thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-04--Illinois House Republicans call for fair hearings on party's property tax relief measure

Illinois House Republicans called on the Democratic majority Tuesday to hold fair hearings on measures to reduce property taxes in Illinois , which has the second-highest property taxes in the nation .
State Rep. Deanne Mozzachi , R-Elmhurst , said since the Property Tax Relief Task Force was created in the fall and wrapped up their work in late December without producing a final report , property taxes across the state continue to increase .
“ Again increased bills while another Democrat lead blue-ribbon task force has failed to deliver , ” Mozzachi said .
Republicans on Tuesday used a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Property Tax Relief Task Force a “ sham , ” a “ failure , ” a “ facade ” and an effort to push for increased sales and income taxes rather than property tax relief .
They say Democrats need to act .
“ I don ’ t know what they want us to do differently and if they have any good ideas then we ’ ll support them but where are their ideas and when are we going to start seeing those , ” Carroll said .
He said Democrats aren ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
House Republicans say they ’ ve filed 23 bills , all of which are in the House Rules Committee they called a “ graveyard ” controlled by Democrats .
“ I can see there ’ s skepticism , there always is , but I do know that the pressure we feel strongly , at least this Democrat here , feels really strongly that we have to do something , and we have to do something now , ” Ramirez said .
State Rep. Dan Ugaste , R-Geneva , said people are leaving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ And the reason people tell me they ’ re leaving my district is because property taxes are too high , ” Ugaste said .
“ And when I talk to businesses who are considering moving across state lines that they ’ re looking to save money they tell me one of the main reasons is property taxes.
” Illinois has led the nation in outbound migration over the past decade .
Some of the House bills Republicans have filed are in the Democratic-controlled Rules Committee .
HB 4493 - Requires elementary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unit districts , instead of having separate school districts for each HB 4494 - Limits local units of government and their ability to continue bonds HB 4495 - For redevelopment projects , “ blighted areas ” must have a household median income of 100 % or less of the area median income , as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development HB 4496 - Allows voters to consolidate townships if other units of government can operate more efficiently HB 4762 - Prohibits taxing districts from holding more than 150 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ property tax collections and requires excess amounts to be refunded to taxpayers HB 5455 - The chief county assessment officer may consider erroneous homestead exemptions as omitted property

Illinois House Republicans called on the Democratic majority Tuesday to hold fair hearings on measures to reduce property taxes in Illinois, which has the second-highest property taxes in the nation.
State Rep. Deanne Mozzachi, R-Elmhurst, said since the Property Tax Relief Task Force was created in the fall and wrapped up their work in late December without producing a final report, property taxes across the state continue to increase.
“Again increased bills while another Democrat lead blue-ribbon task force has failed to deliver,” Mozzachi said.
Republicans on Tuesday used a statehouse news conference to call the Illinois Property Tax Relief Task Force a “sham,” a “failure,” a “facade” and an effort to push for increased sales and income taxes rather than property tax relief. They say Democrats need to act.
Task force member, state Rep. Jonathan Carroll, D-Northbrook, responded.
“I don’t know what they want us to do differently and if they have any good ideas then we’ll support them but where are their ideas and when are we going to start seeing those,” Carroll said.
He said Democrats aren’t kicking the can down the road.
House Republicans say they’ve filed 23 bills, all of which are in the House Rules Committee they called a “graveyard” controlled by Democrats.
Task force member, state Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Humboldt Park, understood Republican’s frustrations.
“I can see there’s skepticism, there always is, but I do know that the pressure we feel strongly, at least this Democrat here, feels really strongly that we have to do something, and we have to do something now,” Ramirez said.
State Rep. Dan Ugaste, R-Geneva, said people are leaving Illinois because of a lack of relief.
“And the reason people tell me they’re leaving my district is because property taxes are too high,” Ugaste said. “And when I talk to businesses who are considering moving across state lines that they’re looking to save money they tell me one of the main reasons is property taxes.”
Illinois has led the nation in outbound migration over the past decade.
Some of the House bills Republicans have filed are in the Democratic-controlled Rules Committee.
HB 5293 - Senior citizens homestead school levy exemption
HB 4143 - Mandate relief for schools
HB 5425 - Repeal PTELL use-it-or-lose-it
HB 5426 - Abate excess funds from property tax levy
HB 5427 - Toughen PTELL to 3.5% max
HB 5428 - Local property tax disclosure & supermajority requirements
HB 5429 - COGFA review of Florida, Tennessee and Texas property tax reforms
HB 5430 - Missouri-style senior income tax credit against property
HB 5431 - Enable voters in PTELL counties to roll back levies
HB 5432 - First-time homeowner tax exemption
HB 5435 - End automatic debt renewals & refinancing
HB 5437 - Senior freeze transferability
HB 5438 - Senior homestead exemption & freeze expansions
HB 5439 - Creates the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Task Force
HB 5440 - Sunset all mandates on taxing bodies
HB 4493 - Requires elementary and high school districts to form new unit districts, instead of having separate school districts for each
HB 4494 - Limits local units of government and their ability to continue bonds
HB 4495 - For redevelopment projects, “blighted areas” must have a household median income of 100% or less of the area median income, as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
HB 4496 - Allows voters to consolidate townships if other units of government can operate more efficiently
HB 4498 - Limits tax increment financing (TIF) to 15 years
HB 4762 - Prohibits taxing districts from holding more than 150% of the previous levy year’s property tax collections and requires excess amounts to be refunded to taxpayers
HB 4711 - Lowers threshold for military veteran service-connected disability homestead exemption
HB 5455 - The chief county assessment officer may consider erroneous homestead exemptions as omitted property


