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Trump impeachment: Pelosi to formally send article of impeachment to Senate today – live US watchdog to investigate whether officials made 'improper attempts' to alter election result – live
(32 minutes later)
Former president charged with ‘incitement of insurrection’ after assault on Capitol by pro-Trump mob Department of Justice’s internal watchdog will investigate possible internal collusion with Trump’s attempts to overturn Biden’s 2020 victory
It looks as though Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy will preside over Donald Trump’s impeachment trial in the senate next month.
It was known that it wouldn’t be Supreme Court chief justice John Roberts, as it was during Trump’s 2019 impeachment trial when Trump was a sitting president, and there was growing speculation that vice-president Kamala Harris, as the president of the Senate, would not preside over the upcoming melodrama.
So it looks like Leahy will be in charge, as president pro tempore.
The senate describes the role of president pro tempore as: the person who presides over the [senate] chamber in the absence of the vice president. The president pro tempore (or, “president for a time”) is elected by the Senate and is, by custom, the senator of the majority party with the longest record of continuous service.
Leahy is also a movie star.....having appeared in Batman films.
Major changes.
Some more details on that new investigation by the DoJ watchdog:
The Justice Department’s inspector general is launching an investigation to examine whether any former or current department officials “engaged in an improper attempt” to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.
Inspector General Michael Horowitz said today that the investigation will investigate allegations concerning the conduct of former and current Justice Department officials - but will not extend to other government officials, The AP reports.
The investigation comes after The New York Times reported that a former assistant attorney general, Jeffrey Clark, had been discussing a plan with the then-president, Donald Trump, to oust the acting attorney general, try to challenge the results of the 2020 presidential race and suggest falsely that there had been widespread election fraud.
The announcement of the investigation comes two days after Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer demanded the inspector general launch a probe “into this attempted sedition.”
The New York Democrat, Schumer, said it was “unconscionable a Trump Justice Department leader would conspire to subvert the people’s will.”
Election officials across the country, along with Trump’s former attorney general, William Barr, have confirmed there was no widespread fraud in the election.
Republican governors in Arizona and Georgia, key battleground states won by Biden, also vouched for the integrity of the elections in their states.
The vast majority of the legal challenges from Trump and his allies have been dismissed by judges, including two tossed by the Supreme Court, which includes three justices nominated by Trump.
Well that jogged things along. Joe Biden just signed the executive order at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office reversing Donald Trump’s ban on transgender people serving in the military.
Biden said he would take questions later in the day, from gathered media. This was just a ‘spray’ as it’s known - a brief witnessing by members of the selected press pool of the president meeting someone or announcing something at the White House, etc.
Biden was wearing a mask to prevent the spread of coronavirus, as was the vice-president Kamala Harris, and the new defense secretary, Lloyd Austin.
Austin is the first Black American to serve as US defense sec and, of course, Harris is the first female and first Black veep, as Biden continues to mark the changes from the Trump era.
As we await Joe Biden and Kamala Harris appearing at the White House for an event with Lloyd Austin (20 mins behind published schedule, and counting....), here are some details from the WH fact sheet released with the announcement that the president is dropping Donald Trump’s ban on transgender people serving openly in the military, thanks to my Washington colleague Joan Greve for pinging that on in full.As we await Joe Biden and Kamala Harris appearing at the White House for an event with Lloyd Austin (20 mins behind published schedule, and counting....), here are some details from the WH fact sheet released with the announcement that the president is dropping Donald Trump’s ban on transgender people serving openly in the military, thanks to my Washington colleague Joan Greve for pinging that on in full.
We paws for happy news.We paws for happy news.
The US Department of Justice’s internal watchdog has said today that his office is launching an investigation in whether any department officials engaged in and improper attempt to alter the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. The US Department of Justice’s internal watchdog has said today that his office is launching an investigation in whether any department officials engaged in an improper attempt to alter the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.
This news just snapped on Reuters and clearly refers to the New York Times report at the weekend that said Trump plotted with an official at the Department of Justice to fire the acting attorney general, then force Georgia Republicans to overturn his defeat in that state.This news just snapped on Reuters and clearly refers to the New York Times report at the weekend that said Trump plotted with an official at the Department of Justice to fire the acting attorney general, then force Georgia Republicans to overturn his defeat in that state.
