The European Union hailed Joe Biden's inauguration later on Wednesday as U.S. president as a "new dawn" for Europe and the United States, while insisting U.S. technology companies should be regulated to stop the "dark forces" of hate speech online.

US and EU to collaborate on COVID-19 pandemic, climate change

Forget red and blue (states). The theme of the Biden inauguration was “America United,” and the colour of the day seemed to be purple — the shade that bridges the divide by bringing both colours together (not to mention one of the original signature colours of the suffragists, whose dreams are now being realized with the first female vice president).

“Purple is the colour of loyalty, constancy to purpose, unswerving steadfastness to a cause,” the National Woman’s Party wrote in a newsletter in 1913.

Though Jill Biden coordinated her blue Markarian coat with her husband’s blue Ralph Lauren tie, Vice President Kamala Harris served up a bipartisan message in a bright single-breasted coat and dress from Christopher John Rodgers, as did former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in a grape Ralph Lauren pantsuit. And Michelle Obama, the former first lady, wore wine trousers with a coordinated turtleneck and long coat from Sergio Hudson, a young Black designer.

Masks were also part of the material culture of this inauguration. Jill Biden wore a sky blue mask that appeared custom-made to match her coat, and other members of her family chose a similar monochromatic theme. Harris opted for a shiny black number that complimented her purple outfit, one of her signature mask looks.

Many men opted for paper medical masks, but a few went for solid shades or face coverings that featured insignia. Former President George W. Bush sported a mask made by Rhoback, a company that was started by former Capitol Hill staffers.

Despite the very high fashion content of President Joe Biden’s swearing-in, which included Lady Gaga in a veritable ballgown from Schiaparelli, Ella Emhoff in a crystal-dusted tweed Miu Miu coat with a big white collar; and Jennifer Lopez in winter white Chanel, it was Sen. Bernie Sanders, not normally known for his style statements, whose choice of accessories may have had the widest effect. Specifically, Sanders’ woolly mittens, in a sort of brown and cream Himalayan sweater pattern, seemed to have charmed practically half the social media world, with commenters asking where they could buy a pair.

The mittens quickly got their own hashtag: #Berniesmittens. Even Vogue took note. Jen Ellis, a Vermont schoolteacher, claimed ownership in a tweet.

“I made Bernie’s mittens as a gift a couple of years ago,” she wrote, posting a photo of other similar creations. “They are made from repurposed wool sweaters and lined with fleece (made from recycled plastic bottles).”

In response a friend noted, “you better buy some titanium knitting-needles lol, you’ll need them, you just became the world’s most famous ‘mitten knitter’.” And thus the new administration appears to be keeping its vow to jump-start small businesses already.

Forget red and blue (states). The theme of the Biden inauguration was “America United,” and the colour of the day seemed to be purple — the shade that bridges the divide by bringing both colours together (not to mention one of the original signature colours of the suffragists, whose dreams are now being realized with the first female vice president).

Forget red and blue (states). The theme of the Biden inauguration was “America United,” and the colour of the day seemed to be purple — the shade that bridges the divide by bringing both colours together (not to mention one of the original signature colours of the suffragists, whose dreams are now being realized with the first female vice president). “Purple is the colour of loyalty, constancy to purpose, unswerving steadfastness to a cause,” the National Woman’s Party wrote in a newsletter in 1913. Though Jill Biden coordinated her blue Markarian coat with her husband’s blue Ralph Lauren tie, Vice President Kamala Harris served up a bipartisan message in a bright single-breasted coat and dress from Christopher John Rodgers, as did former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in a grape Ralph Lauren pantsuit. And Michelle Obama, the former first lady, wore wine trousers with a coordinated turtleneck and long coat from Sergio Hudson, a young Black designer. Masks were also part of the material culture of this inauguration. Jill Biden wore a sky blue mask that appeared custom-made to match her coat, and other members of her family chose a similar monochromatic theme. Harris opted for a shiny black number that complimented her purple outfit, one of her signature mask looks. Many men opted for paper medical masks, but a few went for solid shades or face coverings that featured insignia. Former President George W. Bush sported a mask made by Rhoback, a company that was started by former Capitol Hill staffers. Despite the very high fashion content of President Joe Biden’s swearing-in, which included Lady Gaga in a veritable ballgown from Schiaparelli, Ella Emhoff in a crystal-dusted tweed Miu Miu coat with a big white collar; and Jennifer Lopez in winter white Chanel, it was Sen. Bernie Sanders, not normally known for his style statements, whose choice of accessories may have had the widest effect. Specifically, Sanders’ woolly mittens, in a sort of brown and cream Himalayan sweater pattern, seemed to have charmed practically half the social media world, with commenters asking where they could buy a pair. The mittens quickly got their own hashtag: #Berniesmittens. Even Vogue took note. Jen Ellis, a Vermont schoolteacher, claimed ownership in a tweet. “I made Bernie’s mittens as a gift a couple of years ago,” she wrote, posting a photo of other similar creations. “They are made from repurposed wool sweaters and lined with fleece (made from recycled plastic bottles).” In response a friend noted, “you better buy some titanium knitting-needles lol, you’ll need them, you just became the world’s most famous ‘mitten knitter’.” And thus the new administration appears to be keeping its vow to jump-start small businesses already.

From Kamala Harris to Michelle Obama: Purple was a popular colour at the inauguration

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandemic-economic-crisis-racial-injustice-climate-crisis-threats-to-our-democracy-says-president-biden-from-lincoln-memorial-358219">Biden</a> stamped his authority on his first day at the White House telling his new staff,&nbsp;"I'm not joking when I say this: If you're ever working with me and I hear you treat another with disrespect, talking down to someone, I will fire you on the spot."

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-halts-trump-border-wall-construction-rejoin-paris-climate-accord-in-first-day-order-358248/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-signs-raft-of-orders-rolls-back-trump-policies-on-coronavirus-immigration-and-more-358220">Biden's</a> directive came as the new employees were being sworn-in during a virtual meeting.

"You're engaged in and you're working with the most decent government in the world. And we have to restore the soul of this country, and I'm counting on all of you to be part of that," Biden said.

"The only thing I expect with absolute certitude is honesty and decency," the new US president said. Biden's statement comes after the fractious Trump era which deeply divided the nation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-wrote-a-very-generous-letter-before-departing-white-house-biden-358238">Trump</a> in the end refused to concede defeat and exited the White House without attending the Biden's inauguration.

The Capitol riots became the last act of Trump's presidency with several Republican criticising the former US president.&nbsp;

President Biden stamped his authority on his first day at the White House telling his new staff, "I'm not joking when I say this: If you're ever working with me and I hear you treat another with disrespect, talking down to someone, I will fire you on the spot.

President Biden stamped his authority on his first day at the White House telling his new staff, "I'm not joking when I say this: If you're ever working with me and I hear you treat another with disrespect, talking down to someone, I will fire you on the spot." Watch: Biden's directive came as the new employees were being sworn-in during a virtual meeting. "You're engaged in and you're working with the most decent government in the world. And we have to restore the soul of this country, and I'm counting on all of you to be part of that," Biden said. "The only thing I expect with absolute certitude is honesty and decency," the new US president said. Biden's statement comes after the fractious Trump era which deeply divided the nation. Trump in the end refused to concede defeat and exited the White House without attending the Biden's inauguration. The Capitol riots became the last act of Trump's presidency with several Republican criticising the former US president.

I hear you treat another with disrespect, will fire you on the spot: Biden to staff

US President Joe Biden in his first speech as head of the state appealed all Americans to come together and unite and 'end uncivil war'. Biden's tone and words were a continuation of the steadfast message he has been sending across ever since results of US Presidential Elections were out in December 2020. During his speech, he assured that he will work as hard for those who DID NOT support him as for those who supported him during the election campaign. Former US President Donald Trump was not present for Biden's inauguration ceremony. Former Vice-President Mike Pence was in attendance.

Stressing repeatedly that he will be a president for "all Americans", President Biden admitted that there was "much to repair and much to restore".&nbsp;

On January 6, the US Capitol building was put under siege by supporters of Donald Trump after he encouraged them. Biden said that the violence "sought to shake capital's very foundation". He said that it was an attempt to stop the process in which "will"of Americans people was being heard. US Congress was in a process to certify Joe Biden's victory when the attack took place.

"Here we stand, just days after a riotous mob thought they could use violence to silence the will of the people, to stop the work on our democracy, to drive us from this sacred ground," Biden said. "It did not happen; it will never happen. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever."

Biden thanked his predecessors "from both parties". Former US Presidents Barack Obama,&nbsp;the Bushes and Bill Clinton were present for the inauguration ceremony. He called his predecessors "patriots" who had taken oath to defend US Constitution. &nbsp;

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&nbsp;

"This is America's day, This is democracy's day [...] we celebrate a triumph of a cause of democracy," said Biden early in his speech.

"Hear me out," said Biden as he addressed the Americans who did not vote for him. He urged them to hear his words and said it was fine if they disagreed with him because that's how democracy functioned.

Racial justice, healthcare

In his inaugural speech, Biden said that he will deliver racial justice. He vowed to defeat political extremism and domestic terror. More significantly Biden mentioned white supremacy as a menace to confront

The United States faces "a rise of political extremism, white supremacy, domestic terrorism, that we must confront, and we will defeat," he said.

"This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge and unity is the path forward. And we must meet this moment as the United States of America." he added

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-inaugural-speech-full-text-358185">Check full text of Joe Biden's inaugural speech</a>

Biden urged Americans to "reject" culture of manipulating facts.

Joe Biden mentioned 'healthcare for all' as one of the goals of his administration.

'We will repair our alliances'

During Donald Trump's tenure, he took the US on an isolationist path and squabbled with America's traditional allies. He even unilaterally made the US exit many treaties with allies.

Joe Biden assured the world that under his watch, USA will repair the alliances.

On Coronavirus

Biden said that US was entering the 'deadliest' phase of COVID-19 pandemic. He led a silent prayer for all those who had lost their lives due to coronavirus.

"We need all our strength to... persevere through this dark winter. We're entering what may be the toughest and deadliest period of the virus," he said, calling on Americans to "finally face this pandemic as one nation."

US President Joe Biden in his first speech as head of the state appealed all Americans to come together and unite and 'end uncivil war'. Biden's tone and words were a continuation of the steadfast message he has been sending across ever since results of US Presidential Elections were out in December 2020.

