(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, called on General Services Administration (GSA) Administrator Emily Murphy to put politics aside and begin a formal transition of power to provide President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris with the resources they need to combat COVID-19. In a letter, Senator Murray stressed that Administrator Murphy’s unprecedented delay is undermining critical work to keep communities safe and support students, workers, and families in Washington state and across the country during this crisis.
“You are choosing to put political loyalty ahead of public health and safety by refusing to make a determination of ascertainment to begin a formal transition of power to the President-elect,” wrote Senator Murray to Administrator Murphy.
“By delaying the start of the formal transition, you are impeding the ability for the incoming administration to receive access to resources and personnel. Such a delay could hamper the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has already claimed over 250,000 lives. It is completely unacceptable to delay the critical work to save lives, improve educational opportunities for students, or ensure workers are safe and healthy and families are able to make a living during this crisis,” continued Senator Murray.
Senator Murray noted that Administrator Murphy’s continued delays have prevented President-elect Biden and his transition team from accessing current executive branch employees and resources—limiting their ability to coordinate with current officials to facilitate a smooth pandemic response—and prevented the FBI from beginning background investigations on President-elect Biden’s nominees.
This action follows Senator Murray last week calling on Administrator Murphy to end her delay, immediately ascertain Vice President Joe Biden as President-elect and Senator Kamala Harris as Vice President-elect, and make available the transition resources that are provided by law.
Related news story: Trump Appointee Murphy: GSA Freeing Transition Resources--News Max
https://www.newsmax.com/us/gsa-biden/2020/11/23/id/998431/
COVID-19 disease transmission exceedingly high in Washington: 3-day cumulative total for cases is over 6,000
DOH PRESS RELEASE release 11. 23. 20
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Health’s (DOH) data report for today includes a backlog of cases. So, while we are reporting 6,277 new cases today, that number represents roughly three days’ worth of cases.
The message from health officials with the Washington State Department of Health has not changed: disease transmission is widespread throughout Washington state and we are at the highest risk we have been at throughout the entire pandemic. Case counts, hospitalizations, and other metrics are all increasing at this time. Washingtonians need to wear their face coverings, watch their distance by staying at least 6 feet away from persons not living in their household, and wash their hands. Do not have friends and other family inside your home for social gatherings. Social gatherings of up to 5 people outside, distanced, and wearing a face covering at all times is a safer way to connect with others. Safest is through telephone or video chats.
We are in a very dangerous time of this pandemic—health care workers, other essential workers, our elders, persons with chronic diseases, and our family and friends all need your help staying safe.
Data:
The surge in cases and testing over the last week created a backlog in the DOH data systems as reported Saturday. That backlog has been cleared as of today. To ensure we are getting positive tests in a timely fashion, DOH worked with laboratories to delay their reporting to us of the negative test results. Therefore, DOH will not be reporting daily negative test or total tests data or percent positivity at least through Monday, Nov. 30th. For the most current picture of recent trends, we recommend consulting the DOH dashboard’s epidemiologic curve tab.
“The epidemiologic curve tells the most crucial part of the story, which is that our disease transmission is skyrocketing,” says State Health Officer Kathy Lofy. “We have grave concerns about what will happen in the coming weeks if people gather at Thanksgiving, or any other time in the near future, and spread COVID-19 to their friends and loved ones.”
“COVID-19 activity is increasing throughout Washington state, leading to more cases, straining the testing sites and hospital capacity. It is more critical than ever for Washingtonians to actively help reduce the spread of this deadly virus,” says Secretary of Health John Wiesman. “Everyone should stay home as much as possible, and not congregate with people outside their immediate households, especially during the upcoming holiday. It’s important to wear face coverings when you do go out, and to seek testing if you develop symptoms or if you’ve been exposed to someone who has, or is suspected to have, COVID-19.”
IN OTHER STATE NEWS:
No Mukilteo/Clinton ferry service for most of Dec. 29--WSOT
https://wsdot.wa.gov/news/2020/11/23/no-mukilteo-clinton-ferry-service-most-dec-29
State expands who’s eligible for $1.1 million still left in Thurston’s rent assistance fund--THE OLYMPIAN
https://www.theolympian.com/news/local/article247375304.html#storylink=mainstage_lead
Renton City Council moves to shut down hotel housing homeless people, restrict future shelters--Seattle Times
Rantz: As Seattle City Council defunded police, two victims were stabbed nearby--MY NORTHWEST
https://mynorthwest.com/2327012/rantz-city-council-defund-police-stabbings/
IN OTHER HEADLINE NEWS...
WORLD NEWS HEADLINES:
Protect civilians, UN rights chief tells warring parties in Ethiopia’s Tigray region.
The UN's top human rights official has called on the parties to the conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region to give “clear and unambiguous orders” to their forces not to target civilians, and protect them from assault. --UN NEWS CENTER
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/11/1078422
'Deplorable' killing of Afro-Brazilian man shows need to address racism, discrimination.
