The Biden administration is set to press Democratic and Republican senators for a fresh $1.9 trillion in coronavirus relief to avert a larger economic crisis.

Brian Deese, director of the National Economic Council, said he would speak to the senators to make the case for a large rescue plan.

"We can't wait," White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Sunday. "Just because Washington has been gridlocked before doesn't mean it needs to continue to be gridlocked."

Biden, who took office on Wednesday, campaigned on a promise to aggressively take on the pandemic, which his predecessor President Donald Trump often downplayed and provided conflicting information about. "The bottom line is this: We're in a national emergency, and we need to act like we're in a national emergency," he said on Friday before signing executive orders on economic relief.

The COVID-19 pandemic has killed more than 417,000 Americans, thrown millions out of work and is infecting more than 175,000 Americans per day, posing an immediate crisis to the Biden administration.

While Congress has already authorised $4 trillion to respond, the White House argues that another $1.9 trillion is needed to cover the costs of responding to the virus, as well as providing enhanced jobless benefits and payments to households.

The legislation will likely need bipartisan support to clear procedural hurdles and emerge from the Senate. A number of Republicans have already balked at the price tag.

Trump's tenure drew to a close with his second impeachment by the House of Representatives after supporters stormed the US Capitol on January 6 in a failed attempt to overturn his election loss. Five people died in the violence.

Biden has said one of his top priorities would be unifying a bitterly divided country.

The Biden administration is set to press Democratic and Republican senators for a fresh $1.9 trillion in coronavirus relief to avert a larger economic crisis. Brian Deese, director of the National Economic Council, said he would speak to the senators to make the case for a large rescue plan.

The Biden administration is set to press Democratic and Republican senators for a fresh $1.9 trillion in coronavirus relief to avert a larger economic crisis. Brian Deese, director of the National Economic Council, said he would speak to the senators to make the case for a large rescue plan. "We can't wait," White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Sunday. "Just because Washington has been gridlocked before doesn't mean it needs to continue to be gridlocked." Biden, who took office on Wednesday, campaigned on a promise to aggressively take on the pandemic, which his predecessor President Donald Trump often downplayed and provided conflicting information about. "The bottom line is this: We're in a national emergency, and we need to act like we're in a national emergency," he said on Friday before signing executive orders on economic relief. The COVID-19 pandemic has killed more than 417,000 Americans, thrown millions out of work and is infecting more than 175,000 Americans per day, posing an immediate crisis to the Biden administration. While Congress has already authorised $4 trillion to respond, the White House argues that another $1.9 trillion is needed to cover the costs of responding to the virus, as well as providing enhanced jobless benefits and payments to households. The legislation will likely need bipartisan support to clear procedural hurdles and emerge from the Senate. A number of Republicans have already balked at the price tag. Trump's tenure drew to a close with his second impeachment by the House of Representatives after supporters stormed the US Capitol on January 6 in a failed attempt to overturn his election loss. Five people died in the violence. Biden has said one of his top priorities would be unifying a bitterly divided country.

Biden set to push US Congress for $1.9 trillion in Covid relief

Neera Tanden, who has been nominated as Director of Management and Budget, and Dr. Vivek Murthy, nominated as the U.S. Surgeon General.

Indian-Americans to walk the halls of power in U.S.

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

Outgoing US President Donald Trump has offered the clearest signal yet that he would voluntarily leave office on January 20, pledging there would be an "orderly transition" to Joe Biden's presidency.

Trump's remarks came minutes after a joint session of the US Congress formally certified the electoral college victory of Biden as the next US president and Kamala Harris as the vice-president in the November 3 election.

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The formal certification&nbsp;came in the wee hours of Thursday. The Joint Session which resumed its meeting late Wednesday night after it was disrupted by hundreds of supporters of Trump who violently stormed the Capitol Hill.

"Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th," Trump said in a statement minutes after the US Congress formally certified Biden's victory.

"While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, it's only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again," he added, hinting at a potential 2024 run.

The counting of Electoral College votes and its subsequent certification came after an ugly episode of violence inside the US Capitol, resulting in four deaths, wherein Capitol Hill was brought under a lockdown, with lawmakers being taken to safe places, shots were fired inside the Congress and tear gas was used.

Biden described the riots in the US Capitol as an "unprecedented assault" on American democracy, and has his task cut out to spend the next four years on his administration to heal and unite a deeply polarised country after the fiercely-fought election.

Presidential election was held on November 3. Biden and Harris won a record number of popular votes, more than 80 millions and earned as many as 306 Electoral College votes.

Biden and Harris are now scheduled to be sworn in as the president and vice-president of the country on January 20. The inauguration is going to be a low-key affair given the COVID-19 pandemic.

Outgoing US President Donald Trump has offered the clearest signal yet that he would voluntarily leave office on January 20, pledging there would be an "orderly transition" to Joe Biden's presidency.

Outgoing US President Donald Trump has offered the clearest signal yet that he would voluntarily leave office on January 20, pledging there would be an "orderly transition" to Joe Biden's presidency. Trump's remarks came minutes after a joint session of the US Congress formally certified the electoral college victory of Biden as the next US president and Kamala Harris as the vice-president in the November 3 election. The formal certification came in the wee hours of Thursday. The Joint Session which resumed its meeting late Wednesday night after it was disrupted by hundreds of supporters of Trump who violently stormed the Capitol Hill. "Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th," Trump said in a statement minutes after the US Congress formally certified Biden's victory. "While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, it's only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again," he added, hinting at a potential 2024 run. The counting of Electoral College votes and its subsequent certification came after an ugly episode of violence inside the US Capitol, resulting in four deaths, wherein Capitol Hill was brought under a lockdown, with lawmakers being taken to safe places, shots were fired inside the Congress and tear gas was used. Biden described the riots in the US Capitol as an "unprecedented assault" on American democracy, and has his task cut out to spend the next four years on his administration to heal and unite a deeply polarised country after the fiercely-fought election. Presidential election was held on November 3. Biden and Harris won a record number of popular votes, more than 80 millions and earned as many as 306 Electoral College votes. Biden and Harris are now scheduled to be sworn in as the president and vice-president of the country on January 20. The inauguration is going to be a low-key affair given the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trump finally concedes defeat, pledges 'orderly transition' after Congress affirms Biden win

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: "I believe in the strength of US institutions and democracy. Peaceful transition of power is at the core.

'Joe Biden has a daunting task ahead of him', says EU chief Ursula von der Leyen over Capitol riots

The 25th Amendment says the vice-president and a majority of principal officers of the executive departments can provide a declaration to Congress that the president “is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.” This can remove the President of the United States and will appoint Vice President to the office.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi calls for Trump's removal through 25th Amendment after Capitol Ruckus

In what was a sign of his continued refusal to admit Joe Biden's election victory, current US President Donald Trump asked his deputy and US Vice President Mike Pence to not certify Biden's victory in US Congress. Due to his combative stance for past two months, many steps which are considered mere formality have been embroiled in contention.

"If Mike Pence does the right thing, we win the election," Trump told cheering supporters outside the White House. "He has the absolute right to do it.

"Mike Pence is going to have to come through for us, and if he doesn't, that will be a sad day for our country."

Vice-President Mike Pence will preside over the US Congress session in which the members of the legislature will put their seal on Joe Biden's victory in the election.

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Trump rebuked "weak" Republicans planning to go along with the certification, accusing them of having "turned a blind eye" and threatening them with primary challenges in future elections.&nbsp;

During his speech in front of his supporters, Trump repeated his claims of US Presidential elections being a fraud and as usual, did not offer any substantial proof to support his claim.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-cost-republican-party-the-house-and-now-the-senate-354941">Donald Trump cost Republican Party the House, and now the Senate</a>

"We will never give up, we will never concede," Trump said the rally at the Ellipse park area near the White House, claiming without evidence that "hundreds of thousands" of people were attending the event. "We will stop the steal."

(With agency inputs)

In what was a sign of his continued refusal to admit Joe Biden's election victory, current US President Donald Trump asked his deputy and US Vice President Mike Pence to not certify Biden's victory in US Congress.

In what was a sign of his continued refusal to admit Joe Biden's election victory, current US President Donald Trump asked his deputy and US Vice President Mike Pence to not certify Biden's victory in US Congress. Due to his combative stance for past two months, many steps which are considered mere formality have been embroiled in contention. "If Mike Pence does the right thing, we win the election," Trump told cheering supporters outside the White House. "He has the absolute right to do it. "Mike Pence is going to have to come through for us, and if he doesn't, that will be a sad day for our country." Vice-President Mike Pence will preside over the US Congress session in which the members of the legislature will put their seal on Joe Biden's victory in the election. https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-democrats-set-to-control-us-senate-354944 × Trump rebuked "weak" Republicans planning to go along with the certification, accusing them of having "turned a blind eye" and threatening them with primary challenges in future elections. During his speech in front of his supporters, Trump repeated his claims of US Presidential elections being a fraud and as usual, did not offer any substantial proof to support his claim. Also Read | Donald Trump cost Republican Party the House, and now the Senate "We will never give up, we will never concede," Trump said the rally at the Ellipse park area near the White House, claiming without evidence that "hundreds of thousands" of people were attending the event. "We will stop the steal." (With agency inputs)

Donald Trump asks Vice-President Mike Pence to not certify Joe Biden victory in US Congress

Former President Barack Obama blamed Donald Trump and Republicans for the attack on the US Congress Wednesday, calling it "a moment of great dishonour and shame for our nation."

Via a statement on his official Twitter account,&nbsp;Obama&nbsp;said the incident was incited by Republican President Donald Trump, adding that Republican leaders now "have a choice" towards "extinguishing the flames" or "keep stoking the raging fires."

"But we'd be kidding ourselves if we treated it as a total surprise," Obama said, adding that it was "incited" by Trump, "who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election."

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Here’s my statement on today’s violence at the Capitol. <a href="https://t.co/jLCKo2D1Ya">pic.twitter.com/jLCKo2D1Ya</a>
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Obama also singled out the Republican party and its media supporters, whom he said have "too often been unwilling to tell their followers the truth" about Democrat Joe Biden's strong victory in the November 3 election.

"Now we're seeing the consequences, whipped up into a violent crescendo," he said in a statement.

George W. Bush, via a statement released on the George W. Bush Presidential Centre Twitter page, described the scenes as "sickening and heartbreaking," comparing it to a "banana republic". Bill Clinton, also via Twitter, said the incident was "an assault on our Capitol, Constitution, and our country."

