Authorities Reinstall Capitol Fence Ahead of President Joe Biden's State of the Union as Truckers Convoy Plan DC Protests

According to a recent source, fencing will be rebuilt around the Capitol grounds as part of increased security ahead of President Joe Biden's State of the Union speech due to the possibility of a truck-convoy protest similar to ones seen in Canada.

The barrier will be built next week, ahead of Biden's presentation on March 1 - despite fears that a paralyzing rally, similar to the anti-vaccine mandate rallies in the north, may materialize.

The US Capitol's security fencing will be reinstalled

The Great American Patriot Project, a collection of US trucker convoys inspired by the weeks-long rallies in Canada, has staged protests against COVID-19-related restrictions and vaccine mandates in several cities around the United States. According to the group, truck drivers are asked to join three convoys in Washington, DC, next month.

Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, has minimized the prospect for protests during Biden's speech, stating earlier this month that "everyone may peacefully demonstrate."

After the riots on January 6, 2021, a razor-wire-topped fence surrounded the Capitol for months. The 7-foot-high fence was installed on January 7, 2021. It was taken down in July, only to be re-elected in September, just in time for a planned gathering in favor of the rioters. The next day, it was pulled down again, New York Post reported.

Protesters were able to shut down the Ambassador Bridge, which connects Windsor and Detroit, as they voiced their opposition to COVID-19 demands like mask-wearing and mandatory vaccines.

Californians are now preparing to go to Washington, DC, this week to join an American demonstration called "The People's Convoy." On Wednesday, February 23, a fresh demonstration will depart from Barstow, California, along Interstate 40. Maureen Steele, the campaign's national organizer, claimed she wouldn't reveal the exact site for fear of retaliation.

Before the speech and the 2022 midterm elections, the US has been lowering mask restrictions and vaccine mandates, based on polls that reveal Americans are growing less concerned about the coronavirus danger and more concerned about economic, inflation, and tax concerns - as well as education.

Due to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines on indoor masking, at least four blue states have repealed their school mask regulations, a move the White House has denounced.

Another 'Freedom Convoy' demonstration outside the Michigan Capitol Building in Lansing was captured on camera on Sunday. Cars bearing American and 'Don't Tread on Me' flags cruised around Lansing on Sunday, with inscriptions such as 'Freedom Convoy' and 'Honk for Freedom' painted on their sides.

The US Capitol Police (USCP) stated on Friday indicating that they are aware that trucker protestors traveling to DC are planning to assist First Amendment expression while protecting the Capitol for Biden's speech.

The construction of the fence comes as concerns about Capitol Hill security remain high following the incident on January 6, 2021, which left many people dead and dozens to hundreds injured while Congress was certifying the 2020 presidential election results. According to the USCP, they are collaborating with several local law enforcement agencies as well as the District of Columbia.

Republicans criticized the Capitol's continuous fence, claiming that Democrats attempted to construct a barrier between government and the people. Following the January 6 disturbance, Democrats, led by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, claimed that the fencing was necessary, according to Daily Mail.

Biden's State of the Union Address is open to all members of Congress

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., extended an invitation to President Joe Biden. In January, he was scheduled to make the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on March 1.

Biden last spoke to the chamber on April 28, 2021, on the verge of his first 100 days in office, but this will be his first yearly statement since taking the oath of office.

Former President Donald Trump delivered the last State of the Union address on February 4, 2020. Congress is out of session the final week of February. Thus the addresses are usually arranged in the first or second month of the year.

Biden is anticipated to address Senate bills that are currently delayed, such as his $1.75 billion infrastructure plan and voting rights measures, as well as ongoing efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

President Joe Biden's State of the Union Address will be open to all members of Congress, but there will be no visitor tickets available. Members will be seated on the House floor and galleries and will be required to wear K-N95 or N95 face masks and have a negative PCR test at least one day before the speech, according to the document describing COVID-19 mitigation steps for the event on March 1, as per USA Today.