Representative Jared Huffman (D-CA) discusses the wildfires in the west and climate change, and Representative Francis Rooney (R-FL) discusses the peace agreement between Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain and other news of the day.
The Readiness Subcommittee of the House Armed Services committee held a hearing to get an update on cleanup efforts related to water contamination at U.S. military bases linked to a chemical the Department of Defense (DOD) used to fight fires. The DOD created a task force in July 2019 to address the use of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances, which are found in Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) used to quickly put out equipment and military vehicle fires. Military representatives, who are on the PFAS task force, testified about the progress being made on cleanup efforts, coordination between various governmental agencies involved, and research on a safe chemical replacement for PFAS.
White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows spoke with reporters on the Problem Solvers Caucus COVID-19 relief funding proposal, a potential White House health care plan and the COVID-19 vaccine timeline. He said the Problem Solvers Caucus proposal could provide a foundation for a deal and is encouraged by its bipartisan support. Mr. Meadows also said the White House's health care plan would be rolled out before the election and it would be an executive action approach rather than legislative.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer is calling for a bipartisan commission to oversee the security of November voting across the country. He also criticized Russian attempts to influence U.S. voters.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said negotiations are still stalled on a COVID-19 relief package. He said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is requiring too much spending in the measure. Since they can't work on coronavirus response, Sen. McConnell said the Senate will use the time to confirm more federal judges. And, he said, Republicans will be breaking filibusters to get judges approved.
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee voted 8-6 in a party line vote to authorize Chair Ron Johnson (R-WI) to issue subpoenas and deposition with approximately 40 individuals involved in the Russia investigation. Prior to the vote, he told members of the committee that the public had a right to know the facts and accused the Democrats of orchestrating a "coordinated smear" and delay tactics by the ranking member, Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mi). Sen. Peters responded saying the committee should be focused on the coronavirus pandemic and called the proceedings a "partisan fishing expedition." The committee also voted on several nominees to the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board.
Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Adm. Brett Giroir, assistant secretary for Health and Human Services, testified before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee on the government's response to the coronavirus pandemic. Dr. Redfield stated that while a vaccine may be available by the end of 2020, it may not be until the second or third quarter of 2021 before Americans are able to return to "regular life." The witnesses responded to a wide range of questions regarding vaccine development, proper public health safety precautions, testing availability, political pressure on their agencies and the need for additional funding.
Today's program looks at the latest on the possible covid-19 vaccine. Interviews include Letita Stein of USA Today (23) and Brett Samuels of The Hill (35).
Today's program looks at the latest on the possible covid-19 vaccine. Interviews include Letita Stein of USA Today (23) and Brett Samuels of The Hill (35).
The Readiness Subcommittee of the House Armed Services committee held a hearing to get an update on cleanup efforts related to water contamination at U.S. military bases linked to a chemical the Department of Defense (DOD) used to fight fires. The DOD created a task force in July 2019 to address the use of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances, which are found in Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) used to quickly put out equipment and military vehicle fires. Military representatives, who are on the PFAS task force, testified about the progress being made on cleanup efforts, coordination between various governmental agencies involved, and research on a safe chemical replacement for PFAS.
White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows spoke with reporters on the Problem Solvers Caucus COVID-19 relief funding proposal, a potential White House health care plan and the COVID-19 vaccine timeline. He said the Problem Solvers Caucus proposal could provide a foundation for a deal and is encouraged by its bipartisan support. Mr. Meadows also said the White House's health care plan would be rolled out before the election and it would be an executive action approach rather than legislative.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer is calling for a bipartisan commission to oversee the security of November voting across the country. He also criticized Russian attempts to influence U.S. voters.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said negotiations are still stalled on a COVID-19 relief package. He said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is requiring too much spending in the measure. Since they can't work on coronavirus response, Sen. McConnell said the Senate will use the time to confirm more federal judges. And, he said, Republicans will be breaking filibusters to get judges approved.
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee voted 8-6 in a party line vote to authorize Chair Ron Johnson (R-WI) to issue subpoenas and deposition with approximately 40 individuals involved in the Russia investigation. Prior to the vote, he told members of the committee that the public had a right to know the facts and accused the Democrats of orchestrating a "coordinated smear" and delay tactics by the ranking member, Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mi). Sen. Peters responded saying the committee should be focused on the coronavirus pandemic and called the proceedings a "partisan fishing expedition." The committee also voted on several nominees to the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board.
A Senate Environment and Public Works subcommittee examined various pieces of legislation addressing wildfires and forest management. This hearing came as wildfires devastated large swaths of California and Oregon. Lawmakers solicited input and testimony from U.S. Forest Service Deputy Chief Chris French, the Interior Department and stakeholders from different states.