Bill Clinton denounced the riot as "unprecedented assault" on the US Capitol and the nation itself.

"Today we faced an unprecedented assault on our Capitol, our Constitution, and our country," the Democratic former president said in a statement.

"The match was lit by Donald Trump and his most ardent enablers, including many in Congress, to overturn the results of an election he lost."

And the oldest member of the exclusive club, 96-year-old Democrat Jimmy Carter, said he was "troubled" by Wednesday's scenes, which he called a "national tragedy."&nbsp;

"We join our fellow citizens in praying for a peaceful resolution so our nation can heal and complete the transfer of power as we have for more than two centuries," he said in a statement.

Former President Barack Obama blamed Donald Trump and Republicans for the attack on the US Congress Wednesday, calling it "a moment of great dishonour and shame for our nation.

Former President Barack Obama blamed Donald Trump and Republicans for the attack on the US Congress Wednesday, calling it "a moment of great dishonour and shame for our nation." Via a statement on his official Twitter account, Obama said the incident was incited by Republican President Donald Trump, adding that Republican leaders now "have a choice" towards "extinguishing the flames" or "keep stoking the raging fires." "But we'd be kidding ourselves if we treated it as a total surprise," Obama said, adding that it was "incited" by Trump, "who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election." Here’s my statement on today’s violence at the Capitol. pic.twitter.com/jLCKo2D1Ya — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 7, 2021 × Obama also singled out the Republican party and its media supporters, whom he said have "too often been unwilling to tell their followers the truth" about Democrat Joe Biden's strong victory in the November 3 election. "Now we're seeing the consequences, whipped up into a violent crescendo," he said in a statement. George W. Bush, via a statement released on the George W. Bush Presidential Centre Twitter page, described the scenes as "sickening and heartbreaking," comparing it to a "banana republic". Bill Clinton, also via Twitter, said the incident was "an assault on our Capitol, Constitution, and our country." Bill Clinton denounced the riot as "unprecedented assault" on the US Capitol and the nation itself. "Today we faced an unprecedented assault on our Capitol, our Constitution, and our country," the Democratic former president said in a statement. "The match was lit by Donald Trump and his most ardent enablers, including many in Congress, to overturn the results of an election he lost." And the oldest member of the exclusive club, 96-year-old Democrat Jimmy Carter, said he was "troubled" by Wednesday's scenes, which he called a "national tragedy." "We join our fellow citizens in praying for a peaceful resolution so our nation can heal and complete the transfer of power as we have for more than two centuries," he said in a statement.

Former US President Barack Obama says attack on US Congress 'great shame' but not surprising

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 House and Senate will convene Wednesday afternoon for a remarkable joint session to formalize President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory, with President Donald Trump and his allies plotting to transform the counting session into one final, futile attempt to overturn the results.

Bipartisan majorities in both chambers are prepared to meet late into the night to beat back the challenges and confirm Biden as the winner. But by using what is typically a ceremonial proceeding as a forum for trying to subvert a democratic election, Trump and his allies are going where no party has since the Reconstruction era of the 19th century, when Congress bargained over the presidency.

Its implications, for future elections and the Republican Party, could be significant.

At least four Republican senators — Ted Cruz of Texas, Josh Hawley of Missouri, Kelly Loeffler of Georgia and Tommy Tuberville of Alabama — have agreed to join House members to challenge the results of three battleground states Biden won: Arizona, Georgia and Pennsylvania. Senators were still weighing whether to join House members to similarly challenge the outcome in Michigan, Nevada and Wisconsin.

In each case, their objections will force the House and Senate to debate Trump’s baseless claims of election fraud for up to two hours and then vote whether to accept or reject the results certified by the state. A process that typically consists of less than an hour of glorified paperwork could take anywhere from 9 to 24 hours, starting at 1 p.m. Eastern.

Even before it began, the session was already driving sharp wedges into the Republican Party that threatened to do lasting damage to its cohesion, as lawmakers decided to cast their lot with Trump or the Constitution. Top party leaders in the House and Senate appeared to be headed for a high-profile split. And while only a dozen or so senators were expected to vote to reject the outcome in key states, as many as 70% of House Republicans could join the effort, stoking the dangerous belief of tens of millions of voters that Biden was elected illegitimately.

Presiding over the whole affair will be Vice President Mike Pence, whom statute and tradition dictate must ultimately declare Biden the winner. Trump is pressuring him to go rogue and reject electors in key battleground states he lost, handing them a second term.

The demand ensures Pence, too, must choose between the Constitution and his loyalty to Trump. The answer could shape his own political future.

The House and Senate will convene Wednesday afternoon for a remarkable joint session to formalize President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory, with President Donald Trump and his allies plotting to transform the counting session into one final, futile attempt to overturn the results.

The House and Senate will convene Wednesday afternoon for a remarkable joint session to formalize President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory, with President Donald Trump and his allies plotting to transform the counting session into one final, futile attempt to overturn the results. Bipartisan majorities in both chambers are prepared to meet late into the night to beat back the challenges and confirm Biden as the winner. But by using what is typically a ceremonial proceeding as a forum for trying to subvert a democratic election, Trump and his allies are going where no party has since the Reconstruction era of the 19th century, when Congress bargained over the presidency. Its implications, for future elections and the Republican Party, could be significant. At least four Republican senators — Ted Cruz of Texas, Josh Hawley of Missouri, Kelly Loeffler of Georgia and Tommy Tuberville of Alabama — have agreed to join House members to challenge the results of three battleground states Biden won: Arizona, Georgia and Pennsylvania. Senators were still weighing whether to join House members to similarly challenge the outcome in Michigan, Nevada and Wisconsin. In each case, their objections will force the House and Senate to debate Trump’s baseless claims of election fraud for up to two hours and then vote whether to accept or reject the results certified by the state. A process that typically consists of less than an hour of glorified paperwork could take anywhere from 9 to 24 hours, starting at 1 p.m. Eastern. Even before it began, the session was already driving sharp wedges into the Republican Party that threatened to do lasting damage to its cohesion, as lawmakers decided to cast their lot with Trump or the Constitution. Top party leaders in the House and Senate appeared to be headed for a high-profile split. And while only a dozen or so senators were expected to vote to reject the outcome in key states, as many as 70% of House Republicans could join the effort, stoking the dangerous belief of tens of millions of voters that Biden was elected illegitimately. Presiding over the whole affair will be Vice President Mike Pence, whom statute and tradition dictate must ultimately declare Biden the winner. Trump is pressuring him to go rogue and reject electors in key battleground states he lost, handing them a second term. The demand ensures Pence, too, must choose between the Constitution and his loyalty to Trump. The answer could shape his own political future.

Congress is expected to meet into the night as Republicans try to subvert the election

For the first time in his presidency, the United States Congress voted overwhelmingly to override Donald Trump’s veto of a defence spending bill.

For the first time in his tenure, US Congress overrides Trump’s veto of Defence bill

US President Donald Trump suffered a stinging rebuke in the Senate in his last days in office with the Congress voting overwhelmingly to override his veto of a sweeping defence bill.

This is the first time lawmakers have done so during his presidency.&nbsp;

By a lopsided vote of 81-13, well more than the two-thirds of the 100-member chamber required, the Republican-controlled Senate approved the $740.5 billion National Defence Authorisation Act to fund the military for fiscal year 2021.&nbsp;They met in a rare New Year's Day session.

The Democratic-led House of Representatives had voted 322 to 87 on Monday to override Trump's veto.&nbsp;

Both houses of Congress had earlier passed the legislation in early December by strong majorities, but Trump, citing a litany of objections, vetoed it on December 23.

New members will be sworn in on Sunday, just 17 days before Democrat Joe Biden is inaugurated to succeed Trump.

Trump had called the bill a "gift" to China and Russia and said it restricted his ability to lower troop numbers in Afghanistan, South Korea and elsewhere. He bristled at language to rename military installations that currently honor leaders of the breakaway Civil War-era, pro-slavery Confederacy.&nbsp;

He also insisted the bill should include a repeal of a federal law, known as Section 230, that provides liability protection to internet companies such as Facebook, Twitter and Google, which he regularly accuses of anti-conservative bias.

A president has the power to veto a bill passed by Congress, but lawmakers can uphold the bill if two-thirds of both houses vote to override the veto.

The $740 billion National Defense Authorisation Act (NDAA) determines everything from how many ships are bought to soldiers' pay and how to address geopolitical threats.

Trump refused to sign it into law because it did not repeal certain legal protections for social media platforms and included a provision stripping the names of Confederate generals from military bases.

Until Friday's vote, Trump had been on track to be the first president since Lyndon Johnson with no vetoes overridden.

(with inputs)

US President Donald Trump suffered a stinging rebuke in the Senate in his last days in office with the Congress voting overwhelmingly to override his veto of a sweeping defence bill.

US President Donald Trump suffered a stinging rebuke in the Senate in his last days in office with the Congress voting overwhelmingly to override his veto of a sweeping defence bill. This is the first time lawmakers have done so during his presidency. By a lopsided vote of 81-13, well more than the two-thirds of the 100-member chamber required, the Republican-controlled Senate approved the $740.5 billion National Defence Authorisation Act to fund the military for fiscal year 2021. They met in a rare New Year's Day session. The Democratic-led House of Representatives had voted 322 to 87 on Monday to override Trump's veto. Both houses of Congress had earlier passed the legislation in early December by strong majorities, but Trump, citing a litany of objections, vetoed it on December 23. New members will be sworn in on Sunday, just 17 days before Democrat Joe Biden is inaugurated to succeed Trump. Trump had called the bill a "gift" to China and Russia and said it restricted his ability to lower troop numbers in Afghanistan, South Korea and elsewhere. He bristled at language to rename military installations that currently honor leaders of the breakaway Civil War-era, pro-slavery Confederacy. He also insisted the bill should include a repeal of a federal law, known as Section 230, that provides liability protection to internet companies such as Facebook, Twitter and Google, which he regularly accuses of anti-conservative bias. A president has the power to veto a bill passed by Congress, but lawmakers can uphold the bill if two-thirds of both houses vote to override the veto. The $740 billion National Defense Authorisation Act (NDAA) determines everything from how many ships are bought to soldiers' pay and how to address geopolitical threats. Trump refused to sign it into law because it did not repeal certain legal protections for social media platforms and included a provision stripping the names of Confederate generals from military bases. Until Friday's vote, Trump had been on track to be the first president since Lyndon Johnson with no vetoes overridden. (with inputs)

US Congress deals Trump a blow, overrides veto of defence bill

A representative-elect from Louisiana died of Covid-19 Tuesday, the first member of Congress to succumb to the disease.

