newsweek--2020-12-27--Marco Rubio Rails Against Fauci, Says He 'Lied About Masks' and 'Distorted' Herd Immunity

Senator Marco Rubio aired his grievances on Sunday with the nation 's top infectious disease expert , Dr. Anthony Fauci .
The Florida Republican blasted the National Institutes of Health ( NIH ) official , claiming in a tweet that he `` lied '' about mask usage , has been `` distorting '' the need for getting vaccinated and is part of a larger conspiracy of elites trying to deceive Americans .
`` Dr. Fauci lied about masks in March .
Dr. Fauci has been distorting the level of vaccination needed for herd immunity , '' Rubio wrote .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in elite bubbles believe the American public does n't know 'what 's good for them ' so they need to be tricked into 'doing the right thing . '
'' Some of what Rubio claimed was either inaccurate or misleading .
His post led to swift backlash from Twitter users , similar to the kind generated when Rubio and some GOP colleagues received criticism for getting COVID vaccines before first responders , health care workers and others who are more susceptible to the virus , despite downplaying the pandemic earlier in the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Fauci came just eight days after Rubio himself touted the vaccine 's safety and effectiveness when he was inoculated at the U.S. Capitol .
`` I am so confident that the # Covid19 vaccine is safe & effective that I decided to take it myself , '' the Sunshine State lawmaker tweeted at the time .
Fauci , along with other public health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) , did urge Americans against mask-wearing at the onset of the pandemic in March .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recommend the wearing of face coverings as more was learned about the highly contagious disease .
Fauci went on to explain in media interviews that their early reasoning was twofold : mass mask-wearing could create a greater shortage for medical professionals , and there was an initial lack of knowledge about how many infected people were asymptomatic .
Like his stance on masks , Fauci 's herd immunity estimation has also shifted over time .
He and other health experts have ticked their estimates upward from 60 to 70 percent to 75 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York Times interview , Fauci suggested the shift was based on public polling that showed more openness to receiving the vaccine—and a subsequent willingness for Americans to hear his new estimation—and the discovery of more transmissible strains .
Both to the Times and in an appearance on CNN Sunday morning , the NIH official elaborated that his new suggestion for as much as 85 percent vaccination for herd immunity was also based on past measles outbreaks .
`` When you get below 90 percent of the population vaccinated with measles , you start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Fauci said on CNN .
`` I think we all have to be honest and humble ; nobody really knows for sure , but I think 70 to 85 percent for herd immunity for COVID-19 is a reasonable estimate and , in fact , most of my epidemiology colleagues agree with me . ''
Democrats and prominent voices on Twitter ridiculed Rubio for his criticism of Fauci , some more aggressively than others .
`` F*cking bull , and you know it , Mario , '' wrote Rep. Mark Pocan ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Trump 's butt , please .
Much better air will clear your head . ''
The anti-Trump group Republicans for Joe Biden questioned why `` does little @ marcorubio find the 'courage ' to attack Dr. Fauci , America 's Top infectious disease expert but not the president of the US who constantly lied to the American people about this terrible pandemic ? ''
Correction , 12/27 6:30 p.m. : An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Rubio was casting doubt on the need to receive the vaccine .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ error .

Senator Marco Rubio aired his grievances on Sunday with the nation's top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci.
The Florida Republican blasted the National Institutes of Health (NIH) official, claiming in a tweet that he "lied" about mask usage, has been "distorting" the need for getting vaccinated and is part of a larger conspiracy of elites trying to deceive Americans.
"Dr. Fauci lied about masks in March. Dr. Fauci has been distorting the level of vaccination needed for herd immunity," Rubio wrote. "It isn't just him. Many in elite bubbles believe the American public doesn't know 'what's good for them' so they need to be tricked into 'doing the right thing.'"
Some of what Rubio claimed was either inaccurate or misleading. His post led to swift backlash from Twitter users, similar to the kind generated when Rubio and some GOP colleagues received criticism for getting COVID vaccines before first responders, health care workers and others who are more susceptible to the virus, despite downplaying the pandemic earlier in the year.
GOP Senator Marco Rubio railed against Anthony Fauci on Sunday, saying he "lied about masks" and distorted facts on herd immunity. Here Rubio wears a protective mask on December 11 in Washington, D.C. Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty
The Congress member's public critique of Fauci came just eight days after Rubio himself touted the vaccine's safety and effectiveness when he was inoculated at the U.S. Capitol.
"I am so confident that the #Covid19 vaccine is safe & effective that I decided to take it myself," the Sunshine State lawmaker tweeted at the time.
Fauci, along with other public health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), did urge Americans against mask-wearing at the onset of the pandemic in March. However, CDC guidance was changed in April to recommend the wearing of face coverings as more was learned about the highly contagious disease.
Fauci went on to explain in media interviews that their early reasoning was twofold: mass mask-wearing could create a greater shortage for medical professionals, and there was an initial lack of knowledge about how many infected people were asymptomatic.
Like his stance on masks, Fauci's herd immunity estimation has also shifted over time. He and other health experts have ticked their estimates upward from 60 to 70 percent to 75 to 85 percent.
Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, looks on after receiving the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on December 22 in Bethesda, Maryland. Photo by PATRICK SEMANSKY/POOL/AFP/Getty
In a recent New York Times interview, Fauci suggested the shift was based on public polling that showed more openness to receiving the vaccine—and a subsequent willingness for Americans to hear his new estimation—and the discovery of more transmissible strains.
Both to the Times and in an appearance on CNN Sunday morning, the NIH official elaborated that his new suggestion for as much as 85 percent vaccination for herd immunity was also based on past measles outbreaks.
"When you get below 90 percent of the population vaccinated with measles, you start seeing a breakthrough against the herd immunity," Fauci said on CNN. "I think we all have to be honest and humble; nobody really knows for sure, but I think 70 to 85 percent for herd immunity for COVID-19 is a reasonable estimate and, in fact, most of my epidemiology colleagues agree with me."
Democrats and prominent voices on Twitter ridiculed Rubio for his criticism of Fauci, some more aggressively than others.
"F*cking bull, and you know it, Mario," wrote Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.). "Remove your head from Trump's butt, please. Much better air will clear your head."
The anti-Trump group Republicans for Joe Biden questioned why "does little@marcorubio find the 'courage' to attack Dr. Fauci, America's Top infectious disease expert but not the president of the US who constantly lied to the American people about this terrible pandemic?"
Correction, 12/27 6:30 p.m.: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Rubio was casting doubt on the need to receive the vaccine. This has been fixed and we regret the error.


newsweek--2020-12-27--Bernie Sanders Urges Trump to Sign COVID Relief Bill First, Work on $2,000 Stimulus Next

Senator Bernie Sanders , a Vermont independent , urged President Donald Trump to pass the current COVID-19 stimulus package and then work toward passing additional $ 2,000 direct stimulus checks with Congress .
Congress passed a bipartisan $ 900 billion COVID-19 relief bill last week combined with $ 1.4 trillion omnibus funding legislation to keep the government running next year .
The White House had reportedly told Republican lawmakers to support the package .
However , Trump released a video message on Tuesday evening describing the legislation as a `` disgrace .
The president took issue with funding directed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the omnibus portion of the bill , while also demanding that lawmakers increase the approved $ 600 stimulus checks to $ 2,000 for most Americans .
Democrats quickly backed the president 's call for $ 2,000 checks , and progressives including Sanders noted that they 'd urged Congress to include larger direct payments for months .
Meanwhile , Trump has still not signed the current bill , delaying aid to millions of struggling Americans .
`` We do need to get $ 2,000 out to every working-class individual in this country , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanders told ABC News ' This Week on Sunday morning .
`` But you ca n't diddle around with the bill .
Sign the bill Mr. President and immediately , Monday [ or ] Tuesday , we can pass a $ 2,000 direct payment to working families of this country . ''
Sanders described Trump 's failure to sign the legislation as `` unbelievably cruel . ''
The progressive senator pointed to the millions of Americans who are now losing unemployment benefits and facing eviction .
`` This president is diddling around and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment , but did not immediately receive a response .
The fate of the COVID-19 package is currently unclear .
While Democrats have largely backed the calls to send Americans $ 2,000 stimulus payments , some leading Republicans have dismissed the suggestion entirely .
Although Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi plans to hold a roll-call vote in the House of Representatives on standalone legislation doling out $ 2,000 direct payments to most Americans , she has also urged Trump to sign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funded next year and rapidly release aid to financially struggling Americans .
Leading Republicans have also urged Trump to sign the current legislation .
`` It took us a long time to get to where we are .
I think reopening that bill would be a mistake . ''
Senator Roy Blunt , a Missouri Republican who serves as the chair of the Senate Republican Policy Committee , told reporters on Thursday .
`` The best way out of this is for the president to sign the bill , and I still hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
In addition to his call for $ 2,000 stimulus checks , Trump strongly criticized the billions in spending going to foreign countries and other federal government priorities included in the omnibus funding portion of the bill .
However , most of these funds came from the Trump administration 's own budget item requests .
It 's unclear whether the president misunderstood the scope of the package or was just attacking the spending for the purpose of political posturing .
Some Republican lawmakers hope Trump will veto the legislation and also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payments .
Senator Rand Paul , a Kentucky Republican who voted against the package , said he supports the president 's concerns about funds going to foreign countries but disagrees with direct payments .
`` I hope he vetoes it , '' Paul told Fox News on Wednesday morning .
But he described the idea for stimulus checks as `` really foolish '' and `` socialist . ''
He added : `` I part ways with the president on giving people free money . ''

