Senate Democrats and Republicans reached a power-sharing agreement, solidifying Senate rules and allowing lawmakers to begin voting on legislation. This includes the proposed $1.9 trillion COVID stimulus bill, which could be voted on as soon as next week, President Biden’s cabinet nominations, and the impeachment trial.

 

Janet Yellen was confirmed as Treasury Secretary in an 84-14 Senate vote. Yellen is expected to be sworn in by Vice President Kamala Harris today. Also today, the Senate is expected to confirm Antony Blinken as Secretary of State.

 

Prism Group has created an online resource covering the COVID vaccine rollout among the states. Check out the page – updated weekly – for federal guidelines, phase overviews, and a breakdown of each state’s distribution plan (also available as a downloadable PDF). 

 

Bills of Interest 

  • Rep. Robert Scott (D-VA-3)  introduced a bill to amend the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly referred to as the “National Apprenticeship Act”) and expand the national apprenticeship system to include apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships, and pre-apprenticeship registered under such Act, to promote the furtherance of labor standards necessary to safeguard the welfare of apprentices, and for other purposes.

Rep.  Joseph Morelle (D-NY-25) introduced a bill  to strengthen American economic resiliency and equitably expand economic opportunity by launching a national competition, promoting State and local strategic planning, encouraging innovation by the public and private sectors, and by substantially investing Federal resources in research and development.