National

The Senate is getting an all-member classified briefing on Thursday in the wake of the surveillance balloon that traveled across part of the U.S., a spokesperson for Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) told Axios.

The big picture: Some lawmakers have been demanding more information related to the balloon and Republican lawmakers have criticized President Biden for not shooting it down sooner.

A classified briefing focused on China had already been scheduled for Feb. 15, but the briefing will now focus on the balloon, NBC News reports.

Driving the news: “At the all-Senators classified briefing, the Department of Defense will brief us on how the U.S. military stacks up against China and the latest about the surveillance balloon," Schumer said in a news release. 

Schumer has not received the briefing, but "the parameters usually involve where we stand with respect to China on everything from surveillance capabilities, research and development, advance weapons systems and other critical platforms that would allow for either side to have an upper hand in a conflict," per the statement.

State of play: Schumer also defended the Biden administration's actions in taking down the balloon, in the face of GOP criticism. 

“Republican critics were breathless, political and premature. President Biden and his team were calm, calculating and effective,” he said.

House Intelligence Chair Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio), meanwhile, said Sunday: "I think this administration lacks urgency," referring to the balloon. 

Biden gave his authorization Wednesday to take down the surveillance balloon "as soon as the mission could be accomplished without undue risk to American lives under the balloon’s path," per the Department of Defense.

Go deeper: Trump denies Chinese balloons flew over U.S. during his administration 

Editor's note: This article has been updated with comment from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's spokesperson.

Senators to receive classified briefing this week on China balloon

“Republican critics were breathless, political and premature," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, speaks during a news conference at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023. 

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer speaks during a news conference at the Capitol on Feb. 2. Photo: Ting Shen/Bloomberg via Getty Images 

Chuck Schumer

The Senate is getting an all-member classified briefing on Thursday in the wake of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="surveillance balloon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/04/what-we-know-china-balloon" data-vars-content-id="381f7169-d180-473e-a755-8395e772e4fc" data-vars-headline="Senators to receive classified briefing this week on China balloon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/04/what-we-know-china-balloon" target="_self">surveillance balloon</a> that traveled across part of the U.S., a spokesperson for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Majority Leader Chuck Schumer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/01/30/chuck-schumer-debt-limit-negotiations" data-vars-content-id="381f7169-d180-473e-a755-8395e772e4fc" data-vars-headline="Senators to receive classified briefing this week on China balloon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/01/30/chuck-schumer-debt-limit-negotiations" target="_self">Majority Leader Chuck Schumer</a> (D-N.Y.) told Axios.The big picture: Some lawmakers have been demanding more information related to the balloon and Republican lawmakers have criticized <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Biden" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/joe-biden" data-vars-content-id="381f7169-d180-473e-a755-8395e772e4fc" data-vars-headline="Senators to receive classified briefing this week on China balloon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/joe-biden" target="_self">President Biden</a> for not <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shooting it down sooner" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/05/china-balloon" data-vars-content-id="381f7169-d180-473e-a755-8395e772e4fc" data-vars-headline="Senators to receive classified briefing this week on China balloon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/05/china-balloon" target="_self">shooting it down sooner</a>.

President Biden has made the COVID-19 crisis and a post-Trump return to national unity and traditional democratic ideals his top priorities. From vaccinations to stimulus to schools, Biden is seeking bipartisan compromise while showing a willingness to use executive authority and bare Democratic majorities in the U.S. House and Senate to implement his policies. Republican leaders are navigating deep party divisions over if and how to move beyond former President Trump.

Politics & Policy

Joining other members of his party who have blasted Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.), Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) called the embattled lawmaker "a sick puppy" ahead of President Biden's State of the Union speech and said that he didn't belong in Congress.

The big picture: Republicans, including some House members, have been calling for Santos' resignation over revelations that he fabricated vast swaths of his resume, background and personal finances. 

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said last month that Santos will be removed from Congress if the House Ethics Committee finds he broke the law, the closest the California Republican has come to naming potential consequences for Santos.

Santos told colleagues he would step down from his assignments on the Small Business and Science Committees.

Driving the news: Rep. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.), who had previously called on Santos to resign, referred to him as "a sociopath" on CNN's "State of the Union" on Feb. 8, adding: "He does not deserve to be in Congress." 

Reps. Marc Molinaro (R-N.Y.) and Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) in January joined the calls for Santos to resign — meaning all freshman House Republicans from New York have done so.

