thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-10--Proposed tax credit for foster families to get hearing in Illinois

A bill that would give a state tax credit of up to $ 1,000 a year to foster families has bipartisan support in Illinois , but the cost of such a credit is n't yet known .
State Rep. Darren Bailey , R-Xenia , filed House Bill 5119 and members of both parties signed up in support .
State Rep. Mark Batinick , R-Plainview , signed on to the bill and said such an incentive could help encourage more people to become foster parents .
“ When you look at all the issues going on at the state level , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people that are in state care , we need more good people doing this and so we need to incentivize good practice , good behavior , ” Batinick said .
An Office of Inspector General annual report for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services found that of the children that had some kind of interaction with the department in a 12 month period , 123 of them died .
Batinick said donated his recent legislative pay raise to two foster families .
“ I ’ ve seen the inside of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of that stuff is n't reimbursed , ” Batinick said .
State Rep. Mike Zalewski , D-Riverside , said the measure has merit .
“ You know where a foster parent says ‘ I went through the exercise of helping a child , I ’ m going to put it on my Illinois income tax return and let my liability go downward , ’ I ’ m excited about that as an opportunity , but again we have to make sure that we can afford it , ” Zalewski said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year is up for discussion , ” Zalewski said .
“ Those cost [ the state ] money , unfortunately.
” Bailey ’ s measure was filed in February , but remains in the House Rules Committee .
Zalewski said he plans a subject matter hearing for the House Revenue and Finance Committee soon because the bill is worth discussing .
“ I think I view it as more of a ‘ I ’ ve done this magnanimous thing and I want to be helpful , but it may have hurt my bottom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to go on the vacation I wanted , I may not have been able to afford the new appliance , what can the state do to help me alleviate that kind of burden , ’ that seems like a worthwhile cause , ” Zalewski said .
A subject matter hearing in Chicago on the topics of other tax credits - such as affordable housing tax credits , prompt payment , the earned income tax credit , and online ticket resale taxes - is scheduled before that .

A bill that would give a state tax credit of up to $1,000 a year to foster families has bipartisan support in Illinois, but the cost of such a credit isn't yet known.
State Rep. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, filed House Bill 5119 and members of both parties signed up in support.
State Rep. Mark Batinick, R-Plainview, signed on to the bill and said such an incentive could help encourage more people to become foster parents.
“When you look at all the issues going on at the state level, we’ve heard about the deaths of people that are in state care, we need more good people doing this and so we need to incentivize good practice, good behavior,” Batinick said.
An Office of Inspector General annual report for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services found that of the children that had some kind of interaction with the department in a 12 month period, 123 of them died.
Batinick said donated his recent legislative pay raise to two foster families.
“I’ve seen the inside of how special these people are and a lot of that stuff isn't reimbursed,” Batinick said.
State Rep. Mike Zalewski, D-Riverside, said the measure has merit.
“You know where a foster parent says ‘I went through the exercise of helping a child, I’m going to put it on my Illinois income tax return and let my liability go downward,’ I’m excited about that as an opportunity, but again we have to make sure that we can afford it,” Zalewski said.
“What we do on tax credits this year is up for discussion,” Zalewski said. “Those cost [the state] money, unfortunately.”
Bailey’s measure was filed in February, but remains in the House Rules Committee.
Zalewski said he plans a subject matter hearing for the House Revenue and Finance Committee soon because the bill is worth discussing.
“I think I view it as more of a ‘I’ve done this magnanimous thing and I want to be helpful, but it may have hurt my bottom line, I might have not been able to go on the vacation I wanted, I may not have been able to afford the new appliance, what can the state do to help me alleviate that kind of burden,’ that seems like a worthwhile cause,” Zalewski said.
Lawmakers return to Springfield on March 18.
A subject matter hearing in Chicago on the topics of other tax credits - such as affordable housing tax credits, prompt payment, the earned income tax credit, and online ticket resale taxes - is scheduled before that.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-10--Top Hillary Clinton aide: 'She would be president right now' if Hulu series came out in 2016

A former top aide to Hillary Clinton claimed she would be president today if the new documentary series about her life had been released before the 2016 election .
`` If we had this documentary the day before Election Day in 2016 , she would be president right now , '' Philippe Reines , who was an adviser for the then-Democratic presidential nominee 's campaign , said Tuesday on Morning Joe .
The former secretary of state and first lady stars in a documentary series called Hillary , which was released on Hulu last week and has been met with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legacy in politics , the series explores the intimacies of her marriage to former President Bill Clinton and her handling of her private email and server scandal .
`` For all these years , we were — we did everything we could , from our perspective , to put her out there , '' Reines said , later adding , `` We 've always been perplexed about the gap between what people see of her ... and what she actually is and who she is . ''
Reines , a longtime political consultant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ documentary series for depicting Clinton in an accurate and flattering light .
`` Everyone is watching this movie , and it 's fantastic , '' he said .
`` The only criticism I have of the movie is that it 's only four hours .
It could be six , 10 hours , and I 'd be riveted . ''
One of the reasons pundits have theorized Clinton chose now to release such a wide-ranging look at her life is because she is , for the first time in years , not seeking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collective groan from the media '' if `` Hillary Clinton tomorrow were to say , 'You know what ?
I would love if Joe Biden or Bernie Sanders picked me to be their running mate . '
'' `` It 's not entirely within our power to make everyone open-minded about her , '' he said , adding that `` when people are open-minded about her , they absolutely will see her in a different way . ''
Clinton has not endorsed a candidate for president in 2020 .

A former top aide to Hillary Clinton claimed she would be president today if the new documentary series about her life had been released before the 2016 election.
"If we had this documentary the day before Election Day in 2016, she would be president right now," Philippe Reines, who was an adviser for the then-Democratic presidential nominee's campaign, said Tuesday on Morning Joe.
The former secretary of state and first lady stars in a documentary series called Hillary, which was released on Hulu last week and has been met with critical acclaim. Examining her life and legacy in politics, the series explores the intimacies of her marriage to former President Bill Clinton and her handling of her private email and server scandal.
"For all these years, we were — we did everything we could, from our perspective, to put her out there," Reines said, later adding, "We've always been perplexed about the gap between what people see of her ... and what she actually is and who she is."
Reines, a longtime political consultant in Washington, D.C., praised the documentary series for depicting Clinton in an accurate and flattering light.
"Everyone is watching this movie, and it's fantastic," he said. "The only criticism I have of the movie is that it's only four hours. It could be six, 10 hours, and I'd be riveted."
One of the reasons pundits have theorized Clinton chose now to release such a wide-ranging look at her life is because she is, for the first time in years, not seeking political office.
Reines predicted a "collective groan from the media" if "Hillary Clinton tomorrow were to say, 'You know what? I would love if Joe Biden or Bernie Sanders picked me to be their running mate.'"
"It's not entirely within our power to make everyone open-minded about her," he said, adding that "when people are open-minded about her, they absolutely will see her in a different way."
Clinton has not endorsed a candidate for president in 2020.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-10--Four North Carolina counties approve sales tax increases

Four North Carolina counties will be subject to higher local sales-tax rates after voters approved increases .
Voters in Bertie , Chatham , Forsyth and Madison counties approved referendums that will increase taxes to cover expenses for teacher recruitment and construction projects .
North Carolina ’ s current sales-tax rate is 4.75 percent on all purchases except gas and groceries .
Counties can enact additional sales taxes to generate additional revenue .
Bertie , Chatham , Forsyth and Madison counties have a local sales-tax rate of 2 percent .
The four counties will join 39 other North Carolina counties that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the past several years .
In 2007 , the North Carolina General Assembly gave counties the option to push for a quarter-cent sales tax increase with voter approval .
Forsyth County has the most to gain under the new tax rate .
It will generate $ 14 million in revenue for construction projects .
Sixty percent of voters who took to the polls voted in favor of the measure .
A little more than half of the Bertie and Chatham county voters supported the sales-tax increase .
Bertie County officials say the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used to hire more teachers .
The average teacher salary in North Carolina is $ 53,975 , according to the Department of Public Instruction .
That means the county could afford to hire about three teachers per year .
The sales-tax increase could generate about $ 1.6 million in Chatham County , according to county officials .
The money is slated to build affordable housing , hire more teachers and complete park renovations .
Madison County voters showed the most support of the tax increase , with 63 percent of voters selecting “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generate $ 290,000 in revenue , according to county officials .
They plan to renovate a local stadium .
Residents in four other counties voted against a similar measure on Super Tuesday .
More than half of voters in Alamance , Stokes , Wayne and Washington counties rejected the tax increase .

