President Biden
Joe BidenTrump: McConnell “Powerless” to Prevent Biden from Wrapping Up Biden Court, First Lady Sends “Warmest Greetings” to Muslims for Ramadan The Business Case for Child Care Reform MORE on Tuesday he is scheduled to address a joint session of Congress on April 28, approximately 100 days after taking office.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi
Nancy Pelosi: Against increasing odds, Biden seeks GOP support for infrastructure plan Charles Booker launches an exploratory committee to consider challenge to Paul Paul. (D-California) invited Biden to make the address in a letter circulated publicly earlier that day. The president has accepted the invitation, a White House official confirmed Tuesday night.
“Almost 100 days ago, when you took the oath of office, you promised with a spirit of great hope that‘ Help is on the way. ’Now, because of your historic and transformative leadership, Help is here!” Pelosi wrote in the letter.
“With that in mind, I am writing to invite you to address a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, April 28, to share your vision for addressing the challenges and opportunities of this historic moment,” Pelosi added. .
Newly appointed presidents usually make their first speech in Congress within weeks of taking office, although so far Biden had not done so due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
But with most lawmakers and a growing number of vaccinated officials, it is a sign that congressional leaders feel more confident gathering large groups in the House of Representatives.
Still, Biden’s first appearance in Congress as president will not seem like a typical joint session of the past.
Numerous health precautions will be maintained against the pandemic. According to a Capitol official involved in the planning, there will be a limited number of members of the House and senators in the House. Some lawmakers will also be sitting in the galleries overlooking the floor of the house to allow for additional social distancing.
In addition, lawmakers will not be able to invite guests to the address, as visitor galleries remain closed to the public due to the pandemic.
The invitation comes after Biden achieved his top legislative priority: a $ 1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package. It is now in the midst of an attempt to advance an infrastructure proposal, which is expected to go to Congress this summer.
The president met Monday with bipartisan lawmakers from both chambers to discuss his infrastructure proposal. The White House has said it expects to see progress on the package on Memorial Day, but it is still unclear whether any Republicans will support the plan.
Other priorities Biden may point to Congress are the passage of voting rights legislation and gun law reforms following several recent mass shootings.
Updated: 10:21 p.m.