When US President Joe Biden delivered his debut speech to a joint section of the Congress, history was made as behind him, two powerful women occupied their places on the rostrum for the first time. One being Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the House and Kamala Harris, the nation’s first female vice president.
Biden began his speech with the words “Madam Speaker, Madam Vice President” and turned to the two women and clapped as he continued with his speech.
The moment marked a milestone in the nation’s 245 year history. It also symbolises the giant strides that women have taken to get to that position. The chamber which had a limited number of lawmakers due to the pandemic guidelines burst into applause and First Lady Jill Biden and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff joined in the ovation.
House Democrat Barbara Lee said that it was long overdue and posted on Twitter “Like so many women, I feel pride in this moment and seeing the representation”
It also marked a first of another sort as both the Speaker and Vice President were sporting masks
