rollcall--2020-12-14--In a GOP Senate, Biden’s Cabinet faces a gauntlet

ANALYSIS — Democrats are worried that President Joe Biden will struggle to get his Cabinet in place after Inauguration Day .
They have reason to be , if they don ’ t win both Georgia Senate seats up for grabs in runoff elections on Jan. 5 .
If Republicans win at least one of the two , Biden will be the first Democratic president since Grover Cleveland to take office without a Senate controlled by his party .
And that milestone would come at an unfortunate time for Biden , as it would coincide with a moment of intense partisanship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unlikely Republicans would block all or most of Biden ’ s Cabinet picks , though they could if they win at least one of the two Georgia seats .
More likely , Biden can expect that at least a few of his nominees will be turned back , while others will have to run a gauntlet of hearings and procedural votes before winning their place in the Cabinet .
“ Biden says he wants unity , but his choices for cabinet positions say otherwise , ” tweeted Arkansas Republican Tom Cotton , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s choices , including California Attorney General Xavier Becerra for Health and Human Services secretary and Alejandro Mayorkas , who served in President Barack Obama ’ s Homeland Security Department , as its new secretary .
Mike Rounds of South Dakota says the Senate won ’ t hurry to confirm Biden ’ s picks , while Kevin Cramer of North Dakota warns that Republican senators will take a lesson from Democrats ’ vociferous opposition to President Donald Trump ’ s nominees .

ANALYSIS — Democrats are worried that President Joe Biden will struggle to get his Cabinet in place after Inauguration Day.
They have reason to be, if they don’t win both Georgia Senate seats up for grabs in runoff elections on Jan. 5. If Republicans win at least one of the two, Biden will be the first Democratic president since Grover Cleveland to take office without a Senate controlled by his party.
And that milestone would come at an unfortunate time for Biden, as it would coincide with a moment of intense partisanship on confirmation votes. It’s unlikely Republicans would block all or most of Biden’s Cabinet picks, though they could if they win at least one of the two Georgia seats. More likely, Biden can expect that at least a few of his nominees will be turned back, while others will have to run a gantlet of hearings and procedural votes before winning their place in the Cabinet.
“Biden says he wants unity, but his choices for cabinet positions say otherwise,” tweeted Arkansas Republican Tom Cotton, who’s blasted a number of Biden’s choices, including California Attorney General Xavier Becerra for Health and Human Services secretary and Alejandro Mayorkas, who served in President Barack Obama’s Homeland Security Department, as its new secretary.
Mike Rounds of South Dakota says the Senate won’t hurry to confirm Biden’s picks, while Kevin Cramer of North Dakota warns that Republican senators will take a lesson from Democrats’ vociferous opposition to President Donald Trump’s nominees.


rollcall--2020-12-14--Georgia turnout efforts ramp up with November lessons in mind

Both parties are ramping up their turnout efforts for the pair of Georgia Senate runoffs on Jan. 5 as early voting starts Monday .
And they ’ re also keeping some lessons from November in mind .
For Democrats , that means expanding in-person campaigning , which was largely put on hold before the November elections because of the pandemic .
Republicans are working to make sure their voters , who believe President Donald Trump ’ s unsubstantiated claims that the Georgia election was stolen , still cast their ballots .
It ’ s not just the campaigns and state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national parties and a constellation of outside groups are barnstorming the state , with Senate control on the line .
If Jon Ossoff , a former congressional staffer and documentary filmmaker , defeats GOP Sen. David Perdue and Raphael Warnock , a pastor , defeats appointed GOP Sen. Kelly Loeffler , Democrats will control both chambers of Congress and the White House .
“ It ’ s really not an exaggeration to say we are in an unprecedented situation , ” said Tim Phillips , senior adviser for Americans for Prosperity Action , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 12 million on turnout efforts in Georgia , with more than 200 staffers on the ground and plans to knock on 1 million doors .
These mobilization efforts are critical because turnout historically drops in special elections and runoffs .
The last time the Peach State hosted a Senate runoff , in 2008 , turnout dropped 43 percent , from nearly 3.8 million voters in November to just over 2.1 million in a December runoff .

Both parties are ramping up their turnout efforts for the pair of Georgia Senate runoffs on Jan. 5 as early voting starts Monday. And they’re also keeping some lessons from November in mind.
For Democrats, that means expanding in-person campaigning, which was largely put on hold before the November elections because of the pandemic. Republicans are working to make sure their voters, who believe President Donald Trump’s unsubstantiated claims that the Georgia election was stolen, still cast their ballots.
It’s not just the campaigns and state parties working to mobilize voters. The national parties and a constellation of outside groups are barnstorming the state, with Senate control on the line. If Jon Ossoff, a former congressional staffer and documentary filmmaker, defeats GOP Sen. David Perdue and Raphael Warnock, a pastor, defeats appointed GOP Sen. Kelly Loeffler, Democrats will control both chambers of Congress and the White House.
“It’s really not an exaggeration to say we are in an unprecedented situation,” said Tim Phillips, senior adviser for Americans for Prosperity Action, a conservative group that’s spending $12 million on turnout efforts in Georgia, with more than 200 staffers on the ground and plans to knock on 1 million doors.
These mobilization efforts are critical because turnout historically drops in special elections and runoffs. The last time the Peach State hosted a Senate runoff, in 2008, turnout dropped 43 percent, from nearly 3.8 million voters in November to just over 2.1 million in a December runoff.


rollcall--2020-12-14--Provisions for cleaner energy pushed for spending bill

Lawmakers are coalescing around a bipartisan deal that would fold into the government funding bill a slate of energy provisions including measures on nuclear power , carbon capture , energy efficiency , renewables , grid modernization and the reduction of highly potent greenhouse gases called hydrofluorocarbons .
Whether the draft legislation has the support of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was unclear Monday night after her deputy chief of staff , Drew Hammill , tweeted that the California Democrat worried the measure had inadequate protections under the Davis-Bacon Act , which requires workers on federal projects to be paid prevailing wages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweets about a conversation Pelosi had with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin about the relief bill , Hammill tweeted : `` The Speaker conveyed that the remaining open items on omnibus could be readily resolved and enlisted the Secretary ’ s help in the discussion of inadequate Davis-Bacon protections in the energy section… '' The energy section of the broader $ 1.4 trillion spending package for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1 includes priorities for both parties .
Text of that legislation is expected to be published Tuesday and contains a series of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Lisa Murkowski , R-Alaska , chairwoman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee , unveiled in the spring with ranking member Sen. Joe Manchin III , D-W.V.
, according to people familiar with the matter .

Lawmakers are coalescing around a bipartisan deal that would fold into the government funding bill a slate of energy provisions including measures on nuclear power, carbon capture, energy efficiency, renewables, grid modernization and the reduction of highly potent greenhouse gases called hydrofluorocarbons.
Whether the draft legislation has the support of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was unclear Monday night after her deputy chief of staff, Drew Hammill, tweeted that the California Democrat worried the measure had inadequate protections under the Davis-Bacon Act, which requires workers on federal projects to be paid prevailing wages.
In one of a series of tweets about a conversation Pelosi had with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin about the relief bill, Hammill tweeted: "The Speaker conveyed that the remaining open items on omnibus could be readily resolved and enlisted the Secretary’s help in the discussion of inadequate Davis-Bacon protections in the energy section…"
The energy section of the broader $1.4 trillion spending package for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1 includes priorities for both parties.
Text of that legislation is expected to be published Tuesday and contains a series of measures from a sweeping energy bill that Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, chairwoman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, unveiled in the spring with ranking member Sen. Joe Manchin III, D-W.V., according to people familiar with the matter.


rollcall--2020-12-14--Biden thanks Senate Republicans for acknowledging his Electoral College victory

President-elect Joe Biden took a moment to thank Senate Republicans finally acknowledging his victory in the 2020 election after Monday ’ s meeting of the Electoral College .
“ I am pleased , but not surprised , that a number of my former Republican colleagues in the Senate have acknowledged the results of the Electoral College .
I thank them .
I am convinced we can work together for the good of the nation , ” Biden said during remarks to the nation Monday evening after formally receiving 306 Electoral College votes .
“ That is the duty owed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to history.
” The sentiment among Senate Republicans was not universal on Monday , but it was clear that many members of the conference saw it as a formal opportunity to publicly recognize reality even as President Donald Trump and his advisers deny it .
Sen. Roy Blunt , R-Mo.
, who as chairman of the Rules and Administration Committee also oversees the Joint Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies , said Trump may still have legal options but the committee is moving forward with preparations to inaugurate a new president .
“ With today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has fulfilled its Constitutional role in determining the president and vice president-elect .
While the electoral process moves toward a final conclusion , planning for the Inaugural Ceremonies at the Capitol must continue , ” Blunt said in a statement .
“ I will , as Chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies , work with President-elect Biden and his Presidential Inaugural Committee to plan for the swearing-in ceremony on January 20 .
”

President-elect Joe Biden took a moment to thank Senate Republicans finally acknowledging his victory in the 2020 election after Monday’s meeting of the Electoral College.
“I am pleased, but not surprised, that a number of my former Republican colleagues in the Senate have acknowledged the results of the Electoral College. I thank them. I am convinced we can work together for the good of the nation,” Biden said during remarks to the nation Monday evening after formally receiving 306 Electoral College votes. “That is the duty owed to the people, to our Constitution and to history.”
The sentiment among Senate Republicans was not universal on Monday, but it was clear that many members of the conference saw it as a formal opportunity to publicly recognize reality even as President Donald Trump and his advisers deny it.
Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., who as chairman of the Rules and Administration Committee also oversees the Joint Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, said Trump may still have legal options but the committee is moving forward with preparations to inaugurate a new president.
“With today’s vote, the Electoral College has fulfilled its Constitutional role in determining the president and vice president-elect. While the electoral process moves toward a final conclusion, planning for the Inaugural Ceremonies at the Capitol must continue,” Blunt said in a statement. “I will, as Chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, work with President-elect Biden and his Presidential Inaugural Committee to plan for the swearing-in ceremony on January 20.”


