Biden to Face Sea of Empty Seats in First Speech to Congress
- Covid protocols will limit audience to about 200 people
- Departure from usual cramped room of lawmakers and guests
President Joe Biden
Photographer: Drew Angerer/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
Only about 200 people will be inside the House chamber on Wednesday when President Joe Biden delivers his first address to a joint session of Congress, a vivid illustration of how much the Covid-19 pandemic has altered even the most firmly established Washington traditions.
Rather than a chamber packed with lawmakers and guests, attendance even by House members and senators is to be severely limited due to pandemic protocols and security precautions.