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| Covid vaccines mandated for employees of a US federal agency for the first time – live | Covid vaccines mandated for employees of a US federal agency for the first time – live |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| Veterans affairs secretary says it’s ‘best way to keep our veterans safe’ while Psaki says mandates are individual matter for companies and communities | Veterans affairs secretary says it’s ‘best way to keep our veterans safe’ while Psaki says mandates are individual matter for companies and communities |
| Steny Hoyer, the House majority leader, said that key Trump officials are likely to be called before the select committee on the 6 January attack on the capitol. | |
| “I do want to say, anybody and everybody who has relevant knowledge ... the who, what, where, when and why” of the insurrection should be called to testify, Hoyer told NBC’s Kelly O’Donnell. | |
| Meanwhile, Liz Cheney, one of two Republicans who accepted Nancy Pelosi’s invitation to join the committee, dismissed House minority leader Kevin McCarthy’s comment that she was a “Pelosi Republican”. | |
| “I think that’s pretty childish,” she said. | |
| The committee will hear tomorrow from two members of the Capitol police and another two members of DC’s Metropolitan police who served at the Capitol during the attack. | |
| That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Maanvi Singh, will take over the blog for the next few hours. | That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Maanvi Singh, 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: |
| The Department of Veterans Affairs became the first government agency to mandate coronavirus vaccinations for employees. Veterans affairs secretary Denis McDonough told the New York Times: “I am doing this because it’s the best way to keep our veterans safe, full stop.” The announcement came as the US deals with a surge in new cases among unvaccinated Americans. | The Department of Veterans Affairs became the first government agency to mandate coronavirus vaccinations for employees. Veterans affairs secretary Denis McDonough told the New York Times: “I am doing this because it’s the best way to keep our veterans safe, full stop.” The announcement came as the US deals with a surge in new cases among unvaccinated Americans. |
| Dozens of medical groups called for health care facilities to require vaccinations for their workers. The groups, which included the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, described a vaccination mandate as the “logical fulfillment of the ethical commitment of all healthcare workers to put patients as well as residents of long-term care facilities first and take all steps necessary to ensure their health and wellbeing”. | Dozens of medical groups called for health care facilities to require vaccinations for their workers. The groups, which included the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, described a vaccination mandate as the “logical fulfillment of the ethical commitment of all healthcare workers to put patients as well as residents of long-term care facilities first and take all steps necessary to ensure their health and wellbeing”. |
| All New York city workers will be required to get vaccinated, the mayor Bill de Blasio announced this morning. Starting 13 September, all city employees will either need to get vaccinated or receive weekly coronavirus tests. “Let’s be clear about why this is so important: this is about our recovery,” de Blasio said. | All New York city workers will be required to get vaccinated, the mayor Bill de Blasio announced this morning. Starting 13 September, all city employees will either need to get vaccinated or receive weekly coronavirus tests. “Let’s be clear about why this is so important: this is about our recovery,” de Blasio said. |
| Trump ally Tom Barrack pleaded not guilty to charges of illegal lobbying for the United Arab Emirates. Barrack, who served as the chair of Donald Trump’s 2017 inaugural committee, has also been charged with obstruction of justice and making multiple false statements to federal agents. | Trump ally Tom Barrack pleaded not guilty to charges of illegal lobbying for the United Arab Emirates. Barrack, who served as the chair of Donald Trump’s 2017 inaugural committee, has also been charged with obstruction of justice and making multiple false statements to federal agents. |
| Biden commemorated the 31st anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The president announced that some Americans with long-term symptoms of coronavirus qualify for ADA protections, including accommodations in schools and offices to guarantee their success. | Biden commemorated the 31st anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The president announced that some Americans with long-term symptoms of coronavirus qualify for ADA protections, including accommodations in schools and offices to guarantee their success. |
