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Trump impeachment: Nancy Pelosi to formally send article of impeachment to Senate today – live updates Trump impeachment: Nancy Pelosi to formally send article of impeachment to Senate today – live updates
(32 minutes later)
Former president charged with ‘incitement of insurrection’ after assault on Capitol by pro-Trump mobFormer president charged with ‘incitement of insurrection’ after assault on Capitol by pro-Trump mob
Natalia Abrahams has an interesting piece for NBC News this morning looking at groups trying to keep young voters engaged in the political process post-election:
Read more here: NBC News – Looking ahead, liberal groups try to keep young voters engaged
By the way, in case you were wondering what Sen, Josh Hawley had been up to overnight, he was complaining about having been muzzled and canceled on *checks notes* the front page of the New York Post which was promoting *checks notes again* his lengthy column for them complaining that he had been silenced.
David Litt, former speechwriter for Barack Obama, writes for us today, warning that Republicans will try to create an ‘ethics’ trap for Democrats, and Democrats shouldn’t fall for it:
The Biden administration has unveiled the strictest ethics pledge in history, building on president Obama’s lobbying bans by covering not just registered lobbying but also the so-called “shadow lobbying” that long served as an ethics loophole. It’s another big step forward. But it’s also a reminder that Democrats and Republicans are on two entirely different trajectories. If past is prologue, Biden will face more criticism if he fails to perfectly implement his high standards than Trump faced for having practically no standards at all. And rather than feel any political or moral obligation to follow Biden’s example, the next Republican administration will pick up right where the last president of their party left off.
In other words, Democrats and Republicans are playing by different set of rules. And not just when it comes to ethics pledges and lobbying bans. We now know that many of the principles we once imagined were pillars of our democratic society – a respect for truth; a belief in the importance of a free press; the rejection of nepotism; a commitment to honor the results of elections not just in victory but in defeat – are propped up almost entirely by the good faith of politicians. And as we learned over the last four years, in American politics, bad faith is hardly in short supply.
That’s why it’s not enough to usher in an administration that models good behavior. We must ensure that we create high standards that apply to everyone.
That starts with changing political incentives that currently punish leaders who try to act responsibly and reward those who don’t. Some members of the press will surely be tempted to return to their own version of normalcy – one where Obama’s tan suit is a scandal, Joe Biden’s Peloton is a political liability, and it’s generally assumed that Republicans will behave like arsonists while Democrats behave like adults. Yes, the press should hold the Biden administration accountable. But it would do the American public a disservice to pretend the last four years didn’t happen.
Read more here: David Litt – Republicans will try to create an ‘ethics’ trap for Democrats. Don’t fall for it
With Democrats controlling the Senate, progressives want to repeal the Trump administration’s Wall Street-friendly rules, but they may struggle to win enough votes in a thinly divided Congress and risk obstructing President Joe Biden’s agencies from writing stricter new rules, Pete Schroeder and Michelle Price report for Reuters.With Democrats controlling the Senate, progressives want to repeal the Trump administration’s Wall Street-friendly rules, but they may struggle to win enough votes in a thinly divided Congress and risk obstructing President Joe Biden’s agencies from writing stricter new rules, Pete Schroeder and Michelle Price report for Reuters.
Sherrod Brown, expected chair of the Senate Banking Committee, said this month he was drawing up a list of rules passed by Trump regulators that he hopes to kill using the Congressional Review Act (CRA), a 1996 law that allows Congress to reverse recently finalized federal regulations.Sherrod Brown, expected chair of the Senate Banking Committee, said this month he was drawing up a list of rules passed by Trump regulators that he hopes to kill using the Congressional Review Act (CRA), a 1996 law that allows Congress to reverse recently finalized federal regulations.
Since 2017, regulators have eased dozens of rules created following the 2009 financial crisis and in the decades before, arguing they were outdated and stymied economic growth. Opponents say the changes saved Wall Street tens of billions of dollars while increasing systemic risks and hurting consumers.Since 2017, regulators have eased dozens of rules created following the 2009 financial crisis and in the decades before, arguing they were outdated and stymied economic growth. Opponents say the changes saved Wall Street tens of billions of dollars while increasing systemic risks and hurting consumers.
Reversing rules through an agency’s internal process can take years whereas the CRA allows Congress to swiftly kill rules passed during the final 60 working days of the previous Congress with a simple majority and the president’s approval. However, with a wafer-thin Congress margin, Brown may struggle to win vital support from moderate Democrats, especially from those whom have publicly supported similar rule-changes in the past.Reversing rules through an agency’s internal process can take years whereas the CRA allows Congress to swiftly kill rules passed during the final 60 working days of the previous Congress with a simple majority and the president’s approval. However, with a wafer-thin Congress margin, Brown may struggle to win vital support from moderate Democrats, especially from those whom have publicly supported similar rule-changes in the past.
