Sen. Shelley Moore CapitoShelley Wellons Moore CapitoOn The Money: Social Security gives IRS data for COVID-19 relief checks | Senate passes bill heading off Medicare cuts OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Democrats target Trump methane rule with Congressional Review Act | Key Republican signals support for boosting EV infrastructure | Energy Department targets 60 percent reduction in solar costs by 2030 Key Republican signals support for augmenting electric vehicle infrastructure MORE (W.Va.), a key Republican on infrastructure issues, is expressing willingness to work with Democrats on electric vehicle infrastructure, but also disagreed with the size and scope of the current infrastructure package expected to be proposed by the White House.

In an interview with The Hill on Thursday, Capito, the top Republican on the Environment and Public Works Committee, mentioned working on electric vehicle charging stations as an area Republicans can support. 

“As we see GM and others pledge to be all electric by a certain date, we need to have the infrastructure in place,” Capito said. 

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She added that she doesn’t just think this should be a federal government effort, saying that “states, counties, cities and [the] private sector need to … contribute.”

She said, however, that the Republican approach might be more incremental than Democrats’ and would focus on market incentives. 

“I’m not sure that we’ll agree on the size and scope of electric vehicle infrastructure,” she said. “There’s always a tendency, I think, on the other side to just have the federal government take the whole over and I don’t think that’s going to be necessary because I think market forces are going to drive the development of this.” 

Capito added that she would support “not just full-out providing but some kind of tax incentives or some kind of credits.” 

Her comments come as the White House is preparing a massive proposal on infrastructure and other issues that is expected to cost $3 trillion.  

She said that upon hearing the price tag of the White House proposal she had “sticker shock” and thought that package seemed overly broad, based on reporting on it.

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“How do you get to $3 trillion on what I consider traditional infrastructure?” Capito said. “It includes rebuilding our schools, rebuilding housing. I mean, these are not traditional infrastructure reauthorizations as we have done them in the past.”

She also said that even though she supports some of the reported provisions, like family leave, she thinks there should be a “bipartisan discussion” on the measures. 

The Washington Post reported this week that the package would include $400 billion of spending on climate measures, including $60 billion for green transit infrastructure and $46 billion for climate-related research and development. It also reportedly aims to boost the availability of electric vehicle charging stations. 

“We want to be part of the solution, and I think those are part of the solutions,” Capito said when asked about the provisions, but cautioned, “You can’t flip a switch and have everybody drive an electric vehicle.”

“I think we would be better served to do this incrementally,” she said. “I think Republicans conceptually can agree with where we’re going but I don’t think the methods of which they’re going about this is anywhere close to what we can accept.”

Capito also expressed support for more research into and expanded tax credits for a type of still-developing technology called carbon capture, utilization and storage. 

This technology aims to capture carbon dioxide formed from activities like burning fossil fuels. 

“Carbon capture and utilization, [carbon capture tax credit] 45Q, we have another bill that works the carbon capture re-utilization on manufacturing. I think the research development that goes along with these things is absolutely critical. It’s critical for environmental issues and climate issues, but it’s very critical for the economic issues,” she said.

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Pfizer said Thursday that it began a clinical trial testing its COVID-19 vaccine in children under 12 this week, another milestone in expanding access to vaccinations beyond adults.

The company began a phase one trial this week, which will determine the correct dose of the vaccine, in a small group of 144 participants, children six months through 11 years of age. phase two and three trials in larger groups of participants will follow.

“Pfizer has deep experience in advancing clinical trials of vaccines in children and infants and is committed to improving the health and well-being of children through thoughtfully designed clinical trials,” the company said.

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Trials in children 12 and over have already started, and results are expected in the next few weeks, said Sharon Castillo, a company spokesperson.

The process for children under 12 is further behind, but widespread vaccinations in that group could start early next year.

Moderna likewise said it was moving forward with trials for children under 12 earlier this month.

Pfizer said it is “encouraged” by the data from children age 12 to 15 and hope to share results on that group “soon.”

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The Biden administration is preparing a massive spending proposal on infrastructure and other domestic priorities like child care and drug costs that could put fights over hot-button issues like climate change and taxes front and center.

A source familiar with the plans confirmed that administration officials are eyeing $3 trillion as the topline figure for its Build Back Better jobs and infrastructure proposal, though they cautioned talks are fluid and the final number could change. The sweeping package would constitute the White House’s follow-up to the $1.9 trillion economic relief measure signed into law earlier this month.

