Newsletter Archive

March 2021

Biden Agrees to Limit Covid Relief Payments

In a victory for moderate Democratic senators seeking to rein in the $1.9 trillion Covid relief bill, President Joe Biden agreed on Wednesday to tighten the income limits for the next round of individual payments.

Plus: Plus, Biden bashes states lifting covid restrictions

Dems Debate Smaller Unemployment Checks

President Biden on Tuesday announced that drug giant Merck will help manufacture the newly approved single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine. “Two of the largest health care and pharmaceutical companies in the world, that are usually…

Plus: Plus, enough vaccine for every adult by the end of May

Now It's the Senate's Turn on Stimulus

Democrats’ sprint to pass a $1.9 trillion Covid relief package ahead of the March 14 expiration of enhanced unemployment benefits is more akin to a relay race. The House of Representatives, as expected, approved the plan early Saturday…

Plus: Plus, how much aid do state and local governments really need?

February 2021

Democrats Scramble to Save $15 Minimum Wage

The House is set to pass a $1.9 trillion Covid relief package late Friday, sending the legislation to the Senate for further consideration and almost certain revision. The bill includes a controversial provision that raises the minimum…

Plus: Plus, the stimulus check effect

The US Is About to Get a New Top Tax Break

The House is set to vote on Democrats’ $1.9 trillion Covid rescue plan on Friday, sending the package to the Senate, where it is expected to pass — likely with some revisions, and with zero Republican support — before long. Democrats are…

Plus: Plus, the next phase in the stimulus fight

150 Top Business Leaders Back Biden's Covid Plan

As Democrats press ahead with plans to pass a $1.9 trillion Covid relief package by a process that would bypass the need for Republican support, more than 150 CEOs of large American companies are urging bipartisan backing for the plan.

Plus: Plus, more trouble for Neera Tanden

Fed's Powell Warns Congress on the Economy

Although Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is a Republican and was appointed by former President Donald Trump, he is proving to be an important ally for Democrats as they push ahead on another massive Covid relief and stimulus package.

Plus: Plus, what’s missing from GOP relief plan messaging

Two Key Senators Say No to Biden’s Budget Office Pick

The House Budget Committee voted Monday to advance a $1.9 trillion Covid relief package, setting up the massive legislation for a full floor vote later this week.

Plus: Plus, House panel advances Biden’s rescue plan

Manchin May Sink Key Biden Nomination

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) said Friday that he will not support President Biden’s pick to lead the Office of Management and Budget, raising the risk that the nominee, Neera Tanden, will fail to win the required 50 votes in the Senate. Without…

Plus: Plus, the next step in Democrats’ stimulus sprint

Democrats Call for IRS Crackdown on the Rich

Democratic Reps. Ro Khanna of California and Peter DeFazio of Oregon each introduced bills on Thursday aimed at boosting tax enforcement on the wealthy and shrinking the “tax gap,” the amount of taxes owed that goes uncollected each year.

Plus: Plus, a tax windfall for the U.S. Treasury