Unprecedented Senate delays continue on Biden nominations

President-Elect sends Congress $1.9 trillion Coronavirus relief package

A last minute objection delays the first hearing on a Biden nominee. Democrats vow action on a $1.9 trillion Biden virus relief package. And GOP Senators keep Trump guessing on his impeachment trial. This is "Regular Order" for January 15, 2021.

HEARING SCRAPPED. Five days before the inaugural, a Friday hearing for Director of National Intelligence - the first confirmation hearing for any Biden nominee - was suddenly delayed last night. “Despite the unusual circumstances on Capitol Hill, the committee is working in good faith,” Senate Intelligence Committee leaders said. The hearing was virtual - so this was not a question about security after the Capitol attack.

• UNPRECEDENTED DELAYS. So far, the Senate has not held a single hearing on a Biden nominee. Not one. Zero. Zip. “Four years ago, the Senate had held hearings on eleven of Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks before Inauguration Day,” notes former Senate aide Jim Manley. Four nomination hearings are scheduled to take place on Tuesday - just one day before President Trump leaves office.

DEMS VOW ACTION ON BIDEN PLAN. Democrats now have the outlines of a Coronavirus plan - as Joe Biden on Thursday proposed a $1.9 trillion relief package. "We face extraordinary crises which demand big, bold immediate action," Speaker Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Schumer said. This will be the first big legislative test for Democrats in Congress as they work with the new administration.

• BIDEN DETAILS. The Biden package includes $1,400 relief checks for many Americans. There’s $400/week additional unemployment insurance. More aid for small businesses. $400 billion to speed up the distribution of Coronavirus vaccine shots. $130 billion for schools to help them re-open. $350 billion in aid for governments, and more. Biden calls it, “The American Rescue Plan.”

TRUMP IN SENATE LIMBO. In his first Senate impeachment trial, it was obvious right away President Trump would not be convicted. This time, GOP Senators are keeping their powder dry. "I believe that history will hold him accountable," said Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD), who noted how a conviction would stop Mr. Trump from running for President again. “I will listen carefully,” said Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK).

• SENATE CALCULUS. Don’t waste time counting votes right now, or gaming out scenarios. Just focus on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. If McConnell supports President Trump, the effort goes nowhere. But, if McConnell embraces the impeachment case, it could be much different.

ATTACK ARRESTS CONTINUE. The feds continue to sweep up people from the attack by Trump supporters on the U.S. Capitol. The guy who paraded a Confederate flag into the Capitol was arrested in Delaware. He told the feds the flag is the same one he usually flies outside of his home. The feds have also set up a handy dandy web page listing many arrests.

• POUNDING ON THE DOOR. In this video, a group of people involved in the assault on the U.S. Capitol are kicking and banging on doors inside the building. They obviously have no idea whose offices they are walking by. But I will point out that when this tape ends, my door is the next one up.

DELTA BANS SENATE HECKLERS. Freedom of speech has limits. After videos surfaced of air travelers verbally harassing Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Delta Airlines banned those passengers from future flights. The move came a day after the FAA said it would stop issuing warnings to passengers who disrupt flights - and go straight to monetary fines and/or jail time.

THE COWARDLY LION. During 2020, Republicans bitterly denounced remote proxy voting in the House. Democrats embraced it to stay safe from the Coronavirus. GOP lawmakers called it unconstitutional. But this week, Republican leaders gave the okay to vote by proxy, and a number did just that. One was Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), whose old tweet is still around. "Proxy voting is cowardly. Period.” Not anymore.

GOP GRUMBLES OVER SECURITY. If you watch the Capitol entrances, it won't take long to see a lawmaker walking around the metal detectors. The police just sort of shrug their shoulders. So, it should not surprise anyone that the arrival of metal detectors off the House floor has ruffled feathers. But it's only Republicans who are angry about it. Here's one complaint from Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX).

Randy Weber @TXRandy14

I don’t know what on earth @SpeakerPelosi is thinking but after last week’s attack, it is evident that Members of Congress should have the right to protect themselves and their colleagues on the house floor.

DC: STAY HOME. The message from authorities is clear. Don’t come to the Capitol to see Joe Biden’s inaugural. Don’t come anywhere close to the White House. Don’t even think about driving down to the National Mall. Or anywhere. Just. Stay. Away.

THE MUSE OF HISTORY. 12 years ago on this day, President George W. Bush gave his farewell address to the nation from the White House. "For eight years, it has been my honor to serve as your President," Mr. Bush said, reviewing the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and his time in office. The 43rd President’s final days in office included a formal press conference, and an extended interview with Fox News.

UPCOMING LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM:

House meets at 11 am. Speaker Pelosi holds an 11:30 news conference.

Senate meets at 10 am.

President Trump is in Washington.

Follow me on Twitter @jamiedupree

Email me at jamiedupree@substack.com

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“Conference reports may be brought up at any time. Any further program will be announced later.”