"He's doing well."-President Biden told the WH pool after his hour long visit with his close friend Bob Dole today at his Watergate apartment. He then attended mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Georgetown with family members before heading back to WH.
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Attorney General nominee Merrick Garland in his opening statement for his Senate Judiciary Cmte hearing Monday: "If confirmed, I will supervise the prosecution of white supremacists and others who stormed the Capitol on January 6." judiciary.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/…
Judge Garland on Jan 6 insurrection:"a heinous attack that sought to disrupt a cornerstone of our democracy: the peaceful transfer of power to a newly elected gov't..Atty General takes an oath to support & defend the Constitution of the US against all enemies,foreign & domestic."
Judge Garland: "If I am confirmed, serving as Attorney General will be the culmination of a career I have dedicated to ensuring that the laws of our country are fairly and faithfully enforced, and that the rights of all Americans are protected."
50-50 Senate News: WV Democratic Senator Joe Manchin will oppose Pres Biden's nomination of Neera Tanden to be OMB Dir:"I believe her overtly partisan statements will have a toxic & detrimental impact on the important working relationship btwn mbrs of Congress & next dir of OMB."
Manchin (D-WV) statement on opposing Neera Tanden to be OMB Director: "We must take meaningful steps to end the political division and dysfunction that pervades our politics."
WH @PressSec: “Neera Tanden is an accomplished policy expert who would be an excellent Budget Director and we look forward to the committee votes next week and to continuing to work toward her confirmation through engagement with both parties."
Schumer today announced Senate floor schedule for next several weeks in Dear Colleague letter: Votes on President Biden's Cabinet nominations & COVID-19 relief: "The new Democratic majority has already proven that we can walk & chew gum at the same time." democrats.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/…
Senate next week per Schumer will vote on Linda Thomas-Greenfield to be UN Amb.Several other Cabinet nominees await floor votes including head of EPA & Secs of HUD, Ag, Energy, Commerce, Education & Labor."With cooperation of Republicans,we can confirm these nominations quickly."
Schumer on COVID-19 relief: "The Senate is on track to send a robust $1.9 trillion package to the president’s desk before the March 14 expiration of Unemployment Insurance benefits. We will meet this deadline."
Tri-Caucus, mbrs of Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, Cong Black Caucus & Cong Hispanic Caucus, and Speaker Pelosi are holding virtual press conference today to denounce recent spike in anti-Asian hate crimes & violence. 42nd POTUS weighed in on the issue the morning.
Cong Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair Judy Chu: “Attacks on Asian Americans have become an almost daily tragedy in our country. My heart breaks for the thousands of Asian American families that have been terrorized by this xenophobic violence since the start of the pandemic.”
Chu (D-CA): “I am committed to working with the President Biden and his administration to improve hate crimes tracking and ensure state and local law enforcement agencies have the resources needed to work with the AAPI community and respond effectively.”
WH tonight: “President Biden spoke this evening with Texas Governor Greg Abbott about the severe winter weather situation facing central and southern parts of the United States, including Texas. President Biden conveyed his support to the people of Texas in this trying time.”
WH: President Biden “reiterated that the federal government will continue to work hand-in-hand with state and local authorities in Texas to bring relief and address the critical needs of the families affected.”
WH on Biden call to Abbott: “He also shared his intentions to instruct additional federal agencies to look into any immediate steps that could be taken to support Texans at this time.”
House Foreign Affairs Top Republican McCaul: “It is concerning the Biden Admin is already making concessions in an apparent attempt to re-enter the flawed Iran deal. The Trump Admin created leverage for President Biden on Iran – we should not squander that progress.”
McCaul:”We need to secure a better deal that keeps the American people safe from the full range of Iran’s malign threats. The Biden Admin must prioritize bipartisanship & stick to their assurance not to re-enter the deal until Iran comes back into full compliance with the JCPOA.”
House Intel Chair Schiff: “'I welcome the Biden Admin’s announcement that it intends to pursue a renewed diplomatic effort, in close cooperation with our European allies. We must restore Iran's compliance with its obligations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action...”