cnbc--2020-12-15--McConnell congratulates Biden, warns Senate Republicans not to reject president-elect's victory

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday explicitly acknowledged Joe Biden as president-elect for the first time after weeks of Republican delays in recognizing the 2020 election result .
McConnell later warned Republicans in his conference not to object to the Electoral College outcome when Congress affirms Biden 's victory on Jan. 6 , multiple sources told NBC News .
The Kentucky Republican congratulated the incoming Democratic president after the Electoral College formally certified Biden 's victory on Monday .
Numerous GOP senators did not acknowledge Biden as the election winner for more than a month as President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost him a second term in the White House .
`` Our country has officially a president-elect and a vice president-elect , '' McConnell said on the Senate floor on Tuesday .
`` The Electoral College has spoken .
So today I want to congratulate President-elect Joe Biden '' and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris , he continued .
Biden on Tuesday morning told reporters he spoke to McConnell after the Republican congratulated him .
The president-elect said he told the senator he believes they can work together and hopes the pair can meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden after running through a list of what he called `` nearly endless '' accomplishments during Trump 's term as president .
He pointed to policies including the 2017 GOP tax law and `` perhaps most importantly '' the confirmation of three conservative Supreme Court justices .
Speaking after McConnell recognized Biden 's win , Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. , said Republican officials should `` follow Leader McConnell 's lead and acknowledge now that Joe Biden will be the next president of the United States . ''
GOP senators including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Utah congratulated Biden shortly after it became apparent he would win the presidential election last month .
Others such as Sen. John Thune of South Dakota , the No .
2 Republican in the chamber , publicly accepted the reality as the Electoral College voted Monday .
Still , some including GOP Sens .
Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue of Georgia have refused to accept Biden 's win .
Both lawmakers will try to keep their seats in Jan. 5 runoffs that will determine whether McConnell and the GOP keep control of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special election , the House and Senate are set to count the electoral votes in a joint session , presided over by Vice President Mike Pence .
Any objections to those votes must be submitted in writing and signed by at least one House member and one senator .
If an objection is made , the two chambers will consider the objection separately .
Such a move would likely fail , and some Republicans , including Romney , have already rejected the idea of attempting to challenge the election in its final stage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McConnell , along with Missouri Sen. Roy Blunt and Senate Majority Whip John Thune of South Dakota , warned senators not to object to the results , multiple sources told NBC .
Doing so would be a `` terrible move '' for Republicans , who would then have to defy Trump on the record by voting against the objection , McConnell reportedly said .
No senators so far have objected to McConnell 's request , NBC reported .
If Republicans hold the chamber , McConnell will have massive influence over what his former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House .
Biden 's top priorities including a massive coronavirus relief package , a public-health care option and a green-energy focused infrastructure plan will likely face GOP resistance .
Trump has vowed never to concede to Biden .
He is falsely claiming he won the race and is spreading a bevy of unproven , debunked and baseless conspiracy theories as he argues that he was robbed of reelection by massive electoral and voter fraud .
Trump , in his first tweet following McConnell 's acknowledgement of Biden 's win , again asserted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Republican Senate leader 's remarks .
On Tuesday afternoon , White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters she has not `` gotten the president 's reaction '' to McConnell 's comments yet , but noted Trump is `` pursuing ongoing litigation . ''
Trump 's lawyers have repeatedly failed to prove systemic election fraud in court .
Even after the Electoral College cast its votes to make Biden 's win official , Trump continued to amplify his false claims on Twitter .
`` Tremendous problems being found with voting machines , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no evidence .
`` Able to take a landslide victory and reduce it to a tight loss , '' he falsely tweeted .

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Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday explicitly acknowledged Joe Biden as president-elect for the first time after weeks of Republican delays in recognizing the 2020 election result. McConnell later warned Republicans in his conference not to object to the Electoral College outcome when Congress affirms Biden's victory on Jan. 6, multiple sources told NBC News. The Kentucky Republican congratulated the incoming Democratic president after the Electoral College formally certified Biden's victory on Monday. Numerous GOP senators did not acknowledge Biden as the election winner for more than a month as President Donald Trump made baseless claims that widespread election fraud cost him a second term in the White House. "Our country has officially a president-elect and a vice president-elect," McConnell said on the Senate floor on Tuesday. "The Electoral College has spoken. So today I want to congratulate President-elect Joe Biden" and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, he continued. Biden on Tuesday morning told reporters he spoke to McConnell after the Republican congratulated him. The president-elect said he told the senator he believes they can work together and hopes the pair can meet sooner rather than later. McConnell congratulated Biden after running through a list of what he called "nearly endless" accomplishments during Trump's term as president. He pointed to policies including the 2017 GOP tax law and "perhaps most importantly" the confirmation of three conservative Supreme Court justices.
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Speaking after McConnell recognized Biden's win, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Republican officials should "follow Leader McConnell's lead and acknowledge now that Joe Biden will be the next president of the United States." GOP senators including Susan Collins of Maine and Mitt Romney of Utah congratulated Biden shortly after it became apparent he would win the presidential election last month. Others such as Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, the No. 2 Republican in the chamber, publicly accepted the reality as the Electoral College voted Monday. Still, some including GOP Sens. Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue of Georgia have refused to accept Biden's win. Both lawmakers will try to keep their seats in Jan. 5 runoffs that will determine whether McConnell and the GOP keep control of the Senate. The day after that special election, the House and Senate are set to count the electoral votes in a joint session, presided over by Vice President Mike Pence. Any objections to those votes must be submitted in writing and signed by at least one House member and one senator. If an objection is made, the two chambers will consider the objection separately. Such a move would likely fail, and some Republicans, including Romney, have already rejected the idea of attempting to challenge the election in its final stage.
US Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell speaks during a news conference with other Senate Republicans at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on December 15, 2020. Tom Brenner | AFP | Getty Images
In a conference call Tuesday, McConnell, along with Missouri Sen. Roy Blunt and Senate Majority Whip John Thune of South Dakota, warned senators not to object to the results, multiple sources told NBC. Doing so would be a "terrible move" for Republicans, who would then have to defy Trump on the record by voting against the objection, McConnell reportedly said. No senators so far have objected to McConnell's request, NBC reported. If Republicans hold the chamber, McConnell will have massive influence over what his former Senate colleague Biden can accomplish in the White House. Biden's top priorities including a massive coronavirus relief package, a public-health care option and a green-energy focused infrastructure plan will likely face GOP resistance. Trump has vowed never to concede to Biden. He is falsely claiming he won the race and is spreading a bevy of unproven, debunked and baseless conspiracy theories as he argues that he was robbed of reelection by massive electoral and voter fraud. Trump, in his first tweet following McConnell's acknowledgement of Biden's win, again asserted his claims of voter fraud without addressing the Republican Senate leader's remarks. On Tuesday afternoon, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters she has not "gotten the president's reaction" to McConnell's comments yet, but noted Trump is "pursuing ongoing litigation." Trump's lawyers have repeatedly failed to prove systemic election fraud in court. Even after the Electoral College cast its votes to make Biden's win official, Trump continued to amplify his false claims on Twitter. "Tremendous problems being found with voting machines," he tweeted Tuesday morning, providing no evidence. "Able to take a landslide victory and reduce it to a tight loss," he falsely tweeted.
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cnbc--2020-12-15--Congressional leaders to meet for second session amid rush to strike Covid relief, funding deal

The top four congressional leaders met Tuesday to try to strike deals to fund the government and send another round of coronavirus relief as millions of Americans await help .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , set up the talks with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. , and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy , R-Calif. , as Congress runs out of time to address both issues .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , who spoke to Pelosi on the phone for more than an hour Tuesday , called into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group broke up around 5 p.m .
ET and is set to convene again at about 7:30 p.m .
ET , according to a source familiar with the plans .
Leaving Pelosi 's office , McCarthy told reporters , `` I think there 's progress . ''
The discussions mark the most significant effort yet for the four leaders to come to a bipartisan agreement on a package that could get through a divided Congress .
Absent congressional action , government funding will lapse Saturday and 12 million people will lose unemployment benefits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're not leaving here without a Covid package , '' McConnell told reporters Tuesday .
`` It 's not going to happen .
We 're going to stay here until we get a Covid package , no matter how long it takes . ''
Congress has failed for months to send new assistance as the pandemic stretches the health-care system 's capacity and leaves millions of Americans scrambling to find a meal and pay their rent .
The imminent expiration of financial lifelines , a weakening economy and the need for money to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and elderly Americans have forced lawmakers to once and for all seek a compromise .