The new package is expected to be split into two separate bills. The first would focus on infrastructure, with spending on manufacturing and climate change measures, broadband and 5G, and the nation’s roads and bridges.

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The other measure would include funds for pre-K programs, free community college tuition, child tax credits and health care subsidies, according to multiple reports.

The White House declined to confirm details of the proposal, saying nothing had been finalized.

“President BidenJoe BidenGood luck, Dan Bongino! The Hill’s Morning Report – Biden’s next act: Massive infrastructure plan with tax hikes Conservative group says polling shows Dems’ voting rights bill ‘out of sync with American voters’ MORE and his team are considering a range of potential options for how to invest in working families and reform our tax code so it rewards work, not wealth,” White House press secretary Jen PsakiJen PsakiOn The Money: New batch of stimulus payments to hit accounts Wednesday | Biden eyes T infrastructure package | Senate confirms Walsh as Labor secretary White House eyes sweeping T spending proposal Texas Democrat’s office reveals photos of crowded Border Patrol facility MORE said in a statement Monday. “Those conversations are ongoing, so any speculation about future economic proposals is premature and not a reflection of the White House’s thinking.”

The administration has signaled for weeks that it planned to tackle infrastructure after getting the COVID-19 relief bill across the finish line. The issue has generally received bipartisan support, and President Biden has already met with members of both parties to discuss a potential deal.

But there’s daylight between Democrats and Republicans on how to pay for such a package.

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Republicans have balked at tax increases, particularly amid the pandemic. Biden has previously voiced support for raising the corporate tax rate to 28 percent. The rate was lowered from 35 percent to 21 percent under a 2017 tax-cut law. Progressives are also likely to push for tax increases on wealthy Americans, which polling suggests is supported by a majority of the country.

The approaching fight could force the White House and Senate Democrats to make critical choices in how to move forward. Democrats will be forced to choose between budget reconciliation, which requires only a simple majority in each chamber for passage, or securing at least 10 GOP votes in the 50-50 Senate.

Sen. Joe ManchinJoe ManchinThe Hill’s Morning Report – Biden’s next act: Massive infrastructure plan with tax hikes Senate confirms Marty Walsh as Biden’s Labor secretary White House eyes sweeping T spending proposal MORE (W.Va.), an influential moderate Democrat, has signaled he would like to work through regular order to pass an infrastructure package.

Looming over the upcoming talks are the increasing calls from Democrats to modify or do away with the legislative filibuster, which requires 60 votes in the Senate to move forward with a bill.

“I think they’re going to try to give regular order a try, and they’re going to see what negotiations look like before definitely making a decision about how they want to proceed in the end,” said Shai Akabas, director of economic policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center.

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“I think moderates have made pretty clear that they’re not ready to totally get rid of the filibuster, so it seems like if that’s the case they need to find 10 or more Republicans who are willing to negotiate with them or find a way that … you can get unanimity within the Senate Democratic Caucus and close to unanimity in the House Democratic Caucus,” he added.

“Both are uphill battles, so I don’t think there’s an easy path.”

Some progressive groups already have come out to argue Biden should not be held back by efforts to appeal to Republicans.

“Biden must not cower to fears of losing bipartisanship — Republicans have already made clear they’re not interested in working with Democrats — and must deliver an infrastructure package that meets the scale of this moment,” Ellen Sciales, a spokesperson for the Sunrise Movement, said in a statement. “If Republicans or archaic Senate rules get in the way, Democrats must abolish the filibuster and deliver for the American people.”

Administration officials have been careful not to get ahead of themselves as they chart a path forward.

Psaki has on multiple occasions declined to dive into the specifics of what a Build Back Better legislative proposal would look like, nor has she waded into whether such a package would pass through reconciliation.

“[Biden’s] preference and his priority is working with Democrats and Republicans to find a pathway forward on a range of issues where there has been a history of bipartisan support, whether it’s infrastructure, immigration, addressing — making our economy and our workers more competitive against — against the competition with China,” Psaki told The Hill at a briefing last week when asked about Biden’s view on the filibuster.

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Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey took to his own platform Thursday to poke fun at the yes or no questions he was asked at a congressional hearing.

