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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. One of the executive orders Joe Biden signed today instructs the Treasury Department to make it easier for people to access their stimulus checks, including developing online systems to help them access their payments.
In a statement, the Treasury said it will “establish online tools” to help people claim payments, work to reach households that have not cashed their payments, and look into which groups have been worst affected
The latest round of $600 stimulus money came to many as pre-paid debit cards, causing confusion and concern that it was a scam. Delivery delays, bank changes and address changes are among an array of issues plaguing the distribution. An estimated 8m have also yet to receive the first round of stimulus checks authorized by the CARES Act.
The Club for Growth, an anti-tax group funded by billionaires, has been the primary financial backer of Andy Harris, the Republican lawmaker who sought to bring a gun to the floor of the House of Representatives.
Harris, a medical doctor who represents the eastern shore of Maryland, has received about $345,000 from individuals associated with the Club for Growth since the rightwing campaigners helped to get him elected in 2010, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.
The latest revelation about the Club for Growth’s support for Harris comes after the Guardian revealed last week that the group, which is headed by the former Republican congressman David McIntosh, was a major financial support of 42 of the Republicans who sought to invalidate Joseph Biden’s victory in the 2020 election.
It has also supported another lawmaker, Lauren Boebert, who has argued for the need for firearms to be carried inside the US Capitol. Members may only carry firearms in their own offices.
CNN reported on Friday that the US Capitol police were investigating an incident that occurred on Thursday, when Harris was stopped from bringing a concealed weapon on to the floor of the House. The Republican, who is an anaesthesiologist, had set off the newly installed metal detectors outside the chamber, prompting him to ask another lawmaker, Republican John Katko, to hold the weapon for him.
Katko refused, according to a press pool, and Harris then left and returned later, without setting off the metal detector.
Bryan Shuy, Harris’s chief of staff, said in a statement released to the Guardian: “Because his and his family’s lives have been threatened by someone who has been released awaiting trial, for security reasons, the congressman never confirms whether he nor anyone else he’s with are carrying a firearm for self-defense.”
Shuy added: “As a matter of public record, he has a Maryland handgun permit. And the congressman always complies with the House metal detectors and wanding. The congressman has never carried a firearm on the House floor.”
The Club for Growth did not respond to a request for comment.
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Hello there, it’s Maanvi Singh – I’ll be bringing you live updates through the next few hours.
First up, here’s the US embassy in London’s response to tabloid controversy over Biden’s Oval Office makeover – which included the removal of a Winston Churchill bust.
It’s “just a bust”, the US embassy declared, in a video pointing to examples of the“special relationship” between the US and the UK. The video, which has attracted a good bit of online engagement and media coverage, you could say, isn’t a total bust. (Sorry.)
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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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: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.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.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.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.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 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.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.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. The 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 100m 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 100m, 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 100m 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 a 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.