<P> The Speaker, and then the Vice President, specify the members of the House and Senate, respectively, who will escort the President into the House chamber . The Deputy Sergeant at Arms addresses the Speaker again and loudly announces, in order, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, the Chief Justice of the United States and the Associate Justices, and the Cabinet, each of whom enters and takes their seats when called . The justices take the seats nearest to the Speaker's rostrum and adjacent to the sections reserved for the Cabinet and the members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff . </P> <P> Just after 9 pm, as the President reaches the door to the chamber, the House Sergeant at Arms stands just inside the doors, faces the Speaker, and waits until the President is ready to enter the chamber . When the President is ready, the Sergeant at Arms always announces his entrance, loudly stating the phrase: "Mister Speaker, the President of the United States!" </P> <P> As applause and cheering begins, the President slowly walks toward the Speaker's rostrum, followed by members of his Congressional escort committee . The President's approach is slowed by pausing to shake hands, hug, kiss, and autograph copies of his speech for Members of Congress . After he takes his place at the House Clerk's desk, he hands two manila envelopes, previously placed on the desk and containing copies of the speech, to the Speaker and Vice President . </P> <P> After continuing applause from the attendees has diminished, the Speaker introduces the President to the Representatives and Senators, stating: "Members of Congress, I have the high privilege and distinct honor of presenting to you the President of the United States ." This leads to a further round of applause and, eventually, the beginning of the address by the President . </P>

Who sits next to the speaker of the house during the state of the union