Four North Carolina counties will be subject to higher local sales-tax rates after voters approved increases.
Voters in Bertie, Chatham, Forsyth and Madison counties approved referendums that will increase taxes to cover expenses for teacher recruitment and construction projects.
North Carolina’s current sales-tax rate is 4.75 percent on all purchases except gas and groceries. Counties can enact additional sales taxes to generate additional revenue. Bertie, Chatham, Forsyth and Madison counties have a local sales-tax rate of 2 percent.
The four counties will join 39 other North Carolina counties that have implemented a quarter-cent sales tax increase over the past several years. In 2007, the North Carolina General Assembly gave counties the option to push for a quarter-cent sales tax increase with voter approval.
Forsyth County has the most to gain under the new tax rate. It will generate $14 million in revenue for construction projects. Sixty percent of voters who took to the polls voted in favor of the measure.
A little more than half of the Bertie and Chatham county voters supported the sales-tax increase.
Bertie County officials say the increase will generate $175,000 and be used to hire more teachers. The average teacher salary in North Carolina is $53,975, according to the Department of Public Instruction. That means the county could afford to hire about three teachers per year.
The sales-tax increase could generate about $1.6 million in Chatham County, according to county officials. The money is slated to build affordable housing, hire more teachers and complete park renovations.
Madison County voters showed the most support of the tax increase, with 63 percent of voters selecting “yes” on the measure that will generate $290,000 in revenue, according to county officials. They plan to renovate a local stadium.
Residents in four other counties voted against a similar measure on Super Tuesday. More than half of voters in Alamance, Stokes, Wayne and Washington counties rejected the tax increase.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-10--Over 10,500 17-year-olds voted in primary election

Over 10,500 ballots were cast by 17-year-olds in Colorado ’ s presidential primary election last week , marking the first time younger voters could participate .
The Colorado Secretary of State ’ s office announced Monday that registered 17-year-old voters had 45 percent participation , with 10,634 out of 23,504 registered voters that age casting ballots .
Among those who voted , over 6,800 voted in the Democratic primary while over 3,200 voted in the Republican primary .
“ As the youngest Secretary of State in the country , it is important to me that young people ’ s voices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secretary of State Jena Griswold said in a statement .
Colorado along with 17 other states allow for eligible 17-year-olds to vote in primary elections if their birthdays occur between the primary and general elections .
The law allowing eligible 17-year-olds to vote took effect last year .
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. , won the state ’ s Democratic presidential primary last week , taking 35.9 percent of the vote over former Vice President Joe Biden , who secured 22.2 percent and billionaire Michael Bloomberg with 22.1 percent .
Bloomberg and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of the race .
Despite the win in Colorado , Biden is leading Sanders in the national poll averages ahead of more primaries this week .

Over 10,500 ballots were cast by 17-year-olds in Colorado’s presidential primary election last week, marking the first time younger voters could participate.
The Colorado Secretary of State’s office announced Monday that registered 17-year-old voters had 45 percent participation, with 10,634 out of 23,504 registered voters that age casting ballots.
Among those who voted, over 6,800 voted in the Democratic primary while over 3,200 voted in the Republican primary.
“As the youngest Secretary of State in the country, it is important to me that young people’s voices are heard in Colorado elections,” Secretary of State Jena Griswold said in a statement.
Colorado along with 17 other states allow for eligible 17-year-olds to vote in primary elections if their birthdays occur between the primary and general elections. The law allowing eligible 17-year-olds to vote took effect last year.
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., won the state’s Democratic presidential primary last week, taking 35.9 percent of the vote over former Vice President Joe Biden, who secured 22.2 percent and billionaire Michael Bloomberg with 22.1 percent. Bloomberg and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren have since dropped out of the race.
Despite the win in Colorado, Biden is leading Sanders in the national poll averages ahead of more primaries this week.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-10--Four Illinois sheriffs sue to strike down Illinois law allowing release of non-citizen felons

Four county sheriffs have sued the state of Illinois in federal court seeking to strike down a state law they said puts communities in danger .
The Illinois TRUST Act , enacted in 2017 , was the reason given by the Illinois Department of Corrections when the Illinois Sheriffs ' Association and several county sheriffs from around the state revealed the state ’ s prisons were no longer notifying local sheriffs about the release of felons who were not U.S. citizens upon completion of their sentence .
Last month , Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey said law enforcement officials were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ canceled pickups of non-citizens upon release from prisons .
Downey said Kankakee contracted with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in 2018 to facilitate the transfer of convicted felon non-citizens being released from Illinois prisons to ICE custody .
“ In just 2019 , the Kankakee County Sheriff 's office assisted in 223 safe and secure transfers of felons who had been convicted of committing the following crimes in an Illinois community , and these were not mild transgressions , ” he said last month .
“ Under the Illinois Trust Act , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detaining an individual solely on the basis of an immigration detainer or non-judicial immigration warrant , '' IDOC spokesperson Lindsey Hess said last month .
`` All incarcerated individuals are released at the expiration of their sentence .
We continue to work with the Governor ’ s Office to review our policies and procedures to ensure the safety of Illinois residents and compliance with state law.
” On Monday in federal court , the sheriffs of McHenry , Ogle , Stephenson and Kankakee counties filed suit to strike down the law .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and effect of obstructing federal immigration enforcement in Illinois , ” the lawsuit claims .
“ [ T ] he Sheriffs respectfully request that the Court enter a declaratory judgment determining that the Trust Act is preempted by federal law.
” The lawsuit said sheriffs run jails and “ [ f ] rom time-to-time , these jails house individuals who are undocumented aliens.
” “ However , the Trust Act bars any law enforcement agency or official from detaining ‘ any individual solely on the basis of any immigration detainer….
’ , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the suit , the net result is the ‘ Trust Act is in direct conflict with federal laws requiring cooperation and communication between federal and state law enforcement officials.
’ All despite the fact that as the Arizona case decision declares : “ Consultation between federal and state officials is an important feature of the immigration system.
” The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois put out a joint statement with the National Immigrant Justice Center that criticized the lawsuit .
“ Today ’ s lawsuit filed by four county sheriffs seeking to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a thinly-veiled attempt to justify ongoing violations of the law , ” the statement said .
“ Courts across the United States , including the Seventh Circuit and local federal district court , have held that ICE detainers are voluntary , such that laws like the TRUST Act create no conflict with federal law.
” “ Law enforcement in Illinois can not pick and choose which laws they follow and which they do not , ” the ACLU statement said .
“ We encourage the Illinois Attorney General to vigorously oppose this lawsuit.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ office said the TRUST Act does not violate the constitution .
`` The TRUST Act reflects the values of Illinois residents and serves to build relationships between law enforcement agencies and immigrant communities instead of spreading fear based on immigration status , '' spokesperson Annie Thompson said .
`` The Attorney General ’ s office maintains that the TRUST Act is constitutional . ''
The sheriffs said they face “ irreparable harm in the face of ongoing litigation and threats of enforcement of the Trust Act ” and that “ enforcement of an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Four county sheriffs have sued the state of Illinois in federal court seeking to strike down a state law they said puts communities in danger.
The Illinois TRUST Act, enacted in 2017, was the reason given by the Illinois Department of Corrections when the Illinois Sheriffs' Association and several county sheriffs from around the state revealed the state’s prisons were no longer notifying local sheriffs about the release of felons who were not U.S. citizens upon completion of their sentence.
Last month, Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey said law enforcement officials were notified Jan. 30 by IDOC they had canceled pickups of non-citizens upon release from prisons. Downey said Kankakee contracted with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in 2018 to facilitate the transfer of convicted felon non-citizens being released from Illinois prisons to ICE custody.
“In just 2019, the Kankakee County Sheriff's office assisted in 223 safe and secure transfers of felons who had been convicted of committing the following crimes in an Illinois community, and these were not mild transgressions,” he said last month.
But that’s not happening anymore.
“Under the Illinois Trust Act, the Illinois Department of Corrections is prohibited from detaining an individual solely on the basis of an immigration detainer or non-judicial immigration warrant," IDOC spokesperson Lindsey Hess said last month. "All incarcerated individuals are released at the expiration of their sentence. We continue to work with the Governor’s Office to review our policies and procedures to ensure the safety of Illinois residents and compliance with state law.”
On Monday in federal court, the sheriffs of McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson and Kankakee counties filed suit to strike down the law.
“The Trust Act has both the purpose and effect of obstructing federal immigration enforcement in Illinois,” the lawsuit claims. “[T]he Sheriffs respectfully request that the Court enter a declaratory judgment determining that the Trust Act is preempted by federal law.”
The lawsuit said sheriffs run jails and “[f]rom time-to-time, these jails house individuals who are undocumented aliens.”
“However, the Trust Act bars any law enforcement agency or official from detaining ‘any individual solely on the basis of any immigration detainer….’,” the sheriffs say. “According to the suit, the net result is the ‘Trust Act is in direct conflict with federal laws requiring cooperation and communication between federal and state law enforcement officials.’ All despite the fact that as the Arizona case decision declares: “Consultation between federal and state officials is an important feature of the immigration system.”
The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois put out a joint statement with the National Immigrant Justice Center that criticized the lawsuit.
“Today’s lawsuit filed by four county sheriffs seeking to strike down the Illinois Trust Act is a thinly-veiled attempt to justify ongoing violations of the law,” the statement said. “Courts across the United States, including the Seventh Circuit and local federal district court, have held that ICE detainers are voluntary, such that laws like the TRUST Act create no conflict with federal law.”
“Law enforcement in Illinois cannot pick and choose which laws they follow and which they do not,” the ACLU statement said. “We encourage the Illinois Attorney General to vigorously oppose this lawsuit.”
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul's office said the TRUST Act does not violate the constitution.
"The TRUST Act reflects the values of Illinois residents and serves to build relationships between law enforcement agencies and immigrant communities instead of spreading fear based on immigration status," spokesperson Annie Thompson said. "The Attorney General’s office maintains that the TRUST Act is constitutional."
The sheriffs said they face “irreparable harm in the face of ongoing litigation and threats of enforcement of the Trust Act” and that “enforcement of an unconstitutional law creates per se irreparable harm.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-10--Tuition freezes part of compromise Virginia budget

