Democrats and Republicans mingle during State of the Union

U.S. Rep. Larry Kissell will sit with U.S. Rep. Howard Coble during the State of the Union address Tuesday.

After a year in which Congress’s approval ratings dipped to historically low levels, the Biscoe Democrat and Greensboro Republican will join more than 150 members of congress who have agreed to cross the aisle in an effort to show voters they’re committed to overcoming partisan bickering.

The move is a continuation of last year’s effort when many Republicans and Democrats sat together in a sign of unity amidst calls for greater for civility in Congress after the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz. U.S.

Rep. Mike McIntyre, a Lumberton Democrat, will be sitting with Alabama Republican Rep. Robert Aderholt. Senator Kay Hagan, a Greensboro Democrat, will also be sitting with Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona.