Dec 28 Trump signs massive pandemic relief package after criticizing deal By Associated Press President Donald Trump signed a $900 billion pandemic relief package Sunday, ending days of drama over his refusal to accept the bipartisan deal. Continue reading
Dec 26 Unemployment benefits for millions in limbo as Trump rages By Alexandra Olson, Jill Colvin, Associated Press Unemployment benefits for millions of Americans struggling to make ends meet were set to lapse at midnight Saturday unless President Donald Trump signed an end-of-year COVID relief and spending bill that had been considered a done deal before his sudden… Continue reading
Dec 25 Trump golfs in Florida as COVID-19 relief hangs in the balance By Jill Colvin, Associated Press After tossing a grenade that threatens to blow up a massive COVID relief and government funding bill and force a government shutdown in the midst of a pandemic, President Donald Trump was golfing on Christmas for a second straight day. Continue reading
Dec 20 Deal on Fed removes obstacle to agreement on virus aid bill By Andrew Taylor, Christopher Rugaber, Associated Press Top congressional lawmakers struck a late-night agreement on the last major obstacle to a COVID-19 economic relief package costing nearly $1 trillion, clearing the way for votes as early as Sunday. Continue reading
Dec 19 Fight over Fed powers stalls $900 billion aid plan By Andrew Taylor, Associated Press An arcane battle over emergency Federal Reserve powers is frustrating efforts to lock down an agreement on an almost $1 trillion COVID-19 economic relief package. Saturday’s impasse is just the latest stumble in a partisan, monthslong fight, and feelings hardened… Continue reading
Dec 18 Transition stumbles test Biden’s bond with Capitol Hill By Lisa Mascaro, Associated Press President-elect Joe Biden brings more Capitol Hill experience than any president in decades, but his transition has stumbled in ways large and small, exposing the challenges of navigating a Congress that is a different place than when he last served… Continue reading
Dec 18 Shutdown deadline looms over COVID-19 relief talks By Andrew Taylor, Associated Press Bearing down on a midnight shutdown deadline, top negotiators on a must-pass, almost $1 trillion COVID-19 economic relief package are committed to sealing an agreement Friday as they resolve remaining differences in hopes of passing the legislation this weekend. Continue reading
Dec 11 COVID relief negotiations stumble near finish line. What’s next? By Lisa Desjardins Lawmakers have worked feverishly and have nearly reached a deal, but the final points of disagreement, over COVID-related lawsuits and funding for state and local governments, have proven to be treacherous for compromise. Continue reading
Dec 11 Senate sends Trump defense bill he has vowed to veto By Matthew Daly, Associated Press The final vote was 84-13, mirroring a similarly overwhelming margin in the House that, if maintained in both chambers, would be enough to override a potential veto. Continue reading
Dec 10 CDC official says she was ordered to delete an email suggesting attempted interference by Trump administration, probe finds By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, Associated Press A senior manager with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has told congressional investigators she was ordered to delete an email suggesting attempted political interference by the Trump administration in coronavirus reports to the public. Continue reading