Reuters adds that the investigatin will be into whether current or former department officials made an “improper attempt” to seek to alter the results of the 2020 presidential election. Reuters adds that the investigation will be into whether current or former department officials made an “improper attempt” to seek to alter the results of the 2020 presidential election.
Meanwhile, Joe Biden has brought back Dr. Kevin O’Connor as his physician, replacing Donald Trump’s doctor with the one who oversaw Biden’s care when he was vice president.Meanwhile, Joe Biden has brought back Dr. Kevin O’Connor as his physician, replacing Donald Trump’s doctor with the one who oversaw Biden’s care when he was vice president.
The White House confirmed that Dr Sean Conley, the Navy commander who served as the head of the White House Medical Unit under Trump and oversaw his treatment when he was hospitalized with Covid-19, will assume a teaching role at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, The AP reports.The White House confirmed that Dr Sean Conley, the Navy commander who served as the head of the White House Medical Unit under Trump and oversaw his treatment when he was hospitalized with Covid-19, will assume a teaching role at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, The AP reports.
O’Connor, a retired Army colonel, was Biden’s doctor during his entire tenure as vice president, having remained in the role at Biden’s request. He remained Biden’s physician while assuming a role on the faculty of George Washington University.O’Connor, a retired Army colonel, was Biden’s doctor during his entire tenure as vice president, having remained in the role at Biden’s request. He remained Biden’s physician while assuming a role on the faculty of George Washington University.
The White House said O’Connor was being commissioned by the president but was not rejoining the military. He is the first non-active duty doctor to serve as physician to the president in almost three decades.The White House said O’Connor was being commissioned by the president but was not rejoining the military. He is the first non-active duty doctor to serve as physician to the president in almost three decades.
Conley faced intense scrutiny over his lack of transparency during Trump’s illness with Covid-19.Conley faced intense scrutiny over his lack of transparency during Trump’s illness with Covid-19.
Then-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows said at the time that Trump’s condition was worse than Conley had let on.Then-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows said at the time that Trump’s condition was worse than Conley had let on.
Some recent history. It’s been just under a decade since Bill Clinton’s awful compromise law on gays in the military “Don’t ask, don’t tell” formally ended.Some recent history. It’s been just under a decade since Bill Clinton’s awful compromise law on gays in the military “Don’t ask, don’t tell” formally ended.
Clinton introduced the “DADT” law in 1993 as a compromise step to full equality, DADT allowed gay and lesbian members of the military to serve only if their sexuality remained secret or was not reported.Clinton introduced the “DADT” law in 1993 as a compromise step to full equality, DADT allowed gay and lesbian members of the military to serve only if their sexuality remained secret or was not reported.
The Service-members Legal Defence Network estimated that since the law’s introduction and its end, 13,000 gay men, lesbians and queer troops more widely had been discharged after their sexual orientation was revealed.The Service-members Legal Defence Network estimated that since the law’s introduction and its end, 13,000 gay men, lesbians and queer troops more widely had been discharged after their sexual orientation was revealed.
Barack Obama had pledged to overturn “DADT” during his 2008 election campaign, but action on the issue appeared stalled until his January 2010 state of the union speech, when he said: “This year, I will work with Congress and our military to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are.”Barack Obama had pledged to overturn “DADT” during his 2008 election campaign, but action on the issue appeared stalled until his January 2010 state of the union speech, when he said: “This year, I will work with Congress and our military to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are.”
The call was met with stony silence from members of the military seated in front of the president, who is also commander-in-chief of the armed forces.The call was met with stony silence from members of the military seated in front of the president, who is also commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
Obama was behind the curve compared with Joe Biden on making gay marriage legal in the US. But he made steady progress on all things queer and gender non-conforming as his years in the White House went on, and in the summer of 2016 the Obama administration ended the ban on openly transgender troops serving in the military.Obama was behind the curve compared with Joe Biden on making gay marriage legal in the US. But he made steady progress on all things queer and gender non-conforming as his years in the White House went on, and in the summer of 2016 the Obama administration ended the ban on openly transgender troops serving in the military.
Six months after taking office, Donald Trump went smartly about face on that.Six months after taking office, Donald Trump went smartly about face on that.
The then freshly-minted 45th president tweeted at the time: “After consultation with my generals and military experts, please be advised that the United States government will not accept or allow … transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the US military.”The then freshly-minted 45th president tweeted at the time: “After consultation with my generals and military experts, please be advised that the United States government will not accept or allow … transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the US military.”