Lawmakers in the Virginia House and Senate reached an agreement on budget language that includes funding for public colleges and universities to freeze tuition rates .
`` Students and parents across the commonwealth can breathe a sigh of relief now that the General Assembly has struck a deal that will freeze tuition for the second year in a row , '' Stacie Gordon , the Virginia advocacy manager for the nonprofit Partners for College Affordability and Public Trust , said in a news release .
`` By doing so , Virginia ’ s legislators have made it absolutely clear that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and their families remains a top priority , ” Gordon said .
“ We commend House Appropriations Chairman Luke Torian and the House leadership for standing up for Virginia ’ s students and families to make this much-needed tuition freeze once again possible . ''
This budget proposal would allocate $ 55 million in state funding to public colleges and universities to freeze tuition rates for in-state students .
Last year , all of the commonwealth ’ s public institutions froze tuition rates for in-state students .
Some schools also froze rates for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not incentivize that .
In addition to tuition freezes , this proposal includes more funding to improve public education , health care and workplace equity .
“ We are increasing equitable access to higher education through a historic funding package , ” House Appropriations Committee Chairman Luke Torian , D-Woodbridge , said in a news release .
“ We are addressing health care equity and affordability by establishing a State Health Benefit Exchange to lower insurance costs and raising Medicaid provider reimbursement rates to preserve access to critical services.
” The General Assembly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to vote on the budget proposal .
If it passes , it will go to Gov .
Ralph Northam ’ s desk for his signature .

Lawmakers in the Virginia House and Senate reached an agreement on budget language that includes funding for public colleges and universities to freeze tuition rates.
"Students and parents across the commonwealth can breathe a sigh of relief now that the General Assembly has struck a deal that will freeze tuition for the second year in a row," Stacie Gordon, the Virginia advocacy manager for the nonprofit Partners for College Affordability and Public Trust, said in a news release.
"By doing so, Virginia’s legislators have made it absolutely clear that holding down college costs for hard-working students and their families remains a top priority,” Gordon said. “We commend House Appropriations Chairman Luke Torian and the House leadership for standing up for Virginia’s students and families to make this much-needed tuition freeze once again possible."
This budget proposal would allocate $55 million in state funding to public colleges and universities to freeze tuition rates for in-state students. Last year, all of the commonwealth’s public institutions froze tuition rates for in-state students. Some schools also froze rates for out-of-state students, although the government did not incentivize that.
In addition to tuition freezes, this proposal includes more funding to improve public education, health care and workplace equity.
“We are increasing equitable access to higher education through a historic funding package,” House Appropriations Committee Chairman Luke Torian, D-Woodbridge, said in a news release. “We are addressing health care equity and affordability by establishing a State Health Benefit Exchange to lower insurance costs and raising Medicaid provider reimbursement rates to preserve access to critical services.”
The General Assembly will reconvene Thursday in its extended session to vote on the budget proposal. If it passes, it will go to Gov. Ralph Northam’s desk for his signature.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-10--Trump seeking broad stimulus plan that includes tax deferrals and small-business loans: Sources

President Trump is pushing for a broad range of fiscal stimulus measures including tax deferrals and small-business loans as the administration switches focus from the effects of the coronavirus on the public to escalating fears of economic slowdown .
The package was described to the Washington Examiner by a senior administration official and a GOP figure familiar with the proposals .
These sources painted a picture of a White House that initially underestimated the economic danger of the virus and was scrambling to put a rescue package together .
Officials were blindsided earlier Tuesday by Trump ’ s decision to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and assistance for hourly workers who fear losing pay if they take time off sick .
“ They are playing catch-up on the economic side , ” said the official .
“ For the last 10 days , everyone has been focused exclusively , or nearly so , on the health side of the equation .
Now , everyone is turning to the real risks of overreacting and the cascade of irrational public fear .
Given the very low health risk , instead of getting the Wuhan flu , you could end up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team addressed Senate Republicans on Tuesday to unveil his proposals .
`` We 're taking this unbelievably seriously , '' he said after his meeting at the Capitol .
`` It will go away .
Just stay calm . ''
The Republican source said the plan included tax deferrals , or possibly allowing airlines and hotels to delay payment until revenues rebound , and offering more flexible repayment options for small businesses taking out loans .
However , the presentation offered little in the way of finished detail and suggested a work in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the prospect of a stimulus package on Monday after markets plunged once again amid the continuing spread of the virus .
The prospect of an economic boost sent markets up on Tuesday , but the sudden announcement had some officials playing catch up .
The Department of Commerce had not even been consulted , according to the official .
White House officials `` just haven ’ t asked what kind of stimulus might actually help those most impacted , ” he said .
Skeptics point out that a payroll tax cut had cheerleaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus .
Paul Winfree of the Heritage Institute , a former deputy director of the Domestic Policy Council in the Trump White House , said the White House needed to convey confidence to the markets .
“ And , right now , they are not inclined to serious thought .
They are panicking , ” he said .
Solutions need to address the underlying cause of the economic shock , which is the coronavirus epidemic .
“ Our collective mind is freaking out over this , and we ’ re not quite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rational because we don ’ t know what the ultimate impact of coronavirus in the U.S. will be , ” he said .
“ But , rather than wait and see what the impact would be and rather than conveying to the markets that we ’ ve got this under control , what they suggest we do is that we juice the economy with a payroll tax cut , which does not to address the underlying cause .
”

President Trump is pushing for a broad range of fiscal stimulus measures including tax deferrals and small-business loans as the administration switches focus from the effects of the coronavirus on the public to escalating fears of economic slowdown.
The package was described to the Washington Examiner by a senior administration official and a GOP figure familiar with the proposals.
These sources painted a picture of a White House that initially underestimated the economic danger of the virus and was scrambling to put a rescue package together. Officials were blindsided earlier Tuesday by Trump’s decision to announce plans for a payroll tax cut and assistance for hourly workers who fear losing pay if they take time off sick.
“They are playing catch-up on the economic side,” said the official. “For the last 10 days, everyone has been focused exclusively, or nearly so, on the health side of the equation. Now, everyone is turning to the real risks of overreacting and the cascade of irrational public fear. Given the very low health risk, instead of getting the Wuhan flu, you could end up unemployed.”
President Trump and his economic team addressed Senate Republicans on Tuesday to unveil his proposals.
"We're taking this unbelievably seriously," he said after his meeting at the Capitol. "It will go away. Just stay calm."
The Republican source said the plan included tax deferrals, or possibly allowing airlines and hotels to delay payment until revenues rebound, and offering more flexible repayment options for small businesses taking out loans.
However, the presentation offered little in the way of finished detail and suggested a work in progress, he said.
Trump raised the prospect of a stimulus package on Monday after markets plunged once again amid the continuing spread of the virus. The prospect of an economic boost sent markets up on Tuesday, but the sudden announcement had some officials playing catch up.
The Department of Commerce had not even been consulted, according to the official.
White House officials "just haven’t asked what kind of stimulus might actually help those most impacted,” he said.
Skeptics point out that a payroll tax cut had cheerleaders within the administration before the emergence of the coronavirus.
Paul Winfree of the Heritage Foundation, a former deputy director of the Domestic Policy Council in the Trump White House, said the White House needed to convey confidence to the markets.
“And, right now, they are not inclined to serious thought. They are panicking,” he said.
Solutions need to address the underlying cause of the economic shock, which is the coronavirus epidemic.
“Our collective mind is freaking out over this, and we’re not quite sure whether or not that’s rational because we don’t know what the ultimate impact of coronavirus in the U.S. will be,” he said. “But, rather than wait and see what the impact would be and rather than conveying to the markets that we’ve got this under control, what they suggest we do is that we juice the economy with a payroll tax cut, which does not to address the underlying cause.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-10--Trump's coronavirus payroll tax cut motivated by reelection, not logic