Additionally, issues related to bank capital requirements and liquidity may be too arcane to compete for limited Senate floor time with healthcare, labor and immigration measures, said Gregg Gelzinis, a senior policy analyst at liberal Washington think tank the Center for American Progress, which is discussing CRA issues with lawmakers.Additionally, issues related to bank capital requirements and liquidity may be too arcane to compete for limited Senate floor time with healthcare, labor and immigration measures, said Gregg Gelzinis, a senior policy analyst at liberal Washington think tank the Center for American Progress, which is discussing CRA issues with lawmakers.
Before Trump took office, the CRA had been used successfully once. Republicans subsequently used it to reverse 16 rules created by Barack Obama administration regulators, according to Daniel Perez, senior policy analyst at George Washington University’s Regulatory Studies Center.Before Trump took office, the CRA had been used successfully once. Republicans subsequently used it to reverse 16 rules created by Barack Obama administration regulators, according to Daniel Perez, senior policy analyst at George Washington University’s Regulatory Studies Center.
Democrats, however, have never successfully used the CRA, according to Perez, and may veer into novel legal territory where their ultimate goal is to make rules tougher rather than scrap them. That’s because once a rule is reversed using the CRA, agencies cannot write a “substantially” similar rule.Democrats, however, have never successfully used the CRA, according to Perez, and may veer into novel legal territory where their ultimate goal is to make rules tougher rather than scrap them. That’s because once a rule is reversed using the CRA, agencies cannot write a “substantially” similar rule.
“Where perhaps Democrats might want to do something more stringent, I think that might give them pause,” he said. Progressives may want to rewrite some rules but could risk legal challenges arguing the new rule is substantially similar.“Where perhaps Democrats might want to do something more stringent, I think that might give them pause,” he said. Progressives may want to rewrite some rules but could risk legal challenges arguing the new rule is substantially similar.
A year into the pandemic, more than 13,500 Covid-19 patients are languishing in hospitals across Texas. With only 586 ICU beds left statewide and some regions already running out of space, “hospitals can’t take much more”, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) recently tweeted.A year into the pandemic, more than 13,500 Covid-19 patients are languishing in hospitals across Texas. With only 586 ICU beds left statewide and some regions already running out of space, “hospitals can’t take much more”, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) recently tweeted.
Yet Covid is still raging: about one in six molecular tests in Texas comes back positive right now, well over the 10% threshold Greg Abbott, the state’s Republican governor, once viewed as a “warning flag” for high community spread.Yet Covid is still raging: about one in six molecular tests in Texas comes back positive right now, well over the 10% threshold Greg Abbott, the state’s Republican governor, once viewed as a “warning flag” for high community spread.
“The Covid-19 pandemic is at its worst in Texas,” DSHS wrote online earlier this month, and “it’s likely never been easier to catch”.“The Covid-19 pandemic is at its worst in Texas,” DSHS wrote online earlier this month, and “it’s likely never been easier to catch”.
Abbott has categorically rejected another lockdown, a successful but blunt instrument that would undoubtedly cause him political grief. And, though he has instituted business occupancy reductions and bar closures in regions with high hospitalizations, those restrictions have proven half-baked and mostly ineffective.Abbott has categorically rejected another lockdown, a successful but blunt instrument that would undoubtedly cause him political grief. And, though he has instituted business occupancy reductions and bar closures in regions with high hospitalizations, those restrictions have proven half-baked and mostly ineffective.
In fact, other than championing therapeutic treatments and boasting about the state’s vaccine rollout, Abbott’s administration has made shockingly little effort to mitigate the virus’s carnage in recent months, even as a new, highly contagious variant threatens further devastation.In fact, other than championing therapeutic treatments and boasting about the state’s vaccine rollout, Abbott’s administration has made shockingly little effort to mitigate the virus’s carnage in recent months, even as a new, highly contagious variant threatens further devastation.
“Republican politicians are acting like it’s business as usual,” said Abhi Rahman, communications director for the Texas Democratic party. “They’re acting like the pandemic never existed in the first place.”“Republican politicians are acting like it’s business as usual,” said Abhi Rahman, communications director for the Texas Democratic party. “They’re acting like the pandemic never existed in the first place.”
Last March, Dan Patrick, Texas’s lieutenant governor, stoked widespread backlash when he advocated for a swift reopening, insinuating that the nation’s elderly were willing to put their lives on the line to save the US economy. But despite Texas’s hasty emergence from lockdown in May, its struggling workforce has failed to bounce back, with the unemployment rate still lingering at 7.2% as of December, compared to 3.5% the year before.Last March, Dan Patrick, Texas’s lieutenant governor, stoked widespread backlash when he advocated for a swift reopening, insinuating that the nation’s elderly were willing to put their lives on the line to save the US economy. But despite Texas’s hasty emergence from lockdown in May, its struggling workforce has failed to bounce back, with the unemployment rate still lingering at 7.2% as of December, compared to 3.5% the year before.
