U.S. Congress nears $900 billion COVID-19 deal with direct checks but no local aid, liability shield -Politico
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. congressional negotiators neared a $900 billion deal to address COVID-19, including direct payments to Americans but no financial aid for states and cities and no liability protections for businesses, Politico reported on Wednesday.
The potential agreement could come as early as later on Wednesday morning, according to the report, which cited multiple sources involved in and briefed on the ongoing talks.
Reported progress on a relief bill comes after leaders in Congress on Tuesday said they had made substantial progress toward finalizing relief in late-night talks aimed at addressing the pandemic s heavy human and economic toll, and funding the federal government to avert a government shutdown.
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Pedestrians walk past an electronic board displaying the 225-issue Nikkei average on Wednesday. | AFP-JIJI
Jiji Dec 16, 2020
Tokyo stocks bounced back Wednesday thanks to an overnight Wall Street rise, although the market was under pressure from a stronger yen.
The benchmark 225-issue Nikkei average climbed 69.56 points, or 0.26%, to close at 26,757.40, after giving up 44.60 points Tuesday.
The Topix index of all first-section issues advanced 4.78 points, or 0.27%, to end at 1,786.83, following its 8.47-point drop the previous day.
ATLANTA (AP) President-elect Joe Biden told Georgia voters on Tuesday they must deliver two Democratic Senate runoffs victories in January so his administration can forcefully confront the coronavirus pandemic and other national challenges.
Fresh off the Electoral College affirming his victory, Biden campaigned alongside Jon Ossoff and the Rev. Raphael Warnock as they try to unseat Republican Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler in Jan. 5 runoff elections that will determine which party controls the Senate. The president-elect, who won Georgia in November, warned that Republican victories would leave him to face the kind of GOP obstruction that hampered former President Barack Obama for most of his two terms.
Congress Nears US Spending Deal, Fed More Upbeat On Outlook By Heather SCOTT
12/16/20 AT 4:06 PM
Congressional leaders on Wednesday said they were nearing a long-awaited agreement on a stimulus package for the US economy as the Federal Reserve cautioned that the economic outlook remains uncertain.
A government relief package to aid struggling businesses and jobless workers is seen as essential in getting the world s largest economy back on its feet amid a resurgence of Covid-19 infections, even as new vaccines offer hope that life can return to normal. The case for fiscal policy right now is very strong. I think that is widely understood, Fed Chair Jerome Powell told reporters following the central bank s two-day policy meeting, noting the year-end expiration of expanded jobless benefits and eviction moratoriums.
The Electoral College has spoken : Rep. Crenshaw acknowledges Biden win
Houston Congressman Dan Crenshaw officially congratulates Joe Biden on winning presidential race.
HOUSTON - Hours after Presidential electors from all 50 states cast their ballots, Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell signaled full acceptance of the outcome – a measure likely to diminish longshot efforts by Trump loyalists to reverse the election. Today I want to congratulate President-Elect Joe Biden. The President-elect is no stranger to the Senate. He has devoted himself to public service for many years said McConnell.
Houston Congressman Dan Crenshaw was among 126 Republicans who drew criticism for signing an amicus brief supporting the President and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s unsuccessful effort before the Supreme Court to nullify millions of votes in four battleground states.