US President Joe Biden in his first speech as head of the state appealed all Americans to come together and unite and 'end uncivil war'. Biden's tone and words were a continuation of the steadfast message he has been sending across ever since results of US Presidential Elections were out in December 2020. During his speech, he assured that he will work as hard for those who DID NOT support him as for those who supported him during the election campaign. Former US President Donald Trump was not present for Biden's inauguration ceremony. Former Vice-President Mike Pence was in attendance. Stressing repeatedly that he will be a president for "all Americans", President Biden admitted that there was "much to repair and much to restore". On January 6, the US Capitol building was put under siege by supporters of Donald Trump after he encouraged them. Biden said that the violence "sought to shake capital's very foundation". He said that it was an attempt to stop the process in which "will"of Americans people was being heard. US Congress was in a process to certify Joe Biden's victory when the attack took place. "Here we stand, just days after a riotous mob thought they could use violence to silence the will of the people, to stop the work on our democracy, to drive us from this sacred ground," Biden said. "It did not happen; it will never happen. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever." Biden thanked his predecessors "from both parties". Former US Presidents Barack Obama, the Bushes and Bill Clinton were present for the inauguration ceremony. He called his predecessors "patriots" who had taken oath to defend US Constitution. × "This is America's day, This is democracy's day [...] we celebrate a triumph of a cause of democracy," said Biden early in his speech. "Hear me out," said Biden as he addressed the Americans who did not vote for him. He urged them to hear his words and said it was fine if they disagreed with him because that's how democracy functioned. Racial justice, healthcare In his inaugural speech, Biden said that he will deliver racial justice. He vowed to defeat political extremism and domestic terror. More significantly Biden mentioned white supremacy as a menace to confront The United States faces "a rise of political extremism, white supremacy, domestic terrorism, that we must confront, and we will defeat," he said. "This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge and unity is the path forward. And we must meet this moment as the United States of America." he added Check full text of Joe Biden's inaugural speech Biden urged Americans to "reject" culture of manipulating facts. Joe Biden mentioned 'healthcare for all' as one of the goals of his administration. 'We will repair our alliances' During Donald Trump's tenure, he took the US on an isolationist path and squabbled with America's traditional allies. He even unilaterally made the US exit many treaties with allies. Joe Biden assured the world that under his watch, USA will repair the alliances. On Coronavirus Biden said that US was entering the 'deadliest' phase of COVID-19 pandemic. He led a silent prayer for all those who had lost their lives due to coronavirus. "We need all our strength to... persevere through this dark winter. We're entering what may be the toughest and deadliest period of the virus," he said, calling on Americans to "finally face this pandemic as one nation."

US President Joe Biden appeals Americans to 'end uncivil war' in his inaugural speech

Joe Biden on Wednesday took oath to become 46th President of United States of America. Soon after his swearing-in, he delivered the inaugural speech, that is, his first address as US President. Former US President Donald Trump gave the inauguration ceremony a miss. However, Biden's inaugural speech did not have any hint of resentment. His speech appealed all Americans to come together. He tackled issues such as racism, social injustice, environment, US economy, coronavirus and much more. Check out what he said.

Joe Biden inaugural speech full text:

<blockquote>
"This is democracy’s day.

A day of history and hope.

Of renewal and resolve.

Through a crucible for the ages America has been tested anew and America has risen to the challenge.

Today, we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate, but of a cause, the cause of democracy.

The will of the people has been heard and the will of the people has been heeded.

We have learned again that democracy is precious.

Democracy is fragile.

And at this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed.

So now, on this hallowed ground where just days ago violence sought to shake this Capitol’s very foundation, we come together as one nation, under God, indivisible, to carry out the peaceful transfer of power as we have for more than two centuries.

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&nbsp;

We look ahead in our uniquely American way – restless, bold, optimistic – and set our sights on the nation we know we can be and we must be.

I thank my predecessors of both parties for their presence here.

I thank them from the bottom of my heart.

You know the resilience of our Constitution and the strength of our nation.

As does President Carter, who I spoke to last night but who cannot be with us today, but whom we salute for his lifetime of service.

I have just taken the sacred oath each of these patriots took — an oath first sworn by George Washington.

But the American story depends not on any one of us, not on some of us, but on all of us.

On ‘We the People’ who seek a more perfect Union.

This is a great nation and we are a good people.

Over the centuries through storm and strife, in peace and in war, we have come so far. But we still have far to go.

We will press forward with speed and urgency, for we have much to do in this winter of peril and possibility.

Much to repair.

Much to restore.

Much to heal.

Much to build.

And much to gain.

Few periods in our nation’s history have been more challenging or difficult than the one we’re in now.

A once-in-a-century virus silently stalks the country.

It’s taken as many lives in one year as America lost in all of World War Two.

Millions of jobs have been lost.

Hundreds of thousands of businesses closed.

A cry for racial justice some 400 years in the making moves us. The dream of justice for all will be deferred no longer.

A cry for survival comes from the planet itself. A cry that can’t be any more desperate or any more clear.

And now, a rise in political extremism, white supremacy, domestic terrorism that we must confront and we will defeat.

To overcome these challenges – to restore the soul and to secure the future of America – requires more than words.

It requires that most elusive of things in a democracy: Unity.

In another January in Washington, on New Year’s Day 1863, Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

When he put pen to paper, the president said, “If my name ever goes down into history it will be for this act and my whole soul is in it.”

My whole soul is in it.

Today, on this January day, my whole soul is in this:

Bringing America together.

Uniting our people.

And uniting our nation.

I ask every American to join me in this cause.

Uniting to fight the common foes we face:

Anger, resentment, hatred.

Extremism, lawlessness, violence.

Disease, joblessness, hopelessness.

With unity we can do great things. Important things.

We can right wrongs.

We can put people to work in good jobs.

We can teach our children in safe schools.

We can overcome this deadly virus.

We can reward work, rebuild the middle class, and make health care secure for all."
</blockquote>

Joe Biden on Wednesday took oath to become 46th President of United States of America. Soon after his swearing-in, he delivered the inaugural speech, that is, his first address as US President.

Joe Biden on Wednesday took oath to become 46th President of United States of America. Soon after his swearing-in, he delivered the inaugural speech, that is, his first address as US President. Former US President Donald Trump gave the inauguration ceremony a miss. However, Biden's inaugural speech did not have any hint of resentment. His speech appealed all Americans to come together. He tackled issues such as racism, social injustice, environment, US economy, coronavirus and much more. Check out what he said. Joe Biden inaugural speech full text: "This is democracy’s day. A day of history and hope. Of renewal and resolve. Through a crucible for the ages America has been tested anew and America has risen to the challenge. Today, we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate, but of a cause, the cause of democracy. The will of the people has been heard and the will of the people has been heeded. We have learned again that democracy is precious. Democracy is fragile. And at this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed. So now, on this hallowed ground where just days ago violence sought to shake this Capitol’s very foundation, we come together as one nation, under God, indivisible, to carry out the peaceful transfer of power as we have for more than two centuries. × We look ahead in our uniquely American way – restless, bold, optimistic – and set our sights on the nation we know we can be and we must be. I thank my predecessors of both parties for their presence here. I thank them from the bottom of my heart. You know the resilience of our Constitution and the strength of our nation. As does President Carter, who I spoke to last night but who cannot be with us today, but whom we salute for his lifetime of service. I have just taken the sacred oath each of these patriots took — an oath first sworn by George Washington. But the American story depends not on any one of us, not on some of us, but on all of us. On ‘We the People’ who seek a more perfect Union. This is a great nation and we are a good people. Over the centuries through storm and strife, in peace and in war, we have come so far. But we still have far to go. We will press forward with speed and urgency, for we have much to do in this winter of peril and possibility. Much to repair. Much to restore. Much to heal. Much to build. And much to gain. Few periods in our nation’s history have been more challenging or difficult than the one we’re in now. A once-in-a-century virus silently stalks the country. It’s taken as many lives in one year as America lost in all of World War Two. Millions of jobs have been lost. Hundreds of thousands of businesses closed. A cry for racial justice some 400 years in the making moves us. The dream of justice for all will be deferred no longer. A cry for survival comes from the planet itself. A cry that can’t be any more desperate or any more clear. And now, a rise in political extremism, white supremacy, domestic terrorism that we must confront and we will defeat. To overcome these challenges – to restore the soul and to secure the future of America – requires more than words. It requires that most elusive of things in a democracy: Unity. In another January in Washington, on New Year’s Day 1863, Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. When he put pen to paper, the president said, “If my name ever goes down into history it will be for this act and my whole soul is in it.” My whole soul is in it. Today, on this January day, my whole soul is in this: Bringing America together. Uniting our people. And uniting our nation. I ask every American to join me in this cause. Uniting to fight the common foes we face: Anger, resentment, hatred. Extremism, lawlessness, violence. Disease, joblessness, hopelessness. With unity we can do great things. Important things. We can right wrongs. We can put people to work in good jobs. We can teach our children in safe schools. We can overcome this deadly virus. We can reward work, rebuild the middle class, and make health care secure for all."

US President Joe Biden inaugural speech full text

The United Staes of America is set for Joe Biden's inauguration ceremony as he becomes the 46th President of the country. While the ceremony will be new and distanced, keeping in mind the ongoing pandemic, the post- oath ceremony will see many stars coming together to celebrate the occasion.&nbsp; 
 
Singer Katy Perry is performing at Joe Biden’s primetime inauguration special, and she shared a 'patriotic' picture ahead of her performance.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lady-gaga-tom-hanks-justin-timberlake-the-complete-celebrity-line-up-at-joe-bidens-inaugural-ceremony-357942">Lady Gaga, Tom Hanks, Justin Timberlake: The complete celebrity line up at Joe Biden's inaugural ceremony&nbsp;</a>

Perry took to Twitter and tweeted a photo of four mics — one white, one bedazzled with the flag, one covered in silver stars and one resembling Lady Liberty’s torch — with&nbsp;heart and an American flag emoji as the caption.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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♥️🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/glJjqrDdEM">pic.twitter.com/glJjqrDdEM</a>
— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) <a href="https://twitter.com/katyperry/status/1351698557221261312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

 
 
The picture was retweeted by the Biden Inaugural Committee before they made it official with an announcement that Perry would be performing on the Celebrating America TV special after Wednesday’s inaugural ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Tom Hanks will host the primetime special, which already includes Demi Lovato, Justin Timberlake, Jon Bon Jovi, Ant Clemons, Bruce Springsteen, John Legend and Foo Fighters performing at “iconic locations across the country,” according to a statement from the Presidential Inaugural Committee.

Celebrating America will air on ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN and MSNBC. It will also live stream on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Twitch accounts. Amazon Prime Video, Twitch and NewsNow from Fox will also stream the event.