Republican Luke Letlow, 41, had been elected to Louisiana's 5th district and was due to be sworn in on Sunday.

"It is with heavy hearts that @FirstLadyOfLA and I offer our condolences to Congressman-elect Luke Letlow's family on his passing after a battle with COVID-19," Louisiana governor John Bel Edwards tweeted.

"I am heartbroken that he will not be able to serve our people as a U.S. Representative, but I am even more devastated for his loving family," Edwards said.

Letlow is survived by his wife, Julia Barnhill Letlow, and two young children.

"The family appreciates the numerous prayers and support over the past days but asks for privacy during this difficult and unexpected time," his family said in a statement to US media. "A statement from the family along with funeral arrangements will be announced at a later time."

Edwards said he has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff on the day of Letlow's funeral.

Letlow had announced on December 18 that he had tested positive for Covid-19 and was quarantining at home. He was hospitalized three days later.

Letlow is the first member of the US Congress to die of Covid-19.

The US has seen a troubling surge in coronavirus cases in recent months. As of Monday evening, the country had recorded 19,526,228 cases with 337,918 deaths, both by far the worst tolls in the world.

A representative-elect from Louisiana died of Covid-19 Tuesday, the first member of Congress to succumb to the disease. Republican Luke Letlow, 41, had been elected to Louisiana's 5th district and was due to be sworn in on Sunday.

A representative-elect from Louisiana died of Covid-19 Tuesday, the first member of Congress to succumb to the disease. Republican Luke Letlow, 41, had been elected to Louisiana's 5th district and was due to be sworn in on Sunday. "It is with heavy hearts that @FirstLadyOfLA and I offer our condolences to Congressman-elect Luke Letlow's family on his passing after a battle with COVID-19," Louisiana governor John Bel Edwards tweeted. "I am heartbroken that he will not be able to serve our people as a U.S. Representative, but I am even more devastated for his loving family," Edwards said. Letlow is survived by his wife, Julia Barnhill Letlow, and two young children. "The family appreciates the numerous prayers and support over the past days but asks for privacy during this difficult and unexpected time," his family said in a statement to US media. "A statement from the family along with funeral arrangements will be announced at a later time." Edwards said he has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff on the day of Letlow's funeral. Letlow had announced on December 18 that he had tested positive for Covid-19 and was quarantining at home. He was hospitalized three days later. Letlow is the first member of the US Congress to die of Covid-19. The US has seen a troubling surge in coronavirus cases in recent months. As of Monday evening, the country had recorded 19,526,228 cases with 337,918 deaths, both by far the worst tolls in the world.

First US Congressmember dies of Covid-19

The U.S. Congress on Monday passed a bill that is expected to upgrade U.S. support for Tibetans in key areas, including sanctioning Chinese officials if they try to appoint the next Dalai Lama.

U.S. congress passes landmark bill in support of Tibet

US Congress on Tuesday passed new legislation&nbsp;that reaffirms the rights of Tibetans to choose a successor to their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, a move that infuriated China.

Lobsang Sangay, Prime Minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile,&nbsp;welcomed the Tibetan Policy and Support Act passed by the US Congress, calling it a historic move and a clear message to China.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-appoints-tibet-coordinator-to-send-a-message-to-china-335576">US appoints Tibet coordinator to send a message to China</a>

China regards the exiled Dalai Lama as a dangerous "splittist", or separatist, and the latest show of support from the US&nbsp;Congress could increase already tense ties between the two countries.

The Chinese foreign ministry accused the US&nbsp;of meddling in its internal affairs and warned the U.S. against signing the legislation into law, foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a regular briefing on Tuesday.

"We urge the US&nbsp;side to stop meddling in China's internal affairs and refrain from signing into law these negative clauses and acts, lest it further harms our further cooperation and bilateral relations," Wang said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-impose-visa-restrictions-on-us-citizens-over-tibet-311589">China to impose visa restrictions on US citizens over Tibet</a>

China seized control of Tibet after its troops entered the region in 1950 in what it calls a "peaceful liberation". Tibet has since become one of the most restricted and sensitive areas in the country.

The Dalai Lama fled into exile in India in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule.

The legislation calls for the establishment of a US&nbsp;consulate in Tibet's main city of Lhasa, the absolute right of Tibetans to choose a successor to the Dalai Lama, and the preservation of Tibet's environment.

The legislation also proposes a "regional framework on water security" and greater participation from the community in dialogue with China on monitoring the region's environment.

"The People's Republic of China has already completed water transfer programmes diverting billions of cubic metres of water yearly and has plans to divert more waters from the Tibetan plateau in China," the bill said.

Environmental groups and Tibetan rights activists have expressed concern about China's hydropower ambitions in the region, saying they could affect downstream water supplies.

China has said its leaders have the right to approve the Dalai Lama's successor, which many see as a coercive attempt to control Tibet, where ethnic Tibetans make up about 90% of the population.

"By passing the TPSA, Congress has sent its message loud and clear that Tibet remains a priority for the United States and that it will continue its steadfast support for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the CTA," Sangay said.

"This is a victory for the Tibetan freedom struggle."

China accuses the US&nbsp;of destabilising the region by interfering in its internal affairs.

Relations between China and the United States have deteriorated to their worst in decades over a range of issues, including trade, Taiwan, human rights, Hong Kong, the South China Sea and the coronavirus.

The US&nbsp;bill also proposes dialogue between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama.

US Congress on Tuesday passed new legislation that reaffirms the rights of Tibetans to choose a successor to their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, a move that infuriated China.

US Congress on Tuesday passed new legislation that reaffirms the rights of Tibetans to choose a successor to their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, a move that infuriated China. Lobsang Sangay, Prime Minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile, welcomed the Tibetan Policy and Support Act passed by the US Congress, calling it a historic move and a clear message to China. Also read: US appoints Tibet coordinator to send a message to China China regards the exiled Dalai Lama as a dangerous "splittist", or separatist, and the latest show of support from the US Congress could increase already tense ties between the two countries. The Chinese foreign ministry accused the US of meddling in its internal affairs and warned the U.S. against signing the legislation into law, foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a regular briefing on Tuesday. "We urge the US side to stop meddling in China's internal affairs and refrain from signing into law these negative clauses and acts, lest it further harms our further cooperation and bilateral relations," Wang said. Also read: China to impose visa restrictions on US citizens over Tibet China seized control of Tibet after its troops entered the region in 1950 in what it calls a "peaceful liberation". Tibet has since become one of the most restricted and sensitive areas in the country. The Dalai Lama fled into exile in India in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule. The legislation calls for the establishment of a US consulate in Tibet's main city of Lhasa, the absolute right of Tibetans to choose a successor to the Dalai Lama, and the preservation of Tibet's environment. The legislation also proposes a "regional framework on water security" and greater participation from the community in dialogue with China on monitoring the region's environment. "The People's Republic of China has already completed water transfer programmes diverting billions of cubic metres of water yearly and has plans to divert more waters from the Tibetan plateau in China," the bill said. Environmental groups and Tibetan rights activists have expressed concern about China's hydropower ambitions in the region, saying they could affect downstream water supplies. China has said its leaders have the right to approve the Dalai Lama's successor, which many see as a coercive attempt to control Tibet, where ethnic Tibetans make up about 90% of the population. "By passing the TPSA, Congress has sent its message loud and clear that Tibet remains a priority for the United States and that it will continue its steadfast support for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the CTA," Sangay said. "This is a victory for the Tibetan freedom struggle." China accuses the US of destabilising the region by interfering in its internal affairs. Relations between China and the United States have deteriorated to their worst in decades over a range of issues, including trade, Taiwan, human rights, Hong Kong, the South China Sea and the coronavirus. The US bill also proposes dialogue between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama.

US Congress passes new Tibet law on the next Dalai Lama; infuriates China

The US&nbsp;Congress on Monday approved an $892 billion coronavirus aid package, throwing a lifeline to the nation`s pandemic-battered economy after months of inaction, while also keeping the federal government funded. 
 
President Donald Trump is expected to sign the package into law. 
 
Following days of furious negotiation, both legislative chambers worked deep into the night to pass the bill - worth about $2.3 trillion including spending for the rest of the fiscal year - with the House of Representatives first approving it and the Senate following suit several hours later in a bipartisan 92-6 vote. 
 
The virus relief bill includes $600 payments to most Americans as well as additional payments to the millions of people thrown out of work during the COVID-19 pandemic, just as a larger round of benefits is due to expire on Saturday. 
 
The stimulus package, the first congressionally approved aid since April, comes as the pandemic is accelerating in the United States, infecting more than 214,000 people every day and slowing the economic recovery. More than 317,000 Americans have died. 
 
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, said she supported the virus relief bill even though it did not include the direct aid for state and local governments that Democrats had sought. She said they would try for it again after Democratic President-elect Joe Biden takes office on Jan. 20. 
 
The bill, she said, "doesn`t go all the way but it takes us down the path." 
 
Republican Representative Hal Rogers, who also supported the package, said "it reflects a fair compromise." 
 
At 5,593 pages, the wide-ranging bill that also spends $1.4 trillion on an array of federal programs through the end of the fiscal year in September, is likely to be the final major piece of legislation for the 116th Congress that expires on Jan. 3. Congress included a measure continuing current levels of government spending for seven days, ensuring no interruption to federal operations. 
 
MCCONNELL CLAIMS VICTORY 
 
It has a net cost of roughly $350 billion for coronavirus relief, Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said, adding that more than $500 billion in funding comes from unspent money Congress had authorized. 
 
Both Democrats and Republicans claimed victory but McConnell argued that the final bill came close to what Democrats rejected months ago as insufficient. 
 
The measure ended up far less than the $3 trillion called for in a bill that passed the Democratic-controlled House in May, which the Republican-controlled Senate ignored. 
 
