But first, right now millions of americans are facing an uncertain Economic Future as a surprising republican intraparty fight is delaying another round of covid relief. The 600 a week unemployment benefits, critical to about 20 million recipients right now, are about to expire. And the stakes are equally high for nearly 30 million americans as the fourmonth pause on evictions in the u. S. Is also set to expire. Its raising anxiety all around the country. In tulsa, oklahoma, for example, 40 of the population rents. In kentucky, its not just residents. Even local governments are running out of money as coronavirus cases rise. Our reporters are on the ground in those two states. Nbcs cal perry is in paducah, kentucky and david gura is in tulsa, oklahoma, at a courthouse holding eviction hearings. Good to see both of you guys. Cal, there you are, Mitch Mcconnells home state. Paducah, as i understand it, has one of the higher infection rates in that state. What are folks saying they need f
Meanwhile, modernas Coronavirus Vaccine is rapidly being sent all across the country also today a cdc panel recommended who should be next in line for the vaccine. The next wave would be people 75 and older and essential workers like police officers, fi firefighters, teachers and Grocery Store workers. That recommendation now goes to the cdc director for approval. But president elect bidens pick for Surgeon General is trying to manage our expectations about when you and i will get the vaccine. If everything goes well, we may see a circumstance whereby late spring, you know, people who are at lower risk categories can get this vaccine, but that would really require everything to go exactly on schedule. I think its more realistic to assume that it may be closer to midsummer or early fall when this vaccine makes its way to the general population. So, lets begin in washington, where the house just passed an extension to fund the government for one more day. That would, ideally, give the ho
And restaurants. And 15 billion in sba grants for theater operators and small venue owners through the save our stages act. These venues are so important to my state and many states across the country. Theyre the lifeblood of our communities. They were first to close and will be the last to open. The bill gives them a fighting chance. And of course, todays agreement will give a major boost to our battle against the disease itself. There will be more than 30 billion to support the procurement and distribution of the coronavirus vaccine, ensuring its free and rapidly distributed to everyone. Todays agreement includes this and all more, support for child care, food assistance, agricultural relief, the postal service, and funding to help families gain access to broadband. So, the American People have a great deal to celebrate in this legislation. But of course, the agreement weve reached is far from perfect. It leaves out state and local assistance, direct state and local assistance. Despi
So no word yet, of course, from Majority Leader Mitch Mcconnell and how hes going to handle this whole thing. Were also waiting to see if the senate will follow the houses lead and hand donald trump the first and only veto override of his presidency to enact into law a mustpass defense bill. Our team is spread out with the latest on every single angle. Garrett haake is with the president in florida in Leigh Ann Caldwell is on capitol hill. Leigh ann, i want to ask you a big question that hopefully you can answer which is, what is going to happen today with the senate . Oh, yasmin, i so wish i could answer that question outright and tell you exactly what was going to happen. Heres what we do know. Theres a lot of moving parts. The senate is going to open the floor today at 12 00 noon, shortly after which we should hear from senate Majority Leader Mitch Mcconnell. The big question is what does mcconnell say, especially regarding this 2,000 stimulus check because he has kind of a big deci
Our nation has prevailed. While you were hopefully sleeping, congress did finally manage to count the electoral votes and officially affirm joe biden as the next president of the United States of america. As crazy as yesterday was, we cannot ignore the fact that lawmakers came back and finished the job. Of course, that came after mobs of Trump Supporters stormed the capitol, brandished weapons and forced those same lawmakers and their staffers to literally go into hiding and flee for their lives. The majority of those people who broke into the capitol simply walked out without getting arrested. Im Hallie Jackson in washington, where we are waking up to a different city this morning. I just got back from capitol hill which is now secure. Four people are dead after an insurrection incited by the president. Overnight he tried to put out the fire he helped start promising an orderly transition on january twenty, but there are still 13 days between now and then. So what happens . More on wh