| Maanvi will have more coming up, so stay tuned. | Maanvi will have more coming up, so stay tuned. |
| However, retired Army General Barry McCaffrey said that Joe Biden’s announcement about the US policy in Iraq is “not very significant at all”. | However, retired Army General Barry McCaffrey said that Joe Biden’s announcement about the US policy in Iraq is “not very significant at all”. |
| “We haven’t been in a combat mission there for a couple years. It’s a train and advise,” McCaffrey told MSNBC. | “We haven’t been in a combat mission there for a couple years. It’s a train and advise,” McCaffrey told MSNBC. |
| “So I don’t know what’s coming out of this, primarily that they’re trying to take the heat off the Iraqi prime minister and redefine the public face of the US presence.” | “So I don’t know what’s coming out of this, primarily that they’re trying to take the heat off the Iraqi prime minister and redefine the public face of the US presence.” |
| Joe Biden has just made some news in the Oval Office, while meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi. | Joe Biden has just made some news in the Oval Office, while meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi. |
| Biden first welcomed the prime minister to the White House, saying, “Iraq has been a vital partner for the United States for some time now in the Middle East, and I’ve engaged deeply in Iraq for my entire career.” | Biden first welcomed the prime minister to the White House, saying, “Iraq has been a vital partner for the United States for some time now in the Middle East, and I’ve engaged deeply in Iraq for my entire career.” |
| As reporters were being shuffled out of the Oval Office, the president answered a couple questions about the future of the US-Iraqi partnership. | As reporters were being shuffled out of the Oval Office, the president answered a couple questions about the future of the US-Iraqi partnership. |
| Biden pledged that the US will “continue to train, to assist, to help and to deal with Isis as it arrives” in Iraq. | Biden pledged that the US will “continue to train, to assist, to help and to deal with Isis as it arrives” in Iraq. |
| “But we are not going to be, by the end of the year, in a combat mission,” Biden said. | “But we are not going to be, by the end of the year, in a combat mission,” Biden said. |
| The president’s comments come as the US military also looks to complete its withdrawal from Afghanistan by the end of next month. | The president’s comments come as the US military also looks to complete its withdrawal from Afghanistan by the end of next month. |
| Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer said the upper chamber may stay in session through the weekend to get the bipartisan infrastructure bill passed. | Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer said the upper chamber may stay in session through the weekend to get the bipartisan infrastructure bill passed. |
| “I am fully committed to passing a bipartisan infrastructure bill,” Schumer said on the Senate floor moments ago. | “I am fully committed to passing a bipartisan infrastructure bill,” Schumer said on the Senate floor moments ago. |
| “Since senators are still finalizing the text of the agreement, senators should be on notice that the Senate may stay in session through the weekend in order to finish the bill.” | “Since senators are still finalizing the text of the agreement, senators should be on notice that the Senate may stay in session through the weekend in order to finish the bill.” |
| Schumer also reiterated his warning that the Senate may work through their previously scheduled August recess if a bill is not passed by then. | Schumer also reiterated his warning that the Senate may work through their previously scheduled August recess if a bill is not passed by then. |
| The Senate voted on a motion to proceed on the bill last Wednesday, but the motion failed, as Republicans insisted that a final deal be reached before the chamber takes up the legislation. | The Senate voted on a motion to proceed on the bill last Wednesday, but the motion failed, as Republicans insisted that a final deal be reached before the chamber takes up the legislation. |
| And new problems arose in the bipartisan negotiations today, with Republicans accusing Democrats of walking away from previous promises. | And new problems arose in the bipartisan negotiations today, with Republicans accusing Democrats of walking away from previous promises. |