Read more of Alexandra Villarreal’s report here: Texas governor’s hands-off approach to Covid-19 has allowed the virus to thriveRead more of Alexandra Villarreal’s report here: Texas governor’s hands-off approach to Covid-19 has allowed the virus to thrive
Yesterday there were 132,537 new coronavirus cases recorded in the US, and 1,775 further deaths. Numbers are often lower than average on Sunday due to different data collection practices around the US at the weekend. The total caseload, according to Johns Hopkins university figures is now over 25 million. The death toll stands at 418,887. There are still over 20 states showing a more than 5% week-on-week increase in cases.Yesterday there were 132,537 new coronavirus cases recorded in the US, and 1,775 further deaths. Numbers are often lower than average on Sunday due to different data collection practices around the US at the weekend. The total caseload, according to Johns Hopkins university figures is now over 25 million. The death toll stands at 418,887. There are still over 20 states showing a more than 5% week-on-week increase in cases.
There’s slightly better news on hospitalization levels, as according to the Covid Tracking Project the number of people in hospital in the US with Covid has fallen again to 110,628. While it is still true that at least 100,000 people have been in hospital with coronavirus every day since 2 December 2020, it marks the 11th consecutive day that the number has dropped.There’s slightly better news on hospitalization levels, as according to the Covid Tracking Project the number of people in hospital in the US with Covid has fallen again to 110,628. While it is still true that at least 100,000 people have been in hospital with coronavirus every day since 2 December 2020, it marks the 11th consecutive day that the number has dropped.
Mutated versions of the coronavirus are causing experts concern. “The best way to prevent the emergence of new variants is to do all of the things we’ve been talking about for months,” infectious disease expert Dr. Celine Gounder told CNN Sunday night. “The more you let the virus spread, the more it mutates, the more variants you’ll have.”Mutated versions of the coronavirus are causing experts concern. “The best way to prevent the emergence of new variants is to do all of the things we’ve been talking about for months,” infectious disease expert Dr. Celine Gounder told CNN Sunday night. “The more you let the virus spread, the more it mutates, the more variants you’ll have.”
It remains likely that it will be months until a vaccine is widely rolled out in the US. Gounder went on to say to CNN that “We’re looking at probably middle of the summer, end of the summer before the average, healthy, young American has access to vaccination.”It remains likely that it will be months until a vaccine is widely rolled out in the US. Gounder went on to say to CNN that “We’re looking at probably middle of the summer, end of the summer before the average, healthy, young American has access to vaccination.”
If there’s a ‘y’ in the day, then you can guarantee that China’s foreign ministry will have had something to say about relations with the US. Today Reuters snap that foreign ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, has been criticising US military activity in the region.If there’s a ‘y’ in the day, then you can guarantee that China’s foreign ministry will have had something to say about relations with the US. Today Reuters snap that foreign ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, has been criticising US military activity in the region.
After a US aircraft carrier group sailed into the disputed South China Sea, China has said the United States often sends ships and aircraft into the area to “flex its muscles” and this is not good for peace.After a US aircraft carrier group sailed into the disputed South China Sea, China has said the United States often sends ships and aircraft into the area to “flex its muscles” and this is not good for peace.
Trillions of dollars in trade flows each year through the waterway, which has long been a focus of contention between Beijing and Washington. The US carrier group led by the USS Theodore Roosevelt and accompanied by three warships, entered the waterway on Saturday to promote “freedom of the seas”, the US military said, just days after Joe Biden became president.Trillions of dollars in trade flows each year through the waterway, which has long been a focus of contention between Beijing and Washington. The US carrier group led by the USS Theodore Roosevelt and accompanied by three warships, entered the waterway on Saturday to promote “freedom of the seas”, the US military said, just days after Joe Biden became president.
“The United States frequently sends aircraft and vessels into the South China Sea to flex its muscles,” the foreign ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, told reporters, responding to the mission. “This is not conducive to peace and stability in the region.”“The United States frequently sends aircraft and vessels into the South China Sea to flex its muscles,” the foreign ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, told reporters, responding to the mission. “This is not conducive to peace and stability in the region.”
China has repeatedly complained about US navy ships getting close to islands it occupies in the South China Sea, where Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and Taiwan all have competing claims.China has repeatedly complained about US navy ships getting close to islands it occupies in the South China Sea, where Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and Taiwan all have competing claims.
The carrier group entered the South China Sea at the same time as Chinese-claimed Taiwan reported incursions by Chinese air force jets into the southwestern part of its air defence identification zone, prompting concern from Washington.The carrier group entered the South China Sea at the same time as Chinese-claimed Taiwan reported incursions by Chinese air force jets into the southwestern part of its air defence identification zone, prompting concern from Washington.
China has not commented on what its air force was doing, and Zhao referred questions from reporters to the defence ministry. He reiterated China’s position that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China and that the United States should abide by the “one China” principle.China has not commented on what its air force was doing, and Zhao referred questions from reporters to the defence ministry. He reiterated China’s position that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China and that the United States should abide by the “one China” principle.
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen visited a radar base in the north of the island on Monday, and praised its ability to track Chinese forces, her office said.Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen visited a radar base in the north of the island on Monday, and praised its ability to track Chinese forces, her office said.
