Outbreaks. And in the nations capitol, officials confirm that both a white House Staffer and senior Communications Aide to Speaker Pelosi Have also tested positive despite being fully vaccinated. Pelosis aide was diagnosed after coming in contact with members of the Texas Legislature last week. Six of those members now with positive tests. Later this hour, well talk to a member of that Texas Delegation about how the virus is impacting their stay in d. C. And well ask about the meeting with White House democratic meeting whip jim clyburn. And what now . After Kevin Mccarthy announces his picks for the January 6th committee, well talk to democratic Senator Alex Poe dea about that and where the Infrastructure Talks stand. And the blue Origin Crew completing a historic Space Launch with Aviation Legend wally funk becoming the oldest person ever to travel to space. We had a great time. It was wonderful. I want to go again fast. So a lot to get to. Well begin with that Breaking News out of washington. The former chairman of the trump 2017 inaugural fund has been arrested. Nbc News Justice Correspondent Pete Williams joins us with details. What do we know . This is about thomas barrick, a long time friend of the president and as you said was chairman of the inaugural fund. The charges dont relate to that. For more than a year, from if April Of 2016 through September Of 2017 barrick was acting as an unregistered foreign agent. Lobbying the united states on behalf of the government of the United Arab Emirates, the uae, without telling the federal government that thats what he was doing. He was arrested this morning along with a man from aspen, colorado, named Matthew Grimes who is 27 years old. 27 years old. And there is a uae officials also charged who remains at large. Barrick will appear in court this afternoon. What the prosecutors say is that barrick continued to advise the Trump Campaign and then the Trump Administration on matters involving the middle east. Drafted language to include in a president ial speech about energy policy. Met in December Of 2016 with the uae officials. And said basically give us your wish list. What is it that you want American Foreign Policy to do . And then after being confronted about all of thi two years ago by the fbi according to federal prosecutors, barrack made several false statements and denied he ever received any request from the official in the United Arab Emirates to Act On behalf of the uae. These are all charges connected to failing to disclose foreign lobbying. You almost never heard about these charges. In the last five or six years, this has been totally come back to life as a charge that federal prosecutors are often using in these foreign influence cases. So you want to make sure that were clear exactly. If we even know how sort of this came to be. So you have somebody in Tom Barrack who i believe was 2016, he was interviewed, believed ton involved by the mueller team. That is in relation to the possible russian interference. A lot of people are going to be looking at this and say how does it fit into the bigger picture . We have on going investigations. Other people in trump world. Do we know how this fits into The Big Picture . Is it something that came out separately as part of another investigation . We dont know. I would say by foreign contributors to the inauguration which is not permitted, that probably what began the investigation. But this is an entirely separate matter. I dont know what the headwaters of this investigation are. So what else do we know about Thomas Barrack and his relationship to the president , pete . I know in addition to the fact as you said that he ran part of that operation, he also he and the president have been friends for a long time. For roughly three decades. Barrack is a california investor, very close to the president. But they had a falling out and they had a falling out around the time that these questions began to arise about contributions to the inaugural. This did not sit well with the president and their relationship after that had become estranged. Yeah. I guess part of the question here as well, pete, is about that long relationship. Both of them men involved in real estate. Both of them over the years have lots of conversations and insights into how presumably Each Other Deal Making and operations worked. That will raise the question. This could just be the start of something this particular charge. Well, its the real Estate Relationship that apparently introduced them to Each Other. Thats how they became acquainted. Then, of course, according to the federal charges and, of course, we havent heard yet from mr. Barrack or mr. Grimes who have been charnged here. Theyll be Making Court appearances and presumably will ultimately have something to say about all of this. But according to the federal prosecutors, mr. Barrack then decided to Act On and trade on in essence advertise relationship with Donald Trump by trying to lobby the president ial candidate during the campaign and then the president and the administration after the election. A lot of context and a lot we dont know as you say including hearing from that side. Pete williams, thank you for getting on and getting us that Breaking News. I know youll come back if there is other information available. Thank you for. That we also have a lot going on with covid19. Some disturbing new numbers today. And warnings about the Delta Variant from top Administration Health officials. This is dr. Anthony fauci and Cdc Director testifying to day before the senate. Over the last week we have averaged 239 deaths per day, an increase of 48 over the prior week. Each deng is tragic and heartbreaking when we know a majority of the deaths could have