Trip to Washington, D.C. by Bryan Howard

Bryan Howard is the Marshall County Republican Party Treasurer and had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., and hear King Charles III speak to Congress last month.  He’s written about his adventure:  

On April 28, 2026, history was made when King Charles III addressed a joint session of the 119^th United States Congress.  King Charles’s address marked only the second time a British monarch has addressed a joint session of Congress.  The prior address occurred in May 1991 by Charles’s mother, Queen Elizabeth II.  Through an invite from Congressman Rudy Yakym of Indiana’s 2^nd congressional district, I had the unique opportunity of attending this historical address.

The morning of the 28^th, I arrived at Congressman Yakym’s office in the Cannon Building (adjacent to the US Capitol building) where a staff member provided me a tour of the Capitol.  The tour included the intricate, underground tunnel system that connects the offices with the Capitol, as well as a descriptive history of the Capitol Building.  Interestingly, the Cannon Tunnel features an exhibition of winning artwork from the nationwide Congressional Art Competition, organized by state.  The artwork is done by high school students.  There is one piece of artwork for each Congressional district in each state.  In addition to the tour, I also had a photo opportunity with Congressman Yakym on the Speaker’s Balcony overlooking the National Mall.  What a view!

After the tour, I received my address announcement and ticket from Congressman Yakym.  My seat was in the visitor gallery above the floor level:  Gallery 6, Row B, Seat 13, just above the main rear doors of the House Chamber.  The address was set for 3:00 P.M.  Guests were granted access at 1:00 P.M.  After going through 3 separate security checkpoints and checking all electronic devices at the desk outside the gallery entrance doors (only Members and staff are permitted to have electronic devices in the chamber), guests were allowed into the House Chamber galleries.  I was seated next to a family member of U.S. Representative Mike Carey (OH) and a friend of U.S. Representative Pat Fallon (TX).

As members of Congress filled the chamber floor, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Vice President JD Vance were introduced and entered the chamber.  King Charles III and Queen Camilla followed, with a well-received applause.  The King’s speech was not only significant as a historical piece of the United States Semiquincentennial celebration (“America 250”), but it also focused on the United States-United Kingdom alliance and its history.  The King discussed the need for continued collaboration, responsible economic policies, and investment in technology.  The address was impactful, and, with a few subtle hints of humor thrown in, the King’s address found moments of laughter and standing ovations on both sides of the aisle.

For me, this was truly an unforgettable experience.  It was an honor to attend as a guest of Congressman Rudy Yakym for this historical address.  There is so much to see and do in our nation’s capital.  For anyone who has the opportunity, I would encourage them to visit this great city.