| At the White House briefing earlier, Jen Psaki mentioned a story that attracted a lot of attention at the weekend, that of Tennessee conservative radio host Phil Valentine and his battle with Covid. | At the White House briefing earlier, Jen Psaki mentioned a story that attracted a lot of attention at the weekend, that of Tennessee conservative radio host Phil Valentine and his battle with Covid. |
| Valentine doubted and mocked vaccination efforts – even singing a cod-Beatles song, Vaxman – but then ended up seriously ill in hospital with Covid-19. | Valentine doubted and mocked vaccination efforts – even singing a cod-Beatles song, Vaxman – but then ended up seriously ill in hospital with Covid-19. |
| Psaki said: “Some of those, like a radio host in Tennessee, are saying from their hospital bed that they plan to be a strong advocate for the vaccine after recovering from severe illness because of Covid.” | Psaki said: “Some of those, like a radio host in Tennessee, are saying from their hospital bed that they plan to be a strong advocate for the vaccine after recovering from severe illness because of Covid.” |
| Our original story about Valentine’s experience, from Saturday, is here. | Our original story about Valentine’s experience, from Saturday, is here. |
| It contains a statement from Valentine’s family, which said: “Phil would like for his listeners to know that while he has never been an ‘anti-vaxer’ he regrets not being more vehemently ‘pro-vaccine’, and looks forward to being able to more vigorously advocate that as soon as he is back on the air.” | It contains a statement from Valentine’s family, which said: “Phil would like for his listeners to know that while he has never been an ‘anti-vaxer’ he regrets not being more vehemently ‘pro-vaccine’, and looks forward to being able to more vigorously advocate that as soon as he is back on the air.” |
| His radio station has since provided updates on his health: | His radio station has since provided updates on his health: |
| Joe Biden has been speaking to reporters at the White House, where he is meeting the Iraqi prime minister, Mustafa al-Kadhimi, and he has confirmed that the Department of Veterans Affairs will become the first federal agency to mandate Covid-19 vaccinations among staff, in this case in frontline healthcare roles. | Joe Biden has been speaking to reporters at the White House, where he is meeting the Iraqi prime minister, Mustafa al-Kadhimi, and he has confirmed that the Department of Veterans Affairs will become the first federal agency to mandate Covid-19 vaccinations among staff, in this case in frontline healthcare roles. |
| The New York Times reported the move shortly after Jen Psaki finished a White House press briefing replete with questions about whether such mandates would enter administration policy. | The New York Times reported the move shortly after Jen Psaki finished a White House press briefing replete with questions about whether such mandates would enter administration policy. |
| Veterans affairs secretary Denis McDonough, a former White House chief of staff, told the Times he had told the White House about the move and added: “I am doing this because it’s the best way to keep our veterans safe, full stop.” | Veterans affairs secretary Denis McDonough, a former White House chief of staff, told the Times he had told the White House about the move and added: “I am doing this because it’s the best way to keep our veterans safe, full stop.” |
| Clay Higgins, a Republican congressman from Louisiana who has criticised mask mandates and other public health measures during the coronavirus pandemic, has announced that he, his wife and son have contracted Covid-19. | Clay Higgins, a Republican congressman from Louisiana who has criticised mask mandates and other public health measures during the coronavirus pandemic, has announced that he, his wife and son have contracted Covid-19. |
| Higgins, who has not said if he has been vaccinated, announced the news on Facebook on Sunday night. He said he and his wife were infected last year. | Higgins, who has not said if he has been vaccinated, announced the news on Facebook on Sunday night. He said he and his wife were infected last year. |
| “This episode is far more challenging,” he wrote. “It has required all my devoted energy. We are all under excellent care and our prognosis is positive.” | “This episode is far more challenging,” he wrote. “It has required all my devoted energy. We are all under excellent care and our prognosis is positive.” |
| In May, Higgins wrote on Facebook: “If you want to get vaccinated, get vaccinated. If you want to wear a mask, wear a mask. If you don’t, then don’t. That’s your right as a free American.” | In May, Higgins wrote on Facebook: “If you want to get vaccinated, get vaccinated. If you want to wear a mask, wear a mask. If you don’t, then don’t. That’s your right as a free American.” |
