Context:

House leaders are scrambling to host both the U.S. men’s and women’s hockey teams at the State of the Union after their 2026 Winter Olympics gold runs, as logistics are being sorted to potentially accommodate appearances. Invitations arrived from the White House, and officials are exploring gallery access since floor guests aren’t allowed in Congress. The men’s team has not announced attendance, while President Trump has invited them and offered a military jet to Washington, D.C., and the women’s team expressed gratitude but cannot attend due to prior commitments. The effort reflects a desire to recognize Olympic champions, even as procedural limits and scheduling constrain how they can participate.

Dive Deeper:

• Officials in the House are actively coordinating to invite both the United States men’s and women’s hockey teams to appear at the State of the Union, following their gold-medal runs at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

• White House invitations were extended to both squads, and discussions focus on logistical options, including potential access if the floor is unavailable for guests.

• Speaker Mike Johnson indicated there’s no mechanism for on-floor guests since the event is a session of Congress, but he committed to exploring ways to honor the teams, such as gallery visibility and applause.

• The men’s team has not publicly announced attendance; nevertheless, President Donald Trump personally invited them and offered to provide a military jet for travel to Washington, D.C.

• A spokesperson for the women’s team said they are grateful for the invitation but will not attend due to timing and existing academic and professional commitments.