January 22, 2009 - The Inauguration of
the 44th President of the United States
Since George Washington
was sworn in as President in 1789, every subsequent American President
has modeled a peaceful and celebrated transfer of power to the world.
On Tuesday, January 20th Barack Obama followed suit as America's 44th
President.
Due to the overwhelming interest in attending this year's swearing
in ceremony, for the first time in history, non-ticket holders were
able to witness the inauguration first hand. Large viewing screens and
loud speakers were placed throughout the National Mall for the estimated
2 million visitors to Washington D.C.
The Inaugural Ceremonies began at 10:00 am (EST) with musical selections
from The United States Marine Band, The San Francisco Boys Chorus and
the San Francisco Girls Chorus, and Aretha Franklin. Pastor Rick Warren
of the Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California provided the opening
invocation and prayer.
At 11:30 am, Vice President-elect Joe Biden was sworn in by Supreme
Court Justice John Stevens. And just after noon, President-elect Barack
Obama placed his left hand on the Lincoln Bible and recited the oath
of office and officially become President of the United States.
I would like to congratulate President Barack Obama on his historic
election and inauguration. I look forward to working with his new administration
on issues important to Illinois.
Military Academy Nominations
Each year I get
to nominate young men and women to the four military academies -- the
United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, the United State
Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, the United States Naval
Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, and the United States Merchant Marine
Academy at Kings Point, New York.
The applicants apply directly to their interested academy as well as
through my office. I then nominate qualified applicants to the academies.
The academies make the final determination of admission. This year I
nominated 18 young men and women from throughout the district.
I then invite those from the 19th District who are currently at one
of the academies to meet with my nominees. This allows future cadets
and midshipmen and their parents to meet current attendees and their
parents.
High school juniors interested in attending one of the academies should
contact my office
for more information.
111th Congress Committee Assignments
Since I was first
sworn into the 105th Congress, I have served on the House
Energy and Commerce Committee. During the 111th Congress I am thrilled
to be a member of its top three subcommittees: Energy and Environment;
Health; and Communications, Telecommunications and the Internet.
Obviously, energy and climate change will be important legislative
issues this year. Healthcare will also receive a great deal of attention.
I hope to bring a point of view to these debates that does not cause
increased energy prices for consumers or restrict healthcare access
by adding government bureaucracy.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee has broad authority over many
of the important issues that face America. Its jurisdiction extends
over five cabinet-level departments and seven independent agencies.
To stay up to date on what is happening in the Energy and Commerce Committee,
visit energycommerce.house.gov.
University of Illinois Reaching Out
Online During Recession
Sometimes tough times call for advice, courtesy of the University
of Illinois Extension office, which has set up a web site with financial
tips for people who have lost jobs and savings during the current economic
slowdown.
The site, www.toughtimes.illinois.edu,
has 120 tips on how to survive, save and invest during the recession.
An assessment of your financial situation can be obtained, along with
advice on stretching budgets.
Among the suggestions are deferring student loans and unplugging appliances
that continue to draw power despite being turned off.
Citizen's Briefing Book
Want
to have a voice in President Obama's administration? Write it in the
Citizen's Briefing
Book.
You can share your ideas on any issue facing the new administration,
then rate or comment on other ideas. The best rated ideas will rise
to the top -- and be gathered into a Citizen's Briefing Book to be delivered
to President Obama.
Americans have such great opportunities to share their thoughts with
elected officials. I encourage you to participate in the national debate
by contacting me, your senators and the President.
Click here to
make your voice heard.