Today is a new day for LGBTQ members and aspiring members of the US military.Today is a new day for LGBTQ members and aspiring members of the US military.
More on that:More on that:
Joe Biden has overturned a controversial ban by his predecessor on transgender individuals serving in the US military, a move that fulfills a campaign promise and will be cheered by LGBTQ advocates, Reuters reported seconds ago.Joe Biden has overturned a controversial ban by his predecessor on transgender individuals serving in the US military, a move that fulfills a campaign promise and will be cheered by LGBTQ advocates, Reuters reported seconds ago.
“President Biden believes that gender identity should not be a bar to military service, and that America’s strength is found in its diversity,” the White House said in a statement.“President Biden believes that gender identity should not be a bar to military service, and that America’s strength is found in its diversity,” the White House said in a statement.
“Allowing all qualified Americans to serve their country in uniform is better for the military and better for the country because an inclusive force is a more effective force. Simply put, it’s the right thing to do and is in our national interest,” it said.“Allowing all qualified Americans to serve their country in uniform is better for the military and better for the country because an inclusive force is a more effective force. Simply put, it’s the right thing to do and is in our national interest,” it said.
Former Democratic president Barack Obama in 2016 allowed trans people to serve openly and receive medical care to transition genders, but Republican president Donald Trump froze their recruitment while allowing serving personnel to remain.Former Democratic president Barack Obama in 2016 allowed trans people to serve openly and receive medical care to transition genders, but Republican president Donald Trump froze their recruitment while allowing serving personnel to remain.
Here’s a vital read on this topic from the Guardian in 2019.Here’s a vital read on this topic from the Guardian in 2019.
Speculation that Joe Biden will issue an executive order today to reverse a Pentagon policy that largely bars transgender individuals from joining the military appears to be about to come to fruition.Speculation that Joe Biden will issue an executive order today to reverse a Pentagon policy that largely bars transgender individuals from joining the military appears to be about to come to fruition.
Reuters just pinged out a own-line snap, which backs up earlier reporting that the Biden/Harris administration plans on dumping a ban ordered by former president Donald Trump in a tweet during his first year in office.Reuters just pinged out a own-line snap, which backs up earlier reporting that the Biden/Harris administration plans on dumping a ban ordered by former president Donald Trump in a tweet during his first year in office.
The move to reverse the policy has the support of Biden’s newly confirmed defense secretary, retired Army General Lloyd Austin, who spoke of the need to overturn it during his Senate confirmation hearing last week.The move to reverse the policy has the support of Biden’s newly confirmed defense secretary, retired Army General Lloyd Austin, who spoke of the need to overturn it during his Senate confirmation hearing last week.
“I support the president’s plan...to overturn the ban,” Austin said. “If you’re fit and you’re qualified to serve and you can maintain the standards, you should be allowed to serve.”“I support the president’s plan...to overturn the ban,” Austin said. “If you’re fit and you’re qualified to serve and you can maintain the standards, you should be allowed to serve.”
The decision comes as Biden plans to turn his attention to equity issues that he believes continue to shadow nearly all aspects of American life. The move to overturn the transgender ban is also the latest example of Biden using executive authority in his first days as president to dismantle Trump’s legacy.The decision comes as Biden plans to turn his attention to equity issues that he believes continue to shadow nearly all aspects of American life. The move to overturn the transgender ban is also the latest example of Biden using executive authority in his first days as president to dismantle Trump’s legacy.
It was unclear at present how quickly the Pentagon can put a new policy in effect, and whether it will take some time to work out details. Over the weekend Austin announced that he had ordered a comprehensive review of the sexual harassment prevention efforts within the US military.It was unclear at present how quickly the Pentagon can put a new policy in effect, and whether it will take some time to work out details. Over the weekend Austin announced that he had ordered a comprehensive review of the sexual harassment prevention efforts within the US military.
The Guardian reported in 2019 that in the US, all four military service chiefs had testified before Congress that there were no known negative effects during the three years in which president Barack Obama opened the doors of the military to trans people.The Guardian reported in 2019 that in the US, all four military service chiefs had testified before Congress that there were no known negative effects during the three years in which president Barack Obama opened the doors of the military to trans people.
Trump’s policy was a ridiculous, cruel mess.Trump’s policy was a ridiculous, cruel mess.
