NOON TODAY: Opening of the 117th congress!

[Hortensis]

It sadly won't look like last year's, and the hoards of children and babies brought to be part of history are home this time.





Good rundown on what to expect:

House prepares for an opening day unlike any other
Quorum call, speaker election and swearing in to be conducted in groups for social distancing

https://www.rollcall.com/2020/12/31/house-prepares-for-an-opening-day-unlike-any-other/

[in2herbs]

1. I wish that Pelosi would refuse to swear in those Rs who are challenging the election of Biden until

they can prove that their election is valid. But we know that won't happen -- because we're Ds.

[cags]

3. At least bring it up, put them on record "Before I swear you in, do you believe your election was...

fraudulent or the will of the voters?"

LOL... would love to see that

[in2herbs]

6. That's a good idea! nt

[marble falls]

2. First thing to occur to me even after reading the headline and realizing it wasn't even time ...

for the event yet: first: where in the heck are the masks. Secondly: the Democrats in the House are getting younger every election.

[Hortensis]

4. I'm seeing a whole crowd of masks walking by now, Dem senators.

I'm recording CSPAN1 and 2 for the house and senate but listening to MSNBC because nothing's happening yet.

Last year I watched Adam Schiff watch the excited crowds all around while his 5-month-old chewed on his finger. What a difference a year of political insanity and pandemic has made.

[marble falls]

8. We're going to do things right, not a doubt in my mind.

[Hortensis]

5. McConnell speaking for democracy and stability on opening the 117th senate.

"...and strengthen our shared work." "But there's also plenty of reason for hope. An optimistic, forward-looking, can-do spirit has been one of our country's most distinctive calling cards from our very earliest days.

... I'd say 2021 looks bright already. With plenty of disagreements and policy differences among our ranks, but all, all swearing the same oath to support and defend the same constitution, all loving the same country, and all of us committed to doing all we can to leave behind an even stronger nation than the one we've been blessed to inherit. ..."

Uhuh. Let's see.

[Hortensis]

7. SPEAKER VOTE when chamber reconvenes at 1:45.