ALL MEMBERS OF CONGRESS CAN ATTEND STATE OF THE UNION

The House sergeant-at-arms announced on Thursday that all members of Congress will be allowed to attend the State of the Union next month, after attendance at President Biden’s address to a joint session of Congress last year was limited because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

House Sergeant-at-Arms William Walker, in a memo to all members of Congress, invited press and credentialed staff, also laid out a number of COVID-19 safety measures all attendees are required to follow in order to listen to the speech in the chamber on March 1.

Attendees must present a negative COVID-19 test that was taken at the Capitol Visitors Center within one day of the speech and wear a KN95 or N95 mask.

Walker also said attendees must show proof of a daily negative health screening inventory prior to entry, socially distance during the speech, avoid physical contact with others and use waterless hand cleanser upon entering the chamber.

Vaccination against the coronavirus is not required for entry to the speech, but Walker said it is “strongly recommended” that attendees are vaccinated and boosted.

The decision comes after attendance was limited for Biden’s first address to a joint session of Congress last year. Only about 200 individuals were allowed into the chamber, and no senators or representatives were allowed to bring guests to the event.