The Point: Partisan squabbling slows January 6 inquiry progress

View this email in your browser   July 23, 2021  | by Lauren Dezenski and Sonnet Swire Partisan squabbling slows 1/6 inquiry progress More than six months have passed since the January 6 insurrection, yet Republicans and Democrats' ongoing haggling has only further hampered progress on one of Congress' important investigations.   After GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy nominated firebrand Reps. Jim Jordan and Jim Banks among the five Republicans offered to the January 6 select committee, Pelosi responded in kind, vetoing the two Republicans. "The unprecedented nature of January 6th demands this unprecedented decision," Pelosi said by way of explanation in rejecting Jordan and Banks.   Now, McCarthy has withdrawn all five Republicans from consideration, leaving Pelosi in a bind and Republicans with ammo in their ongoing messaging war against the Democratic House speaker. It seems the California Democrat is even looking outside of the chamber for bipartisan bonafides, potentially naming former GOP Rep. Denver Riggleman to the commission, report CNN's Melanie Zanona and Manu Raju.   Across the country, as the Delta variant of Covid-19 tightens its grip, it's increasingly clear the unvaccinated portion of the country is bearing the brunt of the virus. Officials report a surge in cases and hospitalizations among the still-sizable portion of the country that remains unvaccinated. That has prompted leaders of all stripes to speak up about vaccinations, including reassessing vaccination incentives and requirements.   Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey put it bluntly: "It's time to start blaming the unvaccinated folks, not the regular folks," the Republican governor told reporters on Thursday. "It's the unvaccinated folks that are letting us down."   Even among the vaccinated, Covid-19 is stubbornly sneaking back into the Capitol. It nearly stole the spotlight from Texas Democrats' dramatic escape to Washington to push voting rights. Aides to the White House and Speaker Nancy Pelosi tested positive after meeting with the lawmakers, at least six of whom have tested positive for Covid-19.   The Point: Whether it's for the January 6 select committee or the nation's fight against Covid-19, progress feels stubbornly fleeting.   -- Lauren QUOTE OF THE DAY "The conclusion that abortion is a constitutional right has no basis in text, structure, history or tradition." -- Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch, telling the Supreme Court that Roe v. Wade is "egregiously wrong" and should be overturned. Oral arguments in the case will likely be heard in the late fall or early winter, with a decision expected by next June, ahead of the midterm elections. THE WEEK IN 12 HEADLINES This week, Senate Republicans blocked a key vote to start debate on a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill long sought by President Joe Biden, leaving his political agenda potentially on the brink. Meanwhile, the White House toughened its tone regarding Covid-19 as the Delta variant continued to spread and some cities reassessed their relaxed mask mandates.   Monday Bipartisan infrastructure deal on life support as key Senate test vote looms US blames China for hacks, opening new front in cyber offensive Tuesday Trump ally Tom Barrack jailed on charges of acting as an agent of a foreign government Federal judge blocks Arkansas' near-total abortion ban Wednesday Republicans block vote on bipartisan infrastructure bill, pushing for more time to write it Biden says he believes kids under 12 will be able to get Covid-19 vaccines 'soon,' but it's up to scientists McCarthy pulls his 5 GOP members from 1/6 committee after Pelosi rejects 2 of his picks Thursday Biden officials shift to an urgent tone as Covid-19 fight enters troubling new phase Biden administration sanctions Cuban regime in wake of protests Mississippi asks US Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade Friday Biden administration purchases extra Pfizer doses to prepare for possibility of children vaccine needs and booster shots Extreme weather events put spotlight on climate change's toll on US infrastructure LAUREN'S GOOD READS This sure doesn't sound like someone who's definitely running for reelection: "I want to make sure that this US Senate seat is retained in Republican hands," Wisconsin's GOP Sen. Ron Johnson told conservative commentator Lisa Boothe, according to the Wisconsin State Journal. "You see what the media's doing to me. I may not be the best candidate. I wouldn't run if I don't think I could win, if I don't think I was the best person to be able to win."   The state of Tennessee is resuming all forms of vaccine outreach -- a reversal from their recent move to stop vaccine outreach to children. The Tennesseean has more.   ProPublica dug into Covid-19 vaccine refusal among elder care workers. This line stuck out: Vaccine refusal is regional and often aligns not only with individuals' political alignment but also with their preferred news sources and which social media they follow.   The good folks at Politico rounded up Trumpworld's 2024 veepstakes (assuming Trump runs, of course). Not on the list? Someone whose name that rhymes with "Shmike Schmence."   The Washington Post breaks down how Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky swims faster than the rest of the world. Teach me your ways!    As a child of the midwest, I love this WCCO story about how water towers work. MUSICAL INTERLUDE Love this summertime classic, "Boys of Summer" by Don Henley, as recommended by Point reader Doc Rose. Have a song of the summer rec? Drop me a line: Lauren.Dezenski@cnn.com. TOP TWEETS 1. The House Freedom Caucus is out for revenge on Speaker Pelosi 2. Nothing but respect for my new favorite team name 3. Remembering hip-hop's "clown prince" Biz Markie 4. It's lit! 5. Words to live by 6. Choir practice! ONE BIG RETURN TRIP President Biden is set to make his fifth visit to the Keystone State since taking office with a visit to the Lehigh Valley next week to tout American manufacturing, according to CNN's Kevin Liptak. 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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