Pre-State of the Union preview touts tax cuts, border policies and guests including small-business owner Ben Hockenberry

Unidentified Speaker 1 opened the session celebrating U.S. Olympic athletes and used that moment to preview tonight’s State of the Union, saying "The state of our union is strong and it is getting stronger." The speaker framed recent tax and energy policies as central achievements and criticized Democrats for causing multiple government shutdowns that, the speaker said, have jeopardized Department of Homeland Security operations ahead of 2026 events.

Ben Hockenberry, who introduced himself as a small-business owner from Lake Orion and a constituent of Congresswoman Lisa McClain, told the chamber that the "working families tax cuts" gave his executive-search firm breathing room. "The expanded child tax credit means more stability for parents like me," Hockenberry said, adding that proposed "Trump accounts" would help his three children build a financial foundation.

Another speaker identified in the transcript as Whit Tophammer (introduced by Hockenberry) highlighted provisions he said would benefit public-safety workers and small businesses, including a change described as removing taxes on overtime for police. An unnamed speaker who followed reiterated economic claims—saying inflation had fallen to "2.4%" and arguing that lower gas prices and higher wages show the administration's policies are working.

Speakers repeatedly criticized congressional Democrats for recent funding standoffs, saying the partial shutdown impaired FEMA and TSA operations and could risk security at high-profile events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup. "We shouldn't even have to say that," Unidentified Speaker 6 said, urging full-year funding for DHS and warning that planning and personnel decisions require predictable appropriations.

The remarks introduced several guests the speakers said would be in the gallery for the State of the Union, including a Blaine, Minn., police chief and restaurateurs; the speakers framed those guests as examples of people benefiting from the tax measures. The session closed with a brief exchange about the invitation of Jimmy Lai’s daughter, described by a questioner as a symbolic stand for free speech; Unidentified Speaker 6 said the invitation was intended to send a message about human rights and opposition to censorship.

No formal motions or votes were taken during these remarks; the session consisted of prepared statements, guest introductions and a short audience question. The State of the Union address was scheduled for later the same evening.