"I just don’t see how he can fulfill his duty," Molinaro told Axios in an interview at the Capitol, adding that, if Santos remains in Congress, "I don’t think he should serve on committees."

Lawler said in a statement that Santos has "lost the confidence and support of his party,” and that “with the extent and severity of the allegations … I believe he is unable to fulfill his duties and should resign."

Of note: Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) joined the fray after initially calling for "due process," saying in a CNN interview that Santos should resign. She was the first House Republican from outside New York to call for Santos' resignation.

Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) issued a statement in January also calling for Santos to resign. "I believe voters have the right to hold government officials to the very highest standard of honesty and trustworthiness," Miller said. 

"The people's representatives must respect the need for transparency and candor with Americans. It is not okay to fabricate or lie for political gain," he added. "This is especially true when the lie seeks benefit from the murder of millions of Jewish people. I do not believe George Santos can effectively serve and should resign."

The backdrop: Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (R-N.Y.), Santos’ fellow Long Islander who holds the bluest seat of any Republican, opened the floodgates by becoming the first of Santos’ colleagues to call for his resignation.

D’Esposito joined a group of Republican Party officials from Nassau County, a major chunk of both his and Santos’ districts, calling for Santos’ resignation.

Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-N.Y.), the chair of the New York GOP, followed up in a statement: “I support the Nassau Republicans' decision today to request the resignation of George Santos.”

LaLota previously told Axios, “I think he should resign … He hasn't shown any remorse, he hasn't corrected any of the behavior.”

Rep. Brandon Williams (R-N.Y.) said in a statement: “The constituents in NY-3 elected Representative Santos in part due to his biographical exaggerations and apparent deceptions … He must resign.”

Between the lines: McCarthy has so far resisted calling for Santos' resignation directly, saying previously that "the voters of his district have elected him."

McCarthy's posture has shifted in recent weeks and has signaled that his positioning could change after the Ethics Committee probe runs its course.

State of play: Santos’ vote is critical for House GOP leadership as the party holds just a five-seat majority – and his seat could easily go to a Democrat in a special election.

What he’s saying: Santos has said that he is "not concerned" about the mounting calls for his resignation or the House ethic probe, CNN reports.

“You’re saying that the freedom of speech of my constituents is a distraction to my work?” Santos said. 

“Do you think people are a distraction to the work I’m doing here?

What we’re watching: Whether Democrats take the monumental step of introducing a privileged resolution to expel Santos from Congress.

A pair of New York Democrats in January filed an Ethics Committee complaint against Santos and introduced legislation requiring candidates for federal office to disclose more background information in response to Santos’ scandals.

However, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has suggested he’s content to leave the heavy lifting to McCarthy, telling reporters at a press conference on Thursday: “This is an issue Republicans need to handle. Clean up your house." 

Go deeper: McCarthy stands by Santos as GOP calls for his resignation mount

Editor's note: This article has been updated with additional reporting and developments. 

All the House Republicans who have called for George Santos to resign

The mounting calls stand in stark contrast to the position of House Republican leaders.

Rep. George Santos, wearing a blue suit jacket, white shirt and yellow tie, stands in an elevator at the Capitol.

Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.). Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call Inc. via Getty Images

House Republicans

New York City drops COVID-19 vaccine requirement for city workers

"The COVID-19 vaccine mandate for city workers has helped keep New Yorkers safe and New York City operations running."

People wear mask after New York City's health officials have issued an advisory, strongly urging New Yorkers to use masks as COVID-19, flu, and RSV cases rise, on December 12, 2022 in New York

Some people wear masks after New York City's health officials issued an advisory on Dec. 12, 2022, in New York. Photo: Fatih Aktas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