The United Staes of America is set for Joe Biden's inauguration ceremony as he becomes the 46th President of the country. While the ceremony will be new and distanced, keeping in mind the ongoing pandemic, the post- oath ceremony will see many stars coming together to celebrate the occasion.

The United Staes of America is set for Joe Biden's inauguration ceremony as he becomes the 46th President of the country. While the ceremony will be new and distanced, keeping in mind the ongoing pandemic, the post- oath ceremony will see many stars coming together to celebrate the occasion. Singer Katy Perry is performing at Joe Biden’s primetime inauguration special, and she shared a 'patriotic' picture ahead of her performance. Lady Gaga, Tom Hanks, Justin Timberlake: The complete celebrity line up at Joe Biden's inaugural ceremony Perry took to Twitter and tweeted a photo of four mics — one white, one bedazzled with the flag, one covered in silver stars and one resembling Lady Liberty’s torch — with heart and an American flag emoji as the caption. ♥️🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/glJjqrDdEM — KATY PERRY (@katyperry) January 20, 2021 × The picture was retweeted by the Biden Inaugural Committee before they made it official with an announcement that Perry would be performing on the Celebrating America TV special after Wednesday’s inaugural ceremony in Washington, D.C. Tom Hanks will host the primetime special, which already includes Demi Lovato, Justin Timberlake, Jon Bon Jovi, Ant Clemons, Bruce Springsteen, John Legend and Foo Fighters performing at “iconic locations across the country,” according to a statement from the Presidential Inaugural Committee. Celebrating America will air on ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN and MSNBC. It will also live stream on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Twitch accounts. Amazon Prime Video, Twitch and NewsNow from Fox will also stream the event.

Katy Perry announces her presence at Joe Biden’s primetime inauguration special with a patriotic picture

The inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States took place amid the challenge of COVID-19. The organisers took into account precautions to wade off potential infections.

In mid-December, the Presidential Inaugural Committee announced that "vigorous health and safety protocols" were planned for the ceremony. This included the "reimagination" of traditional events, including a virtual inaugural parade.

The Capitol Hill luncheon was also cancelled. In addition, the committee urged people to stay at home and to not travel to DC.

But some unprecedented changes were enforced keeping in mind the pandemic.&nbsp;

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/joe-bidens-presidential-inauguration-whats-changed-whats-new-and-whats-missing-358033" hreflang="en">Joe Biden's presidential inauguration: What's changed, what's new, and what's missing!</a>

These included limited attendance. In mid-December, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) announced that the ceremony would be tremendously scaled back. In usual circumstances, 200,000 tickets are distributed for the ceremony. The National Mall remained closed to the public, and members of the US Congress were allowed to bring only one guest.

In terms of safety protocols, all provisions put forward by the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control were followed at the ceremony.

The committee had announced earlier that the official swearing-in ceremony would include "vigorous health and safety protocols to protect public health, including face-coverings, social distancing, and more". 
 
Keeping in mind the risk of infection, many events were cancelled or reimagined to create a pandemic experience.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-president-elect-joe-biden-will-take-these-decisions-on-very-first-day-in-office-358003" hreflang="en">In Pics | President-elect Joe Biden will take these decisions on very first day in office</a>

As part of this, over 191,500 US flags were installed at the National Mall in an art display called "Field of Flags". In addition, 56 pillars of light were put in place, to represent Americans who could not attend the ceremony in person. 
 
The virtual "reimagined parade" is set to feature televised performances from all states and territories of the United States. This will include celebrity and guest appearances from Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake, among many.

To make up for the in-person celebrations, team Biden is set to air a 90-minute special programme titled "Celebrating America" on the evening of the inauguration. 
 
Both Biden and Harris will speak during the programme, which will also pay homage to frontline workers who served during the COVID-19 pandemic, including teachers, and healthcare workers. 
 
The Capitol Hill luncheon was cancelled to prevent further spread of COVID-19. In regular times, the luncheon would have included guests like congressional leaders, and it also highlighted the cuisine of the new president and the vice president.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-joe-biden-oath-today-kamala-harris-news-us-inauguration-day-2021-live-updates-joe-biden-oath-ceremony-today-donald-trump-leave-white-house-vice-president-elect-kamala-harris-us-president-joe-biden-swearing-in-ceremony-oath-day-357872">Live updates here</a>

The inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States took place amid the challenge of COVID-19. The organisers took into account precautions to wade off potential infections.

The inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States took place amid the challenge of COVID-19. The organisers took into account precautions to wade off potential infections. In mid-December, the Presidential Inaugural Committee announced that "vigorous health and safety protocols" were planned for the ceremony. This included the "reimagination" of traditional events, including a virtual inaugural parade. The Capitol Hill luncheon was also cancelled. In addition, the committee urged people to stay at home and to not travel to DC. But some unprecedented changes were enforced keeping in mind the pandemic. In pics: Joe Biden's presidential inauguration: What's changed, what's new, and what's missing! These included limited attendance. In mid-December, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) announced that the ceremony would be tremendously scaled back. In usual circumstances, 200,000 tickets are distributed for the ceremony. The National Mall remained closed to the public, and members of the US Congress were allowed to bring only one guest. In terms of safety protocols, all provisions put forward by the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control were followed at the ceremony. The committee had announced earlier that the official swearing-in ceremony would include "vigorous health and safety protocols to protect public health, including face-coverings, social distancing, and more". Keeping in mind the risk of infection, many events were cancelled or reimagined to create a pandemic experience. In Pics | President-elect Joe Biden will take these decisions on very first day in office As part of this, over 191,500 US flags were installed at the National Mall in an art display called "Field of Flags". In addition, 56 pillars of light were put in place, to represent Americans who could not attend the ceremony in person. The virtual "reimagined parade" is set to feature televised performances from all states and territories of the United States. This will include celebrity and guest appearances from Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake, among many. To make up for the in-person celebrations, team Biden is set to air a 90-minute special programme titled "Celebrating America" on the evening of the inauguration. Both Biden and Harris will speak during the programme, which will also pay homage to frontline workers who served during the COVID-19 pandemic, including teachers, and healthcare workers. The Capitol Hill luncheon was cancelled to prevent further spread of COVID-19. In regular times, the luncheon would have included guests like congressional leaders, and it also highlighted the cuisine of the new president and the vice president. Live updates here

How COVID-19 precuations changed the route of Biden's inaugural ceremony

Donald Trump left the White House for the last time as US President on Wednesday hours before President-elect Joe Biden was inaugurated. Trump, accompanied by his wife Melania left White House in Marine One helicopter at 1300 GMT (6.30 pm IST). They went to Joint Air Force Base Andrews for a send-off ceremony. It was a quiet exit for a Trump who was very vocal in person as well as on his now-suspended Twitter account. Top Republican leaders like Vice-President Mike Pence were not there to see Trump off. Donald Trump has still not conceded defeat to President-elect Joe Biden

At Joint Air Force Base Andrews, Donald Trump made his last address as President of the USA in a campaign-style speech with several hundred supporters present.

"This has been an incredible four years," he said during his address.

"We've accomplished so much together," he said. "I will always fight for you.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-inauguration-day-2021-live-updates-joe-biden-oath-ceremony-today-donald-trump-leave-white-house-vice-president-elect-kamala-harris-us-president-joe-biden-swearing-in-ceremony-oath-day-357872">Catch LIVE updates here</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-inauguration-2021-how-to-watch-us-oath-taking-ceremony-live-online-358052">Want to watch Inauguration ceremony LIVE? Click Here</a>

Significantly, Trump said that he "will be back"

"We will be back in some form," said Trump during his address. There are speculations that he will try to win the Oval Office back from Joe Biden in US Presidential Election 2024

Trump did not address Joe Biden by name but said he wishes the new administration "great luck and great success."

After his short address, Donald and Melania Trump boarded the Air Force One and left for his resort in Florida. Although Trump left a letter for Joe Biden, he became the first sitting US President since 1869 to skip inauguration ceremony of his successor. Trump also carries the tag of being the only US President in history to be impeached twice.

Donald Trump left the White House for the last time as US President on Wednesday hours before President-elect Joe Biden was inaugurated. Trump, accompanied by his wife Melania left White House in Marine One helicopter at 1300 GMT (6.

Donald Trump left the White House for the last time as US President on Wednesday hours before President-elect Joe Biden was inaugurated. Trump, accompanied by his wife Melania left White House in Marine One helicopter at 1300 GMT (6.30 pm IST). They went to Joint Air Force Base Andrews for a send-off ceremony. It was a quiet exit for a Trump who was very vocal in person as well as on his now-suspended Twitter account. Top Republican leaders like Vice-President Mike Pence were not there to see Trump off. Donald Trump has still not conceded defeat to President-elect Joe Biden At Joint Air Force Base Andrews, Donald Trump made his last address as President of the USA in a campaign-style speech with several hundred supporters present. "This has been an incredible four years," he said during his address. "We've accomplished so much together," he said. "I will always fight for you. Catch LIVE updates here Want to watch Inauguration ceremony LIVE? Click Here Significantly, Trump said that he "will be back" "We will be back in some form," said Trump during his address. There are speculations that he will try to win the Oval Office back from Joe Biden in US Presidential Election 2024 Trump did not address Joe Biden by name but said he wishes the new administration "great luck and great success." After his short address, Donald and Melania Trump boarded the Air Force One and left for his resort in Florida. Although Trump left a letter for Joe Biden, he became the first sitting US President since 1869 to skip inauguration ceremony of his successor. Trump also carries the tag of being the only US President in history to be impeached twice.

'Will be back', says Donald Trump in his last speech as US President

New Yorkers participated in a prayer for healing and a call for unity on the eve of the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. Passersby lit candles and prayed on the steps of the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in New York City on Tuesday (January 19).

NYC church lights candle for unity ahead of the Inauguration

Starting January 20, Joe Biden will take the oath as the US President - a transition India is eagerly waiting for.

New Delhi has a&nbsp;long wish-list for the Biden administration. India would like its trade benefits worth six billion dollars restored, and it also wants the Trump era curbs on visas to be lifted. New Delhi would like a strong stance against Pakistan-backed terror groups, and a deeper alliance to combat China.

India isn’t looking forward to a hasty American withdrawal from Afghanistan. New Delhi would also like to see some movement on two big ticket items - The reform of the United Nations Security Council and India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

Where does Joe Biden stand on these issues?