President Trump to push a payroll tax cut as a part of a coronavirus economic stimulus package , but emerged from the meeting with no consensus .
This is good news , and hopefully , it means Trump ’ s foolhardy and short-sighted proposal will never see the light of day .
While the novel coronavirus is certainly causing economic disruption , Trump ’ s vision of a $ 40 billion per month temporary payroll tax cut is a blunt , crude tool ill-suited as a public policy response for this situation .
Trump just wants to juice up the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than pursue serious policymaking that can actually help the root cause of the economic disruption : the spread of the COVID-19 virus .
The payroll tax cut would probably not include offsets in reduced government spending , resulting in a larger federal budget deficit .
To cash out now at the expense of deferred taxes and expenses for future generations is an immoral and unsustainable way to approach problems .
Another issue is that a payroll tax cut is extremely broad and doesn ’ t target those directly affected by the coronavirus outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax cut if they are continuing to work and be paid .
Workers in retail , travel , and so on who are laid off permanently or temporarily wo n't be helped much at all by a payroll tax cut .
A payroll tax cut primarily helps those who are able to continue working — and those aren ’ t the workers in need of relief .
“ The key challenges are easing liquidity constraints on businesses and workers suffering from collapsing industry-specific demand and providing relief for sick households or those affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Institute ’ s Ryan Bourne told me .
“ An employee payroll tax cut doesn ’ t help much , because anyone laid off won ’ t benefit from it , and hourly workers in highly affected service industries such as restaurants and bars won ’ t benefit much from it , '' Bourne added .
`` The primary aim here should be slowing the virus spread while mitigating economic pain from doing so ; a payroll tax cut is a needlessly untargeted and expensive measure instead designed to boost spending.
” Additionally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax cut is to boost consumption and spending , it may not be very successful , given the reasoning behind the coronavirus-induced economic lull .
The issue isn ’ t that people don ’ t have enough money to go out to restaurants , the movies , and so on — it ’ s that they aren ’ t doing so due to fears over the virus .
Putting more cash in their wallet won ’ t do much to change that decision , so much of that money is just likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide serious economic stimulus .
Even if it somehow did encourage them to get back out there and consume , from a public health perspective , that ’ s not really what we want to encourage right now .
Plus , if the payroll tax cut is temporary , it won ’ t do much of anything to boost growth over the long term .
Most economists agree permanent tax cuts are much more successful at boosting long-term growth .
If we ’ re going to finance tax cuts with more debt , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a way that will most successfully promote long-term economic growth , as the GOP tax reform law 's 2017 reduction in corporate taxes did .
There are cheaper and more targeted solutions to the coronavirus situation available .
One would extend government loans to help small businesses particularly harmed by this disruption get through a rough patch .
This targets relief for those most harmed by the coronavirus .
And assuming the loans are mostly repaid , this would surely cost taxpayers much less than a revenue-slashing payroll tax cut , too .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ big stimulus package or bailout is warranted by the economic situation , and there ’ s little to suggest a payroll tax cut would improve matters noticeably beyond perhaps juicing the stock market in the short-term .
President Trump needs to do what ’ s right for the country and its fiscal future — not what he thinks might best boost his odds for reelection .

President Trump met with lawmakers Tuesday afternoon to push a payroll tax cut as a part of a coronavirus economic stimulus package, but emerged from the meeting with no consensus. This is good news, and hopefully, it means Trump’s foolhardy and short-sighted proposal will never see the light of day.
While the novel coronavirus is certainly causing economic disruption, Trump’s vision of a $40 billion per month temporary payroll tax cut is a blunt, crude tool ill-suited as a public policy response for this situation. Trump just wants to juice up the stock market before Election Day, rather than pursue serious policymaking that can actually help the root cause of the economic disruption: the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
The payroll tax cut would probably not include offsets in reduced government spending, resulting in a larger federal budget deficit. To cash out now at the expense of deferred taxes and expenses for future generations is an immoral and unsustainable way to approach problems.
Another issue is that a payroll tax cut is extremely broad and doesn’t target those directly affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Workers only benefit from a payroll tax cut if they are continuing to work and be paid. Workers in retail, travel, and so on who are laid off permanently or temporarily won't be helped much at all by a payroll tax cut. A payroll tax cut primarily helps those who are able to continue working — and those aren’t the workers in need of relief.
“The key challenges are easing liquidity constraints on businesses and workers suffering from collapsing industry-specific demand and providing relief for sick households or those affected by containment measures,” the Cato Institute’s Ryan Bourne told me.
“An employee payroll tax cut doesn’t help much, because anyone laid off won’t benefit from it, and hourly workers in highly affected service industries such as restaurants and bars won’t benefit much from it," Bourne added. "The primary aim here should be slowing the virus spread while mitigating economic pain from doing so; a payroll tax cut is a needlessly untargeted and expensive measure instead designed to boost spending.”
Additionally, if the goal of a payroll tax cut is to boost consumption and spending, it may not be very successful, given the reasoning behind the coronavirus-induced economic lull.
The issue isn’t that people don’t have enough money to go out to restaurants, the movies, and so on — it’s that they aren’t doing so due to fears over the virus. Putting more cash in their wallet won’t do much to change that decision, so much of that money is just likely to be saved, reducing its ability to provide serious economic stimulus. Even if it somehow did encourage them to get back out there and consume, from a public health perspective, that’s not really what we want to encourage right now.
Plus, if the payroll tax cut is temporary, it won’t do much of anything to boost growth over the long term. Most economists agree permanent tax cuts are much more successful at boosting long-term growth. If we’re going to finance tax cuts with more debt, we should at least do it in a way that will most successfully promote long-term economic growth, as the GOP tax reform law's 2017 reduction in corporate taxes did.
There are cheaper and more targeted solutions to the coronavirus situation available.
One proposal would extend government loans to help small businesses particularly harmed by this disruption get through a rough patch. This targets relief for those most harmed by the coronavirus. And assuming the loans are mostly repaid, this would surely cost taxpayers much less than a revenue-slashing payroll tax cut, too.
It’s not clear that a big stimulus package or bailout is warranted by the economic situation, and there’s little to suggest a payroll tax cut would improve matters noticeably beyond perhaps juicing the stock market in the short-term. President Trump needs to do what’s right for the country and its fiscal future — not what he thinks might best boost his odds for reelection.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-10--'Sorry for being less than mindful': Joe Scarborough apologizes after sharing fake Trump tweet

MSNBC ’ s Joe Scarborough fell for a fake Trump tweet from 2015 calling for a president to be punished if the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1,000 points in a single day .
The stock market dropped more than 2,000 points Monday in the worst day of trading since the subprime mortgage collapse in 2008 .
Scarborough took the plummet as an opportunity to pounce on a screenshot of a fake tweet that appeared to have been written by President Trump back in 2015 .
The tweet read , “ If the Dow Joans ever falls more than 1000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sitting president should be 'loaded ' into a very big cannon and Shot into the sun at TREMENDOUS SPEED !
No excuses !
” It was proven to be fake back in 2018 after Twitter user Shaun Usher admitted he created it .
At the time , Usher said , `` Not for a second did I think people would believe that to be genuine . ''
It seems that Scarborough did n't check the veracity of the tweet before he fired off the question : `` What if it drops more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ? '
'' The Morning Joe host eventually realized it was fake when a reporter pointed it out to him on Twitter , prompting Scarborough to apologize for his mistake and delete his tweet .
President Trump also took a dig at Scarborough ’ s show Tuesday , calling it “ Morning Joke ” while congratulating Fox & Friends for its higher ratings .
Fox & Friends earned its 220th consecutive month of highest ratings for a morning cable news show in February , raking in an average of 1.8 million total viewers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with an average of 1.1 million total viewers .

MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough fell for a fake Trump tweet from 2015 calling for a president to be punished if the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1,000 points in a single day.
The stock market dropped more than 2,000 points Monday in the worst day of trading since the subprime mortgage collapse in 2008.
Scarborough took the plummet as an opportunity to pounce on a screenshot of a fake tweet that appeared to have been written by President Trump back in 2015.
The tweet read, “If the Dow Joans ever falls more than 1000 'points' in a Single Day the sitting president should be 'loaded' into a very big cannon and Shot into the sun at TREMENDOUS SPEED! No excuses!”
It was proven to be fake back in 2018 after Twitter user Shaun Usher admitted he created it. At the time, Usher said, "Not for a second did I think people would believe that to be genuine."
It seems that Scarborough didn't check the veracity of the tweet before he fired off the question: "What if it drops more than 2,000 'points' in a 'Single Day?'"
The Morning Joe host eventually realized it was fake when a reporter pointed it out to him on Twitter, prompting Scarborough to apologize for his mistake and delete his tweet.
Peter, thanks for calling attention to the deficit. I’m going to look up the articles right now. And thank you for calling attention to the tweet. I’m sorry for being less than mindful in my reaction. I was doing too many things at once and responded in haste. My apologies. https://t.co/peTFLPzHN4 — Joe Scarborough (@JoeNBC) March 9, 2020
No worries man. It happens. Here's one to start: https://t.co/2hXk27OI61 — Peter J. Hasson (@peterjhasson) March 9, 2020
President Trump also took a dig at Scarborough’s show Tuesday, calling it “Morning Joke” while congratulating Fox & Friends for its higher ratings.
Wow! @foxandfriends blew away the competition of Morning Joke (which did very poorly) on MSDNC (Another Comcast sleaze production), and @CNN’s New Day, in the Morning Television Ratings. A total blowout, but that’s what you get when you treat “Trump” fairly! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 10, 2020
Fox & Friends earned its 220th consecutive month of highest ratings for a morning cable news show in February, raking in an average of 1.8 million total viewers. Morning Joe came in second place, with an average of 1.1 million total viewers.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-10--'Not a big deal': Trump says White House physician sees 'no reason' to test him for coronavirus

President Trump told reporters Tuesday that the White House physician did not see a reason for him to be tested for the coronavirus , adding , `` It 's not a big deal to get tested . ''
“ I don ’ t think it ’ s a big deal .
I would do it .
I don ’ t feel that — any reason .
I feel extremely good ; I feel very good .
But I guess it ’ s not a big deal to get tested and it ’ s something I would do .
But again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — terrific guy , talented guy — he said he sees no reason to do it .
There ’ s no symptoms , no anything.
” Trump added , “ If there were , you people would be the first to know it , and you would maybe even tell me about it.
” On Monday evening , Vice President Mike Pence confirmed to reporters that neither he nor Trump had been tested for the COVID-19 virus , which White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham later confirmed in a statement .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he has neither had prolonged close contact with any known confirmed COVID-19 patients , nor does he have any symptoms , ” Grisham said in a statement .
“ President Trump remains in excellent health , and his physician will continue to closely monitor him.
” The coronavirus has ravaged China since the beginning of 2020 , with 500 million people being placed on lockdown .
Approximately 80,750 people in the country have tested positive for the disease that originated in Wuhan , with over 3,100 deaths .
The virus has disrupted public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More than 700 cases and 26 deaths have been confirmed in the United States , so far .
Globally , more than 114,000 people have been infected .

