Your Week in Politics

Get a recap on this week’s political news.

Shane Coolbaugh, Staff Writer

The Pennsylvanian Republican Party voted against censuring Republican U.S. Senator Pat Toomey on Tuesday. This was concerning his vote in favor of convicting former President Trump during the impeachment trial last month. The Pennsylvania Republican Committee instead voted 128-124, with 13 abstaining, to approve a statement expressing disappointment in Sen Toomey, but not a censure.

 

On Monday, Pennsylvania eased restrictions that limit the size of gatherings. The updated public health order signed by Gov. Tom Wolf will allow indoor venues to fill up to 15 percent of their maximum occupancy. Outdoor venues will now be limited to 20 percent capacity. The order also eliminated the out-of-state travel restrictions that had required travelers to quarantine for 14 days unless they tested negative for COVID-19.

 

Pennsylvania House Republicans announced on Monday their intentions to investigate the Wolf administration’s handling of COVID-19 in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. The GOP claims there are still unanswered questions relating to the Department of Health’s order to accept COVID-19 patients back into their facilities after being hospitalized.

Capping off the weekend-long conference for Conservatives, former President Trump alluded to another run for the Presidency in 2024 but stopped short of officially declaring his candidacy.

 

Last Thursday, Dr. Rachel Levine, Biden’s nominee for Assistant Secretary of Health and Pennsylvania’s former Health Secretary, faced confrontational questions from Sen. Rand Paul — relating specifically to transgender medicine and Levine’s views on the topic.