Moran: Now is a time of optimism
It was fun to be in the nation’s capitol Thursday, Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., said.
He’s been busy today talking to fellow Kansans streaming though his office picking up their tickets for the inauguration today of President Donald Trump. “It was like old home week,” Moran said.
Although the Senate remains in session today, despite the festivities, working on confirmations for Trump’s cabinet appointees, he and his wife Robin will attend this morning’s swearing-in ceremony.
He understands there will anti-Trump protests. “I know this is a divided country. But, this is a time to celebrate what makes this nation great.”
It is a time of optimism and coming together, he said. He hopes Trump will deliver this message in his address today.
“We will watch this historic event,” he said. However, after the parade, they may skip the inaugural ball scene.
As for what comes next, “I am very hopeful,” Moran said. “There is a different atmosphere. It’s about getting things done.”
Americans are tired of the same old thing. There are many uncertainties with what Trump brings to the White House, but Moran believes many were willing to try something new.
Newly elected to Congress, Rep. Dr. Roger Marshall was in the heart of Washington, D.C., Thursday afternoon trying to catch a cab. With less than a day until the inauguration of President Donald Trump and throngs of the people flooding the city, this was next to impossible.
“It’s absolutely nuts,” the Great Bend Republican said as he was trying to hail a taxi for his family and himself. “It’s an incredible atmosphere. It’s almost electric.”
There were Trump supporters shouting “Trump rocks,” he said. And, there were others shouting comments that weren’t quite as complimentary.
Inaugural events started Thursday with a concert, celebration and other activities.
However, Friday is the big day. All times are Central Time.
The Inauguration Ceremony will begin 10:30 a.m. on the west side of the Capitol building. The main event, in which Donald Trump is sworn in, will take place at 11 a.m.
The Inaugural Parade will run from 2-4 p.m. on Pennsylvania Avenue. This will involve 8,000 participants. The official inauguration website says the performers represent “40 organizations including high school and university marching bands, equestrian corps, first responders, and veterans groups.”
The evening will concluded with two official and several other inaugural balls in the Washington, D.C. area.
Marshall said he and his family will be taking in the parade and as many other activities as they can. He has been invited to the presidential ball and his wife Laina has a special gown picked out for the occasion.
Beyond the inauguration
“It will be OK,” Marshall said of the transition of power from the Democratic Obama administration to the Republican Trump team. “There will be people up here protesting and they have the right to speak their minds. But at end of the day, we will have a new president and we are excited to work with him.
“There’s lots of special things happening,” Marshall said. “There is a Republican president and Republican majorities in both the House and Senate. “We have lots and lots of opportunity.”
Speaking to the congressional relationship with the Trump White House, Marshall said it will be interesting. Although of the same political party, “Trump is not a typical politician, he’s unconventional, results oriented, and that’s OK,” Marshall said. He and others in Congress area chomping at the bit to get going and also want to see things get done.
High on the agenda are getting the economy going again and not just repealing, but replacing, the Affordable Care Act. “We are going to work very hard for replacement so as to not pull rug out from under anyone.”