“From last year until now, our radar station has detected nearly 2,000 communist aircraft and more than 400 communist ships, allowing us to quickly monitor and drive them away, and fully guard the sea and airspace,” she told officers.“From last year until now, our radar station has detected nearly 2,000 communist aircraft and more than 400 communist ships, allowing us to quickly monitor and drive them away, and fully guard the sea and airspace,” she told officers.
Taiwan’s defence ministry added that just a single Chinese aircraft flew into its defence zone earlier today, an anti-submarine Y-8 aircraft.Taiwan’s defence ministry added that just a single Chinese aircraft flew into its defence zone earlier today, an anti-submarine Y-8 aircraft.
Biden’s new administration has said the US commitment to Taiwan is “rock-solid”. Like most countries, it no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan but is the democratic island’s most important international backer and main arms supplier, to China’s anger.Biden’s new administration has said the US commitment to Taiwan is “rock-solid”. Like most countries, it no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan but is the democratic island’s most important international backer and main arms supplier, to China’s anger.
What do we know so far about the key players in Donald Trump’s upcoming second impeachment trial? Sam Levine in New York has these pen pics:What do we know so far about the key players in Donald Trump’s upcoming second impeachment trial? Sam Levine in New York has these pen pics:
Trump’s counselTrump’s counsel
Butch Bowers: Trump tapped Bowers, a South Carolina lawyer, to lead his legal team and defense in the senate. A friend of Trump ally Lindsey Graham, Bowers worked for Mark Sanford, then the South Carolina governor, when he was nearly impeached in connection to an affair over a decade ago. In 2012, he also represented Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor who went on to work in the Trump administration, in an ethics investigation. He also has helped defend North Carolina and South Carolina voter ID measures, according to the Post and Courier, and worked as a special counsel on voting matters in the justice department under President George W Bush.Butch Bowers: Trump tapped Bowers, a South Carolina lawyer, to lead his legal team and defense in the senate. A friend of Trump ally Lindsey Graham, Bowers worked for Mark Sanford, then the South Carolina governor, when he was nearly impeached in connection to an affair over a decade ago. In 2012, he also represented Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor who went on to work in the Trump administration, in an ethics investigation. He also has helped defend North Carolina and South Carolina voter ID measures, according to the Post and Courier, and worked as a special counsel on voting matters in the justice department under President George W Bush.
Trump reportedly struggled to find a legal team for the trial. Former White House counsel Pat Cipollone, and well-known lawyers like Jay Sekulow, Ken Starr, Alan Derschowitz, and Rudy Giuliani who helped defend the president during the first trial are not participating.Trump reportedly struggled to find a legal team for the trial. Former White House counsel Pat Cipollone, and well-known lawyers like Jay Sekulow, Ken Starr, Alan Derschowitz, and Rudy Giuliani who helped defend the president during the first trial are not participating.
Senate party leadersSenate party leaders
Mitch McConnell: The cunning House minority leader, McConnell won’t be making a case for or against Trump during the trial, but will remain one of the most powerful Republicans. In a significant move, McConnell has left the door open towards voting for impeaching Trump, which could encourage other Republicans following along. Even if they do get McConnell’s vote, Democrats would still need to get at least 16 other senators to vote for impeachment - a high bar.Mitch McConnell: The cunning House minority leader, McConnell won’t be making a case for or against Trump during the trial, but will remain one of the most powerful Republicans. In a significant move, McConnell has left the door open towards voting for impeaching Trump, which could encourage other Republicans following along. Even if they do get McConnell’s vote, Democrats would still need to get at least 16 other senators to vote for impeachment - a high bar.
Chuck Schumer: The newly elected Senate majority leader, Schumer will be responsible for keeping his caucus aligned and trying to win over Republican support, all while helping to maintain messaging during the trial. Schumer has been outspoken about the need to impeach Trump.Chuck Schumer: The newly elected Senate majority leader, Schumer will be responsible for keeping his caucus aligned and trying to win over Republican support, all while helping to maintain messaging during the trial. Schumer has been outspoken about the need to impeach Trump.
House impeachment managersHouse impeachment managers
Jamie Raskin: House speaker Nancy Pelosi tapped Raskin, a Maryland congressman first elected in 2016, to be the lead House impeachment manager to make the case for convicting Trump. A longtime constitutional law professor at American University, Raskin has been unsparing in his criticism of the role Trump played in inciting the 6 January riot. He reportedly began drafting the article of impeachment against the president hours after the attack.Jamie Raskin: House speaker Nancy Pelosi tapped Raskin, a Maryland congressman first elected in 2016, to be the lead House impeachment manager to make the case for convicting Trump. A longtime constitutional law professor at American University, Raskin has been unsparing in his criticism of the role Trump played in inciting the 6 January riot. He reportedly began drafting the article of impeachment against the president hours after the attack.
