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In his first joint address to Congress on Wednesday, President Biden told America that "one day shy" of his 100th day in office, his administration is turning the nation's "peril into possibility" and "setback into strength."

Why it matters: Wednesday's speech was one of the president's most significant opportunities so far to sway members of Congress in favor of his administration's agenda.

The White House announced the U.S. is sending more than $100 million worth of supplies to India — which set new records for COVID-19 cases and deaths in a single day on Thursday.

Driving the news: Coronavirus cases are surging in India amid a widespread oxygen shortage and slow vaccine rollout. The country's pandemic death toll surpassed 200,000 on Wednesday, amid reports that COVID fatalities and cases are going uncounted.

Officials in China launched the core element of a new permanent space station into orbit on a Long March-5B Y2 rocket from Wenchang in Hainan Province, Thursday, per the BBC.

Why it matters: The launch from Wenchang Space Launch Center marks a significant step in the space program drive of the ruling Chinese Communist Party, seen as a rival to the U.S. in space.

President Biden delivered a historic address before a joint session of Congress on Wednesday — the eve of his 100th day since taking office.

Driving the news: Vice President Kamala Harris and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) made history as the first women to lead the Senate and House during a president's congressional address. The event was also notable for having pandemic restrictions in place that included having virtual guests.

Sen. Tim Scott's (R-S.C.) response to President Biden's joint address to Congress on Wednesday argued that former President Trump deserves credit for the current administration's victories, including on COVID-19.

Why it matters: Biden's joint address was his most significant attempt yet to sell members of Congress on his policy priorities. Scott's response offered no concessions.

President Biden in a joint address to Congress on Wednesday urged the Senate to pass a policing bill named for George Floyd, the Black man whose murder in Minneapolis last year led to nationwide protests against police brutality.

What he's saying: "We have all seen the knee of injustice on the neck of Black Americans," Biden said. "Now is our opportunity to make real progress."

During his joint address to Congress on Wednesday, President Biden spoke of the need to tax the ultra-wealthy to fix economic inequality in the U.S.

Why it matters: Biden wants to use tax hikes on the rich to pay for his American Jobs Plan and American Families Plan. This philosophy has been a sticking point for many Republicans.

President Biden on Wednesday in his joint session of Congress spoke to transgender youth, saying: "I want you to know that your president has your back."

Driving the news: At least eight bills targeting trans youth have been signed into law by Republican governors across the U.S. this year. A record 89 bills have been introduced so far in 2021 targeting trans youth as of April 20, per the ACLU.

During his joint address to Congress on Wednesday evening, President Biden called for the U.S. to increase its investment in technology to keep competitive on the global stage in the decades to come.

Why it matters: Biden stressed that China and other nations are poised to overtake the U.S. in ambition and framed his American Jobs Plan as a possible solution, by increasing "non-defense research and development."

President Biden opened his first joint address to Congress lauding the momentous nature of Vice President Kamala Harris and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's presence behind him.

Why it matters: This is the first time the No. 1 and No. 2 people in the line of presidential succession are both women, Axios' Kadia Goba writes. “Madam Speaker, Madam Vice President,” Biden said as he addressed the joint session. “No president has ever said those words from this podium, no president has ever said those words. And it’s about time!”