Republicans on three committees are fuming that they will be sidelined from putting their touch on the coronavirus relief package while the House Budget and Rules committees determine how some $12 billion in federal
Expectations for meaningful legislation are high, but Rep. Joyce Beatty
“I think the pressure that we have is on our side . we elected two new senators who were basically unknown to the nation . and that was in part because of Black women and Black Americans,” Beatty told The Hill. “I think we are well-positioned to lead on voting rights and civil rights issues.”
The surprise blue sweep in Georgia heavily credited to Stacey Abrams and the Peach State’s other Black voting rights activists returned razor-thin control of the upper chamber back to Democrats. Vice President Harris will cast tie-breaking votes in the 50-50 Senate.
Republican senators say former President Trump’s second impeachment trial is going to divide the parties and make it tougher to reach a bipartisan deal on COVID-19 relief legislation.
Sanders on Wednesday pushed back against speculation that Democratic leaders will drop language increasing the federal minimum hourly wage from $7.25 to $15.
“It’s going to be in reconciliation if I have anything to say about it. The only way we’re going to get it passed we’re not going to get the 60 votes that we need. The only way we’re going to do it with 50 votes is through reconciliation,” he said.
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Sanders is showing no sign of backing down to centrist Sen. Joe Manchin
Sanders acknowledged Wednesday that raising the minimum wage to $15 won’t get any Republican support, which means he’s betting on Democrats unifying over a rescue package that includes a substantial hourly wage increase.