thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-13--Florida set to be first state to shield residents’ genetic information from life insurers

Lawmakers on Thursday approved a new law that would make Florida the nation ’ s first state to prohibit life , disability and long-term care insurance companies from using genetic tests for coverage purposes .
House Bill 1189 , sponsored by Rep. Chris Sprowls , R-Clearwater , was amended by the Senate and adopted in a 35-3 vote before being kicked back to the House , which approved the measure , 110-0 , and sent it to Gov .
Ron DeSantis ’ desk .
Sprowls , the House Speaker-Designate , said the legislation is a “ major victory for Floridians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader in the nation in protecting our residents and our citizens ’ genetic information.
” Federal law prevents health insurers from using genetic information in underwriting policies and setting premiums , but the prohibition doesn ’ t apply to life insurance or long-term care coverage .
Sprowls , a cancer survivor , said he discovered this “ massive loophole ” and became alarmed about “ genetic privacy ” after being placed on hold during a phone call to a life insurance company in 2017 .
While waiting for assistance , the insurer ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with commercials from DNA-testing companies such as 23andMe and AncestryDNA , he said .
Under HB 1189 , insurers would be prohibited from using genetic information to price policies and offerings .
The bill blocks companies from requiring or soliciting genetic information from applicants .
The new law would forbid DNA testing companies from providing genetic information to insurers without customer ’ s permission .
Sen. Kelli Stargel , R-Lakeland , substituted her companion , Senate Bill 1564 , for HB 1189 with an amendment to clarify that insurers could take into consideration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even those based on genetic information .
Stargel said the measure protects people who use genetic testing kits offered online or through the mail .
“ While countless Floridians have used DNA testing kits to learn more about their background or identify potential health risks , they didn ’ t sign up in order for insurers to access this personal information and then base their policies on it , ” she said in a statement .
“ We are elected to protect Floridians , and this good public policy protects them from insurers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using it against them.
” The lone dissenters were Sens .
Kevin Rader , D-Boca Raton ; Jeff Brandes , R-St. Petersburg ; and Joe Gruters , R-Sarasota , who is also the state Republican committee chairman .
Brandes has voted down on the measure through its committee hearings because , he said , it would not permit those with “ good DNA ” to secure better life insurance rates by voluntarily submitting them to insurers .
Brandes ’ objection was among those raised by the American Council of Life Insurers in opposing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information gleaned from genetic tests could be used to lower insurance premiums .
Among other bills sent to DeSantis ’ desk Thursday : • House Bill 6055 : This bill repeals Florida code regulating telegraph companies , which haven ’ t been changed since 1913 or been of any relevance in decades .
Sen. Ben Albritton , R-Bartow , who substituted HB 6055 for his companion , Senate Bill 1256 , was asked by chiding senators to explain for school-aged children and middle-aged people what , exactly , telegraphs are .
“ Just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Next year we ’ re going after carrier pigeons and Morse code.
” The bill passed unanimously in both chambers .
• House Bill 327 : Companion bill sponsored by Sen. Tom Wright , R-Port Orange , and Rep. David Smith , R-Winter Springs , would increase minimum fines from $ 500 to $ 750 for taking bear out of season , increase hunting license suspensions for violators from one year to three years and extend the suspension across 47 other states .
Florida has not had a bear season since 2015 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States and the Florida Conservation Voters supported the measure .

Lawmakers on Thursday approved a new law that would make Florida the nation’s first state to prohibit life, disability and long-term care insurance companies from using genetic tests for coverage purposes.
House Bill 1189, sponsored by Rep. Chris Sprowls, R-Clearwater, was amended by the Senate and adopted in a 35-3 vote before being kicked back to the House, which approved the measure, 110-0, and sent it to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk.
Sprowls, the House Speaker-Designate, said the legislation is a “major victory for Floridians” and “will make Florida the leader in the nation in protecting our residents and our citizens’ genetic information.”
Federal law prevents health insurers from using genetic information in underwriting policies and setting premiums, but the prohibition doesn’t apply to life insurance or long-term care coverage.
Sprowls, a cancer survivor, said he discovered this “massive loophole” and became alarmed about “genetic privacy” after being placed on hold during a phone call to a life insurance company in 2017.
While waiting for assistance, the insurer’s phone system filled the dead air with commercials from DNA-testing companies such as 23andMe and AncestryDNA, he said.
Under HB 1189, insurers would be prohibited from using genetic information to price policies and offerings. The bill blocks companies from requiring or soliciting genetic information from applicants.
The new law would forbid DNA testing companies from providing genetic information to insurers without customer’s permission.
Sen. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, substituted her companion, Senate Bill 1564, for HB 1189 with an amendment to clarify that insurers could take into consideration diagnoses in customers’ medical records, even those based on genetic information.
Stargel said the measure protects people who use genetic testing kits offered online or through the mail.
“While countless Floridians have used DNA testing kits to learn more about their background or identify potential health risks, they didn’t sign up in order for insurers to access this personal information and then base their policies on it,” she said in a statement. “We are elected to protect Floridians, and this good public policy protects them from insurers invading their private personal DNA data and using it against them.”
The lone dissenters were Sens. Kevin Rader, D-Boca Raton; Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg; and Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, who is also the state Republican committee chairman.
Brandes has voted down on the measure through its committee hearings because, he said, it would not permit those with “good DNA” to secure better life insurance rates by voluntarily submitting them to insurers.
Brandes’ objection was among those raised by the American Council of Life Insurers in opposing the measure. The trade group said information gleaned from genetic tests could be used to lower insurance premiums.
Among other bills sent to DeSantis’ desk Thursday:
• House Bill 6055: This bill repeals Florida code regulating telegraph companies, which haven’t been changed since 1913 or been of any relevance in decades.
Sen. Ben Albritton, R-Bartow, who substituted HB 6055 for his companion, Senate Bill 1256, was asked by chiding senators to explain for school-aged children and middle-aged people what, exactly, telegraphs are.
“Just Google it,” Albritton said. “Next year we’re going after carrier pigeons and Morse code.”
The bill passed unanimously in both chambers.
• House Bill 327: Companion bill sponsored by Sen. Tom Wright, R-Port Orange, and Rep. David Smith, R-Winter Springs, would increase minimum fines from $500 to $750 for taking bear out of season, increase hunting license suspensions for violators from one year to three years and extend the suspension across 47 other states.
Florida has not had a bear season since 2015. The Humane Society of the United States and the Florida Conservation Voters supported the measure.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-13--DC Circuit to rehear Trump administration cases on executive privilege and border wall funding

The D.C .
Circuit Court of Appeals will rehear arguments in two Trump administration cases over a House subpoena to White House counsel Don McGahn and funding for a southern border wall .
The court vacated previous rulings in both cases on Friday , according to Politico .
Arguments for each are scheduled for April 28 in front of the full D.C .
Circuit .
House lawmakers petitioned the court last week to revisit a lawsuit to force McGahn through subpoena to testify to Congress .
A divided three-judge panel ruled on Feb. 28 that the Judiciary could not decide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two coequal branches of government .
The ruling was a major victory for President Trump .
The House subpoenaed McGahn last night while investigating Trump on impeachment charges related to his foreign policy with Ukraine .
Trump claimed executive privilege over McGahn ’ s testimony , resulting in the House lawsuit .
Last year , Democratic lawmakers accused the president of withholding military aid from Ukraine to secure investigations into former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden .
The House impeached the president in December on charges of abuse of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second charge based , in part , on Trump ’ s claim of executive privilege over McGahn ’ s testimony .
The second case due to be reheard by the D.C .
Circuit is over whether Congress can sue to block the Trump administration from diverting unspent military construction funding toward building a wall on the United States-Mexico border .
Trump declared a national emergency last year and diverted $ 3.6 billion toward border wall construction , and the court approved Trump 's action in January after House lawmakers sued .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7.2 billion in 2020 .