Senator Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent, urged President Donald Trump to pass the current COVID-19 stimulus package and then work toward passing additional $2,000 direct stimulus checks with Congress.
Congress passed a bipartisan $900 billion COVID-19 relief bill last week combined with $1.4 trillion omnibus funding legislation to keep the government running next year. The White House had reportedly told Republican lawmakers to support the package. However, Trump released a video message on Tuesday evening describing the legislation as a "disgrace. The president took issue with funding directed to foreign countries and other federal priorities included in the omnibus portion of the bill, while also demanding that lawmakers increase the approved $600 stimulus checks to $2,000 for most Americans.
Democrats quickly backed the president's call for $2,000 checks, and progressives including Sanders noted that they'd urged Congress to include larger direct payments for months. Meanwhile, Trump has still not signed the current bill, delaying aid to millions of struggling Americans.
The Quote
"We do need to get $2,000 out to every working-class individual in this country, $500 for their kid," Sanders told ABC News' This Week on Sunday morning. "But you can't diddle around with the bill. Sign the bill Mr. President and immediately, Monday [or] Tuesday, we can pass a $2,000 direct payment to working families of this country."
On stimulus checks, @BernieSanders claims,“What the president is doing right now is unbelievably cruel. Many millions of people are losing their extended unemployment benefits. They're going to be evicted from their apartments. There's money in that bill.” pic.twitter.com/LpFJXlEUlE — This Week (@ThisWeekABC) December 27, 2020
Sanders described Trump's failure to sign the legislation as "unbelievably cruel." The progressive senator pointed to the millions of Americans who are now losing unemployment benefits and facing eviction.
"This president is diddling around and he may actually veto it," he said.
Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.
Why It Matters
The fate of the COVID-19 package is currently unclear. While Democrats have largely backed the calls to send Americans $2,000 stimulus payments, some leading Republicans have dismissed the suggestion entirely. Although Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi plans to hold a roll-call vote in the House of Representatives on standalone legislation doling out $2,000 direct payments to most Americans, she has also urged Trump to sign the current bill to keep the government funded next year and rapidly release aid to financially struggling Americans.
Leading Republicans have also urged Trump to sign the current legislation.
"It took us a long time to get to where we are. I think reopening that bill would be a mistake." Senator Roy Blunt, a Missouri Republican who serves as the chair of the Senate Republican Policy Committee, told reporters on Thursday. "The best way out of this is for the president to sign the bill, and I still hope that's what he decides," he said.
In addition to his call for $2,000 stimulus checks, Trump strongly criticized the billions in spending going to foreign countries and other federal government priorities included in the omnibus funding portion of the bill. However, most of these funds came from the Trump administration's own budget item requests. It's unclear whether the president misunderstood the scope of the package or was just attacking the spending for the purpose of political posturing.
Senator Bernie Sanders (i-Vermont) heads to the Senate floor at the U.S. Capitol building on December 20 in Washington, D.C. Sanders on Sunday urged Trump to sign the current COVID-19 relief package and then work with Congress to pass additional legislation providing most Americans with $2,000 stimulus checks. Samuel Corum/Getty
Opposing View
Some Republican lawmakers hope Trump will veto the legislation and also drop his demand for $2,000 stimulus payments. Senator Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican who voted against the package, said he supports the president's concerns about funds going to foreign countries but disagrees with direct payments.
"I hope he vetoes it," Paul told Fox News on Wednesday morning. But he described the idea for stimulus checks as "really foolish" and "socialist." He added: "I part ways with the president on giving people free money."


newsweek--2020-12-27--Nashville Bombing Suspect Possibly Driven by 5G Conspiracy Theories: Ex-FBI Official

Frank Figliuzzi , former assistant director for counterintelligence at the FBI , said it 's possible the Nashville bomber acted in response to 5G conspiracy theories .
`` We 're living in an incredibly politically charged environment , '' said Figliuzzi on CBS News ' Face the Nation Sunday .
`` There 's tremendous dangerous polarization and it 's being fueled by social media conspiracy theorists out there . ''
Figliuzzi continued : `` I 'm aware that there are groups and individuals who seem to think that 5G technology might be the cause of COVID , that technology is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find anything imaginable and unimaginable online , and it may be that this is partially what drove this individual . ''
When asked if he is concerned about other people acting out in response to these theories , Figliuzzi urged investigators to be on the lookout .
`` All of that increases the possibility of a copycat operator , '' said Figliuzzi .
`` And we 've got to be extremely vigilant as we move into the next couple of weeks .
The FBI is looking into whether the suspect at the center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anthony Quinn Warner , acted in response to 5G conspiracy theories .
Conspiracy theories surrounding 5G spread earlier this year , as some speculated that the technology somehow contributed to the spread and cause of the coronavirus .
The baseless theory caused people to attack 5G mobile phone masts in the U.K. Steve Fridrich , a real estate agent based in Nashville , contacted the FBI and said he previously worked with the suspect .
In an interview with local Nashville television station WSMV , Fridrich confirmed agents asked him if Warner had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guy .
You know , he was a techie guy—do n't mean anything negative about that , '' said Fridrich .
`` He would just do this thing and leave .
He did n't bother anybody . ''
Investigators are trying to establish a motive for the explosion .
Some speculate the blast was likely a result of a suicide bombing , as reported human remains were found in the RV following the explosion .
Senior law enforcement officials previously confirmed to Newsweek that investigators are set to take a DNA test from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains found belonged to him .
`` Assuming this is the mother of the bomber , the FBI labs are in 48-72 hour turnaround for confirmation , '' one of the senior law enforcement sources previously told Newsweek .
Newsweek reached out to Figliuzzi and the FBI , but did n't hear back in time for publication .

Frank Figliuzzi, former assistant director for counterintelligence at the FBI, said it's possible the Nashville bomber acted in response to 5G conspiracy theories.
"We're living in an incredibly politically charged environment," said Figliuzzi on CBS News' Face the Nation Sunday. "There's tremendous dangerous polarization and it's being fueled by social media conspiracy theorists out there."
Figliuzzi continued: "I'm aware that there are groups and individuals who seem to think that 5G technology might be the cause of COVID, that technology is generally is targeting us. You'll find anything imaginable and unimaginable online, and it may be that this is partially what drove this individual."
#Nashville conspiracies: @FrankFigliuzzi1 says conspiracies that the #nashvillebombing was related to 5G technology shows "there is tremendous dangerous polarization and it is being fueled by social media"
He stresses vigilance in the U.S. ahead of #InaugurationDay pic.twitter.com/l4BoayEv2h — Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) December 27, 2020
When asked if he is concerned about other people acting out in response to these theories, Figliuzzi urged investigators to be on the lookout.
"All of that increases the possibility of a copycat operator," said Figliuzzi. "And we've got to be extremely vigilant as we move into the next couple of weeks.
The FBI is looking into whether the suspect at the center of the Nashville Christmas Day bombing, Anthony Quinn Warner, acted in response to 5G conspiracy theories.
Law enforcement officers investigate the house belonging to Anthony Quinn Warner, a 63 year-old man who has been reported to be of interest in the Nashville bombing, on December 26, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. Police are calling the explosion "an intentional act" and have found possible human remains after an RV, exploded on Christmas day injuring three people and causing destruction across several blocks in Nashville. Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images
Conspiracy theories surrounding 5G spread earlier this year, as some speculated that the technology somehow contributed to the spread and cause of the coronavirus. The baseless theory caused people to attack 5G mobile phone masts in the U.K.
Steve Fridrich, a real estate agent based in Nashville, contacted the FBI and said he previously worked with the suspect.
In an interview with local Nashville television station WSMV, Fridrich confirmed agents asked him if Warner had paranoia about 5G technology.
"Nice guy. You know, he was a techie guy—don't mean anything negative about that," said Fridrich. "He would just do this thing and leave. He didn't bother anybody."
Investigators are trying to establish a motive for the explosion. Some speculate the blast was likely a result of a suicide bombing, as reported human remains were found in the RV following the explosion.
Senior law enforcement officials previously confirmed to Newsweek that investigators are set to take a DNA test from Warner's mother to determine whether the remains found belonged to him.
"Assuming this is the mother of the bomber, the FBI labs are in 48-72 hour turnaround for confirmation," one of the senior law enforcement sources previously told Newsweek.
Newsweek reached out to Figliuzzi and the FBI, but didn't hear back in time for publication.


newsweek--2020-12-27--Nashville Mayor on Bomb, AT&T Building: 'There Has to Be Some Connection'

Nashville Mayor John Cooper said the Christmas Day explosion right outside of an AT & T building was part of an `` infrastructure attack '' atypical of most terrorism plots .
Speaking on CBS News ' Face the Nation Sunday morning , Cooper said the perpetrator or perpetrators behind the `` deliberate bombing '' very likely targeted the massive telecommunications facility on Second Avenue .
Federal and local authorities say the recreational vehicle , which exploded outside of the downtown Nashville AT & T building disrupted 911 call centers , phone lines and cell phone service across the region .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the `` local insight '' that the bombing was at least in part intended to decimate service in parts of Tennessee , Alabama and Kentucky .
`` Those of us in Nashville realize that on Second Avenue there is a big AT & T facility and the truck was parked adjacent to this large , historic AT & T facility , which happens to be in downtown Nashville , somewhat surprisingly , '' Cooper said in his Sunday television appearance .
`` And to all of us locally , it feels like there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AT & T facility and the site of the bombing .
You know , and that 's a bit of just local insight , because it 's got to have something to do with the infrastructure , '' Cooper continued .
FBI agents told WSMV-TV in Nashville Sunday that the suspected suicide bomber involved in the attack , Anthony Warner , had `` paranoia '' over 5G technology used by AT & T other telecommunications giants .
Newsweek reached out to federal investigators Sunday for confirmation , but a spokeswoman said they could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A survey conducted by Politico earlier this year found that thousands of Americans are very concerned about losing more and more privacy through the use of 5G technology .
Just over 60 percent of Americans said they fear their privacy will be hindered by hackers amid the global 5G technology race .
`` We 're going to need help and we may need some help in hardening our infrastructure .
Now , the AT & T building itself , I think a lot of it probably survived very well , but you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basements .
And so some of the problem may have been the result of the cure than from the bombing itself , '' Cooper said .
`` I know AT & T is working very hard and sent a lot of trucks to Nashville to get this back online .
They 'll have to tell you when it will be , but everybody 's working hard to solve the problem , '' the mayor continued , adding that he `` feels confident '' there is no ongoing threat to the city .
Newsweek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nashville Sunday morning for additional remarks , but did not hear back by time of publishing .