Raskin is taking on the role at a time when his family is in mourning – his 25-year-old son Tommy died by suicide on New Year’s Eve. Raskin has pointed to his son as one of the reasons why he chose to take on leading the impeachment effort. “I’ve devoted my life to the constitution and to the republic. I’m a professor of constitutional law, but I did it really with my son in my heart, and helping lead the way. I feel him in my chest,” he told the Guardian.Raskin is taking on the role at a time when his family is in mourning – his 25-year-old son Tommy died by suicide on New Year’s Eve. Raskin has pointed to his son as one of the reasons why he chose to take on leading the impeachment effort. “I’ve devoted my life to the constitution and to the republic. I’m a professor of constitutional law, but I did it really with my son in my heart, and helping lead the way. I feel him in my chest,” he told the Guardian.
Read more details here, including profiles of the rest of the House impeachment managers: Trump’s second impeachment trial – the key playersRead more details here, including profiles of the rest of the House impeachment managers: Trump’s second impeachment trial – the key players
The single article of impeachment against Donald Trump will this evening be delivered to the Senate, where Democratic majority leader Chuck Schumer is promising a quick but fair trial.The single article of impeachment against Donald Trump will this evening be delivered to the Senate, where Democratic majority leader Chuck Schumer is promising a quick but fair trial.
“It will be a fair trial but it will move relatively quickly,” Schumer, from New York, told reporters on Sunday. The trial would not take up too much time, he said, because “we have so much else to do”.“It will be a fair trial but it will move relatively quickly,” Schumer, from New York, told reporters on Sunday. The trial would not take up too much time, he said, because “we have so much else to do”.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi will walk the article from the House, through the Capitol and to the Senate at 7pm ET (midnight GMT), marking the formal start of the impeachment trial. But there will be a two-week lull in proceedings, after Schumer and Republican minority leader Mitch McConnell reached an agreement on Friday.Speaker Nancy Pelosi will walk the article from the House, through the Capitol and to the Senate at 7pm ET (midnight GMT), marking the formal start of the impeachment trial. But there will be a two-week lull in proceedings, after Schumer and Republican minority leader Mitch McConnell reached an agreement on Friday.
“During that period,” Schumer said, “the Senate will continue to do other business for the American people, such as cabinet nominations and the Covid relief bill, which would provide relief for millions of Americans who are suffering during this pandemic.”“During that period,” Schumer said, “the Senate will continue to do other business for the American people, such as cabinet nominations and the Covid relief bill, which would provide relief for millions of Americans who are suffering during this pandemic.”
The delay will give both legal teams two more weeks to prepare. Pelosi has named the House managers who will prosecute Trump, led by Jamie Raskin. An attorney from South Carolina, Karl “Butch” Bowers, will lead Trump’s defense.The delay will give both legal teams two more weeks to prepare. Pelosi has named the House managers who will prosecute Trump, led by Jamie Raskin. An attorney from South Carolina, Karl “Butch” Bowers, will lead Trump’s defense.
Bowers’ most high-profile cases to date include defending a controversial Republican-backed transgender bathroom bill in North Carolina and representing a governor of his own state, Mark Sanford, when he faced impeachment.Bowers’ most high-profile cases to date include defending a controversial Republican-backed transgender bathroom bill in North Carolina and representing a governor of his own state, Mark Sanford, when he faced impeachment.
Though the Senate is now controlled by Democrats, two-thirds of senators must vote against Trump if he is to be convicted. That means 17 Republicans must go against a former president from their own party. As of Friday, according to a tally by the Washington Post, 42 senators had said they supported impeachment, 19 were open to conviction, 28 were opposed and 11 had made no indication.Though the Senate is now controlled by Democrats, two-thirds of senators must vote against Trump if he is to be convicted. That means 17 Republicans must go against a former president from their own party. As of Friday, according to a tally by the Washington Post, 42 senators had said they supported impeachment, 19 were open to conviction, 28 were opposed and 11 had made no indication.
Read more of Amanda Holpuch’s report here: Schumer promises quick but fair trial as Trump impeachment heads to SenateRead more of Amanda Holpuch’s report here: Schumer promises quick but fair trial as Trump impeachment heads to Senate
Joe Biden on Monday will sign an executive order that aims to fulfill his “Buy American” campaign promise by tightening the rules to increase federal spending on products that are manufactured in the United States.Joe Biden on Monday will sign an executive order that aims to fulfill his “Buy American” campaign promise by tightening the rules to increase federal spending on products that are manufactured in the United States.
During his campaign, Biden vowed that his administration would invest an additional $400nn in federal purchases of domestically-made products as a way of reviving American manufacturing. Previewing the directive on Sunday night, an administration official emphasized that the order was only a “first step” toward that goal.During his campaign, Biden vowed that his administration would invest an additional $400nn in federal purchases of domestically-made products as a way of reviving American manufacturing. Previewing the directive on Sunday night, an administration official emphasized that the order was only a “first step” toward that goal.
The order directs agencies to increase domestic content requirements and close existing loopholes available for purchases of foreign products. It also creates a central review of waivers to the Buy American rules that allow agencies to purchase products manufactured overseas.The order directs agencies to increase domestic content requirements and close existing loopholes available for purchases of foreign products. It also creates a central review of waivers to the Buy American rules that allow agencies to purchase products manufactured overseas.