been prevented with same am, safe, available vaccine. I want to underscore with what the doctor just said a few moments ago. Wet have the tools to end this epidemic. It is up to us to utilize those tools to their maximum. Joining me now Nbc News white House Correspondent and from lafayette, louisiana, gabe gutierrez, Nbc News correspondent. So gabe, let me start in louisiana. Its one of the states with very low Vaccination Rates. Now theyre battling the Delta Variant. I think its fair to say case theres have been exploding. Tell us what youre seeing. Yeah. Thats right. Some parts of the state are having a tougher time getting people back vak sin ated. Overall Vaccination Rates 48 in this parish. That drops to about 33 , 34 . Other parts of the state are hovering in the 20 range. Extremely difficult to get people vaccinated in some parts of the State Wement did speak with voekz at a Vaccine Clinic nearby that were getting vaccinated today. I asked them why they chose today as opposed to several months ago . Some of them told me they had either been skeptical of the vaccine or that they had just wanted to take their time, do their own research. One woman says that her adult son getting sick was part of the reason she decided to get the vaccine. Take a listen to that, chris. I just didnt feel like it was with everything going on, i just didnt know what to i didnt do any research. And my Sons Wife did the research. She talked to me. I decided. I had pneumonia in the past like three years in a row. And due to that and some asthma, i thought it would be beneficial. So, chris, weve been seeing some of that Vaccine Skepticism throughout parts of the south. We were in arkansas ark, tennessee, and florida. Weve been seeing the people that were skeptical for different reasons. But i can tell you that were seeing a rise in cases. Some cases dramatic in parts of louisiana. There has been a more than 260 jump in the number of hospitalizations that theyre seeing right now. And other parts of the state including Baton Rouge are seeing an uptick. So there is concern that not just because of the Delta Variant, chris, but also because of the low Vaccination Rates in parts of the state that this could continue over the next few months, especially as we head into the Back To School season. So clearly one of the key things for the biden administration is what to do about this. We heard from the former Covid19 Response Coordinator for joe biden. He said that once the vaccines get full fda approval, it might clear the way for more Vaccine Mandates for states, municipalities and also for employers. What more can you tell us . And you are hearing at all that the White House might consider a Vaccine Mandate . The reason behind the possibility of some state and local mandates coming into play is because these vaccines that americans have been able to get so far are under an Emergency Use Authorization from the fda, from the cdc at this point. You cant really impose a mandate until you have the traditional longer Term Approval Process that is underway. We expect that to happen as soon as the by The End of the year, perhaps. Much thats when you only begin to see some of the mandates come into play. Now youre unlikely to see the biden administration imposing any federal mandate nationwide. Theyre aware of the political optics of that. And very much likelihood as weve seen that this has become a very political matter. What the biden administration could do is though require the vaccine for the federal workforce as you know is pretty significant. It interacts with a lot of people in the airport like at the tsa. It is interesting, chris, as were now at the six Month Mark of this biden administration. Later this hour well see President Biden sitting down with his cabinet. It is only the second Cabinet Meeting hes going to have as president so far. But its the first thats in the Cabinet Room itself. The reason is this first Cabinet Meeting months ago was in the east room. A much bigger space that allowed for social distancing. He is having this more intimate gathering in the room where the cab met meetings happen because of the Progress Weve seen in the vaccine. But perhaps they turn the Page And Turn on the other priorities. Were seeing this covid19 outbreak, the Delta Variant is really consuming the time of this administration in a way perhaps that they had hoped would be passed at this point. Mike and gabe, thank you both. Joining me now the director of the center for infectious Disease Research and policy at the university of minnesota, dr. Michael osterholm and a fellow at the Brookings Institution and former obama white House Health Policy director. Look, we have this conversation about whether mandate should be considered. We learn that hollywoods major unions are temporarily allowing studios to require everyone on a Production Set to be vaccinated. Are more Workplace Vaccination Requirements where we need to be heading right now . More state, local federal mandates as we see the sprefd the Delta Variant . We need to do everything we can to get as many people vaccinated as possible. There is one number we should keep in front of us at all times. There are 100 Million americans that have not been vaccinated and therefore having some protection. How do we reach the 100 Million . I want to make sure i heard that right. 