Portland Tribune (Op-Ed): Why I am Attending Donald Trump's Inauguration

On Jan. 20, Inauguration Day, I will join our current and past presidents, members of Congress, other government officials, and people from across the country to witness the swearing-in of President-elect Donald Trump at our nation's Capitol.

I endorsed his opponent and actively worked against his candidacy. Since the election, I have denounced many of his appointments and called on him to end his offensive, hateful rhetoric. It's not surprising that some of my colleagues are boycotting the ritual, which is designed to honor one of the hallmarks of our democracy — the peaceful transition of power.

But the crowd at the inauguration should not just be those who supported Trump — as many Oregonians did. It's important to remember that the majority of people in this country, in fact the majority of voters in this country, voted for someone other than Trump. He needs to feel their presence.

President-elect Trump tweeted that the inauguration is going to be a "GREAT SHOW!" That's not what I want, and it's not what the American people are looking for. The oath of office requires that the president "solemnly" swear to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. For the sake of the nation, I hope the occasion is solemn and that the president-elect appreciates the enormous responsibility that comes with the position.

I will sit on the steps of our nation's Capitol as a representative of equal rights for all Americans, regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or ethnicity. As the only woman in Oregon's congressional delegation, I will be there to stand up for equal pay and paid family leave, and to protect our right to make our own health care decisions.

I will face the inauguration knowing that my constituents expect me to show up for them and represent Oregon's values, and I will not shy away from the fight that is ahead of us in the next four years. I am choosing to attend so that the great diversity of Northwest Oregon is represented on those steps, and to bear witness as the president-elect takes the oath of office. From Day One, he will know that he is surrounded by those of us who will do everything in our power to hold him accountable each and every day of his presidency.

And on Jan. 21, the day after Donald Trump swears to preserve, protect and defend the U.S. Constitution, I will exercise my First Amendment rights by joining the Women's March on Washington to add my voice to those speaking out against the president-elect's proposals. As I march, I will be grateful that I live in a country that values free speech and the right of the people to peacefully assemble.

U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici represents Oregon's 1st Congressional District. Website: bonamici.house.gov