Feb 03 WATCH: Senate debates budget resolution that could lead to COVID-19 relief funding By Associated Press Biden encouraged Democratic lawmakers to “act fast” on his $1.9 trillion COVID-19 rescue plan but also signaled he's open to changes, including limiting the proposed $1,400 direct payments to Americans with lower income levels. Continue reading
Feb 03 WATCH: Isabel Guzman, nominee for small business administrator, testifies during Senate confirmation hearing By Candice Norwood If confirmed, Guzman will be tasked with overseeing the Paycheck Protection Program and other initiatives to support small businesses that have been forced to close or scale back operations during the pandemic. Continue reading
Feb 03 WATCH: Education Secretary nominee Miguel Cardona pledges new guidance, more virus testing By Collin Binkley, Associated Press If approved, Cardona would oversee an Education Department that employs thousands and has an annual budget of more than $60 billion. He would also oversee the agency’s $1.5 trillion student loan portfolio. Continue reading
Feb 02 U.S. says Myanmar takeover was coup, promises sanction review By Ellen Knickmeyer, Associated Press The military power grab poses a challenge for the two-week-old Biden administration, which says it wants to support wobbly democracy movements globally — but also wants to avoid driving countries like Myanmar toward China. Continue reading
Feb 02 Watch 4:09 Biden rolls back Trump's immigration policies with a raft of initiatives By Yamiche Alcindor President Biden is out with a raft of initiatives Tuesday directed at the U.S. southern border, and the man who will manage immigration policies, Alejandro Mayorkas, is joining his Cabinet after being confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as… Continue watching
Feb 02 Watch 5:51 Biden's economic adviser on pandemic relief: 'We can't afford to wait another few months' President Biden appears ready to continue the push for his $1.9 trillion pandemic relief plan a day after he met with Senate Republicans to discuss its size and scope. Jared Bernstein, who was appointed to the White House Council of… Continue watching
Feb 02 WATCH: Senate Majority Leader Schumer holds press conference on COVID-19 aid By Associated Press "We are not going to dilute, dither or delay," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Tuesday at a Capitol Hill press conference, "The needs of the American people are just too great."… Continue reading
Feb 02 WATCH: Biden signs immigration orders as Congress awaits more By Elliot Spagat, Associated Press The latest batch of orders are light on immediate changes, though White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Biden will have more to share in the future and shifts will take time. Continue reading
Feb 02 Biden administration to provide COVID-19 vaccine to pharmacies By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, Associated Press White House coronavirus coordinator Jeff Zients said Tuesday the government will initially ship about 1 million doses to some 6,500 pharmacies around the country, starting next week. Continue reading
Feb 02 WATCH: White House's Psaki holds briefing on COVID-19 relief bill, Russia By Associated Press Members of Congress are setting up votes to fast-track the sweeping aid package toward eventual approval with or without Republican support. Continue reading