100 Million americans that dont have the vaccine . Or have had covid19. Thats right. Thats the number. Thats 100 Million. So you can see how much we have to go towards in terms of trying to reduce that situation in the country now. In terms of the mandate issue, the challenge is going to be here as you heard the political optics. But as a Public Health person, ill do whatever i can to get people vaccinated. Its legal, ethical and treats people with the kind of information that they need to have. In the public sector, you have to offer exclusions whether theyre religious, medical, and what were very concerned about is that many will take an exclusion as opposed to complying with the mandate. That can happen with many, many school mandates. I mean, obviously vaccines are one thing. But then it seems the Mask Mandate as the numbers go up is blowing up once again. Even in New Jersey where neyerly 60 of the population is fully vaccinated. Governor Phil Murphy says indoor masking, requiring that is not off the table. Take a listen. For the time being i hope we dont have to do that. Were, i think, the only state in the nation that didnt letter lurch over the past 16 months. I hope not to do that here. If we have to, we will. So if we have to, we will. At what time from your perspective does states move back to broader masking . Is there a threshold we should be looking for . Yeah. Great question. I think that we also have to do it with candid support in the counties and states that are putting them in place. These are blunt policies. Nobody wants to go back to kind of having everyone required. But its because of what you are talking about. We dont have mandates. We dont know who is vaccinated. In terms of a threshold, you want to look for a combination of tlesh holds. Vaccination rate of your community is important. You also need to look at the actual Positivity Rate of testing. Were not doing as much as we see. Testing is important. You were covering some of the hospital thats are overwhelms. Your hospital that everyone needs go to is overwhelmed and cant take Care Of covid19 patients and were telling you that. Thats the reason to take more of these again blunt Policy Measures for both unvaccinated and vaccinated people need to comply too. I think a temperature on the discussions has not come down. If you watch today, senator ran Paul And Dr. Fauci got into a heated exchange. Senator paul asked repeatedly about whether or not nih funded research contributed to the virus. Watch. I have never lied before the congress. And i do not retract that statement. This paper that you are referring to was judged by qualified staff up and down the chain as not being gain of function. Let me finish. So you take an Animal Virus and increase the transmissionability to humans. Senator paul, you dont know what youre talking about quite frankly. I want to say that officially. You do not know what youre talking about. After that exchange, i dont know if you saw, he said were not learning anything with that. But i wonder if you would go a step further. Is that the kind of thing that perpetuates the mistrust that keeps people from getting vaccinated . I think there is a combination of all kinds of disinformation, misinformation. I just go on record here thanking dr. Fauci for his efforts and for telling the truth. We have to understand in this country there are three groups of people. Vaccine affirmative. Those that couldnt wait to get the vaccine and anxious to get it when it wasnt available. Then there is that group, vaccine hesitant. These are the people, pregnant women, members of the community that will potentially get the vaccine but right now theyre uncomfortable. Then there is that third group, the Vaccine Hostile. Theyre not going to get vaccinated for anything. And what our job in Public Health right now is make sure that we reach out to as many of the vaccine hesitant people as possible. Help them understand why its the safest thing can you do for your unborn child is get vaccinated, not get covid19. That is the work we need to do right now. We want to avoid the Vaccine Hostile debate. It will get you nowhere. Theyre not base Ond Science or facts. Theyre based on disinformation. For better or worse, we had this conversation before. There are a lot of people that dont expect the scientists to be first line of information. There are some deniers doing an aboutface. Sean hannity who repeatedly called the pandemic a hoax said something quite different. Watch this. Please take covid19 seriously. I cant say it enough. Enough people have died. We dont need any more deaths. Research like crazy. Talk to your doctors. It absolutely makes sense for many americans to get vaccinated. I believe in science and the science of vaccination. Truth is good. We can say that. But does this message coming from him potentially say save lives . Too little too late . Look, ill take anything. I have to praise Sean Hannity for standing up and being pretty clear. There is no mistake about what he was saying. I dont think its ever too late. I think its great for Sean Hannity to do it. It is a narrative and what people dont want to hear can often get more clicks, more likes and more of a viral spread than Sean Hannitys message. I think we need to do everything possible. There is nothing that can be too little too late given what we can see in rise in cases. Thank you both so much for being with us today. We appreciate it. House Minority Leader Kevin Mccarthy makes his picks for the January 6th select committee one week before the first meeting. By the way, three of them voted to overturn the 2020 Election Results. What they may tell us about how the hearings may go next. Youre watching msnbc reports. Youre watching msnbc reports. W it didnt fit in our last ad. Like the new app with customization, curbside pickup and delivery. 