During a hearing before two subcommittees of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, several representatives asked Dorsey, Facebook Chairman and CEO Mark ZuckerbergMark Elliot ZuckerbergThe Hill’s Morning Report – Biden shifts on filibuster Hillicon Valley: Another Big Tech hearing | Cyber Command flexes operations | Trump’s social media site in the works Lawmakers vent frustration in first hearing with tech CEOs since Capitol riot MORE, and Google CEO Sundar Pichai yes or no questions, and at times cut them off when the witnesses did not abide by their requests.

Rep. Billy LongWilliam (Billy) H. LongMissouri Senate candidate Eric Greitens tangles with Hugh Hewitt in testy interview Ambitious House lawmakers look for promotions READ: The Republicans who voted to challenge election results MORE (R-Mo.), before posing a yes or no question, asked the witnesses if they “know the difference” between the words “yes” and “no.”

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“I am going to ask you a ‘yes or no’ question, and just tell me if you know the difference in these two words, ‘yes’ and ‘no’,” Long said.

Dorsey, Zuckerberg and Pichai all responded “yes.”

Long thanked the witnesses, saying his colleagues did not think he could get them all to answer “yes” or “no” to a question, adding “I did it.”

Rep. Mike DoyleMichael (Mike) F. DoyleHillicon Valley: Another Big Tech hearing | Cyber Command flexes operations | Trump’s social media site in the works Lawmakers vent frustration in first hearing with tech CEOs since Capitol riot Twitter CEO pokes fun at Congress’s hearing questions with ‘yes or no’ poll MORE (D-Pa.) asked the witnesses if their platforms “bear some responsibility” for spreading misinformation relating to the election and promoting the “Stop The Steal” rally that led to the deadly Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, adding, “My time is short and I ask that you make your responses as brief and to the point as possible. If I asked you a yes or no question, I’m just looking for a ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ so please respond appropriately.”

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Dorsey was the only one of the three witnesses who abided by Doyle’s request, though he still gave a brief explanation after answering in the affirmative. Zuckerberg and Pichai, on the contrary, were cut off by Doyle after responding to the question in detail, and without answering “yes” or “no.”

“Yes, but you also have to take into consideration a broader ecosystem, it’s not just about the technology platforms that we use,” Dorsey answered.

Zuckerberg said Facebook was responsible for building “effective systems” to help fight the spread of misinformation.

Around 2:30 p.m., Dorsey tweeted a poll with a question mark and the choices “Yes” and “No.”

Later in the hearing, Rep. Kathleen RiceKathleen Maura RiceTwitter CEO pokes fun at Congress’s hearing questions with ‘yes or no’ poll How two controversies collided for Cuomo Nadler, NY Democrats call on Cuomo to resign MORE (D-N.Y.) asked Dorsey which was winning in the poll, “Yes” or “No.”

“Yes,” Dorsey succinctly answered.

“Your multitasking skills are quite impressive,” Rice responded.

Dorsey, Zuckerberg and Pinchai on Thursday testified virtually in a hearing examining social media’s role in promoting extremism and misinformation.

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Treasury Secretary Janet YellenJanet Louise YellenOn The Money: House Democrats express alarm over slow stimulus checks | Yellen tamps down on debt concerns | Megan Rapinoe visits White House for Equal Pay Day Yellen to convene financial watchdogs to discuss climate change, investment funds A global tax on corporations must consider developing nations MORE will convene an interagency panel of financial regulators to discuss climate change and how certain investment funds handled the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Treasury Department announced Wednesday that Yellen will lead the first meeting of the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) under the Biden administration next Tuesday. The virtual meeting will include a public discussion of climate-related financial risks before a closed session to discuss hedge funds and how mutual funds fared during the pandemic-driven market meltdown last year, the department said.

The FSOC was established by the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial reform law to help regulators identify and respond to threats to the financial system spanning their jurisdictions. Chaired by the Treasury secretary, FSOC can also subject financial firms to stricter oversight by labeling them systemically important financial institutions, or SIFIs.

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The council also includes the chairs of the Federal Reserve Board, Securities and Exchange Commission, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and National Credit Union Administration, as well as the director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the comptroller of the currency, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and a Senate-confirmed member with insurance expertise.

Democratic lawmakers and Wall Street critics have pushed the Biden administration to flex its immense regulatory power, and the FSOC could play a significant role in Yellen’s goal of leading the fight against climate change.

Yellen has called climate change “an existential threat” to the world and told international allies that the Treasury’s approach to the issue would “change dramatically” from the Trump administration’s lack of attention.