"Compare the shape of this major agreement with the shape of what I proposed all the way back in late July. Yes, some fine details are different," McConnell said in a statement after the vote. "There is no doubt this new agreement contains input from our Democratic colleagues. It is bipartisan. But these matters could have been settled long ago." 
 
A months-long impasse on relief that played in the background of the U.S. presidential election was broken after a group of centrist lawmakers from both parties put forward a proposal that served as a framework for the final bill. 
 
Even so, the bill was so unwieldy that it caused congressional computers to malfunction. It includes a hodgepodge of tax breaks and other proposals that failed to pass on their own, including two new Smithsonian museums and limits on surprise medical billing. 
 
The legislation also renews a small-business lending program by about $284 billion and steers money to schools, airlines, transit systems and vaccine distribution. 
 
PUBLIC COMPANIES EXCLUDED 
 
The small-business loan and grant program, known as the Paycheck Protection Program, would exclude publicly traded companies from eligibility. 
 
Amid reports that the Trump Organization received past aid, the bill contains disclosure requirements for the president, vice president, heads of Cabinet departments, lawmakers and spouses and prohibits those individuals from receiving loans in the future. 
 
State and local governments, which are struggling to pay for the distribution of newly approved COVID-19 vaccines, would receive $8.75 billion from Washington, with $300 million of that targeted at vaccinations in minority and high-risk populations. 
 
The deal, worked out in a rare weekend session of Congress, omits the thorniest sticking points, which included Republicans` desire for a liability shield to protect businesses from coronavirus-related lawsuits as well as Democrats` request for a large outlay of money for cash-strapped state and local governments. 
 
If signed into law, the bill would be the second-largest stimulus package in U.S. history, behind the roughly $2 trillion aid bill passed in March. Experts said that money played a critical role as social-distancing measures shuttered wide swaths of the economy. 
&nbsp;

The US Congress on Monday approved an $892 billion coronavirus aid package, throwing a lifeline to the nation`s pandemic-battered economy after months of inaction, while also keeping the federal government funded.

The US Congress on Monday approved an $892 billion coronavirus aid package, throwing a lifeline to the nation`s pandemic-battered economy after months of inaction, while also keeping the federal government funded. President Donald Trump is expected to sign the package into law. Following days of furious negotiation, both legislative chambers worked deep into the night to pass the bill - worth about $2.3 trillion including spending for the rest of the fiscal year - with the House of Representatives first approving it and the Senate following suit several hours later in a bipartisan 92-6 vote. The virus relief bill includes $600 payments to most Americans as well as additional payments to the millions of people thrown out of work during the COVID-19 pandemic, just as a larger round of benefits is due to expire on Saturday. The stimulus package, the first congressionally approved aid since April, comes as the pandemic is accelerating in the United States, infecting more than 214,000 people every day and slowing the economic recovery. More than 317,000 Americans have died. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, said she supported the virus relief bill even though it did not include the direct aid for state and local governments that Democrats had sought. She said they would try for it again after Democratic President-elect Joe Biden takes office on Jan. 20. The bill, she said, "doesn`t go all the way but it takes us down the path." Republican Representative Hal Rogers, who also supported the package, said "it reflects a fair compromise." At 5,593 pages, the wide-ranging bill that also spends $1.4 trillion on an array of federal programs through the end of the fiscal year in September, is likely to be the final major piece of legislation for the 116th Congress that expires on Jan. 3. Congress included a measure continuing current levels of government spending for seven days, ensuring no interruption to federal operations. MCCONNELL CLAIMS VICTORY It has a net cost of roughly $350 billion for coronavirus relief, Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said, adding that more than $500 billion in funding comes from unspent money Congress had authorized. Both Democrats and Republicans claimed victory but McConnell argued that the final bill came close to what Democrats rejected months ago as insufficient. The measure ended up far less than the $3 trillion called for in a bill that passed the Democratic-controlled House in May, which the Republican-controlled Senate ignored. "Compare the shape of this major agreement with the shape of what I proposed all the way back in late July. Yes, some fine details are different," McConnell said in a statement after the vote. "There is no doubt this new agreement contains input from our Democratic colleagues. It is bipartisan. But these matters could have been settled long ago." A months-long impasse on relief that played in the background of the U.S. presidential election was broken after a group of centrist lawmakers from both parties put forward a proposal that served as a framework for the final bill. Even so, the bill was so unwieldy that it caused congressional computers to malfunction. It includes a hodgepodge of tax breaks and other proposals that failed to pass on their own, including two new Smithsonian museums and limits on surprise medical billing. The legislation also renews a small-business lending program by about $284 billion and steers money to schools, airlines, transit systems and vaccine distribution. PUBLIC COMPANIES EXCLUDED The small-business loan and grant program, known as the Paycheck Protection Program, would exclude publicly traded companies from eligibility. Amid reports that the Trump Organization received past aid, the bill contains disclosure requirements for the president, vice president, heads of Cabinet departments, lawmakers and spouses and prohibits those individuals from receiving loans in the future. State and local governments, which are struggling to pay for the distribution of newly approved COVID-19 vaccines, would receive $8.75 billion from Washington, with $300 million of that targeted at vaccinations in minority and high-risk populations. The deal, worked out in a rare weekend session of Congress, omits the thorniest sticking points, which included Republicans` desire for a liability shield to protect businesses from coronavirus-related lawsuits as well as Democrats` request for a large outlay of money for cash-strapped state and local governments. If signed into law, the bill would be the second-largest stimulus package in U.S. history, behind the roughly $2 trillion aid bill passed in March. Experts said that money played a critical role as social-distancing measures shuttered wide swaths of the economy.

After months of inaction, US Congress approves $892 billion COVID-19 relief package

Senators broke through an impasse late Saturday night over a Republican effort to curtail the powers of the Federal Reserve, clearing away what had been seen as the final hurdle to a deal on a $900 billion stimulus package as lawmakers raced against a Sunday night deadline to avoid a government shutdown.

With time running out for a compromise, Sen. Patrick J. Toomey, R-Pa., agreed to narrow his effort to rein in the central bank, according to three aides familiar with the discussion. All three aides, speaking on the condition of anonymity, noted that the precise language was still being finalized.

Toomey had sought to bar the Fed and Treasury Department from setting up any loan program similar to those established this year that have helped to keep credit flowing to corporate, municipal and medium-size business borrowers during the recession brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. The agreed-upon alternative, which was still being drafted near midnight on Saturday, aides familiar with the process said, would bar only programs that were more or less exact copycats of the ones newly employed in 2020.

The agreement was a critical breakthrough for lawmakers who have been racing to complete the emergency plan to rush direct payments, unemployment benefits and food and rental assistance to millions of Americans, as well as provide relief to businesses and funds for vaccine distribution. While negotiators were still wrangling over a number of smaller issues, the Federal Reserve language had emerged as the thorniest sticking point to a final agreement.

“If things continue on this path, and nothing gets in the way, we’ll be able to vote tomorrow,” Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., the minority leader, told reporters as he left the Capitol shortly before midnight. “House and Senate.”

In an indication that a final deal was close, House leaders notified lawmakers to expect votes as soon as early Sunday afternoon.

President Donald Trump, who has been absent from the frenzied negotiations on the measure, weighed in on Twitter, exhorting Congress to “GET IT DONE” and provide “more money in direct payments.”

The emerging deal would send direct payments of $600 to many Americans and provide enhanced federal jobless payments of $300 per week until early spring. It would also provide hundreds of billions of dollars to prop up small businesses, schools and other institutions struggling amid the pandemic.

With government funding set to lapse Sunday and both chambers hoping to merge the stimulus package with a catchall measure to cover all federal spending for the remainder of the fiscal year, time was dwindling to finalize the recovery plan and rush it to Trump’s desk.

Without action by Congress, two programs designed to expand and enhance unemployment benefits are set to expire in the coming days, leaving about 12 million Americans without federal support. A number of other benefits are set to expire at the end of the year.

Democrats had said that Toomey’s proposal, which had been embraced by Republicans, amounted to an attempt to undercut President-elect Joe Biden and his administration’s ability to continue supporting the country’s economic recovery.

The Fed rolled out a wide-ranging suite of emergency loan programs in response to market disruptions in March and April, and Congress allotted $454 billion to back up those efforts in the first pandemic stimulus law, enacted in March. But Toomey remained concerned for months that the programs might last past the end of the year. Though Steven Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary, moved to claw back the money in mid-November, Toomey insisted that the new stimulus measure close off the programs for fear that a new Treasury secretary might try to restart the effort next year, once Biden takes office.

As initially drafted, Toomey’s proposal would have prevented the Fed and the Treasury Department from reestablishing emergency lending programs that had been backed by the congressional appropriation, and would have barred the creation of “similar” programs going forward.

While it was not clear exactly what the new language would say, two aides familiar with the agreement said it would prevent the new Treasury secretary from revamping carbon copies of the pandemic lending programs. But under the compromise struck late Saturday, proposed by Schumer, it would not prevent Fed emergency programs from lending to states or medium-size businesses in the future, so long as the design of the programs was somewhat different, the people said.

Toomey had been particularly concerned that Democrats might harness the Fed’s powers to funnel cheap money to state and local borrowers. Democrats have been seeking additional avenues to provide relief to those governments.

“This agreement will preserve Fed independence and prevent Democrats from hijacking these programs for political and social policy purposes,” Steve Kelly, a spokesman for Toomey, said in a statement.

Senators broke through an impasse late Saturday night over a Republican effort to curtail the powers of the Federal Reserve, clearing away what had been seen as the final hurdle to a deal on a $900 billion stimulus package as lawmakers raced against a Sunday night deadline to avoid a government shutdown.