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Buglers dream begins playing lets go back to the Breaking News. The arrest of former chairman of trump 2017 inaugural fund, Thomas Barrack. Joining us now tom winter. So lets start with exactly what we know, what the charges are and how serious they are. The heart of the matter is this was an effort according to it federal prosecutors Thomas Barrack to work on behalf of the government of the United Arab Emirates, represent them and then knoll file the appropriate things he needed to do but filed to do. That can you say it is lobbying. This is a pretty direct and goes further than what weve seen other people have been charged with and that he directly communicated to the White House. Ill give you an example of that. According to the indictment, on or about September 22nd of 2017, barrack met one of the officials who is charged in this case. On september 25th, Tom Barrack through ann his assistant sent an email to President Trump requesting to speak with him as he had something very important to share about the middle east. This was an effort to lobby the President Of The United States. One thing we tend to do when we go through the indictments, when somebody is charged with making false statements to the fib and he is charged with doing that is exactly that and see what he said and lied about. One of the interesting things that parentally he lied about is that back in 2016 in the summer during the campaign as you remember, this would have been about of the Rnc Barrack apparently received a separate telephone, separate Cell Phone and incrypted Messaging App so he could have this Back Door or private communication with the United Arab Emirates there are Text Messages back and forth. It wasnt that private. But apparently they had this Messaging System back and forth. He also lied to them on several occasions about what he was doing including fictitious and fraudulent statements and representations. After the 2016 president ial Election Barrack had no role in facilitating Communication Twenz President elect and officials from the united emirates including the two officials that were charged here. As well as on going communication thats went into the fall of 2017. So this wasnt just what barrack was working with the Trump Campaign or through his time in the inaugural. But in fact continued well into the trump presidency. So a couple of interesting things there. We dont expect it to be a significant appearance at this point. In other words, were not going to hear a lot. Because hes going to be extradited at some point to New York and charges are out of the united states Attorneys Office for the Eastern District Of New York which is in brooklyn. So at some point the more substantial Court Proceedings there but he will have a first appearance this afternoon and the Others Charge in this case will have those as well according o to our colleague who was arrested this morning in the Los Angeles area. Thats where he had his business in the capital which was and theyre reporting part of his substantial Background And History with the president. There are common ties in the real Estate World and common interests, i should say. Thank you so much for that. Joining us now, the host of the beat. So good to see you. This is the latest in a long line of people who are tied to Donald Trump. Help us to understand this. How Big A deal is . How much trouble is he in potentially . Hes in a huge amount of trouble. He is a significant charges. As weve been reporting this is brand new Breaking News earlier this hour, this is a double shot. It is foreign lobbying violations. That can be a serious crime. We saw that come up first in the mueller probe. Some what obscure law that got some very high level people in trouble. And then, two, the obstruction of justice. This is a Speaking Indictment. It has extensive detail. It paints a picture and the defendant will have a chance to tell his side of the story. It paints a picture of someone who really operates like he was above the law, who thought he was get ago way from things and hiding things. Then according to authorities who lied repeatedly in the interview with council with, a lawyer present to try to continue what they say was the Obstruction Scheme of this foreign fluns campaign. If though can make the charges stick, you have the prospect of the jury looking at this very rich Billionaire Trump Defendant who really according to authorities acted the whoem time even in an interview like he was above the law. Lets just remind folks of the relationship he had with Donald Trump. He sold the Plaza Hotel to Donald Trump. And then when Donald Trump decided he was going to run for president , barrack thought this is somebody who is trying to renegotiate a contract for his tv show. But he got onboard when clear Donald Trump was serious about being president. But when you look at Tom Barrack specifically and the charges what questions does it raise for you and what more might we learn . A big question is why would someone who so rich and well connected at the apex of the Business Career take such flagrant risk . This is a financial related crime in a sense there are mem with big Money Interest including a foreign government involved. But its no the a traditional financial crime in the sense of doing it for the money. So why did he do it . What were they thinking when the lourz were there and lying about authorities had. Because they have the emails, Text Messages, the Speaking Indictment refers to things that themselves are not technically a crime. But that go towards the elements of this crime, the overt act of what they say is the lobbying. For example, mr. Barracks Oped And Media paernss where he would back channel, consult with the individuals from the uae and on behalf of the uae. Did you think you were so sneaky that encrypted texts or yun own emails, i think people understand that emails can be found even between two people. So why was he acting that way . What is his side of the story . Is