When it became clear that Joe Biden will be America's next president, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him with a photograph which was clicked seven years ago - when Biden attended a lunch - hosted in honour of the Indian prime minister in Washington DC. On that day, Joe Biden had talked about the promise of a strong India-US relationship.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/breaking-tradition-trump-plans-self-farewell-before-bidens-inauguration-ceremony-357814" hreflang="en">Breaking tradition: Trump plans self-farewell before Biden's inauguration ceremony</a>

Now, as president of the US, he gets to accomplish his vision. When the two leaders meet again they'll have a lot to discuss. And New Delhi should feel confident about its future engagements with Washington.

As a candidate, Joe Biden made all the right noises, like on the issue of visas, and Biden has already promised to lift all trump era restrictions.

The biggest challenge is the backlog, with over eight lakh Indians waiting for a green card. And it is believed more than two lakh will die waiting for one. Biden plans to revamp the visa rules. He wants to expand the number of high skilled visas and eliminate country specific quotas.

Biden's campaign website also assured an instant green card to students to get their doctorate in America in the fields of science, technology, engineering and maths.

What about trade?

India's relationship with America took a hit on the trade front when Trump decided to withdraw benefits worth six billion dollars under the generalized system of preferences. Both sides negotiated for a "mini trade deal" but they didn't sign an agreement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/biden-harris-inauguration-special-prayers-sweet-distribution-planned-at-harris-ancestral-village-357770" hreflang="en">Biden-Harris inauguration: Special prayers, sweet distribution planned at Harris’ ancestral village</a>

Biden hasn't made his position clear on tariffs, and the incoming president faces his own share of economic challenges. The pandemic has left more than 25 million workers in America either unemployed, or, with lower salaries. Biden has promised to stand by American firms. Any trade negotiation with India will be a hard-nosed one.

Chinese aggression&nbsp;

India and the US have bigger concerns besides trade - Like the growing Chinese aggression. China will be the driving force behind this relationship, and Biden is expected to remain tough on Beijing.

He had refereed to the Chinese president as a thug while campaigning and promised to rope in allies to push back against China on its human rights record and authoritarianism.

Biden has also promised to remain tough on the issue of terrorism. He believes there can be no tolerance for terrorism in South Asia - cross border or otherwise. So far, team Biden has sent the right signals to India. Biden himself has called the India-US partnership a defining relationship for the 21st century.

Starting January 20, Joe Biden will take the oath as the US President - a transition India is eagerly waiting for. New Delhi has a long wish-list for the Biden administration.

Starting January 20, Joe Biden will take the oath as the US President - a transition India is eagerly waiting for. New Delhi has a long wish-list for the Biden administration. India would like its trade benefits worth six billion dollars restored, and it also wants the Trump era curbs on visas to be lifted. New Delhi would like a strong stance against Pakistan-backed terror groups, and a deeper alliance to combat China. India isn’t looking forward to a hasty American withdrawal from Afghanistan. New Delhi would also like to see some movement on two big ticket items - The reform of the United Nations Security Council and India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group. Where does Joe Biden stand on these issues? When it became clear that Joe Biden will be America's next president, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him with a photograph which was clicked seven years ago - when Biden attended a lunch - hosted in honour of the Indian prime minister in Washington DC. On that day, Joe Biden had talked about the promise of a strong India-US relationship. Also read: Breaking tradition: Trump plans self-farewell before Biden's inauguration ceremony Now, as president of the US, he gets to accomplish his vision. When the two leaders meet again they'll have a lot to discuss. And New Delhi should feel confident about its future engagements with Washington. As a candidate, Joe Biden made all the right noises, like on the issue of visas, and Biden has already promised to lift all trump era restrictions. The biggest challenge is the backlog, with over eight lakh Indians waiting for a green card. And it is believed more than two lakh will die waiting for one. Biden plans to revamp the visa rules. He wants to expand the number of high skilled visas and eliminate country specific quotas. Biden's campaign website also assured an instant green card to students to get their doctorate in America in the fields of science, technology, engineering and maths. What about trade? India's relationship with America took a hit on the trade front when Trump decided to withdraw benefits worth six billion dollars under the generalized system of preferences. Both sides negotiated for a "mini trade deal" but they didn't sign an agreement. Also read: Biden-Harris inauguration: Special prayers, sweet distribution planned at Harris’ ancestral village Biden hasn't made his position clear on tariffs, and the incoming president faces his own share of economic challenges. The pandemic has left more than 25 million workers in America either unemployed, or, with lower salaries. Biden has promised to stand by American firms. Any trade negotiation with India will be a hard-nosed one. Chinese aggression India and the US have bigger concerns besides trade - Like the growing Chinese aggression. China will be the driving force behind this relationship, and Biden is expected to remain tough on Beijing. He had refereed to the Chinese president as a thug while campaigning and promised to rope in allies to push back against China on its human rights record and authoritarianism. Biden has also promised to remain tough on the issue of terrorism. He believes there can be no tolerance for terrorism in South Asia - cross border or otherwise. So far, team Biden has sent the right signals to India. Biden himself has called the India-US partnership a defining relationship for the 21st century.

What can India expect from Joe Biden as US President?

US&nbsp;President-elect Joe Biden will wait for a recommendation from his intelligence advisers on whether to share classified information with President Donald Trump after the Republican leaves office, Biden`s top aide said on Sunday. 
 
Ron Klain, the incoming White House chief of staff, made the comment after former principal deputy director of national intelligence, Sue Gordon, wrote an op-ed arguing against sharing such information with Trump once he has left the presidency. 
 
"With this simple act — which is solely the new president’s prerogative — Joe Biden can mitigate one aspect of the potential national security risk posed by Donald Trump, private citizen," Gordon said in a Washington Post piece headlined "A former president Trump won`t `need to know.` Cut off his intelligence." 
 
Asked about Gordon`s recommendation, Klain told CNN`s "State of the Union" program that Biden would want to hear from his own intelligence professionals before making any decision. 
 
"We`ll certainly look for a recommendation from the intelligence professionals in the Biden administration ... and we will act on that recommendation," he said. 
 
Gordon, who resigned in 2019, said any former president was a foreign intelligence target but Trump "might be unusually vulnerable to bad actors with ill intent," citing, among other things, his business interests abroad. 
 
"It is not clear that he understands the tradecraft to which he has been exposed, the reasons the knowledge he has acquired must be protected from disclosure, or the intentions and capabilities of adversaries," she added. 
 
Democratic House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff was more blunt, telling CBS` "Face The Nation" program, "I don`t think he can be trusted with it."

US President-elect Joe Biden will wait for a recommendation from his intelligence advisers on whether to share classified information with President Donald Trump after the Republican leaves office, Biden`s top aide said on Sunday.

US President-elect Joe Biden will wait for a recommendation from his intelligence advisers on whether to share classified information with President Donald Trump after the Republican leaves office, Biden`s top aide said on Sunday. Ron Klain, the incoming White House chief of staff, made the comment after former principal deputy director of national intelligence, Sue Gordon, wrote an op-ed arguing against sharing such information with Trump once he has left the presidency. "With this simple act — which is solely the new president’s prerogative — Joe Biden can mitigate one aspect of the potential national security risk posed by Donald Trump, private citizen," Gordon said in a Washington Post piece headlined "A former president Trump won`t `need to know.` Cut off his intelligence." Asked about Gordon`s recommendation, Klain told CNN`s "State of the Union" program that Biden would want to hear from his own intelligence professionals before making any decision. "We`ll certainly look for a recommendation from the intelligence professionals in the Biden administration ... and we will act on that recommendation," he said. Gordon, who resigned in 2019, said any former president was a foreign intelligence target but Trump "might be unusually vulnerable to bad actors with ill intent," citing, among other things, his business interests abroad. "It is not clear that he understands the tradecraft to which he has been exposed, the reasons the knowledge he has acquired must be protected from disclosure, or the intentions and capabilities of adversaries," she added. Democratic House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff was more blunt, telling CBS` "Face The Nation" program, "I don`t think he can be trusted with it."

Biden will wait for recommendation on sharing secrets with Trump

For months, far-right extremists have been openly posting their threats on public sites. Now, wary of surveillance and amid a crackdown by social media, some are shifting their online communications to private chats or lesser known platforms that could make those threats harder to find.

Law enforcement scrutiny drives US extremists into internet's dark corners

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has arrested more than 100 people over last week's violent siege of the U.S. Capitol, and is now looking into individuals who could possibly threaten the safety of the Jan. 20 inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, its director said on Thursday (January 14).

United States gears up for peaceful transition of power

In the aftermath of riots that rocked the US Capitol last week, Washington DC has upped its security measures to prevent a similar instance as Joe Biden gets ready to take over presidential duties starting January 20.

On Friday, DC continued increasing security measures by restricting access to landmarks, while installing vehicle checkpoints surrounding Washington. 
&nbsp;

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Even though presidential inaugurations are generally very well secured, this time the security has been ramped even further in view of the violence that took place on January 6 whereby Trump supporters stormed the capital while representatives met inside to certify Biden as the winner.

&nbsp;

Law enforcement agencies have warned threats and potential armed conflict in all 50 states of the country.

On Friday, the National Park Service said that it was closing iconic landmarks in the capital city till at least January 21. These include the National Mall and other iconic US landmarks. Part of the Mall are landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument.

Most of the area surrounding the White House also remains closed, including an important bridge which connects Virginia to Washington, along with East and West Potomac Parks, including Hains Point, which also falls near the Mall.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-investigating-dozens-for-death-of-police-officer-at-us-capitol-357102" hreflang="en">FBI investigating dozens for death of police officer at US Capitol</a>

"We cannot allow a recurrence of the chaos and illegal activity that the United States and the world witnessed last week," Matthew Miller, the head of the Secret Service’s operations in Washington said to reporters.

As part of its agreement with the US Secret Service, Virginia later announced that it would close many other bridges that lead into the capital from January 19 to January 21.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States is currently questioning dozens of people in relation to the killing of a police officer during the attack on US Capitol.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-slams-republican-lawmakers-for-not-wearing-masks-during-capitol-hill-attack-357107" hreflang="en">Biden slams Republican lawmakers for not wearing masks during Capitol Hill attack</a>

Brian Sicknick died a day after a mob supporting US President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol last week. Reportedly, they attacked law enforcement officers.&nbsp;

Another state bordering the capital - Maryland announced a state of emergency ahead of the inauguration.

In the aftermath of riots that rocked the US Capitol last week, Washington DC has upped its security measures to prevent a similar instance as Joe Biden gets ready to take over presidential duties starting January 20.