Under Yellen, the FSOC could play a leading role in developing the “regulations necessary to assess and mitigate” climate-related financial risks she called for during her confirmation process. 

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Yellen is also already under pressure to subject investment firms to tighter oversight using the FSOC, a longtime goal of progressives and financial sector critics.

During a Senate Banking Committee hearing Wednesday, Sen. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth WarrenOn The Money: House Democrats express alarm over slow stimulus checks | Yellen tamps down on debt concerns | Megan Rapinoe visits White House for Equal Pay Day Yellen to convene financial watchdogs to discuss climate change, investment funds Warren presses Yellen to ramp up BlackRock oversight MORE (D-Mass.) urged Yellen — a former chair of the Fed — to designate BlackRock as a SIFI before the next time financial markets buckle.

Yellen, however, said that FSOC would be more likely to focus on specific activities instead of the size of firms.

Bipartisan leaders of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Thursday urged Energy Secretary Jennifer GranholmJennifer GranholmHillicon Valley: Another Big Tech hearing | Cyber Command flexes operations | Trump’s social media site in the works OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Democrats target Trump methane rule with Congressional Review Act | Key Republican signals support for boosting EV infrastructure | Energy Department targets 60 percent reduction in solar costs by 2030 Senators urge Energy chief to prioritize cybersecurity amid growing threats MORE to prioritize cybersecurity and maintain leadership for the agency’s key cybersecurity office in the face of growing threats to the power grid.

Committee members Sens. Jim RischJim Elroy RischThe Hill’s Morning Report – Biden shifts on filibuster Senators urge Energy chief to prioritize cybersecurity amid growing threats Senate passes extension of popular small-business loan program MORE (R-Idaho) and Angus KingAngus KingOVERNIGHT ENERGY: Democrats target Trump methane rule with Congressional Review Act | Key Republican signals support for boosting EV infrastructure | Energy Department targets 60 percent reduction in solar costs by 2030 Senators urge Energy chief to prioritize cybersecurity amid growing threats Democrats justified in filibustering GOP, says Schumer MORE (I-Maine) led almost a dozen other bipartisan members, including committee Chairman Joe ManchinJoe ManchinThe Hill’s Morning Report – Biden shifts on filibuster Liberals think Biden just made getting rid of the filibuster easier Hillicon Valley: Another Big Tech hearing | Cyber Command flexes operations | Trump’s social media site in the works MORE (D-W.V.) and ranking member John BarrassoJohn Anthony BarrassoHillicon Valley: Another Big Tech hearing | Cyber Command flexes operations | Trump’s social media site in the works OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Democrats target Trump methane rule with Congressional Review Act | Key Republican signals support for boosting EV infrastructure | Energy Department targets 60 percent reduction in solar costs by 2030 Senators urge Energy chief to prioritize cybersecurity amid growing threats MORE (R-Wyo.) in sending a letter to Granholm stressing the importance of the Energy’s Department Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER).

The senators asked Granholm to maintain CESER as well as its leadership by an assistant secretary in order to defend the electric grid against mounting cyber threats posing a threat to national security.

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“The reliability and resilience of the electric grid is critical to the economic and national security of the United States,” the senators wrote. “Top officials within the intelligence, defense, and power communities have warned that the United States remains vulnerable to cyberattacks that could result in catastrophic damage to public health and safety, economic security, and national security.”

CESER was established in 2018 by former Energy Secretary Rick PerryRick PerrySenators urge Energy chief to prioritize cybersecurity amid growing threats Rachel Maddow calls into question Cornyn connection to Gupta Exclusive: GOP officials offer support for Vanita Gupta MORE under the Trump administration to further prioritize energy infrastructure security.

The senators on Thursday emphasized that threats in cyberspace have only grown since the establishment of the office, and that securing the grid was a bipartisan imperative.

“Recent news reports have illustrated that our adversaries are actively seeking to exploit holes in U.S. internet networks and control systems, which leaves our electric grid and other critical infrastructure vulnerable to foreign surveillance and potential disruption,” the senators wrote.

The letter was sent a week after the Government Accountability Office released a report finding that the nation’s grid distribution systems were “increasingly at risk from cyberattacks,” and recommending that the Department of Energy (DOE) ensure its plans for these systems include prioritizing cybersecurity.

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“It is imperative that the Department does not march backwards on its responsibilities to the energy sector and the protection of our critical infrastructure given the persistent, growing, and significant threat cyberattacks pose to our nation’s economy and national security,” the senators wrote Thursday.