President Trump told reporters Tuesday that the White House physician did not see a reason for him to be tested for the coronavirus, adding, "It's not a big deal to get tested."
“I don’t think it’s a big deal. I would do it. I don’t feel that — any reason. I feel extremely good; I feel very good. But I guess it’s not a big deal to get tested and it’s something I would do. But again, spoke to the White House doctor — terrific guy, talented guy — he said he sees no reason to do it. There’s no symptoms, no anything.”
Trump added, “If there were, you people would be the first to know it, and you would maybe even tell me about it.”
On Monday evening, Vice President Mike Pence confirmed to reporters that neither he nor Trump had been tested for the COVID-19 virus, which White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham later confirmed in a statement.
“The President has not received COVID-19 testing because he has neither had prolonged close contact with any known confirmed COVID-19 patients, nor does he have any symptoms,” Grisham said in a statement. “President Trump remains in excellent health, and his physician will continue to closely monitor him.”
The coronavirus has ravaged China since the beginning of 2020, with 500 million people being placed on lockdown. Approximately 80,750 people in the country have tested positive for the disease that originated in Wuhan, with over 3,100 deaths.
The virus has disrupted public affairs as it continues to spread. More than 700 cases and 26 deaths have been confirmed in the United States, so far. Globally, more than 114,000 people have been infected.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-10--'Followed through': Newsom praises Trump for response to Grand Princess coronavirus outbreak

California Gov .
Gavin Newsom offered rare praise of President Trump 's administration for the way it has responded to an outbreak of the COVID-19 virus on a cruise ship carrying hundreds .
The ship , dubbed the Grand Princess and carrying 3,500 people from 54 countries , docked in Oakland , California , this week after circling waters off the coast of the state for two days while health officials debated if it was safe to let the ship dock on American soil .
Health officials screened 46 people aboard and found 21 who tested positive for the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he would prefer if the passengers did not exit the ship but would defer to the opinion of top U.S. health officials .
`` I do n't need to have the numbers double because of one ship , '' Trump said Saturday .
`` I can live either way with it . ''
However , the passengers , who will now be placed under a 14-day federal quarantine , were allowed to disembark the vessel on Monday , and Newsom thanked the president for letting them and for providing the logistical support to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration ... has been consistent with the expectation that we repatriate these passengers , '' the Democratic governor said during a press conference , `` and we do it in a way that does justice to the spirit that defines the best of our country and the state of California . ''
`` He said , 'We 're going to do the right thing , and you have my support , ' '' he continued .
`` He said everything that I could have hoped for .
... And every single thing he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Newsom 's remarks were in contrast to his usual criticism of Trump .
He recently called California the most `` un-Trump '' state in the country and said the president was `` scared '' of its voters .
Nationwide , more than 700 cases of the virus have been confirmed , including 27 deaths .
Two of the deaths happened in California , where Newsom declared a statewide state of emergency last week .
Across the country , leading health experts are urging older people or those with underlying health issues to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where the virus has spread .
“ We will continue to see more cases of COVID-19 , ” said LA County Public Health Department Director Barbara Ferrer , according to the Los Angeles Times .
“ We continue to urge everyone to do their part : Stay home if you are sick and keep your children home if they are sick ; plan for the possibility of school and business closures .
”

California Gov. Gavin Newsom offered rare praise of President Trump's administration for the way it has responded to an outbreak of the COVID-19 virus on a cruise ship carrying hundreds.
The ship, dubbed the Grand Princess and carrying 3,500 people from 54 countries, docked in Oakland, California, this week after circling waters off the coast of the state for two days while health officials debated if it was safe to let the ship dock on American soil. Health officials screened 46 people aboard and found 21 who tested positive for the virus.
Over the weekend, Trump said he would prefer if the passengers did not exit the ship but would defer to the opinion of top U.S. health officials.
"I don't need to have the numbers double because of one ship," Trump said Saturday. "I can live either way with it."
However, the passengers, who will now be placed under a 14-day federal quarantine, were allowed to disembark the vessel on Monday, and Newsom thanked the president for letting them and for providing the logistical support to deal with them safely.
"His administration ... has been consistent with the expectation that we repatriate these passengers," the Democratic governor said during a press conference, "and we do it in a way that does justice to the spirit that defines the best of our country and the state of California."
"He said, 'We're going to do the right thing, and you have my support,'" he continued. "He said everything that I could have hoped for. ... And every single thing he said, they followed through on."
Newsom's remarks were in contrast to his usual criticism of Trump. He recently called California the most "un-Trump" state in the country and said the president was "scared" of its voters.
[Click here for complete coronavirus coverage]
California Gov. Newsom had kind words for Pres. Trump and Vice Pres. Pence when asked about the administration's handling of coronavirus and cruise ships:
"We had a very long conversation, and every single he said they followed through on." https://t.co/iBPb6YBiQ0 pic.twitter.com/7bYjBdspno — ABC News (@ABC) March 9, 2020
Nationwide, more than 700 cases of the virus have been confirmed, including 27 deaths. Two of the deaths happened in California, where Newsom declared a statewide state of emergency last week.
Across the country, leading health experts are urging older people or those with underlying health issues to refrain from nonessential travel to certain countries where the virus has spread.
“We will continue to see more cases of COVID-19,” said LA County Public Health Department Director Barbara Ferrer, according to the Los Angeles Times. “We continue to urge everyone to do their part: Stay home if you are sick and keep your children home if they are sick; plan for the possibility of school and business closures.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-10--Trump speaks to Saudi crown prince as oil output spike tanks markets

President Trump discussed spiraling energy markets with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday , according to the White House , amid growing concern of a global economic slowdown .
The telephone call was made on the same day that Trump blamed devastating market losses on Saudi Arabia and Russia wrangling over oil supply .
The criticism will raise questions about whether Trump ’ s close relationship with Salman — the president ’ s first overseas trip was to Riyadh , Saudi Arabia , for example — can survive crashing oil prices .
Prices rose about 8 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on news that Saudi Arabia , the world ’ s biggest oil exporter , was planning to increase production .
`` Yesterday , President Donald J. Trump spoke with Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , ” said White House spokesman Judd Deere .
“ The president and the crown prince discussed global energy markets and other critical regional and bilateral issues.
” The White House offered no further details .
Saudi Arabia announced on Tuesday that its state-run oil giant , Saudi Aramco , would increase production @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed a threat to ramp up production made after Russia said it would not cooperate on cutting output .
Riyadh wanted OPEC nations to reduce production to keep prices high as energy use decreases across Asia because of the coronavirus .
However , Russia , which has cooperated with OPEC for the past three years , opted not to go along with the plan , triggering a price war with Saudi Arabia .
The lower oil prices come as there 's less demand for air travel amid the spread of the new coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in overall demand will also push down gasoline prices at the pump for Americans .
On average , a gallon of unleaded is retailing for $ 2.37 , compared with $ 2.43 a month ago , according to AAA .

President Trump discussed spiraling energy markets with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday, according to the White House, amid growing concern of a global economic slowdown.
The telephone call was made on the same day that Trump blamed devastating market losses on Saudi Arabia and Russia wrangling over oil supply.
The criticism will raise questions about whether Trump’s close relationship with Salman — the president’s first overseas trip was to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for example — can survive crashing oil prices.
Prices rose about 8% on Tuesday after plunging a day earlier on news that Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest oil exporter, was planning to increase production.
"Yesterday, President Donald J. Trump spoke with Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said White House spokesman Judd Deere. “The president and the crown prince discussed global energy markets and other critical regional and bilateral issues.”
Saudi Arabia and Russia are arguing over the price and flow of oil. That, and the Fake News, is the reason for the market drop! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 9, 2020
The White House offered no further details.
Saudi Arabia announced on Tuesday that its state-run oil giant, Saudi Aramco, would increase production to record levels in April. It followed a threat to ramp up production made after Russia said it would not cooperate on cutting output.
Riyadh wanted OPEC nations to reduce production to keep prices high as energy use decreases across Asia because of the coronavirus. However, Russia, which has cooperated with OPEC for the past three years, opted not to go along with the plan, triggering a price war with Saudi Arabia.
Good for the consumer, gasoline prices coming down! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 9, 2020
The lower oil prices come as there's less demand for air travel amid the spread of the new coronavirus around the world, and the decline in overall demand will also push down gasoline prices at the pump for Americans. On average, a gallon of unleaded is retailing for $2.37, compared with $2.43 a month ago, according to AAA.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-10--Private insurers will cover coronavirus testing, Pence says

Vice President Mike Pence said that private insurers will cover the cost of coronavirus testing and telemedicine services for patients @ @ @ @ @ to report , as you requested , Mr. President , all the insurance companies here @ @ @ @ @ agreed to waive all co-pays for coronavirus testing and extend coverage for coronavirus treatment in @ @ @ @ @ ” Pence told President Trump in a White House meeting Tuesday with insurance company executives @ @ @ @ @ 's attendees were Gail Boudreaux , president & CEO of Anthem ; Dave Wichmann , @ @ @ @ @ and Bruce Broussard , president and CEO of Humana .
Trump floated government coverage for @ @ @ @ @ but offered few details other than saying , `` We 're looking at that whole @ @ @ @ @ that all private insurance CEOs `` have also agreed to no surprise billing '' for @ @ @ @ @ that the costs of receiving telehealth services would fall to insurers rather than patients .