In the aftermath of riots that rocked the US Capitol last week, Washington DC has upped its security measures to prevent a similar instance as Joe Biden gets ready to take over presidential duties starting January 20. On Friday, DC continued increasing security measures by restricting access to landmarks, while installing vehicle checkpoints surrounding Washington. Even though presidential inaugurations are generally very well secured, this time the security has been ramped even further in view of the violence that took place on January 6 whereby Trump supporters stormed the capital while representatives met inside to certify Biden as the winner. Law enforcement agencies have warned threats and potential armed conflict in all 50 states of the country. On Friday, the National Park Service said that it was closing iconic landmarks in the capital city till at least January 21. These include the National Mall and other iconic US landmarks. Part of the Mall are landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument. Most of the area surrounding the White House also remains closed, including an important bridge which connects Virginia to Washington, along with East and West Potomac Parks, including Hains Point, which also falls near the Mall. Also read: FBI investigating dozens for death of police officer at US Capitol "We cannot allow a recurrence of the chaos and illegal activity that the United States and the world witnessed last week," Matthew Miller, the head of the Secret Service’s operations in Washington said to reporters. As part of its agreement with the US Secret Service, Virginia later announced that it would close many other bridges that lead into the capital from January 19 to January 21. The Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States is currently questioning dozens of people in relation to the killing of a police officer during the attack on US Capitol. Also read: Biden slams Republican lawmakers for not wearing masks during Capitol Hill attack Brian Sicknick died a day after a mob supporting US President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol last week. Reportedly, they attacked law enforcement officers. Another state bordering the capital - Maryland announced a state of emergency ahead of the inauguration.

Major landmarks closed, security measures upped in DC before Biden's presidential inauguration

President-elect Joe Biden has slammed Republican lawmakers who refused to wear masks while huddling in a secure location during the January 6 riot at the US Capitol despite the threat of coronavirus, telling them that "it's time to grow up".

At least four members of US Congress -- including Democratic leaders Pramila Jayapal, Brad Schneider and Bonnie Watson Coleman -- have tested positive for COVID-19 since the Capitol attack by Trump's supporters which left five people dead.

"Quite frankly, it was shocking to see members of the Congress while the Capitol was under siege by a deadly mob of thugs refusing to wear a mask while they were in secure locations," Biden told reporters in Wilmington, Delaware on Friday.

"I'm so proud of my congresswoman, right here in the state of Delaware, Lisa Blunt Rochester, trying to hand out masks while people are lying on the floor huddled up, and her Republican colleagues were refusing to put them on.

What the hell is the matter with you? It's time to grow up," he said.

"The result? At least four members of Congress today, including a cancer survivor, now have COVID-19 who were in those rooms," Biden said Congresswoman Coleman, who recently tested COVID-19 positive, is a 75-year-old cancer survivor.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has imposed fines this week on members who refuse to wear masks on the House floor, with a USD 500 penalty for a first offence and USD 2,500 for a second offence.

Biden said wearing a mask is not a political, but a lifesaving issue.

"For God's sake, wear a mask if not for yourself, for your loved ones, for your country. These are real matters of life and death. We need you to stick with the handwashing, social distancing, and avoid indoor gatherings with people outside your own household," he said.

"I hope we now know this is not a political issue. This is about saving lives. I know it's become a partisan issue, but what a stupid, stupid thing for it to happen. This is a patriotic act. We are asking you, we're in a war with this virus, and experts saying--have shown that wearing a mask from now until April will save as many as 50,000 lives," the Democratic leader said.

US is the worst-hit nation in the world with over 23,530,460 coronavirus cases and more than 392,100 deaths due to the disease.

Biden reiterated his plans to call on all Americans to wear masks for his first 100 days in office.

"The day we're inaugurated, we're going to ask you to mask up for the next 100 days.

This is not a political issue.

And I will issue an executive order to require a mask where I have the authority to do that, in federal worker--for federal workers on federal property, on interstate travel by train and planes," he said.

"We'll also be working with mayors and governors in red states and blue states and require mask--and ask them to require masking up in their cities and their states," he said.

The coronavirus pandemic, Biden said, can't solve US' problems as a divided nation.

"The only way we come through this is if we come through together as Americans, fellow Americans, as the United States of America.

Vice President-elect Harris and I ran on that vision.

And starting at noon on Wednesday, that's exactly how we're going to govern and ask for your help," he said.

President-elect Joe Biden has slammed Republican lawmakers who refused to wear masks while huddling in a secure location during the January 6 riot at the US Capitol despite the threat of coronavirus, telling them that "it's time to grow up".

President-elect Joe Biden has slammed Republican lawmakers who refused to wear masks while huddling in a secure location during the January 6 riot at the US Capitol despite the threat of coronavirus, telling them that "it's time to grow up". At least four members of US Congress -- including Democratic leaders Pramila Jayapal, Brad Schneider and Bonnie Watson Coleman -- have tested positive for COVID-19 since the Capitol attack by Trump's supporters which left five people dead. "Quite frankly, it was shocking to see members of the Congress while the Capitol was under siege by a deadly mob of thugs refusing to wear a mask while they were in secure locations," Biden told reporters in Wilmington, Delaware on Friday. "I'm so proud of my congresswoman, right here in the state of Delaware, Lisa Blunt Rochester, trying to hand out masks while people are lying on the floor huddled up, and her Republican colleagues were refusing to put them on. What the hell is the matter with you? It's time to grow up," he said. "The result? At least four members of Congress today, including a cancer survivor, now have COVID-19 who were in those rooms," Biden said Congresswoman Coleman, who recently tested COVID-19 positive, is a 75-year-old cancer survivor. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has imposed fines this week on members who refuse to wear masks on the House floor, with a USD 500 penalty for a first offence and USD 2,500 for a second offence. Biden said wearing a mask is not a political, but a lifesaving issue. "For God's sake, wear a mask if not for yourself, for your loved ones, for your country. These are real matters of life and death. We need you to stick with the handwashing, social distancing, and avoid indoor gatherings with people outside your own household," he said. "I hope we now know this is not a political issue. This is about saving lives. I know it's become a partisan issue, but what a stupid, stupid thing for it to happen. This is a patriotic act. We are asking you, we're in a war with this virus, and experts saying--have shown that wearing a mask from now until April will save as many as 50,000 lives," the Democratic leader said. US is the worst-hit nation in the world with over 23,530,460 coronavirus cases and more than 392,100 deaths due to the disease. Biden reiterated his plans to call on all Americans to wear masks for his first 100 days in office. "The day we're inaugurated, we're going to ask you to mask up for the next 100 days. This is not a political issue. And I will issue an executive order to require a mask where I have the authority to do that, in federal worker--for federal workers on federal property, on interstate travel by train and planes," he said. "We'll also be working with mayors and governors in red states and blue states and require mask--and ask them to require masking up in their cities and their states," he said. The coronavirus pandemic, Biden said, can't solve US' problems as a divided nation. "The only way we come through this is if we come through together as Americans, fellow Americans, as the United States of America. Vice President-elect Harris and I ran on that vision. And starting at noon on Wednesday, that's exactly how we're going to govern and ask for your help," he said.

Biden slams Republican lawmakers for not wearing masks during Capitol Hill attack

Major technology companies like Google and Microsoft, as well as telecommunications giants like Comcast and Verizon, are among the nearly 1,000 people and groups that have donated at least $200 to the committee organizing President-elect Joe Biden’s scaled-back inauguration celebration this month.

The donor list, released Saturday evening by the committee, was filled mostly with individual donors, including major givers to Democrats such as Arthur Blank, the owner of the Atlanta Falcons; Richard Blum, the husband of Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California; and Donald Sussman, a hedge fund mogul.

The inaugural committee did not list any of the amounts that these 959 donors had given as of Dec. 31, the end of the period covered in the voluntary disclosure.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indoguration-for-major-biden-as-joe-biden-prepares-white-house-move-355817" hreflang="en">'Indoguration' for Major Biden as Joe Biden prepares White House move</a>

The actual donor amounts may not be known until 90 days after the inauguration when the committee will be required under law to disclose the names and amounts of all donations over $200. Biden’s committee limited contributions by individuals to $500,000 and by corporations to $1 million.

Technology and telecommunications industries are well represented on the list, with donations also coming from Qualcomm, a semiconductor and software company based in California, and Charter Communications, a cable company.

Google was included on the list because it provided online security protections without charge to the inaugural committee, said José Castañeda, a Google spokesman.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/george-w-bushs-childhood-home-eyed-for-national-park-service-inclusion-355813" hreflang="en">George W. Bush’s childhood home eyed for national park service inclusion</a>

Other corporate donations came from the Enterprise Holdings political action committee, which is associated with the company that owns the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands.

Health care companies also are prominent on the list, including Anthem Inc., the health insurance giant, MedPoint Management, which provides management services to physicians groups, and Masimo Corp., a maker of electronic patient monitoring devices.

Boeing Co., the aerospace and military contracting giant, is also listed as a donor.

Labor unions including American Federation of Teachers, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the United Food and Commercial Workers union made contributions.

There was also a sprinkling of celebrities, including Barbra Streisand, on the list.

A spokesman for the inauguration declined to comment when asked Saturday how much in total Biden’s committee had raised.

Biden has urged his supporters not to travel to Washington for the inauguration Jan. 20, because outside of the swearing-in ceremony, there will be few large-scale in-person events.

Major technology companies like Google and Microsoft, as well as telecommunications giants like Comcast and Verizon, are among the nearly 1,000 people and groups that have donated at least $200 to the committee organizing President-elect Joe Biden’s scaled-back inauguration celebration this month.

Major technology companies like Google and Microsoft, as well as telecommunications giants like Comcast and Verizon, are among the nearly 1,000 people and groups that have donated at least $200 to the committee organizing President-elect Joe Biden’s scaled-back inauguration celebration this month. The donor list, released Saturday evening by the committee, was filled mostly with individual donors, including major givers to Democrats such as Arthur Blank, the owner of the Atlanta Falcons; Richard Blum, the husband of Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California; and Donald Sussman, a hedge fund mogul. The inaugural committee did not list any of the amounts that these 959 donors had given as of Dec. 31, the end of the period covered in the voluntary disclosure. Also read| 'Indoguration' for Major Biden as Joe Biden prepares White House move The actual donor amounts may not be known until 90 days after the inauguration when the committee will be required under law to disclose the names and amounts of all donations over $200. Biden’s committee limited contributions by individuals to $500,000 and by corporations to $1 million. Technology and telecommunications industries are well represented on the list, with donations also coming from Qualcomm, a semiconductor and software company based in California, and Charter Communications, a cable company. Google was included on the list because it provided online security protections without charge to the inaugural committee, said José Castañeda, a Google spokesman. Also read| George W. Bush’s childhood home eyed for national park service inclusion Other corporate donations came from the Enterprise Holdings political action committee, which is associated with the company that owns the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands. Health care companies also are prominent on the list, including Anthem Inc., the health insurance giant, MedPoint Management, which provides management services to physicians groups, and Masimo Corp., a maker of electronic patient monitoring devices. Boeing Co., the aerospace and military contracting giant, is also listed as a donor. Labor unions including American Federation of Teachers, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the United Food and Commercial Workers union made contributions. There was also a sprinkling of celebrities, including Barbra Streisand, on the list. A spokesman for the inauguration declined to comment when asked Saturday how much in total Biden’s committee had raised. Biden has urged his supporters not to travel to Washington for the inauguration Jan. 20, because outside of the swearing-in ceremony, there will be few large-scale in-person events.