Senators broke through an impasse late Saturday night over a Republican effort to curtail the powers of the Federal Reserve, clearing away what had been seen as the final hurdle to a deal on a $900 billion stimulus package as lawmakers raced against a Sunday night deadline to avoid a government shutdown. With time running out for a compromise, Sen. Patrick J. Toomey, R-Pa., agreed to narrow his effort to rein in the central bank, according to three aides familiar with the discussion. All three aides, speaking on the condition of anonymity, noted that the precise language was still being finalized. Toomey had sought to bar the Fed and Treasury Department from setting up any loan program similar to those established this year that have helped to keep credit flowing to corporate, municipal and medium-size business borrowers during the recession brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. The agreed-upon alternative, which was still being drafted near midnight on Saturday, aides familiar with the process said, would bar only programs that were more or less exact copycats of the ones newly employed in 2020. The agreement was a critical breakthrough for lawmakers who have been racing to complete the emergency plan to rush direct payments, unemployment benefits and food and rental assistance to millions of Americans, as well as provide relief to businesses and funds for vaccine distribution. While negotiators were still wrangling over a number of smaller issues, the Federal Reserve language had emerged as the thorniest sticking point to a final agreement. “If things continue on this path, and nothing gets in the way, we’ll be able to vote tomorrow,” Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., the minority leader, told reporters as he left the Capitol shortly before midnight. “House and Senate.” In an indication that a final deal was close, House leaders notified lawmakers to expect votes as soon as early Sunday afternoon. President Donald Trump, who has been absent from the frenzied negotiations on the measure, weighed in on Twitter, exhorting Congress to “GET IT DONE” and provide “more money in direct payments.” The emerging deal would send direct payments of $600 to many Americans and provide enhanced federal jobless payments of $300 per week until early spring. It would also provide hundreds of billions of dollars to prop up small businesses, schools and other institutions struggling amid the pandemic. With government funding set to lapse Sunday and both chambers hoping to merge the stimulus package with a catchall measure to cover all federal spending for the remainder of the fiscal year, time was dwindling to finalize the recovery plan and rush it to Trump’s desk. Without action by Congress, two programs designed to expand and enhance unemployment benefits are set to expire in the coming days, leaving about 12 million Americans without federal support. A number of other benefits are set to expire at the end of the year. Democrats had said that Toomey’s proposal, which had been embraced by Republicans, amounted to an attempt to undercut President-elect Joe Biden and his administration’s ability to continue supporting the country’s economic recovery. The Fed rolled out a wide-ranging suite of emergency loan programs in response to market disruptions in March and April, and Congress allotted $454 billion to back up those efforts in the first pandemic stimulus law, enacted in March. But Toomey remained concerned for months that the programs might last past the end of the year. Though Steven Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary, moved to claw back the money in mid-November, Toomey insisted that the new stimulus measure close off the programs for fear that a new Treasury secretary might try to restart the effort next year, once Biden takes office. As initially drafted, Toomey’s proposal would have prevented the Fed and the Treasury Department from reestablishing emergency lending programs that had been backed by the congressional appropriation, and would have barred the creation of “similar” programs going forward. While it was not clear exactly what the new language would say, two aides familiar with the agreement said it would prevent the new Treasury secretary from revamping carbon copies of the pandemic lending programs. But under the compromise struck late Saturday, proposed by Schumer, it would not prevent Fed emergency programs from lending to states or medium-size businesses in the future, so long as the design of the programs was somewhat different, the people said. Toomey had been particularly concerned that Democrats might harness the Fed’s powers to funnel cheap money to state and local borrowers. Democrats have been seeking additional avenues to provide relief to those governments. “This agreement will preserve Fed independence and prevent Democrats from hijacking these programs for political and social policy purposes,” Steve Kelly, a spokesman for Toomey, said in a statement.

Lawmakers resolve fed dispute as they race to close stimulus deal

U.S. lawmakers struggled on Saturday to clear final hurdles to a $900 billion coronavirus aid bill, including a dispute over Federal Reserve emergency lending authorities, pushing any deal closer to a Sunday night government funding deadline.

The U.S. Senate adjourned a rare Saturday session with a call from Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell to avoid last minute disagreements that could delay new funding for Americans and small businesses struggling with the steep economic and health costs of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The American people cannot feed their families with, or pay their bills with, Congress` good-faith discussions. They need us to act," McConnell said on the Senate floor. "We need to conclude our talks, draft legislation and land this plan."

Both Republicans and Democrats said the last major sticking point was a Republican push, led by Senator Patrick Toomey of Pennsylvania, for language to prevent expiring Fed coronavirus lending programs from being revived, including credit facilities for mid-size companies and municipal borrowers.

The dispute threatened to cause a breakdown in the negotiations as Toomey was seen having a heated discussion with a small group of colleagues on the Senate floor.

But after a meeting with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, Toomey said he did not have a time frame, but "I think that we should be able to get a deal done."

Senator Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican, told reporters that a possible compromise may be emerging to narrow the focus of Fed language, although he did not provide details.

Republican opponents said Fed lending facilities created under coronavirus aid legislation passed in March are unnecessary government interference in private business and politicizes the Fed. They accused Democrats of wanting to extend them into 2021 as a backdoor way to provide unchecked funds for state and local governments controlled by members of their party.

Democrats in turn accused the Republicans of trying to tie the Fed`s hands in order to limit Democratic President-elect Joe Biden`s options for boosting the flagging economy after he takes office on Jan. 20.

The administration of Republican President Donald Trump, who insists Biden did not win the Nov. 3 election and talks of running again in 2024, said it supports the Toomey initiative.

`RIGHT WITHIN REACH`

Other lawmakers said that most major issues appeared to have been resolved. The legislation is expected to include one-off $600 checks for most Americans, enhanced unemployment benefits of $300 per week, help for states distributing coronavirus vaccines and more assistance for small businesses.

"We`re right within reach," Democratic House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi told members of her party on a call discussing the negotiations, according to a person who was on the call.

Lawmakers are under intense pressure to finish the relief package before a midnight Sunday (0500 GMT Monday) expiration of federal spending authority after a 48-hour reprieve was passed on Friday to buy more negotiating time.

Congressional leaders plan to attach the package to a $1.4 trillion spending bill funding the government through September 2021.

Congress in the spring approved more than $4 trillion in aid, but many of the funds for unemployed workers and small businesses have run out, pushing unemployment higher as COVID-19 has killed 311,000 Americans, by far the most in the world. Economists say growth will likely remain sluggish until vaccines are widely available in mid-2021.

Lawmakers were not sure when a deal would be announced, but no vote was expected before Sunday afternoon. John Thune, the Senate`s No. 2 Republican, said the vote could slip to Monday.

"We`re on the home stretch, we`re on the glide path and I think we`re going to get this done, and help out the American people," Thune said.

Some other lingering issues on Saturday were disagreements over funding for arts venues closed by COVID-19 restrictions, and the level of emergency money for local governments for supplies like personal protective equipment for schools.

The deal does not include liability protections for businesses from coronavirus-related lawsuits, a provision pushed by Republicans that has long been unacceptable to Democrats. Nor does it include the extensive aid to state and local governments Democrats wanted.

U.S. lawmakers struggled on Saturday to clear final hurdles to a $900 billion coronavirus aid bill, including a dispute over Federal Reserve emergency lending authorities, pushing any deal closer to a Sunday night government funding deadline.

U.S. lawmakers struggled on Saturday to clear final hurdles to a $900 billion coronavirus aid bill, including a dispute over Federal Reserve emergency lending authorities, pushing any deal closer to a Sunday night government funding deadline. The U.S. Senate adjourned a rare Saturday session with a call from Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell to avoid last minute disagreements that could delay new funding for Americans and small businesses struggling with the steep economic and health costs of the COVID-19 pandemic. "The American people cannot feed their families with, or pay their bills with, Congress` good-faith discussions. They need us to act," McConnell said on the Senate floor. "We need to conclude our talks, draft legislation and land this plan." Both Republicans and Democrats said the last major sticking point was a Republican push, led by Senator Patrick Toomey of Pennsylvania, for language to prevent expiring Fed coronavirus lending programs from being revived, including credit facilities for mid-size companies and municipal borrowers. The dispute threatened to cause a breakdown in the negotiations as Toomey was seen having a heated discussion with a small group of colleagues on the Senate floor. But after a meeting with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, Toomey said he did not have a time frame, but "I think that we should be able to get a deal done." Senator Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican, told reporters that a possible compromise may be emerging to narrow the focus of Fed language, although he did not provide details. Republican opponents said Fed lending facilities created under coronavirus aid legislation passed in March are unnecessary government interference in private business and politicizes the Fed. They accused Democrats of wanting to extend them into 2021 as a backdoor way to provide unchecked funds for state and local governments controlled by members of their party. Democrats in turn accused the Republicans of trying to tie the Fed`s hands in order to limit Democratic President-elect Joe Biden`s options for boosting the flagging economy after he takes office on Jan. 20. The administration of Republican President Donald Trump, who insists Biden did not win the Nov. 3 election and talks of running again in 2024, said it supports the Toomey initiative. `RIGHT WITHIN REACH` Other lawmakers said that most major issues appeared to have been resolved. The legislation is expected to include one-off $600 checks for most Americans, enhanced unemployment benefits of $300 per week, help for states distributing coronavirus vaccines and more assistance for small businesses. "We`re right within reach," Democratic House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi told members of her party on a call discussing the negotiations, according to a person who was on the call. Lawmakers are under intense pressure to finish the relief package before a midnight Sunday (0500 GMT Monday) expiration of federal spending authority after a 48-hour reprieve was passed on Friday to buy more negotiating time. Congressional leaders plan to attach the package to a $1.4 trillion spending bill funding the government through September 2021. Congress in the spring approved more than $4 trillion in aid, but many of the funds for unemployed workers and small businesses have run out, pushing unemployment higher as COVID-19 has killed 311,000 Americans, by far the most in the world. Economists say growth will likely remain sluggish until vaccines are widely available in mid-2021. Lawmakers were not sure when a deal would be announced, but no vote was expected before Sunday afternoon. John Thune, the Senate`s No. 2 Republican, said the vote could slip to Monday. "We`re on the home stretch, we`re on the glide path and I think we`re going to get this done, and help out the American people," Thune said. Some other lingering issues on Saturday were disagreements over funding for arts venues closed by COVID-19 restrictions, and the level of emergency money for local governments for supplies like personal protective equipment for schools. The deal does not include liability protections for businesses from coronavirus-related lawsuits, a provision pushed by Republicans that has long been unacceptable to Democrats. Nor does it include the extensive aid to state and local governments Democrats wanted.

Coronavirus relief deal in Congress slips to Sunday as new funding deadline looms

Democrats and Republicans in the United States Senate have struck a late-night compromise to clear one of the final hurdles, a dispute over Federal Reserve pandemic lending authorities.

According to the Wall Street Journal, a vote on the $900 billion package is now expected on Sunday.

Congressional leaders plan to attach the coronavirus aid package, which includes $600 direct payments to individuals and a $300 per week unemployment compensation supplement, to a $1.4 trillion spending bill funding government programmes through September 2021. A 48-hour funding extension expires at midnight on Sunday (0500 GMT Monday), after which the government would shut down.