Vice President Mike Pence said that private insurers will cover the cost of coronavirus testing and telemedicine services for patients.
“I am pleased to report, as you requested, Mr. President, all the insurance companies here today or before today have agreed to waive all co-pays for coronavirus testing and extend coverage for coronavirus treatment in all their benefit plans,” Pence told President Trump in a White House meeting Tuesday with insurance company executives.
[Click here for complete coronavirus coverage]
Among the Tuesday meeting's attendees were Gail Boudreaux, president & CEO of Anthem; Dave Wichmann, CEO of UnitedHealth Group; and Bruce Broussard, president and CEO of Humana.
Trump floated government coverage for testing and treatments last week but offered few details other than saying, "We're looking at that whole situation."
Pence added that all private insurance CEOs "have also agreed to no surprise billing" for coronavirus patients getting treatment and that the costs of receiving telehealth services would fall to insurers rather than patients.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-10--Close the postal security loophole

Close the postal security loophole

On the surface , counterfeit goods pose a minor nuisance — a cheap bag made of fake leather that falls apart , or a phone charger that only works for a week .
But these products , often sold at bargain-basement prices , create a tangible risk for countless Americans every day .
While e-commerce has changed the way we shop , it has opened the floodgates for deceptive goods that threaten consumer health and safety — not to mention serious economic damage for American businesses .
The White House recently issued an executive order promising to crack down on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For this commitment to be effective , it is crucial that law enforcement have access to the tools needed to stop these illegal shipments from ever reaching our country in the first place .
Unfortunately , a law designed to stop dangerous material sent through the mail , including counterfeit goods , remains unenforced over one year since President Trump signed it into law .
Congress passed the Synthetics and Trafficking Overdose Prevention or STOP Act with overwhelming bipartisan support , and Trump signed it into law in October 2018 .
If properly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security gap frequently abused by counterfeit goods traffickers .
It requires packages sent internationally to the U.S. through the postal system to include advance electronic data , used to screen international packages for illegal opioids , potential terrorist risks , and other dangerous material , as has already been required for packages sent through private carriers for nearly two decades .
At a recent White House press briefing , senior counselor Kellyanne Conway spoke of how this discrepancy creates a security loophole , saying , “ our third-party carriers have been [ providing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — your UPS , your FedEx , for example .
And so , now , our own U.S .
Postal Service needs to get on board with that.
” And a recent specifically highlighted the importance of enforcing the STOP Act to address counterfeits , noting that the data it requires is “ useful to target and prevent counterfeit goods.
” Yet although the STOP Act set strict timelines for implementing new standards , more than a year since its passage .
While the U.S .
Postal Service and Customs and Border Protection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all packages from China and on 70 % of international packages overall by December 2018 , .
Meanwhile , critical reports to Congress on compliance and progress are not public .
In the White House briefing , Conway cited numbers ranging from 35 % to 38 % compliance — nowhere near what is required nor what is needed to keep the country secure .
That is more serious than a bureaucratic delay .
Because of low manufacturing standards or sub-par materials , knock-off products ranging from toys to pharmaceuticals are “ putting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and significant risk , ” according to the Senate Finance Committee .
And a report from the U.S. Commission on the Theft of American Intellectual Property estimated counterfeit and pirated goods cost the U.S. economy between $ 29 and $ 41 billion per year , with over 60 % of these products traveling through the postal service .
Those revenues should be going to American businesses and supporting American jobs and innovations , not lining the pockets of criminals .
Consider the whose garment designs were copied by Chinese counterfeiters who had the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s photos in their advertisements .
Or the who appeared on Shark Tank but were bombarded by negative reviews from consumers who unwittingly bought foreign knock-offs of their car-cleaning innovation .
Or the who patented a device that helps students hold their violin bow properly but then saw foreign counterfeiters steal the idea to profit themselves .
With countless stories like these , it ’ s unacceptable that fully enforcing the STOP Act is anything but a top priority .
Unless the law is followed , the postal loophole will remain a glaring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fueling the opioid crisis , and other bad actors .
The administration ’ s new executive order is a promising step , but it must be accompanied by accountability from our federal agencies , and from responsible oversight from Congress to ensure laws like the STOP Act are not only signed into law but properly implemented so they can be effective .
Juliette Kayyem , the Belfer Lecturer in International Security at Harvard Kennedy School , served as assistant secretary for intergovernmental affairs at the Department of Homeland Security .
She is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on closing the postal security loophole .

On the surface, counterfeit goods pose a minor nuisance — a cheap bag made of fake leather that falls apart, or a phone charger that only works for a week. But these products, often sold at bargain-basement prices, create a tangible risk for countless Americans every day. While e-commerce has changed the way we shop, it has opened the floodgates for deceptive goods that threaten consumer health and safety — not to mention serious economic damage for American businesses.
The White House recently issued an executive order promising to crack down on international counterfeiting and intellectual property theft. For this commitment to be effective, it is crucial that law enforcement have access to the tools needed to stop these illegal shipments from ever reaching our country in the first place.
Unfortunately, a law designed to stop dangerous material sent through the mail, including counterfeit goods, remains unenforced over one year since President Trump signed it into law.
Congress passed the Synthetics and Trafficking Overdose Prevention or STOP Act with overwhelming bipartisan support, and Trump signed it into law in October 2018. If properly enforced, the law would close a security gap frequently abused by counterfeit goods traffickers. It requires packages sent internationally to the U.S. through the postal system to include advance electronic data, used to screen international packages for illegal opioids, potential terrorist risks, and other dangerous material, as has already been required for packages sent through private carriers for nearly two decades.
At a recent White House press briefing, senior counselor Kellyanne Conway spoke of how this discrepancy creates a security loophole, saying, “our third-party carriers have been [providing security data] for a long time — your UPS, your FedEx, for example. And so, now, our own U.S. Postal Service needs to get on board with that.” And a recent report from the United States Senate Finance Committee specifically highlighted the importance of enforcing the STOP Act to address counterfeits, noting that the data it requires is “useful to target and prevent counterfeit goods.”
Yet although the STOP Act set strict timelines for implementing new standards, more than a year since its passage federal agencies continue to miss its key deadlines . While the U.S. Postal Service and Customs and Border Protection were required to have advance data on all packages from China and on 70% of international packages overall by December 2018, they have repeatedly fallen short . Meanwhile, critical reports to Congress on compliance and progress are not public. In the White House briefing, Conway cited numbers ranging from 35% to 38% compliance — nowhere near what is required nor what is needed to keep the country secure.
That is more serious than a bureaucratic delay. Because of low manufacturing standards or sub-par materials, knock-off products ranging from toys to pharmaceuticals are “ putting the health and safety of consumers at direct and significant risk ,” according to the Senate Finance Committee. And a report from the U.S. Commission on the Theft of American Intellectual Property estimated counterfeit and pirated goods cost the U.S. economy between $29 and $41 billion per year, with over 60% of these products traveling through the postal service. Those revenues should be going to American businesses and supporting American jobs and innovations, not lining the pockets of criminals.
Consider the New Jersey mother whose garment designs were copied by Chinese counterfeiters who had the gall to use her own daughter’s photos in their advertisements. Or the Virginia inventors who appeared on Shark Tank but were bombarded by negative reviews from consumers who unwittingly bought foreign knock-offs of their car-cleaning innovation. Or the music teacher who patented a device that helps students hold their violin bow properly but then saw foreign counterfeiters steal the idea to profit themselves.
With countless stories like these, it’s unacceptable that fully enforcing the STOP Act is anything but a top priority.
Unless the law is followed, the postal loophole will remain a glaring vulnerability exploited by counterfeiters, drug traffickers fueling the opioid crisis, and other bad actors. The administration’s new executive order is a promising step, but it must be accompanied by accountability from our federal agencies, and from responsible oversight from Congress to ensure laws like the STOP Act are not only signed into law but properly implemented so they can be effective.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-10--Three reasons Joe Biden will never be president