As a candidate, Biden offered his “Buy American” plan as a direct counter to Trump’s “America First” agenda, as they competed for support from white working class voters. Trump signed an executive order early in his presidency to buy American products and hire American workers, but the Biden administration official on Sunday said Biden’s directive contained more mechanisms for enforcement.As a candidate, Biden offered his “Buy American” plan as a direct counter to Trump’s “America First” agenda, as they competed for support from white working class voters. Trump signed an executive order early in his presidency to buy American products and hire American workers, but the Biden administration official on Sunday said Biden’s directive contained more mechanisms for enforcement.
“The prior administration issued numerous releases and orders but when you look at the outcome, there was no real material change,” the official said.“The prior administration issued numerous releases and orders but when you look at the outcome, there was no real material change,” the official said.
Key elements of the executive order will include:Key elements of the executive order will include:
Updating how government decides if a product was sufficiently made in America.Updating how government decides if a product was sufficiently made in America.
A change in the price threshold over which the government can buy non-US manufactured goods.A change in the price threshold over which the government can buy non-US manufactured goods.
Appointing a Director of Made-in-America at the Office of Management and Budget to oversee the implementation.Appointing a Director of Made-in-America at the Office of Management and Budget to oversee the implementation.
In a statement, the administration say that:In a statement, the administration say that:
Monday’s order is the latest in a rush of executive action Biden is taking to unwind what the administration views as the “gravest” pieces of his predecessor’s legacy as well as to create early momentum around his legislative agenda. Biden has said his first priority is to confront the coronavirus and the economic pain it has caused, emphasizing equity as a part of his response. More directives are expected throughout the week on advancing racial and gender equality, combatting the climate crisis, expanding access to healthcare and reforming aspects of the immigration system.Monday’s order is the latest in a rush of executive action Biden is taking to unwind what the administration views as the “gravest” pieces of his predecessor’s legacy as well as to create early momentum around his legislative agenda. Biden has said his first priority is to confront the coronavirus and the economic pain it has caused, emphasizing equity as a part of his response. More directives are expected throughout the week on advancing racial and gender equality, combatting the climate crisis, expanding access to healthcare and reforming aspects of the immigration system.
Protesters marched in protest late last night in response to a police car driving through a crowd in Washington state the day before, which had left at least two people injured.Protesters marched in protest late last night in response to a police car driving through a crowd in Washington state the day before, which had left at least two people injured.
The Associated Press report that the demonstrators gathered near the intersection in Tacoma where the police car plowed through a crowd of pedestrians while responding to a reported street race Saturday evening. Video of the incident was widely shared online and appeared to show at least one person being run over.The Associated Press report that the demonstrators gathered near the intersection in Tacoma where the police car plowed through a crowd of pedestrians while responding to a reported street race Saturday evening. Video of the incident was widely shared online and appeared to show at least one person being run over.
Both injured people went to hospitals with injuries not considered to be life threatening. One person has since been released, news outlets reported.Both injured people went to hospitals with injuries not considered to be life threatening. One person has since been released, news outlets reported.
Sunday evening demonstrators gathered at a park then marched through downtown. Several items were set up to create a barricade in the street, and the demonstrators also passed by the Pierce County Jail.Sunday evening demonstrators gathered at a park then marched through downtown. Several items were set up to create a barricade in the street, and the demonstrators also passed by the Pierce County Jail.
There were no known injuries from the demonstration, police said in a tweet, adding that the protest was cleared around 11pm.There were no known injuries from the demonstration, police said in a tweet, adding that the protest was cleared around 11pm.
The officer involved in the incident Saturday is a 58-year-old man who has been with the department for 29 1/2 years, Tacoma police said. He had been surrounded by a crowd after arriving at the reported street race. Police claim the officer feared for his safety and drove forward through the crowd, then stopped and called for medical aid.The officer involved in the incident Saturday is a 58-year-old man who has been with the department for 29 1/2 years, Tacoma police said. He had been surrounded by a crowd after arriving at the reported street race. Police claim the officer feared for his safety and drove forward through the crowd, then stopped and called for medical aid.
The officer has been placed on paid administrative leave. Protesters told news outlets they want the officer to be fired, and criticized the city for what they said was a lack of transparency.The officer has been placed on paid administrative leave. Protesters told news outlets they want the officer to be fired, and criticized the city for what they said was a lack of transparency.
The Tacoma Community’s Police Advisory Committee scheduled a virtual meeting Monday at 6pm to discuss the incident. Tacoma is located about 30 miles (48 kilometers) south of Seattle.The Tacoma Community’s Police Advisory Committee scheduled a virtual meeting Monday at 6pm to discuss the incident. Tacoma is located about 30 miles (48 kilometers) south of Seattle.