Major technology companies join list of Biden inaugural donors

Hours after hundreds of President Donald Trump's supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in a harrowing assault on American democracy, a shaken Congress on Thursday formally certified Democrat Joe Biden’s election victory.

US Congress confirms Biden's victory after harrowing Capitol Hill assault

U.S. President-elect Joe Biden said he had believed for a long time that President Donald Trump was not fit for office, but it was up to Congress to decide on a second impeachment of the Republican president after Wednesday's storming of the Capitol.

Biden says Trump is unfit, but impeachment is for Congress to decide

Vice President Mike Pence condemned the violent supporters of President Donald Trump who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday (January 6) in an attempt to block certification of the presidential election results, as the U.S. Senate resumed its vote count after an hours-long delay.

US Congress reconvenes session to certify Joe Biden's victory

US Congress certifies Biden win hours after harrowing Capitol Hill assault

The veteran US lawmaker Ted Cruz and a few others have declared they would not be willing to vote next week to certify the President-elect Joe Biden's US election 2020 win, which is being considered one last try by the Republican party to make the outgoing President Donald Trump spin the election result.

Growing number of Republicans backing Donald Trump

Chinese companies will receive binding commitments of access to the EU market under a new investment agreement, while China will open up its financial, manufacturing and services sectors to the 27-nation bloc, a Chinese government official said on Wednesday (December 30).

China-EU sign crucial deal ahead of Joe Biden's swearing in

Sixty-one percent of White House appointees are women and 54 per cent are people of colour, President-elect Joe Biden's transition team said.

On Wednesday, Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris surpassed their goal of naming 100 members of their incoming administration.

These accomplished individuals join a historic and barrier-breaking White House and administration that looks like America, and is ready to deliver results for working families on day one, Biden's transition team said.

The Biden-Harris administration will prioritise diversity of ideology and background, and foster talent to address the nation's most complex challenges, it said.

The White House staff represents a small percentage of the total number of Biden-Harris appointees that will serve across the federal government, said the transition.

"The first 100+ White House appointees, including those announced today, represent America in the following ways: 61 per cent are women, 54 per cent are people of colour, AAPI appointees represent more than twice their share of the national population, LGBTQ+ appointees account for 11 per cent of all White House staff," said the Biden transition.

According to the statistics released by the Biden transition, almost 20 per cent of appointees are first-generation Americans and about 40 per cent of White House senior staff have children at home.

"From the beginning, Vice President-elect Harris and I have sought to build an administration that looks like America. Building a diverse team will lead to better outcomes and more effective solutions to address the urgent crises facing our nation. The appointees named today will draw from their expertise and life experiences to help us build the country back better. Moving forward together, there's nothing we can't accomplish," Biden said.

Harris said to meet unprecedented challenges facing the American people, an administration should be build that reflects the very best of the country.

"These remarkable public servants have the knowledge and expertise to hit the ground running on day one. And I look forward to working with them to get this virus under control, safely and responsibly reopen our economy and our schools, and build back our country in a way that lifts up all Americans," she said.

"The president-elect and vice president-elect have been committed to building a White House team that is filled with crisis-tested experts who will hit the ground running on day one. I am thrilled that we have accomplished our goal of naming 100 staff members by the end of 2020 - and I could not be more proud of the talented and diverse team we will put to work for the American people," said incoming White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain.

Sixty-one percent of White House appointees are women and 54 per cent are people of colour, President-elect Joe Biden's transition team said. On Wednesday, Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris surpassed their goal of naming 100 members of their incoming administration.

Sixty-one percent of White House appointees are women and 54 per cent are people of colour, President-elect Joe Biden's transition team said. On Wednesday, Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris surpassed their goal of naming 100 members of their incoming administration. These accomplished individuals join a historic and barrier-breaking White House and administration that looks like America, and is ready to deliver results for working families on day one, Biden's transition team said. The Biden-Harris administration will prioritise diversity of ideology and background, and foster talent to address the nation's most complex challenges, it said. The White House staff represents a small percentage of the total number of Biden-Harris appointees that will serve across the federal government, said the transition. "The first 100+ White House appointees, including those announced today, represent America in the following ways: 61 per cent are women, 54 per cent are people of colour, AAPI appointees represent more than twice their share of the national population, LGBTQ+ appointees account for 11 per cent of all White House staff," said the Biden transition. According to the statistics released by the Biden transition, almost 20 per cent of appointees are first-generation Americans and about 40 per cent of White House senior staff have children at home. "From the beginning, Vice President-elect Harris and I have sought to build an administration that looks like America. Building a diverse team will lead to better outcomes and more effective solutions to address the urgent crises facing our nation. The appointees named today will draw from their expertise and life experiences to help us build the country back better. Moving forward together, there's nothing we can't accomplish," Biden said. Harris said to meet unprecedented challenges facing the American people, an administration should be build that reflects the very best of the country. "These remarkable public servants have the knowledge and expertise to hit the ground running on day one. And I look forward to working with them to get this virus under control, safely and responsibly reopen our economy and our schools, and build back our country in a way that lifts up all Americans," she said. "The president-elect and vice president-elect have been committed to building a White House team that is filled with crisis-tested experts who will hit the ground running on day one. I am thrilled that we have accomplished our goal of naming 100 staff members by the end of 2020 - and I could not be more proud of the talented and diverse team we will put to work for the American people," said incoming White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain.

In Biden's team for White House, 61% are women, 54% are people of colour

United States President-elect Joe Biden will take over the presidential duties from Donald Trump starting January 20, 2021. On December 28, Biden announced members of the core team responsible for digital strategy at the White House.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/joe-biden-promises-to-reverse-trumps-immigration-policies-352419/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Part of the Digital Strategy team is India-born Aisha Shah, who will work as the Partnerships Manager. Prior to this, she had served the Digital Partnerships Manager on the Biden-Harris election campaign.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/new-coronavirus-variant-hits-us-as-biden-vows-all-out-effort-353244" hreflang="en">New coronavirus variant hits US as Biden vows all-out effort</a>

Currently, Shah works as an “Advancement Specialist” for the Smithsonian Institution. Earlier, she worked as the Assistant Manager for the Corporate Fund of the John F Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. 
 
Shah has also worked as a strategic communications specialist at Buoy, which is an integrated marketing firm.

Aisha Shah was born in Kashmir, India and was raised in Louisiana, USA. She is an alumni of Davidson College.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/biden-says-trump-aides-setting-roadblocks-for-his-transition-team-353070" hreflang="en">Biden says Trump aides setting 'roadblocks' for his transition team</a>

"This team of diverse experts has a wide range of experience in digital strategy and will help connect the White House to the American people in new and innovative ways. They bring a shared commitment to building our nation back better, and I am thrilled to have them on our team,” Biden said in a statement ahead of the revelation.

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris had earlier claimed how important it is to be inclusive for this administration. 
&nbsp;

United States President-elect Joe Biden will take over the presidential duties from Donald Trump starting January 20, 2021. On December 28, Biden announced members of the core team responsible for digital strategy at the White House.

United States President-elect Joe Biden will take over the presidential duties from Donald Trump starting January 20, 2021. On December 28, Biden announced members of the core team responsible for digital strategy at the White House. Part of the Digital Strategy team is India-born Aisha Shah, who will work as the Partnerships Manager. Prior to this, she had served the Digital Partnerships Manager on the Biden-Harris election campaign. Also read: New coronavirus variant hits US as Biden vows all-out effort Currently, Shah works as an “Advancement Specialist” for the Smithsonian Institution. Earlier, she worked as the Assistant Manager for the Corporate Fund of the John F Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. Shah has also worked as a strategic communications specialist at Buoy, which is an integrated marketing firm. Aisha Shah was born in Kashmir, India and was raised in Louisiana, USA. She is an alumni of Davidson College. Also read: Biden says Trump aides setting 'roadblocks' for his transition team "This team of diverse experts has a wide range of experience in digital strategy and will help connect the White House to the American people in new and innovative ways. They bring a shared commitment to building our nation back better, and I am thrilled to have them on our team,” Biden said in a statement ahead of the revelation. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris had earlier claimed how important it is to be inclusive for this administration.

India-born Aisha Shah part of the upcoming Digital Strategy White House team under Biden

President-elect Joe Biden on Monday said under the Trump administration, US government agencies in charge of national security have “incurred enormous damage.”

Painting a grim landscape of the state of the nation's national security and foreign policy agencies he said that those departments have been "hollowed out in personnel, capacity and in morale."

Biden said, “Most notable the Department of Defence, we encountered obstruction from the political leadership. The truth is, many of the agencies that are critical to our security have incurred enormous damage.” He added that the actions of the Trump administration “makes it harder for our government to protect the American people, to defend our vital interests”.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Right now, my team isn’t getting all the information that we need from the outgoing administration in key national security areas. 
 
It’s nothing short of irresponsible. <a href="https://t.co/T67NbgSFLl">pic.twitter.com/T67NbgSFLl</a>
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1343709566622720001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The president-elect's comments followed a briefing from members of his national security and foreign policy agency review teams "on their findings and key challenges that the Biden-Harris administration will inherit," his transition team said before his remarks.

Biden said it's crucial to ensure "nothing is lost" during the change in presidential administrations and stressed the need for his team to have a "clear picture" of the country's force posture worldwide and operations to deter enemies, as well as "full visibility" into the budget planning underway at the Pentagon and other agencies to "avoid any window of confusion or catch-up" that can be exploited by enemies.

"We have encountered roadblocks from the political leadership at the Department of Defense and the Office of Management and Budget," Biden said. "Right now, we just aren't getting all the information that we need from the outgoing administration in key national security areas. It's nothing short in my view of irresponsibility."

