to pitch and promote an ambitious agenda that includes massive infrastructure projects and an expansion of healthcare, education and worker benefits, all paid for by an increase in tax rates on corporations and high-income earners.
The impact of Covid-19 was apparent from the crowd in the chamber: A greatly reduced number of members spread out three to eight seats apart, with elected officials seated even in the third-floor area usually reserved for visitors. Lighter applause and cheers replaced what typically are raucous greetings for the commander in chief. Instead of handshakes, Biden gave a fist bump to figures like Chief Justice John Roberts and Sen. Bernie Sanders.
He also called for passage of a long list of other reforms, including those to strengthen gun laws and to overhaul immigration, but those are longshots for passage given the narrow control that Democrats have in the Senate. For the most part, Republicans remained silent as Democrats applauded, stood up and cheered when the president outlined his proposals.
“But the rest of the world is not waiting for us. I want to be clear: Doing nothing is not an option,” he said.
That's weird. I thought they hated joint sessions.
Such a relief to hear him speak, rather than the previous buffoon! 🎉🎉🎉