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"Lenny Skutniks" is a generic term for notable people who are invited to sit in the gallery at a State of the Union address or other joint meeting of the United States Congress.[1][2] Lenny Skutnik was the first such guest, who was celebrated for his heroism following the crash of Air Florida Flight 90 on January 13, 1982. Skutnik dove into the icy Potomac River, saving the life of a passenger. For this act he was commended by U.S. President Ronald Reagan during the annual State of the Union speech held later that month.
Since then, the term "Lenny Skutniks" has been used to refer to individuals invited to sit in the gallery, and often cited by the President, during the speech.[1] President Reagan's invitation, and the reference to Skutnik's heroism within his speech, may have been an attempt to include a human interest story within the speech. The practice fell out of favor during the presidency of George H. W. Bush. Bill Clinton restored the practice upon assuming the Presidency, and it has continued under George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Joe Biden.[3][4]
- ^ a b Wiggin, Addison (2011-01-25). "Small Business Owners Should Be Obama's Lenny Skutnik". Forbes. Retrieved 2012-01-24.
- ^ Clines, Francis X. (1996-08-24). "Bonding as New Political Theater: Bring On the Babies and Cue the Yellow Dog". New York Times. Retrieved 2012-01-24.
- ^ O'Keefe, Ed (2012-01-24). "Three decades of 'Skutniks' began with a federal employee". Washington Post. Retrieved 2012-01-26.
- ^ Graham, David A. (2018-01-31). "Trump's Dark, Bloody-Minded State of the Union". The Atlantic. Retrieved 2019-02-07.