Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Confidence Grows For A Stimulus Bill
CNN: Hill Leaders Near Deal On Long-Awaited Covid Relief Plan
Congressional leaders in both parties expressed growing confidence Tuesday evening that Washington will be able to cut a last-ditch deal to provide relief to Americans hit hard by the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic after setting aside months of partisan finger-pointing and bickering. Democrats and Republicans sounded upbeat following the conclusion of in-person talks on Tuesday between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy. (Foran, Raju, Barrett and Wilson, 12/15)
In other news from Capitol Hill —
The Hill: Pelosi Warns Lawmakers They'll Be Barred From Speaking On House Floor Without A Mask
Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Tuesday announced an expansion of the House floor mask requirement which will now preclude lawmakers from removing them while speaking before the cameras during the pandemic. During a brief House pro forma session, Pelosi said while presiding over the chamber that lawmakers will be denied speaking time if they are not wearing a mask going forward. (Marcos, 12/15)
AP: 4th Ga. Republican Representative Tests Positive
U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk has tested positive for COVID-19. That makes him the fourth Republican representative from Georgia to contract the virus. Loudermilk said in a statement Tuesday that he’s quarantining at home and experiencing mild symptoms, but hopes to resume legislative duties soon. (12/15)
