US Sen Proposes Law To Ban Sales Of President Inauguration Tickets
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., said she would introduce legislation to ensure that tickets for the Jan. 20 swearing-in of the 44th president, which are distributed through congressional offices, don't fall into the wrong hands.
"The inauguration of the president of the United States is one of the most important rituals of our democracy," Feinstein said in a Senate floor speech. "The chance to witness this solemn event should not be bought and sold like tickets to a football game."
Feinstein said she had read reports of tickets changing hands for as much as $40,000 apiece for inauguration events.
"These tickets are supposed to be free for the people. No one should have to pay for them," she said.
Feinstein, who chairs the congressional committee organizing the inaugural ceremonies, said her legislation would make it a misdemeanor offense to sell or counterfeit inauguration tickets.
The maximum punishment would be up to $100,000 and up to a year in prison.
Under pressure from Congress, the online auction site eBay Inc. (EBAY) has already banned the reselling of tickets for the inauguration of Obama as 44th president.
StubHub, an eBay company that's popular for ticket sales, also prohibited the resale of inauguration tickets.
Around 240,000 tickets are to be handed out for the inauguration, where Obama will take the oath as the first black U.S. president.
Some estimates say more than a million people could descend on Washington for the inauguration day party.
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(END) Dow Jones Newswires
November 17, 2008 17:30 ET (22:30 GMT)
Publié le 17 novembre 2008 Copyright © 2008 Dowjones
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