but a small and significant mandate that could still throw things off track. >> they said they don't want to see republicans shut down. we hope cooler heads will prevail. if there is a shut down, it will be a republican anti-vaccine shut down. >> and the house rules committee is holding off on the con tempt referral that passed unanimously on wednesday night. i will speak to committee member zoe lofgren. we start a jake ward and the coronavirus. antonia hilton, and dr. michael osterholm. jake, i will start with you. you spoke with the professor that helped lead the response in the bay area. what are they learning there. >> as you know san francisco add a very robust response to the pandemic and is blessed with facilities like the university of san francisco. once this travel started to feel symptoms, the travel reached out to the san francisco department of health and said i have been in south africa, i know the omicron variant is there, and that person's sample wound up here and within about five hours was identified as the omicron variant. we spoke to dr. charles chu who has been studying diseases for decades. his team identified the variant and we asked what happens from here when dangers can we find out about omicron now that we had a chance to bring it to their lab. >> now that we have access to the sample we're able to culture the virus. this answers critical questions about omicron. what is the transmissibilty, and does it impact the potential effectiveness of vaccines. >> as you mentioned a moment ago there is now a second identified case in minnesota. the good news, if there is any, is that as they pop up in our sequence in these various labs, it gives them an opportunity to look at them, find out what could happen, and make some predictions for the future. >> and you said of dr. osterholm, he is in minnesota where they have that new case. this personal travelled in from new york. that person was vaccinated, they said the symptoms were mild and the cases already resolved. how does that data inform the work that epidemiologists will be doing in your state to see where it spreads and what they can learn from it? >> first, we have to accept that it will spread if is spreading widely. i think these two cases merely reflect just the very first of what we're going to see in this country. i would not be surprised if in the next seven to ten days a number of states will have documented cases. >> dr. torres, this person attended a convention in new york that required vaccination, but not fully vaccination. this feels like an esoteric discussion here, but does it matter where you are in that cycle of fully vaccinated with the traditional two shots and the boosters? the administration is saying booster wills be the key here, but if a fully vaccinated person has a mild case and they're threw it, what does that tell us about the efficacy of the boosters and the three-shot regimen? >> to answer the first part of that question, first it matters where you are in that regime of getting those tests, getting those vaccinations. being fully vaccinated, possibly getting a booster shot. at this point working on the full vaccination is the important part. even though the effectiveness might drop, it will still protect you from the big three, serious illness, hospitalizations, and deaths. you might get sick, but not that sick. the booster shot, now we know, adds extra protection to that that can possibly help slow down some of the mild infections. the other thing that we're finding out is the vaccine itself is not enough, particularly the measures of face masks. they tend to have lower case rates as well. so we're finding out that those go hand in hand. but as far as booster shots and where we go, the work is trying to get people vaccinated. we have a large amount of people that are vaccinated and working on getting booster shots as well. plus the world needs to come to vaccination case rate that's are able to keep it under control worldwide. >> should we just start thinking of fully vaccinated as three shots. if you own a bar or a restaurant, should fully vaccinated just be three from here on out? >> garrett, i don't think we're quite at that step yet. i think we know booster shots can add to the vaccinations, but as far as we are right now, the two shots, the one shot of johnson and johnson, we might get to that eventually. we could come to that, but at this point we're not at that point, yet. >> the biden administration sees the enforcement of travel testing requirements as critical to preventing omicron spread. you're in new york, you have a ton of international flights coming in to jfk. i'm curious what you're seeing there today, and perhaps as dr. osterholm suggests we might be closing the barn door a little late here? >> when i talk to folks here, it has been all over the place, garrett. i met a woman that said i'm vaccinated, i have family that i want to see, i'm not changing my plans. and then i met another woman on her way to bangladesh and was fearful about being on a long flight and potentially being exposed on the flight. and fearful about the 24 window to get a negative result. and that 24 hour window is really important to people if can be hard in this country and outside of this country to find quality, quick turn pcr tests. and when you're abroad they can cost north of $100. so people are worried logistically and budget wise. i spoke to some travel experts that say now with the further requirements they see a hit happening. and think think with this new testing requirement and the cost that could be associated with that, it might not be worth it. but here on the ground actively today, garrett, people are a little all over the place. there is still so much that we don't know. how dangerous this strain could be, how transmissible, and what the patterns could be. >> the lack of data that we're going to be dealing with. i hesitate to ask this. the plural of data, of an