WASHINGTON, DC –U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today wrote to his fellow Senate colleagues to urge them to consider Pennsylvania for any Inaugural accommodations their constituents might need. Most of the accommodations in the Washington, DC, Baltimore and Richmond areas are sold out or selling for exorbitant rates.
“Many Americans are hoping to participate in this extraordinary event and its related festivities but are finding that hotel accommodations in the Washington area are limited,” Senator Casey wrote. “Thankfully, your constituents may have an affordable option just a short drive or train ride away in my home state of Pennsylvania.”
Full text of the letter is below:
Dear Colleague:
The inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States will be a historic moment. Many Americans are hoping to participate in this extraordinary event and its related festivities but are finding that hotel accommodations in the Washington area are limited. Thankfully, your constituents may have an affordable option just a short drive or train ride away in my home state of Pennsylvania.
Many Pennsylvania counties along the southern border of the state still have hotel rooms available for the week of the inauguration. Some of these counties are just a 90-minute drive from Capitol Hill, while other communities in southeastern Pennsylvania provide easy access by Amtrak lines.
Should your constituents decide to stay in Pennsylvania, they may also want to consider visiting the Commonwealth’s many historic sights, including Gettysburg National Military Park in Adams County; key locations in Lancaster and York, which both served briefly as capitals of the colonies and meeting sites for the Second Continental Congress during the Revolutionary War; and numerous sites in and around the City of Philadelphia, including Valley Forge National Historic Park, Independence Hall and the National Constitution Center. Pennsylvania’s history is rich, and a visit to some of these celebrated places will certainly enhance your constituents’ inaugural experience.
January 20th is rapidly approaching. As you continue your efforts to assist your constituents with their inauguration plans, please keep Pennsylvania in mind. For your convenience, I am attaching information about accommodations in Pennsylvania. I would be happy to answer any questions or provide additional information you may need about our great Commonwealth.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator
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