Guests for President Biden's State of the Union Address Reflect Diverse Issues and Themes
ICARO Media Group
In an effort to highlight various issues and themes that President Joe Biden will address in his State of the Union speech, the White House has announced the guests who will be seated in first lady Jill Biden's box. These individuals were chosen because they symbolize the challenges Americans face and the Biden-Harris Administration's policies in action.
Among the guests are advocates for reproductive freedom, including Latorya Beasley from Birmingham, Alabama, who had to cancel an embryo transfer due to a state Supreme Court ruling, and Katie Cox, a Texas woman who was denied an emergency abortion by the state's Supreme Court. The White House stated that Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris believe that such stories should not be a reality in America, but Republican officials are pushing to limit women's reproductive rights nationwide.
During his speech, President Biden will urge Congress to restore the protections of Roe v. Wade in federal law to ensure that every woman in the country has the freedom to make their own healthcare decisions.
In a show of solidarity with the labor movement, President of the United Auto Workers union Shawn Fain will join Jill Biden during the address. The UAW had endorsed Biden during his campaign, and Fain believes that the President gives the union the best chance for success. Biden has regularly emphasized his pro-union stance and even joined UAW workers on picket lines during their strike.
Another notable guest is Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson of Sweden, which recently became a member of the NATO alliance. President Biden has strongly emphasized the importance of NATO and criticized former President Donald Trump for downplaying its significance. With Kristersson's attendance, the President aims to reaffirm the United States' commitment to the NATO alliance.
Commander Shelby Nikitin, a U.S. Navy officer, has also been invited as a guest. Nikitin recently completed her command tour onboard the USS Thomas Hudner, providing protection for maritime shipping vessels in the Red Sea against Houthi attacks. Her presence highlights the Biden-Harris Administration's focus on national security and military initiatives.
As President Biden addresses the state of the economy, he will highlight his efforts to alleviate student debt. One of the guests, Keenan Jones, a middle school teacher, had his remaining student loan debt forgiven through the President's Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. This serves as an example of the tangible impact of Biden's policies on American citizens.
In addition, several lawmakers invited guests to draw attention to specific issues. Senator Tim Kaine, from Virginia, invited Elizabeth Carr, the first person in the U.S. to be conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF), to symbolize the importance of reproductive health care rights.
Meanwhile, Speaker Mike Johnson invited Mia Schem, a freed Israeli hostage, as well as two Gold Star parents who lost children in the Kabul airport bombing during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. These guests highlight the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, as well as the sacrifices made by American service members.
President Biden's State of the Union address will be broadcast live on ABC News at 9 p.m. Additionally, ABC News Live will provide special coverage starting at 7 p.m., and ABC News Digital will have a live blog tracking the event.
The selection of these guests reflects the diverse range of issues and challenges faced by Americans, as well as the administration's commitment to addressing them. President Biden's speech will serve as a platform to outline his policies and initiatives aimed at driving progress and change for the American people.