Latest from Erica Werner
Federal Reserve Chair Powell says ‘nothing more important’ to economy than vaccinating Americans
Powell’s comments come as Biden administration ups pressure on Congress to pass relief bill with massive funding for vaccines.
- Jan 27, 2021
Democrats turn to quick action on Biden covid relief bill after power-sharing deal in Senate
In a bracing floor speech, the longtime Republican leader said the minority would grind the chamber to a halt if the 60-vote supermajority requirement is eliminated.
- Jan 26, 2021
Biden says he’s willing to negotiate parameters of coronavirus deal, but ‘time is of the essence’
The legislation includes a new round of $1,400 stimulus checks; an increase and extension of emergency unemployment benefits that are set to expire in mid-March; an increase in the minimum wage to $15 an hour; and hundreds of billions of dollars for state and local governments, schools, vaccine production and distribution, increased testing, and more.
- Jan 25, 2021
Lawmakers in both parties lobby White House for a more targeted relief bill
The private Zoom call Sunday that included key centrist lawmakers from both parties was an early test of whether Biden’s relief plan has a chance of passing Congress with bipartisan backing.
- Jan 24, 2021
Turned off by Biden’s approach, GOP opposition to stimulus relief intensifies
Biden may find he can get a big plan or a bipartisan plan — but not both.
- Jan 23, 2021
Janet Yellen tells lawmakers it’s ‘critically important to act now’ on economic relief plan
Janet Yellen, President-elect Joe Biden’s nominee for treasury secretary, will urge lawmakers to “act big" on economic relief for the coronavirus pandemic as she appears before a Senate committee Tuesday morning for her confirmation hearing.
- Jan 19, 2021
Georgia certifies Ossoff and Warnock victories, paving way for Democratic control of Senate
Newly inaugurated vice president Kamala D. Harris is expected to swear in the new senators Wednesday, along with her successor.
- Jan 19, 2021
Congressional Republicans balk at Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion relief plan, complicating push for quick passage
Democrats are plotting moving the relief package without Republican support, which would leave little room for error.
- Jan 15, 2021
Biden to begin presidency pushing emergency relief, other ambitious economic plans
President-elect Joe Biden will arrive in Washington with an ambitious economic agenda topped with plans to prod Congress to pass a multi-trillion-dollar coronavirus relief bill aimed at stabilizing the teetering economy and halting the pandemic’s spread.
- Jan 15, 2021
Biden unveils $1.9 trillion economic and health-care relief package
President-elect Joe Biden is preparing to unveil an emergency relief plan Thursday evening to combat the coronavirus and deliver direct aid to American families, with a major focus on boosting vaccine production and delivery as the pandemic continues its rampage.
- Jan 14, 2021