Bibi arrives in the building
WaPo
The scramble over who would preside over the Senate underscores the awkwardness of the speech for Democrats, who voted in large numbers this spring to send billions of dollars in additional military support to Israel but who have also agonized over Netanyahu's tactics and the humanitarian catastrophe that has unfolded across the strip.
As vice president, Harris is also president of the Senate, and casts the deciding vote on legislation or nominations in cases where the vote is tied. She rarely presides over congressional proceedings, however, except in special cases such as a joint meeting.
WaPo
Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) also declined to preside over the joint meeting, according to her spokesman. Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), chair of the Foreign Relations Committee, will perform the ceremonial role, according to a person familiar with his plans. Cardin, who is Jewish, is retiring at the end of the year.Quote:
Vice President Harris has declined to preside over the Senate chamber when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday afternoon, according to two people familiar with her plans who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations.
The scramble over who would preside over the Senate underscores the awkwardness of the speech for Democrats, who voted in large numbers this spring to send billions of dollars in additional military support to Israel but who have also agonized over Netanyahu's tactics and the humanitarian catastrophe that has unfolded across the strip.
As vice president, Harris is also president of the Senate, and casts the deciding vote on legislation or nominations in cases where the vote is tied. She rarely presides over congressional proceedings, however, except in special cases such as a joint meeting.
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