Signing

When a president signs an important bill, there is often a signing ceremony.  Sometimes it takes place in the Oval Office.  By tradition, the president invites a bipartisan group of lawmakers who worked on the bill, and other guests.  Here is a photo of President George W. Bush signing a 2008 bill that updated the Americans with Disabilities Act.  (His father, who signed the original version in 1990, was a guest.)

President George W. Bush signs the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008, in the Oval Office of the White House. Joining him for the signing of the law that amends the ADA Act of 1990, are, from left: Former President George H.W. Bush, Republican Rep. James Sensenbrenner of Wisconsin and his spouse, Cheryl Sensenbrenner; Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland; Republican Rep. Buck McKeon of California; Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York; Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa); Senator Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.); Democratic Rep. Jim Langevin of Rhode Island, and U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey. White House photo by Joyce N. Boghosian

Yesterday, Trump signed the stimulus bill.  The White House invited no Democrats to the event.  At a time of social distancing, the attendees were standing way too close together.




In line with custom (background here), the president handed out souvenir pens -- even though sharing pens is a major breach of coronavirus guidelines.

Seriously, guys:  DO NOT SHARE PENS!