of the new strain, the chief of staff to president biden just tweeted out in response to criticism about restrictions now. building restriction and harsher restrictions. saying, no stronger covid measures produce stronger economic outcomes. that s why it is up significantly over last year. not sure if that s a fair comparison considering so much is closed down this time last year compared to now. we have a significant economic rebound. i believe are going to have this news conference beginning shortly. thank you. john: another problem weighing on the biting white house, the president s controversial picked lead facing tough questions from lawmakers at senate confirmation hearing today as critics argue she could use her power to silence conservative voices. hillary vaughn with the latest that capital. she has called out and attacked the very news