The top four congressional leaders appeared to make progress during Tuesday meetings toward funding the government and sending another round of coronavirus relief, as millions of struggling Americans await help.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., called the discussions with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., as Congress runs out of time to address both issues. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who separately spoke to Pelosi on the phone for more than an hour Tuesday, called into the talks among the congressional leaders.
Leaving the Capitol after 10 p.m. ET, McConnell sounded more optimistic than he has in months about the prospect of lawmakers striking a bipartisan aid deal.
"We're making significant progress and I'm optimistic that we're going to be able to complete an understanding sometime soon," he told reporters, according to NBC News. He did not outline specifics of a potential relief agreement.
As Schumer departed, he also said the leaders are "making progress, and hopefully we can come to an agreement soon." Congress needs to pass a spending bill by Friday to prevent a government shutdown.
The discussions mark the most significant effort yet by the four leaders to come to a bipartisan agreement on a spending and pandemic rescue package that could get through a divided Congress. Absent congressional action, government funding will lapse Saturday and 12 million people will lose unemployment benefits the day after Christmas.
The group met for about an hour late Tuesday afternoon and reconvened at about 7:30 p.m. ET and negotiated for hours more.
Earlier Tuesday, McConnell told reporters that Congress would not leave for the holidays until it can approve an emergency relief bill. He said lawmakers will "stay here until we get a Covid package, no matter how long it takes."
Congress has failed for months to send new assistance as the pandemic stretches the health-care system's capacity and leaves millions of Americans scrambling to find a meal and pay their rent. The imminent expiration of financial lifelines, a weakening economy and the need for money to ensure that Covid-19 vaccines get to health-care workers and elderly Americans have forced lawmakers to once and for all seek a compromise.


cnbc--2020-12-16--Joe Biden selects Pete Buttigieg as Transportation secretary

Democratic U.S. 2020 election presidential candidates Mayor Pete Buttigieg , former Vice President Joe Biden pose during the second night of the first Democratic presidential candidates debate in Miami , Florida , June 27 , 2019 .
President-elect Joe Biden said Tuesday he has chosen former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg to be his Transportation secretary .
`` South Bend was once called one of America 's 'dying cities . '
Today , it 's a hub of innovation and job growth .
Mayor Pete Buttigieg led that resurgence , and has been nominated by the President-elect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the Biden-Harris Presidential Transition team said on Twitter .
Buttigieg , who was an opponent of Biden 's during the 2020 primary elections , is expected to play a central role in the incoming president 's plans to restore and repair roads and bridges throughout the U.S. '' This is a moment of tremendous opportunity—to create jobs , meet the climate challenge , and enhance equity for all , '' Buttigieg tweeted .
`` I 'm honored that the President-elect has asked me to serve our nation as Secretary of Transportation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said smart , climate-friendly infrastructure projects can help the U.S. emerge from the coronavirus recession stronger and help support thousands of jobs .
Buttigieg , 38 , quickly became a household name during the 2020 elections as a younger , yet still moderate option for Democrats hoping to prevent a second term for President Donald Trump .
Though Buttigieg dropped out of the 2020 race in March despite winning in the Iowa caucuses , the openly gay politician soon thereafter endorsed Biden for president .
The president-elect has often offered high praise for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Democrats and was widely expected to name him to a high-level administration post .
`` Mayor Pete Buttigieg is a patriot and a problem-solver who speaks to the best of who we are as a nation .
I am nominating him for Secretary of Transportation because this position stands at the nexus of so many of the interlocking challenges and opportunities ahead of us , '' Biden said in a statement .
`` Jobs , infrastructure , equity , and climate all come together at the DOT , the site of some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back better .
I trust Mayor Pete to lead this work with focus , decency , and a bold vision — he will bring people together to get big things done . ''
A business ally of Biden 's told CNBC that Buttigieg could have a big impact on the administration 's infrastructure proposal since he 's not connected to the stagnant talks in Congress about how to pay for such a plan .
`` He will not be inhibited by what has always been the limitations on Capitol Hill , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spoken with him yet , but I am positive if it happens . ''
This person declined to be named in order to speak freely .
Among its many proposals , the Biden campaign floated a $ 2 trillion plan that , married to his climate goals , would `` build a new American infrastructure and clean energy economy . ''
The expansive plan includes more general investments for roads and bridges , and more specific proposals like providing every American city with 100,000 or more residents with high-quality , zero-emissions public transportation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is perhaps best known in politics for his two terms as the mayor of South Bend from 2012 to 2020 .
Under his tenure , the city embarked on extensive urban development and economic revitalization projects similar to those championed by Biden in promises to revitalize American infrastructure .
Critics of his time as mayor say his revitalization plans for South Bend did not necessarily benefit racial minorities as much as hoped .
For example , many were optimistic about his plans to knock down or repair nearly all of the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that experts thought beyond possible .
The program concentrated on the city 's lowest-income black and Hispanic neighborhoods , where homes were in disrepair .
And while many said they were happy to see dilapidated structures removed , they lamented a lack of planning on what would fill the space .

Democratic U.S. 2020 election presidential candidates Mayor Pete Buttigieg, former Vice President Joe Biden pose during the second night of the first Democratic presidential candidates debate in Miami, Florida, June 27, 2019.
President-elect Joe Biden said Tuesday he has chosen former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg to be his Transportation secretary.
"South Bend was once called one of America's 'dying cities.' Today, it's a hub of innovation and job growth. Mayor Pete Buttigieg led that resurgence, and has been nominated by the President-elect to continue that work as Transportation Secretary," the Biden-Harris Presidential Transition team said on Twitter.
Buttigieg, who was an opponent of Biden's during the 2020 primary elections, is expected to play a central role in the incoming president's plans to restore and repair roads and bridges throughout the U.S.
"This is a moment of tremendous opportunity—to create jobs, meet the climate challenge, and enhance equity for all," Buttigieg tweeted. "I'm honored that the President-elect has asked me to serve our nation as Secretary of Transportation."
The president-elect has for months said smart, climate-friendly infrastructure projects can help the U.S. emerge from the coronavirus recession stronger and help support thousands of jobs.
Buttigieg, 38, quickly became a household name during the 2020 elections as a younger, yet still moderate option for Democrats hoping to prevent a second term for President Donald Trump.
Though Buttigieg dropped out of the 2020 race in March despite winning in the Iowa caucuses, the openly gay politician soon thereafter endorsed Biden for president.
The president-elect has often offered high praise for Buttigieg as emblematic of the next generation of Democrats and was widely expected to name him to a high-level administration post.
"Mayor Pete Buttigieg is a patriot and a problem-solver who speaks to the best of who we are as a nation. I am nominating him for Secretary of Transportation because this position stands at the nexus of so many of the interlocking challenges and opportunities ahead of us," Biden said in a statement. "Jobs, infrastructure, equity, and climate all come together at the DOT, the site of some of our most ambitious plans to build back better. I trust Mayor Pete to lead this work with focus, decency, and a bold vision — he will bring people together to get big things done."
A business ally of Biden's told CNBC that Buttigieg could have a big impact on the administration's infrastructure proposal since he's not connected to the stagnant talks in Congress about how to pay for such a plan.
"He will not be inhibited by what has always been the limitations on Capitol Hill," the person said. I "haven't spoken with him yet, but I am positive if it happens."
This person declined to be named in order to speak freely.
Among its many proposals, the Biden campaign floated a $2 trillion plan that, married to his climate goals, would "build a new American infrastructure and clean energy economy."
The expansive plan includes more general investments for roads and bridges, and more specific proposals like providing every American city with 100,000 or more residents with high-quality, zero-emissions public transportation options.
Buttigieg, a military veteran, is perhaps best known in politics for his two terms as the mayor of South Bend from 2012 to 2020.
Under his tenure, the city embarked on extensive urban development and economic revitalization projects similar to those championed by Biden in promises to revitalize American infrastructure.
Critics of his time as mayor say his revitalization plans for South Bend did not necessarily benefit racial minorities as much as hoped.
For example, many were optimistic about his plans to knock down or repair nearly all of the city's vacant homes, a demanding initiative that experts thought beyond possible. The program concentrated on the city's lowest-income black and Hispanic neighborhoods, where homes were in disrepair.
And while many said they were happy to see dilapidated structures removed, they lamented a lack of planning on what would fill the space.


cnbc--2020-12-15--Biden inaugural planners urge Americans to participate from home

