OnPolitics: How long will it take for the stimulus bill to become law?
We're soooo close to President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief plan becoming law.
For now: The House of Representatives is poised this week to pass Biden's stimulus package with $1,400 checks, billions for vaccines, and money to reopen schools.
It's Mabinty, with the top news of the day.
But first, the political news of the day 🐕.: The White House says the Biden family dogs, Major and Champ, are temporarily back in Delaware amid a report that the dogs were sent there following an aggressive incident.
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Rules first, and then the vote
The House will vote Wednesday on the stimulus bill, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer’s office announced Tuesday.
The House had been waiting for the Senate to finalize its version of the bill the chamber passed Saturday. The Rules Committee, a panel setting parameters for debate, met Tuesday and will vote to approve those rules later this evening.
Once the House comes back into session at 9 a.m. EST Wednesday, it will vote on final passage of the COVID legislation. The House very likely will pass the bill. House Democratic leadership has voiced confidence in their ability to pass it even if no Republicans vote for it.
Then what? Biden said Monday that he would sign the legislation "as soon as I get it."
- Eligible for a stimulus check? Relief should come within weeks.
- 'Not about him': Biden's name won't appear on stimulus checks in shift from Donald Trump
Bipartisan distaste for Capitol fence
There's at least one thing uniting Congress this week: Democrats and Republicans have each criticized the chain-link fence topped with razor wire as a “fortress,” after it was erected around the Capitol in the aftermath of the Jan. 6 riot that left five people dead.
The shared concern is that Capitol grounds should remain accessible to illustrate the openness of democratic government. To prevent another attack, a security review headed by retired Army Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré recommended retractable, mobile fencing that could be easily erected as security threats emerge and then deconstructed.
What else is going on?
- Jen Psaki says surge of migrant children is 'heartbreaking,' brings difficult choices for Biden
- Merrick Garland's confirmation expected, but DOJ nominees of color Vanita Gupta, Kristen Clarke face greater criticism
- Biden administration dangles $250 million to cities in push to promote COVID-19 vaccinations, safety
May the COVID vaccine odds be ever in your favor. — Mabinty