it well be eager to hear his defense. So much more to talk b i know you will. Ill let you go and get prepped for your show. Thank you so much, ari. Great to have your voice as were again trying to dissect this Breaking News. Again, very busy day. Right now at the White House, President Biden is hosting a Cabinet Meeting, Second One since coming into office. Today marks six months in office for President Biden. Well have the president s remarks as soon as we get them. Then on Capitol Hill, the house select committee investigating the January 6th attack is fully staffed. Kevin mccarthy announcing who he chose, three of the five congressmen Banks Jordan and nails all voted to overturn the Election Results. And were following the latest on a infrastructure package. Senate Majority Leader Chuck schumer called for a Vote Tomorrow to begin debate on that deal. Some republicans including Senator Susan collins are pushing for him to hold off. My hope is that Senator Schumer will delay the vote until next week. We have been working night and day. We worked very late last night. Were making progress. Joining me now is Nbc News national political reporter. So lets talk first of all about the latest on the house select committee investigating the January 6th attack. What you are hearing from Lawmakers Today . Thats right, chris. Kevin mccarthy finally making his five recommendations to that January 6th select committee. Because per pelosi under the resolution has to approve them in order for them to take the seats. Ahead of the first hearing next week. All five of the republicans proposed by Mccarthy Of Former President Trump. But some of them have been more xosh Muched Earth in many the defense of the former president. Three voted to block the certification of the 2020 election. They attempt to overturn President Bidens victory. Now pelosi did tell us earlier that will not be an auto massic disqualifier. She didnt guarantee they will take the seats, she certainly kept doort open to doing it. Of course, the hearing next tussle include testimony from Police Officers and Capitol Police and d. C. Metro police on the front lines of that riot on that capitol. Meantime, let me ask you quickly about infrastructure. We just heard what Susan Collins had to say. What is the latest on the moving parts this hour . Theyre heading to a Vote Tomorrow. Dhoent have a finished product yet. This just beginning debate. With thuns he have final product, Hell Swap it as the legislative beat going forward. It is unlikely at this moment to succeed. It needs 60 votes and republicans are overwhelmingly saying theyre not ready to move forward without that finished product. Of course, that doesnt mean the deal is dead. Schumer can bring it up again and the Target Deadline for republicans later this week and the Vote Tomorrow may not have the support it needs to succeed, chris. Thank you so much. So perfect timing for joining me now. Democratic senator from California And Member of the Budget Committee. So good to see you, senator. You have been working with the Budget Committee on infrastructure. I know you believe this is critically important. Would it make smart sense to do what senator collins is asking as well as republicans, delay a motion to begin Debate Tomorrow . No. Look, after four years of infrastructure, its time to get it done. And so what is a few more days . So what is a few more days . How much more time do they need . Four weeks ago the bipartisan group and the White House and the President Of The United States is saying they had a deal. They had a deal four week ago. So there is increasing chatter, maybe pressure on republicans. They dont want to invest in additional irs enforcement. But thats whats causetion them to get Cold Feet. A significant indicator. So bipartisan package i think you know that a big holdup is pay for. So what do you say to folks who say we should make sure we have seen the numbers from the congressional budget office. We should make sure that we nailed down the pay fors. Look, that was significant pay for. Thats why i bring up the ira enforcement piece. If theyre getting Cold Feet on that, they should be more transparent and honest with us about getting Cold Feet on the whole deal. If theyre not, then im sure theyre going to be ready. Tomorrows vote is only procedural vote. Its not the package itself. They need a couple more days, plenty of time to substitute that final package. And for a vote on infrastructure early next week, not a procedure. So while that continues, there is, as you know, rising concern about the increasing numbers of coronavirus cases. Not just here but Around The World and impAct On the global economy. I dont need to tell you, california is, i think, the fifth largest economy in the world. The stakes are incredibly high. Do you think it was smart nor l. A. County to reunstate a Mask Mandate including those fully vaccinated . What needs to be done to get a handle on this . Yeah. Look, i think its smart when policymakers at the federal, state, and local levels follow the science. And heed the advice of Public Health officials. So in Los Angeles, with the reimposed Mask Mandate, its reflective of the dynamics on the ground. Numbers are up in Los Angeles county as they are in a number of other states across the country. And so this is what happened. This is what happens when not everybody who should be vaccinate bid now is vaccinated. Its what happens when even though certain areas you dont have to necessarily wear a mask outdoors but you are recommended to indoors particularly around people who arent vaccinated. You are dont heed the public safety proet kolz. The numbers are going to go up. It shouldnt be a shock to anybody. If you havent been vaccinated, what