rollcall--2020-12-14--William Barr steps down as attorney general

President Donald Trump on Monday said Attorney General William Barr will step down after nearly two years as the nation ’ s top law enforcement officer and a chief adversary of House Democrats ’ efforts to oversee the Trump administration .
Trump announced Barr ’ s departure from the Justice Department , set for Dec. 23 , in a tweet that portrayed that the two remained amicable despite the president ’ s recent criticism on some parts of Barr ’ s performance .
“ Our relationship has been a very good one , he has done an outstanding job !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be leaving just before Christmas to spend the holidays with his family.
” Trump posted a resignation letter from Barr that included fawning reviews of Trump ’ s tenure in the White House that went well beyond the Justice Department and mentioned the military , the economy , peace in the Middle East , immigration , judicial appointments and a vaccine for COVID-19 .
Barr ’ s letter tells Trump that “ few could have weathered ” a “ partisan onslaught against you in which no tactic , no matter how abusive and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

President Donald Trump on Monday said Attorney General William Barr will step down after nearly two years as the nation’s top law enforcement officer and a chief adversary of House Democrats’ efforts to oversee the Trump administration.
Trump announced Barr’s departure from the Justice Department, set for Dec. 23, in a tweet that portrayed that the two remained amicable despite the president’s recent criticism on some parts of Barr’s performance.
“Our relationship has been a very good one, he has done an outstanding job!” Trump wrote. “Bill will be leaving just before Christmas to spend the holidays with his family.”
Trump posted a resignation letter from Barr that included fawning reviews of Trump’s tenure in the White House that went well beyond the Justice Department and mentioned the military, the economy, peace in the Middle East, immigration, judicial appointments and a vaccine for COVID-19.
Barr’s letter tells Trump that “few could have weathered” a “partisan onslaught against you in which no tactic, no matter how abusive and deceitful, was out of bounds.”


rollcall--2020-12-14--Rep. Paul Mitchell leaves GOP, citing ‘unacceptable’ postelection behavior

Retiring Michigan Rep. Paul Mitchell is leaving the GOP to become an independent , he announced Monday , saying the party has taken a turn for the worse with leaders ’ behavior since Election Day .
In a letter to Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California , Mitchell criticized the party for going along with President Donald Trump 's nonconcession after losing to President-elect Joe Biden and for launching false and misleading attacks on the integrity of the election .
“ This party has to stand up for democracy first for our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said to CNN ’ s Jake Tapper , adding , “ not simply for raw political power .
And that ’ s what I feel is going on , and I ’ ve had enough.
” Mitchell , who was first elected in 2016 and didn ’ t run again this year , said that though he is leaving the party he will still endorse and assist candidates he shares views with .
Mitchell said he has supported the administration most of the time and been active with the national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s time to cut ties .
On CNN , Mitchell was also critical of a Republican-led attempt from Texas that challenged election results from Pennsylvania , Georgia , Michigan and Wisconsin , states key to Biden ’ s victory .
The Supreme Court dismissed that case on Friday .

Retiring Michigan Rep. Paul Mitchell is leaving the GOP to become an independent, he announced Monday, saying the party has taken a turn for the worse with leaders’ behavior since Election Day.
In a letter to Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California, Mitchell criticized the party for going along with President Donald Trump's nonconcession after losing to President-elect Joe Biden and for launching false and misleading attacks on the integrity of the election.
“This party has to stand up for democracy first for our Constitution first, and not political considerations,” he said to CNN’s Jake Tapper, adding, “not simply for raw political power. And that’s what I feel is going on, and I’ve had enough.”
Mitchell, who was first elected in 2016 and didn’t run again this year, said that though he is leaving the party he will still endorse and assist candidates he shares views with. Mitchell said he has supported the administration most of the time and been active with the national and state party, but said it’s time to cut ties.
On CNN, Mitchell was also critical of a Republican-led attempt from Texas that challenged election results from Pennsylvania, Georgia, Michigan and Wisconsin, states key to Biden’s victory. The Supreme Court dismissed that case on Friday.


rollcall--2020-12-14--The Transition: Will White House officials and Congress be among the first to get the COVID-19 vacci

The Transition: Will White House officials and Congress be among the first to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

We ’ re delving into why White House officials and members of Congress may be at the head of the @ @ @ @ @ vaccine .
CQ Roll Call ’ s Niels Lesniewski has more .
We ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ Zeller what Joe Biden ’ s Cabinet nominees may face if the Senate doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ Tully-McManus hosts this special edition of the Political Theater podcast .
• Trump must decide @ @ @ @ @ or veto massive defense bill • Roberts leaves Senate with warning about attacks on food @ @ @ @ @ software vendor to gain access to US agencies • Georgia turnout efforts ramp up with @ @ @ @

Katherine Tully-McManus, Joanne Levine, and Evan Campbell

We’re delving into why White House officials and members of Congress may be at the head of the line to get a COVID-19 vaccine. CQ Roll Call’s Niels Lesniewski has more. We’ll also explore with our Shawn Zeller what Joe Biden’s Cabinet nominees may face if the Senate doesn’t flip blue. Katherine Tully-McManus hosts this special edition of the Political Theater podcast.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-12-14--Business lobbies prod Congress on COVID relief

The coronavirus pandemic has hit beer makers ’ bottom lines , and like other industries , they ’ re pleading with Congress to help .
The Beer Institute , a lobbying group for large and small brewers , estimates a $ 22 billion drop in sales .
Many small brewers are simply “ struggling to survive , ” Jim McGreevy , the group ’ s president and CEO , said during a Zoom interview with CQ Roll Call .
The Beer Institute , restaurateurs , small-business owners and big-business lobbies are mounting a desperate year-end push , urging lawmakers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifeline to struggling companies and to aid the overall economy .
It comes after months of wrangling over politics , funding disputes and disagreement over potential liability protections for companies .
COVID-19 relief has dominated the K Street agenda nearly all year as the pandemic cratered the nation ’ s economy .
And even with the earliest vaccines making their way to medical workers this week , U.S. companies and their lobbyists say they still urgently need Congress to act .
Not only are lobbyists such as McGreevy , making the case , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are making the pitch to congressional leaders and their own lawmakers .

The coronavirus pandemic has hit beer makers’ bottom lines, and like other industries, they’re pleading with Congress to help.
The Beer Institute, a lobbying group for large and small brewers, estimates a $22 billion drop in sales. Many small brewers are simply “struggling to survive,” Jim McGreevy, the group’s president and CEO, said during a Zoom interview with CQ Roll Call.
The Beer Institute, restaurateurs, small-business owners and big-business lobbies are mounting a desperate year-end push, urging lawmakers to approve new COVID-19 relief legislation as a lifeline to struggling companies and to aid the overall economy. It comes after months of wrangling over politics, funding disputes and disagreement over potential liability protections for companies.
COVID-19 relief has dominated the K Street agenda nearly all year as the pandemic cratered the nation’s economy. And even with the earliest vaccines making their way to medical workers this week, U.S. companies and their lobbyists say they still urgently need Congress to act.
Not only are lobbyists such as McGreevy, making the case, but so are local business owners who are making the pitch to congressional leaders and their own lawmakers.


rollcall--2020-12-14--Russians hack into software vendor to gain access to US agencies

Russian hackers working for the Kremlin are said to have gained access to top U.S. federal agencies , including the Treasury , Commerce and Homeland Security departments , as well as Fortune 500 companies by breaking into SolarWinds , a provider of network management software to large public and private organizations .
“ As we learned in the NotPetya attacks , software supply chain attacks of this nature can have devastating and wide-ranging effects — whether it ’ s via niche Ukrainian tax software or , as here , network management tools relied upon by some of the world ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , D-Va. , the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee , said in a statement .
Warner was referring to the 2017 attack on Ukraine ’ s M.E .
Doc software , the equivalent of TurboTax or Quicken in the United States , which was hijacked by Russian military hackers who injected a malware called NotPetya into the software .
The malware spread on its own from computer to computer and leaped across countries , taking down giant corporations such as the shipping company Maersk .
On its now deleted customer list @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 425 of the Fortune 500 companies , including Microsoft , Lockheed Martin and Ford Motor Co. , as well as all “ five branches of the U.S. military , ” the Pentagon , Justice Department , State Department , and the “ Office of the President of the United States.
” The company also mentioned the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , the U.S. Air Force and the Federal Reserve among its customers .
The company took down its customer page from its website after news of the attack , but a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Russian hackers working for the Kremlin are said to have gained access to top U.S. federal agencies, including the Treasury, Commerce and Homeland Security departments, as well as Fortune 500 companies by breaking into SolarWinds, a provider of network management software to large public and private organizations.
“As we learned in the NotPetya attacks, software supply chain attacks of this nature can have devastating and wide-ranging effects — whether it’s via niche Ukrainian tax software or, as here, network management tools relied upon by some of the world’s largest companies,” Mark Warner, D-Va., the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said in a statement.
Warner was referring to the 2017 attack on Ukraine’s M.E. Doc software, the equivalent of TurboTax or Quicken in the United States, which was hijacked by Russian military hackers who injected a malware called NotPetya into the software. The malware spread on its own from computer to computer and leaped across countries, taking down giant corporations such as the shipping company Maersk.
On its now deleted customer list page, SolarWinds said its clients included 425 of the Fortune 500 companies, including Microsoft, Lockheed Martin and Ford Motor Co., as well as all “five branches of the U.S. military,” the Pentagon, Justice Department, State Department, and the “Office of the President of the United States.”
The company also mentioned the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Air Force and the Federal Reserve among its customers. The company took down its customer page from its website after news of the attack, but a copy was stored on the Internet Archive.


rollcall--2020-12-14--Trump must decide before Christmas whether to sign or veto massive defense bill

President Donald Trump , who has threatened to veto the fiscal 2021 defense authorization bill , has until Dec. 23 @ @ @ @ @ sign it into law , congressional aides said Monday .
The Senate cleared the $ @ @ @ @ @ 11 , and it was quickly enrolled and delivered to the White House the next @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the Constitution , a president has 10 days , excluding Sundays , @ @ @ @ @ bill , setting up the Dec. 23 deadline for Trump ’ s decision .
If @ @ @ @ @ the 10 days , the bill could get scuttled in a so-called pocket veto , @ @ @ @ @ take procedural steps to avoid that scenario .
House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer has @ @ @ @ @ a pocket veto to happen .
Trump has threatened to veto the measure , known @ @ @ @ @ it would not repeal legal protections for social media companies and because it would require @ @ @ @ @ bases named after Confederate soldiers .