Nashville Mayor John Cooper said the Christmas Day explosion right outside of an AT&T building was part of an "infrastructure attack" atypical of most terrorism plots.
Speaking on CBS News' Face the Nation Sunday morning, Cooper said the perpetrator or perpetrators behind the "deliberate bombing" very likely targeted the massive telecommunications facility on Second Avenue.
Federal and local authorities say the recreational vehicle, which exploded outside of the downtown Nashville AT&T building disrupted 911 call centers, phone lines and cell phone service across the region.
The Democratic mayor and Nashville native offered the "local insight" that the bombing was at least in part intended to decimate service in parts of Tennessee, Alabama and Kentucky.
"Those of us in Nashville realize that on Second Avenue there is a big AT&T facility and the truck was parked adjacent to this large, historic AT&T facility, which happens to be in downtown Nashville, somewhat surprisingly," Cooper said in his Sunday television appearance.
"And to all of us locally, it feels like there has to be some connection with the AT&T facility and the site of the bombing. You know, and that's a bit of just local insight, because it's got to have something to do with the infrastructure," Cooper continued.
FBI agents told WSMV-TV in Nashville Sunday that the suspected suicide bomber involved in the attack, Anthony Warner, had "paranoia" over 5G technology used by AT&T other telecommunications giants. Newsweek reached out to federal investigators Sunday for confirmation, but a spokeswoman said they could not comment on the ongoing investigation.
A survey conducted by Politico earlier this year found that thousands of Americans are very concerned about losing more and more privacy through the use of 5G technology. Just over 60 percent of Americans said they fear their privacy will be hindered by hackers amid the global 5G technology race.
"We're going to need help and we may need some help in hardening our infrastructure. Now, the AT&T building itself, I think a lot of it probably survived very well, but you have flooding after these events that gathers in basements. And so some of the problem may have been the result of the cure than from the bombing itself," Cooper said.
"I know AT&T is working very hard and sent a lot of trucks to Nashville to get this back online. They'll have to tell you when it will be, but everybody's working hard to solve the problem," the mayor continued, adding that he "feels confident" there is no ongoing threat to the city.
Newsweek reached out to Cooper's office in Nashville Sunday morning for additional remarks, but did not hear back by time of publishing.


newsweek--2020-12-27--Fauci Hints at COVID Case Surge After the Holidays, Believes Worst Is Yet to Come

As the U.S. continued to record a startling volume of new COVID-19 infections , hospitalizations and deaths , Dr. Anthony Fauci warned on Sunday that more severe ramifications of the nation 's outbreak are likely still ahead .
Speaking to CNN correspondent Dana Bash during his latest State of the Union appearance , the leading health expert addressed potential impacts of indoor gatherings and widespread travel tied to holiday celebrations .
Acknowledging the present spike in virus cases and grave fatality toll that has climbed in conjunction with it , Fauci said a `` post-seasonal '' surge could materialize near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reason I 'm concerned , and my colleagues in public health are concerned , also , is that we very well might see a post-seasonal—in the sense of Christmas and New Year's—surge , '' said the top physician and longstanding director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases ( NIAID ) .
`` Because if you look at the slope ... the incline of cases that we 've experienced as we 've gone into the late fall and soon-to-be early winter , it is really quite troubling . ''
Fauci echoed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christmas last week , telling Bash , `` as we get into the next few weeks , [ the outbreak ] might actually get worse . ''
He pinpointed the heightened incidence of in-person social events and movement as the cause of this anticipated surge .
Numerous public officials , including Fauci , previously urged U.S. residents to celebrate the holidays virtually , or limit in-person gatherings to small groups , as means to reduce risks of exacerbated COVID-19 transmission .
On Wednesday , Biden reminded Americans that `` our darkest days in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us — not behind us , '' and implored civilians to exercise particular caution and adhere to safety measures in preparation .
However , despite their recommendations , as well as formal guidance released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) , many people proceeded with their holiday usual plans .
Last Wednesday marked the busiest day of U.S. air travel since the pandemic began , with data from the Transportation Security Administration ( TSA ) confirming nearly 1.2 million passenger screenings at airports across the country .
Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers .
TSA records showed at least 4 million additional passengers were screened at airport security checkpoints since the previous weekend .
Close to 19 million people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the U.S. as of Sunday morning , and roughly 332,000 people have passed away as a result , according to Johns Hopkins University 's data .
Fauci also shared details about his experience receiving the first installment of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine during his State of the Union appearance on Sunday .
The NIAID director was vaccinated on camera , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the early immunization .
He reported experiencing minimal side effects .
Newsweek reached out to NIAID for further comment , but did not receive a reply in time for publication .

As the U.S. continued to record a startling volume of new COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and deaths, Dr. Anthony Fauci warned on Sunday that more severe ramifications of the nation's outbreak are likely still ahead.
Speaking to CNN correspondent Dana Bash during his latest State of the Union appearance, the leading health expert addressed potential impacts of indoor gatherings and widespread travel tied to holiday celebrations. Acknowledging the present spike in virus cases and grave fatality toll that has climbed in conjunction with it, Fauci said a "post-seasonal" surge could materialize near the start of 2021.
"The reason I'm concerned, and my colleagues in public health are concerned, also, is that we very well might see a post-seasonal—in the sense of Christmas and New Year's—surge," said the top physician and longstanding director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). "Because if you look at the slope...the incline of cases that we've experienced as we've gone into the late fall and soon-to-be early winter, it is really quite troubling."
Fauci echoed remarks from President-elect Joe Biden prior to Christmas last week, telling Bash, "as we get into the next few weeks, [the outbreak] might actually get worse." He pinpointed the heightened incidence of in-person social events and movement as the cause of this anticipated surge.
Numerous public officials, including Fauci, previously urged U.S. residents to celebrate the holidays virtually, or limit in-person gatherings to small groups, as means to reduce risks of exacerbated COVID-19 transmission. On Wednesday, Biden reminded Americans that "our darkest days in this battle against COVID are ahead of us — not behind us," and implored civilians to exercise particular caution and adhere to safety measures in preparation.
Dr. Anthony Fauci says he believes the worst is still yet to come in the coronavirus pandemic following the holiday season. “I share the concern of President-elect Biden that as we get into the next few weeks, it might actually get worse.” #CNNSOTU https://t.co/c5vBjWbU3I pic.twitter.com/uOdjNHehGx — CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) December 27, 2020
However, despite their recommendations, as well as formal guidance released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many people proceeded with their holiday usual plans. Last Wednesday marked the busiest day of U.S. air travel since the pandemic began, with data from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirming nearly 1.2 million passenger screenings at airports across the country. Wednesday's airport traffic followed days of rising numbers. TSA records showed at least 4 million additional passengers were screened at airport security checkpoints since the previous weekend.
Close to 19 million people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the U.S. as of Sunday morning, and roughly 332,000 people have passed away as a result, according to Johns Hopkins University's data.
Dr. Anthony Fauci says he feels fine after receiving the first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine and experienced “nothing serious at all.” https://t.co/MOjYmV3dHn #CNNSOTU pic.twitter.com/bpySnI6epr — State of the Union (@CNNSotu) December 27, 2020
Fauci also shared details about his experience receiving the first installment of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine during his State of the Union appearance on Sunday. The NIAID director was vaccinated on camera, as were other public figures who received the early immunization. He reported experiencing minimal side effects.
Newsweek reached out to NIAID for further comment, but did not receive a reply in time for publication.


newsweek--2020-12-27--GOP Lawmaker Frets About 'Future of My Party' as Trump Fuels Conspiracy Theories, Anger

Illinois Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger expressed his concerns for the Republican party on Sunday , claiming President Donald Trump and his allies are fueling conspiracy theories and potential violence .
`` I grew up as a Republican because I believe in smaller government and strong national defense and that 's being destroyed by conspiracies right now and anger , '' said Kinzinger on CNN 's State of the Union .
`` I really do worry about the future of my party , '' the congressman added .
When asked if he was worried about what the president may do during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` If you convince people that , you know , Congress can change a legitimate election and everything was stolen , there 's a deep state slash QAnon theory driving this which is that it 's Satanists pedophiles that run the government . ''
`` You could see people being driven to violence , so I 'm concerned about that , '' the congressman added .
Regardless of his worry , Kinzinger assured the American people that the `` guardrails of the Constitution are there , '' noting lawmakers `` ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , even if it comes from the president . ''
Kinzinger previously claimed President Donald Trump and fellow GOP representatives who plan to challenge the Electoral College vote on January 6 were participating in a sham to build up their own following .
`` All this talk about January 6th from President Donald Trump and other congressional grifters is simply explained : they will raise money and gain followers by blaming everyone else knowing full well they ca n't do anything .
It 's sad , and an utter scam , '' Kinzinger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement came amid reports of Representative Mo Brooks and Senator Tommy Tuberville 's plan to challenge the Electoral College vote when Congress convenes next month .
Brooks and Tuberville , both Republicans , suggested they would use the Electoral Count Act of 1877 in a last attempt to challenge the results of the 2020 presidential election .
Under the act , the Senate and House of Representatives would be required to hold a two-hour debate and then vote on whether to approve or deny the objection .
For the process to move forward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the objection in order to throw out contested electoral votes .
The Electoral College voted to officially confirm Joe Biden as the next president of the United States on December 14 .
Challenging that vote in next month 's congressional meeting would be the final attempt for Trump and his allies to overturn the election results , after months of failed lawsuits claiming Biden 's victory was a result of widespread voter fraud .
Newsweek reached out to Kinzinger , but did n't hear back in time for publication .

