No designated survivor has been named ahead of President Joe Biden’s first address to a joint session of Congress, Fox News reported Wednesday.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki dismissed the “need [for] a designated survivor because the Cabinet will be watching from their offices or their homes” in a press briefing Tuesday, according to Fox News. The designated survivor, a member in the presidential line of succession, does not attend certain events in case there are mass casualties.
The president will address Congress at 9 p.m. ET. Here’s how to watch his speech: https://t.co/83U3nmVBPJ
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) April 28, 2021
The White House told Fox News that if Democratic Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy—the President Pro-Tempore of the Senate—does not attend the event, then Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen would be next in line to succeed Biden.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken would normally be the successor, however, he will be attending the event, according to Fox News. (RELATED: Biden Accepts Invitation To Address A Joint Session Of Congress)
The Centers for Disease Control recently issued less-restrictive guidance for mask-wearing, and some states have significantly eased COVID-19 restrictions. Biden will still face a limited audience in the House chamber, despite the vaccine rollout and easing of restrictions.