December 29 Political News Briefs

Here are today’s political news briefs.

Last night the House of Representatives voted on a bill to increase the $600 direct payments in the latest Covid-19 relief package to $2,000 per individual. Today the Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky) blocked an effort to unanimously pass the bill, which makes things complicated. The New York Times explained that McConnell said he would consider the $2,000 payments, but wanted amendments to the bill on two things that President Trump demanded — protecting election security (preventing fraud) and removing liability protections from technology companies (removing a law that blocked lawsuits). McConnell wanted these and the $2,000 payments. If the Senate passes a bill with the added items, the House would have to do another vote to approve it, and it is unknown if House Democrats will support it.

In separate news, the House voted last night to override President Trump’s veto of a $740 billion defense (military) spending bill. The Senate would also have to vote to override the veto and advance the bill. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt) said he wants to force a delay on the defense bill until McConnell brings a Senate vote on the $2,000 payments bill. A lot going on.

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The winners for a Gallup poll of the “Most Admired” man and woman in 2020 are Donald Trump and Michelle Obama. Barack Obama was the most admired man for 12 straight years until this year. It is Michelle Obama’s third straight year as the most admired woman. The second most admired man in 2020 is Barack Obama, followed by Joe Biden and Dr. Anthony Fauci. The second most admired woman is Kamala Harris, followed by Melania Trump and Oprah Winfrey.

https://www.axios.com/mcconnell-blocks-stimulus-checks-db1d9bc2-0eae-44b6-871f-8df37ca66634.html

https://www.vox.com/2020/12/29/22204468/bernie-sanders-2000-stimulus-checks

https://news.gallup.com/poll/328193/donald-trump-michelle-obama-admired-2020.aspx?utm_source=alert&utm_medium=email&utm_content=morelink&utm_campaign=syndication