President Donald Trump, who has threatened to veto the fiscal 2021 defense authorization bill, has until Dec. 23 to either do so or sign it into law, congressional aides said Monday.
The Senate cleared the $731.6 billion measure on Dec. 11, and it was quickly enrolled and delivered to the White House the next day, the aides said.
According to the Constitution, a president has 10 days, excluding Sundays, to sign or veto a bill, setting up the Dec. 23 deadline for Trump’s decision.
If Congress were to adjourn during the 10 days, the bill could get scuttled in a so-called pocket veto, but Congress is expected to take procedural steps to avoid that scenario. House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer has said he would not allow a pocket veto to happen.
Trump has threatened to veto the measure, known as the NDAA, because it would not repeal legal protections for social media companies and because it would require the Pentagon to rename military bases named after Confederate soldiers.


rollcall--2020-12-14--Roberts leaves Senate with warning about attacks on food supply

Sen. Pat Roberts , a Kansas Republican who was chairman of the House and Senate Agriculture committees during a 40-year congressional career , will leave Capitol Hill worried about potential man-made threats to the U.S. food supply .
“ When we get briefed , I don ’ t get the sense of urgency that I feel , ” Roberts said about intelligence briefings he has received about threats to agriculture .
“ I understand that I ’ m biased .
I ’ ve been there and I saw this stuff , ” he said in an interview with CQ Roll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 1990s to the secret Russian city of Obolensk , where he saw “ warehouses full of pathogens ” designed to spread plant and animal diseases to cripple U.S. crop and livestock production .
He was there as a Senate Armed Services member under a program to secure and destroy nuclear and biological weapons of mass destruction in the former Soviet Union .
Known as the Nunn-Lugar-Domenici Program — for former senators Sam Nunn , D-Ga. , Richard Lugar , R-Ind.
, and Pete Domenici , R-N.M. — it was established by Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final hearing as Senate Agriculture chairman , Roberts said he does not know what happened to those warehouses .
But he said Obolensk should be a reminder that other countries can develop their own bioweapons stockpiles .

At his final hearing as Senate Agriculture chairman, Roberts said he does not know what happened to those warehouses. But he said Obolensk should be a reminder that other countries can develop their own bioweapons stockpiles.
“It isn’t as if the dog isn’t barking,” Roberts said at the Dec. 2 hearing. “We all wonder about these zoonotic diseases that happen from time to time, but if it’s intentional we have a whole different problem to work with.”
COVID-19 — which is thought to have originated in bats before making the leap to humans, causing the current pandemic — has underlined the danger of such diseases. Its greatest impact on the U.S. food supply came when meatpacking plants shut down to contain the virus’s spread among workers.
Roberts said during the hearing that his warning about bioweapons didn’t mean he was dismissing the damage that naturally occurring diseases, especially animal infections, can cause. Highly pathogenic avian flu in 2014 and 2015 resulted in 50 million chickens and turkeys in commercial flocks dying from the illness or being destroyed to control the spread of the disease.
“There will be something else that we’ll have to contend with,” he said, noting the toll of animal flu.


rollcall--2020-12-14--Negotiators wrapping up omnibus deal, plan to file Tuesday

House and Senate lawmakers are close to agreement on a $ 1.4 trillion omnibus spending package for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1 and are planning to file the legislative text on Tuesday , according to sources familiar with the discussions .
If that schedule holds , the House could be ready to vote on the bill as early as Wednesday , though the path of a snowstorm that weather forecasters are anticipating may affect that timing .
Negotiators have reached compromises on some of the thorniest issues including border wall spending , Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention capacity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A handful of smaller items sent to congressional leaders remain to be worked out , but a full agreement is close , according to these sources , who spoke on condition of anonymity .
While appropriations subcommittees were going over their sections of the massive package , leadership , White House officials and other congressional committees were still ironing out how to handle coronavirus relief , surprise billing legislation and extensions of expiring tax breaks and health care programs .
If agreements are reached in time on those items , they 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year-end omnibus legislation .
Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , spoke with Treasury Secretary Mnuchin on Monday night about the remaining open items on the omnibus , according to Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill .
She urged Mnuchin to push for stronger worker wage protections as part of a bipartisan energy package negotiators are seeking to add , Hammill tweeted , as well as help getting the surprise billing deal done .

House and Senate lawmakers are close to agreement on a $1.4 trillion omnibus spending package for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1 and are planning to file the legislative text on Tuesday, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
If that schedule holds, the House could be ready to vote on the bill as early as Wednesday, though the path of a snowstorm that weather forecasters are anticipating may affect that timing.
Negotiators have reached compromises on some of the thorniest issues including border wall spending, Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention capacity and funding for veterans health care programs. A handful of smaller items sent to congressional leaders remain to be worked out, but a full agreement is close, according to these sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
While appropriations subcommittees were going over their sections of the massive package, leadership, White House officials and other congressional committees were still ironing out how to handle coronavirus relief, surprise billing legislation and extensions of expiring tax breaks and health care programs. If agreements are reached in time on those items, they're likely to be rolled into the massive year-end omnibus legislation.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., spoke with Treasury Secretary Mnuchin on Monday night about the remaining open items on the omnibus, according to Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill. She urged Mnuchin to push for stronger worker wage protections as part of a bipartisan energy package negotiators are seeking to add, Hammill tweeted, as well as help getting the surprise billing deal done.


rollcall--2020-12-15--FCC order to ‘rip and replace’ Chinese 5G gear will confront Biden

The timing of the Federal Communications Commission ’ s latest effort to rid U.S. wireless networks of equipment manufactured by Huawei and ZTE , the Chinese firms labeled threats to national security , means it will fall to President-elect Joe Biden and Congress to execute and fund the agency ’ s plans .
The FCC voted unanimously last week to approve a “ rip and replace ” supply chain security order that will require certain telecommunications providers to remove components manufactured by the Chinese companies from their networks and provide funding to reimburse them for the cost of the work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said which providers and equipment would fall under the order ’ s requirements , and Congress has not provided the money necessary for the reimbursements .
“ We are taking steps within our power to implement the reimbursement program , ” said outgoing FCC Chairman Ajit Pai , a Republican leaving his post when Biden takes office .
“ But we can ’ t actually implement the reimbursement program unless and until Congress appropriates the necessary funding.
” The FCC estimates it will cost $ 1.6 billion to replace the equipment by ZTE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s largest providers of 5G components — that is expected to be covered by the order .
Pai has said the total cost could end up being greater .

The timing of the Federal Communications Commission’s latest effort to rid U.S. wireless networks of equipment manufactured by Huawei and ZTE, the Chinese firms labeled threats to national security, means it will fall to President-elect Joe Biden and Congress to execute and fund the agency’s plans.
The FCC voted unanimously last week to approve a “rip and replace” supply chain security order that will require certain telecommunications providers to remove components manufactured by the Chinese companies from their networks and provide funding to reimburse them for the cost of the work.
But the agency has not yet said which providers and equipment would fall under the order’s requirements, and Congress has not provided the money necessary for the reimbursements.
“We are taking steps within our power to implement the reimbursement program,” said outgoing FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, a Republican leaving his post when Biden takes office. “But we can’t actually implement the reimbursement program unless and until Congress appropriates the necessary funding.”
The FCC estimates it will cost $1.6 billion to replace the equipment by ZTE and Huawei — one of the world’s largest providers of 5G components — that is expected to be covered by the order. Pai has said the total cost could end up being greater.


rollcall--2020-12-15--After 12 years of work, Congress is set to disclose hidden corporate owners

Clark Gascoigne ’ s entire career has been about ending anonymous shell companies .
Starting at Global Financial Integrity in 2009 and then at the Financial Accountability and Corporate Transparency Coalition , Gascoigne has been on a mission to inject transparency into the ocean of anonymously owned corporate entities that can hide all manner of financial malfeasance .
He and other advocates moved closer to success on Dec. 8 , when the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act , with provisions that would establish a beneficial corporate ownership reporting regime and change other anti-money laundering laws .
The Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislative steps to make life harder for tax evaders , traffickers and counterfeiters .
“ I ’ m not popping the champagne until the president signs this thing into the law , ” Gascoigne said .
Trump has threatened to veto the measure because of other provisions , but lawmakers say they have the votes to override .
Proponents of the proposal needed years to convert opponents into backers , overcome resistance from powerful lobbyists , garner bipartisan and bicameral support , and eventually hitch a ride on a must-pass bill .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote of the lawmaker who spent a decade pushing for transparency .