Joe Biden was sworn into the U.S. Senate on Jan. 3 , 1973 .
He remained in the Senate until Jan. 15 , 2009 — a span of 36 years .
If history is any guide , that alone is a disqualifier in Biden 's quest for the White House .
What does 36 years in the Senate say about a politician ?
It says he is a senator — not a president .
So the first reason Biden will not become president is that no one who served 36 years in the Senate has ever become president .
No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate has ever become president .
No one who served 25 years in the Senate has ever become president .
No one who served 20 years in the Senate has ever become president .
No one who served 15 years in the Senate has ever become president .
It 's not for lack of trying .
Bob Dole , who was sworn into the Senate on Jan. 3 , 1969 , ran for president 27 years later , in 1996 .
He quit the Senate during the campaign to show his determination to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Senate , plus his age — he was 73 at the time and the subject of endless suggestions that he was too old to be president — were a deal-killer for voters .
Others tried , too .
In 2008 , John McCain ran for president after 21 years in the Senate .
It did n't work .
In 2004 , John Kerry ran for president after 19 years in the Senate .
That did n't work , either .
A long career in the Senate is simply not a foundation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House .
The most recent political figure to realize that was Barack Obama , who was sworn into the Senate in 2005 and two years later was running for the presidency — and to get out of the Senate .
OK , put aside the Senate , Biden 's supporters would say .
What about his eight years as vice president ?
Certainly that could be the basis for a successful presidential run .
But the second reason Biden will not become president is that the record of vice presidents on that score @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have become president .
Of those , eight became president upon the death of the president .
Of that group , some were later elected to the White House , but they were running for the office as the sitting president .
Others , such as George H.W .
Bush , became president by running to succeed the president they served .
They ran for president as the sitting vice president .
When Bush did that , in 1988 , it had not been done since 1836 .
It has not been done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not Biden 's situation .
He served eight years as vice president but did not run to succeed Obama .
Now , he is running as a private citizen .
Only one president has gone from the vice presidency to private life and then to the presidency .
Richard Nixon served as vice president in the 1950s , narrowly lost the 1960 presidential election , and then came back to win the presidency in 1968 .
That is Biden 's hope — that a vice president can leave office and then , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to win the White House .
Perhaps .
But Nixon , who spent less than three years in the Senate , became vice president a few days after turning 40 and was sworn in as president at 56 — more than two decades younger than Biden , who will be 78 on Inauguration Day , 2021 .
Finally , the third reason Biden will not be president is the `` 14-Year Rule . ''
The idea of former George W. Bush speechwriter John McConnell , and popularized by writer Jonathan Rauch , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sell-by date .
`` No one gets elected president who needs longer than 14 years to get from his or her first gubernatorial or Senate victory to either the presidency or the vice presidency , '' Rauch wrote .
That has been true for a century .
Biden did n't even get close .
It took him 36 years to get from his first Senate victory to the vice presidency .
If he wins the presidency now , it would be 47 years from that first Senate swearing-in until Inauguration Day .
Of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rule , the `` Too Long In The Senate Rule , '' and the `` How Vice Presidents Become President Rule '' might all be wrong in Biden 's case .
If so , he can frame this headline and hang it somewhere in the White House .
But do n't bet on it .

Joe Biden was sworn into the U.S. Senate on Jan. 3, 1973. He remained in the Senate until Jan. 15, 2009 — a span of 36 years. If history is any guide, that alone is a disqualifier in Biden's quest for the White House.
What does 36 years in the Senate say about a politician? It says he is a senator — not a president.
So the first reason Biden will not become president is that no one who served 36 years in the Senate has ever become president. No one who served 30 years in the Senate has ever become president. No one who served 25 years in the Senate has ever become president. No one who served 20 years in the Senate has ever become president. No one who served 15 years in the Senate has ever become president.
It's not for lack of trying. Bob Dole, who was sworn into the Senate on Jan. 3, 1969, ran for president 27 years later, in 1996. He quit the Senate during the campaign to show his determination to become president. But his long years in the Senate, plus his age — he was 73 at the time and the subject of endless suggestions that he was too old to be president — were a deal-killer for voters.
Others tried, too. In 2008, John McCain ran for president after 21 years in the Senate. It didn't work. In 2004, John Kerry ran for president after 19 years in the Senate. That didn't work, either.
A long career in the Senate is simply not a foundation for a successful run for the White House. The most recent political figure to realize that was Barack Obama, who was sworn into the Senate in 2005 and two years later was running for the presidency — and to get out of the Senate.
OK, put aside the Senate, Biden's supporters would say. What about his eight years as vice president? Certainly that could be the basis for a successful presidential run. But the second reason Biden will not become president is that the record of vice presidents on that score is not encouraging.
Fourteen vice presidents have become president. Of those, eight became president upon the death of the president. Of that group, some were later elected to the White House, but they were running for the office as the sitting president.
Others, such as George H.W. Bush, became president by running to succeed the president they served. They ran for president as the sitting vice president. When Bush did that, in 1988, it had not been done since 1836. It has not been done since.
In any event, that is not Biden's situation. He served eight years as vice president but did not run to succeed Obama. Now, he is running as a private citizen.
Only one president has gone from the vice presidency to private life and then to the presidency. Richard Nixon served as vice president in the 1950s, narrowly lost the 1960 presidential election, and then came back to win the presidency in 1968. That is Biden's hope — that a vice president can leave office and then, after a period outside government, return to win the White House.
Perhaps. But Nixon, who spent less than three years in the Senate, became vice president a few days after turning 40 and was sworn in as president at 56 — more than two decades younger than Biden, who will be 78 on Inauguration Day, 2021.
Finally, the third reason Biden will not be president is the "14-Year Rule." The idea of former George W. Bush speechwriter John McConnell, and popularized by writer Jonathan Rauch, it basically says that politicians have a strict sell-by date. "No one gets elected president who needs longer than 14 years to get from his or her first gubernatorial or Senate victory to either the presidency or the vice presidency," Rauch wrote. That has been true for a century.
Biden didn't even get close. It took him 36 years to get from his first Senate victory to the vice presidency. If he wins the presidency now, it would be 47 years from that first Senate swearing-in until Inauguration Day.
Of course, it's possible the 14-Year Rule, the "Too Long In The Senate Rule," and the "How Vice Presidents Become President Rule" might all be wrong in Biden's case. If so, he can frame this headline and hang it somewhere in the White House. But don't bet on it.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-10--Black pastors group starts petition urging Congress to censure Schumer

The president and founder of the Coalition of African American Pastors began a petition urging the Senate to censure Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for his threatening remarks aimed at two conservative Supreme Court justices .
“ This behavior is an affront to the dignity of the U.S. Senate , ” the reads .
“ It perpetuates a sense of division in our nation and encourages radicals to approach political disagreements as a forum for violent action .
The Senate should demonstrate that Senator Schumer has gone beyond the bounds of acceptable behavior and take appropriate disciplinary action.
” Schumer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on both sides of the aisle last week for comments directed at Supreme Court Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh that many felt constituted a threat .
`` I want to tell you , Gorsuch .
I want to tell you , Kavanaugh : You have released the whirlwind , and you will pay the price , '' Schumer said at a pro-abortion rally in front of the Supreme Court building last week .
`` You wo n't know what hit you if you go forward with these awful decisions . ''
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promotes violence and hate , ” the Rev .
William Owens , founder of the Coalition of African American Pastors , said in a .
“ We ’ ve had enough of politicians who bemoan partisanship on the campaign trail while still catering to the most extremist elements of the hard Left .
To make an open threat against two sitting judges — in an attempt to influence a case currently before the Court — goes far beyond acceptable behavior for a U.S.
Senator.
” Schumer received a rare public from Supreme Court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backed from his original remarks , claiming that he misspoke .
`` Now , I should not have used the words I used yesterday .
They did n't come out the way I intended to , '' he said Thursday .
“ Of course , I didn ’ t intend to suggest anything other than political and public opinion consequences for the Supreme Court.
” “ I shouldn ’ t have used the words I did , but in no way was I making a threat .
I would never do such a @ @ @ @ @ @

The president and founder of the Coalition of African American Pastors began a petition urging the Senate to censure Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for his threatening remarks aimed at two conservative Supreme Court justices.
“This behavior is an affront to the dignity of the U.S. Senate,” the petition reads. “It perpetuates a sense of division in our nation and encourages radicals to approach political disagreements as a forum for violent action. The Senate should demonstrate that Senator Schumer has gone beyond the bounds of acceptable behavior and take appropriate disciplinary action.”
Schumer, a New York Democrat, was criticized on both sides of the aisle last week for comments directed at Supreme Court Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh that many felt constituted a threat.
"I want to tell you, Gorsuch. I want to tell you, Kavanaugh: You have released the whirlwind, and you will pay the price," Schumer said at a pro-abortion rally in front of the Supreme Court building last week. "You won't know what hit you if you go forward with these awful decisions."
“This is the kind of language that promotes violence and hate,” the Rev. William Owens, founder of the Coalition of African American Pastors, said in a statement . “We’ve had enough of politicians who bemoan partisanship on the campaign trail while still catering to the most extremist elements of the hard Left. To make an open threat against two sitting judges — in an attempt to influence a case currently before the Court — goes far beyond acceptable behavior for a U.S. Senator.”
Schumer received a rare public rebuke from Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. Schumer then backed from his original remarks, claiming that he misspoke.
"Now, I should not have used the words I used yesterday. They didn't come out the way I intended to," he said Thursday. “Of course, I didn’t intend to suggest anything other than political and public opinion consequences for the Supreme Court.”
“I shouldn’t have used the words I did, but in no way was I making a threat. I would never do such a thing,” he added.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-10--House reaches deal to extend spy law

House reaches deal to extend spy law

House lawmakers have reached a bipartisan accord on an extension of three provisions in the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act .
@ @ @ @ @ Congress acts this week , with talks having stalled over efforts to impose reforms aimed @ @ @ @ @ addressing abuse of the law .
Federal law enforcement consider the measure a vital tool @ @ @ @ @ , but it has faced increasing opposition from the public and in Congress .
The @ @ @ @ @ measure as early as Wednesday , which would give the Senate time to take it @ @ @ @ @ House Rules Committee

