World News: OnPolitics: Let's make a pact to stay home on Jan. 20

Tuesday, December 15

The Transportation Department will have a central role in shaping and carrying out Biden's infrastructure plans.

OnPolitics: Buttigieg offered a seat at the Biden administration table

President-elect Joe Biden is asking that you stay home for his inauguration. COVID, and all that. Plus Mayor Pete got called up.

Buttigieg in charge of Transportation Department?

President-elect Joe Biden has chosen former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg as his transportation secretary, according to The Associated Press.

Three people confirmed the news to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they didn't want to publicly preempt the president-elect's announcement.

Buttigieg, who competed with Biden for the nomination before dropping out and endorsing him, would be the first openly gay Cabinet secretary if confirmed by the Senate.

McConnell congratulates Joe Biden

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., recognized former Vice President Joe Biden as the president-elect for the first time Tuesday, one day after the Democratic ticket sealed an Electoral College victory.

"The Electoral College has spoken," McConnell said during a speech on the Senate floor in which he also praised President Donald Trump's accomplishments. McConnell said he wanted to "congratulate President-elect Joe Biden" and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.

Noting Harris' historic win as the first female vice president, McConnell said, "beyond our differences, all Americans can take pride that our nation has a female vice president for the very first time."

Attending inauguration? Not so fast

The committee planning President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration urges Americans not to travel to Washington for the festivities but to participate in the celebration virtually.

Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will be sworn in Jan. 20 in a ceremony on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol that will include vigorous health and safety protocols because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Presidential Inaugural Committee announced Tuesday.

Biden will deliver an address that lays out his vision for beating the virus, building back better and bringing the country together, the committee said.

The ceremony's footprint will be limited, and the traditional inaugural parade that follows will be reimagined, the committee said.

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