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AshLee Strong, Doug Andres
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WASHINGTON—House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) today invited President Emmanuel Macron of the French Republic to address a joint meeting of Congress when he visits Washington next month.
“France is not only our oldest ally, but one of our strongest,” said Speaker Ryan. “This is a special opportunity to build on the historic relationship between our countries, and to reaffirm our commitment to defeating terror both domestically and around the world. I look forward to welcoming President Macron to the United States Capitol to address a joint meeting of Congress on April 25.”
President Macron will be the eighth president of the French Republic to address a joint meeting of Congress, and the first since 2007. The tradition of foreign leaders and dignitaries addressing Congress began with Marquis de Lafayette of France, who spoke in the House chamber on December 10, 1824.
This will be the second joint meeting of this speakership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India addressed Congress on June 8, 2016. More background information on joint meetings is available from the House Historian here.