Other lawmakers who signed on to the letter included former committee Chairwoman Lisa MurkowskiLisa Ann MurkowskiSenators urge Energy chief to prioritize cybersecurity amid growing threats Overnight Health Care: Senate confirms Levine for HHS, first openly transgender official | Progressives up pressure on Biden to back COVID vaccine patent waiver | Former Operation Warp Speed chief fired over sexual harassment allegations Senate confirms first openly transgender official, approving Levine for HHS MORE (R-Alaska), former ranking member Maria CantwellMaria Elaine CantwellSenators urge Energy chief to prioritize cybersecurity amid growing threats Murkowski votes with Senate panel to advance Haaland nomination Regulators keep close eye on Facebook’s deal with Australia MORE (D-Wash.), and Sens. Ben SasseBen SasseSenators urge Energy chief to prioritize cybersecurity amid growing threats Biden warns GOP he could back gutting filibuster Remembering Ted Kennedy highlights decline of the Senate MORE (R-Neb.), Mike CrapoMichael (Mike) Dean CrapoThe Hill’s Morning Report – Biden shifts on filibuster Senators urge Energy chief to prioritize cybersecurity amid growing threats Senate passes extension of popular small-business loan program MORE (R-Idaho), Bill CassidyBill CassidySenators urge Energy chief to prioritize cybersecurity amid growing threats Vivek Murthy confirmed as surgeon general OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Supreme Court declines to hear challenge to Obama marine monument designation | Interior reverses course on tribal ownership of portion of Missouri river | White House climate adviser meets with oil and gas companies MORE (R-La.), Martin HeinrichMartin Trevor HeinrichLiberals think Biden just made getting rid of the filibuster easier OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Democrats target Trump methane rule with Congressional Review Act | Key Republican signals support for boosting EV infrastructure | Energy Department targets 60 percent reduction in solar costs by 2030 Senators urge Energy chief to prioritize cybersecurity amid growing threats MORE (D-N.M.), and Susan CollinsSusan Margaret CollinsSenators urge Energy chief to prioritize cybersecurity amid growing threats Democrats divided on gun control strategy Overnight Health Care: Senate confirms Levine for HHS, first openly transgender official | Progressives up pressure on Biden to back COVID vaccine patent waiver | Former Operation Warp Speed chief fired over sexual harassment allegations MORE (R-Maine).

A spokesperson for DOE told The Hill when asked to comment on the letter that the agency has not made changes to the CESER leadership position. 

Granholm told E&E News during an interview earlier this month that CESER “will continue to run” and that it is staffed appropriately to defend the grid. 

She also briefly discussed the importance of cybersecurity during her nomination hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee earlier this year, citing the recent Russian SolarWinds hack as an example of the need for a heightened focus on cybersecurity.

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The Energy Department was among the nine federal agencies compromised in the hack. 

“I haven’t been fully briefed on the national security and the confidential aspects of the SolarWinds cyber hack, but clearly that is one example, and we are getting hacked all the time and attacked all of the time,” Granholm testified in January. “We will have inside the DOE a person at a very high level that is responsible for making sure that the response to this is coordinated. We have to harden our electric grid for protection of our energy system.”

-Updated at 8:55 p.m.

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Labor Secretary Marty WalshMarty WalshWalsh touts American Rescue Plan in first appearance as Labor secretary Boston’s first Black, female mayor confronts striking inequalities The Hill’s Morning Report – Biden’s next act: Massive infrastructure plan with tax hikes MORE made his first public appearance on Thursday to promote President BidenJoe BidenThe Hill’s Morning Report – Biden shifts on filibuster GOP looks to squeeze Biden, Democrats on border Sanders creates new headache for Biden on taxes MORE‘s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package during a visit to a preschool and childcare center in Washington, D.C.

Walsh, who was sworn in Tuesday, toured Bright Start Early Care & Preschool in northwest D.C., a Black-owned, woman-owned business.

“As people go back to work, women are disproportionally impacted by the COVID crisis and having good childcare, this is great childcare, that’s one of the reasons we came here,” he said after walking around the facility and meeting employees, children and parents. 

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Walsh said that the owner, Marcia St. Hilaire Finn, is excited about what the American Rescue Plan has done for her small business.

“She told me she has 55 kids now in the program. With the rescue plan, is able to expand to 75, maybe more,” Walsh said. 