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals will rehear arguments in two Trump administration cases over a House subpoena to White House counsel Don McGahn and funding for a southern border wall.
The court vacated previous rulings in both cases on Friday, according to Politico. Arguments for each are scheduled for April 28 in front of the full D.C. Circuit.
House lawmakers petitioned the court last week to revisit a lawsuit to force McGahn through subpoena to testify to Congress. A divided three-judge panel ruled on Feb. 28 that the Judiciary could not decide what amounted to a political debate between two coequal branches of government.
The ruling was a major victory for President Trump. The House subpoenaed McGahn last night while investigating Trump on impeachment charges related to his foreign policy with Ukraine. Trump claimed executive privilege over McGahn’s testimony, resulting in the House lawsuit.
Last year, Democratic lawmakers accused the president of withholding military aid from Ukraine to secure investigations into former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden. The House impeached the president in December on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, with the second charge based, in part, on Trump’s claim of executive privilege over McGahn’s testimony.
The second case due to be reheard by the D.C. Circuit is over whether Congress can sue to block the Trump administration from diverting unspent military construction funding toward building a wall on the United States-Mexico border. Trump declared a national emergency last year and diverted $3.6 billion toward border wall construction, and the court approved Trump's action in January after House lawmakers sued. The president plans to divert an additional $7.2 billion in 2020.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-13--'A nasty question': Trump pressed on dismantling of White House pandemic response team

President Trump called a reporter 's question “ nasty ” after she asked about the administration cutting its global health security team back in 2018 .
After his Friday speech declaring the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency , a journalist asked why Trump wouldn ’ t “ take responsibility ” for the crisis despite the response team being dismantled during John Bolton ’ s tenure as national security adviser .
“ Well , I just think it ’ s a nasty question , ” Trump responded before pointing to measures the administration has put in place after the COVID-19 outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ I mean , you say we did that .
I don ’ t know anything about it , ” he added .
“ You don ’ t know about the reorganization that happened at the National Security Council ?
” PBS News Hour reporter Yamiche Alcindor questioned as the president spoke over her .
“ It ’ s the administration , perhaps they do that , let people go .
You used to be with a different newspaper than you are now , you know things like that happen , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was cut off .
In May 2018 , Bolton reorganized the NSC in an effort to streamline it .
As part of that reorganization , Rear Adm. Timothy Ziemer , the top White House official responsible for pandemic response , was let go , and the team he oversaw was dismantled .
Earlier during Friday ’ s Rose Garden press conference , Trump was asked if he takes responsibility for the lack of initial testing capabilities .
“ No , I don ’ t take responsibility at all because we were given a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given rules , regulations , and specifications from a different time .
It wasn ’ t meant for this kind of an event , ” the president said .
Sen. Sherrod Brown said he sent Trump a letter at the time of Ziemer 's departure raising questions about the reorganization .
The Ohio Democrat posted a copy of the letter to Twitter on Friday after the president 's news conference .
He said it was untrue that Trump was not aware of the team 's dissolution .
`` I wrote to you more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you fired the entire White House pandemic team , '' Brown said .
The main focus of Trump ’ s speech was the declaration of a national emergency to free up federal funds to combat the pandemic .
Trump announced a monthlong travel ban on countries from Europe earlier this week .
There have been almost 1,900 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus and 41 deaths in the United States .
Worldwide , that number has ballooned to more than 137,000 infections and more than 5,000 deaths , most of which are concentrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ originated .

President Trump called a reporter's question “nasty” after she asked about the administration cutting its global health security team back in 2018.
After his Friday speech declaring the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency, a journalist asked why Trump wouldn’t “take responsibility” for the crisis despite the response team being dismantled during John Bolton’s tenure as national security adviser.
“Well, I just think it’s a nasty question,” Trump responded before pointing to measures the administration has put in place after the COVID-19 outbreak that have “saved thousands of lives.”
“I mean, you say we did that. I don’t know anything about it,” he added.
“You don’t know about the reorganization that happened at the National Security Council?” PBS News Hour reporter Yamiche Alcindor questioned as the president spoke over her.
“It’s the administration, perhaps they do that, let people go. You used to be with a different newspaper than you are now, you know things like that happen,” Trump said before Alcindor’s microphone was cut off.
In May 2018, Bolton reorganized the NSC in an effort to streamline it. As part of that reorganization, Rear Adm. Timothy Ziemer, the top White House official responsible for pandemic response, was let go, and the team he oversaw was dismantled.
Earlier during Friday’s Rose Garden press conference, Trump was asked if he takes responsibility for the lack of initial testing capabilities.
“No, I don’t take responsibility at all because we were given a set of circumstances, and we were given rules, regulations, and specifications from a different time. It wasn’t meant for this kind of an event,” the president said.
Sen. Sherrod Brown said he sent Trump a letter at the time of Ziemer's departure raising questions about the reorganization. The Ohio Democrat posted a copy of the letter to Twitter on Friday after the president's news conference. He said it was untrue that Trump was not aware of the team's dissolution.
"I wrote to you more than 600 days ago demanding answers after you fired the entire White House pandemic team," Brown said.
Not true, @realDonaldTrump. I wrote to you more than 600 days ago demanding answers after you fired the entire White House pandemic team. https://t.co/ICbHOkyeyY pic.twitter.com/71OF9gKA3N — Sherrod Brown (@SenSherrodBrown) March 13, 2020
The main focus of Trump’s speech was the declaration of a national emergency to free up federal funds to combat the pandemic. Trump announced a monthlong travel ban on countries from Europe earlier this week.
There have been almost 1,900 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus and 41 deaths in the United States. Worldwide, that number has ballooned to more than 137,000 infections and more than 5,000 deaths, most of which are concentrated in mainland China, where the illness originated.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-13--Trump administration urges at-risk employees to work from home

The Trump administration is escalating its response to the coronavirus , urging federal agencies to allow employees most at risk to work from home or take time off .
`` All Federal Executive Branch departments and agencies are encouraged to maximize telework flexibilities to eligible workers within those populations '' that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified as being at risk for serious complications from the coronavirus , acting director of the White House 's Office of Management and Budget Russ Vought wrote in a letter issued late Thursday .
`` Agencies do not need to require @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accept self-identification by employees that they are in one of these populations , '' the memo read .
The guidance includes older adults , those with diabetes , high blood pressure , or heart disease , and pregnant women .
For employees who are unable to work from home or travel safely , the letter suggests granting leave `` for safety reasons . ''
Extending the measure to a broader pool of employees to accommodate state and local responses , such as school closures , or in areas at risk of community spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ read .
In spite of OMB 's guidance , it is up to individual agencies to set their own telework policies and to determine who is eligible .
Employees , unions , and lawmakers have expressed frustration at this .
“ When the Super Bowl was in Atlanta , the entire regional office teleworked for over a week to ease congestion and enhance security , ” one Social Security Administration employee told Federal News Network .
“ It also teleworked for the NCAA football championship game for the same reasons .
Why will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bowl but not when potential lives are on the line ?
” Last week , eight Democratic senators wrote a letter to OMB criticizing earlier guidance for not going far enough to expand opportunities for telework and to assure employees who contract the virus that they would be protected from `` income insecurity , disciplinary action , or any other adverse employment actions .
“ We worry that OPM ’ s guidance to date does not demonstrate to our nation ’ s hardworking public servants that the federal government is prioritizing their health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the letter read .
The White House said on Thursday that staff at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. were adhering to the CDC 's guidance on travel and public gatherings , `` which includes staying home if you feel ill , as well as frequent hand-washing . ''
Telework is being considered for some lower- to midlevel employees , according to reports .
In January , the White House called on federal agencies to pull back on telework , a measure that reports say began in 2018 at the Department of Agriculture when Secretary Sonny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the office on a day that person was working from home .
The administration has sought increased accountability from employees .
OMB did not immediately respond to a request for comment .

The Trump administration is escalating its response to the coronavirus, urging federal agencies to allow employees most at risk to work from home or take time off.
"All Federal Executive Branch departments and agencies are encouraged to maximize telework flexibilities to eligible workers within those populations" that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified as being at risk for serious complications from the coronavirus, acting director of the White House's Office of Management and Budget Russ Vought wrote in a letter issued late Thursday.
"Agencies do not need to require certification by a medical professional and may accept self-identification by employees that they are in one of these populations," the memo read.
The guidance includes older adults, those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, and pregnant women. For employees who are unable to work from home or travel safely, the letter suggests granting leave "for safety reasons."
Extending the measure to a broader pool of employees to accommodate state and local responses, such as school closures, or in areas at risk of community spread, should be considered, the letter read.
In spite of OMB's guidance, it is up to individual agencies to set their own telework policies and to determine who is eligible. Employees, unions, and lawmakers have expressed frustration at this.
“When the Super Bowl was in Atlanta, the entire regional office teleworked for over a week to ease congestion and enhance security,” one Social Security Administration employee told Federal News Network. “It also teleworked for the NCAA football championship game for the same reasons. Why will the agency allow telework for the Super Bowl but not when potential lives are on the line?”
Last week, eight Democratic senators wrote a letter to OMB criticizing earlier guidance for not going far enough to expand opportunities for telework and to assure employees who contract the virus that they would be protected from "income insecurity, disciplinary action, or any other adverse employment actions.
“We worry that OPM’s guidance to date does not demonstrate to our nation’s hardworking public servants that the federal government is prioritizing their health, well-being and economic security,” the letter read.
The White House said on Thursday that staff at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. were adhering to the CDC's guidance on travel and public gatherings, "which includes staying home if you feel ill, as well as frequent hand-washing." Telework is being considered for some lower- to midlevel employees, according to reports.
In January, the White House called on federal agencies to pull back on telework, a measure that reports say began in 2018 at the Department of Agriculture when Secretary Sonny Perdue was unable to find an employee in the office on a day that person was working from home. The administration has sought increased accountability from employees.
OMB did not immediately respond to a request for comment.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-13--Pelosi announces deal with Trump administration to pass coronavirus emergency legislation

