Who Does Not Attend the State of the Union Address?
The State of the Union address is an annual speech given by the President of the United States to a joint session of Congress. It is an opportunity for the President to address the nation and outline their legislative agenda for the upcoming year.
While many people attend the speech, there is one person who customarily does not: the designated survivor.
Who is the Designated Survivor?
The designated survivor is a member of the President’s cabinet who is chosen to not attend the State of the Union address. This is done in order to provide continuity in the line of succession if a catastrophe disables the President, Vice President, and other succeeding officers gathered in the House chamber.
The designated survivor is typically chosen at random and is kept secret until the day of the speech. They are then taken to a secure location, such as an underground bunker, where they can be protected in the event of an emergency.
Why is the Designated Survivor Necessary?
The designated survivor is an important part of the President’s succession plan. In the event of a catastrophic event, the designated survivor would be the next in line to assume the office of the President.
This is important because it ensures that the government can continue to function in the event of an emergency. Without the designated survivor, the line of succession could be disrupted, leaving the nation without a leader.
Conclusion
The designated survivor is an important part of the President’s succession plan. By choosing one cabinet member to not attend the State of the Union address, the President can ensure that there is continuity in the line of succession in the event of a catastrophe.