COVID-19

Coronavirus

New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) announced Monday that he is lifting the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="COVID-19 vaccine mandate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/health/coronavirus" data-vars-content-id="95d8e6aa-c651-4c1e-85d8-9d3d0cdb335d" data-vars-headline="New York City drops COVID-19 vaccine requirement for city workers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/health/coronavirus" target="_self">COVID-19 vaccine mandate</a> for current and prospective city workers starting Friday.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Other states" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/05/california-schools-covid-vaccine-mandate" data-vars-content-id="95d8e6aa-c651-4c1e-85d8-9d3d0cdb335d" data-vars-headline="New York City drops COVID-19 vaccine requirement for city workers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/05/california-schools-covid-vaccine-mandate" target="_self">Other states</a> and companies have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="moved away from COVID-19 vaccine mandates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/09/09/companies-are-dropping-vaccine-mandates" data-vars-content-id="95d8e6aa-c651-4c1e-85d8-9d3d0cdb335d" data-vars-headline="New York City drops COVID-19 vaccine requirement for city workers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/09/09/companies-are-dropping-vaccine-mandates" target="_self">moved away from COVID-19 vaccine mandates</a>, and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="White House said last month" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/01/31/covid-19-emergency-status-end-may-biden" data-vars-content-id="95d8e6aa-c651-4c1e-85d8-9d3d0cdb335d" data-vars-headline="New York City drops COVID-19 vaccine requirement for city workers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/01/31/covid-19-emergency-status-end-may-biden" target="_self">White House said last month</a> that the Biden administration plans to end the COVID-19 public health emergency by the spring.

The U.S. faces a range of health care flashpoints — unaffordable drugs, opioids, vaping — as we debate whether to adopt universal care. For now, the Affordable Care Act is the law of the land, but Republicans want to issue it a final death blow.

Health

President Biden made unity the focal point of his State of the Union address to a newly divided Congress on Tuesday night even while using the speech as a traditional victory lap. 

Driving the news: "I promised to be the president for all Americans. We’ll fund your projects. And I’ll see you at the ground-breaking," the president said in touting passage of the bipartisan infrastructure deal.

He ribbed "my Republican friends who voted against it," noting: "I still get asked to fund the projects in those districts as well."

Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, standing behind Biden on Tuesday evening, opposed the bill when he was minority leader.

What Biden said about gun violence, Tyre Nichols

In the audience were the parents of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man who died days after being beaten during a traffic stop last month and who was buried last week.

Biden spoke from his own experience, saying: “there are no words to describe the heartbreak and grief of losing a child.” But, he noted, “I’ve never had to have the talk with my children — Beau, Hunter, and Ashley — that so many Black and brown families have had with their children."

“Imagine having to worry like that every day in America,” he added.

Biden called for equal protection under the law, and for more resources toward law enforcing training. “Something good must come from this,” he said, appealing to the lawmakers in the room to “finish the job on police reform.”

Democrats and some Republicans rose and applauded when Biden said: “When police officers or departments violate the public’s trust, we must hold them accountable.”

Biden noted the attack and “political violence” unleashed on Paul Pelosi, husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), saying the assailant used “the very same language” of Jan. 6 insurrectionists.“There is no place for political violence in America,” Biden said, adding that the results of elections must be honored.

Biden condemned the “murderous assault” of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and praised the unity of the U.S. and its allies in standing by Ukraine.

The president's words garnered standing applause from both Republicans and Democrats in the Chamber.

“We are going to stand with you as long as it takes,” Biden said as he called for Oksana Markarova, Ukraine’s ambassador to the U.S., to stand as the crowd applauded.

Biden opened his speech on Tuesday taking credit for how the country has emerged from the pandemic.

“The story of America is a story of progress and resilience. Of always moving forward. Of never ever giving up,” Biden said. 

“Today, COVID no longer controls our lives,” he said. 

Biden honed in on manufacturing jobs across the nation, touting that his his administration has created “800,000 good-paying manufacturing jobs, the fastest growth in 40 years.”

“Where is it written that America can’t lead the world in manufacturing again?” he said.

He touted the passage of the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, which drew bipartisan applause, and celebrated the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure law.

Biden dedicated only a few sentences of his speech to the topic of abortion, calling for the restoration of rights taken away by the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

The president condemned the “extreme abortion bans” passed by some states, promising that the administration was “doing everything we can to protect access to reproductive health care and safeguard patient privacy.”

Biden also vowed to veto any national abortion ban passed by Congress.

Pins become political statements at State of the Union

Guest list: Who are the plus-ones at Biden's State of the Union

Editor's note: This story has been updated with new details. 

Biden ribs GOP lawmakers during SOTU: "I'll see you at the groundbreaking"

Biden made unity the focal point of his address, but not without some levity.

