Biden asks Congress to extend COVID-19 eviction ban set to expire this week

WASHINGTON - U.S. President Joe Biden asked Congress on Thursday to extend a moratorium on evictions to protect millions of U.S. renters and their families that is set to expire this week amid a deadly rise in coronavirus infections, the White House said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said last month it would not extend the eviction moratorium past July 31. The CDC did not immediately comment on Thursday. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi backs Biden's push, while Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer's office did not immediately comment. "We are exploring all options to do so," Pelosi spokeswoman Mia Ehrenberg said.