The US Capitol building is seen fenced off as preparations are underway to build the stage at the Capitol building for the Inaguration on Monday , Nov. 9 , 2020 in Washington , DC .
WASHINGTON — President-elect Joe Biden 's inauguration planning team urged Americans on Tuesday to stay home and watch the inaugural ceremonies on TV this year because of the spreading coronavirus pandemic .
`` We are asking Americans to participate in inaugural events from home to protect themselves , their families , friends , and communities , '' said Dr. David Kessler , chief medical advisor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keeping with tradition , the committee said Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will take their oaths of office on Jan. 20 atop a traditional dais constructed for the occasion on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol .
But the ceremony 's footprint will be extremely limited , and everything else about the day will look different , they said in a statement .
The traditional crowds on the National Mall , the inaugural parade from the Capitol to the White House , and inaugural balls and festivities will all be `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The PIC is urging the public to refrain from any travel and participate in the inaugural activities from home , '' the committee said .
The scaled-back events will embrace the same principles that guided the planning and execution of Biden 's presidential campaign over the past nine months , by placing public health and social distancing ahead of traditions and pomp .
But it 's unclear to what extent Biden 's supporters will heed the advice of his inaugural planners , and skip the chance to celebrate the end of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic president and vice president .
Biden won more votes in November 's election than any presidential candidate in American history .
After four years of President Donald Trump 's polarizing leadership , there is a palpable desire among Trump 's opponents to celebrate his Jan. 20 departure from office .
The PIC also announced Tuesday that former Obama campaign aide Stephanie Cutter and Emmy Award-winning TV producer Ricky Kirshner have joined the inaugural committee staff as executive producers .
Also joining the team as a senior advisor is Rod O'Connor , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virtual Democratic National Convention last summer .

The US Capitol building is seen fenced off as preparations are underway to build the stage at the Capitol building for the Inaguration on Monday, Nov. 9, 2020 in Washington, DC.
WASHINGTON — President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration planning team urged Americans on Tuesday to stay home and watch the inaugural ceremonies on TV this year because of the spreading coronavirus pandemic.
"We are asking Americans to participate in inaugural events from home to protect themselves, their families, friends, and communities," said Dr. David Kessler, chief medical advisor to the Presidential Inaugural Committee.
In keeping with tradition, the committee said Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will take their oaths of office on Jan. 20 atop a traditional dais constructed for the occasion on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol.
But the ceremony's footprint will be extremely limited, and everything else about the day will look different, they said in a statement. The traditional crowds on the National Mall, the inaugural parade from the Capitol to the White House, and inaugural balls and festivities will all be "reimagined" for a virtual audience.
"The PIC is urging the public to refrain from any travel and participate in the inaugural activities from home," the committee said.
The scaled-back events will embrace the same principles that guided the planning and execution of Biden's presidential campaign over the past nine months, by placing public health and social distancing ahead of traditions and pomp.
But it's unclear to what extent Biden's supporters will heed the advice of his inaugural planners, and skip the chance to celebrate the end of the Trump administration and the swearing of a Democratic president and vice president.
Biden won more votes in November's election than any presidential candidate in American history. After four years of President Donald Trump's polarizing leadership, there is a palpable desire among Trump's opponents to celebrate his Jan. 20 departure from office.
The PIC also announced Tuesday that former Obama campaign aide Stephanie Cutter and Emmy Award-winning TV producer Ricky Kirshner have joined the inaugural committee staff as executive producers. Also joining the team as a senior advisor is Rod O'Connor, who led the effort to create and produce the virtual Democratic National Convention last summer.


cnbc--2020-12-15--Saudi Arabia hires new crop of lobbyists with Joe Biden poised to roll back Trump-era relationship

U.S. President Donald Trump standing next to Mohammed bin Salman , Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia , during a group picture at the start of the Group of 20 summit on 28 June 2019 .
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is on a hiring spree for lobbyists as President-elect Joe Biden , who has signaled that he will take a tougher stance with the nation , prepares to take office .
With the potential for a more turbulent relationship with the U.S. , Saudi Arabia has been hiring some lobbyists with ties to Republican congressional leaders .
These lobbyists will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawmakers in the new Congress instead of Democrats or Biden 's administration .
Republicans made gains in the House of Representatives during the 2020 election and could have a slight edge in the Senate if they win one of the seats up for grabs in two Georgia runoffs set for early next month .
Biden told the Council on Foreign Relations last year during the Democratic primary that he would scale back U.S. support for Saudi Arabia on key issues .
`` I would end U.S. support for the disastrous Saudi-led war in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationship with Saudi Arabia , '' Biden said at the time .
`` It is past time to restore a sense of balance , perspective , and fidelity to our values in our relationships in the Middle East .
President Trump has issued Saudi Arabia a dangerous blank check , '' he added .
The kingdom is governed in large part by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman .
NBC News reported in 2018 that he ordered the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi , something the crown prince has denied .
The president , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arabia after Khashoggi 's death .
The two nations had signed a nearly $ 110 billion arms deal a year earlier .
The government of Saudi Arabia finished 2018 spending more than $ 30 million on lobbying activities , according to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics .
So far in 2020 , the spending has been at $ 5 million .
A representative from the Saudi Embassy in Washington did not respond to a request for comment .
One of the recent hires came through the Larson Shannahan Slifka Group , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lucrative contract with the Saudi Embassy last year .
Also known as the LS2group , the embassy agreed in 2019 to pay it $ 1.5 million for one year .
New records show LS2 recently brought on Arena Strategy Group , for actions that will `` include informing the public , government officials , and the media about the importance of fostering and promoting strong relations between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , '' a foreign lobbying report says .
The contract started Dec.1 , weeks after Biden was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relations work , the document said .
The contract is worth about $ 5,000 each month .
Arena 's government affairs efforts are led by Mark Graul , a Republican political strategist who was Wisconsin state director for President George W. Bush 's 2004 reelection campaign .
He also was chief of staff for former Rep. Mark Green , R-Wis. , when Green was in Congress .
Green went on to become the head of the U.S. Agency for International Development under Trump , only to resign earlier this year .
Graul did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saudi Arabia 's D.C. embassy also recently hired Off Hill Strategies for the period spanning the final stretch of the election through the transition period .
The firm is a boutique lobbying shop founded by Tripp Baird , who was once director of government relations at the conservative organization Heritage Action for America .
The contract started in late October while Biden was ahead of Trump in almost all of the national polls .
It also notes the $ 25,000-per-month agreement goes until Jan. 18 , two days before Biden is set to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hill 's lobbying efforts , according to its contract , is to `` support the Embassy 's Congressional outreach efforts and further advance bilateral ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America . ''
A separate lobbying disclosure report shows that Off Hill was helping Saudi Arabia with `` gathering information regarding the end-of-year omnibus legislation . ''
Baird did not return a request for comment .
In another instance , the Saudis turned to a leading public relations firm to support the development of an expensive city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growing international ambitions .
According to a filing , an executive at public relations juggernaut Edelman emailed a leader of a massive Saudi land development known as Neom to detail their agreement .
Jere Sullivan , the firm 's vice chairman of global public affairs , told Neom that Edelman would provide strategic counsel , media relations , stakeholder identification and engagement , as well as content development .
The agreement , according to the email , is set to last from mid-November into February and is expected to cost up to $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the foreign lobbying disclosure report for Edelman , is `` wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund ( PIF ) , which is a sovereign wealth of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia .
As such its activities are supervised , directed , controlled , financed and subsidized by the PIF . ''
The Wall Street Journal reported last year that the Neom project is backed by MBS and the project for the Saudi city-state is worth $ 500 billion .
The Journal reported at the time that by 2030 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region will be one of the global hubs for technology , with the Saudi leadership believing it could replace the U.S. tech hub of Silicon Valley .
Its anticipated timeline of completion coincides with Biden 's first term as president and would carry beyond 2024 .
Neom 's website says that it is a `` region in northwest Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea being built from the ground up as a living laboratory '' and that it will `` provide a plethora of unique development opportunities , as its strategic coastal Red @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to international markets and trade routes . ''
The group says it expects it to complete the project in the next seven to 10 years .

