5 Stories to Watch Next Week | January 30, 2021

Democrats Planning Swift Moves on Budget Resolution Buoyed by their slim majorities in both houses of Congress, Democrats are planning to bring a 2021 budget resolution to the floor next week which could include certain COVID-19 relief provisions. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) has referred to the economic ramifications of COVID-19 as a national emergency, citing the March 14 deadline when the enhanced unemployment benefits included in the December relief package run out. If all Democrats vote for the bill, the Byrd Rule, which bars extraneous material from being included in budget legislation, may prove to be another stumbling block for this legislation. Watch next week to see if congressional Democrats can muster the numbers to pass this bill in both houses. Also watch to see if Republicans look to pass amendments that would make the bill more palatable to conservatives. Biden's EPA Pick to Face Senate Confirmation The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, chaired by Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY), will consider the nomination of Michael Stanley Regan to head the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). During his campaign, President Joe Biden advocated the elimination of fossil fuels from the power sector by 2035 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. As the head of the EPA, Regan would be in charge of accomplishing some of Biden’s environmental promises. Watch next week to find out if Democrats representing energy-producing states like Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) raise objections to Regan’s nomination. Also look to see if Republicans question Regan on his stance on controversial legislation like the Green New Deal. Johnson & Johnson to Report COVID Vaccine Data Pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson announced this week that it expects to release its eagerly awaited COVID-19 vaccine research data early next week. The company also announced that it would be able to meet its supply commitments to various nations across the globe. The vaccine being tested is a single-dose option as opposed to the vaccines circulated by Moderna and Pfizer, a factor that would make its rollout much easier. Johnson & Johnson made clear that, following the release of testing information, it would be necessary to obtain regulatory authorization from multiple nations before a distribution strategy could be devised. Watch next week to see the efficacy of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine candidate and whether it can pass regulatory muster. Also look to find out if public health experts express optimism about the vaccine. House Republicans to Vote on Stripping Liz Cheney of Leadership Post House Republicans are expected to vote on stripping Republican House conference chair Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) of her leadership post next week following her vote to impeach President Trump earlier this month. The Democrat-controlled House impeached President Donald Trump in an abbreviated process in the aftermath of the violence on Capitol Hill on Jan. 6. In the final vote, Cheney joined House Democrats in voting to impeach Trump in a move that was condemned by her own state party. Watch next week to see if Cheney is relieved of her post. EU to Hold off on New Russia Sanctions if Navalny Released The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, indicated that the EU would not impose further sanctions on Russia if pro-democracy activist and opposition leader Alexei Navalny is released from Russian custody. While countries like Italy and Romania called for sanctions on Russian officials in response to Navalny’s detention, Germany has lobbied for the bloc to await court rulings in Russia to take action. Given that Russia is a major oil and gas exporter to the EU, some EU nations like Germany and France might be reticent to enforce punitive sanctions for fear of retaliation. Watch next week to find out if Navalny is released from prison following the conclusion of a judicial process. If he is not released, look to find out if the EU enforces punitive sanctions against Russia. Newt hosts monthly virtual events in which he discusses news of the day and why it matters to you and your community. These Newt Live events are your opportunity to communicate directly with Newt. We hope you will join us next time and let Newt answer your questions and provide his insight on the issues that concern you most. JOIN TODAY to be a part of this special event and receive a BONUS GIFT. Click here to join Newt’s Inner Circle. Newt's Latest Podcasts: On Sale Now:

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Which is worse: A default on the U.S. debt or continued increases in spending and taxes?