European Union President Ursula von der Leyen says the 27-nation bloc is ready to talk about the U.S. proposal to share the technology behind COVID-19 vaccines to help speed the end of the pandemic. Without firmly committing to the U.S. proposal, von der Leyen said “we are ready to discuss how the U.S. proposal for waiver on intellectual property protection for COVID vaccines could help.” In a video address, she said that “In the short run, however, we call upon all vaccine producing countries to allow exports and to avoid measures.” ___ THE VIRUS OUTBREAK: — Biden administration joining calls for more sharing of vaccine technology to help speed the end of the pandemic — Every Republican in Congress voted against the pandemic relief bill Biden signed into law, but they’re touting its accomplishments — India hits another grim record, adding 400,000 new cases, as it works […]