State of the Union

Joe Biden

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Biden" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/joe-biden" data-vars-content-id="bcc185ca-b56c-4ccf-912c-0414d60e1ea6" data-vars-headline="Biden ribs GOP lawmakers during SOTU: &quot;I&#x27;ll see you at the groundbreaking&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/joe-biden" target="_self">President Biden</a> made unity the focal point of his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="State of the Union address" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/08/sotu-2023-biden-transcript" data-vars-content-id="bcc185ca-b56c-4ccf-912c-0414d60e1ea6" data-vars-headline="Biden ribs GOP lawmakers during SOTU: &quot;I&#x27;ll see you at the groundbreaking&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/08/sotu-2023-biden-transcript" target="_self">State of the Union address</a> to a newly divided Congress on Tuesday night even while using the speech as a traditional victory lap. Driving the news: &quot;I promised to be the president for all Americans. We’ll fund your projects. And I’ll see you at the ground-breaking,&quot; the president said in touting passage of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bipartisan infrastructure deal" data-vars-click-url="infrastructure" data-vars-content-id="bcc185ca-b56c-4ccf-912c-0414d60e1ea6" data-vars-headline="Biden ribs GOP lawmakers during SOTU: &quot;I&#x27;ll see you at the groundbreaking&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="infrastructure" target="_blank">bipartisan infrastructure deal</a>.

Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday praised President Biden's "command" during his State of the Union address despite the "theatrical element" from some Republicans who repeatedly interrupted and heckled him. 

The big picture: During his first SOTU as president with a GOP-led House, Biden went off script Tuesday night and took aim at Republicans in a series of confrontations, provoking strong reactions from some of his colleagues across the aisle.

Driving the news: Republican lawmakers defied House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's call for civility and interrupted Biden's speech several times. 

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) called Biden a "liar" and other Republicans shouted "secure the border" — a reference to their claim that Biden hasn't done enough to stop illegal immigration.

The president's specific claim that "some Republicans want Medicare and Social Security to sunset" prompted an uproar, including heckling and boos, from some Republicans seated in the chamber.

The Washington Post noted it had been more than a decade since a Republican lawmaker "appeared to cross a threshold by yelling 'You lie,'" referring to Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.)'s outburst during then-President Barack Obama's 2009 speech to a joint session of Congress.

What she's saying: "There sadly tends to be a theatrical element to that evening as time has gone on, but I think the president was in command and he was focused on the American people, as opposed to necessarily the gamesmanship that was being played in the room," Harris said Wednesday on CBS Mornings. 

Zoom out: Tuesday's State of the Union was a preview of Biden's likely 2024 presidential bid. He promoted a familiar message of unity, highlighting what he believes can get done if Republicans and Democrats cooperate.

Harris reiterated Wednesday that Biden "intends to run," adding: "If he does I'll be running with him."

Go deeper... Pins become political statements at State of the Union

VP Harris calls GOP heckling at SOTU "theatrical"

"The president was in command and he was focused on the American people," Harris said.

US Vice President Kamala Harris, center, arrives ahead of a State of the Union address at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023.

Vice President Kamala Harris arrives ahead of a State of the Union address at the Capitol in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 7. Photo: Jacquelyn Martin/AP/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Kamala Harris

Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday praised <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Biden" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/joe-biden" data-vars-content-id="da3b220a-9168-4df2-8138-0fd30eecedde" data-vars-headline="VP Harris calls GOP heckling at SOTU &quot;theatrical&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/joe-biden" target="_self">President Biden</a>&#x27;s &quot;command&quot; during his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="State of the Union" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/08/biden-state-of-the-union-address" data-vars-content-id="da3b220a-9168-4df2-8138-0fd30eecedde" data-vars-headline="VP Harris calls GOP heckling at SOTU &quot;theatrical&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/08/biden-state-of-the-union-address" target="_self">State of the Union</a> address despite the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="theatrical element" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/08/biden-state-of-the-union-challenge-republicans" data-vars-content-id="da3b220a-9168-4df2-8138-0fd30eecedde" data-vars-headline="VP Harris calls GOP heckling at SOTU &quot;theatrical&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/08/biden-state-of-the-union-challenge-republicans" target="_self">theatrical element</a>&quot; from some Republicans who repeatedly interrupted and heckled him. The big picture: During his first SOTU as president with a GOP-led House, Biden went off script Tuesday night and took aim at Republicans in a series of confrontations, provoking strong reactions from some of his colleagues across the aisle.

Erin Doherty

Stories

All the House Republicans who have called for George Santos to resign

VP Harris calls GOP heckling at SOTU "theatrical"

Biden ribs GOP lawmakers during SOTU: "I'll see you at the groundbreaking"

Senators to receive classified briefing this week on China balloon

New York City drops COVID-19 vaccine requirement for city workers