| Amid dwindling vaccination rates, Higgins’ state is among those experiencing a fourth surge of Covid cases. | Amid dwindling vaccination rates, Higgins’ state is among those experiencing a fourth surge of Covid cases. |
| Last December, a 41-year-old Republican congressman-elect from Louisiana, Luke Letlow, died from complications from Covid-19. | Last December, a 41-year-old Republican congressman-elect from Louisiana, Luke Letlow, died from complications from Covid-19. |
| Steve Scalise, another Louisiana Republican and as House Minority Whip a key member of party leadership in Washington, said recently that he only got vaccinated this month, because he thought he had immunity because he previously tested positive for coronavirus antibodies. | Steve Scalise, another Louisiana Republican and as House Minority Whip a key member of party leadership in Washington, said recently that he only got vaccinated this month, because he thought he had immunity because he previously tested positive for coronavirus antibodies. |
| Last week, the Florida Republican Vern Buchanan announced a positive test. He said he had been fully vaccinated and was experiencing mild symptoms. | Last week, the Florida Republican Vern Buchanan announced a positive test. He said he had been fully vaccinated and was experiencing mild symptoms. |
| Here’s Jessica Glenza on the problem of vaccine hesitancy: | Here’s Jessica Glenza on the problem of vaccine hesitancy: |
| The New York Times reports that the Department of Veterans Affairs will become the first federal agency to mandate vaccinations for employees, in this case 115,000 frontline healthcare workers who look after those who have served in the US military. | The New York Times reports that the Department of Veterans Affairs will become the first federal agency to mandate vaccinations for employees, in this case 115,000 frontline healthcare workers who look after those who have served in the US military. |
| The move follows similar by New York City earlier today. | The move follows similar by New York City earlier today. |
| Veterans affairs secretary Denis McDonough, a former White House chief of staff under Barack Obama, told the Times: “I am doing this because it’s the best way to keep our veterans safe, full stop.” | Veterans affairs secretary Denis McDonough, a former White House chief of staff under Barack Obama, told the Times: “I am doing this because it’s the best way to keep our veterans safe, full stop.” |
| At the White House earlier, press secretary Jen Psaki said mandates on vaccinations were a matter for individual companies and communities. | At the White House earlier, press secretary Jen Psaki said mandates on vaccinations were a matter for individual companies and communities. |
| McDonough told the Times he had told the White House about his decision. | McDonough told the Times he had told the White House about his decision. |
| The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has said it will revise a Donald Trump-era rule that allowed coal-fired power plants to dump certain toxins into rivers and streams. | The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has said it will revise a Donald Trump-era rule that allowed coal-fired power plants to dump certain toxins into rivers and streams. |
| The EPA said it will draw up a new rule later this year to strengthen wastewater pollution regulations for coal plants that produce electricity. The agency hopes the new rule will be in place by the end of Joe Biden’s first term in office. | The EPA said it will draw up a new rule later this year to strengthen wastewater pollution regulations for coal plants that produce electricity. The agency hopes the new rule will be in place by the end of Joe Biden’s first term in office. |
| Under Trump, the EPA allowed plant operators to avoid or delay installing equipment that ensured toxins such as lead and mercury did not seep into waterways. | Under Trump, the EPA allowed plant operators to avoid or delay installing equipment that ensured toxins such as lead and mercury did not seep into waterways. |
| The agency will continue to use this weaker standard until the new rule comes into force, which has disappointed green groups that voiced dismay at the barrage of environmental protections rolled back by the former president. | The agency will continue to use this weaker standard until the new rule comes into force, which has disappointed green groups that voiced dismay at the barrage of environmental protections rolled back by the former president. |
| “EPA is committed to science-based policy decisions to protect our natural resources and public health,” said Michael Regan, administrator of the EPA. | “EPA is committed to science-based policy decisions to protect our natural resources and public health,” said Michael Regan, administrator of the EPA. |