U.S. President Donald Trump standing next to Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, during a group picture at the start of the Group of 20 summit on 28 June 2019.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is on a hiring spree for lobbyists as President-elect Joe Biden, who has signaled that he will take a tougher stance with the nation, prepares to take office.
With the potential for a more turbulent relationship with the U.S., Saudi Arabia has been hiring some lobbyists with ties to Republican congressional leaders.
These lobbyists will potentially have more success engaging with GOP lawmakers in the new Congress instead of Democrats or Biden's administration. Republicans made gains in the House of Representatives during the 2020 election and could have a slight edge in the Senate if they win one of the seats up for grabs in two Georgia runoffs set for early next month.
Biden told the Council on Foreign Relations last year during the Democratic primary that he would scale back U.S. support for Saudi Arabia on key issues.
"I would end U.S. support for the disastrous Saudi-led war in Yemen and order a reassessment of our relationship with Saudi Arabia," Biden said at the time. "It is past time to restore a sense of balance, perspective, and fidelity to our values in our relationships in the Middle East. President Trump has issued Saudi Arabia a dangerous blank check," he added.
The kingdom is governed in large part by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. NBC News reported in 2018 that he ordered the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, something the crown prince has denied. The president, at the time, stood by Saudi Arabia after Khashoggi's death. The two nations had signed a nearly $110 billion arms deal a year earlier.
The government of Saudi Arabia finished 2018 spending more than $30 million on lobbying activities, according to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics. So far in 2020, the spending has been at $5 million.
A representative from the Saudi Embassy in Washington did not respond to a request for comment.
One of the recent hires came through the Larson Shannahan Slifka Group, an Iowa-based public affairs shop that signed a lucrative contract with the Saudi Embassy last year. Also known as the LS2group, the embassy agreed in 2019 to pay it $1.5 million for one year.
New records show LS2 recently brought on Arena Strategy Group, for actions that will "include informing the public, government officials, and the media about the importance of fostering and promoting strong relations between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," a foreign lobbying report says.
The contract started Dec.1, weeks after Biden was declared president-elect, and will include government relations work, the document said. The contract is worth about $5,000 each month.
Arena's government affairs efforts are led by Mark Graul, a Republican political strategist who was Wisconsin state director for President George W. Bush's 2004 reelection campaign. He also was chief of staff for former Rep. Mark Green, R-Wis., when Green was in Congress. Green went on to become the head of the U.S. Agency for International Development under Trump, only to resign earlier this year.
Graul did not return a request for comment.
Saudi Arabia's D.C. embassy also recently hired Off Hill Strategies for the period spanning the final stretch of the election through the transition period.
The firm is a boutique lobbying shop founded by Tripp Baird, who was once director of government relations at the conservative organization Heritage Action for America. The contract started in late October while Biden was ahead of Trump in almost all of the national polls. It also notes the $25,000-per-month agreement goes until Jan. 18, two days before Biden is set to be inaugurated.
The focus of Off Hill's lobbying efforts, according to its contract, is to "support the Embassy's Congressional outreach efforts and further advance bilateral ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America." A separate lobbying disclosure report shows that Off Hill was helping Saudi Arabia with "gathering information regarding the end-of-year omnibus legislation."
Baird did not return a request for comment.
In another instance, the Saudis turned to a leading public relations firm to support the development of an expensive city development intended to bolster the nation's growing international ambitions.
According to a filing, an executive at public relations juggernaut Edelman emailed a leader of a massive Saudi land development known as Neom to detail their agreement. Jere Sullivan, the firm's vice chairman of global public affairs, told Neom that Edelman would provide strategic counsel, media relations, stakeholder identification and engagement, as well as content development.
The agreement, according to the email, is set to last from mid-November into February and is expected to cost up to $75,000 each month.
Neom, according to the foreign lobbying disclosure report for Edelman, is "wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which is a sovereign wealth of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As such its activities are supervised, directed, controlled, financed and subsidized by the PIF."
The Wall Street Journal reported last year that the Neom project is backed by MBS and the project for the Saudi city-state is worth $500 billion. The Journal reported at the time that by 2030, MBS is hoping this newly developed region will be one of the global hubs for technology, with the Saudi leadership believing it could replace the U.S. tech hub of Silicon Valley. Its anticipated timeline of completion coincides with Biden's first term as president and would carry beyond 2024.
Neom's website says that it is a "region in northwest Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea being built from the ground up as a living laboratory" and that it will "provide a plethora of unique development opportunities, as its strategic coastal Red Sea location is notable for its proximity to international markets and trade routes."
The group says it expects it to complete the project in the next seven to 10 years.
Sullivan declined to comment.


cnbc--2020-12-15--Supreme Court sides with Colorado church challenging Covid capacity limits

The Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled in favor of a rural Colorado church that was challenging capacity limits instituted by Gov .
Jared Polis to protect against the spread of the coronavirus .
In a brief unsigned order , the top court reversed lower court rulings that had refused to block the restrictions , which limited attendance at some churches in high-risk areas to 25 % of their typical occupancy , with an upper bound of 50 people .
High Plains Harvest Church sought to block the restrictions , arguing that the state 's rules unlawfully targeted religion .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the restrictions in response to a November Supreme Court ruling blocking similar rules in New York .
Justice Elena Kagan , joined by fellow liberals Justices Stephen Breyer and Sonia Sotomayor , dissented from the court 's order .
In a single paragraph dissent , Kagan wrote that the Covid-19 rules were no longer in effect , and that , given the court 's November ruling , `` there is no reason to think Colorado will reverse course . ''
Similar to the New York case , known as Roman Catholic Diocese of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved a church that argued the state 's rules were more restrictive for churches and other houses of worship than for businesses .
`` Today in Colorado it is perfectly legal for hundreds of shoppers to pack themselves cheek by jowl into a Lowes or other big box store or patronize any one of the thousands of other retail establishments that are not subject to draconian numerical limits , '' wrote Barry Arrington , an attorney for the church .
`` But if 51 people were to meet to worship God in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they would do so at the risk of being fined and imprisoned , '' Arrington wrote .

The Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled in favor of a rural Colorado church that was challenging capacity limits instituted by Gov. Jared Polis to protect against the spread of the coronavirus.
In a brief unsigned order, the top court reversed lower court rulings that had refused to block the restrictions, which limited attendance at some churches in high-risk areas to 25% of their typical occupancy, with an upper bound of 50 people.
High Plains Harvest Church sought to block the restrictions, arguing that the state's rules unlawfully targeted religion. The decision came after Colorado had already lifted the restrictions in response to a November Supreme Court ruling blocking similar rules in New York.
Justice Elena Kagan, joined by fellow liberals Justices Stephen Breyer and Sonia Sotomayor, dissented from the court's order. In a single paragraph dissent, Kagan wrote that the Covid-19 rules were no longer in effect, and that, given the court's November ruling, "there is no reason to think Colorado will reverse course."
Similar to the New York case, known as Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn v. Cuomo, the Colorado case involved a church that argued the state's rules were more restrictive for churches and other houses of worship than for businesses.
"Today in Colorado it is perfectly legal for hundreds of shoppers to pack themselves cheek by jowl into a Lowes or other big box store or patronize any one of the thousands of other retail establishments that are not subject to draconian numerical limits," wrote Barry Arrington, an attorney for the church.
"But if 51 people were to meet to worship God in a small rural church in Ault, Colorado, they would do so at the risk of being fined and imprisoned," Arrington wrote.


cnbc--2020-12-15--Attorney General William Barr resigns, effective Dec. 23

Attorney General William Barr , the head of the Department of Justice , will leave office before Christmas , President Donald Trump said Monday .
The widely anticipated announcement of Barr 's departure came just moments after President-elect Joe Biden 's victory over Trump was formalized by the Electoral College .
The shake-up , in the twilight of Trump 's tenure in the White House , also followed weeks of public clashes between Barr and the president .
But Barr 's resignation letter , shared on Twitter by Trump as he made the announcement , elaborately praised the president and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ played a role in the many successes and unprecedented achievements you have delivered for the American people . ''
`` Your record is all the more historic because you accomplished it in the face of relentless , implacable resistance , '' Barr 's letter reads .
`` Few could have weathered these attacks , much less forge ahead with a positive program for the country . ''
Trump , in the tweets , also implied he bore no ill will toward Barr , despite his recent criticisms .
`` Just had a very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the White House , '' Trump said in a pair of tweets .
`` Our relationship has been a very good one , he has done an outstanding job ! ''
Deputy Attorney General Jeff Rosen will serve as acting attorney general following Barr 's departure , Trump said in the tweets .
Richard Donoghue , former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York , will take over Rosen 's role as the No .
2 official at the Justice Department , Trump wrote .
Barr in early December directly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department of Justice had not found any evidence of large-scale voter or election fraud that would overturn Biden 's projected victory .
That admission during an interview with the Associated Press undercut the president , who has refused to concede to Biden and is falsely claiming he won the election , citing an array of unproven fraud conspiracies and asserting the race was `` rigged '' against him .
The statements from Barr also sharply undermined the legal efforts from lawyers on the Trump campaign to reverse Biden 's wins in key swing @ @