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Friday evening that she had reached a deal with the Trump administration to pass a coronavirus economic package , ending an intense weeklong series of negotiations .
The House is expected to vote and pass the legislation later Friday night .
The earliest a bill could be signed into law is Monday , when the Senate returns .
`` We are proud to have reached an agreement with the Administration to resolve outstanding challenges , and now will soon pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act , '' Pelosi wrote in a letter to Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing , testing , testing , '' she wrote .
The legislation is meant to help people whose lives or jobs have been upended by the epidemic by providing benefits for idled workers , added food stamp funding , and boosted unemployment insurance .
It also would increase coronavirus testing and give states funding for healthcare .
Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , who led the administration 's efforts , spoke 13 times over the course of the day regarding the deal , most recently at 5:48 p.m. on Friday evening , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Earlier Friday , President Trump said there was no deal .
`` We just do n't think they 're giving enough , '' Trump said during a news conference at the White House on the pandemic .
Trump said his administration , led by Mnuchin , was still negotiating with the Democrats , led by Pelosi .
`` We could have something , but we do n't think they 're giving enough .
They 're not doing what 's right for the country , '' Trump said when asked about the coronavirus economic @ @

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Friday evening that she had reached a deal with the Trump administration to pass a coronavirus economic package, ending an intense weeklong series of negotiations. The House is expected to vote and pass the legislation later Friday night.
The earliest a bill could be signed into law is Monday, when the Senate returns.
"We are proud to have reached an agreement with the Administration to resolve outstanding challenges, and now will soon pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act," Pelosi wrote in a letter to Democratic colleagues.
"This legislation is about testing, testing, testing," she wrote.
The legislation is meant to help people whose lives or jobs have been upended by the epidemic by providing benefits for idled workers, added food stamp funding, and boosted unemployment insurance. It also would increase coronavirus testing and give states funding for healthcare.
Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who led the administration's efforts, spoke 13 times over the course of the day regarding the deal, most recently at 5:48 p.m. on Friday evening, according to Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill.
Earlier Friday, President Trump said there was no deal.
"We just don't think they're giving enough," Trump said during a news conference at the White House on the pandemic.
Trump said his administration, led by Mnuchin, was still negotiating with the Democrats, led by Pelosi.
"We could have something, but we don't think they're giving enough. They're not doing what's right for the country," Trump said when asked about the coronavirus economic package.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-13--'I don't take responsibility at all': Trump pushes back on complaints about coronavirus testing

President Trump said he doesn ’ t take responsibility for the lag in testing for COVID-19 in the United States .
After his Friday speech declaring the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency , Trump was asked by a reporter if he takes responsibility for the lack of testing capabilities and if he can guarantee everyone who needs a test will be given one .
“ No , I don ’ t take responsibility at all because we were given a set of circumstances and we were given rules , regulations , and specifications from a different time .
It wasn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an event , ” the president said during a Rose Garden speech .
He went on to say that the system of responding to an outbreak wasn ’ t designed for “ the kind of numbers that we ’ re talking about ” and added that the response system was “ redesigned ” very quickly with the help of the coronavirus task force , led by Vice President Mike Pence .
“ And we ’ re now in very , very strong shape , ” Trump said , noting that there will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ very quick period of time.
” “ We are going to be leaving a very indelible print for the future in case something like this happens again , ” he continued .
“ And , frankly , the old system worked very well for smaller numbers , much smaller numbers , but not for these kinds of numbers.
” During his speech , where he was accompanied by a number of health and business leaders , Trump declared a national emergency to free up funds from the federal government .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access to up to $ 50 billion of very important and a large amount of money for states and territories and localities in our shared fight against this disease , ” Trump said .
Trump announced a monthlong travel ban on countries from Europe on Wednesday , a move that sent stocks plummeting on Thursday .
During Trump ’ s Friday speech , the Dow Jones Industrial index went up 1,000 points in a last-minute rally .
There have been almost 1,900 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 41 deaths in the U.S. @ @ @ @ @

President Trump said he doesn’t take responsibility for the lag in testing for COVID-19 in the United States.
After his Friday speech declaring the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency, Trump was asked by a reporter if he takes responsibility for the lack of testing capabilities and if he can guarantee everyone who needs a test will be given one.
“No, I don’t take responsibility at all because we were given a set of circumstances and we were given rules, regulations, and specifications from a different time. It wasn’t meant for this kind of an event,” the president said during a Rose Garden speech.
[Click here for complete coronavirus coverage]
He went on to say that the system of responding to an outbreak wasn’t designed for “the kind of numbers that we’re talking about” and added that the response system was “redesigned” very quickly with the help of the coronavirus task force, led by Vice President Mike Pence.
“And we’re now in very, very strong shape,” Trump said, noting that there will be the ability to test millions in a “very quick period of time.”
“We are going to be leaving a very indelible print for the future in case something like this happens again,” he continued. “And, frankly, the old system worked very well for smaller numbers, much smaller numbers, but not for these kinds of numbers.”
During his speech, where he was accompanied by a number of health and business leaders, Trump declared a national emergency to free up funds from the federal government.
“The action I am taking will open up access to up to $50 billion of very important and a large amount of money for states and territories and localities in our shared fight against this disease,” Trump said.
Trump announced a monthlong travel ban on countries from Europe on Wednesday, a move that sent stocks plummeting on Thursday. During Trump’s Friday speech, the Dow Jones Industrial index went up 1,000 points in a last-minute rally.
There have been almost 1,900 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 41 deaths in the U.S. since the pandemic began.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-13--Trump says he will 'most likely' be tested for coronavirus

President Trump said Friday he `` most likely '' will be tested for the coronavirus after coming into close contact with a member of the Brazilian president 's delegation over the weekend who later tested positive for COVID-19 .
After declaring a national emergency in the White House Rose Garden to combat the pandemic , Trump was asked by a reporter if it was `` selfish '' not to be tested for the coronavirus , potentially putting others at the risk of infection .
`` I did n't say I was n't going to be tested , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporter only moments earlier .
`` Are you going to be ? ''
a reporter asked .
`` Most likely , yeah .
Most likely .
Not for that reason , but because I think I will do it anyway , '' the president said .
Asked when the test would happen , Trump said , `` Fairly soon .
We 're working out a schedule . ''
Minutes earlier , Trump maintained there was no reason to be tested for the virus .
`` No , we have no symptoms whatsoever , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a great meeting with the president of Brazil , Bolsonaro .
Great guy , very tremendous .
He 's doing a fantastic job for Brazil , '' he said .
`` And , as you know , he tested negative , meaning nothing wrong , this morning .
And we got that word , too . ''
During a Friday interview before Trump 's announcement , Anthony Fauci , the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , said he recommended a coronavirus test for anybody who had similar interactions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if I were standing next to someone who had been diagnosed with coronavirus , should I isolate myself and find a test as well ?
” asked MSNBC host Willie Geist .
`` Yes , '' Fauci said .
“ OK , so that goes for the president , likely , in theory , at least , but you ’ ll leave it to his doctor ?
” Geist asked Fauci .
“ I ’ m going to leave it to his physician , who ’ s a very good physician , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secretary Stephanie Grisham said on Thursday that neither Trump nor Vice President Mike Pence would `` require '' testing for COVID-19 after meeting with the Brazilian delegation at Trump 's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach , Florida .
In making her case , Grisham said the president did not have an extended interaction with Brazilian press secretary Fabio Wajngarten , who tested positive for the illness .
“ The White House is aware of public reports that a member of the Brazilian delegation ‘ s visit to Mar-a-Lago last weekend tested positive for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Exposures from the case are being assessed , which will dictate next steps , '' Grisham said .
`` Both the president and vice president had almost no interactions with the individual who tested positive and do not require being tested at this time . ''
Both Wajngarten and Bolsonaro attended a dinner with Trump and Pence at the resort in South Florida , taking several photographs with them .
Reports on Friday said Bolsonaro tested positive for the virus , but the Brazilian president , along with his son Eduardo Bolsonaro , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and said he tested negative .
`` Too much lies and little information .
Coronavirus exam done with the team that were with JB in USA have not yet been completed There are always those people who tell lies in the media and if the story is confirmed they say ' I told you ! '
, if not will be just 1 more fake news , '' Bolsonaro 's son said in a series of tweets .
Other administration officials , including first daughter Ivanka Trump , Attorney General William Barr , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have also been exposed to people who tested positive for the coronavirus .
Peter Dutton , the Australian minister for foreign affairs , interacted with them at a gathering last week in D.C. CNN 's Kaitlan Collins reported on Friday that Ivanka Trump had `` worked from home '' though did not require testing because she did not exhibit any symptoms .
COVID-19 cases have appeared in every continent except Antarctica .
Nearly 135,000 people have tested positive for the virus around the world , killing at least 4,988 people , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there have been approximately 15,113 confirmed cases and 1,016 deaths .
The country has closed all businesses , with the exception of grocery stores , banks , and pharmacies , and has placed the entire nation on lockdown .