Illinois Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger expressed his concerns for the Republican party on Sunday, claiming President Donald Trump and his allies are fueling conspiracy theories and potential violence.
"I grew up as a Republican because I believe in smaller government and strong national defense and that's being destroyed by conspiracies right now and anger," said Kinzinger on CNN's State of the Union.
"I really do worry about the future of my party," the congressman added.
When asked if he was worried about what the president may do during his remaining weeks in office, Kinzinger said: "If you convince people that, you know, Congress can change a legitimate election and everything was stolen, there's a deep state slash QAnon theory driving this which is that it's Satanists pedophiles that run the government."
"You could see people being driven to violence, so I'm concerned about that," the congressman added.
Regardless of his worry, Kinzinger assured the American people that the "guardrails of the Constitution are there," noting lawmakers "can't follow through on an illegal order, even if it comes from the president."
Rep. Kinzinger (R): "If you convince people that Congress can change a legitimate election & everything was stolen ... you could see people being driven to violence. So I'm concerned about that ... I really do worry about the future of my party." pic.twitter.com/cctheQJ37p — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) December 27, 2020
Kinzinger previously claimed President Donald Trump and fellow GOP representatives who plan to challenge the Electoral College vote on January 6 were participating in a sham to build up their own following.
"All this talk about January 6th from President Donald Trump and other congressional grifters is simply explained: they will raise money and gain followers by blaming everyone else knowing full well they can't do anything. It's sad, and an utter scam," Kinzinger tweeted on Saturday.
All this talk about Jan 6th from @realDonaldTrump and other congressional grifters is simply explained: they will raise money and gain followers by blaming everyone else knowing full well they can’t do anything. It’s sad, and an utter scam. #restoreourgop — Adam Kinzinger (@RepKinzinger) December 26, 2020
The congressman's statement came amid reports of Representative Mo Brooks and Senator Tommy Tuberville's plan to challenge the Electoral College vote when Congress convenes next month.
Brooks and Tuberville, both Republicans, suggested they would use the Electoral Count Act of 1877 in a last attempt to challenge the results of the 2020 presidential election.
Under the act, the Senate and House of Representatives would be required to hold a two-hour debate and then vote on whether to approve or deny the objection. For the process to move forward, both chambers would have to agree on the objection in order to throw out contested electoral votes.
Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) said he is concerned for the future of the Republican party on Sunday. He is shown above questioning witnesses during a House Committee on Foreign Affairs hearing looking into the firing of State Department Inspector General Steven Linick, on Capitol Hill on September 16, 2020 in Washington, DC. Photo by Kevin Dietsch-Pool/Getty Images/Getty
The Electoral College voted to officially confirm Joe Biden as the next president of the United States on December 14.
Challenging that vote in next month's congressional meeting would be the final attempt for Trump and his allies to overturn the election results, after months of failed lawsuits claiming Biden's victory was a result of widespread voter fraud.
Newsweek reached out to Kinzinger, but didn't hear back in time for publication.


newsweek--2020-12-28--Rising COVID Hospitalizations During Holidays Foreshadow Grim New Year

A rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations over the Christmas holiday season is an ominous sign for the new year as the latest data shows more than 118,000 Americans were battling the coronavirus on Sunday .
The COVID Tracking Project run by The Atlantic recorded that 118,720 people were in American hospitals yesterday as a result of becoming infected with COVID-19 , bringing the 7-day average to 118,248 hospitalizations .
If the number of hospitalizations continues to increase over the coming week , COVID-19 deaths are likely to creep up again in the new year , adding to the hundreds of thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in America alone .
Daily cases and deaths both fell below their seven-day averages on Sunday , with states reporting 1,395 deaths and 152,461 new cases .
Daily testing also dropped to a little under 1.4 million , down from the 7-day average of 1.7 million .
However , this may reflect a lag in the data rather than an improvement in the situation .
The COVID Tracking Project urged to treat the data with caution because some states failed to report figures over the Christmas break and others gave `` incomplete '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impacts on COVID data reporting this year , as shown in these case trends , '' the volunteer organization tweeted last night .
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) data , the number of reported cases per 100,000 Americans has risen to 56.7 on average over the past week .
Meanwhile , the total number of deaths had reached 330,901 as of Sunday afternoon .
A little more than 18.9 million cases have been reported across the U.S. since the pandemic began earlier this year , per CDC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the University of Washington , published in the journal Nature in October , projected the U.S. would reach more than 500,000 COVID deaths at the end of February , but also said universal mask-wearing could save nearly 130,000 lives .
As the number of cases continued to rise over the weekend , Dr. Anthony Fauci , the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director , warned of a `` post-seasonal '' surge in cases as a potential result of indoor gatherings .
`` The reason I 'm concerned , and my colleagues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is that we very well might see a post-seasonal—in the sense of Christmas and New Year's—surge , '' Fauci told CNN on Sunday .
`` And as I 've described it , a surge upon a surge .
Because if you look at the slope , the incline of cases that we 've experienced as we 've gone into the late fall , and soon-to-be early winter , it is really quite troubling . ''
He also said that the U.S. was at a `` very critical point '' in its battle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the system could be the result of festive family gatherings .
`` I share the concern of President-elect Biden that as we get into the next few weeks , it might actually get worse , '' the top disease expert added .

A rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations over the Christmas holiday season is an ominous sign for the new year as the latest data shows more than 118,000 Americans were battling the coronavirus on Sunday.
The COVID Tracking Project run by The Atlantic recorded that 118,720 people were in American hospitals yesterday as a result of becoming infected with COVID-19, bringing the 7-day average to 118,248 hospitalizations.
If the number of hospitalizations continues to increase over the coming week, COVID-19 deaths are likely to creep up again in the new year, adding to the hundreds of thousands who have already died from the disease in America alone.
Daily cases and deaths both fell below their seven-day averages on Sunday, with states reporting 1,395 deaths and 152,461 new cases. Daily testing also dropped to a little under 1.4 million, down from the 7-day average of 1.7 million.
However, this may reflect a lag in the data rather than an improvement in the situation. The COVID Tracking Project urged to treat the data with caution because some states failed to report figures over the Christmas break and others gave "incomplete" updates.
"Holidays have had major impacts on COVID data reporting this year, as shown in these case trends," the volunteer organization tweeted last night.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, the number of reported cases per 100,000 Americans has risen to 56.7 on average over the past week. Meanwhile, the total number of deaths had reached 330,901 as of Sunday afternoon.
A little more than 18.9 million cases have been reported across the U.S. since the pandemic began earlier this year, per CDC data.
A model by scientists at the University of Washington, published in the journal Nature in October, projected the U.S. would reach more than 500,000 COVID deaths at the end of February, but also said universal mask-wearing could save nearly 130,000 lives.
As the number of cases continued to rise over the weekend, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director, warned of a "post-seasonal" surge in cases as a potential result of indoor gatherings.
"The reason I'm concerned, and my colleagues in public health are concerned, also, is that we very well might see a post-seasonal—in the sense of Christmas and New Year's—surge," Fauci told CNN on Sunday.
"And as I've described it, a surge upon a surge. Because if you look at the slope, the incline of cases that we've experienced as we've gone into the late fall, and soon-to-be early winter, it is really quite troubling."
He also said that the U.S. was at a "very critical point" in its battle against COVID-19 and warned that further pressure on the system could be the result of festive family gatherings.
"I share the concern of President-elect Biden that as we get into the next few weeks, it might actually get worse," the top disease expert added.


newsweek--2020-12-28--Mike Pence Draws Ire of Colorado State Senator Over COVID as VP Vacations in Vail