anecdote is not data, right? we're mostly dealing with anecdotes at this point. but as we look at omicron, the variants have been less verilant. the idea that it might spread more but won't make you sick. the case that is coming out, what does that signal in terms of how we change our fight against this virus? >> i think first of all you have to remember that people who have travelled, who are largely fully vaccinated, and these are breakthrough cases. and we know that if you have the same mutations that are included in the omicron virus that we saw with beta and gamma, but when they were around they challenging the vaccine protection. you did not often get protected by the vaccines. yesterday vermont reported the highest number of hospitalizations in the entire pandemic and they're the most vaccinated state right now. it made up a high enough number still that it caused a serious problem. that will be amplified with the new variant. we just need people to be vaccinated. we don't need more information to know that that can have a major impact on delta and omicron. >> i have long been a believer that hospitalizations are a more relative statistic. a case can mean so many different things. quickly on this before we go, again, we're dealing with anecdotal information, but there has been concern from south africa for a higher rate among infants. should parents in the u.s. be watching this closely as we learn more about this variant? >> it is something definitely that i'm watching and experts are watching. that is anecdotal. we know here in the u.s. they can get vaccinated. and that will protect them and their younger siblings as well. in the meantime let's keep an eye on what is going on around the world and hopefully that doesn't pan out. >> dr. torres, jake, antonia, thank you for covering this story for us. shutdown showdown. threats to shut down the government over covid guidelines. this is "andrea mitchell reports" on msnbc. 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>> i have never worked in a place, and i say this as a former governor where deadlines are treated so cavalierly. democrats controlling the process, the continuing resolution, keeping the government open requiring both teams to come to an agreement. there was a lot of back and forth about whether or not this resolution would go to the end of january and mid february. i think we should have made that deal earlier so this few outliars, even though the shutdown would only be through the weekend, the amount of money wasted would blow people's minds. so coming to an agreement about how we keep the government open earlier. >> earlier a house of two dozen senators urged nancy pelosi on a way to fix supply chain issues. do you think that they are balancing appropriately the attention on the big agenda items and kind of the smaller kitchen table item that's are affecting people right now like supply chain issues. >> the focus on supply chain is because of concerns about inflation. i think we have taken a small step toward an actual grappling with this. i pressed chairman powell to start cutting back on the fed purchases of bond that's will keep interest rates low. that is actually, he slowed the tapering, the tapering process that had an immediate effect on the stock market. brought down prices, but it shows the fed leaning in on inflation. supply chain issues are extraordinarily good. we have shut the economy down for 12 months, and then it takes awhile to gear this back up. getting those spragters and ship transports, you know, moving in a new efficient manner, there are small things we can do and some of this just takes some time. this is another reason why the threat of the new virus strain coming out of africa puts another halt on supply chain issues. i don't believe that is going to happen as we get more data, but you know easy solutions to supply chain problem that's are all global in scope at this point. i'm all in, but i would like to hear specifics about what we can do. >> one thing, garrett, that let me back up, there is an immediate thing that we can do and the house could do this. one of the reasons why we have auto factors shut downright now is because we don't have enough adequate supply of semi conductors. we passed the chips vil. and we're pulling back more manufacturing facilities here in america. if the house wants to deal with that supply chain, that would send a signal to the market that would ramp up production that is a key problem in the supply chain. >> one word answer, do you think government will shut down on friday night? >> i prayfully hope no. >> all right, we'll take that. senator mark warner of virginia. thank you very much. coming up, missed signs. disturbing details about the hours leading up to the michigan school shooting. this is "andrea mitchell reports" on msnbc. reports" on msnbc. pnc bank believes that if a pair of goggles can help your backhand get better then your bank should help you budget even better. virtual wallet® with low cash mode℠ from pnc bank. one way we're making a difference. 