Republicans had said the programmes are an unnecessary government interference in private business that politicises the Fed. They accused Democrats of seeking to extend them into 2021 as a backdoor way to provide unchecked funds for state and local governments controlled by members of their party.

Democrats in turn accused the Republicans of trying to tie the Fed's hands in order to limit Democratic President-elect Joe Biden's options for boosting the flagging economy after he takes office on January 20.

The Senate had adjourned a rare Saturday session with a call from Republican leader Mitch McConnell to avoid last-minute disagreements that could delay new funding for Americans and small businesses.

In the 11 months since the first cases of the new coronavirus were documented in the United States, COVID-19 has killed 311,000 Americans, by far the most in the world.

(with inputs)

Democrats and Republicans in the United States Senate have struck a late-night compromise to clear one of the final hurdles, a dispute over Federal Reserve pandemic lending authorities.

Democrats and Republicans in the United States Senate have struck a late-night compromise to clear one of the final hurdles, a dispute over Federal Reserve pandemic lending authorities. According to the Wall Street Journal, a vote on the $900 billion package is now expected on Sunday. Congressional leaders plan to attach the coronavirus aid package, which includes $600 direct payments to individuals and a $300 per week unemployment compensation supplement, to a $1.4 trillion spending bill funding government programmes through September 2021. A 48-hour funding extension expires at midnight on Sunday (0500 GMT Monday), after which the government would shut down. Republicans had said the programmes are an unnecessary government interference in private business that politicises the Fed. They accused Democrats of seeking to extend them into 2021 as a backdoor way to provide unchecked funds for state and local governments controlled by members of their party. Democrats in turn accused the Republicans of trying to tie the Fed's hands in order to limit Democratic President-elect Joe Biden's options for boosting the flagging economy after he takes office on January 20. The Senate had adjourned a rare Saturday session with a call from Republican leader Mitch McConnell to avoid last-minute disagreements that could delay new funding for Americans and small businesses. In the 11 months since the first cases of the new coronavirus were documented in the United States, COVID-19 has killed 311,000 Americans, by far the most in the world. (with inputs)

US Congress to vote on virus stimulus deal after lawmakers reach agreement

US lawmakers struggling to reach a critical pandemic relief and federal spending deal have struck a last-minute agreement to avert a midnight shutdown of the government.

The impasse over a $900 billion coronavirus aid bill and a $1.4 trillion government-wide spending bill through September 2021 threatened to temporarily shut down the government -- a scenario not unheard of in politically-divided Washington, but disastrous given the worsening economy and record death tolls from Covid-19.

To avert this, the House of Representatives voted 320 to 60 late Friday to extend funding for federal agencies through Sunday to allow negotiators to finish their stimulus package.

The Senate passed the measure minutes later by voice vote, and it now goes to President Donald Trump to sign by the midnight deadline.

A package to aid struggling businesses and jobless workers is seen as critical to getting the world's largest economy back on its feet amid a resurgence of Covid-19 infections, even as new vaccines offer hope that an end to the pandemic may be in sight.

Without an agreement, millions of unemployed workers will lose their special pandemic benefits before the end of the year, and a moratorium on evictions is set to lapse within days.

After months of partisan finger-pointing and inaction, Republicans and Democrats have been negotiating intensely on what is expected to be the biggest package since spring to provide relief to a country struggling with a pandemic killing over 3,000 people a day.

With some support from Republican President Donald Trump, who leaves office on January 20, and Democratic President-elect Joe Biden, they have reported progress.

But enough differences remained that talks looked likely to stretch into the weekend.

Democrats warn that if the Fed's ability to extend lifelines is restricted, the fiscal crisis could be compounded in US states, particularly if Congress fails to pass assistance to state and local governments.

President-elect Joe Biden has pushed back fiercely against the Fed proposal, which reportedly would prevent the central bank from restarting emergency lending programmes that expire this year and could limit its response in future crises.

Lawmakers have yet to even see final language on the stimulus deal or the government funding package, and some warn that both need more time.

The pandemic package is expected to include aid for vaccine distribution and logistics, extra jobless benefits of $300 per week, and a new round of $600 stimulus checks -- half the amount provided in checks distributed last March.

(with inputs from agencies)

US lawmakers struggling to reach a critical pandemic relief and federal spending deal have struck a last-minute agreement to avert a midnight shutdown of the government.

US lawmakers struggling to reach a critical pandemic relief and federal spending deal have struck a last-minute agreement to avert a midnight shutdown of the government. The impasse over a $900 billion coronavirus aid bill and a $1.4 trillion government-wide spending bill through September 2021 threatened to temporarily shut down the government -- a scenario not unheard of in politically-divided Washington, but disastrous given the worsening economy and record death tolls from Covid-19. To avert this, the House of Representatives voted 320 to 60 late Friday to extend funding for federal agencies through Sunday to allow negotiators to finish their stimulus package. The Senate passed the measure minutes later by voice vote, and it now goes to President Donald Trump to sign by the midnight deadline. A package to aid struggling businesses and jobless workers is seen as critical to getting the world's largest economy back on its feet amid a resurgence of Covid-19 infections, even as new vaccines offer hope that an end to the pandemic may be in sight. Without an agreement, millions of unemployed workers will lose their special pandemic benefits before the end of the year, and a moratorium on evictions is set to lapse within days. After months of partisan finger-pointing and inaction, Republicans and Democrats have been negotiating intensely on what is expected to be the biggest package since spring to provide relief to a country struggling with a pandemic killing over 3,000 people a day. With some support from Republican President Donald Trump, who leaves office on January 20, and Democratic President-elect Joe Biden, they have reported progress. But enough differences remained that talks looked likely to stretch into the weekend. Democrats warn that if the Fed's ability to extend lifelines is restricted, the fiscal crisis could be compounded in US states, particularly if Congress fails to pass assistance to state and local governments. President-elect Joe Biden has pushed back fiercely against the Fed proposal, which reportedly would prevent the central bank from restarting emergency lending programmes that expire this year and could limit its response in future crises. Lawmakers have yet to even see final language on the stimulus deal or the government funding package, and some warn that both need more time. The pandemic package is expected to include aid for vaccine distribution and logistics, extra jobless benefits of $300 per week, and a new round of $600 stimulus checks -- half the amount provided in checks distributed last March. (with inputs from agencies)

US Congress seeks stopgap funding measure to avert govt shutdown

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

The US Congress has officially passed the USD 740 billion defence policy bill, which among other things include calling out Chinese aggression against India along the&nbsp;Line of Actual Control&nbsp;(LAC).

The US House of Representatives and the Senate on Tuesday passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included key components of Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi’s resolution language urging the Chinese government to end its military aggression against India along the LAC.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-china-standoff-how-indian-army-is-preparing-to-take-on-chinas-pla-in-ladakhs-snow-clad-mountains-350186" hreflang="en">India-China standoff- How Indian Army is preparing to take on China's PLA in Ladakh's snow clad mountains</a>

China and India have been locked in a military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh since May this year. Several rounds of talks between the two countries to resolve the standoff have not yielded any concrete outcome.

The House and Senate versions of the bill were reconciled by a bipartisan Congressional conference committee earlier this month.

The inclusion of this provision, which Krishnamoorthi led as an amendment when the bill passed the House, reflects the US government’s strong support for its allies and partners like India in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

Krishnamoorthi’s measure, which passed each chamber with overwhelming bipartisan support, will become law if President Donald Trump signs it.

Trump has threatened to veto the bill as it lacks a repeal of legal protections for social media companies. However, the NDAA has been passed by Congress for the last 59 years.

“Violent aggression is seldom the answer, and this is especially true for the Line of Actual Control, which is the disputed border region that separates the People’s Republic of China from India,” Krishnamoorthi said.

“By including my resolution language in the NDAA and signing that legislation into law, the United States government will send a clear message that China’s military provocations of India will not be tolerated,” he said.

“The United States is committed to standing with our allies and partners like India in resolving the border standoff using diplomatic means,’ Krishnamoorthi said.

As approved by the conference report, the powerful NDAA says that it is the sense of the Congress on the aggression of China along the border with India and its growing territorial claims.

The Senate agreed to include the provisions of the bill that was passed by the House in its version of the bill.

The House bill contained provisions that would express the sense of Congress on cross-border violence between China and India and the growing territorial claims of Beijing.

Expressing “significant concern” over the continued military aggression by China along the border with India, the NDAA says that China “should work with” India toward de-escalating the situation along the Line of Actual Control through existing diplomatic mechanisms and refrain from attempting to settle disputes through coercion or force.

Attempts by China to advance baseless territorial claims, including those in the South China Sea, the East China Sea, and with respect to Bhutan, are destabilising and inconsistent with international law, says the bill.

China is also engaged in hotly contested territorial disputes in both the South China Sea and the East China Sea. China claims sovereignty over all of the South China Sea. Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and Taiwan have counter claims.

Beijing has built up and militarised many of the islands and reefs it controls in the region. Both areas are stated to be rich in minerals, oil and other natural resources and are also vital to global trade.

