CHARLESTON – Gov. Jim Justice has invited President Donald Trump to give the State of the Union address in West Virginia.
“I called the President yesterday to convey our invitation for him to come to West Virginia to give the State of the Union address in our state Capitol," Justice said Jan. 23. "Giving the speech in a state full of people who love their country would truly reflect his focus on the forgotten men and women of America."
The president typically gives the annual speech before a joint session of Congress in the U.S. House of Representatives' chambers. But the federal government shutdown has put this year's speech in question.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi asked Trump to postpone the speech because of security concerns because Secret Service and Homeland Security officials are working without pay during the shutdown. And neither the House nor Senate have passed resolutions to convene for the speech.
Still, White House officials are said to be working on the speech and been considering other plans for its delivery. Officials reportedly are weighing alternative venues.
“No matter where he chooses to have the speech, I want the President to know that he is always welcome in the Great State of West Virginia," Justice said
Before extending the invitation, Justice consulted with West Virginia House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, who expressed full support of the invitation.
