PBS News Hour - Politics

With the Senate set to debate the details of the COVID relief bill, members of Congress received new information about the ongoing security threats facing the Capitol. All of this comes to a head as security officials raise new questions about what went wrong during the Jan. 6 insurrection. Congressional correspondent Lisa Desjardins and foreign affairs correspondent Nick Schifrin report. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In our news wrap Wednesday, President Biden denounced decisions some state leaders are making to loosen COVID restrictions a day after Texas and Mississippi lifted mask mandates, the U.S. House moved to pass major election changes, at least 34 protesters were shot dead in Myanmar amid a crackdown by security forces, and rockets struck a U.S. base in Iraq. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In his first speech as secretary of state, Antony Blinken on Wednesday unveiled the Biden administration's top foreign policy priorities, including containing COVID and putting Americans first. Judy Woodruff spoke with Blinken about those topics as well as vaccine diplomacy, China's human rights record, Iran nuclear talks, U.S.-Saudi Arabia relations, and U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

For the first time since the January insurrection, FBI director Christopher Wray faced lawmakers on Tuesday, reflecting on the Capitol attack and the growing challenges of domestic terrorism. The hearing came as authorities make near-daily arrests related to those attacks. Lisa Desjardins reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In our news wrap Tuesday, Texas lifted its COVID mask mandate and Gov. Greg Abbott ended limits on indoor dining at restaurants, President Biden pitched his $1.9 trillion relief bill to Senate Democrats, the U.S. is imposing economic sanctions over Alexei Navalny's poisoning and jailing in Russia, and three female media workers in Afghanistan were shot dead in attacks. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

State legislatures across the country are trying to rewrite election laws after the contentious 2020 election. And as John Yang reports, a U.S. Supreme Court case argued Tuesday will determine how courts will assess those new laws. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The U.S. Senate is trying to pass a $1.9 trillion package for COVID and economic-related relief, with one key section providing assistance to families with children by expanding tax credits. Many families could receive a $3,000 credit per child. We hear from parents who say they are looking for help, and Elaine Maag, of the Urban Institute, joins Yamiche Alcindor to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

As countries across the globe scramble to obtain COVID-19 vaccines, India has access to millions of doses with plans to vaccinate 300 million people by August. But vaccine hesitancy and skepticism are hampering efforts, with the nation reaching just 14 million people since the drive began more than a month ago. Special correspondent Neha Poonia reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

His national profile soared last year, drawing praise for his leadership in New York state during the first months of the pandemic. Now, Gov. Andrew Cuomo is under fire, facing allegations not just about his administration's handling of coronavirus data but also new allegations concerning his personal conduct. New York Times Albany Bureau Chief Jesse McKinley joins John Yang to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Former President Donald Trump on Sunday delivered his first speech since leaving office more than a month ago. He was centerstage at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Florida, where he took aim at Republicans who voted for this impeachment. White House correspondent Yamiche Alcindor reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders