President Joe Biden will travel to Austin on July 29 for an event at the LBJ Presidential Library, the White House announced July 23. The president’s trip, originally planned for July 15, was postponed following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a July 13 campaign rally.
The details
Biden will deliver a speech commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, which then-President Lyndon B. Johnson signed on July 2, 1964. The event will be held at 4 p.m. in the LBJ Auditorium, according to event organizers.
The auditorium, located at the University of Texas at Austin, seats 967 people. The event is closed to the public, but will be livestreamed online. Media will be allowed to attend.
“We’re honored to have President Biden at the LBJ Library to mark the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, a law that was a giant step toward fulfilling our nation’s most sacred promise of ‘all men are created equal,'" Mark K. Updegrove, president and CEO of the LBJ Foundation, said in a news release. "We look forward to commemorating this milestone with the President and hearing his vision for how we can continue to make real the promise of America for all of its citizens."
Andrew Young, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and actor Bryan Cranston will participate in the event, according to the LBJ Library.
Also of note
Biden announced July 21 he would not seek reelection, effectively ending his over 50-year political career. The first-term president faced significant pressure to step aside after struggling during a June 27 debate against Trump.
Shortly after withdrawing from the presidential race, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination. Biden spent several days at his Delaware vacation home while recovering from COVID-19, and was set to return to the White House July 23, according to his public schedule.
One more thing
Local officials warned of minor flight delays and possible road closures ahead of Biden’s originally scheduled visit.
A spokesperson for the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport previously said a ground stop and ramp freeze would be in effect while the president arrives in and departs from Austin. A ground stop, which is issued by the Federal Aviation Administration, means outbound flights will not be able to take off, and inbound flights may be delayed during a certain period. A ramp freeze, which is issued by the airport, means no foot, vehicle or aircraft traffic will be allowed on ramps or the concourse.
Officials have not announced new details for Biden’s July 29 trip. This story may be updated.