Vice President Mike Pence 's vacation in Vail , Colorado drew the ire of a state senator who is using his visit to highlight how the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted her home state .
Pence quietly left Washington , DC as President Donald Trump threatened to tank a pandemic relief bill , risking aid to struggling Americans just as enhanced unemployment benefits were set to expire , before himself jetting off to Palm Beach , Florida .
The vice president 's office has yet to comment on his location , but multiple local and national outlets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the small ski town .
According to RealVail.com , the vice president is staying at the Lodge at Vail while dozens of Secret Service agents have checked into nearby hotels .
NBC News ' Amanda Golden reported that Pence arrived in Vail last week and will see in the New Year there .
Colorado State Sen. Kerry Donovan , a Democrat , has been blasting Pence on Twitter ever since it was reported that he was heading to Vail for the holidays .
Every day since last Tuesday , Donovan has added to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be different '' if Pence—the chair of the White House coronavirus task force—had `` chosen to lead and address and instead of ignore and minimize the COVID-19 pandemic . ''
`` Heard you 're visiting my hometown for the holiday , '' Donovan wrote in the first tweet of the thread , tagging both of Pence 's Twitter accounts .
`` Stay tuned for a story a day of things that would be different if you had chosen to lead and address and instead of ignore and minimize the COVID-19 pandemic . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine earlier this month , to `` make sure you pack a mask . ''
`` You 'll be spending the holidays in a mandatory mask zone .
And as you fly into Eagle and drive up valley , you 'll pass by a couple of schools - CO saw it 's first decrease in enrollment since the 80s , '' she wrote .
In another tweet directed at Pence , Donovan said : `` Looking at what to do while you are here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based in Vail had to furlough all their employees & go dark after 26 yrs of producing events across the world & for Vail .
No plan from you= they could n't plan events . ''
In another tweet in the thread , she continued : `` It 's apres ski time @ VP / @ Mike_Pence !
If a year ago you and your team had n't minimized the seriousness of covid-19 , we would have been better prepared and possibly could have avoided losing one of our cherished apres ski performers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
On Christmas morning , Donovan continued her criticism of the vice president .
`` Christmas in the Rockies is wonderful , right @ VP / @ mike_pence ? ''
she wrote .
`` For locals , figuring out holidays is feeling harder than ever .
Our food bank supports 4 times the number of people it did pre-covid .
While you said this would be over by Easter , we tried to fill pantry shelves . ''
On Boxing Day , she urged Pence to make sure to leave `` extra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Planning for a cocktail before dinner tonight ? ''
Donovan tweeted .
`` It is taking my friends in the service industry 3 times the work to make the same money as a year ago .
So make sure you tip extra big-your lack of leadership made this a much longer hardship than it ever had to be . ''
And on Sunday , she told Pence that calls to crisis centers in Colorado rose by almost half in the first months of the pandemic .
`` Sunday can mean reflection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We just lost out 11th neighbor to death by suicide .
We needed everyone to step-up in this crisis .
You , @ VP / @ Mike_Pence hid . ''
Donovan and Pence 's spokesman have been contacted for additional comment .

Vice President Mike Pence's vacation in Vail, Colorado drew the ire of a state senator who is using his visit to highlight how the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted her home state.
Pence quietly left Washington, DC as President Donald Trump threatened to tank a pandemic relief bill, risking aid to struggling Americans just as enhanced unemployment benefits were set to expire, before himself jetting off to Palm Beach, Florida.
The vice president's office has yet to comment on his location, but multiple local and national outlets reported that he is currently vacationing in the small ski town.
According to RealVail.com, the vice president is staying at the Lodge at Vail while dozens of Secret Service agents have checked into nearby hotels. NBC News' Amanda Golden reported that Pence arrived in Vail last week and will see in the New Year there.
Colorado State Sen. Kerry Donovan, a Democrat, has been blasting Pence on Twitter ever since it was reported that he was heading to Vail for the holidays.
Good morning @VP / @Mike_Pence. Make sure you pack a mask. You’ll be spending the holidays in a mandatory mask zone. And as you fly into Eagle and drive up valley, you’ll pass by a couple of schools - CO saw it’s first decrease in enrollment since the 80s. — Kerry Donovan (@KerryDonovanSD5) December 23, 2020
It’s apres ski time @VP / @Mike_Pence ! If a year ago you and your team hadn’t minimized the seriousness of covid-19, we would have been better prepared and possibly could have avoided losing one of our cherished apres ski performers. Our community lost a good friend. — Kerry Donovan (@KerryDonovanSD5) December 23, 2020
Every day since last Tuesday, Donovan has added to a thread of "things that would be different" if Pence—the chair of the White House coronavirus task force—had "chosen to lead and address and instead of ignore and minimize the COVID-19 pandemic."
"Heard you're visiting my hometown for the holiday," Donovan wrote in the first tweet of the thread, tagging both of Pence's Twitter accounts.
"Stay tuned for a story a day of things that would be different if you had chosen to lead and address and instead of ignore and minimize the COVID-19 pandemic."
A day later, she told Pence, who received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine earlier this month, to "make sure you pack a mask."
"You'll be spending the holidays in a mandatory mask zone. And as you fly into Eagle and drive up valley, you'll pass by a couple of schools - CO saw it's first decrease in enrollment since the 80s," she wrote.
Christmas in the Rockies is wonderful, right @VP / @mike_pence? For locals, figuring out holidays is feeling harder than ever. Our food bank supports 4 times the number of people it did pre-covid. While you said this would be over by Easter, we tried to fill pantry shelves. — Kerry Donovan (@KerryDonovanSD5) December 25, 2020
Sunday can mean reflection for many. In the first months of this pandemic the state saw calls to crisis centers increase by 48%. We just lost out 11th neighbor to death by suicide. We needed everyone to step-up in this crisis. You, @VP / @Mike_Pence hid. — Kerry Donovan (@KerryDonovanSD5) December 27, 2020
In another tweet directed at Pence, Donovan said: "Looking at what to do while you are here? Pls note that an event producer based in Vail had to furlough all their employees & go dark after 26 yrs of producing events across the world & for Vail. No plan from you= they couldn't plan events."
In another tweet in the thread, she continued: "It's apres ski time @VP / @Mike_Pence! If a year ago you and your team hadn't minimized the seriousness of covid-19, we would have been better prepared and possibly could have avoided losing one of our cherished apres ski performers. Our community lost a good friend."
On Christmas morning, Donovan continued her criticism of the vice president. "Christmas in the Rockies is wonderful, right @VP / @mike_pence?" she wrote.
"For locals, figuring out holidays is feeling harder than ever. Our food bank supports 4 times the number of people it did pre-covid. While you said this would be over by Easter, we tried to fill pantry shelves."
On Boxing Day, she urged Pence to make sure to leave "extra big" tips for struggling service workers.
"Planning for a cocktail before dinner tonight?" Donovan tweeted. "It is taking my friends in the service industry 3 times the work to make the same money as a year ago. So make sure you tip extra big-your lack of leadership made this a much longer hardship than it ever had to be."
And on Sunday, she told Pence that calls to crisis centers in Colorado rose by almost half in the first months of the pandemic.
"Sunday can mean reflection for many," she wrote. "We just lost out 11th neighbor to death by suicide. We needed everyone to step-up in this crisis. You, @VP / @Mike_Pence hid."
Donovan and Pence's spokesman have been contacted for additional comment.


newsweek--2020-12-28--Donald Trump Raises Supporter Hopes Before Another Inevitable Election Letdown

President Donald Trump continues to rally his supporters in the doomed bid to undo the election outcome , setting his sights on next month in Congress , raising their hopes that this final push will succeed despite all signs pointing to yet another failure .
The president has previously said there will be a `` wild '' protest in Washington , D.C. , on January 6 , the day when lawmakers will gather to formally count the Electoral College votes .
President-elect Joe Biden won the election by a large margin .
On Sunday , he tweeted , `` See @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January 6th .
Do n't miss it .
Information to follow ! ''
and many of his followers responded with excitement about what they see as the climax of the campaign to upend Biden 's win .
Trump and his allies have failed in dozens of legal actions under the effort to change the presidential election result .
Despite this , they continue to push the false claim that widespread irregularities and fraud facilitated Biden 's win .
There is no evidence of fraud on a scale that could have altered the election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ met to cast their votes in December , with 306 going to Biden , passing the 270 threshold to seal the presidency .
Biden said it showed his victory was clear .
However , Trump has continued to dispute the point and some close to him persist in pushing the fraud issue .
His allies in Congress have discussed objecting to the count on January 6 when lawmakers meet for the tally .
It would be his last chance to change the outcome and is highly unlikely to succeed .
For this to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must first co-sign a written objection to a state 's votes .
No formal allegiances between a pair of lawmakers on this point have been made public , though some representatives have discussed their desire to object and several senators have appeared open to such a possibility .
This formal objection would then need to be brought to Vice President Mike Pence , who will preside over the session .
Following this would be a debate and then a vote on rejecting the state 's votes .
Pence 's role on the day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not to cast judgement on their validity .
Such an objection , or set of objections , may happen but is almost certain to lack enough votes to succeed in either chamber of Congress .
There is a Democratic majority in the House and most Republican senators acknowledge Biden as president-elect .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) and other Republican figureheads have urged their colleagues not to go down such a route .
Trump has railed against those breaking line with him .
Even in the unlikely event that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it would fail in the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives .
Larry Sabato , director of the University of Virginia 's Center for Politics , told the Associated Press there is `` zero chance such a maneuver '' from the Republicans would work to block Biden 's victory .
Newsweek has contacted the Trump campaign for comment .

