President Joe Biden acknowledged a historic milestone on Wednesday night before he waded into the substance of his speech at the U.S. Capitol.
“Madam Vice President and Madam Speaker,” he began, turning toward Vice President Kamala Harris and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. “No president has ever said those words from this podium, and it’s about time.”
Biden was marking the first time two women sat behind a commander-in-chief during an address to a joint session of Congress.
On Thursday, Pelosi reflected on the moment.
“It was the first time two women, the Vice President of the United States and the Speaker of the House, sat behind the president as he delivered his address to the nation. It sent the message to girls and women that beyond the sky is the limit.”
Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives