Joe Biden’s first speech to Congress will be unlike any other
- Joe Biden’s address comes as he completes his first 100 days in office
- Security tightened in wake of January 6 riot, restrictions in place due to Covid-19
But will US lawmakers all listen to the president – even for one night?
Partisan tensions have only deepened on Capitol Hill since Pelosi’s defiant act last year, which came days before the Senate acquitted Trump in his first impeachment trial. Since then, the US Capitol has been through the January 6 insurrection, a second impeachment of Trump and another acquittal.
Trust between the parties, and between members themselves, has cratered as Biden prepares to address the House and the Senate for the first time in his presidency.
While Trump often added a reality TV star’s drama to his congressional addresses, Biden – who has spent most of his adult life in government service – has the chance to play the elder statesman. Lawmakers in both parties say Wednesday’s address to Congress presents an opportunity for him to push past some of the antics and anger, for a few hours at least.