First Lady Jill Biden’s State of the Union (SOTU) Viewing Box Highlights Key Issues

In what is expected to be President Biden's last State of the Union address before the upcoming general election in November, First Lady Jill Biden has invited a diverse group of guests to her viewing box. The selection of guests provides a preview of the issues that President Biden may address in his speech, including wider abortion access, immigration, foreign affairs, support for union workers, and stricter gun control.

Among the guests invited by the White House is Latorya Beasley, a mother from Alabama who was seeking in vitro fertilization (IVF) to expand her family. Unfortunately, her embryo transfer was abruptly canceled due to a recent decision by the Alabama Supreme Court. This highlights the wider abortion access issue that the Biden-Harris administration aims to address.

Another guest attending the event is Kate Cox, a Texas mother of two who fought a high-profile legal battle in the Lone Star state after being denied abortion access. She ultimately crossed state lines to undergo the procedure, emphasizing the ongoing debate surrounding abortion rights.

Maria Shriver, an abortion advocate and journalist, is also among the first lady's guests. Shriver played a role in developing the White House Initiative on Women's Health Research and is the cousin of independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Her presence underscores the administration's focus on women's health issues.

President Biden is expected to touch upon foreign affairs, particularly the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. To emphasize the importance of international relationships, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson will be present in the viewing box. Sweden will officially become the 32nd NATO ally on Thursday, further strengthening the alliance.

The Biden administration has consistently expressed support for union workers, and this will be symbolized by the presence of United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain. Fain played a key role in negotiating the UAW-Big Three contract, which led to the reopening of an auto plant in Belvidere, Illinois. Dawn Simms, a UAW Local 126 member who worked at the plant, will also be present to celebrate its reopening.

Gun control is another issue that President Biden is expected to address. Jazmin Cazares, a resident of Uvalde, Texas, will be attending as a guest of the first lady. Cazares became an advocate for stricter gun control measures after her sister was tragically killed in a mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in May 2022. Her presence highlights the need for tighter background checks and extreme risk protection order laws.

The State of the Union address provides an opportunity for President Biden to outline his administration's priorities and address crucial issues facing the nation. The guests invited by First Lady Jill Biden offer a glimpse into the key themes and policies that will be emphasized in the speech. The event is anticipated to shed light on the administration's stance on abortion access, immigration, foreign affairs, support for unions, and gun control, among other pressing matters.