you are waiting for . Vaccines are available. Vaccines are free. Its not until everybody does what we need to do that we can completely and safely reopen schools, reopen our economy. If i can ask you about the massive wildfires this year, senator. According to cal fire, there are more than 900 more fires this year than there were the same time last year. What is not getting done that needs to get done towards to address this and how urgent is it . Whats not getting done and cut back to the infrastructure package, the discussions is bold Action On Climate Change. The reason wildfires keep getting worse is, you know, double whammy. Impact of the drought in california and extreme heat. Hotter and hotter heat waves all attributable to climate change. So while we need to combat the fire, try to mitigate devastation and impact in the short term, we need both Action On Climate Change for the long term. Senator, good to see you. Busy time on Capitol Hill. Thank you for taking the time to talk to us. We appreciate it. Good to see you again. In less than two weeks away from schools going back into session in some places, and with that clock ticking, Schools Today face new controversy over whether or not to require masks. Thats because the American Academy Of Pediatrics is now recommending that all children over the age of 2 wear a mask are returning to school this year regardless of vaccination status. It krikts current cdc guidelines and part of Let Birth of the debate over when and where masks should make a comeback. Joining me now from jersey city, Nbc News correspondent ron allen. Ron, good to see you. Youre outside i think one of the largest Summer Public School programs in New Jersey. What are you hearing from parents and School Administrators and folks on the ground there . Chris, as a snapshot of the entire situation, this school is right in line with what the American Academy Of Pediatrics is suggesting, masks for everyone essentially. Here, an elementary School K8 and the policy is now for staff and for students to wear masks. Most of the teachers and students and parents that we talk to agree with it. And remember, before you even get to masks, The Big Idea is to try to get schools open in places where they were closed for so long during the past school year. So thats why there is such a big push. Thats why many parents are agreeing with the idea of masks. The other big issue here is that in an elementary school, most of the Student Population is not eligible to get vaccinated. And so the parents see their kids as being vulnerable. Thats why they want them to wear masks as well. Take a List Ebb to what one patient we talked to had to say about this. Her idea about this speak for a lot of parents. Have a listen. I do think its a good idea whether it is a retirement or not. I think they should wear masks. Theyre the only ones are not vaccinated. They say that its a high vaccination rate. I know Awe Lot of people out here not vaccinated. And it worries me. Because, you know, you see more and more children getting infected. And thats the other reasons for the recommendation to wear masks. You cant tell who is vaccinated and who is not. Teachers also and staffer want protection as well. And so thats what it is. New jersey generally is a local decision basically. Over the next six weeks, a lot of communities will decide what to do. The governor is against mandating masking. Again, here because you have so many young kids that cannot get vaccinated, a lot of parents want to see their Sons And Daughters wearing masks to class. Ron allen, thank you so much for. That joining me now is the Vice Chair of the american academy of Pediatrics Committee on infectious diseases. He has been involved in writing the Academys Guidance for schools. Im so glad you had the time to join us. The question a lot of people are asking is what is it that made the academy make this recommendation . Yeah. This was a really controversial decision to be honest. People made a big deal about the difference between us and the cdc. If you read the two different sets of guidance, theyre really on the same page. What we really want is kids in school safe. Cdc does give some basically local authorities to implement masks in schools. But when you think about the implementation of that, it becomes pretty difficult. As was just discussed, how do you distinguish who is vaccinated and not . It is really difficult dynamic for the kids and teachers in school. And some can be masked and some cant. Lots of kids that are not vaccinated, you know, Kids Under 12, et cetera. And then, of course, the other thing that we say out front in our guidance is get vaccinated. That is the most important thing that we can do right now. One of the ways in which youre on the same page, you think it is critically important that there is a return to in person classrooms. What you have learned over the last 16 months that has said to you that you wanted strongly to make this recommendation . Yeah. I mean, we saw that early last year. In the beginning of the pandemic, we saw a lot of the columns immediately being at home, way from in person learning. Education is not as good on virtual platforms compared to being in person. Thats clear. And then, of course, kids that just suffer tremendously in terms of Mental Health impact. I cant tell you how many nights there are friends that are in primary care have told me how their visits for Mental Health issues are through the roof for kids that theyre taking Care Of. Our ers are overflowing with kids with psychiatric emergencies. So its been a really, really hard year on kids. I think getting them in school, getting them socializing with other kids that, is really going to make a big difference. We