Nevada Congressional Delegation Announces State of the Union Guests

Lawmakers highlight impact of Trump policies on small businesses and health care

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Members of Nevada's Congressional delegation have announced the guests they will bring to President Donald Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday. The guests include small business owners and a single mother who have been impacted by the administration's policies on health care and the economy.

Why it matters

The State of the Union address is a high-profile event where lawmakers can use their guest invitations to highlight issues important to their constituents. The Nevada delegation's choices reflect concerns about the Trump administration's impact on small businesses, health care costs, and economic uncertainty in the state.

The details

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto is bringing Liz Woolsey, owner of the Stargazer Inn & Bristlecone General Store in Baker, Nevada, whose business has declined due to reduced tourism at nearby Great Basin National Park. Senator Jacky Rosen is bringing Vania Carter-Strauss, a small business owner, nurse practitioner, and faculty member at the University of Nevada, Reno, who has dealt with the uncertainty of tariffs and the expiration of Affordable Care Act tax credits. Representative Susie Lee's guest is Katie Provost, a social worker and single mother who relies on ACA tax credits to afford health care for herself and her daughter.

  • President Trump is scheduled to deliver the State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Catherine Cortez Masto

A U.S. Senator representing Nevada.

Liz Woolsey

The owner of the Stargazer Inn & Bristlecone General Store in Baker, Nevada.

Jacky Rosen

A U.S. Senator representing Nevada.

Vania Carter-Strauss

A small business owner, nurse practitioner, and faculty member at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Susie Lee

A U.S. Representative for Nevada's 3rd congressional district.

Katie Provost

A social worker and single mother.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“President Trump ran on a promise that he would lower costs and bolster the American economy. Instead, in just one year, he has done just the opposite.”

— Catherine Cortez Masto, U.S. Senator (cwlasvegas.com)

“Vania has dedicated her career to helping others and training the next generation of nurses. She has seen up close how Nevadans have been negatively affected by cuts to Medicaid, Congressional refusal to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits, and complete inaction on lowering health care costs.”

— Jacky Rosen, U.S. Senator (cwlasvegas.com)

“Because Republicans made the cruel and reckless decision to end the ACA Enhanced Premium Tax Credits, hardworking Nevadans are paying the price.”

— Susie Lee, U.S. Representative (cwlasvegas.com)

What’s next

The State of the Union address will take place on Tuesday, February 25, 2026, where the Nevada delegation's guests will attend alongside their representatives.

The takeaway

The Nevada Congressional delegation's choice of State of the Union guests highlights the real-world impacts of the Trump administration's policies on small businesses, health care, and economic security in the state. Their stories illustrate the challenges facing many Nevadans and the need for policies that support working families and local communities.