On Monday of this week, I flew to Washington, DC, anticipating a flurry of activity on Capitol Hill ahead of the State of the Union address President Trump would deliver Tuesday evening.

Across the country, however, brutal weather disrupted flights, trains, and even road travel. As a result, the first House votes scheduled for Monday night were pushed to Tuesday afternoon. When votes did occur on Tuesday and Wednesday, they were largely inconsequential. It was clear that the primary reason lawmakers were in Washington was for the State of the Union.

I visited approximately 40 congressional offices Monday evening and was able to connect with several members who had managed to arrive despite the travel challenges.

By Tuesday, the hallways of the House and Senate office buildings were packed with visitors—many hoping to attend the address. Each member of Congress typically receives one or two guest tickets, often extended to key supporters or constituents as a gesture of appreciation for their support.

As I stepped out of one office, I noticed a makeup artist with her kit just outside another. Looking polished on camera matters on a night like the State of the Union. Even seating along the aisle—where members can be seen greeting the President—is carefully strategized. Some members arrive hours early or have staff hold those coveted spots.

Security across the Capitol was more intense than I had ever seen. While walking through the Rotunda, I came across a group of ATF officers conducting a briefing with their K-9 units. I spoke with one officer who had recently relocated to Virginia; it was his first time inside the Capitol, and he was clearly struck by the building’s grandeur.

I’m continually learning how things work on the Hill. At one point, a friend pointed out a staffer wearing what looked like Ray-Bans—but with small cameras embedded in the frames. They were Meta glasses, capable of recording and, in some cases, integrating advanced tracking technologies. Combined with the many cameras already on Capitol grounds, it’s a reminder that very little goes unnoticed. After 11 years navigating those hallways—and taking more than a few wrong turns—I suspect I’ve unknowingly provided some entertainment along the way observing me.

There was also a noticeable political undercurrent leading up to the speech. I heard that a number of Democrats were planning to skip the address, and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries had encouraged members either to maintain decorum or simply not attend. Ultimately, 72 Democrat members chose not to be present, and a few who did attend made their displeasure known. One member reportedly remarked, “I’d rather stick needles in my eyes.”

I’ve attended a State of the Union before—it’s quite a spectacle—but I wasn’t able to secure a ticket this time. Honestly, I was content watching from my hotel room. Knowing the President had promised a lengthy speech, I settled in for the evening. Being so close to the Capitol, I could hear sirens before and after, along with helicopters overhead.

One unusual story making the rounds was that protesters had released frogs inside the Hart Senate Office Building—apparently a symbolic jab at the idea of Washington as a “swamp.” I didn’t see any frogs myself, but I did notice individuals in frog-themed attire at an event nearby.

Before the speech, I joked with one representative about setting up a Red Bull stand to help members stay awake. He quickly replied that if I did, I’d better also be prepared to sell something else—given how long the speech might be!

My final conversation of the evening was with a member widely respected for his financial expertise. He expressed deep concern about the nation’s fiscal trajectory, noting that the government has already borrowed $1.1 trillion this year alone. He also warned that the Social Security trust fund could be depleted in just over six years. With more Americans reaching retirement age and a declining birth rate, the challenges ahead are significant.

Moments like these are sobering reminders that our nation faces serious issues that require wisdom, courage, and honesty from those in leadership.

More than ever, our country needs God’s guidance and provision. Pray for revival. Pray for the men and women serving in government—that they would lead with integrity and seek true wisdom.

I’ll be returning to Washington, DC, in about a week for a singing engagement, and then back on Capitol Hill the following week. I would greatly appreciate your prayers for health and safe travels.

God bless,
Steve