Attorney General William Barr, the head of the Department of Justice, will leave office before Christmas, President Donald Trump said Monday.
The widely anticipated announcement of Barr's departure came just moments after President-elect Joe Biden's victory over Trump was formalized by the Electoral College. The shake-up, in the twilight of Trump's tenure in the White House, also followed weeks of public clashes between Barr and the president.
But Barr's resignation letter, shared on Twitter by Trump as he made the announcement, elaborately praised the president and said he felt "proud to have played a role in the many successes and unprecedented achievements you have delivered for the American people."
"Your record is all the more historic because you accomplished it in the face of relentless, implacable resistance," Barr's letter reads. "Few could have weathered these attacks, much less forge ahead with a positive program for the country."
Trump, in the tweets, also implied he bore no ill will toward Barr, despite his recent criticisms.
"Just had a very nice meeting with Attorney General Bill Barr at the White House," Trump said in a pair of tweets. "Our relationship has been a very good one, he has done an outstanding job!"
Deputy Attorney General Jeff Rosen will serve as acting attorney general following Barr's departure, Trump said in the tweets. Richard Donoghue, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, will take over Rosen's role as the No. 2 official at the Justice Department, Trump wrote.
Barr in early December directly contradicted Trump when he revealed that the Department of Justice had not found any evidence of large-scale voter or election fraud that would overturn Biden's projected victory.
That admission during an interview with the Associated Press undercut the president, who has refused to concede to Biden and is falsely claiming he won the election, citing an array of unproven fraud conspiracies and asserting the race was "rigged" against him.
The statements from Barr also sharply undermined the legal efforts from lawyers on the Trump campaign to reverse Biden's wins in key swing states.


cnbc--2020-12-15--Russia's President Putin congratulates Joe Biden on U.S. election victory

FILE PHOTO : Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin ( R ) shakes hands with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden during their meeting in Moscow March 10 , 2011 .
It 's taken a while , but Russian President Vladimir Putin has now congratulated President-elect Joe Biden on his victory , the Kremlin announced Tuesday , a day after the U.S .
Electoral College voted to clinch the Democrat 's defeat of President Donald Trump .
Putin sent a telegram to Biden to congratulate him , the Kremlin said .
`` Putin wished every success to the president-elect and expressed confidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bear special responsibility for global security and stability , can facilitate resolution of many problems and challenges faced by the world now despite disagreements , '' the Kremlin said .
`` Russian-American cooperation , based on the principles of equality and mutual respect , would meet the interests of both nations and the entire international community , '' Putin added , according to the Kremlin .
`` For my part , I am ready for interaction and contacts with you , '' Putin said .
On Monday , the Electoral College voted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hotly contested election .
Although the Electoral College vote is typically a formality following a presidential election , it bore more significance this time , given Trump 's unsuccessful legal attempts to overturn the ballot results and unsubstantiated claims of voting irregularities .

FILE PHOTO: Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin (R) shakes hands with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden during their meeting in Moscow March 10, 2011.
It's taken a while, but Russian President Vladimir Putin has now congratulated President-elect Joe Biden on his victory, the Kremlin announced Tuesday, a day after the U.S. Electoral College voted to clinch the Democrat's defeat of President Donald Trump.
Putin sent a telegram to Biden to congratulate him, the Kremlin said.
"Putin wished every success to the president-elect and expressed confidence that Russia and the U.S., who bear special responsibility for global security and stability, can facilitate resolution of many problems and challenges faced by the world now despite disagreements," the Kremlin said.
"Russian-American cooperation, based on the principles of equality and mutual respect, would meet the interests of both nations and the entire international community," Putin added, according to the Kremlin.
"For my part, I am ready for interaction and contacts with you," Putin said.
On Monday, the Electoral College voted to cement Biden's victory in November's hotly contested election.
Although the Electoral College vote is typically a formality following a presidential election, it bore more significance this time, given Trump's unsuccessful legal attempts to overturn the ballot results and unsubstantiated claims of voting irregularities.


cnbc--2020-12-15--U.S. sanctions Turkey over purchase of Russian S-400 missile system

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration slapped sanctions on Turkey on Monday over a multibillion-dollar acquisition of a Russian missile system .
The long-anticipated move is expected to further stoke tensions between Washington and Ankara in the weeks ahead of President-elect Joe Biden 's ascension to the White House and send a message to foreign governments considering future weapons deals with Russia .
In 2017 , Turkish President Recep Erdogan brokered a deal reportedly worth $ 2.5 billion with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the S-400 missile system .
The S-400 , a mobile surface-to-air missile system , is said to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as the F-35 , America 's most expensive weapons platform .
Despite warnings from the United States and other NATO allies , Turkey accepted the first of four missile batteries in July 2019 .
A week later , the United States cut Turkey , a financial and manufacturing partner , from the F-35 program .
Under the Countering America 's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act , which Trump signed in August 2017 , Turkey faced potential economic sanctions for accepting the Kremlin 's missile system .
Trump had not yet imposed sanctions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ valued ally and an important regional security partner for the United States , and we seek to continue our decades-long history of productive defense-sector cooperation by removing the obstacle of Turkey 's S-400 possession as soon as possible , '' Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wrote in a statement announcing the sanctions .
The sanctions put a ban on all U.S. export licenses and authorizations to the Republic of Turkey 's Presidency of Defense Industries as well as an asset freeze and visa restrictions on the organization 's president , Ismail Demir , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it 's about damn time .
Strong , well-tailored sanctions are painfully overdue , '' said Thomas Karako , director of the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies , when asked about the sanctions .
`` The details will matter a lot .
This could turn out to be a softball .
If the sanctions are to be meaningful , they ca n't be mere token , '' Karako added .
The timing of the sanctions , more than a year after the delivery of the missile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rock relations between Ankara and Washington for an incoming Biden administration .
State Department officials downplayed the timing , saying that the process of implementing sanctions was `` very serious '' and `` deliberative . ''
`` It took time to work through this complex set of issues , including , in particular , the fact that Turkey is a NATO ally , so I would not read too much into the timing of this and why today and not yesterday or three months ago , '' said Matthew Palmer , deputy assistant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eurasian Affairs , during a call with reporters .
`` This is the time that was necessary for us to conclude that deliberative process . ''
The latest revelation comes less than two months after reports surfaced that Turkey 's military began testing the S-400 system .
In October , both the departments of Defense and State condemned the apparent missile test off Turkey 's Black Sea coast .
`` The United States has expressed to the Government of Turkey , at the most senior levels , that the acquisition of Russian military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus wrote in an emailed statement at the time .
`` The United States has been clear on our expectation that the S-400 system should not be operationalized , '' she added .
`` We object to Turkey 's purchase of the system and are deeply concerned with reports that Turkey is bringing it into operation , '' said chief Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman in an emailed statement .
`` It should not be activated .
Doing so risks serious consequences for our security relationship . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ S-200 and S-300 missile systems , made its debut in 2007 .
Compared with U.S. systems , the Russian-made S-400 is believed to be capable of engaging a wider array of targets , at longer ranges and against multiple threats simultaneously .

