Word on the Hill: Inauguration Day
Last-minute planning for today and Saturday
It’s here — the day Donald Trump becomes the 45th president of the United States.
Stay informed with our tips for taking in the day, list of balls and galas and list of counter-parties going on around D.C. And watch for our coverage all day.
The conservative news site Independent Journal Review has been delivering survival packages around D.C. They include a reusable charger, water bottle, hand warmers, an energy supplement, hand sanitizer, sunglasses, lip balm, and, of course, an American flag, among other things.
Check it out.
‘Totes’ gets the OK
Collapsible Totes-style umbrellas are allowed along the parade route and the National Mall for the inauguration, the National Park Service announced on Thursday. Long, noncollapsible umbrellas will not be allowed along the route or on the Mall.
But, if there’s any question, leave it at home and wear a poncho.
Leahy wants you to come over for breakfast
Sen Patrick J. Leahy, D-Vt., and his wife Marcelle Leahy are inviting Vermonters and friends over for coffee and light refreshments from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Saturday before the Women’s March on Washington. They ask that you RSVP, but all are welcome at the Stewart R. Mott House: 122 Maryland Ave. NE.
Metro opens at 5 a.m. Saturday
Although it’s a Saturday, Metro will open at 5 a.m. on Saturday for the women’s march. An “enhanced Saturday schedule” will go into effect, which means a train is scheduled to be in service every four to six minutes at all stations downtown, according to WMATA.
Overheard
“I hope you are as much fun on that dais as you were on your couch.”
— Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry to Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., evoking laughter from the hearing room. Perry later said that was his “Saturday Night Live” soundbite.
Happy birthday to…
There are no congressional birthdays on Inauguration Day.
Saturday
Rep. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., 56.
Sunday
Rep. Steve Chabot, R-Ohio, 64.
Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Ark., 51.
What’s going on?
Have any tips, announcements or Hill happenings? Send them to AlexGangitano@cqrollcall.comBridget Bowman, Eric Garcia and Jeremy Dillon contributed to this report.