Chris McGreal has been in Kansas City for us talking to activists who are hopeful but cautious as president Joe Biden acknowledges that the ground has shifted in the US on racial justice after the police killing of George Floyd:Chris McGreal has been in Kansas City for us talking to activists who are hopeful but cautious as president Joe Biden acknowledges that the ground has shifted in the US on racial justice after the police killing of George Floyd:
Jeanelle Austin, an African American activist who lives a few blocks from where George Floyd was killed and who tends his memorial constructed piecemeal in the street, said that the early promises of police reform in Minneapolis have come to little.Jeanelle Austin, an African American activist who lives a few blocks from where George Floyd was killed and who tends his memorial constructed piecemeal in the street, said that the early promises of police reform in Minneapolis have come to little.
“Nothing has really changed. That’s why we’re still filling the street,” she said. “They’ve only offered verbiage in terms of what they want to do or the ideas that they have. We haven’t seen anything concrete in terms of reforming the Minneapolis police department.”“Nothing has really changed. That’s why we’re still filling the street,” she said. “They’ve only offered verbiage in terms of what they want to do or the ideas that they have. We haven’t seen anything concrete in terms of reforming the Minneapolis police department.”
“Racism is deep within the DNA and the bones of the structures of our nation, and so it is a tall order for any one person to change it. Now, the president has a lot more power than anyone else to be able to set right some of the systems and policies and structures,” she said.“Racism is deep within the DNA and the bones of the structures of our nation, and so it is a tall order for any one person to change it. Now, the president has a lot more power than anyone else to be able to set right some of the systems and policies and structures,” she said.
“It will be interesting to see which systems Biden plans on addressing head on because race impacts everything. The police, the education system, the financial system, the housing system, the criminal justice system, the health care system. He’s going to have to decide what he’s going to push.”“It will be interesting to see which systems Biden plans on addressing head on because race impacts everything. The police, the education system, the financial system, the housing system, the criminal justice system, the health care system. He’s going to have to decide what he’s going to push.”
Read more of Chris McGreal’s report here: ‘Racism is in the bones of our nation’: Will Joe Biden answer the ‘cry’ for racial justice?Read more of Chris McGreal’s report here: ‘Racism is in the bones of our nation’: Will Joe Biden answer the ‘cry’ for racial justice?
There’s quite a few ex-Trump staffers looking for something to do next. Sarah Sanders is one who appears to have made a plan. Donald Trump’s former chief spokeswoman and one of his closest aides, is running for Arkansas governor, according to multiple reports.There’s quite a few ex-Trump staffers looking for something to do next. Sarah Sanders is one who appears to have made a plan. Donald Trump’s former chief spokeswoman and one of his closest aides, is running for Arkansas governor, according to multiple reports.
Sanders, who left the White House in 2019 to return to her home state, planned to announce her bid on Monday, according to Associated Press and Reuters, citing anonymous sources.Sanders, who left the White House in 2019 to return to her home state, planned to announce her bid on Monday, according to Associated Press and Reuters, citing anonymous sources.
The former White House press secretary is launching her bid less than a week after the end of Trump’s presidency and as the ex-president faces an impeachment trial. But Sanders is running in a solidly red state where Republicans tend to embrace the former president.The former White House press secretary is launching her bid less than a week after the end of Trump’s presidency and as the ex-president faces an impeachment trial. But Sanders is running in a solidly red state where Republicans tend to embrace the former president.
The daughter of former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, Sanders had been widely expected to run for the office after leaving the White House – and Trump publicly encouraged her to make a go. She’s been laying the groundwork for a candidacy, speaking to Republican groups around the state.The daughter of former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, Sanders had been widely expected to run for the office after leaving the White House – and Trump publicly encouraged her to make a go. She’s been laying the groundwork for a candidacy, speaking to Republican groups around the state.
Sanders, 38, joins a Republican primary that already includes two statewide elected leaders, lieutenant-governor Tim Griffin and attorney general Leslie Rutledge. The three are running to succeed current governor Asa Hutchinson, a Republican who is unable to run next year due to term limits. No Democrats have announced a bid to run for the seat.Sanders, 38, joins a Republican primary that already includes two statewide elected leaders, lieutenant-governor Tim Griffin and attorney general Leslie Rutledge. The three are running to succeed current governor Asa Hutchinson, a Republican who is unable to run next year due to term limits. No Democrats have announced a bid to run for the seat.
Sanders was the first working mother and only the third woman to serve as White House press secretary. But she also faced questions about her credibility during her time as Trump’s chief spokesperson.Sanders was the first working mother and only the third woman to serve as White House press secretary. But she also faced questions about her credibility during her time as Trump’s chief spokesperson.