The killing of an Afro-Brazilian man, and the widespread outrage it has sparked, underscores the urgent need for the Government to tackle racism and racial discrimination in South America’s largest country, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, said on Tuesday. ---UN NEWS CENTER
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/11/1078432
Fears of Desert Locust resurgence in Horn of Africa
The Desert Locust crisis which struck the greater Horn of Africa region earlier this year threatening food supplies for millions, could re-escalate as recent strong winds carried mature swarmlets from southern Somalia into eastern and northeastern Kenya, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said on Tuesday.---UN NEWS CENTER
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/11/1078392
USUN: Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on the Situation in Iraq (via VTC)
NATIONAL HEADLINES:
North Carolina Man Sentenced for Violating Fair Housing Act and Threatening a Family Because of Their Race
The Justice Department announced today that Douglas Matthew Gurkins, 34,was sentenced to 28 months in prison, followed by three years supervised release, for using threats of force against an African American family because of the family members’ race and because they were renting a dwelling.--DOJ
NIFA Funds Tribal Programs to Support Learning, Health & Opportunity--USDA blog
FDA Approves First Drug to Treat Rare Metabolic Disorder
Approval is for primary hyperoxaluria type 1, which causes recurrent kidney stones and loss of kidney function---FDA
NEWEST ‘HUMANS OF HUD’ VIDEO TELLS HOPEFUL STORY OF PHILADELPHIA WOMAN OVERCOMING ADVERSITY
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today launched the latest story in the “Humans of HUD” campaign, a series that features inspiring stories of individuals who have overcome hardships with assistance from HUD.
https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_20_197
BUSINESS & FINANCE HEADLINES:
Get Ready for Taxes: Steps to take now to make tax filing easier in 2021--IRS
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/get-ready-for-taxes-steps-to-take-now-to-make-tax-filing-easier-in-2021
The Treasury Department and IRS issue final regulations regarding like-kind exchanges of real property.
WASHINGTON – Today the Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service issued final regulations PDF relating to section 1031 like-kind exchanges. These final regulations address the definition of real property under section 1031 and also provide a rule addressing the receipt of personal property that is incidental to real property received in a like-kind exchange.
The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) limited like-kind exchange treatment to exchanges of real property. As of January 1, 2018, exchanges of personal or intangible property such as vehicles, artwork, collectibles, patents, and other intellectual property generally do not qualify for nonrecognition of gain as like-kind exchanges. Also, like-kind exchange treatment applies only to exchanges of real property held for use in a trade or business or for investment. An exchange of real property held primarily for sale does not qualify as a like-kind exchange.
Under the final regulations, real property includes land and generally anything permanently built on or attached to land. In general, real property also includes property that is characterized as real property under applicable State or local law. In addition, certain intangible property, such as leaseholds or easements, qualifies as real property under section 1031. Property not eligible for like-kind exchange treatment prior to enactment of the TCJA remains ineligible. Neither the TCJA nor the final regulations change whether the properties exchanged are of like kind.
To report a like-kind exchange, taxpayers must file Form 8824, Like-Kind Exchanges, with their tax return for the year they transfer property as part of a like-kind exchange. This form helps taxpayers figure the amount of gain deferred as a result of the like-kind exchange, as well as the basis of the like-kind property received. Form 8824 also helps taxpayers compute the amount of gain they must report if cash or property that isn't of a like-kind is involved in the exchange.
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/the-treasury-department-and-irs-issue-final-regulations-regarding-like-kind-exchanges-of-real-property
A Very Special Native American Heritage Month.
Every November, we celebrate “Native American Heritage Month.” While organizations such as the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development are focused on honoring and uplifting Native communities year round, the month is a terrific opportunity to reflect on the contributions that American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians have made to our country and economic success. --US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
https://www.uschamber.com/series/above-the-fold/very-special-native-american-heritage-month
Maryland Tax Preparer Indicted for Preparing False Returns
Concealed Involvement by Paying Others to Use Their IRS Filing Credentials--DOJ
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/maryland-tax-preparer-indicted-preparing-false-returns
More coverage of the election fraud case:
Trump Lawyer Jenna Ellis Compares Biden Picking Cabinet to 'Fantasy Football'--PJ MEDIA
Newt Gingrich On Politics, Voter Fraud, And Thanksgiving Lockdowns--The Federalist
Big Tech Rigs an Election
A noted researcher points an accusatory finger at Google.--The Patriot Post
https://patriotpost.us/articles/75142-big-tech-rigs-an-election-2020-11-24
Presidential Election Isn’t Over Yet, Conservative Leaders Say--Daily Signal
https://www.dailysignal.com/2020/11/23/presidential-election-isnt-over-yet-conservative-leaders-say/
TODAY'S VIDEO
President @realDonaldTrump reacts to the RECORD stock market high under his leadership!
President Donald Trump reacts to the RECORD stock market high under his leadership!
https://www.facebook.com/officialteamtrump/videos/174878470954565
OFFICIAL ELECTION DEFENSE FUND!
For a short time, you can INCREASE your impact by 1000%!
Socialism Failed Miserably For The American Pilgrims, Just Like It Does Everywhere
Private property rights and personal responsibility saved the Plymouth colony from the edge of extinction and laid the economic foundation for a free and prosperous nation.--THE FEDRIALIST
Editorial note: Something to ponder when those who want to destroy our nation embracing Communism.
Colossians 2:6-7 (New King James Version)
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
