PARTNERS
ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL
The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) erects the inaugural platform on the Capitol’s West Front, sets up the necessary seating and fencing on the grounds, and coordinates other activities with the Joint Congressional Committee on the Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) regarding all of the physical arrangements that are necessary to accommodate this event.
GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) serves as the official, digital, and secure source for producing, preserving, and distributing official Federal Government publications and information products for Congress, Federal agencies, and the American public. In support of the Inaugural Ceremonies, in coordination with the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC), GPO produces the official Inaugural tickets, maps, invitations, programs, and other materials.
OFFICE OF THE SERGEANT AT ARMS—U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
The Sergeant at Arms is elected on the first day of each Congress and serves as an Officer of the U.S. House of Representatives pursuant to Article I, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution. The Sergeant at Arms is the chief law enforcement officer and chief protocol officer for the House. The Sergeant at Arms is tasked to review and implement all matters relating to the safety and security of Members of Congress and the Capitol complex. Other duties include supervision of the House Floor and galleries, responsibility for the coordination of the House continuity program, the House Appointments Desks, the House garages and parking lots, as well as administration of all staff identification badges and security clearances, and the management of House SCIFs and classified information. In addition, the Office of the Sergeant at Arms coordinates special events for the House of Representatives in conjunction with other House and Senate offices, the U.S. Capitol Police, and external entities.
Preparing for an Inaugural Ceremony involves the participation of every division in the Sergeant at Arms organization. Sergeant at Arms staff participate with members of the JCCIC in planning the protocol and logistical aspects of the event, coordinate credential distribution, assist in communicating information internally to House Members and staff, and provide staffing on the day of the event itself. In addition, as a member of the Capitol Police Board, the Sergeant at Arms has a key role. Working with the Senate Sergeant at Arms and the Architect of the Capitol, to ensure that security, access and other logistical arrangements are fully in place, in coordination with House and Senate Leadership and the members of the JCCIC.
OFFICE OF THE SERGEANT AT ARMS—U.S. SENATE
As an elected officer of the Senate, the Sergeant at Arms (SAA) is the chief law enforcement and protocol officer of the Senate, and is responsible for maintaining order in the Senate side of the United States Capitol complex. SAA and Deputy Sergeant at Arms are ceremonial escorts for the Presidential and Vice Presidential parties. The Senate Sergeant at Arms (SSAA) is committed to working closely with JCCIC to have a seamless and successful Inaugural. Preparing for an Inaugural Ceremony involves the participation of every division in the Sergeant at Arms organization.
Within Capitol Operations, the media galleries coordinate the pool and unilateral positions for media coverage and oversee the issuance of media credentials; the Recording Studio produces the official archival video; and doorkeepers assist with seating. The Office of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) provides technical and logistical support to the JCCIC, USCP, JTF-NCR, and other partners. Operations oversees needs within the Capitol facilities; Printing Graphics and Direct Mail serve as the in-house printer; Senate Photo Studio provides official photographs of arrivals, departures, the Swearing-In Ceremonies, and the Luncheon; and the Senate Post Office coordinates deliveries of bulk mailings. Transportation and parking needs, emergency preparedness, and security planning and police operations fall underneath the Office of Security and Emergency Preparedness.
JOINT TASK FORCE—NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION
The Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) plans, coordinates and provides authorized and approved Department of Defense (DoD) ceremonial and public affairs support to Presidential Inaugurals.
As the official DoD liaison, JTF-NCR works with the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) and the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) to coordinate and conduct military ceremonial support at Inaugural events. The command also collects, compiles, organizes, and provides historical perspective on the parade participant application process to the PIC – who is the only entity authorized to select participants for the Inaugural Parade.
PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURAL COMMITTEE
A Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) is a non-profit organization representing the president-elect, and is organized following the November election. The PIC has responsibility for official Inaugural events other than those held at the Capitol. This includes organizing and funding the inaugural parade and any official inaugural balls and galas.
UNITED STATES CAPITOL POLICE
The mission of the United States Capitol Police (USCP) is to protect the U.S. Capitol, Members of Congress, Congressional employees, and visitors so that Congress can fulfill its constitutional and legislative responsibilities in a safe, secure, and open environment.
Some of the USCP’s many responsibilities to support the Inaugural Ceremonies are event security, credentialing, and visitor screening at the U.S. Capitol, and coordinating with its numerous local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to ensure that the event proceeds safely and securely as planned.