What lawmakers wore to the State of the Union spoke volumes

WASHINGTON (AP) — The main attraction at any State of the Union is the president’s speech. But that doesn’t mean lawmakers and guests can’t send their own message — and they did that Thursday night with their fashion choices as President Joe Biden addressed Congress.

Democratic women wore white for reproductive rights

White suits have become a recurring fashion statement for women on the Democratic side of the aisle, honoring the color choice of the suffragists fighting for the passage of the 19th amendment more than a century ago.

“For tonight’s State of the Union address, we’re in white and wearing ‘Fighting for Reproductive Freedom’ pins,” said a social media post from the Democratic Women’s Caucus.

The sartorial choice comes amid election year rollbacks in women’s health care after the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and its constitutional right to abortion. Access to abortion and fertility treatment (IVF) was a key component of Biden’s speech.

“Our message is clear: we won’t stop fighting until all women can access the health care they need to control their own lives and futures,” the Democratic Women’s Caucus said.

The impact of the Israel-Hamas war was on display

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle wore pins and stickers in honor of the hostages still being held captive in Gaza.

Rep. Greg Landsman, D-Ohio, walked around the chamber with a white badge that had the number “153” written on it, referencing the number of days since the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas-led militants, who stormed through southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and kidnapping roughly 250 people, including women and children.

One Republican at the speech, Rep. Ashley Hinson of Iowa, was seen wearing a pin that said “Bring them