The 60-group coalition opposed to the new wage hike is led by Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist and includes conservative activists from groups such as FreedomWorks, Heritage Action for America and the Club for Growth, as well as prominent public officials such as former Maine Gov. Paul LePage.
“A $15 minimum wage would substantially raise the cost of labor at a time when small businesses are already struggling to keep the lights on,” wrote the conservative activists in letters to members of Congress. “Small businesses with thin margins would be forced to pass the costs onto consumers, which could lead to a decline in businesses, a loss of revenue, and layoffs. Businesses that have closed temporarily due to the pandemic may decide not to reopen at all in the face of a higher minimum wage, and many employers will forgo hiring new workers because they cannot afford them.”
Happy Monday and welcome to Overnight Defense. I'm Rebecca Kheel, and here's your nightly guide to the latest developments at the Pentagon, on Capitol Hill and beyond.
The aide said Manchin would face serious political backlash if he derailed Biden’s plans to pass a major coronavirus relief package.
“It would be politically insane for Manchin to do that,” the aide said.
“He knows that with this power he has the ability to get a lot of money for his state. If he’s just the guy who votes against stuff, that goes away,” the aide said, noting Manchin could use his leverage to get one or several of his priorities added to the legislation.
If Manchin supports Democrats in moving Biden’s $1.9 trillion proposal or a similarly sized package, that will allow them to move forward with a straight party-line vote instead of needing to clear the 60-vote threshold most legislation requires.
Senate Democrats push resolution condemning racist groups, QAnon Follow Us
Question of the Day By Alex Swoyer - The Washington Times - Tuesday, February 2, 2021
Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer is pushing a resolution to condemn domestic terrorist and conspiracy groups, calling for federal law enforcement to probe communications on social media for plans to commit acts of violence.
The New York Democrat told reporters Tuesday he would introduce the resolution denouncing violent White supremacists, Neo-Nazi groups and “dangerous fringe conspiracies like Qanon.”
The announcement comes as a new Democratic ad campaign was launched tying the Republican Party to QAnon after some GOP lawmakers have been supportive of the fringe movement, like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Georgia Republican.
As Biden and Republicans meet, Democrats prepare to move COVID-19 relief alone [Los Angeles Times :: BC-CORONAVIRUS-RELIEF-1ST-LEDE:LA]
WASHINGTON As President Joe Biden met with 10 Republican senators Monday to test the waters of bipartisanship on coronavirus relief, Democrats on Capitol Hill took the first step toward fast-tracking the administration’s $1.9 trillion proposal through a legislative procedure that wouldn’t require GOP support.
Although the Oval Office meeting, Biden’s first with lawmakers, appeared cordial, it may amount to a token demonstration by both sides an opportunity to hear each other out rather than a negotiation to bridge the massive gulf between them.