US President Joe Biden is expected to call for the most sweeping revamp of US benefits on Thursday since the 1960s as he delivers his first address to a joint session of Congress.
On the eve of his 100th day in office, the Democrat will pitch $4 trillion of spending on child care, education and family leave. Â He already passed a $2tn COVID19 package. Another history will be made as two women sit behind the president for the first time during a speech to Congress.
US Vice-President Kamala Harris and House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi will both wear masks at the rostrum during Wednesday night’s primetime address.
It was said in recent weeks that the Democratic president plans to redouble efforts to convince voters – and by extension reluctant lawmakers – that collaborative effort and trillions in spending are the way to renovate the country and compete with China, administration officials, and their allies, including in Congress. Ahead of the speech, Biden will meet congressional staffs who were trapped in the building during the riot, the White House said.
US President Biden will speak at 21:00 EDT (02:00 BST on Thursday) from a US Capitol that is still ringed by security fencing and guarded by hundreds of National Guard troops following the storming of the complex on 6 January by pro-Trump protesters.
Normally, around 1,600 guests usually attend a president’s address to a joint session of Congress. But this time only about 200 people will get invitations because of coronavirus-prevention protocols.