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan listens to an interpreter as US President Donald Trump makes a statement for the press a meeting at the Palace Hotel during the 72nd United Nations General Assembly on September 21, 2017 in New York City. Brendan Smialowski | AFP | Getty Images
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration slapped sanctions on Turkey on Monday over a multibillion-dollar acquisition of a Russian missile system. The long-anticipated move is expected to further stoke tensions between Washington and Ankara in the weeks ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's ascension to the White House and send a message to foreign governments considering future weapons deals with Russia. In 2017, Turkish President Recep Erdogan brokered a deal reportedly worth $2.5 billion with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the S-400 missile system. The S-400, a mobile surface-to-air missile system, is said to pose a risk to the NATO alliance as well as the F-35, America's most expensive weapons platform. Despite warnings from the United States and other NATO allies, Turkey accepted the first of four missile batteries in July 2019. A week later, the United States cut Turkey, a financial and manufacturing partner, from the F-35 program.
A Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile system. Sergei Malgavko | TASS via Getty Images
Under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, which Trump signed in August 2017, Turkey faced potential economic sanctions for accepting the Kremlin's missile system. Trump had not yet imposed sanctions on Turkey. "Turkey is a valued ally and an important regional security partner for the United States, and we seek to continue our decades-long history of productive defense-sector cooperation by removing the obstacle of Turkey's S-400 possession as soon as possible," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wrote in a statement announcing the sanctions. The sanctions put a ban on all U.S. export licenses and authorizations to the Republic of Turkey's Presidency of Defense Industries as well as an asset freeze and visa restrictions on the organization's president, Ismail Demir, and other top officers. "Well, it's about damn time. Strong, well-tailored sanctions are painfully overdue," said Thomas Karako, director of the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, when asked about the sanctions. "The details will matter a lot. This could turn out to be a softball. If the sanctions are to be meaningful, they can't be mere token," Karako added. The timing of the sanctions, more than a year after the delivery of the missile system, could have the potential to rock relations between Ankara and Washington for an incoming Biden administration. State Department officials downplayed the timing, saying that the process of implementing sanctions was "very serious" and "deliberative." "It took time to work through this complex set of issues, including, in particular, the fact that Turkey is a NATO ally, so I would not read too much into the timing of this and why today and not yesterday or three months ago," said Matthew Palmer, deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, during a call with reporters. "This is the time that was necessary for us to conclude that deliberative process."
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) and Russia's President Vladimir Putin last April. Adem Altan | AFP | Getty Images
The latest revelation comes less than two months after reports surfaced that Turkey's military began testing the S-400 system. In October, both the departments of Defense and State condemned the apparent missile test off Turkey's Black Sea coast. "The United States has expressed to the Government of Turkey, at the most senior levels, that the acquisition of Russian military systems such as the S-400 is unacceptable," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus wrote in an emailed statement at the time. "The United States has been clear on our expectation that the S-400 system should not be operationalized," she added. "We object to Turkey's purchase of the system and are deeply concerned with reports that Turkey is bringing it into operation," said chief Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman in an emailed statement. "It should not be activated. Doing so risks serious consequences for our security relationship." The S-400, the successor to the S-200 and S-300 missile systems, made its debut in 2007. Compared with U.S. systems, the Russian-made S-400 is believed to be capable of engaging a wider array of targets, at longer ranges and against multiple threats simultaneously.
A rocket launches from a S-400 missile system at the Ashuluk military base in Southern Russia on September 22, 2020. Dimitar Dilkoff | AFP | Getty Images
In multiple efforts to deter Turkey from buying the S-400, the State Department offered in 2013 and 2017 to sell the country Raytheon's Patriot missile system. Ankara passed on the Patriot both times because the U.S. declined to provide a transfer of the system's sensitive missile technology. "We have repeatedly tried through our diplomatic overtures to find a way to resolve this by means that don't involve the imposition of these mandatory sanctions," explained Christopher Ford, assistant secretary for International Security and Nonproliferation, during a call with reporters. "We have also repeatedly offered them military equipment to help meet their operational needs in a way that doesn't trigger sanctions and that is, in fact, a better answer in terms of the NATO interoperability of the Turkish Defense Forces. Unfortunately, Turkey turned down every single one of these efforts over the past several years now," Ford said, adding the United States had "no choice." Despite facing potential U.S. sanctions, a dozen countries have expressed interest in buying Russia's S-400 missile system.


cnbc--2020-12-15--In-person early voting begins in Georgia for crucial Senate runoff elections

Voters line up for the first day of early voting outside of the High Museum polling station on December 14 , 2020 in Atlanta , Georgia .
Georgians are headed to the polls to vote in a run off election for two U.S. Senate seats .
In-person early voting began Monday in Georgia for the crucial Jan. 5 special election that will decide control of the Senate .
Polling locations opened Monday morning as more than 1.2 million Georgians had already requested absentee ballots and more than 200,000 voters had returned their mail ballots , according to data compiled by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approaching holidays and a compressed election timeline , the in-person early voting period will be key for campaigns hoping to turn out voters .
In-person early votes made up more than half of the nearly 5 million ballots cast in the Nov. 3 general election , a record-high total for the state .
Runoff elections typically see a drop in voter participation compared with general elections , but the high stakes of the January races are expected to prompt a fierce battle at the ballot box .
Republican Sens .
David Perdue and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock , respectively .
Georgia election rules mandated the runoff races when no candidate exceeded 50 % of voter share in either race during the Nov. 3 general election .
As of now , Republicans will hold a 50-48 majority in the Senate come January .
If Democrats win both Georgia races , Vice President-elect Kamala Harris would be the tiebreaking vote , giving the party unified control of the White House and Congress .
If Republicans keep just one seat , the GOP retains control of the Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever , '' Warnock said following a drive-in rally in Warner Robbins on Sunday .
`` And so we need everybody to turn out and vote . ''
`` Everything 's at stake in this election , '' Loeffler said after an event at the Houston County GOP offices Sunday .
`` It 's the future of the country . ''
Georgia has not elected a Democratic senator since 1996 , and Democrats have not won a statewide runoff election in Georgia since 1988 .
But Democrats are hoping the diverse coalition that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also propel their Senate candidates to victory .
The first day of in-person early voting coincides with the meeting of the Electoral College , as Georgia electors record their votes for Biden , the first Democrat to win Georgia 's presidential race since 1992 .
Biden is set to travel to Atlanta on Tuesday to campaign for Ossoff and Warnock , the president-elect 's first campaign appearance since winning the November election .
Former President Barack Obama headlined a virtual rally with Ossoff and Warnock on Dec. 4 , emphasizing the importance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` If you do n't have a majority , if the Senate is controlled by Republicans who are interested in obstruction and gridlock rather than progress and helping people , they can block just about anything , '' Obama said .
The GOP has sent several high-profile surrogates to Georgia , including President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence .
Trump has made Georgia a focal point of his baseless claims that widespread voter fraud cost him the election .
The president has attacked prominent Republican leaders in Georgia such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State Brad Raffensperger for refusing to overturn the election results even as two full recounts reaffirmed Biden 's victory .
`` What a fool Governor @ BrianKempGA of Georgia is .
Could have been so easy , but now we have to do it the hard way , '' Trump said on Twitter early Monday morning .
`` Demand this clown call a Special Session and open up signature verification , NOW .
Otherwise , could be a bad day for two GREAT Senators on January 5th . ''
The president 's repeated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effects on efforts to mobilize Republican voters for the Jan. 5 runoffs .
Meanwhile , Democrats are focused on turning out new voters , including eligible Georgians who were not old enough to vote in the November election but will turn 18 by Jan. 5 .
Nearly 90,000 mail ballots have been requested by residents who did not vote in the general election , according to U.S .
Elections Project data .
`` These are people who did not vote in the general election , '' former Democratic Georgia gubernatorial candidate and voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11Alive Sunday .
`` That means there 's enthusiasm , but there 's also a hunger for action . ''

Voters line up for the first day of early voting outside of the High Museum polling station on December 14, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. Georgians are headed to the polls to vote in a run off election for two U.S. Senate seats.
In-person early voting began Monday in Georgia for the crucial Jan. 5 special election that will decide control of the Senate.
Polling locations opened Monday morning as more than 1.2 million Georgians had already requested absentee ballots and more than 200,000 voters had returned their mail ballots, according to data compiled by the U.S. Elections Project.
With approaching holidays and a compressed election timeline, the in-person early voting period will be key for campaigns hoping to turn out voters.
In-person early votes made up more than half of the nearly 5 million ballots cast in the Nov. 3 general election, a record-high total for the state.
Runoff elections typically see a drop in voter participation compared with general elections, but the high stakes of the January races are expected to prompt a fierce battle at the ballot box.
Republican Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler face competitive challenges from Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, respectively. Georgia election rules mandated the runoff races when no candidate exceeded 50% of voter share in either race during the Nov. 3 general election.
As of now, Republicans will hold a 50-48 majority in the Senate come January. If Democrats win both Georgia races, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris would be the tiebreaking vote, giving the party unified control of the White House and Congress. If Republicans keep just one seat, the GOP retains control of the Senate.
"It is as urgent as ever," Warnock said following a drive-in rally in Warner Robbins on Sunday. "And so we need everybody to turn out and vote."
"Everything's at stake in this election," Loeffler said after an event at the Houston County GOP offices Sunday. "It's the future of the country."
Georgia has not elected a Democratic senator since 1996, and Democrats have not won a statewide runoff election in Georgia since 1988. But Democrats are hoping the diverse coalition that helped elect Joe Biden as president could also propel their Senate candidates to victory.
The first day of in-person early voting coincides with the meeting of the Electoral College, as Georgia electors record their votes for Biden, the first Democrat to win Georgia's presidential race since 1992.
Biden is set to travel to Atlanta on Tuesday to campaign for Ossoff and Warnock, the president-elect's first campaign appearance since winning the November election.
Former President Barack Obama headlined a virtual rally with Ossoff and Warnock on Dec. 4, emphasizing the importance of the runoffs for Biden's domestic agenda.
"If you don't have a majority, if the Senate is controlled by Republicans who are interested in obstruction and gridlock rather than progress and helping people, they can block just about anything," Obama said.
The GOP has sent several high-profile surrogates to Georgia, including President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence.
Trump has made Georgia a focal point of his baseless claims that widespread voter fraud cost him the election. The president has attacked prominent Republican leaders in Georgia such as Gov. Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger for refusing to overturn the election results even as two full recounts reaffirmed Biden's victory.
"What a fool Governor @BrianKempGA of Georgia is. Could have been so easy, but now we have to do it the hard way," Trump said on Twitter early Monday morning. "Demand this clown call a Special Session and open up signature verification, NOW. Otherwise, could be a bad day for two GREAT Senators on January 5th."
The president's repeated attacks on election integrity could have undermining effects on efforts to mobilize Republican voters for the Jan. 5 runoffs.
Meanwhile, Democrats are focused on turning out new voters, including eligible Georgians who were not old enough to vote in the November election but will turn 18 by Jan. 5. Nearly 90,000 mail ballots have been requested by residents who did not vote in the general election, according to U.S. Elections Project data.
"These are people who did not vote in the general election," former Democratic Georgia gubernatorial candidate and voting rights activist Stacey Abrams told NBC affiliate 11Alive Sunday. "That means there's enthusiasm, but there's also a hunger for action."


