senate and 
House of Representatives, as well as by personnel from the executive 
branch. The success of the ceremony demonstrated tremendous cooperation 
between both parties, as well as both Houses of Congress and the 
executive branch.
  I offer my appreciation to everyone who contributed countless hours 
to the 1997 inauguration ceremony, particularly to the chairman, 
Senator Warner, and the ranking member, Senator Ford. Thanks to the 
efforts of all involved, the ceremony will be a memorable event for our 
Nation.

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