A lot of Republicans reportedly won’t attend President Joe Biden’s first address to Congress next week if invited.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office has not yet decided how many tickets for the event will be allotted to Democratic and GOP lawmakers in both chambers, but Republican leaders told Punchbowl that there’s little desire among rank-and-file members of their caucuses to go regardless.
“I don’t think I’ll probably attend,” Senate Republican Conference Vice Chair Joni Earnst (R-IA) said, according to Punchbowl.
It’s unclear why so many GOP lawmakers wouldn’t show up if they get invited, though some of them cited logistics as a reason for their absence.
However, a handful of Republicans said they do want to attend Biden’s speech, including Trump loyalists like Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH).
“I think the whole House should be there,” Jordan told Punchbowl. “He’s supposed to be talking to Congress.”
TPM has reached out to the White House for comment.
Biden is slated to give his remarks next Wednesday, right before his 100th day in office.
