A revised mask mandate; Stefanik is the new #3; Manchin has an idea on voting reform

<p>While it is welcome news that the fully vaccinated among us can now unmask in most places, it also brings more questions than answers in some ways. While Chris applauds the move, he asks, why not play it straight from the start? Both pre and post-Biden, the CDC has had a bit of a credibility dent for not being transparent in real time throughout the pandemic.</p><p><strong>Also on the table:</strong> Elise Stefanik ascends to the #3 House leadership role with a vote this morning. What does this mean for the direction of the new GOP? Her argument for the job has been that, like McConnell, she will oppose any and all that President Biden puts forth and that she'll continue to back former President Trump's election claims. </p><p><strong>Plus this on a Friday:</strong> WV Sen. Joe Manchin suggests a take on the <i>John Lewis Voting Rights Act</i>, making federal pre-clearance on any new voting laws a 50 state rule. So any states looking to change voting laws have to pass muster on the federal level of not disenfranchising minority populations before enactment. While it is a far cry from the <i>For The People Act</i>, it could immediately stop any questionable voting laws in their tracks until they are reviewed by the DOJ. Does he have/could he get the votes to do it?</p><p> </p>