House lawmakers have reached a bipartisan accord on an extension of three provisions in the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
The provisions will sunset unless Congress acts this week, with talks having stalled over efforts to impose reforms aimed at protecting civil liberties and addressing abuse of the law. Federal law enforcement consider the measure a vital tool to prevent terrorism and espionage, but it has faced increasing opposition from the public and in Congress.
The House could vote on the measure as early as Wednesday, which would give the Senate time to take it up on Thursday. The House Rules Committee posted the bill text on Tuesday.
Senate lawmakers were not part of the negotiations, however, and there is no guarantee it will clear Congress by the end of the week.
Both chambers are scheduled to be out of session next week.
President Trump told Republicans last week he won’t sign a bill to extend the measure unless there are changes. Trump believes the law was abused by the FBI to spy on his 2016 campaign and improperly launch a two-year inquiry into allegations he colluded with the Russians to win the White House.
Democrats are seeking changes to protect civil liberties and prevent abuse of the surveillance measures, which have grown increasingly unpopular over the past decade.
Reforms to the FISA program will include ending the Call Detail Records Program, which permits the government to seek call metadata from the telecommunications companies and new provisions to enable better oversight of the secretive program.
Attorney General William Barr said he plans to institute reforms to the program to address abuses outlined in a December report produced by Inspector General Michael Horowitz, who found "17 significant errors or omissions" by law enforcement seeking to spy on onetime Trump campaign adviser Carter Page.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-10--Tlaib promotes Linda Sarsour book while wearing T-shirt that says 'Palestine' over map of Israel

Rep. Rashida Tlaib was photographed promoting controversial activist Linda Sarsour ’ s new book while wearing a T-shirt depicting Israel covered in Arabic letters that spell `` Palestine . ''
“ Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib 's t-shirt does n't exactly scream 'two-state solution , ’ '' Alex VanNess , a fellow at the Endowment for Middle East Truth , tweeted Monday , along with a photo of the Michigan Democrat proudly holding up the book while sporting the shirt with Arabic writing and the colors of the Palestinian flag .
The Washington Examiner independently confirmed that the writing translates to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the only Palestinian Americans elected to Congress , has been criticized several times for comments many consider to be anti-Semitic .
The Anti-Defamation League admonished her in late January after she tweeted an inaccurate story claiming Israeli Jews murdered a Palestinian child .
`` This is an example of how the blood libel works in 2020 , ” Jonathan Greenblatt , the ADL ’ s CEO , said about the tweet .
“ @ Rashida Tlaib retweets a vicious lie steeped in centuries-old accusations used to demonize Jews , then says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apology is overdue.
” Tlaib addressed the mistake but never apologized .
Shortly after moving into her congressional office , she made headlines by putting a Post-it note on a map symbolizing where the area of Palestine is located .
Linda Sarsour , the author of We Are Not Here to Be Bystanders , has been accused of peddling hatred aimed at Israel as well .
`` Ask them this : How can you be against white supremacy in the United States of America and the idea of living in a supremacist state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then you support a state like Israel that is built on supremacy , that is built on the idea that Jews are supreme to everybody else ?
” Sarsour said during a speech last year .
Following backlash , she later clarified the remarks and apologized for the “ confusion.
” The annual Women ’ s March additionally cut ties with Sarsour last year due to concerns about anti-Semitism .
Both Tlaib and Sarsour have announced they are supporting Sen. Bernie Sanders for president , and the congresswoman recently appeared at a campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Rep. Rashida Tlaib was photographed promoting controversial activist Linda Sarsour’s new book while wearing a T-shirt depicting Israel covered in Arabic letters that spell "Palestine."
“Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib's t-shirt doesn't exactly scream 'two-state solution,’" Alex VanNess, a fellow at the Endowment for Middle East Truth, tweeted Monday, along with a photo of the Michigan Democrat proudly holding up the book while sporting the shirt with Arabic writing and the colors of the Palestinian flag.
The Washington Examiner independently confirmed that the writing translates to the word "Palestine."
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib's t-shirt doesn't exactly scream 'two state solution.' pic.twitter.com/NZXdOqBc4J — Alex VanNess (@thealexvanness) March 9, 2020
Tlaib, one of the only Palestinian Americans elected to Congress, has been criticized several times for comments many consider to be anti-Semitic. The Anti-Defamation League admonished her in late January after she tweeted an inaccurate story claiming Israeli Jews murdered a Palestinian child.
"This is an example of how the blood libel works in 2020,” Jonathan Greenblatt, the ADL’s CEO, said about the tweet. “@Rashida Tlaib retweets a vicious lie steeped in centuries-old accusations used to demonize Jews, then says nothing when it's disproven. An apology is overdue.”
Tlaib addressed the mistake but never apologized.
Shortly after moving into her congressional office, she made headlines by putting a Post-it note on a map symbolizing where the area of Palestine is located.
Someone has already made a slight alteration to the map that hangs in Rashida Tlaib’s new congressional office. pic.twitter.com/mwyshIog4r — Hannah Allam (@HannahAllam) January 3, 2019
Linda Sarsour, the author of We Are Not Here to Be Bystanders, has been accused of peddling hatred aimed at Israel as well.
"Ask them this: How can you be against white supremacy in the United States of America and the idea of living in a supremacist state based on race and class, but then you support a state like Israel that is built on supremacy, that is built on the idea that Jews are supreme to everybody else?” Sarsour said during a speech last year.
Following backlash, she later clarified the remarks and apologized for the “confusion.”
The annual Women’s March additionally cut ties with Sarsour last year due to concerns about anti-Semitism.
Both Tlaib and Sarsour have announced they are supporting Sen. Bernie Sanders for president, and the congresswoman recently appeared at a campaign event for the Vermont senator in Michigan.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-10--Trump assures Senate GOP on coronavirus: ‘Don’t panic’

President Trump made a rare appearance in the Senate to assure Republicans his administration is handling the spread of the coronavirus and developing a plan to help those affected by the disease , including the possibility of a $ 300 billion payroll tax cut .
“ His message was , this is not a time for politics , and everybody needs to take this seriously , but don ’ t panic , we ’ re on top of it , ” Republican Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana said after the Tuesday meeting , which was not open to the media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Mike Pence huddled for about an hour in a room near the Senate chamber to discuss efforts to ramp up detection and treatment of the virus and to plan for new economic measures aimed at mitigating losses by businesses and industries from the spread of the disease .
Pence heads the president 's task force overseeing the federal response to the coronavirus .
The meeting centered on both the immediate efforts to stop the spread of the virus and treat the infected and stimulus measures to ease the negative economic impact .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a payroll tax cut and made the pitch privately to GOP lawmakers in the meeting but did not provide details about the size and scope of such a cut , those in the room told the Washington Examiner .
“ He wants to take action because he realizes we probably have to , ” Sen. Ron Johnson , a Wisconsin Republican , said after the meeting .
“ There are a whole host of options , and the president is focused on payroll tax , and probably a larger one than has happened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be most effective.
” Sen. Marco Rubio , a Florida Republican , said staff-level talks have focused on a possible $ 300 billion payroll tax cut .
“ That ’ s not gospel ; it could be higher or lower.
” “ I don ’ t think a final decision has been made on the stimulus side , ” Kennedy said .
“ But we are discussing it.
” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin also attended and made the payroll tax cut pitch .
Kennedy said , in addition to a payroll tax , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changes in the tax code permanent , and an infrastructure bill .
“ We are all aware of the fact that fear is spreading much faster than the virus , '' Kennedy said .
`` And we are also aware of the fact that this is going to have an impact on our economy .
It ’ s going to have an impact on the world economy .
And we are talking about how to deal with that .
”

President Trump made a rare appearance in the Senate to assure Republicans his administration is handling the spread of the coronavirus and developing a plan to help those affected by the disease, including the possibility of a $300 billion payroll tax cut.
“His message was, this is not a time for politics, and everybody needs to take this seriously, but don’t panic, we’re on top of it,” Republican Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana said after the Tuesday meeting, which was not open to the media.
Republicans, Trump, and Vice President Mike Pence huddled for about an hour in a room near the Senate chamber to discuss efforts to ramp up detection and treatment of the virus and to plan for new economic measures aimed at mitigating losses by businesses and industries from the spread of the disease.
Pence heads the president's task force overseeing the federal response to the coronavirus.
[Click here for complete coronavirus coverage]
The meeting centered on both the immediate efforts to stop the spread of the virus and treat the infected and stimulus measures to ease the negative economic impact.
Trump on Monday said he would propose a payroll tax cut and made the pitch privately to GOP lawmakers in the meeting but did not provide details about the size and scope of such a cut, those in the room told the Washington Examiner.
“He wants to take action because he realizes we probably have to,” Sen. Ron Johnson, a Wisconsin Republican, said after the meeting. “There are a whole host of options, and the president is focused on payroll tax, and probably a larger one than has happened in the past, and that might be most effective.”
Sen. Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican, said staff-level talks have focused on a possible $300 billion payroll tax cut. “That’s not gospel; it could be higher or lower.”
“I don’t think a final decision has been made on the stimulus side,” Kennedy said. “But we are discussing it.”
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin also attended and made the payroll tax cut pitch.
Kennedy said, in addition to a payroll tax, lawmakers were discussing refinancing debt, making changes in the tax code permanent, and an infrastructure bill.
“We are all aware of the fact that fear is spreading much faster than the virus," Kennedy said. "And we are also aware of the fact that this is going to have an impact on our economy. It’s going to have an impact on the world economy. And we are talking about how to deal with that.”