Monday, Dec. 20
á Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, warned Americans of a bleak winter as the omicron coronavirus variant triggers a new wave of infections globally. ÒOne thing thatÕs very clear É is [omicronÕs] extraordinary capability of spreading,Ó Fauci said. ÒNo matter how you look at it, when you have so many infections, even if it is less severe, that overcomes this slight to moderate diminution in severity.Ó
á The U.S. added 20,000 H-2B visas for seasonal, non-agricultural guest workers in its guest worker program to accommodate the spiking number of migrants trying to enter the country at its southern border. The U.S. typically allots 66,000 visas for the fiscal year.
á The State Department announced that current undersecretary for civilian security, democracy and human rights Uzra Zeya will serve as the new special coordinator for Tibetan issues. The goal of the coordinatorÕs office is to Òpromote substantive dialogueÓ between China and the Dalai Lama and push for the Òfundamental freedomsÓ of the Tibetan people.
Tuesday, Dec. 21
á President Joe Biden outlined his ÒWinter PlanÓ for COVID-19 mitigation, including 500 million rapid, at-home, COVID-19 tests available for free to the public starting in January, new vaccination sites and more federal support for ÒCOVID-burdenedÓ hospitals by activating some 1,000 military medical personnel to offer support to the overwhelmed hospitals. Biden also again pleaded with unvaccinated Americans to get their shots.
á Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the U.S. will contribute an additional $580 million to international efforts to control the coronavirus pandemic. ÒThe rapid spread of the omicron variant reinforces that we must all continue to accelerate our efforts to end this pandemic and that none of us are safe until all of us are safe,Ó Blinken said.
á China announced tit-for-tat sanctions on four members of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom — Chairwoman Nadine Maenza, Deputy Chairman Nury Turkel and members Anurima Bhargava and James Carr — in retaliation against U.S. sanctions on Chinese officials, which were made in response to complaints of abuses in the countryÕs northwestern Xinjiang region, where over a million minority Muslim Uyghurs are believed to have been forced into reeducation camps.
á The Census Bureau released new population estimates revealing that the U.S. population grew more slowly in 2021 than any other year on record with only about a 393,000 increase, a historic low of 0.1%. ÒThe slow rate of growth can be attributed to decreased net international migration, decreased fertility, and increased mortality due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic,Ó the bureau said.
Wednesday, Dec. 22
á Biden extended the moratorium on student loan repayments, which was set to end on Jan. 31, by another three months through May 1, as the omicron variant surges through the U.S. ÒWe know that millions of student loan borrowers are still coping with the impacts of the pandemic and need some more time before resuming payments,Ó Biden said in a statement, though he also urged people to Òprepare for payments to resume.Ó
á The Food and Drug Administration authorized the first oral pill against COVID-19, a Pfizer drug that can be taken at home to alleviate the worst effects of the coronavirus. ÒThe efficacy is high, the side effects are low and itÕs oral. It checks all the boxes,Ó said Dr. Gregory Poland of the Mayo Clinic. ÒYouÕre looking at a 90% decreased risk of hospitalization and death in a high-risk group — thatÕs stunning.Ó
á National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett to negotiate an approach to developing a new nuclear agreement with Iran. ÒItÕs important that we sit together and develop a common strategy, a common outlook, and find a way forward that fundamentally secures your countryÕs interests and mine,Ó Sullivan said according to an Israeli government statement.
á The TreasuryÕs Office of Foreign Assets Control issued three licenses that it described as Òbroad authorizationsÓ to ensure that the United Nations, American government agencies and aid groups can provide humanitarian relief to Afghanistan without breaking sanctions against the Taliban.
Thursday, Dec. 23
á Biden signed a new law banning products made in ChinaÕs Xinjiang region in protest against ChinaÕs oppression of its largely Muslim Uyghur minority population. The law passed in both the House and the Senate by unanimous votes earlier in the month. China referred to the new law as Òeconomic bullying.Ó
á Former President Donald Trump petitioned the Supreme Court in a last-ditch effort to keep his White House documents away from the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol. TrumpÕs lawyers argued that the Constitution and the Presidential Records Act give former presidents Òa clear right to protect their confidential records from premature dissemination.Ó
á In the process of rolling back Trump administration health policies, the Biden administration rejected work requirements for Medicaid recipients in Georgia, the last state to have a federal waiver for such restrictions. ÒGeorgiaÕs work requirements significantly compromise the state demonstrationÕs effectiveness in promoting coverage for intended beneficiaries,Ó a statement from Medicaid said.
Friday, Dec. 24
á The White HouseÕs assistant press secretary, Kevin Munoz, announced the U.S. will lift the restrictions imposed last month on travelers from Southern African nations on Dec. 31, in line with a recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Saturday, Dec. 25
Sunday, Dec. 26