IDAHO JOINS TEXAS IN 6-WEEK ABORTION BAN — On Monday, Idaho lawmakers became the first state to follow Texas in banning abortion at 6-weeks of pregnancy and allowing private citizens to sue over violations of the ban, Alice reports. What happens now: Republican Gov. Brad Little is anticipated to sign the bill, and the measure is set to take effect in April — just a few months before the Supreme Court is expected to rule on the fate of Roe v. Wade and potentially permit all states to ban abortion early in pregnancy for the first time in nearly 50 years. Notably, the Idaho lawmakers, unlike Texas, allowed exemptions for rape and incest, provided the rape is first reported to law enforcement. Neighbors are getting ready: Texas’ law caused a surge in patients traveling outside the state for an abortion and receiving abortion pills by mail from overseas — two ways many have been able to evade the ban. But abortion-rights advocates stress that many people may not be able to use either option because of financial or other limitations. If allowed to take effect, Idaho’s ban could trigger a similar exodus of patients. Its progressive neighboring state, Washington, is already preparing to receive them, having recently passed legislation that attempts to shield patients and doctors from out-of-state prosecutions. That bill is now before Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee. SENATORS TEE UP PANDEMIC PREP BILL — The HELP Committee meets this morning to spar over amendments to bipartisan pandemic preparedness legislation, S. 3799 (117). Some agreements — and arguments— to expect, from Lauren: Preparedness centers: A measure led by Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) would give CDC authority to issue grants to higher education institutions or other private groups to establish preparedness centers meant to unify emergency response. Biosurveillance and forecasting: The bill also includes a measure by Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) and Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) to modernize and formalize CDC programs that focus on surveillance and infectious disease forecasting. The ‘fire Fauci’ amendment: Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) has drafted an amendment to eliminate Anthony Fauci’s position as head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, split the agency into three distinct institutes and make their directors Senate-confirmable and subject to five-year terms. Another proposed amendment from Republicans is a bill by Marshall and Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) that would require the Government Accountability Office to report on the current scientific understanding of the duration and effectiveness of Covid-19 immunity acquired from infection, vaccination or both. MOST AMERICANS AREN’T SLEEPING WELL — Only one in three adults report “excellent” or “very good” sleep, leaving the vast majority struggling for a good night’s rest, according to a Gallup poll released this morning. Respondents who reported being stressed or experiencing depression and anxiety were much more likely to have sleep issues. Women worry most about getting a good night’s rest but lag 10 percentage points behind men reporting good sleep. Why it matters: Based on polling data, roughly 6.2 percent of the American workforce is estimated to be sleeping poorly, resulting in more time off, worse health factors and — according to Gallup — some $44.6 billion in annual economic losses from missed work. The stress factor is particularly pronounced among younger people, with 64 percent of people 18 to 29 reporting stress in the days before bad sleep, a percentage that steadily fell among higher age groups, ending with just 24 percent of people 65 and older reporting stress. Meanwhile, people with excellent sleep reported more positive thinking, satisfaction with their lives and even more charitable contributions and community work. The poll was conducted in early January among 3,035 adults around the country.
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