Mighty Morphin Power Rangers to Join GOP Family Bash Wednesday

Country singer Lee Greenwood and the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers will be at the party Wednesday when Republicans celebrate their first day in control of Congress in 40 years.

When incoming House Speaker Newt Gingrich asked some of his colleagues to start planning a celebration, he set out a few guidelines: Make it family-oriented, make it affordable and include the Rangers, those fighting super-heroes many kids are nuts about.

Wedged between a morning prayer service for lawmakers and spouses and an evening country bash, which is open to the public, is a two-hour visit with the Rangers, designed for congressional kids.

“We wanted to have something for children because it could be a long day for them and this could be something special for them,” said Rep. Howard P. (Buck) McKeon (R-Santa Clarita), honorary chairman of the 104th Congress Celebration Committee.

On the first morning of the 104th Congress, members of Congress and their spouses will be invited to gather at 9 a.m. for a prayer service at St. Peter’s Catholic Church--just a short walk from the Capitol.

Later in the day, lawmakers and their families can join the Power Rangers for two hours in one of the House cafeterias.

In the evening, anyone with a $25 ticket can come to the Renaissance Hotel to hear Greenwood.

Organizers are quick to note that no tax money will be used to pay for any of the events. No contributions will be accepted from political action committees or corporations, and other donations may be no larger than $500, McKeon said.