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House will send article of impeachment against Trump to Senate on Monday – live House will send article of impeachment against Trump to Senate on Monday – live
(32 minutes later)
Senate will take steps to prepare for trial after article is sent, to determine whether Trump should be convicted and blocked from seeking office againSenate will take steps to prepare for trial after article is sent, to determine whether Trump should be convicted and blocked from seeking office again
The first lady stopped at the Capitol to meet some of the National Guard troops who were deployed to provide security for Joe Biden’s inauguration.
Dr Jill Biden presented the group with a basket of cookies and thanked the troops for protecting her family this week.
The first lady noted the Bidens are a “National Guard family,” invoking the memory of their late son Beau, who served in the military and died of brain cancer in 2015.
“The National Guard will always hold a special place in the hearts of all the Bidens,” the first lady said.
Texas today moved to stop Joe Biden from allowing a 100-day moratorium on deportations, bringing one of the first lawsuits against his new administration.
In rushing to court not even a week after Biden was sworn in, America’s biggest red state signaled that it was ready to resume the role of chief antagonist to a Democratic president’s immigration agenda, after four years of cheering on Donald Trump’s hardline policies along the US-Mexico border.
The federal lawsuit seeks a halt to the deportation moratorium “for certain noncitizens” that was to begin today.
Biden has already signed a raft of executive orders, including one revoking Trump’s mandate that made anyone in the US unlawfully a priority for deportation.
Texas claims the moratorium violates an agreement, signed in the waning weeks of Trump’s presidency, that required the federal government to run changes to immigration enforcement past the state first, The Associated Press reports.
Legal scholars, however, have questioned whether the agreement could allow states to stop Biden administration policies.
BuzzFeed News first reported the Trump administration signing similar agreements with Republican leaders in several states.
“Failure to properly enforce the law will directly and immediately endanger our citizens and law enforcement personnel,” Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said.
The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately react on the lawsuit.The lawsuit was filed before U.S. District Judge Drew Tipton, a Trump appointee, in the Southern District of Texas.
Since taking office Wednesday, Biden has made quick work of showing far-reaching intentions on immigration that would unwind many of Trump’s crackdowns. His first steps included stopping construction of a border wall with Mexico and lifting a travel ban on people from several predominantly Muslim countries.
Biden also says he will push to give legal status and a path to citizenship to anyone in the United States before Jan. 1, an estimated 11 million people.Texas shares more than 1,200 miles of border with Mexico, which the state’s Republican leaders say makes them particularly invested in the nation’s immigration policies.In bringing one of the first lawsuits against the Biden administration, Paxton is eager to be seen as a champion for Republicans not just as Democrats reclaim power in Washington, but as his own career is under dark clouds.The FBI is investigating Paxton, who was a loyal Trump ally, over accusations by top former aides that he abused his office at the service of a donor.
Separately, Paxton has pleased not guilty in state court to felony charges of defrauding investor in a case that has dragged on for five years.
In a decisive change in tone from the previous first lady to the current one, Jill Biden has been visiting a community health center in Washington, DC, this afternoon.In a decisive change in tone from the previous first lady to the current one, Jill Biden has been visiting a community health center in Washington, DC, this afternoon.
According to pool reports, the health center, in north-west Washington, specializes in LGBTQ and HIV health care as well as healthcare and support services for those with cancer.According to pool reports, the health center, in north-west Washington, specializes in LGBTQ and HIV health care as well as healthcare and support services for those with cancer.
Whitman-Walker Health provides primary medical care, HIV testing and care, dental, mental health care, addictions treatment, legal services, cancer screenings and support services, and many other services annually to 15,000 patients, the pool report continues.Whitman-Walker Health provides primary medical care, HIV testing and care, dental, mental health care, addictions treatment, legal services, cancer screenings and support services, and many other services annually to 15,000 patients, the pool report continues.
The non-profit health center was founded in 1973 as a gay men’s venereal disease treatment facility and was reportedly one of the earliest responding institutions to the HIV/Aids crisis when it hit the capital.The non-profit health center was founded in 1973 as a gay men’s venereal disease treatment facility and was reportedly one of the earliest responding institutions to the HIV/Aids crisis when it hit the capital.
The White House briefing has just concluded. Here’s where the day stands so far:The White House briefing has just concluded. Here’s where the day stands so far:
House speaker Nancy Pelosi said she will send the article of impeachment to the Senate on Monday. After the article is received, the Senate will hold a trial and then vote on whether or not Donald Trump should be convicted for incitement of insurrection.House speaker Nancy Pelosi said she will send the article of impeachment to the Senate on Monday. After the article is received, the Senate will hold a trial and then vote on whether or not Donald Trump should be convicted for incitement of insurrection.
The Senate confirmed Lloyd Austin as defense secretary, in a vote of 93 to 2. Austin, a retired Army general, will be the first African-American to lead the defense department.The Senate confirmed Lloyd Austin as defense secretary, in a vote of 93 to 2. Austin, a retired Army general, will be the first African-American to lead the defense department.