&nbsp;

The US Congress has officially passed the USD 740 billion defence policy bill, which among other things include calling out Chinese aggression against India along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The US Congress has officially passed the USD 740 billion defence policy bill, which among other things include calling out Chinese aggression against India along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The US House of Representatives and the Senate on Tuesday passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included key components of Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi’s resolution language urging the Chinese government to end its military aggression against India along the LAC. Also see: India-China standoff- How Indian Army is preparing to take on China's PLA in Ladakh's snow clad mountains China and India have been locked in a military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh since May this year. Several rounds of talks between the two countries to resolve the standoff have not yielded any concrete outcome. The House and Senate versions of the bill were reconciled by a bipartisan Congressional conference committee earlier this month. The inclusion of this provision, which Krishnamoorthi led as an amendment when the bill passed the House, reflects the US government’s strong support for its allies and partners like India in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. Krishnamoorthi’s measure, which passed each chamber with overwhelming bipartisan support, will become law if President Donald Trump signs it. Trump has threatened to veto the bill as it lacks a repeal of legal protections for social media companies. However, the NDAA has been passed by Congress for the last 59 years. “Violent aggression is seldom the answer, and this is especially true for the Line of Actual Control, which is the disputed border region that separates the People’s Republic of China from India,” Krishnamoorthi said. “By including my resolution language in the NDAA and signing that legislation into law, the United States government will send a clear message that China’s military provocations of India will not be tolerated,” he said. “The United States is committed to standing with our allies and partners like India in resolving the border standoff using diplomatic means,’ Krishnamoorthi said. As approved by the conference report, the powerful NDAA says that it is the sense of the Congress on the aggression of China along the border with India and its growing territorial claims. The Senate agreed to include the provisions of the bill that was passed by the House in its version of the bill. The House bill contained provisions that would express the sense of Congress on cross-border violence between China and India and the growing territorial claims of Beijing. Expressing “significant concern” over the continued military aggression by China along the border with India, the NDAA says that China “should work with” India toward de-escalating the situation along the Line of Actual Control through existing diplomatic mechanisms and refrain from attempting to settle disputes through coercion or force. Attempts by China to advance baseless territorial claims, including those in the South China Sea, the East China Sea, and with respect to Bhutan, are destabilising and inconsistent with international law, says the bill. China is also engaged in hotly contested territorial disputes in both the South China Sea and the East China Sea. China claims sovereignty over all of the South China Sea. Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and Taiwan have counter claims. Beijing has built up and militarised many of the islands and reefs it controls in the region. Both areas are stated to be rich in minerals, oil and other natural resources and are also vital to global trade.

US Congress passes defence policy bill that calls out Chinese aggression against India

WASHINGTON — Congressional leaders scrambled Tuesday to reach agreement on a stimulus bill and a catchall omnibus financing package to keep government funding flowing, meeting to try to hammer out critical spending deals before a Friday deadline.

The meeting of the top two Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate were the first in-person spending talks in months for the leaders, with a final deal still elusive on both the dozen must-pass spending bills and hundreds of billions of dollars in economic aid for individuals and businesses struggling amid the pandemic, and to fund the distribution of a vaccine.

It took place in the Capitol office suite of Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who hosted Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York, the Democratic leader, and the Republican leaders Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California.

The group met for a little under an hour to discuss how to resolve their differences before government funding is scheduled to lapse at week’s end, agreeing to reconvene later in the evening for a second session, according to a person familiar with the plans.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin joined the session by phone, after speaking separately with Pelosi for more than an hour.

Leaving the meeting, McCarthy signaled some degree of optimism, saying, “We’re continuing to work,” and, “I think there’s progress.”

The four leaders have agreed that any additional pandemic aid should be wrapped into the year-end spending measure, and that Congress should not adjourn without approving some pandemic relief as COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the country and the government works to distribute the vaccine to essential workers and others.

Even if Congress were to pass a bill this week, it may not be in time to prevent millions of Americans from going weeks with no source of income, given that many state unemployment offices have already programmed their systems to cut off benefits after next week, when the current pandemic programs expire.

Reinstating the benefits in those states will take time, especially because the plan being considered by Congress would make several technical changes to the programs, which the Labor Department must then incorporate into formal regulations, said Elizabeth Pancotti, a policy adviser for Employ America, an advocacy group. The Christmas and New Year’s holidays, when state offices are shut, will add further delays, she warned, though workers would eventually receive back pay for the weeks where their benefits lapsed.

There are still hurdles to a final agreement, particularly without a bipartisan consensus on the two thorniest policy impediments: a Democratic demand for additional aid to support state and local governments and a Republican push for sweeping liability protections for businesses, hospitals, schools and other institutions open during the pandemic.

It was unclear whether leaders of either party would embrace a $748 billion version proposed on Monday by a group of moderates in both parties, which separated out $160 billion for state and local governments and coronavirus liability protections for businesses and other entities, leaving them for another bill.

Before the meeting Tuesday, McConnell pointed to the bifurcated plan as he continued to push for lawmakers to jettison the two items and approve a narrow package with money for vaccine distribution, unemployment funds and help for schools and small businesses. After months of insisting that a sweeping liability shield was a “red line” for another package, McConnell said again that he was willing to drop the demand if Democrats would agree to abandon their top priority, as well.

“We all know the new administration is going to be asking for yet another package,” McConnell said at a weekly news conference. “It’s not like we won’t have another opportunity to debate the merits of liability reform and of state and local government in the very near future.”

Even if the four leaders were to reach an agreement, it would most likely face hurdles among some rank-and-file lawmakers, as Republicans chafe at the prospect of spending billions of dollars in taxpayer funds and Democrats argue that an agreement amounting to less than $1 trillion would be insufficient.

Some lawmakers are also mounting a pressure campaign to include direct payments for all working Americans in the stimulus deal. Two senators, Josh Hawley, R-Mo., and Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., have threatened to hold up the broader government funding bill if Congress failed to ensure that Americans receive payments of $1,200 per adult and $500 per child in the stimulus measure.

In a letter sent to the leaders, liberal Democratic lawmakers, led by Reps. Pramila Jayapal of Washington and Ro Khanna and Katie Porter, both of California, argued that such payments “are a crucial part of any COVID relief package.” They pressed for at least $2,000 in direct payments and at least six months of unemployment benefits, including enhanced supplemental benefits that expired earlier this year.

“There is absolutely no reason why we can’t put the direct payments in, and dare the Senate to take them out,” Jayapal said.

The White House has voiced support for another round of direct payments, and Mnuchin’s included a $600 stimulus check in his latest offer to Pelosi. But Democrats panned that $916 billion proposal because it failed to revive supplemental unemployment benefits that lapsed over the summer.

“I’m not going to say if that’s a red line or not,” Kayleigh McEnany, the White House press secretary, said when pressed on whether President Donald Trump would approve a stimulus package without direct payments. “We’re hopeful there is a deal there that the president can then look at and support.”

WASHINGTON — Congressional leaders scrambled Tuesday to reach agreement on a stimulus bill and a catchall omnibus financing package to keep government funding flowing, meeting to try to hammer out critical spending deals before a Friday deadline.

WASHINGTON — Congressional leaders scrambled Tuesday to reach agreement on a stimulus bill and a catchall omnibus financing package to keep government funding flowing, meeting to try to hammer out critical spending deals before a Friday deadline. The meeting of the top two Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate were the first in-person spending talks in months for the leaders, with a final deal still elusive on both the dozen must-pass spending bills and hundreds of billions of dollars in economic aid for individuals and businesses struggling amid the pandemic, and to fund the distribution of a vaccine. It took place in the Capitol office suite of Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who hosted Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York, the Democratic leader, and the Republican leaders Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California. The group met for a little under an hour to discuss how to resolve their differences before government funding is scheduled to lapse at week’s end, agreeing to reconvene later in the evening for a second session, according to a person familiar with the plans. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin joined the session by phone, after speaking separately with Pelosi for more than an hour. Leaving the meeting, McCarthy signaled some degree of optimism, saying, “We’re continuing to work,” and, “I think there’s progress.” The four leaders have agreed that any additional pandemic aid should be wrapped into the year-end spending measure, and that Congress should not adjourn without approving some pandemic relief as COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the country and the government works to distribute the vaccine to essential workers and others. Even if Congress were to pass a bill this week, it may not be in time to prevent millions of Americans from going weeks with no source of income, given that many state unemployment offices have already programmed their systems to cut off benefits after next week, when the current pandemic programs expire. Reinstating the benefits in those states will take time, especially because the plan being considered by Congress would make several technical changes to the programs, which the Labor Department must then incorporate into formal regulations, said Elizabeth Pancotti, a policy adviser for Employ America, an advocacy group. The Christmas and New Year’s holidays, when state offices are shut, will add further delays, she warned, though workers would eventually receive back pay for the weeks where their benefits lapsed. There are still hurdles to a final agreement, particularly without a bipartisan consensus on the two thorniest policy impediments: a Democratic demand for additional aid to support state and local governments and a Republican push for sweeping liability protections for businesses, hospitals, schools and other institutions open during the pandemic. It was unclear whether leaders of either party would embrace a $748 billion version proposed on Monday by a group of moderates in both parties, which separated out $160 billion for state and local governments and coronavirus liability protections for businesses and other entities, leaving them for another bill. Before the meeting Tuesday, McConnell pointed to the bifurcated plan as he continued to push for lawmakers to jettison the two items and approve a narrow package with money for vaccine distribution, unemployment funds and help for schools and small businesses. After months of insisting that a sweeping liability shield was a “red line” for another package, McConnell said again that he was willing to drop the demand if Democrats would agree to abandon their top priority, as well. “We all know the new administration is going to be asking for yet another package,” McConnell said at a weekly news conference. “It’s not like we won’t have another opportunity to debate the merits of liability reform and of state and local government in the very near future.” Even if the four leaders were to reach an agreement, it would most likely face hurdles among some rank-and-file lawmakers, as Republicans chafe at the prospect of spending billions of dollars in taxpayer funds and Democrats argue that an agreement amounting to less than $1 trillion would be insufficient. Some lawmakers are also mounting a pressure campaign to include direct payments for all working Americans in the stimulus deal. Two senators, Josh Hawley, R-Mo., and Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., have threatened to hold up the broader government funding bill if Congress failed to ensure that Americans receive payments of $1,200 per adult and $500 per child in the stimulus measure. In a letter sent to the leaders, liberal Democratic lawmakers, led by Reps. Pramila Jayapal of Washington and Ro Khanna and Katie Porter, both of California, argued that such payments “are a crucial part of any COVID relief package.” They pressed for at least $2,000 in direct payments and at least six months of unemployment benefits, including enhanced supplemental benefits that expired earlier this year. “There is absolutely no reason why we can’t put the direct payments in, and dare the Senate to take them out,” Jayapal said. The White House has voiced support for another round of direct payments, and Mnuchin’s included a $600 stimulus check in his latest offer to Pelosi. But Democrats panned that $916 billion proposal because it failed to revive supplemental unemployment benefits that lapsed over the summer. “I’m not going to say if that’s a red line or not,” Kayleigh McEnany, the White House press secretary, said when pressed on whether President Donald Trump would approve a stimulus package without direct payments. “We’re hopeful there is a deal there that the president can then look at and support.”

Leaders in Congress meet in search of spending and stimulus deals

The US state department has notified Congress that it intends to sell 50 F35 fighter jets to the United Arab Emirates, after Israel agreed last week to drop its objections.