President Trump said Friday he "most likely" will be tested for the coronavirus after coming into close contact with a member of the Brazilian president's delegation over the weekend who later tested positive for COVID-19.
After declaring a national emergency in the White House Rose Garden to combat the pandemic, Trump was asked by a reporter if it was "selfish" not to be tested for the coronavirus, potentially putting others at the risk of infection.
"I didn't say I wasn't going to be tested," he said, contradicting an answer he gave another reporter only moments earlier.
"Are you going to be?" a reporter asked.
"Most likely, yeah. Most likely. Not for that reason, but because I think I will do it anyway," the president said.
Asked when the test would happen, Trump said, "Fairly soon. We're working out a schedule."
Minutes earlier, Trump maintained there was no reason to be tested for the virus.
"No, we have no symptoms whatsoever," Trump said. "We had a great meeting with the president of Brazil, Bolsonaro. Great guy, very tremendous. He's doing a fantastic job for Brazil," he said. "And, as you know, he tested negative, meaning nothing wrong, this morning. And we got that word, too."
During a Friday interview before Trump's announcement, Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said he recommended a coronavirus test for anybody who had similar interactions experienced by Trump.
"Generally speaking, if I were standing next to someone who had been diagnosed with coronavirus, should I isolate myself and find a test as well?” asked MSNBC host Willie Geist. "Yes," Fauci said.
“OK, so that goes for the president, likely, in theory, at least, but you’ll leave it to his doctor?” Geist asked Fauci.
“I’m going to leave it to his physician, who’s a very good physician,” Fauci added.
White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said on Thursday that neither Trump nor Vice President Mike Pence would "require" testing for COVID-19 after meeting with the Brazilian delegation at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida.
In making her case, Grisham said the president did not have an extended interaction with Brazilian press secretary Fabio Wajngarten, who tested positive for the illness.
“The White House is aware of public reports that a member of the Brazilian delegation‘s visit to Mar-a-Lago last weekend tested positive for COVID-19; confirmatory testing is pending. Exposures from the case are being assessed, which will dictate next steps," Grisham said. "Both the president and vice president had almost no interactions with the individual who tested positive and do not require being tested at this time."
Both Wajngarten and Bolsonaro attended a dinner with Trump and Pence at the resort in South Florida, taking several photographs with them. Reports on Friday said Bolsonaro tested positive for the virus, but the Brazilian president, along with his son Eduardo Bolsonaro, denied the "fake news" reports and said he tested negative.
"Too much lies and little information. Coronavirus exam done with the team that were with JB in USA have not yet been completed There are always those people who tell lies in the media and if the story is confirmed they say 'I told you!', if not will be just 1 more fake news," Bolsonaro's son said in a series of tweets.
Other administration officials, including first daughter Ivanka Trump, Attorney General William Barr, and White House counselor Kellyanne Conway, have also been exposed to people who tested positive for the coronavirus. Peter Dutton, the Australian minister for foreign affairs, interacted with them at a gathering last week in D.C.
CNN's Kaitlan Collins reported on Friday that Ivanka Trump had "worked from home" though did not require testing because she did not exhibit any symptoms.
COVID-19 cases have appeared in every continent except Antarctica. Nearly 135,000 people have tested positive for the virus around the world, killing at least 4,988 people, according to the New York Times. In Italy, there have been approximately 15,113 confirmed cases and 1,016 deaths. The country has closed all businesses, with the exception of grocery stores, banks, and pharmacies, and has placed the entire nation on lockdown.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-13--Trump orders Energy Department to ‘fill up’ Strategic Petroleum Reserve with cheap oil

The Department of Energy will purchase “ large quantities of crude oil ” to restock the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve in an assist to the oil industry suffering from recent dramatic price drops and market instability , President Trump said Friday .
“ We ’ re going to fill it right up to the top , saving the American taxpayer billions and billions of dollars , helping our oil industry and making us even further toward that wonderful goal , which we achieved , which nobody thought was possible , of energy independence , ” Trump said during remarks Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House ’ s response to the coronavirus .
Trump also declared the coronavirus a national emergency .
His directive to the Energy Department comes just days after the agency from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve due to the volatility of the oil markets .
The oil industry has been suffering from amid a price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia .
The price drops come as oil demand has also taken a hit during the coronavirus ’ s spread .
Since Trump ’ s announcement , oil prices have risen about $ 2 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to praise the president ’ s move .
“ American independents are the drivers of the U.S. energy revolution , and we are ground zero for the current economic crisis , ” said Anne Bradbury , CEO of the American Exploration and Production Council , in a statement .
She said the Energy Department ’ s purchase “ can help alleviate the oversupply disruptions in the marketplace.
” The independent oil industry group , along with other big oil industry trade groups such as the American Petroleum Institute , they didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ producers , instead urging the administration to pull other policy levers , such as diplomacy , to help stabilize prices .
Trump , in his remarks Friday , appeared to take a different position on low oil prices than he had previously .
Earlier in the week , Trump had linked low oil prices to low gasoline prices , saying it was good for the consumer .
On Friday , Trump said the crude oil purchase would put the United States in a position “ that ’ s very strong and we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ The price of oil went down quite a bit , so we ’ re going to fill it up , ” he added .
“ It ’ s a good time to fill it up .
”

The Department of Energy will purchase “large quantities of crude oil” to restock the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve in an assist to the oil industry suffering from recent dramatic price drops and market instability, President Trump said Friday.
“We’re going to fill it right up to the top, saving the American taxpayer billions and billions of dollars, helping our oil industry and making us even further toward that wonderful goal, which we achieved, which nobody thought was possible, of energy independence,” Trump said during remarks Friday in the Rose Garden outlining the White House’s response to the coronavirus. Trump also declared the coronavirus a national emergency.
His directive to the Energy Department comes just days after the agency suspended a planned sale from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve due to the volatility of the oil markets.
The oil industry has been suffering from a collapse in prices amid a price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia. The price drops come as oil demand has also taken a hit during the coronavirus’s spread.
Since Trump’s announcement, oil prices have risen about $2 per barrel.
Independent oil producers were quick to praise the president’s move.
“American independents are the drivers of the U.S. energy revolution, and we are ground zero for the current economic crisis,” said Anne Bradbury, CEO of the American Exploration and Production Council, in a statement. She said the Energy Department’s purchase “can help alleviate the oversupply disruptions in the marketplace.”
The independent oil industry group, along with other big oil industry trade groups such as the American Petroleum Institute, have repeatedly said they didn’t want the White House to bail out producers, instead urging the administration to pull other policy levers, such as diplomacy, to help stabilize prices.
Trump, in his remarks Friday, appeared to take a different position on low oil prices than he had previously. Earlier in the week, Trump had linked low oil prices to low gasoline prices, saying it was good for the consumer.
On Friday, Trump said the crude oil purchase would put the United States in a position “that’s very strong and we’re buying it at the right price.”
“The price of oil went down quite a bit, so we’re going to fill it up,” he added. “It’s a good time to fill it up.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-13--'Two very big words': Trump declares national emergency to combat spread of coronavirus

President Trump declared a national emergency in response to the coronavirus which has gripped the nation .
`` To unleash the full power of the federal government , I 'm officially declaring a national emergency — two very big words , '' Trump said during a news conference in the White House Rose Garden on Friday .
The announcement comes as more than 1,700 people have contracted the disease in the United States as testing slowly becomes more available .
On Thursday , the top health adviser in Ohio claimed there could be more than 100,000 already infected in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declare emergencies and shutter public gatherings .
`` The action I am taking will open up access to up to $ 50 billion of very importantly — very important and a large amount of money for states and territories and localities in our shared fight against this disease , '' Trump said .
The move earned praised from the Senate 's top Democrat , Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , as Congress considers a coronavirus spending package .
“ I 'm pleased the president heeded our calls to invoke the Stafford Act to extend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe from the coronavirus outbreak .
I urge New York and other states to immediately request these newly available funds and for the Trump administration to approve these requests without delay , '' the New York Democrat said .
“ As other steps are considered , the president must not overstep his authority or indulge his autocratic tendencies for purposes not truly related to this public health crisis.
” Members of the Trump administration , including Vice President Mike Pence and other officials on the White House Coronavirus Task Force , appeared alongside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Target and Walmart , who pledged to collaborate in the effort , were also present and delivered brief remarks .
Trump said he asked every hospital in the country to ready their emergency preparedness guidelines and instructing healthcare providers to `` immediately waive provisions of applicable laws and regulations to give doctors and all hospitals and healthcare providers maximum flexibility to respond to the virus and care for patients . ''
Trump said the Food and Drug Administration 's goal is to have 1.4 million testing kits ready by next week and 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ although he does n't believe that many are necessarily needed .
The president also stressed that he does n't want everyone getting tested , and the measures should be reserved for those who have symptoms .
Trump also said he was waiving interest payments on student loans held by federal agencies and instructed the Energy Department to purchase “ large quantities of crude oil ” for the U.S. strategic reserve .
Doug McMillon , the CEO of Walmart , said his stores would allow testing for the coronavirus to take place in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working on a website designed to screen patients to determine if they should be tested , and in doing so , took a jab at former President Barack Obama ’ s 2013 rollout of Healthcare.gov .
“ I want to thank Google , ” Trump said .
“ Google is helping to develop a website , it is going to be very quickly done — unlike websites of the past — to determine whether a test is warranted and to facilitate testing at a nearby convenient location.
” Trump announced on Wednesday night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with the exception of the United Kingdom and Ireland , in response to the global coronavirus pandemic .
The announcement of the travel restrictions , which go into effect at midnight , came hours after the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus a pandemic .
CNN reported Ivanka Trump stayed home Friday after she met with an Australian official who tested positive for the coronavirus on Thursday .
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Friday that Europe is now the `` epicenter '' of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lagarde demanded economic assistance for European countries struggling to cope with overcrowded medical centers and financial uncertainty .

