GOP blocks bill to keep government operating; new try ahead
With days to go, Democrats said they will try again before Thursday’s deadline to pass a bill funding government operations past the Sept. 30 fiscal year end.
Federal Government
Articles
Former Rep. Messer jumps to Bose Public Affairs Group
Luke Messer has left law firm Faegre Drinker to join Indianapolis-based Bose Public Affairs Group LLC, where he will counsel corporate clients in Indiana and in Washington, D.C., on governmental matters.
Democrats see tax ‘framework’ to pay for huge $3.5T package
Staring down a self-imposed Monday deadline, lawmakers said they would work nonstop to find agreement on specifics. Democrats’ views on those vary widely, but they largely agree with Biden’s idea of raising taxes on corporations and the wealthy.
Biden presses fellow Dems to resolve party split on $3.5T plan
The intense focus on Biden’s big-money domestic proposal showcases how much is at stake politically for the president and his party in Congress.
Feds, states sue to stop deal between American Airlines and JetBlue
The Justice Department said Tuesday that the agreement between the airlines will eliminate important competition in New York and Boston and reduce JetBlue’s incentive to compete against American in other parts of the country.
House OKs debt and funding plan, inviting clash with GOP
The federal government faces a shutdown if funding stops on Sept. 30, the end of the fiscal year—midnight next Thursday. Additionally, at some point in October, the U.S. risks defaulting on its accumulated debt load if its borrowing limits are not waived or adjusted.
Treasury targets ransomware payment ‘enablers’
The Biden administration took aim Tuesday at the financial marketplace for criminal ransomware gangs, announcing sanctions against a Russia-based virtual currency brokerage that officials say has processed illicit transactions for attackers.
Democrats tie government funding to debt bill as GOP digs in
Congress is rushing into an all-too-familiar stalemate: The government faces a shutdown if funding stops at the end of the fiscal year, Sept. 30. At the same time, the U.S. risks defaulting on its debt load if the borrowing limits are not waived or adjusted.
In emphatic vote, FDA panel rejects widespread Pfizer booster shots
Over several hours of discussion on Friday, members of the Food and Drug Administration panel of outside experts voiced frustration that Pfizer had provided little data on the safety of extra doses.
Small agency, big job: Biden tasks OSHA with vaccine mandate
The assignment is sure to test an understaffed agency that has struggled to defend its authority in court. And the legal challenges to Biden’s vaccine mandate will be unrelenting.
Biden, CEOs, biz leaders meet about COVID-19 vaccine mandates
The White House meeting comes less than a week after Biden announced that the Labor Department is working to require businesses with 100 or more employees to order those workers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or show a negative test result at least weekly.
Democrats seek corporate, wealthy tax hikes for $3.5T plan
n all, the tax hikes are in line with Biden’s own proposals and would bring about the most substantive changes in the tax code since Republicans with then-President Donald Trump slashed taxes in 2017. Business and anti-tax groups are sure to object.
Internet funding rule could favor rural areas over cities
Cities and urban counties across the United States are raising concerns that a recent rule from President Joe Biden’s administration could preclude them from tapping into $350 billion of coronavirus relief aid to expand high-speed internet connections.
Holcomb calls Biden’s vaccine order ‘a bridge too far’
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, who has long encouraged Hoosiers to get COVID-19 vaccines, on Friday pushed back against President Biden’s order that all businesses with more than 100 employees require their workers to be immunized or face weekly testing.
TSA doubles fines for refusing to wear masks at airports, other transportation settings
People who refuse to comply with a federal mandate that requires them to wear masks in airports, and on trains, buses and in other public transportation settings will face stiffer penalties from the Transportation Security Agency.
Biden to mandate COVID-19 vaccines for larger U.S. companies
President Joe Biden announced sweeping new COVID vaccine mandates Thursday designed to affect tens of millions of Americans. He also adopted an antagonistic tone toward the unvaccinated Thursday, placing blame on those refusing to get shots for harming other Americans.
Biden expected to order all federal workers to be vaccinated, with no testing option
The pressure on President Biden is increasing as the public health outlook worsens. The seven-day average of coronavirus deaths across the United States was 1,524 as of Wednesday, compared with 509 one month ago
Senate Democrats eye taxes on stock buybacks, excess CEO pay
The expanded menu of tax options would give Democrats more flexibility as they undertake thorny negotiations among themselves over how to pay for a proposed $3.5 trillion of long-term investments in child care, education and other social programs.
UAW watchdog getting evidence from feds in corruption probe
After putting a herd of UAW officials in prison, federal prosecutors said Friday they’re sharing additional evidence with a court-appointed watchdog who has authority to pursue other misconduct inside the union.
Fed chair race spotlights Powell-Brainard Wall Street rule split
Jerome Powell is viewed as the favorite to get the nod for another term leading the central bank, but progressive Democrats have praised Fed Governor Lael Brainard—widely seen as the leading rival to Powell for the top spot.