President Donald Trump continues to rally his supporters in the doomed bid to undo the election outcome, setting his sights on next month in Congress, raising their hopes that this final push will succeed despite all signs pointing to yet another failure.
The president has previously said there will be a "wild" protest in Washington, D.C., on January 6, the day when lawmakers will gather to formally count the Electoral College votes. President-elect Joe Biden won the election by a large margin.
On Sunday, he tweeted, "See you in Washington, DC, on January 6th. Don't miss it. Information to follow!" and many of his followers responded with excitement about what they see as the climax of the campaign to upend Biden's win.
Trump and his allies have failed in dozens of legal actions under the effort to change the presidential election result. Despite this, they continue to push the false claim that widespread irregularities and fraud facilitated Biden's win.
There is no evidence of fraud on a scale that could have altered the election outcome.
The Electoral College electors previously met to cast their votes in December, with 306 going to Biden, passing the 270 threshold to seal the presidency. Biden said it showed his victory was clear.
However, Trump has continued to dispute the point and some close to him persist in pushing the fraud issue. His allies in Congress have discussed objecting to the count on January 6 when lawmakers meet for the tally.
It would be his last chance to change the outcome and is highly unlikely to succeed.
For this to work, a lawmaker from each chamber must first co-sign a written objection to a state's votes.
No formal allegiances between a pair of lawmakers on this point have been made public, though some representatives have discussed their desire to object and several senators have appeared open to such a possibility.
This formal objection would then need to be brought to Vice President Mike Pence, who will preside over the session. Following this would be a debate and then a vote on rejecting the state's votes.
Pence's role on the day is to open and tally the votes, not to cast judgement on their validity.
Such an objection, or set of objections, may happen but is almost certain to lack enough votes to succeed in either chamber of Congress. There is a Democratic majority in the House and most Republican senators acknowledge Biden as president-elect.
Read more Trump Takes Heat Off Georgia GOP on Stimulus, But $2,000 Check Clash Looms Trump Takes Heat Off Georgia GOP on Stimulus, But $2,000 Check Clash Looms
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and other Republican figureheads have urged their colleagues not to go down such a route. Trump has railed against those breaking line with him.
Even in the unlikely event that the Senate voted to affirm an objection, it would fail in the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives.
Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics, told the Associated Press there is "zero chance such a maneuver" from the Republicans would work to block Biden's victory.
Newsweek has contacted the Trump campaign for comment.


newsweek--2020-12-28--Senate Vote on $2,000 Stimulus Check Will Test Donald Trump's Influence Over GOP Lawmakers

President Donald Trump 's sway over GOP lawmakers faces a test after he said the Senate would follow the House in voting on the higher-value stimulus check he demanded while refusing to sign the new stimulus and government spending bill .
Trump eventually caved after several days of backlash over delay to relief for struggling Americans , ending the prospect of a government shutdown , signing the $ 2.3 trillion bill that included the bipartisan $ 900 billion stimulus package on Sunday night .
In a statement , Trump said he would sign the bill amid bipartisan pressure to provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 600 checks and extending the additional unemployment benefit as coronavirus again surges in the U.S .
But the president also repeated his call for lawmakers to increase the size of $ 600 stimulus checks to $ 2,000 per adult and said the Senate would vote on such a rise after a House vote scheduled for Monday .
`` The Senate will start the process for a vote that increases checks to $ 2,000 , repeals Section 230 , and starts an investigation into voter fraud , '' Trump said .
He later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be coming to the American people .
Only a handful of Republican senators have signaled support for $ 2,000 stimulus checks so far , including Josh Hawley of Missouri and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina , a long-time ally of the president .
`` Donald Trump is right—workers deserve much more than $ 600 , as I have repeatedly said & fought for , '' Hawley tweeted last week .
`` And there 's obviously plenty of $ $ to do it—look at what Congress threw away on corporate giveaways & foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Graham also came out in support of larger stimulus check payments after a trip to Trump 's golf course in Florida over the Christmas break .
`` After spending some time with President Donald Trump today , I am convinced he is more determined than ever to increase stimulus payments to $ 2,000 per person and challenge Section 230 big tech liability protection , '' Graham tweeted on Saturday .
`` Both are reasonable demands , and I hope Congress is listening .
The biggest winner would be the American people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wing of the party have raised complaints about the provision of stimulus checks altogether , whether they are worth $ 2,000 or $ 600 .
Senator Rand Paul ( R-KY ) told Fox News last week that most Americans did n't need a stimulus check , despite mounting rent arrears and heightened unemployment .
`` I think giving money to people , though , who are already working—look , my kids are working and do n't need a check .
They 're not rich , but they do n't need a check , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working Americans do n't need a check right now . ''
However , the bulk of the Republican Senate caucus has remained coy on where they would come down on a $ 2,000 stimulus check vote .
Releasing a statement after the president signed the latest COVID relief bill on Sunday night , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) applauded Trump 's decision to prevent the prospect of a government shutdown .
McConnell did not comment on the commander-in-chief 's claim that the upper chamber would `` start the process '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to $ 2,000 .
`` The compromise bill is not perfect , but it will do an enormous amount of good for struggling Kentuckians and Americans across the country who need help now , '' the Republican leader said .
Georgia Republican Senators Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue , facing tight runoff elections this January and who have Trump 's backing , have also not been definitive on whether or not they would back the proposal to increase the size of stimulus checks .
Speaking to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution last week , Loeffler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at supporting it [ $ 2,000 checks bill ] if it repurposes wasteful spending for that , yes . ''
In signing the bill , Trump sacrificed much of his leverage over the Senate GOP .
But , despite his lame-duck status , Trump retains a significant hold over the Republican voter base who largely take his cues on who are the heroes and villains in politics .
Lawmakers who defy Trump risk his ire and opposition in primaries for their seats , and if his popularity with the base endures it could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politicians for years to come .
Democrats have mostly backed the president 's push for $ 2,000 checks , leaping on the division in Republican ranks ahead of a House vote on the proposals later today , and January 5 Senate runoff elections in Georgia .
`` At last , the President has agreed to $ 2,000 — Democrats are ready to bring this to the Floor this week by unanimous consent , '' House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-Calif. ) said last week .
`` Let 's do it ! ''

President Donald Trump's sway over GOP lawmakers faces a test after he said the Senate would follow the House in voting on the higher-value stimulus check he demanded while refusing to sign the new stimulus and government spending bill.
Trump eventually caved after several days of backlash over delay to relief for struggling Americans, ending the prospect of a government shutdown, signing the $2.3 trillion bill that included the bipartisan $900 billion stimulus package on Sunday night.
In a statement, Trump said he would sign the bill amid bipartisan pressure to provide urgent financial relief such as the new $600 checks and extending the additional unemployment benefit as coronavirus again surges in the U.S.
But the president also repeated his call for lawmakers to increase the size of $600 stimulus checks to $2,000 per adult and said the Senate would vote on such a rise after a House vote scheduled for Monday.
"The Senate will start the process for a vote that increases checks to $2,000, repeals Section 230, and starts an investigation into voter fraud," Trump said. He later added that "much more money" would be coming to the American people.
Only a handful of Republican senators have signaled support for $2,000 stimulus checks so far, including Josh Hawley of Missouri and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a long-time ally of the president.
President Donald Trump golfs at Trump National Golf Club on December 13, 2020 in Sterling, Virginia. Al Drago/Getty Images
"Donald Trump is right—workers deserve much more than $600, as I have repeatedly said & fought for," Hawley tweeted last week. "And there's obviously plenty of $$ to do it—look at what Congress threw away on corporate giveaways & foreign buyouts. Let's get it done."
Graham also came out in support of larger stimulus check payments after a trip to Trump's golf course in Florida over the Christmas break.
"After spending some time with President Donald Trump today, I am convinced he is more determined than ever to increase stimulus payments to $2,000 per person and challenge Section 230 big tech liability protection," Graham tweeted on Saturday.
"Both are reasonable demands, and I hope Congress is listening. The biggest winner would be the American people."
Republican senators on the libertarian wing of the party have raised complaints about the provision of stimulus checks altogether, whether they are worth $2,000 or $600.
Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) told Fox News last week that most Americans didn't need a stimulus check, despite mounting rent arrears and heightened unemployment.
"I think giving money to people, though, who are already working—look, my kids are working and don't need a check. They're not rich, but they don't need a check," he said. "And most working Americans don't need a check right now."
However, the bulk of the Republican Senate caucus has remained coy on where they would come down on a $2,000 stimulus check vote.
Releasing a statement after the president signed the latest COVID relief bill on Sunday night, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) applauded Trump's decision to prevent the prospect of a government shutdown.
McConnell did not comment on the commander-in-chief's claim that the upper chamber would "start the process" for a vote to increase stimulus checks to $2,000.
"The compromise bill is not perfect, but it will do an enormous amount of good for struggling Kentuckians and Americans across the country who need help now," the Republican leader said.
Georgia Republican Senators Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue, facing tight runoff elections this January and who have Trump's backing, have also not been definitive on whether or not they would back the proposal to increase the size of stimulus checks.
Speaking to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution last week, Loeffler said: "I'll certainly look at supporting it [$2,000 checks bill] if it repurposes wasteful spending for that, yes."
In signing the bill, Trump sacrificed much of his leverage over the Senate GOP. But, despite his lame-duck status, Trump retains a significant hold over the Republican voter base who largely take his cues on who are the heroes and villains in politics.
Lawmakers who defy Trump risk his ire and opposition in primaries for their seats, and if his popularity with the base endures it could give him enough power to make-or-break Republican politicians for years to come.
Democrats have mostly backed the president's push for $2,000 checks, leaping on the division in Republican ranks ahead of a House vote on the proposals later today, and January 5 Senate runoff elections in Georgia.
"At last, the President has agreed to $2,000 — Democrats are ready to bring this to the Floor this week by unanimous consent," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said last week. "Let's do it!"


newsweek--2020-12-28--Biden has Options with North Korea. Surrender Mustn't be One | Opinion