The secretary, who resigned as mayor of Boston on Monday after his Senate confirmation, said he’s still learning the job when asked about his early priorities at the Department of Labor.

“We have lots of work to do. We have to do some work in [unemployment insurance], we have to do some work in [the Occupational Safety and Health Administration]. We have to do some work in pensions. We have to do some work in a lot of different places. So, you know, I think right now feeding off, if you will, of the American Rescue Plan’s so important. There’s so much in that,” he said. 

He quipped that that visits like Thursday’s are familiar to him.

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“Transitioning from my old job to the new job, this is what I’m used to,” he said.

On his second full day, Walsh said he has been meeting career staff. He indicated he has plans to hire for the agency following the Trump administration.

“DOL has been really — maybe decimated is too strong of a word. But, four years ago there was 17,000 plus employees working there. Today you’re at 14,500,” he said. 

“So, you might say it’s good, downsizing government. It’s not good because the people that work there are actually serving the American people and having fewer people serving the American people means the American people are not being served,” he added.

Labor unions have been eager to have a Labor secretary to put in place an emergency temporary standard that imposes new workplace rules for shorter-term challenges like the coronavirus. 

President Biden issued an executive order for Occupational Safety and Health Administration to consider an emergency temporary standard by March 15, a deadline the agency failed to meet.

Walsh said imposing that standard is “certainly” an early priority, but he did not give time frame for its implementation. 

“The health and safety of people, of workers, is our priority and we’re viewing things now and hopefully over the course of the next—whatever it is— we’ll be able to do that. I know that I’ve had a couple of briefings with the work that’s been done on it. It’s not a simple standard, if you will,” he said.

“Again, but the priority of the Department of Labor and the priority of the president is making sure that the workers’ health and safety is the top priority,” the secretary said.

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U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe, who famously said she wouldn’t visit the Trump White House, attended an event marking Equal Pay Day on Wednesday with President BidenJoe BidenSupreme Court will hear Boston bomber’s death case — if the Biden administration lets it The Hill’s Morning Report – Biden tasks Harris on border; news conference today Democrats face questions over agenda MORE and other members of the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT).

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Equal Pay Day marks the date each year to which women must work to make the same pay that men made the year before.

Rapinoe said that despite the success she has achieved with the USWNT, she has been devalued because of her gender.

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“I’ve been devalued, I’ve been disrespected and dismissed because I am a woman. And I’ve been told that I don’t deserve any more than less, because I am a woman,” Rapinoe said.

In June 2019, Rapinoe said that if USWNT won the World Cup, which they went on to do, she would not visit the White House, setting off a feud between the soccer captain and former President TrumpDonald TrumpThe Hill’s Morning Report – Biden tasks Harris on border; news conference today Democrats face questions over agenda Democrats divided on gun control strategy MORE. 

On Wednesday, during a spontaneous visit to the press briefing room, Rapinoe said it was “amazing” to be at the White House, and took a jab at the previous administration.

“It’s really amazing, I think both of us feel honored to even be invited, and continue the fight that we’ve had for a long time,” she said, later adding that it is “much more welcoming administration, obviously, so that’s also nice.”

Biden pledged to fight to end the gender pay gap, urging Congress to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, which the House passed nearly two years ago but which was not advanced in the Senate. 

He said the legislation will remove loopholes that allow employers to justify gender pay disparities, help hold employers accountable for systemic pay discrimination and help “level the playing field” for women and people of color by making it easier for workers to challenge the disparities as a group.

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Biden said that the pay gap “undermines financial security for women and families,” adding that the recently passed $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan is designed to address this challenge.

“To come out of this crisis, and build back better, we need to erase the gender pay gap by ensuring that women have access to good pay jobs,” he said.

Biden reflected on the disproportionate effect the coronavirus pandemic has had on women in the workforce. He said more than 2 million women dropped out of the workforce since the pandemic began, marking the lowest percent of female participation in the labor force in more than 30 years.

First lady Jill BidenJill BidenMegan Rapinoe visits White House to mark Equal Pay Day The Hill’s 12:30 Report – Presented by Facebook – COVID vaccine developments Biden’s dogs return to White House MORE also spoke about her own experience as a young educator in 1975, when she found out that she was earning less than a male teacher hired at the same time to do similar work. 

“Equal work deserves equal pay no matter who does it,” the first lady said. “I don’t want my granddaughters to have to fight this same battle.” 

