Vanderbilt University's Dr. William Schaffner discusses the recent rise in Covid-19 cases across the country, and Cook Political Report's Jessica Taylor discusses the primary season so far and Senate races to watch in Campaign 2022.
Finnish President Sauli Niinisto and Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson joined President Biden at the White House to discuss their bid to join the NATO alliance amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine. President Biden said the two countries "meet every NATO requirement and then some." Finland's president addressed opposition from Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to their NATO bid, who has said the countries harbor terrorist organizations, saying "we take terrorism seriously and condemn terrorism in all its forms and we are actively engaged in combating it."
FDA Commissioner Dr. Califf said he's confident agency actions and President Biden invoking the Defense Production Act (DPA) will result in more baby formula hitting store shelves soon. The shortage was a top concern of lawmakers from both parties during a virtual budget hearing convened by the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the FDA. As the shortage continues, the agency is also working to import baby formula from oversea manufacturing plants that meet recommended FDA safety guidelines. Dr. Califf said he's committed to keeping unsafe imported baby formula out of U.S. stores. Other topics included FDA staffing needs, regulation of CBD products, sodium guidelines and e-cigarette usage among teens.
Canadian officials testify on Capitol Hill about increasing energy and mineral partnerships between the U.S. and Canada to help the U.S. and other countries divest from Russian energy.
Members of the House came to the floor to debate legislation that bars price-gouging on oil and gas. The measure prohibits price increases during national energy emergencies, as declared by the president. In addition, it allows the Federal Trade Commission to penalize oil companies that take part in price gouging.
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT), a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, discussed the on-going war between Russia and Ukraine. Topics included Ukraine's resilience in the fight, threat of nuclear war by Russia as well as expansion of NATO alliance to include Finland, Sweden and others.
Louisa Lim, author of "Indelible City," talked about the history of British rule in Hong Kong, the handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997, and the opposition of Hongkongers to China's authority over the past two decades.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson fielded questions from members of the House of Commons. It was the first Prime Minister Questions of the new legislative session. Several topics were addressed including taxes and the economy, inflation and the cost of living, education concerns, crime prevention, and immigration.
President Biden honored fifteen public safety officers with the Medal of Valor during a ceremony at the White House. The Medal of Valor is awarded annually and is the highest national award for public safety officers. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the recipients for both 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 award cycles were honored by President Biden at the White House. Nine police officers and six firefighters received the award for "acts of bravery in the line of duty."
Louisa Lim, author of "Indelible City," talked about the history of British rule in Hong Kong, the handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997, and the opposition of Hongkongers to China's authority over the past two decades.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson fielded questions from members of the House of Commons. It was the first Prime Minister Questions of the new legislative session. Several topics were addressed including taxes and the economy, inflation and the cost of living, education concerns, crime prevention, and immigration.
Government Accountability Strategic Division Director James McTigue said a recent GAO report found that while audit rates for taxpayers claiming over $200,000 has declined, "the audit rate for taxpayers claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit is three times the average rate for all taxpayers." Mr. McTigue's comments were made as he testified on tax fairness before the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight. Also testifying during the hearing was IRS Chief Taxpayer Experience Officer Ken Corbin, who focused much of his testimony on customer service. Several topics were discussed including declining audit rates, IRS staffing needs, tax return processing backlogs, and IRS modernization and customer service improvements.
Pete Flores, executive assistant commissioner for the U.S. Customs & Border Protection's Office of Field Operations, said most illicit drugs enter through points of entry along the Southwest border. Mr. Flores's statement came as he testified on efforts to combat the fentanyl and opioid epidemic alongside other DHS officials before the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border Security. Several topics were discussed including staffing needs, drug detection technology, and ways in which illicit drugs flow into the United States.
During the first congressional hearing on UFO sightings in more than 50 years, Pentagon officials told lawmakers extraterrestrial life is not the cause of what the government calls "Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP)." During the hearing three unclassified videos of UAPs were shown to members of the House Intelligence Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Counterintelligence. Scott Bray, deputy director of naval intelligence, told lawmakers after a UFO sighting is reported, an investigation usually results in one of the following categorizations: airborne clutter, natural atmospheric phenomena, U.S. government or U.S. industry developmental programs, foreign adversary systems or unexplained sightings that merit further investigation. Pentagon officials said they conduct lengthy investigations on any report due to possible national security implications.
Louisa Lim, author of "Indelible City," talked about the history of British rule in Hong Kong, the handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997, and the opposition of Hongkongers to China's authority over the past two decades.
Nat'l Federation of Independent Business' Kevin Kuhlman discusses the impact inflation and labor shortages are having on small businesses and First Street Foundation's Matthew Eby discusses the increase in climate change-related wildfire risks.
Pete Flores, executive assistant commissioner for the U.S. Customs & Border Protection's Office of Field Operations, said most illicit drugs enter through points of entry along the Southwest border. Mr. Flores's statement came as he testified on efforts to combat the fentanyl and opioid epidemic alongside other DHS officials before the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border Security. Several topics were discussed including staffing needs, drug detection technology, and ways in which illicit drugs flow into the United States.
Baby formula manufacturers, including Abbott Nutrition, along with the FDA Commissioner testify on the shortage in front of a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee.
Gen. Christopher Cavoli testifies at a confirmation hearing to become the next NATO supreme allied commander before the Senate Armed Services Committee. Gen. Cavoli currently commands the Army's Europe and Africa commands.