President Trump declared a national emergency in response to the coronavirus which has gripped the nation.
"To unleash the full power of the federal government, I'm officially declaring a national emergency — two very big words," Trump said during a news conference in the White House Rose Garden on Friday.
[Click here for complete coronavirus coverage]
The announcement comes as more than 1,700 people have contracted the disease in the United States as testing slowly becomes more available. On Thursday, the top health adviser in Ohio claimed there could be more than 100,000 already infected in the state as various places around the country declare emergencies and shutter public gatherings.
"The action I am taking will open up access to up to $50 billion of very importantly — very important and a large amount of money for states and territories and localities in our shared fight against this disease," Trump said.
The move earned praised from the Senate's top Democrat, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, as Congress considers a coronavirus spending package.
“I'm pleased the president heeded our calls to invoke the Stafford Act to extend vital financial assistance to help keep communities safe from the coronavirus outbreak. I urge New York and other states to immediately request these newly available funds and for the Trump administration to approve these requests without delay," the New York Democrat said. “As other steps are considered, the president must not overstep his authority or indulge his autocratic tendencies for purposes not truly related to this public health crisis.”
The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 1,000 points after Trump declared a national emergency.
Members of the Trump administration, including Vice President Mike Pence and other officials on the White House Coronavirus Task Force, appeared alongside Trump. Heads of companies such as Target and Walmart, who pledged to collaborate in the effort, were also present and delivered brief remarks.
Trump said he asked every hospital in the country to ready their emergency preparedness guidelines and instructing healthcare providers to "immediately waive provisions of applicable laws and regulations to give doctors and all hospitals and healthcare providers maximum flexibility to respond to the virus and care for patients."
Trump said the Food and Drug Administration's goal is to have 1.4 million testing kits ready by next week and 5 million by the end of March, although he doesn't believe that many are necessarily needed. The president also stressed that he doesn't want everyone getting tested, and the measures should be reserved for those who have symptoms.
Trump also said he was waiving interest payments on student loans held by federal agencies and instructed the Energy Department to purchase “large quantities of crude oil” for the U.S. strategic reserve.
Doug McMillon, the CEO of Walmart, said his stores would allow testing for the coronavirus to take place in their parking lots.
Trump said Google was working on a website designed to screen patients to determine if they should be tested, and in doing so, took a jab at former President Barack Obama’s 2013 rollout of Healthcare.gov.
“I want to thank Google,” Trump said. “Google is helping to develop a website, it is going to be very quickly done — unlike websites of the past — to determine whether a test is warranted and to facilitate testing at a nearby convenient location.”
Trump announced on Wednesday night a 30-day travel ban from European countries, with the exception of the United Kingdom and Ireland, in response to the global coronavirus pandemic. The announcement of the travel restrictions, which go into effect at midnight, came hours after the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus a pandemic.
CNN reported Ivanka Trump stayed home Friday after she met with an Australian official who tested positive for the coronavirus on Thursday.
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Friday that Europe is now the "epicenter" of the outbreak, and European Central Bank Christine Lagarde demanded economic assistance for European countries struggling to cope with overcrowded medical centers and financial uncertainty.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-13--Coronavirus spread gives Trump reason to avoid handshakes

President Trump was always a reluctant handshaker .
Now the known germophobe wo n't be forced to extend the greeting .
As coronavirus cases with White House links keep cropping up , questions are being raised regarding whether Trump will change how he goes about his administration 's business and reelection campaign .
One way public health officials have suggested slowing the spread of the novel respiratory illness is not to shake hands .
Trump this week followed their advice by not pressing the flesh with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar .
“ We looked at each other and said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do ?
’ ” Trump told reporters Thursday .
“ You know , it ’ s sort of a weird feeling . ''
It 's unclear whether Trump has taken similar precautions , such as elbow bumps in lieu of handshakes , in all his public and private meetings and engagements .
A spokesman for House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy , who was at the White House on Friday amid negotiations for a legislative response to the coronavirus , declined to comment on the record .
Republican strategist Henry Barbour said he would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until this pandemic is behind us . ''
`` Everyone needs to be cautious and protect yourselves and others , '' Barbour told the Washington Examiner .
Fellow strategist Chris DeRose agreed , adding , `` The stakes are too high for the president to get sick . ''
Questions about Trump 's approach to the crisis are swirling after he interacted with a Brazilian official who tested positive for the coronavirus and as Ivanka Trump did the same with an Australian minister .
During his prime-time Oval Office address to the nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coordinately directly with communities with the largest outbreaks , and we have issued guidance on school closures , social distancing , and reducing large gatherings . ''
Yet his campaign came under fire from Fox News for not immediately canceling scheduled rallies and events , while mocking 2020 Democratic presidential rivals Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders for shelving theirs .
Trump has since nixed a Western swing to Nevada and Colorado , as well as a `` Catholics for Trump '' stop that was slated during a Wisconsin trip .
Plans for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were being reconsidered , according to the president .
“ I ’ m not going to do it if I think it ’ s going to be negative at all , ” he told reporters Thursday .
“ I don ’ t want people dying.
” For Republican strategist Craig Shirley , Trump `` should do what he is comfortable doing . ''
`` I think he would be applauded by his supporters , and knocked by his opponents , if he shook some hands , but my guess is most people will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shaken as they also don ’ t want to catch anything , '' Shirley said .
He continued : `` After this thing has played itself out , he can go back to rallies when they really become important later this year .
And shake hands . ''
Trump has described himself as a germophobe more than once , including when he was trying to shoot down allegations of a `` pee tape '' recorded by Russia so it could potentially blackmail him in the future .
The president reportedly soured on Chris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former New Jersey governor arranged for then-President Barack Obama to call his phone on Election Night rather than Trump 's .
Former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci also claims Trump once made him get a penicillin shot on Air Force One after he complained of a sore throat .

President Trump was always a reluctant handshaker. Now the known germophobe won't be forced to extend the greeting.
As coronavirus cases with White House links keep cropping up, questions are being raised regarding whether Trump will change how he goes about his administration's business and reelection campaign.
One way public health officials have suggested slowing the spread of the novel respiratory illness is not to shake hands. Trump this week followed their advice by not pressing the flesh with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar.
“We looked at each other and said, ‘What are we going to do?’” Trump told reporters Thursday. “You know, it’s sort of a weird feeling."
It's unclear whether Trump has taken similar precautions, such as elbow bumps in lieu of handshakes, in all his public and private meetings and engagements. A spokesman for House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, who was at the White House on Friday amid negotiations for a legislative response to the coronavirus, declined to comment on the record.
Republican strategist Henry Barbour said he would counsel Trump "not to shake hands until this pandemic is behind us."
"Everyone needs to be cautious and protect yourselves and others," Barbour told the Washington Examiner.
Fellow strategist Chris DeRose agreed, adding, "The stakes are too high for the president to get sick."
Questions about Trump's approach to the crisis are swirling after he interacted with a Brazilian official who tested positive for the coronavirus and as Ivanka Trump did the same with an Australian minister.
During his prime-time Oval Office address to the nation, Trump said his team was "coordinately directly with communities with the largest outbreaks, and we have issued guidance on school closures, social distancing, and reducing large gatherings."
Yet his campaign came under fire from Fox News for not immediately canceling scheduled rallies and events, while mocking 2020 Democratic presidential rivals Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders for shelving theirs.
Trump has since nixed a Western swing to Nevada and Colorado, as well as a "Catholics for Trump" stop that was slated during a Wisconsin trip. Plans for a previously unannounced March 25 rally in Florida were being reconsidered, according to the president.
“I’m not going to do it if I think it’s going to be negative at all,” he told reporters Thursday. “I don’t want people dying.”
For Reagan biographer and historian Craig Shirley, Trump "should do what he is comfortable doing."
"I think he would be applauded by his supporters, and knocked by his opponents, if he shook some hands, but my guess is most people will now not offer their hand to be shaken as they also don’t want to catch anything," Shirley said.
He continued: "After this thing has played itself out, he can go back to rallies when they really become important later this year. And shake hands."
Trump has described himself as a germophobe more than once, including when he was trying to shoot down allegations of a "pee tape" recorded by Russia so it could potentially blackmail him in the future.
The president reportedly soured on Chris Christie during the 2016 campaign when the former New Jersey governor arranged for then-President Barack Obama to call his phone on Election Night rather than Trump's. Former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci also claims Trump once made him get a penicillin shot on Air Force One after he complained of a sore throat.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-13--Mitch McConnell should not have sent the Senate home for the weekend

New cases of the coronavirus are appearing daily across the United States , and Congress has not yet finalized its financial relief package .
Meanwhile , senators have returned home for their usual three-day break .
To his credit , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell canceled next week ’ s planned recess so the Senate can help the nation prepare for the coronavirus ’ s continued spread .
But senators still disbanded on Thursday , putting policy-related solutions on hold until next week and allowing senators to travel to their home states .
This allowance is irresponsible .
This crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because there are important policy-related questions that do not have answers .
How will the federal government solve the testing shortage and make tests for the virus widely available ?
Will the government be able to ease the economic effects that have contributed to falling stocks ?
The three-day break is concerning given how quickly this virus spreads .
At the start of this month , there were 70 confirmed cases in the U.S. As of Friday afternoon , at least 1,714 people in 47 states have tested positive for the coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can be sure the next three days will pose new challenges — challenges our legislators must face in real time .
The weekend off is a problem in and of itself , but it is also problematic that senators were allowed to travel at all .
Sen. Susan Collins returned to Maine , which just announced two “ presumptive positive ” cases on Friday , to meet with state officials .
Given Collins ’ s upcoming reelection battle , her desire to be present is understandable , but this was an unnecessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public contact as much as possible given the severity of the outbreak , even if that means sacrificing face time with constituents .
The coronavirus outbreak will get worse before it gets better , according to our health officials , and our government must be vigilant and prepared .
That means our senators will need to make sacrifices .
Their three-day weekend should have been the first to go .

