Here are the main events that occurred in Politics this week:
1. CDC Ends Mask Mandate For Individuals Fully Vaccinated Against Coronavirus
People fully vaccinated against Coronavirus do not need to wear masks or practice social distancing indoors or outdoors, except under certain circumstances, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)announced on May 13. “If you are fully vaccinated, you can start doing the things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic,” Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the head of the CDC said during a White House Coronavirus briefing. “We have all longed for this moment when we can get back to some sense of normalcy.”
2. Iranian Presidential Elections Heats Up As Two Main Contenders Register
Two of the main contenders to become the next Iranian President, Iranian judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi and former parliament speaker Ali Larijani, registered on May 15 to run in next month’s election. The June 18 election to succeed President Hassan Rouhani is seen as a test of the legitimacy of the country’s rulers who are hoping for a high turnout. Term limits bar Rouhani from running again. But voter interest may be hit by rising discontent over an economy that has been crippled by US sanctions reimposed after the Trump Administration exited a nuclear deal between Iran and major powers three years ago.
3. House of Representatives Passed Bill Establishing Independent Commission To Investigate January 6 Insurrection
The House of Representatives voted on May 19 to approve legislation to establish an independent commission to investigate the violent insurrection on January 6 at the US Capitol, with 35 Republicans breaking with their party to support the bill. The final vote was 252-175. The Republican defections showcased a significant break with Republican leadership in the chamber and former President Donald Trump, who urged members to vote against the legislation. The bill now moves to the Senate where it faces an uncertain fate as Republican resistance is growing.
