Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell seemed to signal over weekend that he was inching upward on his ideal cost for an infrastructure plan
- US bans sex discrimination against LGBT people in healthcare
- Trump’s grip over Republicans hardens
- Sign up to receive First Thing – our daily briefing by email
2.30pm BST
The Biden administration announced this morning that the US will provide protections against discrimination in health care based on gender identity and sexual orientation.
The department of health and human services explained the policy shift by citing the supreme court’s decision in Bostock v Clayton County, which was issued last year. In the case, the court ruled that firing someone because of their sexual orientation or gender identity violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Related: US bans sex discrimination against LGBT people in healthcare
2.13pm BST
In case you missed it: House minority leader Kevin McCarthy officially backed Elise Stefanik’s bid to replace Liz Cheney as conference chair.
“What we’re talking about is a position in leadership. As conference chair, you have one of the most critical jobs as a messenger going forward,” McCarthy told Maria Bartiromo yesterday.
Related: Republicans gear up to oust Liz Cheney as punishment for criticizing Trump
2.01pm BST
Greetings from Washington, live blog readers.
Joe Biden will deliver remarks on the US economy this afternoon, as the president continues to push Congress to pass his infrastructure plan.