Biden’s speech to a joint session of Congress comes as the House is in the middle of a committee work period, with many members out of town, and the Senate is set to leave town on Thursday for a one-week break.
Biden’s speech is going to be unlike any other previous president’s speech to Congress given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic restrictions.
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Roughly 200 people will be allowed in the House chamber, with no lawmakers allowed to bring guests. The attendance cap also means some members won’t be able to attend. A memo from acting House Sergeant at Arms Timothy Blodgett warned that any members who do not have an invite from congressional leadership “will not be permitted in the Capitol after 5 p.m.”