Corrected, Dec. 16 | Clark Gascoigne’s entire career has been about ending anonymous shell companies.
Starting at Global Financial Integrity in 2009 and then at the Financial Accountability and Corporate Transparency Coalition, Gascoigne has been on a mission to inject transparency into the ocean of anonymously owned corporate entities that can hide all manner of financial malfeasance.
He and other advocates moved closer to success on Dec. 8, when the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act, with provisions that would establish a beneficial corporate ownership reporting regime and change other anti-money laundering laws. The Senate followed suit last Friday, marking significant legislative steps to make life harder for tax evaders, traffickers and counterfeiters.
“I’m not popping the champagne until the president signs this thing into the law,” Gascoigne said. Trump has threatened to veto the measure because of other provisions, but lawmakers say they have the votes to override.
Proponents of the proposal needed years to convert opponents into backers, overcome resistance from powerful lobbyists, garner bipartisan and bicameral support, and eventually hitch a ride on a must-pass bill. In a final twist, they lost the vote of the lawmaker who spent a decade pushing for transparency.


rollcall--2020-12-15--All you need to know about Ant Financial (and its canceled IPO)

Hong Kong University professor Douglas Arner joins the Fintech Beat podcast to talk about the origins of Ant Financial , @ @ @ @ @ Chinese financial system , and when he expects to see an IPO .
• What @ @ @ @ @ s fintech conferences

Hong Kong University professor Douglas Arner joins the Fintech Beat podcast to talk about the origins of Ant Group, its regulatory shortcomings in the Chinese financial system, and when he expects to see an IPO.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-12-15--Biden said to tap Granholm for Energy, McCarthy in climate role

President-elect Joe Biden 's focus on climate-related issues continued to take sharpen Tuesday with his choice of Jennifer Granholm , a former governor and attorney general of Michigan , to lead the Energy Department , and amid news reports that he would name former EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy to lead his domestic climate agenda .
The nomination of Granholm , who has called for a “ low-carbon ” economic recovery in response to the global pandemic and the economic damage that resulted , drew immediate praise from environmental groups that had lobbied hard against candidates with ties to the natural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close to Biden 's transition team confirmed Granholm 's selection Tuesday night to CQ Roll Call .
The Washington Post reported McCarthy 's selection , citing sources with knowledge of the decision .
If confirmed by the Senate , Granholm will assume the helm of a highly technical department that takes on a variety of scientific and data-minded divisions , including the country ’ s 17 national laboratories , a semi-autonomous agency responsible for nuclear weapons safety , nuclear waste cleanup , energy-efficiency research , and renewable energy development .
Granholm would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Hazel R. O ’ Leary was the seventh Energy secretary and first woman to hold the post , leading DOE from 1993 to 1997 .

President-elect Joe Biden's focus on climate-related issues continued to take shape Tuesday with his choice of Jennifer Granholm, a former governor and attorney general of Michigan, to lead the Energy Department, and amid news reports that he would name former EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy to lead his domestic climate agenda.
The nomination of Granholm, who has called for a “low-carbon” economic recovery in response to the global pandemic and the economic damage that resulted, drew immediate praise from environmental groups that had lobbied hard against candidates with ties to the natural gas and nuclear industries.
A person close to Biden's transition team confirmed Granholm's selection Tuesday night to CQ Roll Call. The Washington Post reported McCarthy's selection, citing sources with knowledge of the decision.
If confirmed by the Senate, Granholm will assume the helm of a highly technical department that takes on a variety of scientific and data-minded divisions, including the country’s 17 national laboratories, a semi-autonomous agency responsible for nuclear weapons safety, nuclear waste cleanup, energy-efficiency research, and renewable energy development.
Granholm would be the second woman to lead the department. Hazel R. O’Leary was the seventh Energy secretary and first woman to hold the post, leading DOE from 1993 to 1997.


rollcall--2020-12-15--Biden rallies Democrats in Georgia Senate runoffs as GOP plays up one-party rule as a danger

As Republican challenges to his presidential victory fell away , Joe Biden traveled to Georgia on Tuesday , where he still had some campaigning to do .
Speaking at a historic train yard outside Atlanta , Biden urged voters to cast ballots one more time on Jan. 5 for Democrats Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff , who are challenging incumbent Republican Sens .
Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue in two runoff elections .
The elections will decide majority control of the Senate , and the GOP is trying to convince voters who might have backed Biden that one-party rule in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ however , made it clear that he sees the Democrats ’ wins as essential to the success of his agenda in Washington , and blamed Loeffler and Perdue for the delay in passing another coronavirus relief package .
“ I need two senators from this state who want to get something done , ” Biden said .
“ Not two senators who are just going to get in the way .
Because , look , getting nothing done just hurts Georgia.
” Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates both races as Toss-ups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a clear lead .

As Republican challenges to his presidential victory fell away, Joe Biden traveled to Georgia on Tuesday, where he still had some campaigning to do.
Speaking at a historic train yard outside Atlanta, Biden urged voters to cast ballots one more time on Jan. 5 for Democrats Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, who are challenging incumbent Republican Sens. Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue in two runoff elections.
The elections will decide majority control of the Senate, and the GOP is trying to convince voters who might have backed Biden that one-party rule in Washington would be dangerous. Biden, however, made it clear that he sees the Democrats’ wins as essential to the success of his agenda in Washington, and blamed Loeffler and Perdue for the delay in passing another coronavirus relief package.
“I need two senators from this state who want to get something done,” Biden said. “Not two senators who are just going to get in the way. Because, look, getting nothing done just hurts Georgia.”
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates both races as Toss-ups, and public polling shows no one had a clear lead.


rollcall--2020-12-15--The Transition: Sorry, 2020’s political drama will be leaking into 2021

With the Electoral College certifying Joe Biden ’ s victory and Senate Republicans acknowledging that fact , is the presidential @ @ @ @ @ a chance !
In this special edition of the Political Theater podcast , Katherine Tully-McManus @ @ @ @ @ congressional counting of electoral votes .
Meanwhile , Jessica Wehrman talks about Biden ’ s @ @ @ @ @ a certain former Midwestern mayor whose name rhymes with something-something-edge-edge .
And finally , the @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday — to stump for Democratic Senate candidates Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock .
@ @ @ @ @ Jan. 5 runoffs against Republican incumbents David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler , which will determine @ @ @ @ @ the 117th Congress , and how much of a headache that will be for a @ @ @ @ @ .
No pressure !

Jason Dick, Jinitzail Hernández, Katherine Tully-McManus, Jessica Wehrman, and Stephanie Akin

With the Electoral College certifying Joe Biden’s victory and Senate Republicans acknowledging that fact, is the presidential race finally over? Not a chance!
In this special edition of the Political Theater podcast, Katherine Tully-McManus discusses possible challenges to the congressional counting of electoral votes.
Meanwhile, Jessica Wehrman talks about Biden’s pick for Transportation secretary, a certain former Midwestern mayor whose name rhymes with something-something-edge-edge.
And finally, the president-elect headed down to Georgia on Tuesday — to stump for Democratic Senate candidates Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock. Stephanie Akin talks about their Jan. 5 runoffs against Republican incumbents David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, which will determine who controls the Senate in the 117th Congress, and how much of a headache that will be for a Biden administration’s agenda. No pressure!


rollcall--2020-12-15--Buttigieg would bring his agenda and Biden’s to Department of Transportation

On paper , former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg seems an unlikely pick for President-elect Joe Biden ’ s secretary of Transportation .
The 38-year old former mayor oversaw a budget of about $ 358 million in a city of about 102,000 .
At the DOT , he ’ ll oversee a budget of about $ 90 billion — including about $ 22 billion in discretionary dollars — and manage a staff of about 55,000 .
But in choosing Buttigieg as his designee to run the Department of Transportation , Biden has picked one of the few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a transformative change to how highways are paid for .
The choice was announced Tuesday evening by the Biden transition team .
Buttigieg , who beat out former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti to receive the nomination , was one of the few 2020 presidential contenders to outright endorse converting from the current Highway Trust Fund , which is paid for through the gas tax , to a “ vehicle miles traveled ” alternative that would tax drivers based on their road mileage .
Pilot programs for such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Oregon , California , Colorado and Washington State .

On paper, former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg seems an unlikely pick for President-elect Joe Biden’s secretary of Transportation.
The 38-year old former mayor oversaw a budget of about $358 million in a city of about 102,000. At the DOT, he’ll oversee a budget of about $90 billion — including about $22 billion in discretionary dollars — and manage a staff of about 55,000.
But in choosing Buttigieg as his designee to run the Department of Transportation, Biden has picked one of the few former Democratic presidential rivals to outright endorse a transformative change to how highways are paid for. The choice was announced Tuesday evening by the Biden transition team.
Buttigieg, who beat out former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti to receive the nomination, was one of the few 2020 presidential contenders to outright endorse converting from the current Highway Trust Fund, which is paid for through the gas tax, to a “vehicle miles traveled” alternative that would tax drivers based on their road mileage.
Pilot programs for such an alternative are underway in states such as Oregon, California, Colorado and Washington State.


rollcall--2020-12-15--Time expiring for aircraft oversight bills driven by 737 Max

House and Senate measures aimed at shoring up the Federal Aviation Administration ’ s safety culture in response to two Boeing 737 Max crashes are caught in a squeeze , with Congress running out of time to approve a final measure before it adjourns for the year .
The bills , though different , have similar themes : Both call for the FAA to tighten its oversight of the aircraft certification process , including stricter scrutiny of an FAA process that allows manufacturers to approve parts of their new aircraft .
Both bills call for research into how humans interact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include measures to crack down on coziness between federal regulators and airplane manufacturers that watchdogs say contributed to the 2018 crash of Lion Air Flight 610 and the 2019 crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 , which killed 346 people combined .
While the bills were not identical , Sen. Maria Cantwell , D-Wash. , the ranking Democrat on the Commerce , Science and Transportation Committee , said she believed there was very little to resolve .
“ I think there are different approaches and , you know , some approaches in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some approaches in the Senate that are really trying to change the culture at the FAA and change the culture within industry and change the oversight here , ” she said last week .

