Democrats’ Vision To Boost Services For Child And Elder Care Fades
Pledges to expand a child tax credit, guarantee free pre-kindergarten and paid family leave, and enhance care services for the elderly appear unlikely to move forward in the near term. Progressives argue that turning away from these popular programs will hurt Democrats' standing with voters.
Politico:
‘You Will See The Wrath’ — Progressives Warn Biden Against Cutting Down Agenda
President Joe Biden’s vision for building a vast “care economy” has collapsed — and Democrats fear their party’s political advantage with parents and caregivers could end up as collateral damage. More than a year into his term, Biden’s plan to invest hundreds of billions of dollars into child and eldercare programs is on the congressional backburner. An expanded tax credit that dramatically reduced child poverty expired and is unlikely to be revived. And the administration’s ambitions for guaranteeing free pre-kindergarten and paid family leave are struggling to gain widespread traction in Congress. (Cancryn and Daniels, 3/12)
In other news about the Democrats' health care agenda —
Politico:
Email: Government Scientists Prep To Slash Covid Research In Funding Gap
Scientists at the National Institutes of Health are scrambling to decide whether all its coronavirus research and development can continue after Congress dropped new funding from its sweeping budget bill. There are immediate implications for government trials on Covid-19 therapies, tests and vaccines that run out of funds as soon as this month, according to an internal email obtained by POLITICO. (Owermohle, 3/11)
Stat:
CMS Administrator Pushes For Congress To Act On Drug Prices
When Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, the Biden official who oversees the Medicare and Medicaid health insurance programs, sat down with New York government officials and reporters on Friday morning it was already, perhaps, a historic event. “I don’t know if the CMS administrator has ever visited Washington Heights,” said Mark Levine, the Manhattan borough president. Unfortunately, aside from the fact that the conversation was happening in the bustling neighborhood at Manhattan’s apex, little history was made. Instead there was broad agreement that high drug prices are a huge health problem, even if it isn’t clear what immediate steps can be taken to control them. (Herper, 3/11
Politico:
Budget Deal Is Latest Sign Of Democrats’ Empty Weed Promises
On the brink of gaining control in Washington, Sen. Chuck Schumer said emphatically in 2020 that “I am going to do EVERYTHING I can to end the federal prohibition on marijuana” if Democrats took back the Senate. But 14 months since winning, Senate Democrats haven’t even succeeded at changing the little things. (Fertig, 3/13)
More from Capitol Hill and the Supreme Court —
The Hill:
Lofgren Second House Dem To Test Positive For COVID-19 After Retreat
Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) tested positive for a COVID-19 breakthrough case on Sunday, becoming the second lawmaker infected with the virus after attending the House Democratic retreat this past week. Lofgren, 74, wrote on Twitter that she got tested in accordance with post-travel protocol, and was experiencing mild symptoms. She said she is isolating and will work from home. (Schnell, 3/13)
AP:
Justice Thomas Slams Cancel Culture, 'Packing' Supreme Court
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas said he's concerned efforts to politicize the court or add additional justices may erode the institution's credibility, speaking Friday in Utah at an event hosted by former Republican U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch’s foundation. (Metz, 3/12)
