The Presidential Inauguration of Barack Obama will take place on Tuesday, January 20, 2009.  This historic event has received incredible enthusiasm and excitement.

The inauguration will be a day to remember in our country's history, and Washington, D.C. is expected to have an extraordinary influx of people for the event.

Before Traveling to Washington, D.C.

Those interested in attending the inauguration should be aware of the logistical difficulties that will surround the event before traveling to Washington, D.C.  Media reports and D.C. Police estimates predict that an unprecedented 3-5 million visitors will descend on the city. 

If you intend to visit to Washington, D.C. for inauguration, we recommend that you have lodging accommodations arranged in advance of your trip.  All reports show that most, if not all, hotel rooms in Washington, D.C. and the surrounding Maryland and Virginia areas are already booked.

Due to street closures and restricted access around the U.S. Capitol, visitors are encouraged to access the U.S. Capitol by metro or by walking.  Charter and tour buses will not be able to drop-off passengers within the security perimeter around the U.S. Capitol.

Dress warmly as conditions at the swearing-in event itself have traditionally been cold (normally 37 degrees), often wet, and crowded.  Those with tickets will be required to go through stringent security screenings, and will be standing outside in the cold for anywhere from 3-5 hours with limited access to food, beverages, and portable toilets.  Those with young children or people with health concerns should seriously take these factors into consideration before proceeding with their plans to attend the Inauguration. 

Finally, for the first time ever during an inaugural swearing-in ceremony, the entire National Mall will be open to the public.  Standing room in these sections will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Resources to Help You

If you are planning on traveling to Washington, D.C. for the inauguration, below is information that could be helpful to you.  Please be advised that transportation information, including road closures, is changing by the day.  Check these resources frequently as the information may change. 

Click here to view a map of the Rayburn Office Building in relation to the U.S. Capitol.   

Click here for information from the National Parks Services on accessing the National Mall on Inauguration Day.

Click here to receive information on using the Washington, D.C. public transportation system, including schedules of operation and information on parking.

Click here to learn about up to date information on security measures being taken by the Secret Service for the inauguration events as well as information on road closures in Washington, D.C.

If you are traveling with a larger group via Charter Bus, click here to view information from the Washington, D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles about registering your vehicles for the duration of your stay in Washington, D.C.

For general information surrounding the 2009 Presidential Inauguration and visiting Washington, D.C., please refer to the following websites:

http://www.inauguration.dc.gov/index.asp

http://www.washington.org/visiting/experience-dc/presidential-inauguration/information

Congressman Kanjorski's Inaugural Reception

Additionally, to celebrate the inauguration, Congressman Kanjorski will be hosting a reception for all residents of Pennsylvania's 11^th Congressional District who will be in Washington, D.C. for the ceremonies.  A large-screen television and light refreshments will be provided.  Those who do not have tickets to the swearing-in ceremony are welcome to join and watch the festivities on television.  Those who attend the swearing in are encouraged join after the ceremony ends.  Congressman Kanjorski looks forward to meeting all Northeastern Pennsylvanians who will be in Washington, D.C. to celebrate this historic day.

When: Tuesday, January 20, 2009

When: 12 - 3 p.m.