Joe Biden will soon sign executive orders aimed at boosting the US economy amid the coronavirus pandemic. The executive orders are expected to expand the food stamps program and provide more protections for workers who feel their jobs jeopardize their health.Joe Biden will soon sign executive orders aimed at boosting the US economy amid the coronavirus pandemic. The executive orders are expected to expand the food stamps program and provide more protections for workers who feel their jobs jeopardize their health.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
Jen Psaki would not say whether Dr Deborah Birx, the former White House coronavirus task force coordinator, was still on the pandemic response team.Jen Psaki would not say whether Dr Deborah Birx, the former White House coronavirus task force coordinator, was still on the pandemic response team.
“I will have to circle back on that one,” Psaki told the reporter who asked about Birx. “That’s an excellent question. I don’t have any information in front of me.”“I will have to circle back on that one,” Psaki told the reporter who asked about Birx. “That’s an excellent question. I don’t have any information in front of me.”
Dr Anthony Fauci, the president’s chief medical adviser, said yesterday that he was not aware of Birx having any role in the Biden administration.Dr Anthony Fauci, the president’s chief medical adviser, said yesterday that he was not aware of Birx having any role in the Biden administration.
Jen Psaki was asked about Joe Biden’s position on the Senate filibuster, as some Democrats call for scrapping the legislative mechanism.Jen Psaki was asked about Joe Biden’s position on the Senate filibuster, as some Democrats call for scrapping the legislative mechanism.
“His position has not changed,” the White House press secretary said.“His position has not changed,” the White House press secretary said.
The president, who spent 36 years in the Senate, has previously voiced opposition to eliminating the filibuster, and minority leader Mitch McConnell is pressing majority leader Chuck Schumer to commit to preserving it.The president, who spent 36 years in the Senate, has previously voiced opposition to eliminating the filibuster, and minority leader Mitch McConnell is pressing majority leader Chuck Schumer to commit to preserving it.
If the filibuster were eliminated, it would be much easier for Senate Democrats to advance Biden’s agenda with almost no Republican support.If the filibuster were eliminated, it would be much easier for Senate Democrats to advance Biden’s agenda with almost no Republican support.
Jen Psaki was asked, for the second time this week, whether Joe Biden intended to move forward with Donald Trump’s plans to redesign the exterior of Air Force One.Jen Psaki was asked, for the second time this week, whether Joe Biden intended to move forward with Donald Trump’s plans to redesign the exterior of Air Force One.
Psaki replied, “I can confirm for you here the president has not spent a moment thinking about the color scheme of Air Force One.”Psaki replied, “I can confirm for you here the president has not spent a moment thinking about the color scheme of Air Force One.”
Trump announced in 2018 that he was planning a $3.9 billion overhaul of the presidential aircraft.Trump announced in 2018 that he was planning a $3.9 billion overhaul of the presidential aircraft.
Jen Psaki deflected a question about whether Joe Biden believes the Senate should convict Donald Trump for incitement of insurrection.Jen Psaki deflected a question about whether Joe Biden believes the Senate should convict Donald Trump for incitement of insurrection.
The White House press secretary said Biden believed senators should be the ones who decide “how they will hold the former president accountable”.The White House press secretary said Biden believed senators should be the ones who decide “how they will hold the former president accountable”.
But Psaki emphasized that the Senate must be able to simultaneously conduct an impeachment trial and advance a coronavirus relief bill because relief for American families is urgent and cannot be delayed.But Psaki emphasized that the Senate must be able to simultaneously conduct an impeachment trial and advance a coronavirus relief bill because relief for American families is urgent and cannot be delayed.
Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, announced Joe Biden is taking steps to address domestic violent extremism after the attack on the Capitol earlier this month.Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, announced Joe Biden is taking steps to address domestic violent extremism after the attack on the Capitol earlier this month.
According to Psaki, Biden is asking the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to complete a threat assessment of domestic extremism. He has also instructed the National Security Council to ramp up its capacity to address extremism, and he is coordinating across the government to confront extremism.According to Psaki, Biden is asking the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to complete a threat assessment of domestic extremism. He has also instructed the National Security Council to ramp up its capacity to address extremism, and he is coordinating across the government to confront extremism.
The announcement comes about two and a half weeks after a violent pro-Trump mob attacked the Capitol, resulting in five deaths.The announcement comes about two and a half weeks after a violent pro-Trump mob attacked the Capitol, resulting in five deaths.
Psaki said Biden called the head of the National Guard last night to thank him for overseeing the deployment of thousands of troops to Washington to provide security during the inauguration.Psaki said Biden called the head of the National Guard last night to thank him for overseeing the deployment of thousands of troops to Washington to provide security during the inauguration.
Jen Psaki reiterated that Joe Biden will speak to Canadian President Justin Trudeau today, and she announced the US president will also speak to Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador today.Jen Psaki reiterated that Joe Biden will speak to Canadian President Justin Trudeau today, and she announced the US president will also speak to Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador today.
The calls to the the presidents of the United States’ neighboring nations are Biden’s first official conversations with foreign leaders since taking office.The calls to the the presidents of the United States’ neighboring nations are Biden’s first official conversations with foreign leaders since taking office.
Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, has now taken over the briefing, and she opened by addressing the Senate confirmation of Lloyd Austin as defense secretary.
Psaki praised the confirmation of Austin, who is the first African American defense secretary in US history.
Psaki said Austin would be sworn in today, but he will be “more ceremoniously” sworn in by vice-president Kamala Harris on Monday.
Austin arrived at the Pentagon for the first time as defense secretary earlier this afternoon.
Brian Deese was asked about the 8 million Americans who have not yet received their stimulus payments.
The National Economic Council director said most of those Americans are “non-filers,” meaning they don’t file taxes, and the government is working to locate them and get them their checks.
The executive orders that Joe Biden will sign today are expected to include a directive to expedite that process.
Brian Deese, the director of the National Economic Council, warned that the country would be in a “much worse place” financially if the government did not take “decisive action” to buoy the US economy.
“The risk of under-shooting far outweighs the risk of doing too much,” Deese said.
The senior official said Joe Biden has made clear to his advisers that they must “make the case for the rescue and engage with” members of both parties to sell their relief proposals.
A number of Republican lawmakers have already expressed deep skepticism about passing another massive relief package.
Brian Deese, the director of the National Economic Council, kicked off the White House briefing by outlining the executive orders that Joe Biden will sign this afternoon.
“Our economy is at a very precarious moment,” Deese told reporters. “It’s a moment that requires decisive action to beat this pandemic and support the economic recovery that Americans need.”
Deese said the orders would provide emergency relief for families affected by the pandemic and heighten workplace protections for Americans.
Specifically, one of the orders will expand the food stamps program, and the other will ensure that workers who refuse employment that jeopardizes their health will still qualify for unemployment benefits.
But Deese made clear that the orders were “not a substitute for comprehensive legislative relief”. Biden has outlined a $1.9 trillion relief package, but it’s unclear that proposal can make it through the Senate, which is evenly split between Democrats and Republicans.
The White House is now holding a press briefing focused on the executive orders Joe Biden will sign today to help boost the US economy.
The briefing is led by Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, and Brian Deese, the director of the National Economic Council.
Later today, the president is expected to sign several executive orders aimed at aiding Americans families who are financially suffering because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Hundreds of National Guard troops who came to Washington after the Capitol attack have reportedly tested positive for coronavirus.
Politico reports:
The problem worsened yesterday, when some National Guard troops were moved out of the Capitol and into a Senate parking lot, where they were crammed together with no social-distancing.
The move was quickly reversed amid outcry after photos surfaced of troops sleeping on concrete. In a speech this morning, Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer said the move had been “utterly unacceptable”.
Lloyd Austin has just arrived at the Pentagon for the first time since the Senate confirmed him as defense secretary this morning.
Austin told reporters present for his arrival, “Good to see you guys and thanks for being here. Look forward to working with you. See you around campus.”
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris also released a statement commemorating the 48th anniversary of Roe v Wade, the landmark supreme court case that ensures the right to abortion access.
“In the past four years, reproductive health, including the right to choose, has been under relentless and extreme attack. We are deeply committed to making sure everyone has access to care – including reproductive health care – regardless of income, race, zip code, health insurance status, or immigration status,” the president and vice-president said.
“The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to codifying Roe v. Wade and appointing judges that respect foundational precedents like Roe.”
Donald Trump was able to confirm hundreds of conservative federal judges over his lone term in office, and Democrats are eager to approve liberal judicial nominees now that they have control of the Senate.
“As the Biden-Harris Administration begins in this critical moment, now is the time to rededicate ourselves to ensuring that all individuals have access to the health care they need,” the statement says.
The White House has just released a statement confirming that Joe Biden signed the bill granting Lloyd Austin a waiver to become defense secretary.
“On Friday, January 22, 2021, the President signed into law: H.R. 335, which provides an exception to a restriction on appointing a Secretary of Defense who, within the past seven years, had been on active duty in a regular component of the armed forces,” the White House said.
Because Austin retired from the military less than seven years ago, the former general needed a waiver from Congress before he could be confirmed as defense secretary.
The House and the Senate approved Austin’s waiver yesterday, and the Senate confirmed Austin as defense secretary this morning, in a vote of 93 to 2.
Nancy Pelosi has confirmed that she will transmit the article of impeachment against Donald Trump to the Senate on Monday.
“We are respectful of the Senate’s constitutional power over the trial and always attentive to the fairness of the process, noting that the former president will have had the same amount of time to prepare for trial as our Managers,” the Democratic speaker said in a statement.
Pelosi added, “Our Managers are ready to begin to make their case to 100 Senate jurors through the trial process.”
The House impeachment managers will be Jamie Raskin, Diana DeGette, David Cicilline, Joaquin Castro, Eric Swalwell, Ted Lieu, Stacey Plaskett, Madeleine Dean and Joe Neguse.
Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell had called for delaying the impeachment trial until February to give Trump more time to prepare his defense, but it seems unlikely that Democrats will follow that timeline.
It would take two-thirds of the Senate, which is evenly split between Democrats and Republicans, to convict Trump on incitement of insurrection.
If Trump is convicted, the Senate could bar him from seeking federal office again.