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(vo) t-mobile for business helps small business owners prosper during their most important time of year. when you switch to t-mobile and bring your own device, we'll pay off your phone up to $1000. you can keep your phone. keep your number. and get your employees connected on the largest and fastest 5g network. plus, we give you $200 in facebook ads on us! so you can reach more customers, create more opportunities, and finish this year strong. visit your local t-mobile store today. tensions in eastern europe are reaching record highs. that was a backdrop for a tense meeting this morning in sweden. nbc news chief foreign affairs correspondent was in stockholm to take it all in for us. >> they had a serious, soapering meeting for about 30 minutes. a photo op, and again in their private meeting. secretary blinken warned of serious consequences. there is tens of thousands of combat forces they have amassed on that border. they are returning forces, and it is normal peacetime positions and former attempts to destabilize ukraine. >> they expect intense diplomacy in the next coming days and russia is pushing for a virtual meeting, perhaps just a phone call, but perhaps a virtual face to face between biden and putin in the coming days. both sides, for now, seem to be talking past each other. >> thank you. >> and outside oxford high school, the scene of the deadly school shooting, flags are being flown at half-staff. we're learning new details about the 15-year-old suspect, his parents, and the events leading up to the event. he is facing a mountain of digital evidence that points to this being premeditated and we know they spoke even before the day of the shooting. what can you tell us. first on monday, that resulted in a conference with school administrators in a counselling session, and hours before the shooting when his parents were called in, he was released to go back in the classroom which is when the shooting started. we know about four people died as a result of this shooting. there is still three people in the hospital. someone in critical condition at this point and we saw the suspect for the first time in court yesterday during the arraignment where he plead not guilty to the charges he is facing. very serious charges, a count of terrorism resulting in death. as part of that they going through some of the evidence and a video they say was recorded on monday night. the suspect mentioned wanting to kill other students. i mentioned four died as a result of this shooting. so those are the facts right now. this. >> a lot more to learn about this case. >> a last ditch effort now. a former doj official gets a chance to avoid contempt charges for now. i will speak to zoe lofgren, next. lofgren, next to our 300,000 employees at cvs health: thank you for demonstrating the power of purpose. through your work, your caring, your dedication to being wherever you're needed, becoming part of families, bringing more confidence to the comeback, and delivering the essentials to people's doors, you give over a hundred million people the chance to achieve a healthier life. thank you for bringing your heart to every moment of health. ♪♪ how did panera come up with the idea to combine their to famous mac and cheeseh. with their iconic grilled cheese? 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>> he would be in contempt. the fifth amendment is an important right, and it says no plern be a witness against himself into apparently they think they have done something that might be resulting in a criminal prosecution. that is pretty extraordinary. he has a right to take the fifth, but only on a case by case and question by question basis. they have nothing to do with that kind of concern. you can't just do a blanket denial. he could have made this plan weeks ago, but he just walked out. so we're a little skeptical that he is on the level. that he is part of the latest, but we think it is important to give him another chance to come in and do the right thing. we also have the opportunity if he is taking the fit to provide immunity from prosecution. and compel his testimony. so we'll see what happens on saturday. >> clark's alleged role in all of this is laid out pretty well on this. i urge all viewers that care about this storyline to red that report. the idea that he might plead the fifth is extraordinary to me. do you think he might have committed a crime? >> he is in a better position than i. >> some of what he knows around that time had been privileged and now he has come in to answer some questions. that's the agreement now. what do you think you might get from him and the documents that he might show up with that could potential i will be more useful to the investigation than whatever he is willing to say outloud. >> well, we have some documents from him already, some of them are useful. and we are expecting to get more. certainly he will assert some privileges and we will deal with him question by question. there are certainly things that, in the wildest stretch of imagination would never be considered privileged. there may also be waiver issues. in terms of him talking to others, disclosing conversations, for example, in his book. he may have substantial waiver privilege issues that will also have to deal with. so we don't want to assume anything at this point. our job is to get all of the facts to report to the american people, and to propose legislation to prevent anything like this from happening again. >> and you, and i both know mark meadows from his time on the hill, he is a man that likes to talk. so once you get him in the room, who knows what he might start saying. i'm curious, last night vice chairwoman liz cheney, i want to play for you some of what she said and question on the other side. communications that mr. trump has with this committee will be underoath and if he persists in lying then he will be subject to criminal penalties for every false word he speaks. >> the former president is living at mar-a-lago, fighting the investigation at every step. donald trump and consequences have not gotten near each other in a long time. what price is he paying now and what do you think you might be able to create accountability for him with the results of this work. >> as you're well aware, it is our job to investigate, to legislate any prosecution that is up to a prosecutors part of the executive branch and in the case of the state prosecutions but but i thought her statements were powerful and really right on. she is a very conservative person and i'm not, we don't agree on many issues, but i do recognize her very firm belief that we have to get to the bottom, get to the facts, the whole committee, are just pulling in the same direction to get all of the same information. it is an interesting experience