House and Senate measures aimed at shoring up the Federal Aviation Administration’s safety culture in response to two Boeing 737 Max crashes are caught in a squeeze, with Congress running out of time to approve a final measure before it adjourns for the year.
The bills, though different, have similar themes: Both call for the FAA to tighten its oversight of the aircraft certification process, including stricter scrutiny of an FAA process that allows manufacturers to approve parts of their new aircraft.
Both bills call for research into how humans interact with increasingly complex technology. And both include measures to crack down on coziness between federal regulators and airplane manufacturers that watchdogs say contributed to the 2018 crash of Lion Air Flight 610 and the 2019 crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, which killed 346 people combined.
While the bills were not identical, Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., the ranking Democrat on the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, said she believed there was very little to resolve.
“I think there are different approaches and, you know, some approaches in the House that I certainly agree to and some approaches in the Senate that are really trying to change the culture at the FAA and change the culture within industry and change the oversight here,” she said last week.


rollcall--2020-12-15--Census estimates US population at 330 million

At least 330 million people lived in the United States as of April , according to a Census Bureau estimate released Tuesday that will serve as one of the first accuracy checks for forthcoming decennial census results .
The agency produces the estimate , referred to as demographic analysis , in parallel to the count each decade .
This year , outside experts are watching closely to see how much the decennial census will reflect , or miss , the total population in the United States .
Ron Jarmin , the agency 's deputy director for operations , acknowledged the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this cycle , primarily due to the coronavirus pandemic .
“ We know that data users are eager for this information , and as are we , because of the important role these quality metrics play in telling us how well we did at counting everyone once , only once and in the right place , ” Jarmin said in a call with reporters .
With the stakes so high for census results — they determine distribution of House seats and guide more than $ 1.5 trillion in federal spending annually — the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it counted the country .

At least 330 million people lived in the United States as of April, according to a Census Bureau estimate released Tuesday that will serve as one of the first accuracy checks for forthcoming decennial census results.
The agency produces the estimate, referred to as demographic analysis, in parallel to the count each decade. This year, outside experts are watching closely to see how much the decennial census will reflect, or miss, the total population in the United States.
Ron Jarmin, the agency's deputy director for operations, acknowledged the “extraordinary challenges” the census faced this cycle, primarily due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“We know that data users are eager for this information, and as are we, because of the important role these quality metrics play in telling us how well we did at counting everyone once, only once and in the right place,” Jarmin said in a call with reporters.
With the stakes so high for census results — they determine distribution of House seats and guide more than $1.5 trillion in federal spending annually — the agency releases several measures of how accurately it counted the country.


rollcall--2020-12-15--Video games and partisanship: A conversation with new member Jay Obernolte

Jay Obernolte won the race for California 's 8th District in the November election .
President Donald Trump , as @ @ @ @ @ Cook , who vacated the seat , endorsed Obernolte .
Watch the video for CQ @ @ @ @ @ the video game entrepreneur for more .
• Michelle Fischbach on the year of the @ @ @ @ @ won ’ t have trouble with Hawaii to DC jetlag • New member Ritchie Torres @ @ @ @ @ and more • Mondaire Jones to become the first openly gay , Black member of @

Jay Obernolte won the race for California's 8th District in the November election.
President Donald Trump, as well as retiring Rep. Paul Cook, who vacated the seat, endorsed Obernolte.
Watch the video for CQ Roll Call's conversation with the video game entrepreneur for more.
Other profiles to watch:


rollcall--2020-12-15--Hill leaders seek to clinch spending, coronavirus aid deals

Congressional leaders were meeting Tuesday afternoon and evening to try to lock down agreements on the $ 1.4 trillion omnibus spending package and a coronavirus relief bill that could deliver up to $ 1 trillion in additional aid .
The in-person meeting , which began a little after 4 p.m. , is likely the last chance for a deal before government funding expires Friday at midnight with just a few days left to draft the legislative text , sell it to the rank and file and vote in both chambers .
The group broke up at 5 p.m. for Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 7:30 p.m. `` We 're continuing to work .
I think there 's progress , '' House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy told reporters after the first part of the meeting .
`` No comment , '' Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer said three times .
`` Keep trying .
I ’ ll just say it was a good meeting , that ’ s all . ''
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told reporters on his way to the floor for votes that `` I think there 's an agreement that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the omni and the COVID '' relief package .

Congressional leaders late Tuesday said they were close to locking down agreements on a $1.4 trillion omnibus spending package and a coronavirus relief bill that could deliver up to $1 trillion in additional aid.
"We're just exchanging paper back and forth and hopefully we can come to a deal soon," Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer said as he was leaving the Capitol around 10:30 p.m.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who left shortly before his Democratic counterpart, told reporters that a deal was near.
"We're making significant progress and I’m optimistic that we're gonna be able to complete an understanding sometime soon," the Kentucky Republican said. "Everybody wants to get a final agreement as soon as possible. We all believe the country needs it. And I think we're getting closer and closer."
Shortly before McConnell spoke, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy emerged from the Senate GOP leader's office where the two Republicans met for about 90 minutes. Earlier, they'd met with Schumer and Speaker Nancy Pelosi for about two hours.


rollcall--2020-12-15--To constrain a presidency, House Democrats seek Republican support

House Democrats want to act quickly next Congress on legislation that constrains the type of behavior that President Donald Trump brought to the White House over the past four years , in the hopes that Republicans might go along once the famously retributive and politically powerful populist leaves the Oval Office .
Trump campaigned as an outsider who would “ drain the swamp , ” and during four years in office he brushed aside many of the long-running traditions that previous presidents followed despite there being no legal requirement .
He didn ’ t release his tax returns , tried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave pardons to political allies and stymied congressional oversight requests through lawsuits .
Democrats responded in the past two years with separate proposals that backers say are urgent to protect democracy , and now they have rolled many of them together into one bill .
The main sponsor , House Intelligence Chairman Adam B. Schiff of California , said Democrats had considered taking action on it even during the lame-duck period before this Congress ends on Jan. 3 or President-elect Joe Biden takes office on Jan. 20 .
“ But it would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump is still president , ” Schiff said .
“ And I ’ m hopeful that GOP interest will increase once we have a new administration .
”

House Democrats want to act quickly next Congress on legislation that constrains the type of behavior that President Donald Trump brought to the White House over the past four years, in the hopes that Republicans might go along once the famously retributive and politically powerful populist leaves the Oval Office.
Trump campaigned as an outsider who would “drain the swamp,” and during four years in office he brushed aside many of the long-running traditions that previous presidents followed despite there being no legal requirement. He didn’t release his tax returns, tried to interfere in Justice Department investigations, gave pardons to political allies and stymied congressional oversight requests through lawsuits.
Democrats responded in the past two years with separate proposals that backers say are urgent to protect democracy, and now they have rolled many of them together into one bill.
The main sponsor, House Intelligence Chairman Adam B. Schiff of California, said Democrats had considered taking action on it even during the lame-duck period before this Congress ends on Jan. 3 or President-elect Joe Biden takes office on Jan. 20.
“But it would be hard to get bipartisan support while Donald Trump is still president,” Schiff said. “And I’m hopeful that GOP interest will increase once we have a new administration.”


rollcall--2020-12-15--Moderna COVID-19 trial data shows vaccine is broadly effective

The COVID-19 vaccine co-developed by Moderna and the National Institutes of Health is broadly effective , according to documents released @ @ @ @ @ the Food and Drug Administration Tuesday .
The documents were prepared in advance of a @ @ @ @ @ FDA 's outside advisors on immunology , vaccinology and epidemiology , who will decide whether @ @ @ @ @ the vaccine .
The data had been previously only been summarized in press releases .
@ @ @ @ @ on the vaccine shows that it is broadly effective .
Virologists have worried for months @ @ @ @ @ generate strong enough protection in older Americans , who often do not produce as durable @ @ @ @ @ people to the flu vaccine .
Concerns also have swirled for months about underrepresentation of @ @ @ @ @ the clinical trials .
About 14,000 people were in each arm of the clinical trial @ @ @ @ @ the shots , and 13,883 people who received a placebo .

The COVID-19 vaccine co-developed by Moderna and the National Institutes of Health is broadly effective, according to documents released by the pharmaceutical company and the Food and Drug Administration Tuesday.
The documents were prepared in advance of a critical meeting Thursday of the FDA's outside advisors on immunology, vaccinology and epidemiology, who will decide whether to recommend emergency authorization for the vaccine. The data had been previously only been summarized in press releases.
The document the FDA prepared on the vaccine shows that it is broadly effective.
Virologists have worried for months that a vaccine may not generate strong enough protection in older Americans, who often do not produce as durable an immune response as younger people to the flu vaccine. Concerns also have swirled for months about underrepresentation of Black and Latino patients in the clinical trials.
About 14,000 people were in each arm of the clinical trial: 13,934 volunteers who got the shots, and 13,883 people who received a placebo.


rollcall--2020-12-16--Pediatricians want kids to be part of COVID-19 vaccine trials

If clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines aren ’ t expanded soon to include children , it ’ s unlikely that even kids in their teens will be vaccinated in time for the next school year .
The hurdle is that vaccine makers are only in the early stages of testing their products on children .
The Pfizer vaccine authorized for use by the Food and Drug Administration on Friday was greenlighted only for people age 16 and up .
Moderna just started trials for 12- to 17-year-olds for its coronavirus vaccine , likely to be authorized later this month .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the vaccines for middle and high schoolers and months more to test them in younger children .
But some pediatricians say concerns about the safety of the front-runner vaccines make the wait worthwhile .
Although most pediatricians believe the eventual vaccination of children will be crucial to subduing the COVID-19 virus , they ’ re split on how fast to move toward that , said Dr. James Campbell , professor of pediatrics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine ’ s Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health .
Campbell and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of urgency to get the vaccines tested in kids , while others want to hold off on those trials until millions of adults have been safely vaccinated .

