Below is a selection of articles the Federal Relations team read this week.
More Senators test positive for COVID-19: Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) became the latest Member of Congress to test positive for COVID-19. Full story.
Federal Reserve Nomination Blocked: Judy Shelton’s nomination to the Federal Reserve Board was blocked by a 47-50 procedural vote. Shelton is a controversial pick, and Senators Collins (R-ME) and Romney (R-UT) joined Democrats in voting against her confirmation. Two Republican senators were absent due to COVID-19 exposure. Read more.
Trump Fires DHS Cybersecurity Head: President Trump fired Chris Krebs as Director of the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency after he contradicted several of the President’s claims regarding election fraud. Read the full story.
Wreaths Across America: The Army reversed course and will allow Wreaths Across America, an annual event at Arlington National Cemetery, to proceed despite COVID-19 concerns. More.
House Leadership: House Democrats held leadership elections this week, appointing, notably, Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA) to be Vice Chairman of the caucus, making him the highest ranking Latino. Rep. Pelosi (D-CA) will return as Speaker of the House, and Rep. Hoyer (D-MD) will again serve as Majority Leader. Read more.
Return of Earmarks: House Leadership, including potential candidates for Appropriations Chair, are optimistic that earmarks (or “congressionally directed spending”) will return for the 117th Congress. Although Majority Leader Rep. Hoyer (D-MD) said Republicans and Democrats will likely participate, the Senate still has a ban on earmarks. Read more.