just have a minute left. I want to ask you about places where often for political reasons there will be little or no masking. In arkansas, for example, which only has a 35 vaccination rate. New law says students may not be required to wear masks in a building. If a parent is faced to send Ag Child to school where masks are not required, can they feel confident their child will be okay . As long as their kid wears a mask. Well that,s a tough question. I mean, i think it goes back to the tragedy that we have seen throughout this pandemic. It gets in the way of Public Health guidance. I do think that kids can be safe in school if, you know, assuming other mitigation measures are in place. But, you know, i urge the parents to call their district and, you know, find out what are they doing to protect my child . To protect me. Remember, there are a lot of people in the home that cant be vaccinated or who the vaccine doesnt work. Roughly 4 , 5 of people in the u. S. Have a condition which may make them more vulnerable. So we really need to do everything we can to protect our children and to protect the most vulnerable among us. Variant is causing cases of covid19 and the breakthrough cases. Doctor, really great of you to take the time to talk us to. Thank you so much. Thank you. With eyes on the upcoming midterm elections and 2024, texas democrats keep up their push for Voting Rights reform. Were going to talk with one lawmaker who just met with a number three democrat in congress. Youre watching msnbc reports. 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Look, todays staff meeting, i want to get a brief Progress Report to where we are in the job were doing in the first six months. First the pandemic. I know folks are watching the number of cases rising again. And wondering, quite frankly, what it means to them. Overall, overall covid19 deaths are down dramatically. And these these last six months, about 90 down due to our vaccination program. I want to thank you all for the great job you did in getting that done. But we have to stay vigilant, especially with the Delta Variant thats out there. While covid19 cases are rising virtually all of the covid deaths, virtually all of the covid deaths and hospitalizations are from unvaccinated people. Let me say it again. Virtually all are from unvaccinated people. And that means the safest thing to do is to get vaccinated. Get vaccinated. Thats why were focusing on our next phase on getting the unvaccinated vaccinated. I know it seems like a constant uphill climb but were gradually making progress. Weve got a way to go yet. Secondly, the economy. Yesterday i spoke about the historic economic Progress Weve made, which starts with the american rescue plan. Shots in arms that saved a lot of lives. Checks and Tax Cuts to give them just a little breathing room, ordinary americans, and lower Health Care costs just when so many americans needed that help. And its helped create 3 Million, 3 Million jobs. More than any administration has done in the first six months of being in office. Again, thanks to all of you. With our bipartisan Infrastructure Framework and our build back better plan, i think we can turn this great movement into an economic boom for some time to come. I really mean that. I think were not only getting us out of The Hole but setting us On A Path thats going to have significant, continued economic growth. The american people are overwhelmingly supportive of our plans. Thats support that a lot of our friends on the other Team Kind of miss. The Polling Data shows that they strongly support it, strongly support it. Our infrastructure. I think theyre a little tired of Infrastructure Week for four years in a row. Were on the verge of being able to get something done, Building Roads and bridges, replacing lead water pipes, delivering highspeed internet to every american, rural and inner city, and taking on the Climate Crisis with american jobs. They want us to build back, to build back better. They dont know the name necessarily, but they know that they support universal prek and two years of community college, paid Leave And Child care, which is essentially a significant Tax Cut for Working Class families, and allowing medicare to negotiate lower drug costs, which will significantly reduce Drug Prices across the board for people. And they support asking the wealthiest 1 of americans and corporate america not to pay more they just began to pay their fair share. Just step up a little bit. The idea that 50 of the largest corporations in america pay no tax . I think people should be able to be millionaires and billionaires if they have the ideas, but lord sake, the idea lets start paying your fair share. And the third thing is and by the way, theres overwhelming evidence in the Polling Data they support what were doing in how to pay for these programs. Thirdly, restoring american leadership in the world. I know you all have those of you who have traveled Around The World i know our ambassador to the United Nations knows it full well, that america was really behind the eight ball the last four years. Weve lost a lot of our status. I dont have to tell that to my buddy sitting on my right here, the secretary of state. He understands it well. As i said before, we are defining competition right now for the 21st century, for the second quarter of the 21st century with china and many other nations. Many of these nations believe that autocracy is the future, that democracies cannot compete with autocracy because its so hard, things are moving so rapidly technologically and otherwise that Democracies Cant get their act together enough to get a consensus how to move. Well, i reject that notion completely and i think the vast majority of the