California governor Gavin Newsom will lift regional stay-at-home orders later today and announce the state is returning to a system of county-by-county restrictions intended to stem the spread of the coronavirus amid the ongoing pandemic crisis, two administration officials with knowledge said.California governor Gavin Newsom will lift regional stay-at-home orders later today and announce the state is returning to a system of county-by-county restrictions intended to stem the spread of the coronavirus amid the ongoing pandemic crisis, two administration officials with knowledge said.
The decision comes with improving trends in the rate of infections, hospitalizations and intensive care unit capacity as well as vaccinations, The Associated Press reports.The decision comes with improving trends in the rate of infections, hospitalizations and intensive care unit capacity as well as vaccinations, The Associated Press reports.
The order had been in place in the San Francisco Bay Area, San Joaquin Valley and Southern California. The change will allow businesses such as restaurants to resume outdoor operations in many areas.The order had been in place in the San Francisco Bay Area, San Joaquin Valley and Southern California. The change will allow businesses such as restaurants to resume outdoor operations in many areas.
During the weekend, San Francisco Bay Area ICU available capacity improved to 23% while the San Joaquin Valley increased to 1.3% - its first time above zero in the current surge of infections. The huge Southern California region, the most populous, remains at zero ICU capacity, however.During the weekend, San Francisco Bay Area ICU available capacity improved to 23% while the San Joaquin Valley increased to 1.3% - its first time above zero in the current surge of infections. The huge Southern California region, the most populous, remains at zero ICU capacity, however.
The change is based on projections, but the state has not disclosed the data behind the forecasts.The change is based on projections, but the state has not disclosed the data behind the forecasts.
Early last year, the state developed a system of color-coded tiers that dictated the level of restrictions on businesses and individuals based on virus conditions in each of California’s 58 counties.Early last year, the state developed a system of color-coded tiers that dictated the level of restrictions on businesses and individuals based on virus conditions in each of California’s 58 counties.
Then, as Covid-19 infections and hospitalizations rocketed, Newsom put in place a new system that grouped counties into five regions: Southern California, San Joaquin Valley, Bay Area, Greater Sacramento and Northern California.Then, as Covid-19 infections and hospitalizations rocketed, Newsom put in place a new system that grouped counties into five regions: Southern California, San Joaquin Valley, Bay Area, Greater Sacramento and Northern California.
Stay-at-home orders took effect if a region’s ICU capacity fell below 15%.Stay-at-home orders took effect if a region’s ICU capacity fell below 15%.
Here’s more from the Cincinnati Enquirer’s report about Ohio’s GOP Senator Rob Portman winding down his career in Congress.Here’s more from the Cincinnati Enquirer’s report about Ohio’s GOP Senator Rob Portman winding down his career in Congress.
Portman, 65, will be sworn in tomorrow as a juror in Donald Trump’s impeachment trial in the Senate.Portman, 65, will be sworn in tomorrow as a juror in Donald Trump’s impeachment trial in the Senate.
The Enquirer further reports that “after three decades in Washington, Portman has grown tired of the incivility in politics and the increasing partisan divide. One of Greater Cincinnati’s most prominent politicians, he was once expected to be headed to national office. He sticks to policy and refrains from personal attacks”.The Enquirer further reports that “after three decades in Washington, Portman has grown tired of the incivility in politics and the increasing partisan divide. One of Greater Cincinnati’s most prominent politicians, he was once expected to be headed to national office. He sticks to policy and refrains from personal attacks”.
But the timing from Portman seems extraordinary.But the timing from Portman seems extraordinary.
Republican Senator Rob Portman of Ohio said today he won’t seek re-election and plans to end a career in federal government spanning more than three decades.Republican Senator Rob Portman of Ohio said today he won’t seek re-election and plans to end a career in federal government spanning more than three decades.
Portman’s announcement comes the same day the Senate is receiving the House impeachment article against former the Republican president, Donald Trump.Portman’s announcement comes the same day the Senate is receiving the House impeachment article against former the Republican president, Donald Trump.
While some Republican senators have criticized going ahead with the trial next month with Trump out of office, Portman said last week he would listen to both sides before making a decision on how to vote, The Associated Press reports.While some Republican senators have criticized going ahead with the trial next month with Trump out of office, Portman said last week he would listen to both sides before making a decision on how to vote, The Associated Press reports.
Portman, who turned 65 last month, is among establishment Republicans who clearly struggled with supporting Trump.Portman, who turned 65 last month, is among establishment Republicans who clearly struggled with supporting Trump.
