All Of Congress Invited To Biden’s First State Of The Union—But They Must Test Negative For Covid

According to multiple reports, every member of Congress will be allowed to attend the first State of the Union address by President Joe Biden on March 1.

According to a memo from the House Sergeant at Arms shared by Jake Sherman of Punchbowl News on Thursday, all attendees must test negative for Covid-19 no more than one day before the speech, and will need to wear either a KN95 or N95 mask for the duration of the event

Members of Congress will not be allowed to bring guests to the State of the Union address.

All attendees must avoid physical contact with other individuals, according to the memo.

At a precarious time in his presidency, Biden will give a speech. His once-high approval ratings have fallen over the past year as Americans respond negatively to historically high rates of inflation and the Covid-19 epidemic. Biden's legislative priorities, like voting rights reform and a major social spending package, have failed to pass the Democratic-controlled Congress, as polls show Democrats face daunting prospects of maintaining control of either the House or Senate in the upcoming elections. International eyes are watching the response to the Russia-Ukraine crisis by Biden, but it is not clear what that standoff will look like by the beginning of next month. Despite the troubles, Biden will be able tout at least one major legislative victory: The passage of a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package, which promises to overhaul the nation&s failing roads and bridges, while also modernizing mass transit systems and expanding broadband internet access to rural America.

What To Watch For

The Republican response. The party has not announced who will deliver it.

The first State of the Union Address will be given by Biden.

Many Americans are frustrated with Biden after the first year.

Republicans have taken the biggest congressional poll lead over Democrats.

Stock Market Losses Grow As Russia-Ukraine Tensions Reach A Important Moment.

The House passed a bipartisan infrastructure bill after days of haggling.

Live updates on the coronaviruses.