Biden to Address Congress with Annual Message

US President Joe Biden is set to deliver his annual address to both chambers of Congress on February 7. This was announced by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre during a regular press briefing on Friday, as reported by TASS.

“We received a cordial invitation from (House Speaker Kevin) McCarthy, and the president accepted it. He is looking forward to his speech on Tuesday, February 7,” she said.

Later in a written statement, Jean-Pierre noted that Biden intends to address “Republicans, Democrats, and the whole country” during his remarks. According to Jean-Pierre, the president’s speech will touch upon issues related to strengthening the economy, enhancing America’s competitiveness globally, ensuring the safety of citizens, and promoting unity in the country.

The tradition of the president addressing lawmakers dates back to January 8, 1790, when the first President George Washington delivered a speech in New York. The third president, Thomas Jefferson, sent his address to lawmakers in writing in 1801, and this practice continued until 1913 when Woodrow Wilson decided to return to the original foundation.

The title of the address, “State of the Union,” has been in use since 1935, introduced by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The longest address was delivered by Bill Clinton, lasting 89 minutes, while the shortest was by Ronald Reagan at 31 minutes.