By Adam Brewster, Ed O Keefe
April 28, 2021 / 10:56 AM / CBS News
South Carolina Senator Tim Scott will deliver the Republican response to President Biden s first presidential address to a joint session of Congress on April 28. We face serious challenges on multiple fronts, but I am as confident as I have ever been in the promise and potential of America, Scott said in a statement. I look forward to having an honest conversation with the American people and sharing Republicans optimistic vision for expanding opportunity and empowering working families.
Scott, 55, has served in the U.S. Senate since 2013 and has been seen by party operatives as a potential presidential contender or at least a lawmaker ready for a more prominent national profile. He recently visited Iowa for an event with Iowa Republican Senator Joni Ernst.
How the Secret Service secures the presidential address to Congress: ANALYSIS
US Capitol riots: Tracking the insurrection
Replay Video UP NEXT President Joe Biden s address to a joint session of Congress Wednesday evening takes place against the backdrop of the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol and the continuing threat from domestic and international violent extremist groups heightening the security posture. Since the year 2000, the presidential address has been designated a National Special Security Event (NSSE), which makes the U.S. Secret Service the lead agency responsible for security planning during the president’s visit to Capitol Hill. This year, amid the backdrop of asymmetrical threats, the planning must be perfect.
Image credit: Carolyn Kaster
Traditionally, a presidential joint address to Congress is marked by a packed House chamber with a guest list that can total 1,600 people, including members, high-ranking officials and their guests.
But that won’t be the case Wednesday night.
“This administration is very conscious of COVID and wants to set an example for the country,” said Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats. “So we’re going to be indoors and I’m sure there will be strong social distancing.”
It will mark Biden’s first joint address to Congress, and it will be unlike any modern presidential speech before lawmakers thanks to pandemic restrictions and new security requirements put in place after the Jan. 6 insurrection.
But that won t be the case Wednesday night. This administration is very conscious of COVID and wants to set an example for the country, said Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats. So we re going to be indoors and I m sure there will be strong social distancing.
It will mark Biden s first joint address to Congress, and it will be unlike any modern presidential speech before lawmakers thanks to pandemic restrictions and new security requirements put in place after the Jan. 6 insurrection.
For starters, a small fraction 200 of the usual crowd will attend in person and spread apart in seats on the chamber floor and in the gallery. The crowd will largely be comprised of lawmakers, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, along with a mix of members from both parties who were not allowed to invite guests.