In a notable absence, dozens of Democratic lawmakers, including Vice President Kamala Harris, were not present as Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Congress. However, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian American in Congress, took her place on the chamber floor.

Meanwhile, Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), a potential running mate for Vice President Harris, strongly criticized Republican Senator JD Vance, accusing him of favoring Russia over Ukraine. Kelly asserted that Vance's alleged abandonment of Ukraine, coupled with former President Donald Trump's pro-Russia stance, would create a more dangerous world. Kelly, who has been actively advocating for Ukraine as a senior Senate Armed Services Committee member and former Navy pilot, has been pushing for support, including training Ukrainian F-16 pilots at a military base in Arizona.

Senator Kelly, who recently visited the Farnborough International Airshow in England, revealed that he utilized the occasion to discuss U.S. security assistance to Ukraine with diplomatic and military officials. When asked about potential vetting for the presidential ticket, Kelly preferred not to comment, emphasizing that the focus should be on Kamala Harris's campaign rather than on personal matters.

As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu entered the chamber, he was greeted with applause from both sides of the aisle, albeit with more enthusiasm from the Republican side. Notably, a few Democrats refrained from standing. A rough estimate suggests that around 100 Democratic members, including those facing competitive reelection this fall, such as Sens. Bob Casey, Jon Tester, Sherrod Brown, and Tammy Baldwin, were present. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) was part of a bipartisan group escorting Netanyahu into the chamber.

Surprisingly, there were several dozen Republican lawmakers seated on the Democratic side, including members of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus, possibly attempting to project a unified front. Senators began to file in, with Sen. Mark Kelly in attendance.

House Speaker Mike Johnson called the chamber to order, while Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) assumed his position at the rostrum as the presiding officer for Netanyahu's speech. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a vocal critic of the Israeli Prime Minister's government, attended the speech, showcasing her unique perspective as a Palestinian American lawmaker.

The New York Police Department dispatched approximately 200 officers to aid in providing security for Netanyahu's visit. Some officers stationed outside the perimeter expressed their discomfort due to the humidity and the lengthy five-hour bus ride to Washington D.C. One officer even jokingly lamented that they should have taken the more convenient Amtrak train instead.

As the speeches and interactions unfold, Congress remains engaged in significant discussions on international relations and ongoing conflicts, such as Ukraine and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as politicians navigate the delicate balance between global concerns and domestic politics.