In this Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021, file photo, President Joe Biden speaks in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington. Biden has extended the interest-free payment pause for most federal student loan borrowers through Sept. 30. But . more > By David Sherfinski and Stephen Dinan - The Washington Times - Wednesday, February 3, 2021
President Biden held firm Wednesday on his demand for direct payments of up to $1,400 to millions of Americans in any coronavirus package, bolstering Democrats’ negotiating hand on Capitol Hill but defying economists who said the cash isn’t the best way to stimulate the economy.
The payments, with a $15-an-hour federal minimum wage and a $350 billion bailout fund for states and localities facing their own budget squeezes, have become the top flashpoints as Democrats rush to approve the president’s $1.9 trillion relief package.
Cheney, a mainstream conservative and daughter of former Vice President
Dick Cheney, forcefully swatted away a challenge to her standing as conference chair. Taking aim at her were House Freedom Caucus Chairman
Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) and Rep.
Matt Rosendale (R-Ariz.). The vote of 145 to 61 ended a four-hour marathon meeting during which Cheney (pictured above) explained but would not apologize for her statement that Trump on Jan. 6 betrayed his oath as president and should be impeached.
McCarthy, who yearns to be Speaker if Republicans can win the House majority next year, spoke of unity while defending the only woman on his leadership team.