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5.22pm GMT
Jim Inhofe, the Republican chairman of the Senate armed services committee, said he expected Donald Trump to veto the defense authorization bill at the last possible moment, which would be next Wednesday.
Breaking: @JimInhofe tells reporters today that he expects President Trump to veto the defense bill but wait till the very last possible moment, Dec. 23. Also he says Senate may be able to vote to override the veto the morning of Jan. 3
Senate leaders are discussing holding an override vote of Trump’s possible veto of the annual defense bill on the morning of Sunday, January 3, before the outgoing 116th Congress expires and the incoming 117th Congress is sworn in at noon that day.
The timing, which is not finalized, would allow senators to avoid being brought back to Washington over the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays to deal with the override, according to GOP aides. But it would also require careful planning to overcome any possible procedural delays by opponents of the bill that could disrupt it.
5.04pm GMT
Echoing comments from Mitch McConnell, Chuck Schumer said Congress is “very close to an agreement” on a coronavirus relief package.
“We are putting the final touches on what would be the largest stimulus in the history of the country, with the exception of the CARES Act,” the Senate minority leader said in a floor speech.
Continue reading…Congress closes in on $900bn Covid aid bill as Friday deadline loomsFDA says extra doses of vaccine contained in Pfizer vials can be usedBiden and Pence will soon receive Covid vaccine Sign up to receive First Thing – our daily briefing by email 5.22pm GMTJim Inhofe, the Republican chairman of the Senate armed services committee, said he expected Donald Trump to veto the defense authorization bill at the last possible moment, which would be next Wednesday.Breaking: @JimInhofe tells reporters today that he expects President Trump to veto the defense bill but wait till the very last possible moment, Dec. 23. Also he says Senate may be able to vote to override the veto the morning of Jan. 3 Senate leaders are discussing holding an override vote of Trump’s possible veto of the annual defense bill on the morning of Sunday, January 3, before the outgoing 116th Congress expires and the incoming 117th Congress is sworn in at noon that day.The timing, which is not finalized, would allow senators to avoid being brought back to Washington over the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays to deal with the override, according to GOP aides. But it would also require careful planning to overcome any possible procedural delays by opponents of the bill that could disrupt it. 5.04pm GMTEchoing comments from Mitch McConnell, Chuck Schumer said Congress is “very close to an agreement” on a coronavirus relief package.“We are putting the final touches on what would be the largest stimulus in the history of the country, with the exception of the CARES Act,” the Senate minority leader said in a floor speech. Continue reading…