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Biden lays out plan for America 'on the move again' in address to Congress

Sen. Tim Scott delivered the Republican response to Biden's address.

ByMichelle Stoddart and Lauren King
Last Updated: April 29, 2021, 6:21 AM EDT

On his 99th day in office, Biden made the case for his policy agenda and updated the nation in his first address to a joint session of Congress.

Biden finished his speech with a great message of hope for Americans who overcame a year of tumult, saying that he is "more confident or optimistic about America."

"Folks, as I told every world leader I ever met with over the years, it's never ever, ever been a good bet to bet against America and it still isn't," Biden said, to a great round of applause. "There is not a single thing, nothing, nothing beyond our capacity. We can do whatever we set our minds to if we do it together. So let's begin to get together."

Sen. Tim Scott’s Republican response followed.

"Our president seems like a good man. His speech was full of good words," Scott said. "But three months in, the actions of the president and his party are pulling us further and further apart."

Following Biden's first address to a joint session of Congress, Vice President Kamala Harris will sit down for an exclusive interview on ABC's "Good Morning America" Thursday.

The latest:

This is a developing story. Please check for updates.
Apr 28, 2021, 9:08 PM EDT

Biden escorted into chamber by 1st Black House sergeant at arms

As Biden enters the House chamber to deliver his joint address, the person who is escorting him in and announced his arrival is a newly minted House sergeant at arms, Major General William Walker.  

Walker is the first Black man to serve as the House sergeant at arms and is now the top security official of the chamber. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi administered the oath of office to Walker during a pro forma session in the House on Monday.

Seargent at Arms William Walker announces and escorts President Joe Biden as he arrives to address Congress in the Capitol, April 28, 2021.
US Network/Pool

Walker, the former commander of the D.C. National Guard, is the 38th sergeant-at-arms for the House and it's now his responsibility to keep the chamber and its members safe.

His appointment came in the wake of the Jan. 6 riot attack at the U.S. Capitol. Pelosi noted in a March statement at the time of his appointment, that "his experience will be an important asset to the House, particularly in light of the January 6 insurrection."

-ABC News' Mariam Khan

Apr 28, 2021, 8:56 PM EDT

2 women to sit behind Biden in historic 1st

Vice President Kamala Harris and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have arrived in the House chamber, and both will sit behind Biden as he delivers his speech Wednesday, in what will be a historic first.

Vice President Kamala Harris greets Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi ahead of President Joe Biden's address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber of the U.S. Capitol, April 28, 2021, in Washington.
Jim Watson/Pool via Getty Images

When Harris arrived at the Capitol, ABC News' Allison Pecorin asked her about the significance of two women sitting behind the president.

"Normal," she said and then continued walking.

Apr 28, 2021, 8:43 PM EDT

Biden’s 1st 100 days show how partisan things have become: FiveThirtyEight

As Biden is set to address the nation and mark his first 100 days in office, FiveThirtyEight examines how his approval rating did not enjoy the "honeymoon" period that some former presidents had, in large part because of how polarized politics have become.

-FiveThirtyEight's Geoffrey Skelley

Apr 28, 2021, 8:24 PM EDT

Homecoming for Biden, 'a man of the Senate'

In previewing the president's address to the joint session of Congress, White House Correspondent MaryAlice Parks said on ABC News Live that this is a homecoming for Biden, who sat in the audience for more than 30 years as a senator and eight years as vice president.

"Tonight is his night," she said.

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