where so awful we see them throwing bricks at each other. >> it is a refreshing change. perhaps we will see you saturday, and perhaps the government will still be open. >> coming up, rapid response. you're watching "andrea mitchell reports" on msnbc. reports" on msnbc. i'll need you today. our sleigh is now ready, let's get on our way. a mountain of toys to fulfill many wishes. must be carried across all roads and all bridges. and when everyone is smiling and having their fun i can turn my sleigh north because my job here is done. it's not magic that makes more holiday deliveries to homes in the us than anyone else, it's the hardworking people of the united states postal service. at progressive, we love your pets as much as you do, like this guy in a hat. that's why progressive car insurance covers your pets for up to $1,000 if they're ever in a car accident with you. this mini majorette's gonna march her way right into your heart. -i'm sorry. can we stop? 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[ mittens squeaking ] when it comes to autism, she's a diva. finding the right words can be tough. finding understanding doesn't have to be. we can create a kinder, more inclusive world for the millions of people on the autism spectrum. go to autismspeaks.org. super emma just about sleeps in her cape. but when we realized she was battling sensitive skin, we switched to tide hygienic clean free. it's gentle on her skin, and out cleans our old free detergent. tide hygienic clean free. hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin. president biden just left the white house and he is on far new winter strategy. he will unveil his plan with the omicron variant after the first cases in the u.s. it will include booster shots for all adults, expanding free, at-home testing. joining me now is heidi prezbola. so heidi, what can you tell us about the specifics of the plan and how does it stack up to other countries. >> that is the president's helicopter making it's way here. he is going to talk about a couple major planks he is outlining here. it is most at risk for medicare and medicaid. second is the testing. the president aiming to quadruple the supply of at home tests and requires private insurers, and also all international traveler who is have tested negative regardless of vaccination status within one day of departure. also the creation of things they hope will be critical. >> trying to talk over the helicopters is a tough job. i think because they were so glad, they could focus on the other agenda items, items, make a big push to pass big things. and now we're back with covid again. i wonder, how does the white house, the president, balance this covid which is the most important issue to president biden but not making it the only issue they're able to give full attention to? yeah, i wrote about that this week, garrett, that the covid pandemic continues to shadow the white house. you're right to bring up the summer. let's recall of course the july 4th themed celebration if will you where president biden declared the nation was going to have independence from the virus. that turned out not to be true. western officials i've talked to this week. they are caught off guard by the surge by the delta variant which is of course the dominant strain in the u.s. right now. fueled of course largely by an unvaccinated people, predominantny in republican strong holds. the president's poll numbers went down. his central mission as president was to get a handle on the pandemic and see the u.s. through the other side. there were a lot of americans who thought we would be there by now. because of so many fellow citizens because of the delta strain and new the new variant arriving in the u.s. a couple of cases in. too early to say. we won't know for a week or two how serious that is. but sparking concern earn. which is why the president redoubles his efforts on covid, including to announce the new winter strategy today. butly say as final note some public health experts think he is not going far enough. i pressed jeffrey zients this morning as to why there wouldn't be a requirements for travel. he side stepped the question saying that's not something they are willing to consider even though some of the doctors advising the panel say they should. >> zients traveling with the president to the nih today. heidi, when i lack at the plan i don't see anything -- i don't see anything omicron specific, the white house engaging with the new variant. am i missing anything? or this is the plan they're working on, the plan we're going with for now? >> this is the plan that had been in the works, garrett. i can confirm, prior to the discovery of the omicron variant. and it is also really leaning into what our existing strategy is, garrett. testing, vaccination, i've been talking with a lot of public health experts not only in this country but outside the country. here is what is really fascinating is how differently the european union for instance and israel are handling this pandemic. 1.5 years in. they are requiring for just basic, you know, things you do in life, like going to sporting events, airlines travel, entertainment venues, having qr codes you stand to prove whether or not you are vaccinated. here a lot of republics because of domestic politics are saying that's violation of civil liberties. folks outside our borders and look at that and say that's smart public health, 1.5 years into the pandemic. >> yeah not out yet. we'll see how much deeper the rabbit hole goes to what tools are available to fight the pandemic. heidi and jon thank you. >> race to deliver, a rare look inside one of the busiest rail yards in america and the backlog of:cargo container with nowhere to go. this is andrea michg reports only on msnbc. some help showing the world how liberty mutual customizes their car insurance so they only pay for what they need. 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