Vice President Harris also marked Equal Pay Day at a separate White House event earlier Wednesday with administration economic advisers and leaders of various advocacy groups. She spoke of a connection between race and gender and pay equity, and said it was important for leaders to demand transparency to expose inequities. 

“We should require the system itself to be transparent and display and share for everyone how they are paying their workforce and whether there is parity and equity in the way that it is being done. And so for that reason, we have to hold employers accountable. We have to hold corporations accountable,” Harris said.

President Biden on Thursday was unable to offer a firm timeline for getting U.S. troops out of Afghanistan but said he “can’t picture” American forces still being there next year.

“It is not my intention to stay there for a long time. But the question is how and under what circumstances do we meet that agreement that was made by President TrumpDonald TrumpThe Hill’s Morning Report – Biden shifts on filibuster GOP looks to squeeze Biden, Democrats on border Elaine Luria endorses McAuliffe for governor in Virginia Democratic primary MORE to leave under a deal that looks like it’s not able to be worked out to begin with, how is that done?” Biden said. “But we are not staying a long time.”

“We will leave. The question is when we leave,” Biden added.

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Asked if it’s possible the U.S. could have troops there next year, Biden said he “can’t picture that being the case.”

Officially, the United States has about 2,500 troops in Afghanistan, a number reached in the waning days of former President Trump’s tenure. The Trump administration negotiated an agreement with the Taliban calling for all remaining U.S. troops  to leave by May if the Taliban upholds certain commitments such as denying safe haven to al Qaeda.

But Biden has acknowledged that it will be difficult to maintain that deadline if the U.S. is to withdraw its forces in a “safe and orderly way.” Discussions are ongoing with NATO allies, Biden said, and Secretary of State Antony BlinkenAntony BlinkenOVERNIGHT DEFENSE: Biden can’t picture troops in Afghanistan next year | Top general says US needed in Taliban fight | Trump Somalia withdrawal comes with downsides Biden follows Trump’s footsteps in the Indo-Pacific Biden warns China’s Xi sees autocracy as wave of the future MORE has been engaged on the issue.

Experts have warned that a full U.S. withdrawal without a peace agreement between the Taliban and Afghan government could lead to a torrent of violence in Afghanistan, including the potential collapse of the government.

In leaked documents published earlier this month by Afghan news outlet TOLOnews, Blinken proposed a temporary power-sharing agreement between government officials and the Taliban, describing it as a “transitional peace government” that would exist until a new constitution is written and new elections are held.

Blinken separately outlined a series of high-level diplomatic meetings the Biden administration is proposing, including talks hosted in Turkey next month.

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Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced that all residents aged 16 and older will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine by April 19.

Baker said on Twitter that people ages 60 and older will be eligible on March 22, as well as workers in certain fields such as transit, grocery, food, and public works sectors.

Residents aged 55 and older and people with one medical condition that puts them at higher risk for severe illness, will be eligible by April 5.

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The vaccine will be available to the general public by April 19.

The step will make Massachusetts the latest state to expand eligibility ahead of President BidenJoe BidenBiden and Congress must take bold action to prevent violent extremism The Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by Facebook – Biden faces GOP’s immigration and filibuster offensive Democrats play defense on border crisis MORE’s directive to make all adults eligible for the vaccine by May 1.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWineMike DeWineOhio expanding vaccine eligibility to those aged 16 and older Sunday shows preview: Democrats declare victory on COVID-19 stimulus; Vaccination efforts provide hope for summer Texas ends mask mandate as leaders urge caution MORE (R) announced on Tuesday that every resident age 16 and older will be eligible by March 29.

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Michigan Gov. Gretchen WhitmerGretchen WhitmerMichigan AG charges man with making death threats against Biden, Pelosi and Whitmer Ohio expanding vaccine eligibility to those aged 16 and older Green groups press Biden, Democrats to boost climate spending with ad blitz MORE (D) said last Friday that such residents in her state will be eligible by April 5.

Massachusetts is in phase 2 of its COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan, which includes those over the age of 65 and individuals with two medical conditions that put them at increased risk for severe illness. This phase also includes K-12 educators, staff in K-12 schools and child care workers.

The Bay State has administered 2.6 million doses of coronavirus vaccines as of Tuesday, according to data from the state. Of that, 1.66 million people have received their first dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, and 883,407 have received both doses.

In addition, 62,889 people have received Johnson & Johnson’s one-shot coronavirus vaccine.