Advancing Equity for Black Americans, the Looming Question for Senate Republicans, and More

Plus how USAID bolsters U.S. security and former FCC Chairman Wheeler discusses pressing challenges facing the agency today.

View in browser February 13, 2021 Policies to advance equity for Black Americans   From housing to education, digital inclusion, and access to banking, there are many policy reforms the Biden administration could enact on the road to racial equity. In commemoration of Black History Month, Brookings experts offer their recommendations on what the new administration should prioritize in a policy agenda designed to support Black Americans.   Read more USAID's policy voice should be heard   "Development and humanitarian relief complement diplomacy and defense in times of crisis and in preventing the negative consequences of underdevelopment." J. Brian Atwood and Larry Garber explain why it is vital for Samantha Power to have a principal seat in the National Security Council and how USAID bolsters America's security.    Read more Republicans and the Senate impeachment vote   Despite a riveting prosecution and a chaotic defense of the former president, the outcome of Donald Trump's second impeachment appears to be a foregone conclusion. The question now is whether any Republicans will vote to convict and bar Trump from holding future office, writes Elaine Kamarck.    Read more Recommendations for Biden's FCC   President Biden's Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is facing a number of pressing challenges, including cybersecurity gaps and America's digital divide. In a new blog series, Former FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler explains how the agency can work to tackle these problems.   Protecting the cybersecurity of U.S. networks. During his tenure, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai opposed efforts to proactively deal with cybersecurity protection. A new approach is needed to handle today's digital threats.   Bridging the digital divide. High-speed internet has proved to be essential during the COVID-19 pandemic, but up to 42 million Americans lack access to service and millions more cannot afford it. Help support Brookings with a donation   Brookings is committed to making its high-quality, independent policy research free to the public. Please consider making a contribution today to our Annual Fund to support our experts' work. The conclusions and recommendations of any Brookings publication are solely those of its author(s), and do not reflect the views of the Institution, its management, or its other scholars. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Brookings Institution campus in Washington, D.C. is currently closed and all events are virtual only. For more information on the Institution's response, read our full guidance here. The Brookings Institution, 1775 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036 Unsubscribe Manage your newsletter preferences | Receive the Brookings Brief less often