New cases of the coronavirus are appearing daily across the United States, and Congress has not yet finalized its financial relief package. Meanwhile, senators have returned home for their usual three-day break.
To his credit, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell canceled next week’s planned recess so the Senate can help the nation prepare for the coronavirus’s continued spread. But senators still disbanded on Thursday, putting policy-related solutions on hold until next week and allowing senators to travel to their home states.
This allowance is irresponsible. This crisis requires our government’s complete attention because there are important policy-related questions that do not have answers. How will the federal government solve the testing shortage and make tests for the virus widely available? Will the government be able to ease the economic effects that have contributed to falling stocks?
The three-day break is concerning given how quickly this virus spreads. At the start of this month, there were 70 confirmed cases in the U.S. As of Friday afternoon, at least 1,714 people in 47 states have tested positive for the coronavirus. This situation has developed rapidly, and we can be sure the next three days will pose new challenges — challenges our legislators must face in real time.
The weekend off is a problem in and of itself, but it is also problematic that senators were allowed to travel at all. Sen. Susan Collins returned to Maine, which just announced two “presumptive positive” cases on Friday, to meet with state officials. Given Collins’s upcoming reelection battle, her desire to be present is understandable, but this was an unnecessary risk. Our leaders should be avoiding public contact as much as possible given the severity of the outbreak, even if that means sacrificing face time with constituents.
The coronavirus outbreak will get worse before it gets better, according to our health officials, and our government must be vigilant and prepared. That means our senators will need to make sacrifices. Their three-day weekend should have been the first to go.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-13--‘Stop making excuses’: Parkland father rips AOC for blaming voter suppression when explaining Sander

‘Stop making excuses’: Parkland father rips AOC for blaming voter suppression when explaining Sanders losses

Fred Guttenberg condemned New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for pointing to voter suppression when she explained why Bernie Sanders didn ’ t beat Joe Biden in Michigan .
During an interview on Fox News on Thursday night , host Bret Baier asked Ocasio-Cortez why young voters weren ’ t able to carry Sanders to victory .
The New York Democrat responded , “ I think one thing that isn ’ t being talked about is the rampant voter suppression in this country.
” “ Right there in Ann Arbor , where we had that rally , those kids were waiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michigan , ” she added .
Baier pressed her further , asking , “ Just to be clear , you 're saying that you think voters didn ’ t get to vote that wanted to vote in Michigan ?
” “ Absolutely , ” Ocasio-Cortez responded .
“ Obviously , there ’ s also more that we need to do in terms of turning out youth voters .
We need to make sure that we are inspiring young people to turn out , but when you do turn out , you should not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours in order to vote.
” Guttenberg , a gun violence prevention advocate whose daughter Jaime was killed in the shooting in Parkland , Florida , questioned why Ocasio-Cortez listed “ rampant voter suppression ” as the first reason Sanders did not win .
“ This is ridiculous @ AOC , ” Guttenberg tweeted .
`` It was not voter suppression that caused voters , including me , to vote for @ JoeBiden .
It was his position on gun safety .
His decency .
His civility .
It is his leadership .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bernie . ''
Ocasio-Cortez denied that she blamed Sanders 's loss on voter suppression , responding : `` Hey Fred , I deeply appreciate your work and advocacy on gun reform .
Biden ran a great campaign and won Michigan strongly .
Please keep in mind the strong attempts to divide our party at this time- if you look at actual the [ sic ] clip , I did not blame Sanders ’ loss to voter suppression . ''
She continued : `` I was discussing youth turnout .
Bernie ’ s campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turnout .
It worked to an extent , but wasn ’ t enough to get us past the post .
What I *was* discussing were the 3 hour waits at polling locations , which can sometimes deter young people . ''
Ocasio-Cortez concluded her response by telling Guttenberg , who endorsed Biden , that she would support any Democratic candidate running against President Trump , adding , `` But in this moment we have to be extra mindful of the attempts and flashy headlines that try to get us to jump to conclusions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Sanders 's most significant endorsements in his campaign for president .
The Vermont senator trails Biden by .

Fred Guttenberg condemned New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for pointing to voter suppression when she explained why Bernie Sanders didn’t beat Joe Biden in Michigan.
During an interview on Fox News on Thursday night, host Bret Baier asked Ocasio-Cortez why young voters weren’t able to carry Sanders to victory. The New York Democrat responded, “I think one thing that isn’t being talked about is the rampant voter suppression in this country.”
“Right there in Ann Arbor, where we had that rally, those kids were waiting three hours in line to vote in Michigan,” she added.
Baier pressed her further, asking, “Just to be clear, you're saying that you think voters didn’t get to vote that wanted to vote in Michigan?”
“Absolutely,” Ocasio-Cortez responded. “Obviously, there’s also more that we need to do in terms of turning out youth voters. We need to make sure that we are inspiring young people to turn out, but when you do turn out, you should not be waiting three, four, seven hours in order to vote.”
Guttenberg, a gun violence prevention advocate whose daughter Jaime was killed in the shooting in Parkland, Florida, questioned why Ocasio-Cortez listed “rampant voter suppression” as the first reason Sanders did not win.
“This is ridiculous @AOC,” Guttenberg tweeted. "It was not voter suppression that caused voters, including me, to vote for @JoeBiden. It was his position on gun safety. His decency. His civility. It is his leadership. Stop making excuses for voters not choosing Bernie."
Ocasio-Cortez denied that she blamed Sanders's loss on voter suppression, responding: "Hey Fred, I deeply appreciate your work and advocacy on gun reform. Biden ran a great campaign and won Michigan strongly. Please keep in mind the strong attempts to divide our party at this time- if you look at actual the [sic] clip, I did not blame Sanders’ loss to voter suppression."
She continued: "I was discussing youth turnout. Bernie’s campaign tried a strategy of blowing up youth turnout. It worked to an extent, but wasn’t enough to get us past the post. What I *was* discussing were the 3 hour waits at polling locations, which can sometimes deter young people."
Hey Fred, I deeply appreciate your work and advocacy on gun reform.
Biden ran a great campaign and won Michigan strongly. Please keep in mind the strong attempts to divide our party at this time- if you look at actual the clip, I did not blame Sanders’ loss to voter suppression. — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) March 13, 2020
I am looking forward to uniting behind the eventual nominee and defeating Trump. But in this moment we have to be extra mindful of the attempts and flashy headlines that try to get us to jump to conclusions. My DMs are open to you & if you have a Q again, feel free to reach out. — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) March 13, 2020
Ocasio-Cortez concluded her response by telling Guttenberg, who endorsed Biden, that she would support any Democratic candidate running against President Trump, adding, "But in this moment we have to be extra mindful of the attempts and flashy headlines that try to get us to jump to conclusions."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-13--‘Secret and partisan’: FCC commissioner accuses Schiff of depriving citizens’ rights through phone c

‘Secret and partisan’: FCC commissioner accuses Schiff of depriving citizens’ rights through phone call subpoenas