Among the myriad of foreign policy challenges facing Joe Biden is the North Korean conundrum .
Unlike Iran , North Korea is already capable of delivering a nuclear payload that could destroy one of our allies—Japan—and soon even directly threaten the U.S .
Meanwhile , we have thousands of U.S. soldiers and civilians in harm 's way .
In a recent op-ed in The Hill , Christine Ahn provides a detailed blueprint for President Biden that Kim Jong-Un would certainly welcome .
She urges the president-elect to reverse Trump 's maximum-pressure campaign , drop all sanctions , end `` provocative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and end the state of war with North Korea .
Finally , Ahn urges the Biden administration to democratize the `` process of shaping foreign policy '' by `` including women 's groups and civil society . ''
We fully agree that peace , freedom and prosperity for all Koreans can not be achieved by standing on the sidelines .
We also favor civil society involvement , especially women 's groups , in overtures toward North Korea .
But to be clear , we are n't talking about breaking bread and staging photo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masquerading as representatives of a `` civil society '' that does n't exist due to overwhelming coercion , control , surveillance and punishment .
The women civil society activists should demand to meet North Korean women who have taken the brunt of repression under Kim Jong-Un .
It is they who risk their lives by leaving the country without government approval , desperately seeking a chance to improve the lot of their families .
It is they who are arrested in China and forcibly repatriated to North Korea ; who are brutalized , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If they became pregnant with Chinese men , they face other barbaric practices including forced abortions and infanticide .
In the aftermath of a horrific famine that killed countless North Koreans in the 1990s , black markets have developed .
Women have been the main drivers of these markets .
It is those women who are often arrested and imprisoned for alleged wrongdoing .
Ultimately it will be interaction with these heroic women who have ensured the survival of their families despite draconian repression that could prove key to inter-Korean reconciliation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ critical to any peace process on the Korean peninsula .
In particular the organizations that documented crimes against humanity and other human rights violations perpetrated by the Kim regime—details that were confirmed by a UN Commission of Inquiry .
North Korean people from all walks of life have endured 72 years of tyranny from three generations of Kims .
Without giving voice to their silent cries , without truth and reconciliation , without justice , there can be no peace .
The U.S. still has a military presence on the Korean peninsula because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The aggression ordered by Kim Il-Sung resulted in 2.5 million civilian casualties .
The Kim Jong-Un regime spends one-third of its GDP on the military and tools of death at the expense of the security of its population .
It would take little time for a preemptive American attack to obliterate North Korea 's nuclear threat .
And yet the U.S. has displayed extraordinary restraint since the July 27 , 1953 , armistice despite unrelenting North Korean threats and military provocations .
To prevent the supreme warlords of North Korea from causing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. has kept the peace through strength—especially the strength of our alliance with the Republic of Korea , a staunch U.S. friend , partner and ally and a liberal democracy with a prosperous capitalist economy .
The truth is that no one has the answer to bring peace to the Korean Peninsula .
But caving to tyrants ' demands is n't an option .
North Korea is ruled by a regime that joined the Non-Proliferation Treaty , then withdrew and developed nuclear weapons .
The Kim regime commits crimes against its own people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entering a peace treaty and normalizing relations with a criminal regime in possession of nuclear weapons , the U.S. would be creating a precedent and blueprint for other tyrants : brutalize your subjects , develop weapons of mass destruction and the U.S. and the world will blink .
For all its monumental failings , the international system established after World War II has prevented another global conflagration .
As enshrined in the preamble to the UN Charter , this system strives `` to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war ... to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the dignity and worth of the human person , in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small . ''
Should sanctions on North Korea fail , unconditional surrender to a regime that denies human rights and threatens international peace and security is a prescription for disaster .
It is a path that President Biden 's team should never take .
That path will be strewn with innocent victims of Kim 's brutalities and bring the entire region to a dangerous , fully nuclearized dead end .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Director , Global Social Action Agenda , Simon Wiesenthal Center .
Greg Scarlatoiu is Executive Director , Committee for Human Rights in North Korea .
The views expressed in this article are the writers ' own .

Among the myriad of foreign policy challenges facing Joe Biden is the North Korean conundrum. Unlike Iran, North Korea is already capable of delivering a nuclear payload that could destroy one of our allies—Japan—and soon even directly threaten the U.S. Meanwhile, we have thousands of U.S. soldiers and civilians in harm's way.
In a recent op-ed in The Hill, Christine Ahn provides a detailed blueprint for President Biden that Kim Jong-Un would certainly welcome. She urges the president-elect to reverse Trump's maximum-pressure campaign, drop all sanctions, end "provocative" joint military exercises with South Korea and end the state of war with North Korea.
Finally, Ahn urges the Biden administration to democratize the "process of shaping foreign policy" by "including women's groups and civil society."
We fully agree that peace, freedom and prosperity for all Koreans cannot be achieved by standing on the sidelines. We also favor civil society involvement, especially women's groups, in overtures toward North Korea.
But to be clear, we aren't talking about breaking bread and staging photo ops with the regime's core elites masquerading as representatives of a "civil society" that doesn't exist due to overwhelming coercion, control, surveillance and punishment.
The women civil society activists should demand to meet North Korean women who have taken the brunt of repression under Kim Jong-Un. It is they who risk their lives by leaving the country without government approval, desperately seeking a chance to improve the lot of their families. It is they who are arrested in China and forcibly repatriated to North Korea; who are brutalized, raped, tortured, imprisoned and executed. If they became pregnant with Chinese men, they face other barbaric practices including forced abortions and infanticide.
In a photo taken on December 17, 2020, people walk past North Korean flags as they visit the statues of late North Korean leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il on Mansu Hill in Pyongyang, North Korea. KIM WON JIN/AFP via Getty Images/Getty
In the aftermath of a horrific famine that killed countless North Koreans in the 1990s, black markets have developed. Women have been the main drivers of these markets. It is those women who are often arrested and imprisoned for alleged wrongdoing. Ultimately it will be interaction with these heroic women who have ensured the survival of their families despite draconian repression that could prove key to inter-Korean reconciliation.
Other civil society organizations will also be critical to any peace process on the Korean peninsula. In particular the organizations that documented crimes against humanity and other human rights violations perpetrated by the Kim regime—details that were confirmed by a UN Commission of Inquiry.
North Korean people from all walks of life have endured 72 years of tyranny from three generations of Kims. Without giving voice to their silent cries, without truth and reconciliation, without justice, there can be no peace.
The U.S. still has a military presence on the Korean peninsula because North Korea invaded the South in 1950. The aggression ordered by Kim Il-Sung resulted in 2.5 million civilian casualties. The Kim Jong-Un regime spends one-third of its GDP on the military and tools of death at the expense of the security of its population. It would take little time for a preemptive American attack to obliterate North Korea's nuclear threat. And yet the U.S. has displayed extraordinary restraint since the July 27, 1953, armistice despite unrelenting North Korean threats and military provocations. To prevent the supreme warlords of North Korea from causing another tragedy of Biblical proportions, the U.S. has kept the peace through strength—especially the strength of our alliance with the Republic of Korea, a staunch U.S. friend, partner and ally and a liberal democracy with a prosperous capitalist economy.
The truth is that no one has the answer to bring peace to the Korean Peninsula. But caving to tyrants' demands isn't an option. North Korea is ruled by a regime that joined the Non-Proliferation Treaty, then withdrew and developed nuclear weapons. The Kim regime commits crimes against its own people and citizens of other countries. By entering a peace treaty and normalizing relations with a criminal regime in possession of nuclear weapons, the U.S. would be creating a precedent and blueprint for other tyrants: brutalize your subjects, develop weapons of mass destruction and the U.S. and the world will blink.
For all its monumental failings, the international system established after World War II has prevented another global conflagration. As enshrined in the preamble to the UN Charter, this system strives "to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war...to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small." Should sanctions on North Korea fail, unconditional surrender to a regime that denies human rights and threatens international peace and security is a prescription for disaster. It is a path that President Biden's team should never take. That path will be strewn with innocent victims of Kim's brutalities and bring the entire region to a dangerous, fully nuclearized dead end.
Rabbi Abraham Cooper is Associate Dean and Director, Global Social Action Agenda, Simon Wiesenthal Center. Greg Scarlatoiu is Executive Director, Committee for Human Rights in North Korea.
The views expressed in this article are the writers' own.


newsweek--2020-12-28--The Powerful Implications of Israel's Successful Missile Defense Test | Opinion

