February 5, 2021 By Waterways Journal
The vaccine rollout is underway, but the fight ahead is still long. Even as vaccines are being distributed, at least three new variants of the coronavirus (first detected in the United Kingdom, South Africa and Brazil, respectively) are spreading around the globe, with perhaps more variants to follow as the virus continues to mutate. According to some sources, the Brazil variant may be capable of infecting people who had already recovered from the first wave of coronavirus.
Health experts also caution that while the vaccines approved so far appear to be remarkably effective in protecting the recipients, it’s not clear whether they prevent them from spreading the virus. Masks and other protective measures will need to be in place for a long time yet; the Biden administration has just nationalized some mask orders.
January 8, 2021 By Jim Myers
Washington, D.C. Democrats completed a political trifecta by winning two Senate runoff elections in Georgia and taking control of both chambers in the new Congress, along with the White House later this month.
Those crucial victories left the Senate split 50-50 and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris with tie-breaking power after her swearing in on January 20.
They also handed a dramatic boost to President-elect Joe Biden’s ability to push his upcoming legislative agenda.
“You’ll see amazing things coming out of our new (committee) chairs and subcommittee chairs,” said Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), who is scheduled to become the next Senate majority leader.
December 31, 2020 By Jim Myers
Washington, D.C. The U.S. House easily voted to override President Donald Trump’s stunning veto of a major defense bill that backers promote as a boost to the nation’s maritime industry.
Following the bipartisan House vote of 322 to 87, the Senate seemed ready to not only hand Trump the first veto defeat of his presidency but rescue a record of passing a National Defense Authorization Act every year for six decades.
“For the brave men and women of the United States armed forces, failure is not an option,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said, adding failure for the Senate is also not an option.
December 18, 2020 By Jim Myers
Washington, D.C. Facing several significant deadlines, congressional leaders put aside their finger-pointing to work toward a compromise on another coronavirus relief package they hope to attach to a must-pass omnibus appropriations bill to keep the government open.
“Congressional leaders on both sides are going to keep working until we get it done,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said.
Both McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) reported progress on the effort.
That breakthrough occurred after they began focusing on elements that enjoy bipartisan support while putting the more contentious elements aside for now.