The Point: Biden charts mask-free future while GOP brawls

View this email in your browser   May 14, 2021  | by Lauren Dezenski, Chris Cillizza and Sonnet Swire Biden charts mask-free future while GOP brawls With Rep. Liz Cheney's ouster from leadership, the war within the Republican conference came to a head this week.   It served as yet another sign of former President Donald Trump's fingerprints on the party. Cheney would not back down from her criticism of Trump, and thus, House Republicans had enough.   Cheney's replacement, Rep. Elise Stefanik, an upwardly mobile New York Republican who has fully embraced Trumpism, was diplomatic about Trump's dwindling naysayers in the House.   "Liz Cheney is a part of this conference," Stefanik said after the vote. "Adam Kinzinger is a part of this conference. They were elected and sent here by the people in their district. They're part of this Republican conference."   At the White House, the Biden administration courted members of the Republican conference (as well as Democrats) in their ongoing negotiations over a massive infrastructure package. There was a real-world reminder of the need for investment, Democrats argue, when traffic and shipping had to be shut down due to a critical crack in Memphis' Hernando de Soto Bridge on Interstate 40.   And then there's digital infrastructure. The Colonial Pipeline hack, and subsequent supply issues in the Southeast -- exacerbated, in part, by a crush of anxious drivers filling up with extra gasoline -- served as a reminder of the unseen but ever-present cyber threats to entities both private and public.   Despite it all, the week closes with some optimism. With vaccinations steadily increasing, the CDC delivered news that felt like a victory declaration: Masks are no longer needed for those who are fully vaccinated (except in certain circumstances).    As a maskless President Joe Biden put it: "If you're fully vaccinated, and can take your mask off, you have earned the right to do something that Americans are known for all around the world: greeting others with a smile."   The Point: There's a lot going on, but let's just savor the good news: For those who are fully vaccinated, it's OK to begin to ditch the masks.   -- Lauren QUOTE OF THE DAY "I believe we have a fair, solid bill that will deliver answers on the federal response and preparedness to ensure nothing like this happens ever again." -- Rep. John Katko, a New York Republican who negotiated the January 6 commission deal with Democrats, said the measure would "create an independent, bipartisan commission to investigate the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6 as well as security vulnerabilities of the Capitol complex."  THE WEEK IN 12 HEADLINES This week, congressional dealmakers sought bipartisan progress on key Biden agenda items. Meanwhile, the White House continued to push its infrastructure agenda forward despite gas shortages at home and a worsening conflict in the Middle East.   Monday  Congress faces make-or-break moment to secure bipartisan deals on key Biden priorities  Biden pushes economic aid proposals as GOP calls for paring back unemployment benefits  Tuesday  Liz Cheney strikes defiant tone in floor speech on eve of her expected ousting from House GOP leadership  Biden administration officials privately frustrated with Colonial Pipeline's weak security ahead of crippling cyberattack  Wednesday  Liz Cheney loses House Republican leadership post over feud with Trump  Elise Stefanik faces increased conservative headwinds in rise to leadership  Biden speaks with Netanyahu as Israeli and Palestinian violence pulls US focus back to Middle East  Thursday  Biden touts new CDC mask guidance as 'a great day for America'  Republicans draw 'red line' on increasing taxes to fund Biden's infrastructure plan  Gaetz ally plans to plead guilty and cooperate with prosecutors  Friday  House strikes deal to create independent January 6 commission House Republicans vote to make Elise Stefanik conference chair replacing Liz Cheney TOP TWEETS OF THE DAY 1. Wait, Ilhan Omar is more conservative than Elise Stefanik??? 2. AOC diagnoses MTG 3. Lots of House GOPers haven't gotten the 💉💉💉 4. I love this thread on Covid risk by NYTer David Leonhardt 5.  I'd get vaccinated again for this CHRIS' GOOD READS I learned that Biden has a big-time temper from this New York Times article about his first few months as President.   And I learned about the lost generation of female editors at The Washington Post from this piece in Politico.   Attention is the new currency of our culture. I loved this Kevin Roose piece in The New York Times on that reality -- reflected in the making of a Dogecoin millionaire.   I have always wondered what it would be like to own a racehorse ... and The Atlantic explains it all!   This piece by the AJC's Bill Torpy on a son who never made it to his college graduation is both sad and inspiring all at once. MUSICAL INTERLUDE A new St. Vincent album is a moment for celebration. So, celebrate! Her new one is called "Daddy's Home." LET'S GET QUIZZICAL Question: On this day in 1804, Lewis and Clark left St. Louis to explore what region of North America?    a. Southeast b. Southwest c. Northwest d. Midwest   Send your answers to cillizza@cnn.com and lauren.dezenski@cnn.com! ONE BIG 💉 100% The percentage of congressional Democrats who say they have been vaccinated, by CNN's count. For Republicans, at least 44.8% of House members are vaccinated and at least 92% of senators are, according to CNN's survey of Capitol Hill. You are receiving this message because you subscribed to CNN's The Point with Chris Cillizza newsletter. Unsubscribe from this list Check out other CNN Newsletters Create your CNN Account Share the Point Newsletter Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now to get The Point in your inbox.   Send your tips and thoughts via email to Chris Cillizza and Lauren Dezenski. You can follow Chris and Lauren on Twitter and connect with The Point on: Our mailing address is: One CNN Center Atlanta, GA 30303   Copyright © 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., All rights reserved.

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