So let us not talk falsely now

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VIEW IN BROWSER | SUBSCRIBE TUE, DEC 15, 2020 CNBC POLITICS EDITOR'S NOTE Hello,   Electoral College votes aren't supposed to be this fraught or surrounded with hype. But the one on Monday that cemented Joe Biden's victory over President Trump felt different.   In some states, such as Michigan, there were even security concerns regarding the electors' meetings. Some GOP officials held alternative electoral votes, which bore no legal significance but nonetheless added to the conspiracy-theory-fueled right-wing backlash over Biden's election. Trump continued to call foul, even though there's no proof of fraud.   Soon after the Electoral College officially put Biden above the 270-vote threshold for victory, Trump tweeted that Attorney General William Barr would leave the administration before Christmas. Barr largely acted in accordance to Trump's wishes, but he became a target for the president after it was revealed that he kept quiet about a Justice Department investigation into the business dealings of Biden's son Hunter Biden. Barr also said there was no evidence of widespread voter fraud.   On Capitol Hill, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell finally congratulated Biden after the Electoral College voted. He is the most prominent GOP official yet to publicly turn the page as Trump continues to tweet false claims about the election.   It felt like a turning point. Indeed, not long after McConnell congratulated Biden, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi invited the GOP leader to top level congressional negotiations about Covid relief and government funding. Now we'll see just how forward-looking leaders on Capitol Hill can be as Trump moves closer to the exit.   Thoughts? Email Mike Calia at CNBCPolitics@nbcuni.com.   Have friends or colleagues who might like this newsletter? They can sign up here.    Subscribe to CNBC's daily new podcast The News with Shepard Smith, which provides deep, non-partisan coverage and perspective on the day's most important stories. Mike Calia @Michael_Calia KEY STORIES  Pelosi invites congressional leaders to a meeting on Covid relief and government funding Congress is running out of time to avoid a government shutdown and get another round of coronavirus relief to Americans. Biden calls for unity and healing after Electoral College certifies his victory "The integrity of our elections remains intact," Biden said shortly after winning the Electoral College. "Now it is time to turn the page, to unite, to heal." Attorney General William Barr resigns, effective Dec. 23 The widely anticipated announcement of AG William Barr's departure came moments after the Electoral College finalized Joe Biden's victory over President Trump. Funding for vaccine distribution at stake in the push for a new Covid relief bill Efforts to fund distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine hung in the balance even as the first doses of Pfizer's pioneering inoculation were being administered. Auto industry wants more government support for electric vehicles Without suggesting a cost for any EV programs, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation believes now is the time for "substantial, long-term investments." After weeks of delay, Senate GOP leader McConnell congratulates Joe Biden following Electoral College vote McConnell's recognition of Biden as president-elect follows the Electoral College vote on Monday. Saudi Arabia hires new crop of lobbyists with Joe Biden poised to roll back Trump-era relationship Saudi Arabia is on a hiring spree for lobbyists as Joe Biden, who has signaled that he will take a tougher stance with the nation, prepares to take office. Supreme Court sides with Colorado church challenging Covid capacity limits The Supreme Court ruled in favor of a rural Colorado church that was challenging capacity limits instituted by the state's Democratic Gov. Jared Polis.     Unsubscribe Manage Newsletters Terms of Service Join the CNBC Panel Digital Products Feedback Privacy Policy   © 2020 CNBC LLC. All rights reserved. A property of NBCUniversal. 900 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 Data is a real-time snapshot *Data is delayed at least 15 minutes. Global Business and Financial News, Stock Quotes and Market Data and Analysis. Data also provided by THOMSON REUTERS