President Biden
Joe BidenTrump: McConnell ‘helpless’ to prevent Biden from suing Biden, first lady sends ‘warmest greetings’ to Muslims for Ramadan. The case for child care reform MORE On Tuesday, a joint session of Congress will be addressed on April 28, about 100 days after he took office.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi
Nancy Pelosi: Against Increasing Opportunity, Biden Wants to Support GOP for Infrastructure Plan Charles Booker launches investigative committee to consider a challenge to Rand Paul. (D-Calif.) Invited Biden to present the address in a letter released earlier in the day. The president accepted the invitation, a White House official confirmed late Tuesday night.
“Almost 100 days ago, when you took the oath, you promised in a spirit of great hope that ‘Help Is On The Way’. Now, because of your historical and transformative leadership, Help is here! Pelosi wrote in the letter.
“In this spirit, I urge you to address a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, April 28, to share your vision to address the challenges and opportunities of this historic moment,” Pelosi added.
Newly-inaugurated presidents usually deliver their first speech to Congress within weeks of taking office, although Biden has so far failed to do so due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
But with most lawmakers and a growing number of people now vaccinated, it’s a sign that congressional leaders feel more confident about gathering large groups in the House.
Yet Biden’s first appearance before Congress as president will not look like typical joint sittings of the past.
There will be numerous health measures for pandemics. According to a Capitol official involved in the planning, there will be a limited number of members and senators in the chamber. Some lawmakers will also sit in the galleries overlooking the floor of the house to allow for further social distance.
Legislators are also not allowed to invite guests to the address, as the visitor galleries are still closed to the public due to the pandemic.
The invitation comes after Biden secured its highest legislative priority: a $ 1.9 billion COVID-19 aid package. He is now trying to promote an infrastructure proposal, which is expected to take place in Congress this summer.
The president met with two parties from both chambers on Monday to discuss his proposal on infrastructure. The White House has said it hopes to see progress with Memorial Day, but it remains unclear whether any Republicans will eventually support the plan.
Other priorities that Biden may outline to Congress are the adoption of voting rights legislation and arms reforms in the wake of several recent mass shootings.
Updated: 10:21 pm