The Israeli Missile Defense Organization and U.S. Missile Defense Agency announced earlier this month the successful completion of a series of tests of a multilayered missile defense system using the David 's Sling , Iron Dome and Arrow systems .
Under the auspices of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems , the tests simulated a variety of advanced threats , including low-altitude cruise missiles , long-range ballistic missiles , unmanned aerial vehicles and more .
The tests integrated multiple interception systems , using a single command and control node to build a picture of the threats in real time , while deploying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Success was not a foregone conclusion : There are significant technological and operational differences between these systems , such as maneuverability , range and cost .
But the tests proved the systems can work simultaneously .
For Israel , this was the first time all three of its missile defense layers worked simultaneously , demonstrating interoperability and enabling Israel to leverage each specific system 's comparative advantages .
It was a major milestone in Israel 's capabilities to defend itself against current and future threats .
Missile defense represents an important pillar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Investments in missile defense have enabled the Jewish state to protect itself , by itself .
The now-proven success will encourage Jerusalem to continue its missile defense-related research , development and production with an eye toward new capabilities against future threats .
These capabilities will also provide an edge at sea .
Israel 's navy participated in the missile defense tests .
Its Sa'ar 6-class corvettes will soon be equipped with a special naval version of Iron Dome and eventually a version of David 's Sling , along with other air defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against low-altitude cruise missiles and medium-range threats .
During the recent tests , Israel also tested the ability to integrate its tactical laser system—still in development—as an alternative to Iron Dome interceptors for lower-tier threats .
These systems are not yet ready for primetime ; still , Israel has made notable progress in the field .
The recent tests were a clear message to Iran and its Lebanese proxy , Hezbollah .
Israel demonstrated for the first time its ability to intercept a salvo of precision-guided munitions ( PGMs ) , which the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent years .
The Israel Defense Forces ( IDF ) last year identified PGMs as the most lethal conventional threat facing Israel , second only to Iran 's nuclear program .
In recent years , Israel has consistently targeted PGMs that Iran has tried to smuggle through Syria into Lebanon .
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government have declared a zero-tolerance policy for attempts to acquire what it calls `` game-changing weapons . ''
Israel 's ability to intercept PGMs adds teeth to this policy .
Moreover , Netanyahu 's new National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republic of Iran and the state of Lebanon will not be immune from retaliation if PGMs are launched at Israel .
Indeed , Israel communicated its willingness to strike terrorist patrons , including critical infrastructure in Lebanon and Tehran .
The recent test also sends a message to Israel 's most important ally , the United States .
U.S. interests are increasingly vulnerable to Iran 's growing arsenal of short- and medium-range ballistic missiles , cruise missiles , unmanned aerial systems and rockets .
Repeatedly , Iran and its regional proxies have used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partners in the Persian Gulf , exposing dangerous gaps in American defense .
Finding fast and practical solutions to fill those gaps should be an urgent U.S. priority .
Proven Israeli technology can help .
The commander of U.S. Central Command , General Frank McKenzie , testified that Iran 's inventory of 2,500 to 3,000 ballistic missiles constitutes the primary threat facing the United States and its allies in the Middle East .
Iran has not yet achieved intercontinental ballistic missile capability .
Washington should thus focus on Iran 's short- to mid-range @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new variants of combat drones , such as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ' ( IRGC ) `` Fotros '' long-range attack drone .
The drone is capable of flying for 30 hours and has a range of 1,250 miles , posing a threat to U.S. forces across the Gulf and parts of Europe .
The threat to the United States from Iran 's short-range weapons is particularly apparent in Iraq .
Since May 2019 , Iran-backed militias have launched dozens of rocket attacks against U.S. military , diplomatic and commercial targets in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a U.S. drone strike killed Iran 's top IRGC general , Qassem Soleimani , Iran launched a direct attack on the U.S. military , launching short-range missiles at two Iraqi bases hosting U.S. troops .
And the U.S. embassy in Baghdad was again targeted this month .
Unfortunately for Washington , the current American Patriot systems are at best only a partial solution to such threats .
Even the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 enhanced missiles are far less capable against PGM rockets , advanced drones and cruise missiles .
After Israel 's recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choice but to look closer at Israel 's two proven air defense systems : Iron Dome and Skyceptor interceptors .
Though Iron Dome was not developed originally to defeat drones and cruise missiles , the recent tests demonstrate the system 's ability to do just that .
In 2018 , with congressional urging , the U.S. Army opted to purchase two Iron Dome batteries .
Those systems are now being assessed by the Pentagon .
Recent upgrades and proven capabilities make it an attractive option for additional investments .
The second U.S.-Israeli technology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Based on the Stunner interceptor developed for David 's Sling , and tested successfully during last week 's test , Skyceptor can be fired from Patriot batteries .
It was specifically designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles and low-altitude , maneuverable cruise missiles and drones .
In Washington , bipartisan support for Israeli missile defense is strong .
Indeed , Washington has already invested billions of dollars in support of Israeli missile defense over the span of decades .
These investments have paid off for Israel .
It may now be time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for forward-deployed U.S. forces in the Middle East and beyond .
It may also be time for closer cooperation on research and development for other advanced technologies that can benefit both countries .
Brigadier General ( Res . )
Jacob Nagel is a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies ( FDD ) and a visiting professor at the Technion Faculty of Aerospace Engineering .
He previously served as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 's acting national security advisor and head of Israel 's National Security Council .
He was also the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Defense 's Directorate of Defense Research and Development .
Jonathan Schanzer , a former terrorism finance analyst at the U.S. Department of the Treasury , is senior vice president for research at FDD .
The views expressed in this article are the writers ' own .

The Israeli Missile Defense Organization and U.S. Missile Defense Agency announced earlier this month the successful completion of a series of tests of a multilayered missile defense system using the David's Sling, Iron Dome and Arrow systems.
Under the auspices of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the tests simulated a variety of advanced threats, including low-altitude cruise missiles, long-range ballistic missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and more. The tests integrated multiple interception systems, using a single command and control node to build a picture of the threats in real time, while deploying each individual interception system to operate independently.
Success was not a foregone conclusion: There are significant technological and operational differences between these systems, such as maneuverability, range and cost. But the tests proved the systems can work simultaneously.
For Israel, this was the first time all three of its missile defense layers worked simultaneously, demonstrating interoperability and enabling Israel to leverage each specific system's comparative advantages. It was a major milestone in Israel's capabilities to defend itself against current and future threats.
Missile defense represents an important pillar of Israel's new national security strategy. Investments in missile defense have enabled the Jewish state to protect itself, by itself. The now-proven success will encourage Jerusalem to continue its missile defense-related research, development and production with an eye toward new capabilities against future threats.
These capabilities will also provide an edge at sea. Israel's navy participated in the missile defense tests. Its Sa'ar 6-class corvettes will soon be equipped with a special naval version of Iron Dome and eventually a version of David's Sling, along with other air defense systems, to protect natural gas rigs against low-altitude cruise missiles and medium-range threats.
During the recent tests, Israel also tested the ability to integrate its tactical laser system—still in development—as an alternative to Iron Dome interceptors for lower-tier threats. These systems are not yet ready for primetime; still, Israel has made notable progress in the field.
The recent tests were a clear message to Iran and its Lebanese proxy, Hezbollah. Israel demonstrated for the first time its ability to intercept a salvo of precision-guided munitions (PGMs), which the Iranian proxy has endeavored to stockpile in recent years. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) last year identified PGMs as the most lethal conventional threat facing Israel, second only to Iran's nuclear program.
In recent years, Israel has consistently targeted PGMs that Iran has tried to smuggle through Syria into Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government have declared a zero-tolerance policy for attempts to acquire what it calls "game-changing weapons." Israel's ability to intercept PGMs adds teeth to this policy.
Iron Dome missile defense battery in northern Israel JALAA MAREY/AFP via Getty Images
Moreover, Netanyahu's new National Security Strategy makes clear that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the state of Lebanon will not be immune from retaliation if PGMs are launched at Israel. Indeed, Israel communicated its willingness to strike terrorist patrons, including critical infrastructure in Lebanon and Tehran.
The recent test also sends a message to Israel's most important ally, the United States. U.S. interests are increasingly vulnerable to Iran's growing arsenal of short- and medium-range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, unmanned aerial systems and rockets. Repeatedly, Iran and its regional proxies have used these weapons to attack U.S. personnel and partners in the Persian Gulf, exposing dangerous gaps in American defense. Finding fast and practical solutions to fill those gaps should be an urgent U.S. priority. Proven Israeli technology can help.
The commander of U.S. Central Command, General Frank McKenzie, testified that Iran's inventory of 2,500 to 3,000 ballistic missiles constitutes the primary threat facing the United States and its allies in the Middle East. Iran has not yet achieved intercontinental ballistic missile capability. Washington should thus focus on Iran's short- to mid-range threats. This includes Iranian PGMs and new variants of combat drones, such as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) "Fotros" long-range attack drone. The drone is capable of flying for 30 hours and has a range of 1,250 miles, posing a threat to U.S. forces across the Gulf and parts of Europe.
The threat to the United States from Iran's short-range weapons is particularly apparent in Iraq. Since May 2019, Iran-backed militias have launched dozens of rocket attacks against U.S. military, diplomatic and commercial targets in Iraq. On January 8, days after a U.S. drone strike killed Iran's top IRGC general, Qassem Soleimani, Iran launched a direct attack on the U.S. military, launching short-range missiles at two Iraqi bases hosting U.S. troops. And the U.S. embassy in Baghdad was again targeted this month.
Unfortunately for Washington, the current American Patriot systems are at best only a partial solution to such threats. Even the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 enhanced missiles are far less capable against PGM rockets, advanced drones and cruise missiles. After Israel's recent missile defense tests, Washington has little choice but to look closer at Israel's two proven air defense systems: Iron Dome and Skyceptor interceptors.
Though Iron Dome was not developed originally to defeat drones and cruise missiles, the recent tests demonstrate the system's ability to do just that. In 2018, with congressional urging, the U.S. Army opted to purchase two Iron Dome batteries. Those systems are now being assessed by the Pentagon. Recent upgrades and proven capabilities make it an attractive option for additional investments.
The second U.S.-Israeli technology requiring serious consideration is the Skyceptor interceptor. Based on the Stunner interceptor developed for David's Sling, and tested successfully during last week's test, Skyceptor can be fired from Patriot batteries. It was specifically designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles and low-altitude, maneuverable cruise missiles and drones.
In Washington, bipartisan support for Israeli missile defense is strong. Indeed, Washington has already invested billions of dollars in support of Israeli missile defense over the span of decades. These investments have paid off for Israel. It may now be time to see whether they can pay off for forward-deployed U.S. forces in the Middle East and beyond. It may also be time for closer cooperation on research and development for other advanced technologies that can benefit both countries.
Brigadier General (Res.) Jacob Nagel is a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) and a visiting professor at the Technion Faculty of Aerospace Engineering. He previously served as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's acting national security advisor and head of Israel's National Security Council. He was also the former deputy director of the Israeli Ministry of Defense's Directorate of Defense Research and Development. Jonathan Schanzer, a former terrorism finance analyst at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, is senior vice president for research at FDD.
The views expressed in this article are the writers' own.