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'We have to act': Biden says government has 'moral obligation' to provide economic relief – live 'We have to act': Biden says government has 'moral obligation' to provide economic relief – live
(32 minutes later)
New president says ‘We cannot, will not let the people go hungry’ and urges Congress to pass another stimulus bill – follow all the latestNew president says ‘We cannot, will not let the people go hungry’ and urges Congress to pass another stimulus bill – follow all the latest
Between 100 and 200 National Guard deployed to Washington, DC, to provide security for Joe Biden’s presidential inauguration have tested positive for the coronavirus, a US official said on Friday.
The official, speaking to the Reuters news agency on condition of anonymity, said the number could rise but was still a small percentage of the more than 25,000 troops that were in city over the past few days.
Politico reported this story a little earlier.
A slim majority of Americans say the former president, Donald Trump, should be convicted by the Senate in his impeachment trial of inciting an insurrection and then be barred from holding public office, a new opinion poll shows.
Unsurprisingly, the new Reuters/Ipsos poll shows a sharp partisan divide over the issue.
The House of Representatives plans to deliver the article of impeachment - effectively the charge against Trump - to the Senate on Monday, which triggers the trial in the Senate although currently there is no agreed date for when that will begin or how long it will last.
Senate Democrats are keen to begin the trial asap, even as soon as Tuesday, confident they can work on Joe Biden’s agenda and cabinet confirmations in conjunction with a trial (which is surely a tall order). Senate Republicans, led by now-minority leader Mitch McConnell, are pushing to delay until perhaps mid-February. New York Democratic Senator and now-majority leader Chuck Schumer has slapped that idea down.
They’re expected to thrash out some sort of an agreement by/on Monday.
But here’s a reminder of what the president, Biden, said in response to a question shouted to him at the end of his executive order signing ceremony earlier, tweeted by the Guardian’s senior political reporter Lauren Gambino:
Meanwhile, that new national public opinion poll, conducted on Wednesday and Thursday, found that 51% of Americans think Trump should be found guilty for inciting the deadly storming of the US Capitol on January 6, Reuters reports.
Another 37% said Trump should not be convicted and the remaining 12% said they were unsure.
When asked about the former Republican president’s political future, 55% said Trump should not be allowed to hold elected office again, while 34% said he should be allowed to do so and 11% said they were unsure.
If the Senate votes to convict Trump, it would need to hold a second vote to bar him from holding office again.
The responses were almost entirely divided along party lines. While nine out of 10 Democrats say Trump should be convicted and barred from holding office again, less than two in 10 Republicans agreed, the poll showed.
The poll also found that 55% percent of Americans approved of the new president, Joe Biden, who was inaugurated on Wednesday.
In comparison, 43% approved of Trump during his first week of office in 2017, and Trump’s level of approval never rose above 50% in weekly polls conducted throughout his four-year term.
That’s it from me today. My Guardian colleagues will take over the blog for the next few hours.That’s it from me today. My Guardian colleagues will take over the blog for the next few hours.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
Joe Biden signed two executive orders aimed at providing economic relief to American families amid the coronavirus pandemic. The two orders will expand the food stamps program and provide unemployment benefits to workers who leave their jobs due to health concerns. “We cannot, will not let people go hungry,” the president said. “We cannot watch people lose their jobs. We have to act.”Joe Biden signed two executive orders aimed at providing economic relief to American families amid the coronavirus pandemic. The two orders will expand the food stamps program and provide unemployment benefits to workers who leave their jobs due to health concerns. “We cannot, will not let people go hungry,” the president said. “We cannot watch people lose their jobs. We have to act.”
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.
Biden is asking the director of national intelligence to conduct a threat assessment of violent domestic extremism. The White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, said Biden would also instruct the National Security Council to ramp up its capacity to address extremism and coordinate across the government to confront extremism. The news comes less than a month after a violent, pro-Trump mob attacked the Capitol.Biden is asking the director of national intelligence to conduct a threat assessment of violent domestic extremism. The White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, said Biden would also instruct the National Security Council to ramp up its capacity to address extremism and coordinate across the government to confront extremism. The news comes less than a month after a violent, pro-Trump mob attacked the Capitol.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
The odds of Donald Trump being convicted by the Senate are extremely small, as a number of Republican senators indicate opposition to the idea.The odds of Donald Trump being convicted by the Senate are extremely small, as a number of Republican senators indicate opposition to the idea.
