WASHINGTON -- Could a blend of inaugural excitement and fresh coffee be the stimulant Washington needs to break political gridlock?
One could only conjecture as President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden and their wives played host Monday to congressional leaders of both parties at the White House.
The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies joined the Obamas and the Bidens before official ceremonies began at the Capitol.
The panel is comprised of House and Senate leaders, including House Speaker John Boehner and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, both Republicans, and House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., is the committee's chairman. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, who is not a member of the committee, also was invited.
---
The following statement was released by Rep. Michael McCaul (R-District 10):
"There is no greater symbol of the strength of our democracy than the peaceful transition or continuance of power that we too often take for granted. Today I have renewed hope for America's future, and hope that President Obama will use his second term as an opportunity to work with Congress to solve the greatest challenges we face. No challenge is too great for the United States."
