Lawmakers' State of the Union guests include Hamas hostages, IVF activists, and cops attacked by migrants.

This week, Congress members began revealing their guests for President Biden's State of the Union address on Thursday, with many of their invitees connected to topics such as abortion, IVF, border security, and Israel's foreign policy.

Prominent lawmakers have invited guests to discuss critical issues, including the southern border and illegal immigration, differing state laws regarding abortion and IVF, and the amount of additional aid to Israel and Ukraine as they face wars at home.

Biden's big speech will feature several expected guests, as Planet Chronicle Digital examined.

Ex-Hamas hostages and families of those still held in Gaza

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., announced that he would be inviting a former Israeli hostage held by Hamas, Mia Schem, as one of his guests. "Mia was kidnapped on October 7th and spent more than 50 days in captivity. I am proud to stand with Mia and demand the release of all the hostages still held captive by Hamas. We must continue to fight to get them home," he stated.

The fathers of two Americans held in Gaza will also attend the meeting with Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J. The guests will be Adi Alexander, father of Edan Alexander, and Jonathan Dekel-Chen, whose son is Sagui Dekel-Chen.

The family of hostage Keith Siegel, including his sister Lucy and niece Hanna, will be present at Biden's remarks, as invited by Republican Sens. Ted Budd and Thom Tillis of North Carolina. Siegel, a native of North Carolina and one of six American citizens being held by Hamas, is currently being held captive.

Tillis expressed "great relief" that Aviva Siegel was released after being kidnapped by Hamas, but emphasized that they are still working to secure Keith's freedom from Hamas captivity.

Gold Star families of Kabul blast victims

Michael McCaul, the House Foreign Affairs Chairman, invited Christy Shamblin, the mother-in-law of Marine Sgt. Nicole Gee, one of the 13 American service members killed in an ISIS-K terrorist attack during the Biden administration's chaotic evacuation from Afghanistan in August 2021.

McCaul stated that he hopes Christy's attendance at the committee's investigation into the withdrawal sends a clear signal to President Biden and the American people that he will not rest until a complete and thorough investigation has occurred and those responsible are held accountable.

IVF and pro-choice activists

Last week, a Republican senator objected to Tammy Duckworth's request for unanimous consent to vote on her IVF protection bill, and both Sens. Duckworth and Tim Kaine are bringing guests who support IVF to the vote.

Elizabeth Carr, the first baby conceived with the help of IVF in the U.S. in 1981, will accompany Kaine. Carr was born in Norfolk, Virginia, which Kaine represents. "In light of the Alabama Supreme Court's ruling, it is crucial that we prioritize protecting access to IVF services across the country. We must take action to safeguard IVF so that future Elizabeth Carrs can have the opportunity to be born," Kaine stated.

Dr. Amanda Adeleye, a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist from Illinois, will be invited to the address by Duckworth. In a statement, Duckworth expressed gratitude to doctors and health professionals like Adeleye for enabling millions of Americans, including herself, to have children and expand their families. However, she warned that Republicans' efforts to assert greater control over women's bodies are jeopardizing access to these treatments nationwide.

Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., disclosed his guest to be infertility activist Roshni Kamta. He pointed out that after being diagnosed with breast cancer, Kamta was advised to freeze her eggs if she wanted to have children in the future. "In light of the recent attacks on IVF and other assisted reproductive technology, it is imperative that we hear from individuals like Roshni as we work to protect these rights," he stated.

Pro-Life activists

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana invited Benjamin Clapper, the executive director of Louisiana Right to Life, an anti-abortion organization, to be his guest at the State of the Union.

""Protecting the rights of the voiceless is a lifelong commitment for Ben, and I am proud to stand with him at the State of the Union in our unwavering dedication to the sanctity of life," Cassidy stated."

Parents of American journalist detained in Russia

Mike Johnson is also bringing the parents of Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter who has been wrongfully detained in Russia for nearly a year, as his guests.

Johnson stated that by inviting Evan's parents to Congress, the unjust detention of their son would be highlighted.

Alexei Navalny's widow

Yulia Navalnaya was invited to sit in the first lady's viewing box to watch President Biden's primetime address, but she will not be attending the speech.

This week, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that she was invited to the State of the Union but is unable to attend.

Her husband passed away in a Russian penal colony near the Arctic Circle less than a month ago.

NYPD officers attacked by migrants in Times Square

Two Republican congressmen from New York, Reps. Nicole Malliotakis and Anthony D'Esposito, are bringing two NYPD officers – Lt. Ben Kurian and Officer Zunxu Tian – who were attacked by migrants in Times Square, a popular tourist destination in New York City.

Lt. Kurian and his fellow officer were attacked by a mob in Times Square, which was a horrifying video to watch. However, it shed light on the challenges that our officers face in their jobs. I am honored to have Lt. Kurian accompany me to the State of the Union to support New York City's finest and bring attention to the need for the Biden Administration to end its dangerous border policies that have allowed millions of unvetted individuals to enter our country illegally.