[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 7, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E156]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   COMMENDING MARIA LOHMEYER FOR HER ROLE WITH THE 58TH PRESIDENTIAL 
                              INAUGURATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GREGG HARPER

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 7, 2017

  Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, it is with considerable gratitude that I 
rise today in order to recognize Maria Lohmeyer and the staff she 
assembled to host a historic and successful 58th Presidential 
Inauguration.
  Through her role with the Senate Committee on Rules and 
Administration, Maria led the Joint Congressional Committee on 
Inaugural Ceremonies which was charged with the responsibility of 
planning and executing the swearing-in ceremonies for the President and 
Vice President of the United States. Additionally, the Joint 
Congressional Committee was responsible for planning the Inaugural 
Luncheon where Congress came together to welcome the new administration 
following the inaugural swearing-in ceremonies at the U.S. Capitol.
  The Presidential Inauguration has been the hallmark of American 
democracy since 1789. During this ceremony, individuals elected by the 
people stand before God and the country and swear an oath to uphold the 
sacred duties to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the 
United States.
  On Friday, January 20, 2017, America again came together as we have 
so many times before to witness this peaceful transition of power from 
one Administration to the next. As Americans, we celebrated both an 
honorable ending and a hopeful new beginning.
  The success of the Presidential Inaugural Ceremonies is due to so 
many individuals, from staff to our law enforcement and first 
responders. However, none of the ceremonies would be possible if not 
for the careful planning and implementation by superb and patriotic 
individuals.
  Maria is one of those special individuals who rose to the challenge 
of planning the 58th Presidential Inauguration. I thank her for her 
stewardship over the inaugural ceremonies, which has played such an 
important and impactful role in our shared history.

                          ____________________