Boehner formally invites Obama to deliver State of the Union address

WASHINGTON–House Speaker John Boehner formally invited President Barack Obama on Friday to deliver his annual State of the Union message to a joint session of Congress at 9 p.m. ET on Jan. 28.

The State of the Union address is delivered in the House chamber–that location is the reason the House Speaker each year extends the invitation to the president.

In a letter to Obama Boehner wrote, “As we round out the first session of the 113th Congress, we look ahead to the new year and with it the annual tradition of the president’s State of the Union address.

“In the coming year, Americans expect Washington to focus on their priorities and to look for common ground in addressing the challenges facing our country. In that spirit, we welcome an opportunity to hear your ideas, particularly for putting Americans back to work. It’s my honor to invite you to speak before a Joint Session of Congress on Tuesday, January 28, 2014 in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol Building.

“Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to your response.”

The White House will accept the invitation.