Once dubbed “The Loyal Soldier” in a front-page profile story in his hometown newspaper the Cincinnati Enquirer, Portman usually supported Trump in carefully worded statements. After Trump called the presidential election rigged, Portman said Trump had a right to a probe of any irregularities.Once dubbed “The Loyal Soldier” in a front-page profile story in his hometown newspaper the Cincinnati Enquirer, Portman usually supported Trump in carefully worded statements. After Trump called the presidential election rigged, Portman said Trump had a right to a probe of any irregularities.
But in the immediate aftermath of the January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol, Portman said Trump needed to go on national TV to address his supporters and tell them to refrain from violence.But in the immediate aftermath of the January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol, Portman said Trump needed to go on national TV to address his supporters and tell them to refrain from violence.
“Both in his words before the attack on the Capitol and in his actions afterward, President Trump bears some responsibility for what happened on January 6,” Portman said.“Both in his words before the attack on the Capitol and in his actions afterward, President Trump bears some responsibility for what happened on January 6,” Portman said.
Portman was elected handily twice to the US Senate, but was considered likely to face primary opposition in 2022.Portman was elected handily twice to the US Senate, but was considered likely to face primary opposition in 2022.
Portman, who served in the presidential administrations of both Bushes (George HW and George W), was under consideration by both the late John McCain and Mitt Romney to be their running mates in their respective presidential bids.Portman, who served in the presidential administrations of both Bushes (George HW and George W), was under consideration by both the late John McCain and Mitt Romney to be their running mates in their respective presidential bids.
Portman also helped them and other GOP presidential candidates practice for debates by playing their Democratic rival.Portman also helped them and other GOP presidential candidates practice for debates by playing their Democratic rival.
He was elected to Congress from southern Ohio in a 1993 special election and won six more elections before being tapped by president George W. Bush to serve as US trade representative in 2005. Bush then nominated him to be his White House budget director in 2006.He was elected to Congress from southern Ohio in a 1993 special election and won six more elections before being tapped by president George W. Bush to serve as US trade representative in 2005. Bush then nominated him to be his White House budget director in 2006.
Portman stepped down in 2007, then returned to politics in 2010 with a successful US Senate run, and won again in 2016, both times by landslide margins in a traditional swing state.Portman stepped down in 2007, then returned to politics in 2010 with a successful US Senate run, and won again in 2016, both times by landslide margins in a traditional swing state.
The United States is “proud to be back” in international efforts to slow the climate crisis, Washington’s new special climate envoy John Kerry told a summit of leaders earlier today.The United States is “proud to be back” in international efforts to slow the climate crisis, Washington’s new special climate envoy John Kerry told a summit of leaders earlier today.
Joe Biden’s administration is this week expected to release more policies it believes are needed to tackle climate change after rejoining the 2015 Paris climate agreement that predecessor Donald Trump quit saying it was too costly to the US economy, Reuters reports.Joe Biden’s administration is this week expected to release more policies it believes are needed to tackle climate change after rejoining the 2015 Paris climate agreement that predecessor Donald Trump quit saying it was too costly to the US economy, Reuters reports.
“We’re proud to be back. We come back with humility for the absence over the last four years and we will do everything in our power to make up for it,” Kerry told the Climate Adaptation Summit by video link.“We’re proud to be back. We come back with humility for the absence over the last four years and we will do everything in our power to make up for it,” Kerry told the Climate Adaptation Summit by video link.
Kerry was joined by China’s Deputy Prime Minister Han Zheng, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other leaders.Kerry was joined by China’s Deputy Prime Minister Han Zheng, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other leaders.
“President Biden has made fighting climate change a top priority of his administration. We have a president now, thank God, who leads, tells the truth and is seized by this issue,” Kerry said.“President Biden has made fighting climate change a top priority of his administration. We have a president now, thank God, who leads, tells the truth and is seized by this issue,” Kerry said.
Leaders stressed the importance of having Washington back at the table.Leaders stressed the importance of having Washington back at the table.
“Since I’m the first to take the floor after John Kerry, a warm welcome to the US back in the Paris Agreement,” said International Monetary Fund managing director Kristalina Georgieva.“Since I’m the first to take the floor after John Kerry, a warm welcome to the US back in the Paris Agreement,” said International Monetary Fund managing director Kristalina Georgieva.
“To tackle this great challenge we need all hands on deck and certainly the US is so critical for success.”“To tackle this great challenge we need all hands on deck and certainly the US is so critical for success.”
