January 1, GOP’s report reveals ‘greatest cover-up in human history’

Good morning Americans,

Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released new information from his investigation into the origins of Covid-19. His most recent findings are raising concerns that the outbreak stemmed from a genetically modified virus that leaked from the Wuhan Institute of Virology. On Monday, McCaul accused the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) of committing the “greatest cover-up in human history.” The report indicates that the virus may have been circulating in China as early as September– well before the country’s press statement on December 31, 2019. “They were playing with fire,” said McCaul. “They were genetically manipulating at the lab this gain-of-function that was taking place.”

The end of the Covid-19 relief eviction moratorium is rapidly approaching, and the White House confirmed that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was “unable to find legal authority for a new, targeted eviction moratorium.” The end of the moratorium impacts a significant amount of Americans. About 1.4 million households told the Census Bureau that they could “very likely” face eviction within the next two months. The Biden administration noted that state-level efforts would spare a third of the country from being displaced over the next month.

An FBI agent landed himself in hot water after an investigation by an internal watchdog revealed he allegedly asked a female support staffer to provide “provocative” photos, which he used as bait in an undercover sex-trafficking operation. Inspector General Michael Horowitz said the investigation revealed that this was not an isolated incident. “This conduct poses potential adverse consequences” for staff that not certified for undercover work, Horowitz said, noting that posting their photos online could place them “in danger of becoming the victims of criminal offenses.”

Senators announced the long-anticipated text of a nearly $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The legislation focuses on roads, railways, bridges, and broadband internet. Absent from the funds is what President Joe Biden has referred to as “human infrastructure”– child care and tax credits for families. The package calls for $550 billion in new spending over five years. The legislation also allocates funds for public transit, airports, electric vehicles, clean drinking water, and environmental remediation.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) revealed that he tested positive for the coronavirus despite being fully vaccinated. “I started having flu-like symptoms Saturday night and went to the doctor this morning. I feel like I have a sinus infection and at present time I have mild symptoms. I will be quarantining for ten days,” he said on Monday. “I am very glad I was vaccinated because without vaccination I am certain I would not feel as well as I do now,” he added. According to The Hill, a group of senators, including Graham, gathered on Sen. Joe Manchin’s (D-WV) houseboat over the weekend.

Rep. Priscilla Giddings (R-ID) stands accused of violating ethics rules by sharing the identity of an alleged rape victim in disparaging social media posts and then allegedly misleading lawmakers about her actions. Giddings shared the rape accuser’s name, photo, and biographical details in social media posts and a newsletter to her constituents. Gidding’s had an ethics hearing on Monday where she said that she’d done nothing wrong and that the complaints against her were politically motivated. The lawmaker accused of raping the intern, Republican Aaron von Ehlinger, resigned earlier this year after the ethics committee recommended his removal. Von Ehlinger has denied all wrongdoing. The sexual assault allegation is under police investigation.

Be well,

Fraser Dixon

Sources

• Rep. McCaul on House GOP’s bombshell Wuhan lab report: ‘Greatest cover-up in human history’
• CDC can’t stop evictions, as Biden calls on states to act
• FBI agent allegedly used photos of female staff as bait in sex-trafficking sting
• Here’s What’s Included In The Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill
• Graham says he has COVID-19 ‘breakthrough’ infection
• Hearing begins for lawmaker who shared rape accuser’s name