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House will send article of impeachment against Trump to Senate on Monday – live 'We have to act': Biden says government has 'moral obligation' to provide economic relief – 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 again New president says ‘We cannot, will not let the people go hungry’ and urges Congress to pass another stimulus bill – follow all the latest
Joe Biden has now signed his two executive orders to aid American families who are financially suffering as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
One executive order will expand the food stamps program, and the other will allow workers who fear their jobs jeopardize their health to qualify for unemployment insurance if they quit.
After signing the orders, the president took one question from a reporter, who asked whether Biden supported Mitch McConnell’s proposal to delay the impeachment trial until February.
Biden said he wasn’t aware of all the details of McConnell’s proposal, but he told reporters, “The more time we have to get up and running to meet these crises, the better.”
House speaker Nancy Pelosi announced earlier today that she would transmit the article of impeachment to the Senate on Monday.
Joe Biden said he hoped his administration would exceed his original goal of distributing 100 million coronavirus vaccine doses over his first 100 days in office.
“We’re going to, God willing, not only do 100 million, we’re going do more than that,” the president said.
After Biden announced the 100 million doses goal, there were reports that some of his health advisers were skeptical it could be achieved.
But in the week before Biden took office, the US was distributing an average of about 900,000 doses per day, sparking questions about whether the new administration should aim higher.
Joe Biden emphasized the urgent need to pass another coronavirus relief bill, describing it as an “economic imperative”.
“We cannot, will not let people go hungry,” the president said. “We cannot watch people lose their jobs. We have to act.”
Biden is expected to soon sign executive orders that will expand the food stamps program and provide more workplace protections for Americans worried about risking their health for a paycheck.
The president has also proposed a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, but it’s unclear whether the proposal can pass the Senate, which is evenly split between Democrats and Republicans.
“It’s not just to meet the moral obligation,” Biden said of the need for coronavirus relief. “This is an economic imperative.”
Joe Biden has arrived in the White House’s State Dining Room for his event on addressing the financial fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.
The president noted that another 900,000 Americans filed initial claims for unemployment benefits last week, joining millions of others who are out of work as the economy suffers.
Biden is expected to soon sign executive orders aimed at aiding American families who are financially suffering because of the pandemic.
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.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.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 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.“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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.“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.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.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.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.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.