Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue will be the “designated survivor” during tonight’s address, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders confirmed to NBC News.

Each year, one member of the the president’s cabinet is whisked away to an undisclosed location during the State of the Union in case a catastrophic event occurs at the Capitol. The tradition goes back at least to the Cold War.

The designated survivor is briefed on what would happen if tragedy strikes during the speech and prepares to take over duties as the acting commander-in-chief.