(With inputs from agencies)

President-elect Joe Biden on Monday said under the Trump administration, US government agencies in charge of national security have “incurred enormous damage.” Painting a grim landscape of the state of the nation's national security and foreign policy agencies he said that those departments have been "hollowed out in personnel, capacity and in morale.

President-elect Joe Biden on Monday said under the Trump administration, US government agencies in charge of national security have “incurred enormous damage.” Painting a grim landscape of the state of the nation's national security and foreign policy agencies he said that those departments have been "hollowed out in personnel, capacity and in morale." Biden said, “Most notable the Department of Defence, we encountered obstruction from the political leadership. The truth is, many of the agencies that are critical to our security have incurred enormous damage.” He added that the actions of the Trump administration “makes it harder for our government to protect the American people, to defend our vital interests”. Right now, my team isn’t getting all the information that we need from the outgoing administration in key national security areas. It’s nothing short of irresponsible. pic.twitter.com/T67NbgSFLl — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) December 29, 2020 × The president-elect's comments followed a briefing from members of his national security and foreign policy agency review teams "on their findings and key challenges that the Biden-Harris administration will inherit," his transition team said before his remarks. Biden said it's crucial to ensure "nothing is lost" during the change in presidential administrations and stressed the need for his team to have a "clear picture" of the country's force posture worldwide and operations to deter enemies, as well as "full visibility" into the budget planning underway at the Pentagon and other agencies to "avoid any window of confusion or catch-up" that can be exploited by enemies. "We have encountered roadblocks from the political leadership at the Department of Defense and the Office of Management and Budget," Biden said. "Right now, we just aren't getting all the information that we need from the outgoing administration in key national security areas. It's nothing short in my view of irresponsibility." (With inputs from agencies)

US security agencies incurred 'enormous damage' during Trump administration: Biden

Japan's deputy defence minister said in an interview that Taiwan's safety was a 'red line' and urged US President-elect Joe Biden to "be strong" in supporting it.

Deputy defence minister Yasuhide Nakayama urged Biden to take a position similar to current president Donald Trump who has significantly boosted military sales to Taiwan. China claims Taiwan as its own and considers it a province.

Japan's engagement with Taiwan has also flourished in recent years on a largely non-governmental basis. Tokyo maintains a "one China" policy, delicately balancing its relationships with neighbouring giant China and its longtime military ally in Washington.

Japan shares strategic interests with Taiwan, which sits in sea lanes through which much of Japan's energy supplies and trade flow.

"So far, I haven't yet seen a clear policy or an announcement on Taiwan from Joe Biden. I would like to hear it quickly, then we can also prepare our response on Taiwan in accordance," Nakayama said.

During the presidential campaign, Biden called for strengthening ties with Taiwan and other "like-minded democracies."

Decades ago as senator, Biden questioned whether the United States had an "obligation" to defend Taiwan. But many in his foreign policy circles acknowledge that U.S. imperatives have changed as a rising, authoritarian China has become more assertive and sought to shape global institutions.

An official in Biden's transition team said the president-elect believes U.S. support for Taiwan "must remain strong, principled, and bipartisan."

Beijing has been angered by increased U.S. support for Taiwan, including arms sales and visits to Taipei by senior U.S. officials, further straining already poor Sino-U.S. ties. China considers democratically run Taiwan one of its provinces and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under Beijing's control.

(With Reuters inputs)

Japan's deputy defence minister said in an interview that Taiwan's safety was a 'red line' and urged US President-elect Joe Biden to "be strong" in supporting it.

Japan's deputy defence minister said in an interview that Taiwan's safety was a 'red line' and urged US President-elect Joe Biden to "be strong" in supporting it. Deputy defence minister Yasuhide Nakayama urged Biden to take a position similar to current president Donald Trump who has significantly boosted military sales to Taiwan. China claims Taiwan as its own and considers it a province. Japan's engagement with Taiwan has also flourished in recent years on a largely non-governmental basis. Tokyo maintains a "one China" policy, delicately balancing its relationships with neighbouring giant China and its longtime military ally in Washington. Japan shares strategic interests with Taiwan, which sits in sea lanes through which much of Japan's energy supplies and trade flow. "So far, I haven't yet seen a clear policy or an announcement on Taiwan from Joe Biden. I would like to hear it quickly, then we can also prepare our response on Taiwan in accordance," Nakayama said. During the presidential campaign, Biden called for strengthening ties with Taiwan and other "like-minded democracies." Decades ago as senator, Biden questioned whether the United States had an "obligation" to defend Taiwan. But many in his foreign policy circles acknowledge that U.S. imperatives have changed as a rising, authoritarian China has become more assertive and sought to shape global institutions. An official in Biden's transition team said the president-elect believes U.S. support for Taiwan "must remain strong, principled, and bipartisan." Beijing has been angered by increased U.S. support for Taiwan, including arms sales and visits to Taipei by senior U.S. officials, further straining already poor Sino-U.S. ties. China considers democratically run Taiwan one of its provinces and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under Beijing's control. (With Reuters inputs)

Support to Taiwan a 'red line', Biden must remain strong: Japanese minister

U.S. President-elect Joe Biden and Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Saturday committed to work on a humane strategy to regional migration by addressing its root causes in Central America and southern Mexico.

Joe Biden promises to reverse Trump's immigration policies

US President-elect Joe Biden said that he had not seen any evidence that cyberattack against the US was under control. He lashed out at US President Donald Trump for being reluctant to name Russia. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Attorney General William Barr have both accused Moscow.

“It is a grave risk and it continues," Biden told reporters in Wilmington, Delaware. "I see no evidence that it’s under control. I see none. Heard of none. Department won’t even brief us on many things. So I know of nothing that suggests it’s under control."

Biden faulted Trump for stripping U.S. defenses against cyberattacks, saying: "This assault happened on Donald Trump's watch, when he wasn't watching."

Trump has floated the idea on Twitter that China might be responsible for the hacking spree. Uncovered last week, it breached at least half a dozen U.S. government agencies and left thousands of American companies exposed.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-issues-series-of-pardons-including-russia-probe-figure-george-papadopoulos-351684">Trump issues series of pardons, including Russia probe figure George Papadopoulos</a>

Joe Biden has warned that the cyberattack will not go unanswered once he takes office on January 20. He said his administration will take meaningful steps to respond to the cyber breach.

The incoming White House chief of staff said on Sunday that Biden's response to the hacking campaign would go beyond sanctions. Ron Klain said Biden was mapping out ways to degrade the capacity of foreign actors to engage in cyber attacks against the United States.

Options being mulled by the Biden administration to punish Moscow for its alleged role include financial penalties and retaliatory hacks on Russian infrastructure, people familiar with the matter have told Reuters.

The Kremlin denies any role in the hacking.

"The question of the damage done remains to be determined. We have to look at, very closely, the nature of the breaches, how extensive they are, and what damage has been done," Biden said.

(With Reuters inputs)

US President-elect Joe Biden said that he had not seen any evidence that cyberattack against the US was under control. He lashed out at US President Donald Trump for being reluctant to name Russia.

US President-elect Joe Biden said that he had not seen any evidence that cyberattack against the US was under control. He lashed out at US President Donald Trump for being reluctant to name Russia. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Attorney General William Barr have both accused Moscow. “It is a grave risk and it continues," Biden told reporters in Wilmington, Delaware. "I see no evidence that it’s under control. I see none. Heard of none. Department won’t even brief us on many things. So I know of nothing that suggests it’s under control." Biden faulted Trump for stripping U.S. defenses against cyberattacks, saying: "This assault happened on Donald Trump's watch, when he wasn't watching." Trump has floated the idea on Twitter that China might be responsible for the hacking spree. Uncovered last week, it breached at least half a dozen U.S. government agencies and left thousands of American companies exposed. Also Read | Trump issues series of pardons, including Russia probe figure George Papadopoulos Joe Biden has warned that the cyberattack will not go unanswered once he takes office on January 20. He said his administration will take meaningful steps to respond to the cyber breach. The incoming White House chief of staff said on Sunday that Biden's response to the hacking campaign would go beyond sanctions. Ron Klain said Biden was mapping out ways to degrade the capacity of foreign actors to engage in cyber attacks against the United States. Options being mulled by the Biden administration to punish Moscow for its alleged role include financial penalties and retaliatory hacks on Russian infrastructure, people familiar with the matter have told Reuters. The Kremlin denies any role in the hacking. "The question of the damage done remains to be determined. We have to look at, very closely, the nature of the breaches, how extensive they are, and what damage has been done," Biden said. (With Reuters inputs)

Trump must put blame on Russia for cyberattack, says Biden

U.S President- Elect Joe Biden introduce key members of its diverse environment team on Saturday. He said his incoming administration would make the fight against global warming.

President- Elect Joe Biden unveils diverse environment team

As lawmakers race to put the final touches on a $900 billion bipartisan stimulus package, one thing is becoming clear: Congress has left a significant challenge for the incoming president, Joe Biden, and his efforts to revive the faltering economy.

To seal the deal after months of struggle, lawmakers agreed to exclude a direct stream of money for state and local governments, which Republicans objected to as a blue state “bailout” but Democrats said was needed to prevent job cuts and economic pain.

Biden has promised to help local governments, which are struggling with plunging tax revenue and increased costs, creating huge budget gaps that have already resulted in 1.3 million state and local jobs lost since March. Economists warn that, without further help, states and cities could further slow the economic recovery by cutting more jobs and spending.

“States and cities are already facing large, large budget shortfalls this year,” Biden said this month. “They’ve already laid off more than a million workers. Even more teachers, firefighters, cops will lose their jobs unless federal government steps up now.”

As people steer clear of hotels, restaurants and sporting events because of the coronavirus pandemic, the plunge in economic activity has walloped tax revenue in many states, particularly those that rely heavily on tourism or on oil, coal and other sources of energy whose prices have fallen from reduced demand. Budgets have been further strained by spending on social assistance programs, like unemployment, and other pandemic-related costs, like safety measures in public buildings.

With most states required to balance their budgets, governments have turned to cutting jobs and other services rather than raising taxes on struggling households and businesses. The state and local government jobs shed since March — primarily in education — are a far higher toll than during the Great Recession, when cities and states laid off 800,000 workers from 2008 to 2013.

Democrats had made state aid a priority for a second round of stimulus, a demand that became a sticking point with Republicans. A centrist group of senators, trying to break the impasse, had included $160 billion in a direct stream of aid for state and local governments as part of a compromise bill. But congressional leaders excluded that funding this week. In exchange, they decided to drop a Republican priority, shielding businesses that opened amid the pandemic from certain lawsuits, to try to get the broader $900 billion package approved by both chambers and signed by President Donald Trump.