american people do as well. You know, in my conversations and meetings with World Leaders just coming back from eight, nine days over there, ending with a meeting with putin, you know, im making it absolutely clear that democracy is more capable, more capable and america is back, whether its helping vaccinate the world. Were not just vaccinating ourselves, were going to help vaccinate the world. Were building back better to create jobs and grow the middle class not just at home, everywhere. Its our interest that the economies in these nations grow. Were going to lead the fight against the Climate Crisis and tackling the challenges of cybersecurity. Weve been very clear to our other nations as to what we expect in terms of their conduct. Finally, theres much more to be done and so much more to do. Tackling Voting Rights which is an existential threat to democracy right now, things that are being asked are just beyond the pale. The Vice President has been working hard on this issue and is going to continue to, we all are, but theres much more to do. We have to tackle the immigration problem, which were working really hard to get done in a humane and serious way, Police Reform and crime. The Bottom Line is were delivering on our promises. We have to include all the promises weve made because i think were in a situation where the vast majority of the public agrees with the essence of what were trying to do. And so i just think that were showing Theres Nothing that america is unable to do when we do it together. And so, you know, i think its time for us to stop now so we can get started with our meeting. So are you ready, folks, to go to work . Thank you. [ Overlapping Speakers ] thank you, guys. Were going to work now from President Biden, which means im not going to answer any questions. But you saw him at the start of what is only his second Cabinet Meeting addressing the things that have really been occupying Capitol Hill and all of washington, including covid, infrastructure, but you also heard his comments on Voting Rights. This afternoon, Texas State democrats are not backing down from their play to run out the clock on republicanbacked Voting Restrictions back home. Just a few hours ago, those lawmakers wrapped up their meeting with House Majority Whip congressman jim clyburn. Hes the latest top democrat to meet with that delegation. Joining me now, Texas State representative jasmine crockett. So good to have you. I wonder what you and your colleagues feel right now, especially after meeting with Congressman Clyburn. Are you any closer, do you think, to getting something done on voting Rights Today than you were when you came to d. C. . Oh, absolutely. First of all, thank you so much for having me. But it was i dont even want to say it was inspirational. It was an amazing meeting. There is a reason that Congressman Clyburn is the Majority Whip, because he really knows how to whip things and get it done. So im really excited to hear how they are thinking outside The Box to make sure that we get something passed not just for texas but obviously were looking at georgia, were looking at florida, were looking at arizona. And so they understand that the fierce urgency is now. And so they are working on things such as this idea that reconciliation should deal with any and everything that involves the constitution. So when we start talking about Voting Rights, thats a constitutional question right there. So i do like that hes having conversations not just on the House Side but on the senate side. He absolutely assured us today that there is a possibility that we may get something done before the recess, and that makes me proud, it makes me excited, and he told us to just keep going and make sure that we continue to have these conversations, because there is a renewed sense of strength and a renewed sense of urgency with us being here. I literally only have a minute left but let me ask you quickly about the six members of your delegation who tested positive for covid, how theyre doing, has it had any impAct On your ability to get done what you want to get done while youre in washington . Well, we wont be deterred, not even by the pandemic. So we are taking these meetings. And so when we met with Majority Whip today, we had to do that via zoom instead of doing it in person. But you know what, it allowed for the entire delegation to participate. So i think that it was actually a little better that we did it that way. My colleagues are doing absolutely wonderful. Obviously they are having to sit in their rooms and quarantine, but there is no fear as relates to their health, so i do encourage any and everyone who has any hesitancy about the vaccine to get vaccinated. It is unfortunate that they still caught they still caught covid, but at The End of the day were not seeing any signs that they are really in any sense of distress. Well, that is good news and very interesting stuff about your Meeting Today as well. Texas State Representative Jasmine crockett, thank you so much, we appreciate it. And thats going to wrap up this hour for me. Im chris jansing. Deadline White House starts now. Hi, everyone, its 4 00 in the east. Im Alicia Menendez in for nicolle wallace. The republican party leading with Disinformation And Distraction as were getting our first look at House Minority leader Kevin Mccarthys gop picks for the January 6 Select committee. Three of the five lawmakers on this list, congressman jim jordan, Jim Banks and Troy Nels objected to the Election Results on January 6th, effectively voting to give the insurrectionists what they wanted and overturn the election. As Politico Today points out, all but one of the republican picks, congressman rodney davis, voted against the creatio