By Arthur Allen, Kaiser Health News
If clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines aren’t expanded soon to include children, it’s unlikely that even kids in their teens will be vaccinated in time for the next school year.
The hurdle is that vaccine makers are only in the early stages of testing their products on children. The Pfizer vaccine authorized for use by the Food and Drug Administration on Friday was greenlighted only for people age 16 and up. Moderna just started trials for 12- to 17-year-olds for its coronavirus vaccine, likely to be authorized later this month.
It will take months to approve use of the vaccines for middle and high schoolers and months more to test them in younger children. But some pediatricians say concerns about the safety of the front-runner vaccines make the wait worthwhile.
Although most pediatricians believe the eventual vaccination of children will be crucial to subduing the COVID-19 virus, they’re split on how fast to move toward that, said Dr. James Campbell, professor of pediatrics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health. Campbell and colleagues say it’s a matter of urgency to get the vaccines tested in kids, while others want to hold off on those trials until millions of adults have been safely vaccinated.


rollcall--2020-12-16--Capitol Ink | How the Trump stole the election

The Source for news on Capitol Hill since 1955 CQ Roll Call is a part of FiscalNote , the leading @ @ @ @ @ of global business and government .
Copyright 2020 CQ Roll Call .
All rights reserved @

The Source for news on Capitol Hill since 1955
CQ Roll Call is a part of FiscalNote, the leading technology innovator at the intersection of global business and government. Copyright 2023 CQ Roll Call. All rights reserved.


rollcall--2020-12-16--Electoral votes are in, but congressional count may hold another round of drama

The 538 state electors gathered this week to cast votes for president with little drama , but some Republicans plan to complicate the usually ceremonial process of Congress counting the electoral votes on Jan. 6 — and that could put one incoming member in an extraordinary position .
“ I cast my vote for President Joe Biden , ” said Nikema Williams , when Stacey Abrams called her name in Atlanta on Monday .
As one of Georgia ’ s 16 electors , Williams ’ vote may be among those called into question by congressional Republicans in January .
Although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s 306-232 win on Monday , that is still not the final step in the journey to Inauguration Day .
On Jan. 6 , Congress will hold a joint session to count the electoral votes .
The process is full of pomp and circumstance and holds the weight of a duty specified in the Constitution .
Lawmakers will convene in the House chamber at precisely 1 p.m. , as prescribed by federal law , with the vice president presiding .
The ceremony is as old as the Constitution , though the COVID-19 pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unclear if the there will be Senate pages around — they typically carry the wooden boxes that hold the stacks of sealed manila envelopes containing the electoral results from the states .

The 538 state electors gathered this week to cast votes for president with little drama, but some Republicans plan to complicate the usually ceremonial process of Congress counting the electoral votes on Jan. 6 — and that could put one incoming member in an extraordinary position.
“I cast my vote for President Joe Biden,” said Nikema Williams, when Stacey Abrams called her name in Atlanta on Monday.
As one of Georgia’s 16 electors, Williams’ vote may be among those called into question by congressional Republicans in January. Although the full Electoral College certified Biden’s 306-232 win on Monday, that is still not the final step in the journey to Inauguration Day.
On Jan. 6, Congress will hold a joint session to count the electoral votes. The process is full of pomp and circumstance and holds the weight of a duty specified in the Constitution.
Lawmakers will convene in the House chamber at precisely 1 p.m., as prescribed by federal law, with the vice president presiding. The ceremony is as old as the Constitution, though the COVID-19 pandemic may force some changes. It is unclear if the there will be Senate pages around — they typically carry the wooden boxes that hold the stacks of sealed manila envelopes containing the electoral results from the states.


rollcall--2020-12-16--Fine print issues snag tentative pact on coronavirus relief bill

Congressional leaders started Wednesday hoping to finalize a deal on a $ 900 billion COVID-19 aid package , but last-minute obstacles and fine-tuning indicated negotiations would bleed into Thursday .
The biggest sign that negotiations wouldn ’ t wrap up Wednesday came around 6:45 p.m. as House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer sent out the House ’ s schedule for Thursday .
It did not list the omnibus measure that would carry the aid deal , even as an item for possible consideration , meaning the House would not vote until at least Friday when government funding is set to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stopgap will be needed to prevent a partial shutdown , at least to give the Senate time to process the massive bill .
Speaker Nancy Pelosi wasn ’ t ready to announce that step , but didn ’ t rule it out .
“ We ’ ll be ready when we ’ re ready , ” Pelosi told reporters Wednesday .
“ A lot of writing goes into it and the rest.
” A coronavirus relief deal is the main hold up , as negotiators have largely finalized a $ 1.4 trillion omnibus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and finger-pointing , an aid package started to come together quickly when the top four leaders huddled for a few hours Tuesday night and exchanged paper into Wednesday morning .
They announced they were close to a deal .

Congressional leaders started Wednesday hoping to finalize a deal on a $900 billion COVID-19 aid package, but last-minute obstacles and fine-tuning indicated negotiations would bleed into Thursday.
The biggest sign that negotiations wouldn’t wrap up Wednesday came around 6:45 p.m. as House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer sent out the House’s schedule for Thursday. It did not list the omnibus measure that would carry the aid deal, even as an item for possible consideration, meaning the House would not vote until at least Friday when government funding is set to expire at midnight.
That suggests another stopgap will be needed to prevent a partial shutdown, at least to give the Senate time to process the massive bill. Speaker Nancy Pelosi wasn’t ready to announce that step, but didn’t rule it out.
“We’ll be ready when we’re ready,” Pelosi told reporters Wednesday. “A lot of writing goes into it and the rest.”
A coronavirus relief deal is the main holdup, as negotiators have largely finalized a $1.4 trillion omnibus appropriations bill. After months of delay and finger-pointing, an aid package started to come together quickly when the top four leaders huddled for a few hours Tuesday night and exchanged paper into Wednesday morning. They announced they were close to a deal.


rollcall--2020-12-16--Photos of the day: Retiring Lamar Alexander serenades the Senate

Retiring Sen. Lamar Alexander , R-Tenn. , serenades Hill staffers , press and even a few senators with holiday songs @ @ @ @ @ Hart Senate office Building atrium Wednesday evening .
Alexander is a classical pianist and overall @ @ @ @ @ time played trombone , tuba and washboard at a Bourbon Street nightclub while clerking for @ @ @ @ @ Orleans in the '60s .

Retiring Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., serenades Hill staffers, press and even a few senators with holiday songs on his piano in the Hart Senate Office Building atrium Wednesday evening.
Alexander is a classical pianist and overall accomplished musician who at one time played trombone, tuba and washboard at a Bourbon Street nightclub while clerking for a federal judge in New Orleans in the ’60s.
Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., plays Christmas songs on the piano in the Hart Atrium Wednesday evening. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Senate staff, a few senators and press watch Alexander play Christmas songs. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, watches and listens from above. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Alexander plays Christmas songs on the piano in the Hart atrium. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., plays the harmonica alongside Alexander. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)


rollcall--2020-12-16--The Transition: Trump’s norm-busting. Let us count the ways

Among the accomplishments of President Donald Trump is a crash-course in civics that showed the public that a lot of @ @ @ @ @ because of good will and cooperation , not statute .
In the wake of Trump @ @ @ @ @ about the presidency , there is discussion about what Congress can do to more clearly @ @ @ @ @ like releasing tax returns , congressional subpoenas and the pardon authority .
CQ Roll Call @ @ @ @ @ how future presidents could be affected .
• Inaugural ceremony to go forward without public @ @ @ @ @ counting — the GOP ’ s shift to the right is bigger than the Democrats @ @ @

Jason Dick, Joanne Levine, Todd Ruger, and Evan Campbell

Among the accomplishments of President Donald Trump is a crash-course in civics that showed the public that a lot of government business and transparency happens because of good will and cooperation, not statute. In the wake of Trump's busting so many norms about the presidency, there is discussion about what Congress can do to more clearly define presidential power in areas like releasing tax returns, congressional subpoenas and the pardon authority. CQ Roll Call Senior Writer Todd Ruger discusses how future presidents could be affected.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-12-16--Photo of the day: Snow day

Photo of the day: Snow day

As Indiana Sen. Mike Braun gets into a car Wednesday , the Senate side of the Capitol is reflected in @ @ @ @ @ from Winter Storm Gail began to fall in Washington as lawmakers remain in the capital @ @ @ @ @ the government ahead of a Friday deadline .

(Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
As Indiana Sen. Mike Braun gets into a car Wednesday, the Senate side of the Capitol is reflected in its sideview mirror.
Snow from Winter Storm Gail began to fall in Washington as lawmakers remain in the capital working on legislation to fund the government ahead of a Friday deadline.


rollcall--2020-12-16--O Come, O Come, Coromnibus

O Come, O Come, Coromnibus

Sometimes you just have to break into song .
As Washington waited on a funding package that never seemed to @ @ @ @ @ all the rage at the Capitol — and we ’ re not just talking about @ @ @ @ @ from weary congressional aides .
Sen. Lamar Alexander bent over a lonely piano in the @ @ @ @ @ coaxing out some holiday music and sending it floating around the rotunda .
And over @ @ @ @ @ Rep. Debbie Dingell said the pandemic wouldn ’ t stop her from releasing her annual @ @ @ @ @ pairs biting lyrical satire with a traditional Christmas tune .
In the meantime , as @ @ @ @ @ cycled through their many stages of hope and despair , inspiration struck us too , @ @ @ @ @ composition so raw and cliché-ridden that it can only be called “ O Come , @ @ @ @ @ Here ’ s the score , for all you carolers who want to follow along @

Sometimes you just have to break into song.
As Washington waited on a funding package that never seemed to come, musical outbursts were all the rage at the Capitol — and we’re not just talking about the sighs and groans coming from weary congressional aides. Sen. Lamar Alexander bent over a lonely piano in the Russell Building last week, coaxing out some holiday music and sending it floating around the rotunda. And over on the House side, Rep. Debbie Dingell said the pandemic wouldn’t stop her from releasing her annual Dingell Jingle, which usually pairs biting lyrical satire with a traditional Christmas tune.
In the meantime, as coronavirus aid / omnibus talks cycled through their many stages of hope and despair, inspiration struck us too, in the form of a composition so raw and cliché-ridden that it can only be called “O Come, O Come, Coromnibus.” Here’s the score, for all you carolers who want to follow along.


rollcall--2020-12-16--Senators clash as panel hears discredited claims of election fraud

The top Republican and Democratic lawmakers on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee clashed with each other Wednesday , trading accusations of lying and spreading disinformation , as the panel held a hearing on “ election irregularities ” in the 2020 presidential race .
The hearing was called by Chairman Ron Johnson , R-Wis. , and included President Donald Trump ’ s campaign lawyers , former special counsel Ken Starr , a commissioner from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission , and Christopher Krebs , the top U.S. cybersecurity official who was fired by Trump for asserting that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days after the Electoral College confirmed that Joe Biden won with 306 votes to Trump ’ s 232 .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , this week congratulated Biden on his victory and rejected Trump ’ s claims about fraud and attempts to get Congress involved in overturning the outcome .
The Trump campaign has lost as many as 60 court cases challenging the results in Georgia , Wisconsin , Pennsylvania , Michigan and Nevada , but Republicans led by Johnson and Sen. Rand Paul , R-Ky. , insisted that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and not on their merits .

The top Republican and Democratic lawmakers on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee clashed with each other Wednesday, trading accusations of lying and spreading disinformation, as the panel held a hearing on “election irregularities” in the 2020 presidential race.
The hearing was called by Chairman Ron Johnson, R-Wis., and included President Donald Trump’s campaign lawyers, former special counsel Ken Starr, a commissioner from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, and Christopher Krebs, the top U.S. cybersecurity official who was fired by Trump for asserting that the election was secure.
The hearing came days after the Electoral College confirmed that Joe Biden won with 306 votes to Trump’s 232.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., this week congratulated Biden on his victory and rejected Trump’s claims about fraud and attempts to get Congress involved in overturning the outcome.
The Trump campaign has lost as many as 60 court cases challenging the results in Georgia, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Nevada, but Republicans led by Johnson and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., insisted that the cases were thrown out on procedural grounds and not on their merits.


rollcall--2020-12-16--Inaugural ceremony to go forward without public attendance

President-elect Joe Biden ’ s inauguration will take place without broad public attendance , the congressional committee in charge of @ @ @ @ @ The changes , which are the latest adjustment to Capitol operations during the COVID-19 pandemic @ @ @ @ @ be a great dispute about crowd sizes .
Each member of the 117th Congress will @ @ @ @ @ and one guest , the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies said .
For a @ @ @ @ @ would provide about 200,000 tickets , distributed to congressional offices to give to constituents , @ @ @ @ @ “ The JCCIC , in consultation with diversified public health and medical experts and the @ @ @ @ @ determined that this global pandemic and the rise in COVID-19 cases warranted a difficult decision @ @ @ @ @ 59th Inaugural Ceremonies to a live audience that resembles a State of the Union , @ @ @ @ @ , R-Mo.
, said in a statement .
Attendance and Capitol access for the State @ @ @ @ @ highly restricted .

President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration will take place without broad public attendance, the congressional committee in charge of the planning announced Wednesday.
The changes, which are the latest adjustment to Capitol operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, mean there will not be a great dispute about crowd sizes.
Each member of the 117th Congress will receive a ticket for themselves and one guest, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies said. For a typical inauguration, the committee would provide about 200,000 tickets, distributed to congressional offices to give to constituents, often through lottery systems.
“The JCCIC, in consultation with diversified public health and medical experts and the Presidential Inaugural Committee, has determined that this global pandemic and the rise in COVID-19 cases warranted a difficult decision to limit attendance at the 59th Inaugural Ceremonies to a live audience that resembles a State of the Union,” JCCIC Chairman Roy Blunt, R-Mo., said in a statement.
Attendance and Capitol access for the State of the Union is traditionally highly restricted.


rollcall--2020-12-16--Congressional leaders near $900B coronavirus relief deal

Top Capitol Hill negotiators are close to agreement on a $ 900 billion COVID-19 aid package that could end a @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday .
Most elements of the emerging pact , like providing more money for small @ @ @ @ @ health care workers and education needs , have been effectively agreed to for months , @ @ @ @ @ tune the details .
The key breakthrough came in the wee hours of Wednesday morning @ @ @ @ @ ” congressional leaders ’ agreed to drop the two most contentious items in play -- @ @ @ @ @ aid to state and local governments , and Republicans ’ demand for business liability protection @ @ @ @ @ they agreed to add another round of tax rebates for lower-income households , though in @ @ @ @ @ both parties have sought .
A few hours later , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell @ @ @ @ @ Schumer headed to the floor to report a deal was close but not final .

David Lerman, Lindsey McPherson, and Jennifer Shutt

Top Capitol Hill negotiators are close to agreement on a $900 billion COVID-19 aid package that could end a monthslong impasse, lawmakers said Wednesday.
Most elements of the emerging pact, like providing more money for small businesses, vaccine distribution, health care workers and education needs, have been effectively agreed to for months, although negotiators continued to fine tune the details.
The key breakthrough came in the wee hours of Wednesday morning when the “big four” congressional leaders’ agreed to drop the two most contentious items in play -- Democrats' push for direct aid to state and local governments, and Republicans’ demand for business liability protection against pandemic-related lawsuits.
Instead they agreed to add another round of tax rebates for lower-income households, though in smaller amounts than lawmakers in both parties have sought.
A few hours later, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer headed to the floor to report a deal was close but not final.


rollcall--2020-12-16--Rep.-elect Andrew Clyde got a bill passed into law before he even ran for Congress

Rep.-elect Andrew Clyde is returning to Capitol Hill , five years after he testified before the House Ways and Means @ @ @ @ @ the IRS from raiding small-business bank accounts .
The bill eventually was passed into law @ @ @ @ @ Now , the Georgia Republican is hoping to use that experience as a lawmaker .
@ @ @ @ @ man can make a difference as an individual , then maybe I can do even @ @ @ @ @ representative , ” Clyde said in an interview with CQ Roll Call .
See the @ @ @ @ @ ’ s path to Georgia ’ s 9th District seat .
Watch more from our @ @ @ @ @ video series :

Rep.-elect Andrew Clyde is returning to Capitol Hill, five years after he testified before the House Ways and Means Committee about legislation to keep the IRS from raiding small-business bank accounts. The bill eventually was passed into law by the 116th Congress.
Now, the Georgia Republican is hoping to use that experience as a lawmaker.
“I decided if one man can make a difference as an individual, then maybe I can do even more as an actual elected representative,” Clyde said in an interview with CQ Roll Call.
See the video for more on Clyde’s path to Georgia’s 9th District seat.
Watch more from our “Meet the 117th” video series:


rollcall--2020-12-17--In waning days, DOE eases appliance test rules

Manufacturers of household and commercial appliances and equipment will be able to write their own tests to determine the energy efficiency of products they make , and to do so with less government oversight , under a new Energy Department rule that joins a stampede of deregulatory moves the Trump administration is making before leaving office .
DOE sets efficiency standards and other requirements , such as water use , for about 60 categories of appliances and machinery sold in the U.S. , including light bulbs , dehumidifiers , microwaves ovens , furnaces and transformers .
Overall , the process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and used in the U.S .
But sometimes companies make models or products that can ’ t be tested under standard DOE assessments .
Perhaps they have a new feature or design beyond what ’ s common industry-wide .
So a company can apply for a waiver from the test procedure , in which they include a modified test , and DOE officials then deny or approve the alternative proposal before the product can be used .
Manufacturers typically talk with DOE about their waiver and proposed test before submitting it , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council attorney , adding that DOE usually grants waivers .
Companies can appeal a denial , and even sue over it , but Vukovich said he was unaware of such an instance .