US moves ahead with sale of 50 F-35 fighter jets to the UAE

A day after Rep. Ted Yoho verbally abused Rep. Alexandria Ocasio -Cortez on the Capitol steps, she has warned him that she 'won't be nice to him' if he repeated it again.&nbsp; 
 
"You do that to me again, I won't be so nice next time, "Ocasio-Cortez told Yoho.&nbsp; 
 
She was reacting to a Vanity Fair report and tweeted, "Bronx energy is a renewable resource, excellent for phasing out fossil-fueled attitudes in the workplace." 
 
Yoho's verbal attack came after the congresswoman said crime in New York City is increasing during the pandemic due to unemployment and poverty.&nbsp; 
 
"You are out of your freaking mind," Yoho told her and as he was walking away he also reportedly called her "f___ing b____".&nbsp; 
 
Reporters who were nearby witnessed the incident. "That kind of confrontation hasn't ever happened to me- ever,"Ocasio-Cortez told a publication. "I've never had that kind of abrupt, disgusting kind of disrespect levied at me." 
 
She later told Vanity Fair magazine that Yono's actions were coming close ïnto the zone of harassment and discrimination.&nbsp;

A day after Rep. Ted Yoho verbally abused Rep. Alexandria Ocasio -Cortez on the Capitol steps, she has warned him that she 'won't be nice to him' if he repeated it again.

A day after Rep. Ted Yoho verbally abused Rep. Alexandria Ocasio -Cortez on the Capitol steps, she has warned him that she 'won't be nice to him' if he repeated it again. "You do that to me again, I won't be so nice next time, "Ocasio-Cortez told Yoho. She was reacting to a Vanity Fair report and tweeted, "Bronx energy is a renewable resource, excellent for phasing out fossil-fueled attitudes in the workplace." Yoho's verbal attack came after the congresswoman said crime in New York City is increasing during the pandemic due to unemployment and poverty. "You are out of your freaking mind," Yoho told her and as he was walking away he also reportedly called her "f___ing b____". Reporters who were nearby witnessed the incident. "That kind of confrontation hasn't ever happened to me- ever,"Ocasio-Cortez told a publication. "I've never had that kind of abrupt, disgusting kind of disrespect levied at me." She later told Vanity Fair magazine that Yono's actions were coming close ïnto the zone of harassment and discrimination.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez warns Ted Yoho that she 'won't be nice the next time' after he verbally attacks her on Capitol steps

US major airlines have launched a last-ditch pit to persuade Congress to grant them new $25 BN bailouts to help avert thousands of employees.

US airlines seek $25 BN to help avert jobs

One of the first dollar coins that was made&nbsp;by the US Mint almost 200 years ago is now being auctioned as the owner feels it is "time to move on".

The silver dollar coin was stuck by the US Mint back in 1794. The coin is known as "Flowing Hair" dollar. It features a portrait of Lady Liberty with long open hair on one side and an eagle on the other.

Bruce Morelan, who owns the rare 1794 silver dollar, feels it is time to let go of this precious collection and move on to next adventures.&nbsp;"This is a dream coin -- a priceless artifact that I have been proud to own, and I'm very sorry to see it go," he told a local media house.

Morelean got this coin in 2013 for nearly $10 million. However, he now feels that it is&nbsp;"time to move on to other challenges and I hope that the new owner of the coin treasures it just as much as I have."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/customs-to-destroy-alligator-skin-bag-worth-19000-over-51-missing-permit-325182">Also read:&nbsp;Customs to destroy alligator skin bag worth $19,000 over $51 missing permit</a>

Over 200 years ago when the United States&nbsp;Congress passed the Coinage Act of 1792 and established country's first national mint&nbsp;in Philadelphia, this was one of the first dollar coins that was produced.

"The Constitution had specified that the dollar was going to be the cornerstone of the US monetary system," Douglas Mudd, the curator and director of the American Numismatic Association's Money Museum told local media house.

The mint started producing silver coins in 1794, but these silver coins were not for public use but were to be distributed as&nbsp;souvenirs to specific 'important' people of the society as a PR policy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/adolf-hitlers-rumoured-alligator-dies-in-moscow-300749">Also read:&nbsp;Adolf Hitler's 'rumoured' alligator dies in Moscow</a>

The "Flowing Hair" figure of Liberty was inspired from Roman coins where female figures were used to represent freedom.

A total of 1,758 coins were produced, out of which 130-140 coins are still out in the world.

The auction, which can have a low turnout due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, will be held at&nbsp;Legend Auctions on October 8 at The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas.

One of the first dollar coins that was made by the US Mint almost 200 years ago is now being auctioned as the owner feels it is "time to move on". The silver dollar coin was stuck by the US Mint back in 1794.

One of the first dollar coins that was made by the US Mint almost 200 years ago is now being auctioned as the owner feels it is "time to move on". The silver dollar coin was stuck by the US Mint back in 1794. The coin is known as "Flowing Hair" dollar. It features a portrait of Lady Liberty with long open hair on one side and an eagle on the other. Bruce Morelan, who owns the rare 1794 silver dollar, feels it is time to let go of this precious collection and move on to next adventures. "This is a dream coin -- a priceless artifact that I have been proud to own, and I'm very sorry to see it go," he told a local media house. Morelean got this coin in 2013 for nearly $10 million. However, he now feels that it is "time to move on to other challenges and I hope that the new owner of the coin treasures it just as much as I have." Also read: Customs to destroy alligator skin bag worth $19,000 over $51 missing permit Over 200 years ago when the United States Congress passed the Coinage Act of 1792 and established country's first national mint in Philadelphia, this was one of the first dollar coins that was produced. "The Constitution had specified that the dollar was going to be the cornerstone of the US monetary system," Douglas Mudd, the curator and director of the American Numismatic Association's Money Museum told local media house. The mint started producing silver coins in 1794, but these silver coins were not for public use but were to be distributed as souvenirs to specific 'important' people of the society as a PR policy. Also read: Adolf Hitler's 'rumoured' alligator dies in Moscow The "Flowing Hair" figure of Liberty was inspired from Roman coins where female figures were used to represent freedom. A total of 1,758 coins were produced, out of which 130-140 coins are still out in the world. The auction, which can have a low turnout due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, will be held at Legend Auctions on October 8 at The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas.

Flowing hair: A rare 1794 silver dollar coin up for auction

After failing to secure a Senate confirmation hearing, US President Donald Trump's most divisive nominee for a Pentagon position so far has taken a different, less-senior policy role at the Defense Department, a spokeswoman said on Sunday.

Anthony Tata, a retired Army brigadier general who has called former President Barack Obama a "terrorist leader," will officially perform the duties of the deputy undersecretary of defense for policy, the Pentagon spokeswoman said.

In theory, the position would still offer Tata some degree of influence on hot-button Pentagon policy matters, potentially including Iran.

In addition to falsely calling Obama a Muslim and a terrorist, Tata has also called Congresswoman Maxine Waters, an African American, a "race-baiting racist," according to now-deleted Twitter posts seen by Reuters.

Democratic Congressman Adam Smith, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, blasted the move to give Tata a senior job just days after the Republican-led Senate abruptly canceled Tata's confirmation hearing. 
"If an appointee cannot gain the support of the Senate, as is clearly the case with Tata, then the President should not put that person into an identical temporary role," Smith said in a statement.

"This evasion of scrutiny makes our government less accountable and prioritises loyalty over competence."

Tata's new job is more junior than the one Trump initially nominated him for - undersecretary of defense for policy. But the White House made clear on Friday that Trump still supported him, even after the Senate declined to take up his nomination.

Tata had to overcome two bureaucratic hurdles to secure his new role. First, he withdrew himself from consideration by the Senate for the undersecretary position. He then accepted the more provisional status of simply "performing the duties of" the deputy, as opposed to having the position outright.

Smith said the Defense Department was struggling under a record number of vacancies, with top positions filled in provisional capacities, like Tata's deputy role.

"If confirmations cannot be completed, the president must find new, qualified people who can win the support of the Senate," Smith said.

The Pentagon had said Tata previously served as a senior adviser in Defense Secretary Mark Esper's office, although his exact responsibilities were unclear.

After failing to secure a Senate confirmation hearing, US President Donald Trump's most divisive nominee for a Pentagon position so far has taken a different, less-senior policy role at the Defense Department, a spokeswoman said on Sunday.

After failing to secure a Senate confirmation hearing, US President Donald Trump's most divisive nominee for a Pentagon position so far has taken a different, less-senior policy role at the Defense Department, a spokeswoman said on Sunday. Anthony Tata, a retired Army brigadier general who has called former President Barack Obama a "terrorist leader," will officially perform the duties of the deputy undersecretary of defense for policy, the Pentagon spokeswoman said. In theory, the position would still offer Tata some degree of influence on hot-button Pentagon policy matters, potentially including Iran. In addition to falsely calling Obama a Muslim and a terrorist, Tata has also called Congresswoman Maxine Waters, an African American, a "race-baiting racist," according to now-deleted Twitter posts seen by Reuters. Democratic Congressman Adam Smith, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, blasted the move to give Tata a senior job just days after the Republican-led Senate abruptly canceled Tata's confirmation hearing. "If an appointee cannot gain the support of the Senate, as is clearly the case with Tata, then the President should not put that person into an identical temporary role," Smith said in a statement. "This evasion of scrutiny makes our government less accountable and prioritises loyalty over competence." Tata's new job is more junior than the one Trump initially nominated him for - undersecretary of defense for policy. But the White House made clear on Friday that Trump still supported him, even after the Senate declined to take up his nomination. Tata had to overcome two bureaucratic hurdles to secure his new role. First, he withdrew himself from consideration by the Senate for the undersecretary position. He then accepted the more provisional status of simply "performing the duties of" the deputy, as opposed to having the position outright. Smith said the Defense Department was struggling under a record number of vacancies, with top positions filled in provisional capacities, like Tata's deputy role. "If confirmations cannot be completed, the president must find new, qualified people who can win the support of the Senate," Smith said. The Pentagon had said Tata previously served as a senior adviser in Defense Secretary Mark Esper's office, although his exact responsibilities were unclear.

Divisive Trump nominee gets new Pentagon post, despite snub by Congress

Indian and Chinese troops have been locked in a bitter standoff in several areas along the LAC in eastern Ladakh since May 5.

US Congressman slams China's aggression in Ladakh, says ' Expansionary tactics leading to conflict'

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