On the eve of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, it appears that all but one member of Mississippi’s delegation in Washington D.C. will be on hand to observe the transfer of power.
Biden will be sworn in on the steps of the U.S. Capitol Wednesday at noon when he will officially become the 46th President in the history of the United States. We’ve known for a while that outgoing President Donald Trump will not be in attendance, but most members of Mississippi’s delegation will be.
Both Senators Roger Wicker & Cindy Hyde-Smith will be there with the senior Senator issuing the following statement.
“I plan to attend the inauguration of Joe Biden, just as I have attended those of Presidents Nixon, Reagan, Clinton, George W. Bush, Obama, and Trump. The orderly transfer of power is one of the majestic symbols of our republic,” Wicker said.
As for Mississippi’s House members, Congressmen Bennie Thompson (MS-02), the lone Democrat, indicated he will be there as did Congressmen Trent Kelly (MS-01) and Michael Guest (MS-03).
“Congressman Guest is in DC and plans to attend the Inauguration of President Biden. He remains committed to healing the divisions felt across our land and to uniting the people of our great nation,” a spokesman from Rep. Guest’s office said in a statement.
Rep. Steven Palazzo’s office has confirmed that the Congressman from the Coast will not be attending.
“Congressman Palazzo will not be attending the inauguration. He originally planned to, but due to several last-minute changes to protocols regarding coronavirus screening handed down by the inaugural committee he will not be able to make it work. He plans to watch the inauguration from his home,” a statement from his office says.
Approximately 100 members of the Mississippi National Guard are also in D.C. providing support to law enforcement amid heightened tensions in aftermath of the recent capitol riots.