A member of the Federal Communications Commission criticized House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff for engaging in the “ secret and partisan ” act of collecting and publishing private phone call records during the Ukraine-related impeachment investigation into President Trump .
Brendan Carr , who was picked by Trump to serve as an FCC commissioner and was confirmed by the Senate in 2017 and again in 2019 , said he was troubled by the Schiff ’ s actions during the Democratic-led impeachment of Trump in 2019 .
He called for scrutiny of the California Democrat ’ s secretive subpoenas and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ private records .
“ Chairman Schiff has been collecting Americans ’ private call records through a secret and partisan process , ” Carr said on Thursday .
“ He even published some of them in the Impeachment Report .
These sensitive records are protected by federal law .
His conduct raises serious concerns , and I ’ ve asked for answers.
” “ I am writing to you because your committee has collected — and may still be collecting — the protected and confidential call records of private citizens and government officials alike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deprives Americans of their legal right to maintain the privacy of this sensitive information , '' Carr said in a five-page letter he sent to Schiff .
The FCC commissioner said that “ federal law has long protected the privacy and confidentiality of Americans ’ call records , ” including the phone numbers dialed and the date , time , and duration of calls .
Carr said the FCC determined that call records contain “ highly-sensitive personal information ” and noted the agency had just proposed $ 200 million in fines against T-Mobile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Sprint for “ apparent violations of these provisions.
” Carr noted that “ in the case of the Impeachment Report , the records you published revealed private details about calls involving numerous individuals and offices , including an investigative journalist , seniors government officials ( including at least one member of Congress ) , multiple attorneys to the President of the United States , and several executive branch offices.
” The phone call logs in the 658-page December report from House Democrats lists calls to or from Trump personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani @ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes then-national security adviser John Bolton , as well as the call records of Rep. Devin Nunes , now-indicted Giuliani associate Lev Parnas , Fox News host Sean Hannity , then-National Security Council aide and former Nunes staffer Kash Patel , a “ White House phone number ” and the “ White House switchboard ” and “ OMB phone number.
” These calls were perhaps intended for then-acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney , conservative lawyer Victoria Toensing , conservative investigative reporter John Solomon , and Trump lawyer Jay Sekulow , among others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collecting and publishing private call records , he dismissed the concerns .
`` The blowback is only coming from the far right , '' Schiff said .
“ Every investigator seeks phone records ...
Here , we had testimony that the president charged Rudy Giuliani with carrying out this plot .
Naturally , we wanted phone records to point out they had those conversations . ''
Trump was impeached by the House in December but acquitted after a trial in the Senate in early February .
The first article of impeachment detailed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soliciting Ukraine to interfere in the 2020 presidential election to benefit him , asking the foreign country to announce investigations that would benefit his reelection and harm the election prospects of Joe Biden , a political opponent .
The second article of impeachment details Democratic claims of obstruction of Congress , claiming he used executive power to shield against lawful subpoenas from the House of Representatives .
Carr said , `` The process the committee used ( and may still be using ) to obtain and then publicly release these previously confidential call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — including whether Americans are comfortable with one political party in Congress having the power to secretly obtain and expose the call records of any private citizen , journalist , or government official.
” Noting that the report referenced at least 3,719 pages of such records , Carr pointed to Section 222 of the Communications Act , which “ prohibits any telecommunications carrier from releasing customer call records except as authorized by the customer or as required by law.
” The FCC commissioner lobbed a number of questions at Schiff , including why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process that deprived Americans of their right to challenge the publication of their protected call records ” and what the “ full scope and extent of the call records sought through the secret subpoena process ” was .
Carr also asked if the committee sought “ real-time or location data ” on the people it was investigating and wondered “ whether there are First Amendment implications that flow from publishing a reporter ’ s call records.
” “ As a country , are we comfortable with one political party in Congress having the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & publicize the confidential call records of any private citizen , journalist , or government official ?
” Carr asked .
“ Chairman Schiff has been doing exactly that .
”

A member of the Federal Communications Commission criticized House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff for engaging in the “secret and partisan” act of collecting and publishing private phone call records during the Ukraine-related impeachment investigation into President Trump.
Brendan Carr, who was picked by Trump to serve as an FCC commissioner and was confirmed by the Senate in 2017 and again in 2019, said he was troubled by the Schiff’s actions during the Democratic-led impeachment of Trump in 2019. He called for scrutiny of the California Democrat’s secretive subpoenas and questioned whether Schiff was still peering into private records.
“Chairman Schiff has been collecting Americans’ private call records through a secret and partisan process,” Carr said on Thursday. “He even published some of them in the Impeachment Report. These sensitive records are protected by federal law. His conduct raises serious concerns, and I’ve asked for answers.”
“I am writing to you because your committee has collected — and may still be collecting — the protected and confidential call records of private citizens and government officials alike through a secret and partisan process that deprives Americans of their legal right to maintain the privacy of this sensitive information," Carr said in a five-page letter he sent to Schiff.
The FCC commissioner said that “federal law has long protected the privacy and confidentiality of Americans’ call records,” including the phone numbers dialed and the date, time, and duration of calls. Carr said the FCC determined that call records contain “highly-sensitive personal information” and noted the agency had just proposed $200 million in fines against T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint for “apparent violations of these provisions.”
Carr noted that “in the case of the Impeachment Report, the records you published revealed private details about calls involving numerous individuals and offices, including an investigative journalist, seniors government officials (including at least one member of Congress), multiple attorneys to the President of the United States, and several executive branch offices.”
The phone call logs in the 658-page December report from House Democrats lists calls to or from Trump personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani to other people. The list possibly includes then-national security adviser John Bolton, as well as the call records of Rep. Devin Nunes, now-indicted Giuliani associate Lev Parnas, Fox News host Sean Hannity, then-National Security Council aide and former Nunes staffer Kash Patel, a “White House phone number” and the “White House switchboard” and “OMB phone number.” These calls were perhaps intended for then-acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, conservative lawyer Victoria Toensing, conservative investigative reporter John Solomon, and Trump lawyer Jay Sekulow, among others.
When Schiff was first criticized for collecting and publishing private call records, he dismissed the concerns.
"The blowback is only coming from the far right," Schiff said. “Every investigator seeks phone records ... Here, we had testimony that the president charged Rudy Giuliani with carrying out this plot. Naturally, we wanted phone records to point out they had those conversations."
Trump was impeached by the House in December but acquitted after a trial in the Senate in early February.
The first article of impeachment detailed the Democratic allegations Trump abused his power in soliciting Ukraine to interfere in the 2020 presidential election to benefit him, asking the foreign country to announce investigations that would benefit his reelection and harm the election prospects of Joe Biden, a political opponent. The second article of impeachment details Democratic claims of obstruction of Congress, claiming he used executive power to shield against lawful subpoenas from the House of Representatives.
Carr said, "The process the committee used (and may still be using) to obtain and then publicly release these previously confidential call records raises a number of serious questions — including whether Americans are comfortable with one political party in Congress having the power to secretly obtain and expose the call records of any private citizen, journalist, or government official.” Noting that the report referenced at least 3,719 pages of such records, Carr pointed to Section 222 of the Communications Act, which “prohibits any telecommunications carrier from releasing customer call records except as authorized by the customer or as required by law.”
The FCC commissioner lobbed a number of questions at Schiff, including why the committee pursued “a secret subpoena process that deprived Americans of their right to challenge the publication of their protected call records” and what the “full scope and extent of the call records sought through the secret subpoena process” was. Carr also asked if the committee sought “real-time or location data” on the people it was investigating and wondered “whether there are First Amendment implications that flow from publishing a reporter’s call records.”
“As a country, are we comfortable with one political party in Congress having the unilateral & unchecked power to secretly obtain & publicize the confidential call records of any private citizen, journalist, or government official?” Carr asked. “Chairman Schiff has been doing exactly that.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-13--Pelosi says House will pass coronavirus package Friday but doesn't say if White House supports

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that the House will pass a coronavirus economic package on Friday but did n't indicate whether it will have the backing of Republicans or the White House .
Pelosi said on Friday outside her office in the Capitol that the three most important parts of this bill are `` testing , testing , testing , '' for the coronavirus , which the package will provide for free to all Americans , including the uninsured .
`` The American people expect and deserve a coordinated , science-based , and whole-of-government response to keep them and their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ puts families first to stimulate the economy , '' Pelosi said .
Yet she did not indicate whether she had successfully reached a deal with the White House to send the bill to President Trump 's desk quickly despite intense negotiations over the past few days .
Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin spoke eight times on the phone on Thursday to negotiate a deal , according to Pelosi 's spokesman Drew Hammill .
Pelosi said Thursday they were continuing to talk and that she was confident a bill would pass `` one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic measure released on Wednesday , called the Families First Coronavirus Response Act , includes provisions that would entitle workers affected by the coronavirus to paid sick leave and create a new `` emergency paid leave '' federal benefit for people forced into quarantine .
It also would expand food stamps and unemployment insurance for those affected by the coronavirus and the school and business closures it has caused , as well as aim to provide meals to children who normally get lunch at school .

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that the House will pass a coronavirus economic package on Friday but didn't indicate whether it will have the backing of Republicans or the White House.
Pelosi said on Friday outside her office in the Capitol that the three most important parts of this bill are "testing, testing, testing," for the coronavirus, which the package will provide for free to all Americans, including the uninsured.
[Click here for complete coronavirus coverage]
"The American people expect and deserve a coordinated, science-based, and whole-of-government response to keep them and their loved ones safe. A response that puts families first to stimulate the economy," Pelosi said.
Yet she did not indicate whether she had successfully reached a deal with the White House to send the bill to President Trump's desk quickly despite intense negotiations over the past few days.
Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin spoke eight times on the phone on Thursday to negotiate a deal, according to Pelosi's spokesman Drew Hammill. Pelosi said Thursday they were continuing to talk and that she was confident a bill would pass "one way or another."
The House Democratic measure released on Wednesday, called the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, includes provisions that would entitle workers affected by the coronavirus to paid sick leave and create a new "emergency paid leave" federal benefit for people forced into quarantine.
It also would expand food stamps and unemployment insurance for those affected by the coronavirus and the school and business closures it has caused, as well as aim to provide meals to children who normally get lunch at school.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-13--GOP challenger accuses Michigan senator of wielding coronavirus as a political weapon