Manufacturers of household and commercial appliances and equipment will be able to write their own tests to determine the energy efficiency of products they make, and to do so with less government oversight, under a new Energy Department rule that joins a stampede of deregulatory moves the Trump administration is making before leaving office.
DOE sets efficiency standards and other requirements, such as water use, for about 60 categories of appliances and machinery sold in the U.S., including light bulbs, dehumidifiers, microwaves ovens, furnaces and transformers. Overall, the process covers hundreds of millions of products sold and used in the U.S.
But sometimes companies make models or products that can’t be tested under standard DOE assessments. Perhaps they have a new feature or design beyond what’s common industry-wide. So a company can apply for a waiver from the test procedure, in which they include a modified test, and DOE officials then deny or approve the alternative proposal before the product can be used.
Manufacturers typically talk with DOE about their waiver and proposed test before submitting it, said Joe Vukovich, a Natural Resources Defense Council attorney, adding that DOE usually grants waivers.
Companies can appeal a denial, and even sue over it, but Vukovich said he was unaware of such an instance.


rollcall--2020-12-17--Stopgap funding up in the air as coronavirus relief talks drag on

Disagreements over a temporary spending bill , including whether one was even needed , threatened a government funding lapse as @ @ @ @ @ through COVID-19 aid bill disputes .
Senate Majority Whip John Thune said Thursday afternoon that @ @ @ @ @ trillion omnibus spending bill and pandemic aid package had turned into a game of `` @ @ @ @ @ gets resolved and another pops up .
Lawmakers were prepping a short-term continuing resolution to @ @ @ @ @ the weekend to buy time for votes in both chambers .
But absent an agreement @ @ @ @ @ contents , that procedural step could face objections , Thune said .
“ I know @ @ @ @ @ object to that , that want to keep pressure on the process until we get @ @ @ @ @ would take consent obviously to do a short-term CR , '' the South Dakota Republican @ @ @

Disagreements over a temporary spending bill, including whether one was even needed, threatened a government funding lapse as lawmakers slowly worked their way through COVID-19 aid bill disputes.
Senate Majority Whip John Thune said Thursday afternoon that negotiations on a $1.4 trillion omnibus spending bill and pandemic aid package had turned into a game of "whack-a-mole" where one issue gets resolved and another pops up.
Lawmakers were prepping a short-term continuing resolution to keep the government open over the weekend to buy time for votes in both chambers. But absent an agreement on the larger package's contents, that procedural step could face objections, Thune said.
“I know people who are going to object to that, that want to keep pressure on the process until we get a deal. So it would take consent obviously to do a short-term CR," the South Dakota Republican told reporters.
[Coronavirus relief package skirmishes bog down funding negotiations]


rollcall--2020-12-17--McConnell to get COVID-19 vaccine soon

McConnell to get COVID-19 vaccine soon

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said late Thursday that he will soon receive a COVID-19 vaccine .
“ Because of @ @ @ @ @ have been informed by the Office of the Attending Physician that I am eligible for @ @ @ @ @ I will accept in the coming days , ” the Kentucky Republican , who is @ @ @ @ @ in a statement .
“ Even with a vaccine , I will continue following CDC @ @ @ @ @ , practicing social distancing , and washing my hands frequently .
I would strongly encourage @ @ @ @ @ important guidelines , ” the 78 year-old McConnell said .
“ It is the only @ @ @ @ @ once and for all.
” Vice President Mike Pence is expected to receive a vaccine @ @ @ @ @ still unclear whether there is a vaccine allotment for this purpose , with only five @ @ @ @ @ announced special supplies .
Operation Warp speed has not answered questions from CQ Roll Call @ @ @ @ @ continuity of government vaccines .

The Capitol’s Office of the Attending Physician is scheduling appointments for lawmakers to receive COVID-19 vaccines, with select staff to follow.
“My recommendation to you is absolutely unequivocal: there is no reason why you should defer receiving this vaccine,” Attending Physician Brian P. Monahan said in a “Dear Colleague” letter sent to House members and staff late Thursday. “The benefit far exceeds any small risk.”
Monahan said there was a limited supply of the vaccine and congressional spouses are not currently eligible because the Capitol is being provided with doses to ensure the continuity of government operations. Members are being encouraged to make appointments to get the vaccine — the one manufactured by Pfizer/BioNTech — in the Rayburn Building.
“Once we have completed the vaccination of the Members, we will follow a process to identify the continuity-essential staff members in the various divisions of the Capitol community in the coming weeks,” Monahan wrote. “The appointing process will then continue until the small vaccine supply is exhausted. A second dose scheduling process will then begin later.”
Earlier Thursday evening, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he would soon receive a COVID-19 vaccine, citing separate correspondence with Monahan that had similar language to the Dear Colleague letter.


rollcall--2020-12-17--Congress girds for possible veto override votes on defense bill

Corrected 8:15 p.m. | With President Donald Trump ’ s latest threat to veto the defense policy bill still fresh in their minds , lawmakers were already looking ahead Thursday to the prospect of casting politically charged override votes .
The key question now is not so much whether Trump will veto the bill — that seems almost certain given his continued threats to do so — but whether enough Republicans who voted for the measure a week ago would change their tune and vote to sustain a Trump veto in the days ahead .
The answer , for now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans will change course on a bill that authorizes military pay raises and construction projects and sets Pentagon policy on hundreds of matters .
The measure has been enacted annually for 59 years .
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy , R-Calif. , has said he would not vote in favor of an override of the bill , which is known as the NDAA .
At least two Senate Republicans — Josh Hawley of Missouri and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina — told reporters Thursday they would also vote to sustain a Trump veto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Graham is a former committee member .
Still , fully 80 percent of Republicans voted last week to clear the defense authorization conference report in votes that showed large veto-proof margins .
A mass reversal to sustain the veto of an outgoing president would seem a tall order .

Corrected 8:15 p.m. | With President Donald Trump’s latest threat to veto the defense policy bill still fresh in their minds, lawmakers were already looking ahead Thursday to the prospect of casting politically charged override votes.
The key question now is not so much whether Trump will veto the bill — that seems almost certain given his continued threats to do so — but whether enough Republicans who voted for the measure a week ago would change their tune and vote to sustain a Trump veto in the days ahead.
The answer, for now, seems to be: not enough Republicans will change course on a bill that authorizes military pay raises and construction projects and sets Pentagon policy on hundreds of matters. The measure has been enacted annually for 59 years.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., has said he would not vote in favor of an override of the bill, which is known as the NDAA. At least two Senate Republicans — Josh Hawley of Missouri and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina — told reporters Thursday they would also vote to sustain a Trump veto. Hawley serves on Armed Services and Graham is a former committee member.
Still, fully 80 percent of Republicans voted last week to clear the defense authorization conference report in votes that showed large veto-proof margins. A mass reversal to sustain the veto of an outgoing president would seem a tall order.


rollcall--2020-12-17--US finds more attacks on networks, warns of a ‘grave risk’

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency on Thursday issued a new warning that foreign adversaries had used more ways to attack U.S. computer networks than what has been reported about the breach of the SolarWinds network management software .
“ CISA has evidence of additional initial access vectors , other than the SolarWinds Orion platform , ” the agency said in a statement .
“ However , these are still being investigated .
CISA will update this alert as new information becomes available.
” The agency said the attack discovered thus far “ poses a grave risk to the Federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and territorial governments as well as critical infrastructure entities and other private sector organizations.
” The agency spelled out technical details of the attack and steps organizations and agencies should take to recover .
But the agency also warned that the process could be long and painful .
The attacker “ has demonstrated patience , operational security , and complex tradecraft in these intrusions , ” the agency said in a statement .
“ CISA expects that removing this threat actor from compromised environments will be highly complex and challenging for organizations @ @

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency on Thursday issued a new warning that foreign adversaries had used more ways to attack U.S. computer networks than what has been reported about the breach of the SolarWinds network management software.
“CISA has evidence of additional initial access vectors, other than the SolarWinds Orion platform,” the agency said in a statement. “However, these are still being investigated. CISA will update this alert as new information becomes available.”
The agency said the attack discovered thus far “poses a grave risk to the Federal Government and state, local, tribal, and territorial governments as well as critical infrastructure entities and other private sector organizations.”
The agency spelled out technical details of the attack and steps organizations and agencies should take to recover. But the agency also warned that the process could be long and painful.
The attacker “has demonstrated patience, operational security, and complex tradecraft in these intrusions,” the agency said in a statement. “CISA expects that removing this threat actor from compromised environments will be highly complex and challenging for organizations.”


rollcall--2020-12-17--Biden said to tap Haaland for Interior, N.C. environment chief Regan for EPA

President-elect Joe Biden will nominate Michael Regan , the top environmental regulator in North Carolina , to lead the EPA during his administration , and Rep. Deb Haaland , D-N.M. , as the first Native American to head the Interior Department .
Regan 's nomination would elevate a state official who has prioritized climate change , coal ash cleanup and environmental justice during his stint in the post .
And while it would further narrow the Democratic majority in the House for several months , Haaland 's selection was endorsed by Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. New Mexico 's 1st @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Haaland winning reelection last month by 17 percentage points .
Under state law , the secretary of state — who might be running for the seat — must schedule a special election within 10 days of the vacancy .
The election would have to be held within three months .
The Biden-Harris Transition announced the nominations Thursday evening , along with four other `` key nominees and appointees for their climate and energy team . ''
All had been widely reported by news organizations .
In addition to Haaland and Regan , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Energy secretary , environmental lawyer and Obama administration veteran Brenda Mallory to head the Council of Environmental Quality , Obama administration EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy as national climate adviser , and New York State Deputy Secretary for Energy and Environment Ali Zaidi for deputy national climate adviser .

President-elect Joe Biden will nominate Michael Regan, the top environmental regulator in North Carolina, to lead the EPA during his administration, and Rep. Deb Haaland, D-N.M., as the first Native American to head the Interior Department.
Regan's nomination would elevate a state official who has prioritized climate change, coal ash cleanup and environmental justice during his stint in the post. And while it would further narrow the Democratic majority in the House for several months, Haaland's selection was endorsed by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.
New Mexico's 1st District is considered safely Democratic, with Haaland winning reelection last month by 17 percentage points. Under state law, the secretary of state — who might be running for the seat — must schedule a special election within 10 days of the vacancy. The election would have to be held within three months.
The Biden-Harris Transition announced the nominations Thursday evening, along with four other "key nominees and appointees for their climate and energy team." All had been widely reported by news organizations.
In addition to Haaland and Regan, they were former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm for Energy secretary, environmental lawyer and Obama administration veteran Brenda Mallory to head the Council of Environmental Quality, Obama administration EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy as national climate adviser, and New York State Deputy Secretary for Energy and Environment Ali Zaidi for deputy national climate adviser.