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
Dec 10 WATCH: With deadline looming, COVID-19 aid talks continue By Associated Press Even as negotiations continue, congressional leaders are placing blame on each other for the lack of a final COVID-19 relief bill. A one-week extension of a potential government shutdown appears to have sapped some urgency from the talks. Continue reading
Dec 09 WATCH: House Armed Services committee reviews findings of Fort Hood probe By Candice Norwood and Associated Press The hearing follows an announcement by the Army on Tuesday that it has fired or suspended 14 officers and enlisted soldiers at Fort Hood, Texas. Continue reading
Dec 04 WATCH: Pelosi optimistic, says momentum growing for COVID-19 relief By Andrew Taylor, Associated Press She told reporters Friday to expect a successful burst of legislative action to reverse months of frustration on pandemic relief. Continue reading