The coronavirus is seeping into the 2020 campaign , this time in the critical battleground of Michigan , where Republican Senate candidate John James is running a new television ad accusing Democratic Sen. Gary Peters of using the global pandemic to distort his position on healthcare .
The James campaign is spending `` six figures '' to air the 30-second spot on broadcast and cable television across Michigan , a state that offers the GOP a legitimate opportunity to pick up a Senate seat in November .
In the ad , James speaks directly to the camera as he calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrat is using the spread of COVID-19 to score political points .
James is mounting his second campaign for Senate after coming up short against Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow in 2018 .
`` Sen. Gary Peters just launched his campaign with a lie .
A lie about healthcare while America is facing its worst health crisis in decades .
He ’ s exploiting our fears for his own political gain , '' James says at the spot opens .
The James campaign 's advertisement is a response to an attack from Senate Majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York .
The Senate Majority PAC ad does not mention , or allude to , the coronavirus .
The group , prohibited by federal law from coordinating with the Peters campaign , recently went on the air with a spot that equates James 's opposition to Obamacare with support for increasing healthcare costs and eliminating insurance protections for preexisting medical conditions .
`` Michiganders with preexisting conditions have to live with the fear of losing their health insurance every day , and we believe they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to repeal the law that protects them , '' said Rachel Irwin , a spokeswoman for Senate Majority PAC .
`` They are his words , and if John James can ’ t defend them , he has no business running for U.S .
Senate . ''
The Republican Party 's 53-seat Senate majority is under threat this cycle in as many as five states : Arizona , Colorado , Maine , Iowa , and North Carolina .
But the GOP is likely to pick up a seat in Alabama and is optimistic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The charismatic 38-year-old African American is a businessman and a military combat veteran .
With polls showing Democrats with the upper hand on healthcare , liberal groups have used GOP opposition to Obamacare to paint Republicans as in favor of undoing protections for those with preexisting conditions .
Now , some Democratic groups are running ads that essentially blame Republicans for the coronavirus .

The coronavirus is seeping into the 2020 campaign, this time in the critical battleground of Michigan, where Republican Senate candidate John James is running a new television ad accusing Democratic Sen. Gary Peters of using the global pandemic to distort his position on healthcare.
The James campaign is spending "six figures" to air the 30-second spot on broadcast and cable television across Michigan, a state that offers the GOP a legitimate opportunity to pick up a Senate seat in November. In the ad, James speaks directly to the camera as he calls Peters a liar and suggests that the Democrat is using the spread of COVID-19 to score political points. James is mounting his second campaign for Senate after coming up short against Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow in 2018.
"Sen. Gary Peters just launched his campaign with a lie. A lie about healthcare while America is facing its worst health crisis in decades. He’s exploiting our fears for his own political gain," James says at the spot opens.
The James campaign's advertisement is a response to an attack from Senate Majority PAC, the super PAC affiliated with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York. The Senate Majority PAC ad does not mention, or allude to, the coronavirus.
The group, prohibited by federal law from coordinating with the Peters campaign, recently went on the air with a spot that equates James's opposition to Obamacare with support for increasing healthcare costs and eliminating insurance protections for preexisting medical conditions.
"Michiganders with preexisting conditions have to live with the fear of losing their health insurance every day, and we believe they have the right to know about his promise to repeal the law that protects them," said Rachel Irwin, a spokeswoman for Senate Majority PAC. "They are his words, and if John James can’t defend them, he has no business running for U.S. Senate."
The Republican Party's 53-seat Senate majority is under threat this cycle in as many as five states: Arizona, Colorado, Maine, Iowa, and North Carolina. But the GOP is likely to pick up a seat in Alabama and is optimistic about James's prospects in Michigan. The charismatic 38-year-old African American is a businessman and a military combat veteran.
With polls showing Democrats with the upper hand on healthcare, liberal groups have used GOP opposition to Obamacare to paint Republicans as in favor of undoing protections for those with preexisting conditions. Now, some Democratic groups are running ads that essentially blame Republicans for the coronavirus.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-13--GOP senator slams Pelosi after officials say she tried to put Hyde amendment loophole in coronavirus

GOP senator slams Pelosi after officials say she tried to put Hyde amendment loophole in coronavirus bill

Sen. Ben Sasse slammed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi after White House officials said she attempted to slip in a Hyde amendment loophole into the coronavirus stimulus package .
`` While schools are closing and hospitals are gearing up , Speaker Pelosi is waging unnecessary culture wars .
Speaker Pelosi should be fighting the coronavirus pandemic , not politicizing emergency funding by fighting against the bipartisan Hyde amendment , '' the Nebraska Republican said in a statement to National Review .
`` We need to be ramping up our diagnostic testing , not waging culture wars at the behest of Planned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily Caller reported on Thursday that White House officials said Pelosi tried to negotiate a provision that would have created a `` slush fund '' with access for groups previously banned from receiving funds under the Hyde amendment , which bans federal money from being used to fund abortions .
`` A new mandatory funding stream that does not have Hyde protections would be unprecedented , '' one official said .
`` Under the guise of protecting people , Speaker Pelosi is working to make sure taxpayer dollars are spent covering abortion , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against historical norms . ''
Pelosi said that Democrats agreed to `` most '' changes that Republicans had asked for in the House bill .

Sen. Ben Sasse slammed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi after White House officials said she attempted to slip in a Hyde amendment loophole into the coronavirus stimulus package.
"While schools are closing and hospitals are gearing up, Speaker Pelosi is waging unnecessary culture wars. Speaker Pelosi should be fighting the coronavirus pandemic, not politicizing emergency funding by fighting against the bipartisan Hyde amendment," the Nebraska Republican said in a statement to National Review. "We need to be ramping up our diagnostic testing, not waging culture wars at the behest of Planned Parenthood. Good grief."
The Daily Caller reported on Thursday that White House officials said Pelosi tried to negotiate a provision that would have created a "slush fund" with access for groups previously banned from receiving funds under the Hyde amendment, which bans federal money from being used to fund abortions.
"A new mandatory funding stream that does not have Hyde protections would be unprecedented," one official said. "Under the guise of protecting people, Speaker Pelosi is working to make sure taxpayer dollars are spent covering abortion, which is not only backwards but goes against historical norms."
Pelosi said that Democrats agreed to "most" changes that Republicans had asked for in the House bill.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-13--Ted Cruz extends self-quarantine after Spanish official tests positive for coronavirus

Just when Sen. Ted Cruz thought he was wrapping up his self-quarantine , he found out he came in contact with a Spanish government official who had coronavirus .
The Texas Republican announced on Friday he would be extending his self-quarantine because of a meeting with Spain ’ s Vox Party leader Santiago Abascal on March 3 .
Abascal tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday .
Cruz told CBS News he was not concerned about his health but wanted to be as cautious as possible to not spread the disease .
“ I ’ m consulting with medical authorities as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my intention is simply to extend the self-quarantine to March 17 , which is a full 14 days from the interaction , ” Cruz explained .
“ I remain strong and healthy and have no symptoms , and based on the medical advice I ’ ve received , there ’ s very little reason to be concerned.
” He added , “ But given the gravity of this health crisis , it is also wise to be prudent , and when you ’ ve encountered people who have tested positive , the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease is social distancing and preventing unnecessary potential transmission.
” Cruz first quarantined himself over the weekend after being notified that an attendee at the Conservative Political Action Conference , a New York doctor , tested positive for the virus after attending the annual conservative summit late last month .
The senator noted that he , like President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence , has not been tested for coronavirus .
He said that doctors advised him that the tests were less effective when patients do not have symptoms because the “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Physicians all advised me not to get tested unless I got sick , ” Cruz said .
“ They said if you get sick , then you should get tested , but the test is medically ineffective if you ’ re not sick.
” Cruz also noted that he was not advised to place his family under self-quarantine because he was asymptomatic .
Instead , he has been keeping a safe distance from his wife and daughters as a precautionary measure .
Cruz is one of several lawmakers to self-quarantine over concerns @ @ @ @

Just when Sen. Ted Cruz thought he was wrapping up his self-quarantine, he found out he came in contact with a Spanish government official who had coronavirus.
The Texas Republican announced on Friday he would be extending his self-quarantine because of a meeting with Spain’s Vox Party leader Santiago Abascal on March 3. Abascal tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday. Cruz told CBS News he was not concerned about his health but wanted to be as cautious as possible to not spread the disease.
“I’m consulting with medical authorities as I did the first time, but my intention is simply to extend the self-quarantine to March 17, which is a full 14 days from the interaction,” Cruz explained. “I remain strong and healthy and have no symptoms, and based on the medical advice I’ve received, there’s very little reason to be concerned.”
He added, “But given the gravity of this health crisis, it is also wise to be prudent, and when you’ve encountered people who have tested positive, the best way to prevent the spread of this disease is social distancing and preventing unnecessary potential transmission.”
Cruz first quarantined himself over the weekend after being notified that an attendee at the Conservative Political Action Conference, a New York doctor, tested positive for the virus after attending the annual conservative summit late last month.
The senator noted that he, like President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, has not been tested for coronavirus. He said that doctors advised him that the tests were less effective when patients do not have symptoms because the “viral load” is too thin.
“Physicians all advised me not to get tested unless I got sick,” Cruz said. “They said if you get sick, then you should get tested, but the test is medically ineffective if you’re not sick.”
Cruz also noted that he was not advised to place his family under self-quarantine because he was asymptomatic. Instead, he has been keeping a safe distance from his wife and daughters as a precautionary measure.
Cruz is one of several lawmakers to self-quarantine over concerns about the coronavirus.