Read more here: Sarah Sanders, former Trump press secretary, to run for Arkansas governor – reportsRead more here: Sarah Sanders, former Trump press secretary, to run for Arkansas governor – reports
Brian Stelter made a couple of interesting points about Donald Trump’s impeachment in his overnight newsletter for CNN:Brian Stelter made a couple of interesting points about Donald Trump’s impeachment in his overnight newsletter for CNN:
There’s also this little nugget:There’s also this little nugget:
Here is a run-down of some of what we know so far about Donald Trump’s historic second impeachment:Here is a run-down of some of what we know so far about Donald Trump’s historic second impeachment:
What happens on today?Democratic House speaker Nancy Pelosi will send the article of impeachment to the Senate at 7pm EST (at midnight in the UK). The charge will be carried by Democratic impeachment managers in a small, formal procession through National Statuary Hall, where just weeks ago rioters paraded, waving Trump flags. In the Senate, Jamie Raskin, a Democrat from Maryland and the lead impeachment manager, will read the article of impeachment on the floor of the chamber.What happens on today?Democratic House speaker Nancy Pelosi will send the article of impeachment to the Senate at 7pm EST (at midnight in the UK). The charge will be carried by Democratic impeachment managers in a small, formal procession through National Statuary Hall, where just weeks ago rioters paraded, waving Trump flags. In the Senate, Jamie Raskin, a Democrat from Maryland and the lead impeachment manager, will read the article of impeachment on the floor of the chamber.
What happens next?Traditionally the trial would begin almost immediately but under the deal struck by Chuck Schumer, the majority leader, and Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader, the president’s team and the House managers will have until the week of 8 February to to draft and exchange written legal briefs.What happens next?Traditionally the trial would begin almost immediately but under the deal struck by Chuck Schumer, the majority leader, and Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader, the president’s team and the House managers will have until the week of 8 February to to draft and exchange written legal briefs.
What is the charge?Trump is accused of “inciting violence against the government of the United States”, for his statements at a rally prior to his supporters launching the attack on the Capitol in which five people died.What is the charge?Trump is accused of “inciting violence against the government of the United States”, for his statements at a rally prior to his supporters launching the attack on the Capitol in which five people died.
Will witnesses be called?That is not yet known. In Trump’s first impeachment trial, over approaches to Ukraine for dirt on political rivals, the Republican-held Senate refused to call witnesses. Now the Senate is in Democratic hands but many in the party are hoping for a speedy trial so as not to distract from Biden’s first weeks in the White House.Will witnesses be called?That is not yet known. In Trump’s first impeachment trial, over approaches to Ukraine for dirt on political rivals, the Republican-held Senate refused to call witnesses. Now the Senate is in Democratic hands but many in the party are hoping for a speedy trial so as not to distract from Biden’s first weeks in the White House.
If Trump is convicted what happens next?If Trump is convicted, there will be no immediate consequences as he has already left office. However, lawmakers could hold another vote to block him from running again. A simple majority would be needed to block him from holding “any office of honor, trust or profit under the United States”, blocking a White House run in 2024.If Trump is convicted what happens next?If Trump is convicted, there will be no immediate consequences as he has already left office. However, lawmakers could hold another vote to block him from running again. A simple majority would be needed to block him from holding “any office of honor, trust or profit under the United States”, blocking a White House run in 2024.
Read more of Lauren Gambino’s explainer here: Impeachment guide – how will Donald Trump’s second Senate trial unfold?Read more of Lauren Gambino’s explainer here: Impeachment guide – how will Donald Trump’s second Senate trial unfold?
Welcome to our live coverage of US politics for another week, on the day when we expect the next step in impeaching former president Donald Trump to take place. Here’s a quick catch-up on where we are and what we can expect to see today…Welcome to our live coverage of US politics for another week, on the day when we expect the next step in impeaching former president Donald Trump to take place. Here’s a quick catch-up on where we are and what we can expect to see today…
Nancy Pelosi and the House of Representatives will send their article of impeachment over the storming of the US Capitol to the Senate today. The former president is charged with ‘incitement of insurrection’. The move is expected to happen around 7pm ET (that’s around midnight in the UK).Nancy Pelosi and the House of Representatives will send their article of impeachment over the storming of the US Capitol to the Senate today. The former president is charged with ‘incitement of insurrection’. The move is expected to happen around 7pm ET (that’s around midnight in the UK).
President Joe Biden is expected to issue at least one more executive order today. It is anticipated to address the way federal government orders goods that are manufactured in the US.President Joe Biden is expected to issue at least one more executive order today. It is anticipated to address the way federal government orders goods that are manufactured in the US.
Sarah Sanders is expected to announce a run to be Arkansas governor. She is Trump’s former press secretary.Sarah Sanders is expected to announce a run to be Arkansas governor. She is Trump’s former press secretary.
Dr Antony Fauci has described himself as the ‘skunk at the picnic’ in Trump’s Covid team. In a candid interview he said “I felt it would be better for the country and better for the cause for me to stay, as opposed to walk away.”Dr Antony Fauci has described himself as the ‘skunk at the picnic’ in Trump’s Covid team. In a candid interview he said “I felt it would be better for the country and better for the cause for me to stay, as opposed to walk away.”
Yesterday the US recorded 130,485 new Covid cases and 1,769 further deaths. Numbers are often lower on Sundays due to the way the data is collected.Yesterday the US recorded 130,485 new Covid cases and 1,769 further deaths. Numbers are often lower on Sundays due to the way the data is collected.