cnbc--2020-12-16--McConnell and Schumer say they hope to strike a Covid aid deal 'soon'

The top four congressional leaders appeared to make progress during Tuesday meetings toward funding the government and sending another round of coronavirus relief , as millions of struggling Americans await help .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , called the discussions with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. , and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy , R-Calif. , as Congress runs out of time to address both issues .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , who separately spoke to Pelosi on the phone for more than an hour Tuesday , called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Leaving the Capitol after 10 p.m .
ET , McConnell sounded more optimistic than he has in months about the prospect of lawmakers striking a bipartisan aid deal .
`` We 're making significant progress and I 'm optimistic that we 're going to be able to complete an understanding sometime soon , '' he told reporters , according to NBC News .
He did not outline specifics of a potential relief agreement .
As Schumer departed , he also said the leaders are `` making progress , and hopefully we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress needs to pass a spending bill by Friday to prevent a government shutdown .
The discussions mark the most significant effort yet by the four leaders to come to a bipartisan agreement on a spending and pandemic rescue package that could get through a divided Congress .
Absent congressional action , government funding will lapse Saturday and 12 million people will lose unemployment benefits the day after Christmas .
The group met for about an hour late Tuesday afternoon and reconvened at about 7:30 p.m .
ET and negotiated for hours more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Congress would not leave for the holidays until it can approve an emergency relief bill .
He said lawmakers will `` stay here until we get a Covid package , no matter how long it takes . ''
Congress has failed for months to send new assistance as the pandemic stretches the health-care system 's capacity and leaves millions of Americans scrambling to find a meal and pay their rent .
The imminent expiration of financial lifelines , a weakening economy and the need for money to ensure that Covid-19 vaccines get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forced lawmakers to once and for all seek a compromise .


cnbc--2020-12-16--Congress closes in on a $900 billion Covid relief deal as Americans await aid

`` I 'm cautiously optimistic we 're going to see this $ 900 billion package released today , and this will likely get passed before we go home this weekend , '' Daines told CNBC 's `` Squawk Box '' on Wednesday morning .
The measure would contain a direct payment to Americans in some amount , as well as enhanced federal unemployment insurance , NBC News reported .
In addition , Republican Sen. Steve Daines of Montana told CNBC that the deal would have roughly $ 300 billion in small business aid including Paycheck Protection Program loans , money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relief for hospitals .
Speaking after McConnell , Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. , said `` we are close to an agreement '' but noted `` it 's not a done deal yet . ''
He added that Democrats `` would like to have gone considerably further '' to offer relief and will press for more aid after President-elect Joe Biden takes office on Jan. 20 .
`` We made major headway toward hammering out a targeted pandemic relief package that would be able to pass both chambers with bipartisan majorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , R-Ky. , said on the Senate floor Wednesday after a night of talks among the top four congressional leaders .
The developing aid agreement would not include liability protections for businesses or aid to state and local government , CNBC confirmed .
Disagreements over those two issues have blocked lawmakers from crafting a year-end rescue package .
Congressional leaders closed in on a $ 900 billion coronavirus relief deal Wednesday as millions of struggling Americans wait for help .
Congress has rushed to find consensus on legislation to fund the government and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under the pandemic .
If lawmakers fail to act , the government will shut down on Saturday , 12 million people will lose unemployment benefits the day after Christmas and millions more could face the threat of eviction .
Congress finally neared an emergency relief agreement after Tuesday night negotiations among McConnell , Schumer , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy , R-Calif. Republicans and Democrats had failed for months to make progress toward a bill that could get through a divided Congress .
But they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during their talks .
After the discussions , McConnell and Schumer said they hoped to have an agreement `` soon . ''
Congress faces a challenge in trying to write sweeping legislation and approve it before Friday .
McConnell told Republicans they should prepare to work through the weekend , according to NBC .
Politico first reported that congressional leaders were near a $ 900 billion deal .
Parts of the bill appear to reflect a bipartisan plan released by rank-and-file lawmakers this week .
However , that proposal did not include any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by congressional leaders will contain stimulus checks to individuals which could come out to about $ 600 per person , according to NBC .
In describing to Republicans that the proposal would put more money right into Americans ' bank accounts , McConnell noted that Trump supports the provision , according to NBC .
He also said including the cash infusions would help GOP Sens .
David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler in their Jan. 5 Georgia runoff races that will determine the Senate majority .
Congressional progressives have urged party leaders to include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. , and Josh Hawley , R-Mo.
, have also threatened to delay passage of a bill that does not include a second $ 1,200 deposit to most Americans .
At this stage , the Senate would likely need unanimous support to pass a bill quickly enough to meet the midnight Friday deadline .
It remains to be seen how a potentially smaller stimulus check , or the exclusion of state and local government relief , would affect support of the legislation this week .
As the agreement developed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 900 billion `` is a much smaller amount than the country needs in this moment of economic desperation . ''
However , he called it `` good news '' that as he understands it now , the bill would send working-families Americans $ 600 per adult and $ 600 per child .
Hawley , meanwhile , told reporters the direct payment provision is `` progress '' but `` not where I would like it to be . ''
Lawmakers can not send help soon enough for millions of Americans .
The economy has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an unchecked coronavirus outbreak that has killed more than 300,000 people in the U.S. As millions still have not gained back jobs they lost at the start of the pandemic , long lines have formed at food banks around the country .
Many Americans remain in their homes due to eviction moratoriums but lack the money to pay the rent they owe .
In addition , the distribution of Covid vaccinations — which started this week and gave Americans a glimmer of hope that the crisis could ease in the coming months — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Of course , many in Washington feel a $ 900 billion plan will not go nearly far enough to lift families merely scraping by during the pandemic .
Biden , like Schumer , has signaled Democrats will push for more relief in the new year .
Speaking at an event where he introduced Transportation Secretary nominee Pete Buttigieg on Wednesday , Biden called the developing proposal `` encouraging . ''
`` But it 's a down payment , an important down payment on what 's going to have to be done beginning at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ February , but it 's very important to get it done and I compliment the bipartisan group for getting it done , '' he said .
— CNBC 's Ylan Mui and Christina Wilkie contributed to this report

