Wednesday, January 22, 2025
28.0°F

The Latest: Sen. Alexander seeks 'smooth' transfer of power

Columbia Basin Herald | UPDATED 4 years, 2 months AGO
| November 20, 2020 8:30 AM

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on President-elect Joe Biden (all times local):

11:05 a.m.

The Republican Senate Health committee chairman says the Trump administration should provide President-elect Joe Biden access to transition materials -- particularly on coronavirus vaccine distribution --- “to ensure a smooth” transfer of power.

Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee said in statement Friday that information should flow “if there is any chance whatsoever that Joe Biden will be the next president, and it looks like he has a very good chance.”

Biden was declared the winner of the election on Nov. 7, but Trump has refused to concede.

Alexander is retiring and is a close confidant of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. As a former governor and Cabinet secretary he is often viewed as a leading voice among Senate Republicans, particularly on health and education issues.

Alexander says his hope is “that the loser of this presidential election will follow Al Gore’s example,” referring to the Democratic candidate’s concession after the disputed 2000 election against George W. Bush.

Alexander says, “Put the country first, congratulate the winner and help him to a good beginning of the new term.”

___

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PRESIDENT-ELECT JOE BIDEN'S TRANSITION TO THE WHITE HOUSE:

President-elect Joe Biden is adding four Obama-Biden administration veterans to his top ranks as he continues to build out his White House team. He's also set to hold his first in-person meeting since winning the election with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer.

Read more:

— Sanders, Warren under scrutiny as Biden weighs Cabinet picks

— Trump, allies make frantic steps to overturn Biden victory

— Trump’s election lawsuits plagued by elementary errors

EXPLAINER: A look at Trump’s long-shot legal challenges

— Birthday time: Biden turns 78, will be oldest U.S. president

AP FACT CHECK: Trump legal team’s batch of false vote claims

MORE IMPORTED STORIES

The Latest: Michigan congressman cites election 'dead end'
Columbia Basin Herald | Updated 4 years, 2 months ago
The Latest: WH disputes concerns about getting vaccine out
Columbia Basin Herald | Updated 4 years, 2 months ago
The Latest: McConnell proposes shifting funds to COVID aid
Columbia Basin Herald | Updated 4 years, 2 months ago