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THE BULLETIN • THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021 A3 THE INAUGURATION Patrick Semansky/Pool photo via AP American poet Amanda Gorman’s inauguration poem spoke of a coun- try “where a skinny Black girl, descended from slaves and raised by a single mother, can dream of becoming president, only to find herself reciting for one.” Andrew Harnik/Pool photo via AP Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th president of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts as new first lady Jill Biden holds the Bible at the U.S. Capitol. Ashley and Hunter, their adult children, watch, with Vice President Kamala Harris standing by. Greg Nash/Pool photo via AP Pop singer Lady Gaga sang an unconventional rendition of the na- tional anthem. Andrew Harnik and J. Scott Applewhite/AP Above, former President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura, greet Chief Justice John Roberts after arriving. Below, Joe and Jill Biden watch a military march at the conclusion of the ceremonies. Carolyn Kaster/AP Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, talk with former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, as they arrive for the inauguration on Wednesday. Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton look on at far right. At the Biden in- auguration were three former presidents and first ladies of different parties mingling at the Capitol, and again later in hushed moments at Arlington National Cemetery, where Biden and Harris led a wreath ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Saul Loeb/Pool photo via AP Country singer Garth Brooks sang “Amazing Grace.” The ceremony, which began with a light snow falling, featured a lineup of celebrity performers, including Jennifer Lopez. REACTIONS IN OREGON Brown praises Biden plan What Oregon’s political leaders for more coronavirus aid are saying about President Biden Oregon Capital Bureau BY PETER WONG Oregon Capital Bureau Gov. Kate Brown has praised the proposal by President Joe Biden for another round of federal aid to deal with the coronavirus pan- demic, including direct aid to states and com- munities. But she said there’s one big catch: Congress, with tenuous Democratic majorities, still has to pass the $1.9 trillion requested by the president. “This is an extremely significant proposal — I said mind-blowing,” Brown said at a virtual legislative preview sponsored by the Associated Press. “I think the real challenge is how we get it passed.” Brown said the plan contains not only direct aid for states, but also for specific programs for virus testing and contact tracing, personal pro- tective equipment for health care and other es- sential workers, vaccine distribution, child care and reopening of schools. Oregon’s share of direct aid could be $3.5 bil- lion, based on the $1.4 billion from the total of $150 billion provided to states from the federal coronavirus relief act last year. A spokesman for Brown said later that direct aid would be in ad- dition to federal money for specific purposes listed above. Brown said Biden’s team informed the gover- nors about the plan before it was disclosed, and the governors conducted a conference call after- ward to discuss details and build support. Brown has been urging such aid for months as a follow-up to the relief act. Though Brown proposed a 2021-23 state budget of $25.6 billion from the tax-supported general fund and lottery proceeds — about $2 billion more than projected in the two-year cycle ending June 30 — she has acknowledged it’s still short of meeting needs and covering unaccount- ed-for costs of the pandemic and the resulting economic downturn. Lawmakers must complete budget work by June 30. Although state economists’ early projections of sharp reductions in tax collections for the cur- rent two-year cycle did not materialize, mostly because the coronavirus relief act has provided billions for individuals and businesses, they also indicate slower growth in tax collections as Ore- gon emerges from the economic downturn this year. Biden’s plan proposes a total of $350 billion in new direct aid to state and local governments, less than the $500 billion requested by the Na- tional Governors Association and included as part of a $3.4 trillion plan approved by the Democratic-controlled House last year as its fol- low-up to the relief act. e e pwong@pamplinmedia.com Protesters gather, damage Democrats’ HQ in Portland Associated Press PORTLAND — A group of protesters carrying anti-Presi- dent Joe Biden and anti-police signs were marching Wednes- day in Portland streets and damaged the headquarters of the Democratic Party of Ore- gon, police said. The group smashed win- dows and spray-painted anar- chist symbols at the political party building. It was one of at least four groups planning to gather in the city on Inaugura- tion Day, police said. Police said on Twitter that officers on bicycles had entered the crowd to contact someone with a weapon and to remove poles affixed to a banner that they thought could be used as a weapon. Police said the crowd swarmed the officers and threw objects at the officers, who used a smoke canister to get away. Oregon political leaders react to the inauguration of Joe Biden as President of the United States: U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore.: “Today our country starts a new chapter to build back better — for everyone,” he said. “The road ahead won’t be easy, but democ- racy is worth the effort. Let’s get to work.” U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore.: “In the midst of one of the darkest winters in American history, today is cause for celebration and resolve. I have every confidence that Presi- dent Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are well equipped to lead that charge with the skill, compassion, and determination it will require. And I am fully commit- ted to doing all that I can to ensure that the Senate is a strong partner to their efforts.” Oregon Gov. Kate Brown: “We have waited a long time to have a strong, competent and trust- worthy partner we can work with at the federal level. It is an espe- cially extraordinary moment for our nation to celebrate the historic swearing-in of our first female, Black and Asian Vice President — and the incredibly diverse Cabinet that President Biden has nominated. Our government should be reflective of the people it represents, and now Americans across the country will see themselves in the people hold- ing leadership positions.” U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-Ontario: “It was an honor to attend today’s inauguration. I congratulate Presi- dent Biden and Vice President Har- ris on this special day.” U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Beaverton: “President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are the compassionate, qual- ified leaders we need as multiple crises — the COVID-19 crisis, the economic crisis, the climate crisis, and the racial justice crisis — con- tinue to grip our country. This is a difficult time for our country, but there are brighter days ahead as we begin a new chapter. I’m ready to get to work.” U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Springfield: “As we reach the end of the Trump Administration, we also reach the tragic milestone of 400,000 Americans dead from COVID-19. My thoughts are with all those grieving loved ones, and I am determined to work with Pres- ident-elect Biden to lead us out of this terrible pandemic.” Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Port- land: “The inauguration may hap- pen at noon rather than midnight, but tonight feels like New Year’s Eve as we prepare for a fresh chap- ter in our nation’s history. Thinking about how much RBG (Ruth Bader Ginsburg) would have enjoyed this moment.” Oregon Senate Majority Leader Rob Wagner, D-Lake Oswego: “I’ve been watching this incredible moment in history. It fills me with hope.” e e gwarner@eomediagroup.com Join The Bulletin Editor for a morning Q&A Find it all online bendbulletin.com CLOCK SERVICE & REPAIR Gerry O’Brien, Bulletin Editor, and Al Getler, of Advantage Newspaper Consultants, will chat weekdays at 9 a.m. on Facebook Live starting Monday, Jan. 25 to bring you a daily news update and answer your questions. TIMESMITHY Marvin Davidson || 541-241-0653 61419 S Hwy 97, Suite Q • Bend • Behind Richard’s Donuts Visit www.facebook.com/bendbulletin
