Happy New Year !! 2021 arrived with crowdless and subdued celebrations under coronavirus restrictions but champagne is just as good no matter where you drink it. And now the news. Open Range: Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse ripped open the rift between Republicans about …

Objection to Democracy: Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley announced that he will object next week to the congressional vote to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s win. Hawley doesn’t have a prayer of changing the result, but he’s bought into the Trump election-conspiracy …

Too Much and Not Enough: Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell yesterday blocked a quick effort to increase pandemic relief checks from $600 to $2,000.   Democratic minority leader Chuck Schumer asked to have the measure passed by unanimous consent, but any single …

Swamp Things: The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly last night to increase the $600 individual stimulus checks to $2,000, and to override President Trump’s veto of the defense authorization bill, putting the Senate Republican majority in a bind.   The Republicans who …

Sign of the Times: President Trump in Florida suddenly signed the $908 billion pandemic relief and government funding bill, which will avert a shutdown, extend expanded unemployment benefits and the eviction moratorium, while triggering $600 checks to individual taxpayers.   Trump said in …

The Last Days of Pompeii: President Trump yesterday vetoed the big defense policy bill, pardoned 26 more people including convicted associates, then left to spend Christmas at his Mar-a-Lago Club in Florida.   He gave no further indication whether he would veto …

Game Change: President Trump threw Washington into turmoil last night with a recorded video announcement that he might refuse to sign the new coronavirus relief bill because the $600 checks are too small. He said, “I am asking Congress to amend …

Somewhat Relieved: The House and Senate last night passed a $908 billion economic relief bill that by any estimate falls far short of what the country needs. As soon as next week, out-of-work taxpayers will get a $600 check that likely …

It’s a Deal: Congress has reached agreement on a nearly $900 billion economic stimulus bill that would include $600 checks and an extension of $300 unemployment benefits for 11 weeks.   Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell fought to keep a lid on …

Massive Attack: While carrying on about the election and the stock market, President Trump has been silent about the suspected Russian cyber-attack on US government and security computers. Security officials are assessing how deeply a suspected the attack has penetrated into …