As of today, at least four House representatives have tested positive for COVID-19 after sheltering during the Capitol assault with members that refused to wear masks. While lawmakers have received vaccination shots and new rules have been established to impose fines on those that don't wear masks, it will likely take many months to safely return legislative buildings to full capacity.
In this dangerous environment, remote voting by proxy has been a critical tool to keep the business of Congress moving. Below, Jackson Gode and Molly Reynolds detail how the 116th Congress made use of remote voting, discuss criticisms raised by Republicans, and emphasize the importance of the system going forward.
In addition, our experts look more broadly at governance challenges during the pandemic, highlight how city leadership and infrastructure investments can drive a more equitable recovery, and take stock of where things stand abroad.
Governing amid COVID-19
Remote voting remains an essential option. Providing this alternative to in-person voting is key to protecting members, their staff, and the Capitol's thousands of support personnel, Jackson Gode and Molly Reynolds contend.
How Congress can help state and local governments. With states and localities continuing to struggle with the recession, a panel of experts convened for a Brookings webinar to discuss the best ways for the federal government to provide support.
Renewing U.S. global engagement. The pandemic's economic, social, and political disruption has led to a changed world. With the Biden administration entering office soon, George Ingram shares several ways to reassert America’s leadership on the global stage.
Cities, infrastructure, and the pandemic recovery
How cities can drive a sustainable recovery. Many of the traits that define the uniqueness of cities have led to difficulties controlling the spread of COVID-19. Anthony Pipa and Max Bouchet discuss how city leaders are working to restore public health and economic security.
Addressing the harms of legacy infrastructure. The coronavirus crisis has highlighted decades of infrastructure failures in the United States. "To truly improve the country's infrastructure and help the most vulnerable households, federal leaders cannot simply throw more money at shiny new projects," Joseph Kane and Shalini Vajjhala write.
What the pandemic reveals about traffic. The pandemic has proved that solving congestion doesn't address America's bigger transportation problems. Overcoming structural issues will require a new approach, Adie Tomer and Joseph Kane argue.
The international landscape
Striving for more than a return to normalcy. The pre-pandemic normal had dire implications for the world. Zia Khan and John McArthur explain how the Sustainable Development Goals can provide a roadmap for a better future.
COVID-19 in Southeast Asia. "As the fight to contain COVID-19 continues, the Southeast Asian story of pandemic preparedness and response provides useful insights on what can be done better to avoid some of the serious policy missteps in the future," Mely Caballero-Anthony writes.
The pandemic and armed groups. Nonstate armed actors—militants, militias, and criminal groups—are gaining power. Vanda Felbab-Brown looks at how this trend has been exacerbated by the coronavirus crisis and what may come next this year.
COVID-19's legacy of debt in developing countries. Debt restructuring will loom large on the international policy agenda in 2021. Homi Kharas and Meagan Dooley discuss a path forward.
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