Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Hopes Rise For Relief Deal As Details Of Bill Set To Be Released
Bloomberg: Pandemic Relief Details Set For Release As Congress Seeks Deal
Bipartisan negotiators on a $908 billion pandemic relief package are planning to unveil more details of their proposal on Monday, aiming to settle on language that can satisfy enough Republicans and Democrats to secure passage of one final tranche of Covid-19 aid before Congress breaks for the year. The outline of the plan spurred a flurry of optimism last week when it won the endorsement of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Minority leader Chuck Schumer and a number of Republican senators as a basis for fresh talks after a half-year of stalemate. (Wasson and Litvan, 12/7)
CNN: Stimulus Update: Senators Express Optimism About A Second Covid-19 Package Coming Early This Week
A bipartisan group of senators on Sunday appeared optimistic that lawmakers would put forward a proposal for another coronavirus stimulus package, saying details about the piece of legislation would likely come early this week. Democratic Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, who is part of a bipartisan group of senators hashing out a compromise on a stimulus bill, told CNN's Jake Tapper on "State of the Union" that they are close to an agreement and that it could come as early as Monday. (Royce and Cole, 12/6)
In other news from Capitol Hill —
The New York Times: Anti-Vaccine Scientist Has Been Invited To Testify Before Senate Committee
A doctor who is skeptical of coronavirus vaccines and promotes the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine as a Covid-19 treatment will be the lead witness at a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing on Tuesday, prompting criticism from Democrats who say Republicans should not give a platform to someone who spreads conspiracy theories. Dr. Jane M. Orient is the executive director of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, a group that opposes government involvement in medicine and views federal vaccine mandates as a violation of human rights. (Gay Stolberg, 12/6)
The Hill: Manchin Slams Trump For 'Dangerous' Political 'Posturing' During Pandemic
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.V.) blasted President Trump’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic Sunday, saying the president has not taken the virus seriously due to his “political posturing.” Manchin, appearing on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” noted that in West Virginia alone more than 800 people have died from the virus. The state is reporting more than 1,000 new cases per day. (Budryk, 12/6)
