New stimulus bill, Garland’s confirmation, Chauvin’s trial: 5 things to know Wednesday

Biden’s COVID-19 stimulus bill on the brink of passage

The House of Representatives is poised Wednesday to pass President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief plan, which includes $1,400 checks, billions for vaccines, and money to reopen schools. House Democratic leadership has voiced confidence in their ability to pass the bill even if no Republicans vote for it, though some progressives have complained about spending reductions made by the Senate. Once the House has passed the legislation, it will go to President Joe Biden, who said Monday he would sign it “as soon as I get it.” The $1,400 stimulus checks could start going out in a number of weeks if they follow the same timeline as previous rounds.

• ‘Not about him’:Biden’s name won’t appear on stimulus checks in shift from Trump
• Where’s my check?IRS has the job of distributing checks during tax season
• What’s in the bill:$1,400 checks are just one part

President Joe Biden said Friday that despite the stronger than expected numbers, the latest government jobs report proves that his virus stimulus bill, the American Rescue Plan, is "urgently needed" to get the economy "back on track." (March 5)

AP Domestic

Mask mandate lifted and COVID-19 restrictions eased in Texas

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order that rescinded most of his earlier orders, including restrictions on business occupancy and the statewide mask mandate, will go into effect Wednesday. Saying it was time to “open Texas 100%,” Abbott announced the order March 2 at a restaurant in Lubbock, citing declining hospitalizations across the state as more people are vaccinated against the coronavirus. “To be clear, COVID has not suddenly disappeared,” Abbott said. But he added that “state mandates are no longer needed.” Three out of four of Texas’ medical advisers said they weren’t consulted before Abbott lifted the mask mandate. Federal health officials, including Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said the move comes too early and the coronavirus still poses a grave danger. President Joe Biden said it’s a “big mistake” to lift restrictions, calling it a result of “Neanderthal thinking.”

• Fact check:Satirical tweet focuses on Texas Gov. Abbott’s reopening order
• Retailer reactions: Albertsons reverses decision and will continue to require masks after March 10
• Other states are rolling back mask mandates. More could be coming: Here’s what it could mean for all of us.

Both states' governors signed executive orders canceling the mandates of face masks and are returning to pre-pandemic standards.

USA TODAY

Senate expected to confirm Garland for attorney general

When President Joe Biden assembled his list of Cabinet picks, he was aiming to select the most diverse and representative cabinet in America’s history, but while some of his picks have sailed through their confirmation hearings, others have seen a rocky reception from the GOP. The final Senate confirmation of Merrick Garland for attorney general is poised for Wednesday. Garland, a longtime federal judge and former federal prosecutor, is expected to win substantial bipartisan support. Marcia Fudge, who is nominated for secretary of Housing and Urban Development, is also expected to receive full Senate votes on Wednesday.

• Who is Merrick Garland? What to know about the longtime judge and Attorney General nominee
• Witnesses praise Merrick Garland, Joe Biden’s pick for attorney general

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