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.