Infrastructure Bill Likely to Pass Senate

 A bipartisan infrastructure package is poised to be passed by the Senate next week. The $550 billion plan, far below what President Joe Biden initially pushed for, is still a work-in-progress, with the final text not yet complete. It aims to provide billions in funding for physical infrastructure, as well as gather revenue from higher customs fees and stricter cryptocurrency transaction reporting requirements.

Some progressives are unsatisfied with the plan, favoring higher spending on a broader array of projects. Another massive $3.5 trillion spending package, covering issues ranging from climate change, immigration, taxes, and social spending, remains a priority for most Democrats, though some moderates, like Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), have criticized that plan's high price tag.

 

US, China Jockey for Top Place at Tokyo Olympics

The US and China lead the way in performance at the Tokyo Olympics, with the US currently leading in the medal count with 19 gold, 20 silver, and 13 bronze. China currently leads the pack in gold medals, winning 22 so far. It adds 13 silver and 12 bronze for a total medal count of 47.

The United States has gathered many of its medals from swimming events, which has been US-dominated in recent Olympic games. China meanwhile has flexed their strength in shooting events.

These Olympics, delayed one year because of the coronavirus pandemic, are the first time Japan has hosted the Olympics since 1964. These games are notable for the lack of attendees during events and the wearing of masks before and after events by the athletes.

 

Coronavirus Fears Grow as Government Pushes for Vaccinations

Renewed fears of coronavirus spread in the United States, primarily caused by the more contagious Delta variant, have led to renewed restrictions and mandates across the country, most notably mask and vaccine mandates. President Joe Biden has issued an order for all federal workers and on-site contractors to be vaccinated or be mandated to wear masks and submit to frequent testing.

Private companies, such as Delta Airlines and Disney, have also mandated vaccines for their employees. The available vaccines in the US, (the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna and the more traditional viral vector Johnson and Johnson vaccine) are still under emergency use authorization, leading to hesitancy from many to take the vaccine as well as from many employers to mandate the vaccine. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said they are working to fast-track approval of the Pfizer vaccine.

The Delta variant has been responsible for most of the recent infections in the past several weeks, with some scientists claiming the variant is as contagious as the chickenpox. The contagiousness of the variant has led to calls for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals to wear masks in an attempt to contain the virus’s spread.