The online event, hosted by the Netherlands, aims to set out practical solutions and plans for dealing with climate change in the vital period until 2030.The online event, hosted by the Netherlands, aims to set out practical solutions and plans for dealing with climate change in the vital period until 2030.
As secretary of state under former US president Barack Obama in 2015, Kerry helped bring China to the table at the UN climate conference in Paris.As secretary of state under former US president Barack Obama in 2015, Kerry helped bring China to the table at the UN climate conference in Paris.
The Senate is aiming to pass additional Covid-19 economic relief and healthcare funding legislation before the former, Donald Trump’s impeachment trial begins in early February, a lawmaker said this morning.The Senate is aiming to pass additional Covid-19 economic relief and healthcare funding legislation before the former, Donald Trump’s impeachment trial begins in early February, a lawmaker said this morning.
The news comes amid growing signs of agreement on the need to speed up vaccine distribution and administration services, which have had a very rocky start since the first vaccines received federal emergency authorization in December.The news comes amid growing signs of agreement on the need to speed up vaccine distribution and administration services, which have had a very rocky start since the first vaccines received federal emergency authorization in December.
A day after some Republicans pushed back on the size of Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion relief proposal, Senator Angus King said the Senate plans to consider a bill in the next two weeks, while it also moves to confirm Biden’s Cabinet ahead of Trump’s trial start during the week of February 8, Reuters reports.A day after some Republicans pushed back on the size of Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion relief proposal, Senator Angus King said the Senate plans to consider a bill in the next two weeks, while it also moves to confirm Biden’s Cabinet ahead of Trump’s trial start during the week of February 8, Reuters reports.
“We’re going to try to do something between now and the time of the impeachment trial beginning. That’s a tall order, because we also have to do the confirmations,” King, a Maine independent who caucuses (ie including the way he generally votes) with Democrats who lead the Senate, told National Public Radio.“Two weeks would be an aggressive schedule but I think that’s where we’re going to be going,” he added.“We’re going to try to do something between now and the time of the impeachment trial beginning. That’s a tall order, because we also have to do the confirmations,” King, a Maine independent who caucuses (ie including the way he generally votes) with Democrats who lead the Senate, told National Public Radio.“Two weeks would be an aggressive schedule but I think that’s where we’re going to be going,” he added.
It was not clear whether the Senate would try to pass the entire Biden proposal before February 8 or focus on legislation with a more limited scope.It was not clear whether the Senate would try to pass the entire Biden proposal before February 8 or focus on legislation with a more limited scope.
King and Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, who both participated in a call about Covid-19 relief with Biden administration officials yesterday, said there is broad agreement about the need to move forward on vaccinations.King and Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, who both participated in a call about Covid-19 relief with Biden administration officials yesterday, said there is broad agreement about the need to move forward on vaccinations.
“We can all agree: we need to have money out there for vaccines,” Cassidy told Fox News on Monday. “And testing, we can accept that.”“We can all agree: we need to have money out there for vaccines,” Cassidy told Fox News on Monday. “And testing, we can accept that.”
King said there was a general consensus on Sunday’s call to do “whatever we have to do to speed up the vaccination process. I don’t think there’s going to be any debate about that.”King said there was a general consensus on Sunday’s call to do “whatever we have to do to speed up the vaccination process. I don’t think there’s going to be any debate about that.”
He added that the group on Sunday’s call would speak again on today or tomorrow.He added that the group on Sunday’s call would speak again on today or tomorrow.
In addition to the size of Biden’s plan, Republicans and some Democrats are concerned about a proposal to send $1,400 stimulus checks to most Americans, even some with fairly high incomes.In addition to the size of Biden’s plan, Republicans and some Democrats are concerned about a proposal to send $1,400 stimulus checks to most Americans, even some with fairly high incomes.
While Congress has already authorized $4 trillion to respond, the White House says the additional $1.9 trillion is needed to cover the costs of responding to the virus and provide enhanced jobless benefits and payments to households.While Congress has already authorized $4 trillion to respond, the White House says the additional $1.9 trillion is needed to cover the costs of responding to the virus and provide enhanced jobless benefits and payments to households.
House committees are expected to work on legislation this week, with the aim of being ready to put a bill on the House floor during the first week of February.House committees are expected to work on legislation this week, with the aim of being ready to put a bill on the House floor during the first week of February.