The deal is not yet final and could still be derailed by disputes over last-minute details, including a Republican effort that would prevent the Federal Reserve from restarting some pandemic-era loan programs without congressional permission. It is expected to include money for public transit authorities and potentially additional emergency assistance for state and local governments, though Republicans are opposing that aid, which would run through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The compromise is also expected to include billions of dollars for education and health programs, which state and local governments will most likely help distribute.

But the package is not expected to contain funding anywhere close to what Democrats and many economists say is necessary to avoid more public sector layoffs in the years to come.

State and local governments face more than $500 billion in revenue shortfalls from the pandemic, spread over three fiscal years, research published this fall by the Brookings Papers on Economic Activity estimates.

The researchers found that those governments entered the crisis in relatively strong fiscal positions, often with large rainy-day funds. But even with those reserves and an estimated $250 billion in federal aid approved earlier this year, they warned, the shortfalls could lead to tax increases or budget cuts.

The decision to exclude state aid will present an economic challenge for Biden, who is likely to face the same political dynamic if Republicans keep the Senate by winning the Jan. 5 election runoffs in Georgia.

The U.S. economy struggled to shake off the last recession, with historically slow growth and a sluggish job market, in part because cities and states continued to lay off workers years into the recovery, pushing up the unemployment rate. It took until 2019 for state and local jobs to return to 2008 levels of unemployment. Democrats and liberal activists have warned that Congress risks repeating those mistakes.

On Wednesday, Jerome H. Powell, the Fed chair, said that while “the picture is mixed” on state finances, the Fed is concerned about the 1.3 million jobs already lost.

“It’s a very large number of people to be out of work from just that one source,” he said.

Calculations from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office support the case for more aid, concluding that money for states and localities provided the most cost-effective economic boost of any of the provisions in the first wave of economic assistance this spring.

But the political argument has been muddled by the diverging experience of state revenues in the crisis, which does not hew neatly to party lines. States that depend heavily on tourism, like Florida, or on energy taxes, like Wyoming, face large shortfalls, along with liberal bastions like California and New York.

“There are many states that are doing reasonably well right now and a few that are struggling substantially,” said Jared Walczak, who compiles data on state and local aid as vice president of state projects for the Tax Foundation in Washington. “That makes it very difficult to put a coalition together. That list of states isn’t red or blue, but there is a divide.”

Some Republicans in the Senate have supported more aid to states, including negotiators in the bipartisan group such as Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana. But lawmakers have struggled to reach agreement on how much is necessary and how to divvy up the funds.

“Some states have rainy day funds and are telling us they don’t need more money,” Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, said at a news conference this week. “Others are saying they need much more than we can possibly imagine sending to them, so a lot of difference in data and difference in terms of how well they’ve managed themselves in the past.”

Many Republicans have consistently opposed state aid, saying it would reward Democratic states that mismanaged their finances. One of their main talking points has been that states could use federal assistance to shore up public employee pensions — though the draft bipartisan agreement would have prohibited such spending.

“What Democrats really want is for Congress to just send money to liberal politicians who have already shown they can’t be trusted with it,” Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla. — a state that faces a $2.7 billion budget shortfall — wrote in an op-ed for National Review last week. “If these politicians have budget shortfalls, it’s because they did not prioritize their struggling constituents in the first place and instead wasted money on other things.”

Influential conservative groups like Americans for Tax Reform and Heritage Action for America have called the issue a “red line for conservatives.”

“When you have less money, it makes you do reforms to reduce spending,” said Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform. “Don’t bail them out,” he said, “or there will be no normal budget discipline.”

On Monday, the centrist group of negotiators split its original $908 billion framework into two bills — a $748 billion measure with broad consensus on how to provide support for unemployment benefits, food assistance, small businesses and vaccine distribution and a $160 billion measure with state and local government funding and liability protections.

To gain support for the $160 billion — which was significantly smaller than the nearly $1 trillion House Democrats sought for state and local governments May — lawmakers agreed to a number of guardrails, including prohibiting the use of the funds for pension obligations and distributing the funds based on the proportion of revenue loss and population.

Still, it was not enough to win buy-in from a critical mass of Republican senators, including Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, and was excluded from the emerging agreement.

As lawmakers race to put the final touches on a $900 billion bipartisan stimulus package, one thing is becoming clear: Congress has left a significant challenge for the incoming president, Joe Biden, and his efforts to revive the faltering economy.

As lawmakers race to put the final touches on a $900 billion bipartisan stimulus package, one thing is becoming clear: Congress has left a significant challenge for the incoming president, Joe Biden, and his efforts to revive the faltering economy. To seal the deal after months of struggle, lawmakers agreed to exclude a direct stream of money for state and local governments, which Republicans objected to as a blue state “bailout” but Democrats said was needed to prevent job cuts and economic pain. Biden has promised to help local governments, which are struggling with plunging tax revenue and increased costs, creating huge budget gaps that have already resulted in 1.3 million state and local jobs lost since March. Economists warn that, without further help, states and cities could further slow the economic recovery by cutting more jobs and spending. “States and cities are already facing large, large budget shortfalls this year,” Biden said this month. “They’ve already laid off more than a million workers. Even more teachers, firefighters, cops will lose their jobs unless federal government steps up now.” As people steer clear of hotels, restaurants and sporting events because of the coronavirus pandemic, the plunge in economic activity has walloped tax revenue in many states, particularly those that rely heavily on tourism or on oil, coal and other sources of energy whose prices have fallen from reduced demand. Budgets have been further strained by spending on social assistance programs, like unemployment, and other pandemic-related costs, like safety measures in public buildings. With most states required to balance their budgets, governments have turned to cutting jobs and other services rather than raising taxes on struggling households and businesses. The state and local government jobs shed since March — primarily in education — are a far higher toll than during the Great Recession, when cities and states laid off 800,000 workers from 2008 to 2013. Democrats had made state aid a priority for a second round of stimulus, a demand that became a sticking point with Republicans. A centrist group of senators, trying to break the impasse, had included $160 billion in a direct stream of aid for state and local governments as part of a compromise bill. But congressional leaders excluded that funding this week. In exchange, they decided to drop a Republican priority, shielding businesses that opened amid the pandemic from certain lawsuits, to try to get the broader $900 billion package approved by both chambers and signed by President Donald Trump. The deal is not yet final and could still be derailed by disputes over last-minute details, including a Republican effort that would prevent the Federal Reserve from restarting some pandemic-era loan programs without congressional permission. It is expected to include money for public transit authorities and potentially additional emergency assistance for state and local governments, though Republicans are opposing that aid, which would run through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The compromise is also expected to include billions of dollars for education and health programs, which state and local governments will most likely help distribute. But the package is not expected to contain funding anywhere close to what Democrats and many economists say is necessary to avoid more public sector layoffs in the years to come. State and local governments face more than $500 billion in revenue shortfalls from the pandemic, spread over three fiscal years, research published this fall by the Brookings Papers on Economic Activity estimates. The researchers found that those governments entered the crisis in relatively strong fiscal positions, often with large rainy-day funds. But even with those reserves and an estimated $250 billion in federal aid approved earlier this year, they warned, the shortfalls could lead to tax increases or budget cuts. The decision to exclude state aid will present an economic challenge for Biden, who is likely to face the same political dynamic if Republicans keep the Senate by winning the Jan. 5 election runoffs in Georgia. The U.S. economy struggled to shake off the last recession, with historically slow growth and a sluggish job market, in part because cities and states continued to lay off workers years into the recovery, pushing up the unemployment rate. It took until 2019 for state and local jobs to return to 2008 levels of unemployment. Democrats and liberal activists have warned that Congress risks repeating those mistakes. On Wednesday, Jerome H. Powell, the Fed chair, said that while “the picture is mixed” on state finances, the Fed is concerned about the 1.3 million jobs already lost. “It’s a very large number of people to be out of work from just that one source,” he said. Calculations from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office support the case for more aid, concluding that money for states and localities provided the most cost-effective economic boost of any of the provisions in the first wave of economic assistance this spring. But the political argument has been muddled by the diverging experience of state revenues in the crisis, which does not hew neatly to party lines. States that depend heavily on tourism, like Florida, or on energy taxes, like Wyoming, face large shortfalls, along with liberal bastions like California and New York. “There are many states that are doing reasonably well right now and a few that are struggling substantially,” said Jared Walczak, who compiles data on state and local aid as vice president of state projects for the Tax Foundation in Washington. “That makes it very difficult to put a coalition together. That list of states isn’t red or blue, but there is a divide.” Some Republicans in the Senate have supported more aid to states, including negotiators in the bipartisan group such as Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana. But lawmakers have struggled to reach agreement on how much is necessary and how to divvy up the funds. “Some states have rainy day funds and are telling us they don’t need more money,” Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, said at a news conference this week. “Others are saying they need much more than we can possibly imagine sending to them, so a lot of difference in data and difference in terms of how well they’ve managed themselves in the past.” Many Republicans have consistently opposed state aid, saying it would reward Democratic states that mismanaged their finances. One of their main talking points has been that states could use federal assistance to shore up public employee pensions — though the draft bipartisan agreement would have prohibited such spending. “What Democrats really want is for Congress to just send money to liberal politicians who have already shown they can’t be trusted with it,” Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla. — a state that faces a $2.7 billion budget shortfall — wrote in an op-ed for National Review last week. “If these politicians have budget shortfalls, it’s because they did not prioritize their struggling constituents in the first place and instead wasted money on other things.” Influential conservative groups like Americans for Tax Reform and Heritage Action for America have called the issue a “red line for conservatives.” “When you have less money, it makes you do reforms to reduce spending,” said Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform. “Don’t bail them out,” he said, “or there will be no normal budget discipline.” On Monday, the centrist group of negotiators split its original $908 billion framework into two bills — a $748 billion measure with broad consensus on how to provide support for unemployment benefits, food assistance, small businesses and vaccine distribution and a $160 billion measure with state and local government funding and liability protections. To gain support for the $160 billion — which was significantly smaller than the nearly $1 trillion House Democrats sought for state and local governments May — lawmakers agreed to a number of guardrails, including prohibiting the use of the funds for pension obligations and distributing the funds based on the proportion of revenue loss and population. Still, it was not enough to win buy-in from a critical mass of Republican senators, including Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, and was excluded from the emerging agreement.

Biden faces challenge as US Congress drops state aid to secure stimulus

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