"I'm cautiously optimistic we're going to see this $900 billion package released today, and this will likely get passed before we go home this weekend," Daines told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Wednesday morning.
The measure would contain a direct payment to Americans in some amount, as well as enhanced federal unemployment insurance, NBC News reported. In addition, Republican Sen. Steve Daines of Montana told CNBC the deal would have roughly $300 billion in small business aid including Paycheck Protection Program loans, money for Covid-19 vaccine distribution and testing and relief for hospitals.
Speaking after McConnell, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said "we are close to an agreement" but noted "it's not a done deal yet." He added that Democrats "would like to have gone considerably further" to offer relief and will press for more aid after President-elect Joe Biden takes office on Jan. 20.
On the Senate floor earlier in the day, he said: "We made major headway toward hammering out a targeted pandemic relief package that would be able to pass both chambers with bipartisan majorities."
"We're still close and we're going to get there," Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. told reporters Wednesday evening.
The developing aid agreement would not include liability protections for businesses or aid to state and local government, CNBC confirmed. Disagreements over those issues have blocked lawmakers from crafting a year-end rescue package.
Congressional leaders closed in on a $900 billion coronavirus relief deal as millions of struggling Americans wait for help.
Congress has rushed to find consensus on legislation to fund the government and rescue a health-care system and economy buckling under the pandemic. If lawmakers fail to act, the government will shut down on Saturday, 12 million people will lose unemployment benefits the day after Christmas and millions more could face the threat of eviction.
Congress finally neared an emergency relief agreement after Tuesday night negotiations among McConnell, Schumer, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. Republicans and Democrats had failed for months to make progress toward a bill that could get through a divided Congress. But they appeared to move close to an deal during their talks.
After the discussions, McConnell and Schumer said they hoped to have an agreement "soon."
Congress faces a challenge in trying to write sweeping legislation and approve it before Friday. McConnell told Republicans they should prepare to work through the weekend, according to NBC.
Politico first reported that congressional leaders were near a $900 billion deal. Parts of the bill appear to reflect a bipartisan plan released by rank-and-file lawmakers this week. However, that proposal did not include any direct payments.
The measure being developed by congressional leaders will contain stimulus checks to individuals which could come out to about $600 per person, according to NBC.
In describing to Republicans that the proposal would put more money directly into Americans' bank accounts, McConnell noted that Trump supports the provision, according to NBC. He also said including the cash infusions would help GOP Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler in their Jan. 5 Georgia runoff races that will determine the Senate majority.
Congressional progressives have urged party leaders to include direct payments in any legislation. Sens. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Josh Hawley, R-Mo., have also threatened to delay passage of a bill that does not include a second $1,200 deposit to most Americans.
At this stage, the Senate would likely need unanimous support to pass a bill quickly enough to meet the midnight Friday deadline. It remains to be seen how a potentially smaller stimulus check, or the exclusion of state and local government relief, would affect support of the legislation this week.
As the agreement developed Wednesday, Sanders told MSNBC that $900 billion "is a much smaller amount than the country needs in this moment of economic desperation." However, he called it "good news" that as he understands it now, the bill would send working-families Americans $600 per adult and $600 per child.
Hawley, meanwhile, told reporters the direct payment provision is "progress" but "not where I would like it to be."
Lawmakers cannot send help soon enough for millions of Americans. The economy has taken a hit in the face of an unchecked coronavirus outbreak that has killed more than 300,000 people in the U.S.
As millions still have not gained back jobs they lost at the start of the pandemic, long lines have formed at food banks around the country. Many Americans remain in their homes due to eviction moratoriums but lack the money to pay the rent they owe.
In addition, the distribution of Covid vaccinations — which started this week and gave Americans a glimmer of hope that the crisis could ease in the coming months — will rely on additional federal funding.
Of course, many in Washington feel a $900 billion plan will not go nearly far enough to lift families merely scraping by during the pandemic. Biden, like Schumer, has signaled Democrats will push for more relief in the new year.
Speaking Wednesday at an event where he introduced Pete Buttigieg as his selection for Transportation secretary, Biden called the developing proposal "encouraging."
"But it's a down payment, an important down payment on what's going to have to be done beginning at the end of January, beginning of February, but it's very important to get it done and I compliment the bipartisan group for getting it done," he said.
— CNBC's Ylan Mui and Christina Wilkie contributed to this report
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cnbc--2020-12-16--Biden stumps for Democrats in Georgia Senate runoff, urges voters to repeat November's record turnou

Biden stumps for Democrats in Georgia Senate runoff, urges voters to repeat November's record turnout

WASHINGTON -- A triumphant President-elect Joe Biden went down to Georgia on Tuesday , where he headlined a campaign rally for two Democratic Senate candidates in the state that handed him his biggest upset win of the 2020 presidential race .
The drive-in rally in Atlanta was intended to benefit Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock , who are both facing incumbent Republican senators in runoff elections on Jan. 5 .
It was Biden 's first campaign event as president-elect , coming just a day after the Electoral College certified his victory over President Donald Trump .
At stake in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. Senate , and with it , the power to either greenlight Biden 's nominees and his ambitious ( and expensive ) domestic policy agenda , or conversely , to block it .
If either of the two Republican senators up for reelection , Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue , win their races , the GOP will maintain its current control of the chamber , and Biden can expect battles over every nominee and every piece of legislation .
Biden had no illusions Tuesday about how important these races are .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who want to get something done , not two senators who are just going to get in the way , '' he said .
`` Send me these two men and we will control the Senate and change the lives of the people of Georgia . ''
Coming off November 's upset victory fueled by suburban and Black voters , Democrats are relying almost entirely on replicating the record-breaking turnout they saw last month .
It 's a tall order — special elections traditionally draw far fewer voters than presidential elections — but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trends .
`` Is Georgia going to break the record for voting in these state Senate elections ?
I think so , '' he said .
`` But there are a lot of folks betting you wo n't .
There are a lot of folks thinking 'Georgia broke the record for votes cast for presidential election , there is no way they can do it again . '
'' `` Are you ready to prove them wrong ?
I think you are .
I think Georgia is going to shock the nation with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jan. 5 , '' said Biden .
In a state with a long history of racist voter suppression , Biden reminded people that Loeffler and Perdue supported a recent lawsuit brought by the Texas attorney general that sought to disqualify millions of votes cast in Georgia , part of a failed , longshot bid to overturn the election results .
`` Your two Republican senators fully embraced what Texas was telling the Supreme Court , '' he said .
`` They fully embraced nullifying nearly 5 million Georgia votes .
You might want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Polling averages currently show both Senate races as neck and neck , although historical trends favor the incumbent senators .
Biden also drew a sharp contrast between the two Democrats in the race and their Republican opponents when it comes to much-needed coronavirus relief funding .
`` We need funding for testing and vaccine distribution .
We need to get money into people 's pockets right away , '' he said .
`` We can get so much done that would make the lives of the people of Georgia and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need senators who are willing to do it . ''
Following Biden 's trip , Vice President-elect Kamala Harris is also expected to visit Georgia to boost Ossoff and Warnock , although concrete plans have yet to be released .

WASHINGTON -- A triumphant President-elect Joe Biden went down to Georgia on Tuesday, where he headlined a campaign rally for two Democratic Senate candidates in the state that handed him his biggest upset win of the 2020 presidential race.
The drive-in rally in Atlanta was intended to benefit Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, who are both facing incumbent Republican senators in runoff elections on Jan. 5. It was Biden's first campaign event as president-elect, coming just a day after the Electoral College certified his victory over President Donald Trump.
At stake in the two runoff elections is control of the U.S. Senate, and with it, the power to either greenlight Biden's nominees and his ambitious (and expensive) domestic policy agenda, or conversely, to block it.
If either of the two Republican senators up for reelection, Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue, win their races, the GOP will maintain its current control of the chamber, and Biden can expect battles over every nominee and every piece of legislation.
Biden had no illusions Tuesday about how important these races are. "I need two senators from this state who want to get something done, not two senators who are just going to get in the way," he said. "Send me these two men and we will control the Senate and change the lives of the people of Georgia."
Coming off November's upset victory fueled by suburban and Black voters, Democrats are relying almost entirely on replicating the record-breaking turnout they saw last month. It's a tall order — special elections traditionally draw far fewer voters than presidential elections — but Biden urged his supporters to buck the trends.
"Is Georgia going to break the record for voting in these state Senate elections? I think so," he said. "But there are a lot of folks betting you won't. There are a lot of folks thinking 'Georgia broke the record for votes cast for presidential election, there is no way they can do it again.'"
"Are you ready to prove them wrong? I think you are. I think Georgia is going to shock the nation with the number of people who vote on Jan. 5," said Biden.
In a state with a long history of racist voter suppression, Biden reminded people that Loeffler and Perdue supported a recent lawsuit brought by the Texas attorney general that sought to disqualify millions of votes cast in Georgia, part of a failed, longshot bid to overturn the election results.
"Your two Republican senators fully embraced what Texas was telling the Supreme Court," he said. "They fully embraced nullifying nearly 5 million Georgia votes. You might want to remember that come Jan. 5."
Polling averages currently show both Senate races as neck and neck, although historical trends favor the incumbent senators.
Biden also drew a sharp contrast between the two Democrats in the race and their Republican opponents when it comes to much-needed coronavirus relief funding.
"We need funding for testing and vaccine distribution. We need to get money into people's pockets right away," he said. "We can get so much done that would make the lives of the people of Georgia and the country so much better, and we need senators who are willing to do it."
Following Biden's trip, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris is also expected to visit Georgia to boost Ossoff and Warnock, although concrete plans have yet to be released.