CNN reports:CNN reports:
Nancy Pelosi said today that she would transmit the article of impeachment to the Senate on Monday, so the trial will begin next week unless majority leader Chuck Schumer and minority leader Mitch McConnell can reach an agreement to delay arguments.Nancy Pelosi said today that she would transmit the article of impeachment to the Senate on Monday, so the trial will begin next week unless majority leader Chuck Schumer and minority leader Mitch McConnell can reach an agreement to delay arguments.
The House passed the article last week, with every Democrat and 10 Republicans voting in favor of it, making it the most bipartisan presidential impeachment in history.The House passed the article last week, with every Democrat and 10 Republicans voting in favor of it, making it the most bipartisan presidential impeachment in history.
There are no more Senate votes expected today, after the chamber confirmed Lloyd Austin as defense secretary this morning.There are no more Senate votes expected today, after the chamber confirmed Lloyd Austin as defense secretary this morning.
Senators had said they thought the chamber would confirm Janet Yellen as treasury secretary this afternoon, but that vote appears to have been pushed to next week.Senators had said they thought the chamber would confirm Janet Yellen as treasury secretary this afternoon, but that vote appears to have been pushed to next week.
Anthony Blinken, Joe Biden’s nominee to lead the state department, will also have to wait until next week to be confirmed.Anthony Blinken, Joe Biden’s nominee to lead the state department, will also have to wait until next week to be confirmed.
So far, only two of Biden’s cabinet nominees -- Austin and Avril Haines, the director of national intelligence -- have been confirmed by the Senate.So far, only two of Biden’s cabinet nominees -- Austin and Avril Haines, the director of national intelligence -- have been confirmed by the Senate.
Nancy Pelosi has sent a “Dear colleague” letter to House Democrats, outlining the chamber’s agenda as the speaker prepares to transmit the article of impeachment on Monday.Nancy Pelosi has sent a “Dear colleague” letter to House Democrats, outlining the chamber’s agenda as the speaker prepares to transmit the article of impeachment on Monday.
“Monday, January 25, will be a momentous and solemn day, as the House sadly transmits the Article of Impeachment for Donald Trump to the Senate,” Pelosi said. “Our Constitution and country are well-served by our outstanding impeachment managers.”“Monday, January 25, will be a momentous and solemn day, as the House sadly transmits the Article of Impeachment for Donald Trump to the Senate,” Pelosi said. “Our Constitution and country are well-served by our outstanding impeachment managers.”
Pelosi emphasized that the House would continue to work on coronavirus relief as the Senate looks toward beginning the impeachment trial.Pelosi emphasized that the House would continue to work on coronavirus relief as the Senate looks toward beginning the impeachment trial.
“As we work to defend our Constitution and our Democracy, the Democratic House remains hard at work to save the lives and livelihoods of the American people from the pandemic and economic crises,” Pelosi said.“As we work to defend our Constitution and our Democracy, the Democratic House remains hard at work to save the lives and livelihoods of the American people from the pandemic and economic crises,” Pelosi said.
“We applaud the actions taken by President Biden, starting on Day One of his Administration, and are working to turn his national strategy for COVID response and preparedness into legislation that will pass both chambers and be signed into law.”“We applaud the actions taken by President Biden, starting on Day One of his Administration, and are working to turn his national strategy for COVID response and preparedness into legislation that will pass both chambers and be signed into law.”
Pelosi added that she expected to soon have updates on the review of Capitol security in response to the violent attack on the building earlier this month.Pelosi added that she expected to soon have updates on the review of Capitol security in response to the violent attack on the building earlier this month.
“Relatedly, when we return to session, we will pass a rule change mandating fines for Members who refuse to follow new screening protocols for the House Chamber,” Pelosi said.“Relatedly, when we return to session, we will pass a rule change mandating fines for Members who refuse to follow new screening protocols for the House Chamber,” Pelosi said.
A number of House Republicans have been seen ignoring the metal detectors set up outside the chamber after the Capitol attack, and one member – Andy Harris – set off the detectors yesterday because he almost walked on to the floor while carrying a concealed gun.A number of House Republicans have been seen ignoring the metal detectors set up outside the chamber after the Capitol attack, and one member – Andy Harris – set off the detectors yesterday because he almost walked on to the floor while carrying a concealed gun.
Joe Biden has now signed his two executive orders to aid American families who are financially suffering as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.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.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.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.”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.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.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.“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.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.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”.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.”“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.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.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.”“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.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.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.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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.”
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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”.
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.
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.
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.
The calls to the the presidents of the United States’ neighboring nations are Biden’s first official conversations with foreign leaders since taking office.