Democrats prepare to go it alone on Covid relief

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VIEW IN BROWSER | SUBSCRIBE TUE, FEB 02, 2021 CNBC POLITICS EDITOR'S NOTE Hello,   This is CNBC.com politics reporter Jacob Pramuk, in for politics editor Mike Calia.    To see how power has shifted in Washington in recent weeks, look no further than the latest coronavirus relief talks.    Democrats wielding control of Congress and the White House have started the process of passing a $1.9 trillion rescue package by themselves. While President Joe Biden met with Republican senators Monday to discuss their desire for a bill about a third of the size, he will not need to soothe their concerns to approve his top legislative priority.    It's a far cry from the process last year. Democrats wrangled with the GOP-led White House and Senate for months and then accepted a deal trillions of dollars smaller than they first wanted. The party, warning of more pain ahead if the U.S. does not spend enough now, still has to calm some fears within its own ranks about the size of the bill.    Republicans pushing for smaller legislation have pointed to a new Congressional Budget Office report forecasting an economic rebound this year fueled by Covid-19 vaccine deployment. However, the pandemic pain for many Americans has not vanished. More than 18 million people were receiving unemployment benefits last month, food banks are seeing unprecedented demand and millions are behind on rent.   The Senate will have to juggle responsibilities as it tries to pass a relief bill. Former President Donald Trump, backed by a new legal team, will face his second impeachment trial starting next week.    The chamber will also fill out Biden's team Tuesday when it confirms Transportation Secretary nominee Pete Buttigieg and Homeland Security Secretary-designate Alejandro Mayorkas. They will join four Cabinet members already approved by the Senate.   Buttigieg will become the first openly gay Cabinet member confirmed by the chamber. Mayorkas will be the first Latino and immigrant to lead the department that oversees immigration and border security.   Thoughts? Email Politics Editor 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  Democrats take first step to passing Covid relief without GOP as Biden meets with Republicans Democratic leaders took the first step toward passing a coronavirus relief bill without GOP votes as President Biden met with Republicans. CBO sees rapid growth recovery, labor force returning to pre-pandemic level by 2022 The CBO upgraded its U.S. economic outlook, saying growth will recover "rapidly" and the labor market will return to full strength quicker than first thought. What to know about Trump's new impeachment trial lawyers, Bruce Castor and David Schoen The two new lawyers defending Trump were revealed after multiple outlets reported that some members of his previous impeachment team had departed. Biden brother linked to firm involved in effort to lobby Obama administration, Congress in 2016 President Biden's brother, Frank Biden, worked with a consulting firm that was involved with federal lobbying on behalf of an oil distribution company. Democratic senators will push to pass pot reform bill this year Many states have legalized marijuana to some degree. A trio of senators wants to repeal the federal cannabis prohibition and provide relief for pot convictions. Myanmar coup tests Biden's ability to work with allies in Asia, where China's influence is growing Rallying U.S. partners in Asia to join in the condemnation of the military takeover in Myanmar could prove challenging, said analysts from think tank CSIS. GOP senator says Covid relief 'figure should not be foreordained' after Biden meeting Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana talks about his meeting with President Joe Biden over a new Covid relief package. U.S. top diplomat condemns 'harsh' crackdown on Russian protests, renews call for Putin critic's release More than 4,500 people were detained by Russian authorities for participating in the protests, according to a monitoring group.     Unsubscribe Manage Newsletters Terms of Service Join the CNBC Panel Digital Products Feedback Privacy Policy   © 2021 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