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-04--Judge agrees with DOJ in ruling against further declassification of Carter Page FISA documents

A federal judge shut down an effort to further declassify information from Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act filings related to onetime Trump campaign associate Carter Page .
Amit Mehta , the judge for the U.S. District Court in Washington , D.C. , agreed with the Justice Department that President Trump ’ s tweets and a White House news release didn ’ t constitute declassification orders .
The Freedom of Information Act lawsuit was filed in 2017 by investigative journalist Brad Heath , formerly of USA Today and now of Reuters , and the James Madison Project , and 412 pages of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a result of it in June 2018 .
The plaintiffs sought further FISA disclosures , including asking for 21 additional pages to be unredacted .
Trump promised FISA declassification action for a long time , and in September 2018 , a White House press release said that Trump was directing his agencies to “ provide for the immediate declassification '' of a number of materials , including `` pages 10-12 and 17-34 of the June 2017 application to the FISA court in the matter of Carter W. Page ” and “ all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with all Carter Page FISA applications.
” The plaintiffs in the FOIA case contended that the press release reflected a presidential order to declassify the pages they were seeking .
The Justice Department disagreed , arguing that the message came from then-White House press secretary Sarah Sanders and that Trump ’ s subsequent tweets were clear enough to rescind any prior request .
Associate Deputy Attorney G. Bradley Weinsheimer submitted a declaration to the court in August 2019 arguing that “ DOJ did not receive at any time a declassification order related to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case ” and , after consulting with the White House following its press release , “ DOJ was informed that there was no order requiring immediate declassification or disclosure of those documents.
” “ Plaintiffs assume that the Press Release is , in fact , as a declassification order and that it is Defendant ’ s job to prove otherwise , or alternatively , to prove that the order was rescinded , ” the judge ruled on Tuesday .
“ DOJ ’ s declaration now makes clear that the Press Release was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the contrary , which lack any evidentiary support , therefore ring hollow.
” Bradley Moss , an attorney for the James Madison Project , told the Washington Examiner that “ this ruling is reflective of the chaotic mess the president ’ s unorthodox tweeting and actions cause , and the struggles DOJ continues to endure trying to translate that chaos into something similar to standard government processes . ''
“ We disagree with the court ’ s analysis of the impact of the president ’ s actions and are evaluating options , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confusion in September 2018 when he appeared to walk back the White House press release partially .
“ I met with the DOJ concerning the declassification of various UNREDACTED documents .
They agreed to release them but stated that so doing may have a perceived negative impact on the Russia probe .
Also , key Allies ’ called to ask not to release , ” Trump tweeted .
“ Therefore , the Inspector General has been asked to review these documents on an expedited basis .
I believe he will move quickly on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is looking at ) .
In the end I can always declassify if it proves necessary.
” In early January , Moss told the court they wanted access to more than just the 21 redacted FISA pages , stating that “ the issue of the redactions and/or withholdings in the remaining 391 pages from the Page FISA warrants also remain unresolved.
” Here too , the judge rebuffed the James Madison Project .
“ Plaintiffs never sought to disabuse the court of the notion that the ‘ sole contested issue ’ pertained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pages — until now , ” Mehta ruled .
“ They chose instead to contest only one discrete issue .
Plaintiffs can not now revive what they long ago abandoned.
” DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz released a report in December that criticized the Justice Department and the FBI for at least 17 “ significant errors and omissions ” related to the FISA surveillance of Page , who was never charged with wrongdoing , and for its heavy reliance on British ex-spy Christopher Steele ’ s salacious and unverified dossier .
Steele put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behest of the opposition research firm Fusion GPS , which had been hired by the Hillary Clinton campaign and the Democratic National Committee through the Perkins Coie law firm .
The Justice Department has since said that at least the final two of four Page FISA warrants were “ not valid ” and the FBI sought to “ sequester ” the information gleaned from that surveillance .
The Justice Department told the court that at least some of the information redacted within the 21 pages of the Page FISA filings had been revealed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April , Trump hinted that he might be moving toward declassifying more of this information himself .
And in late May , Trump gave Attorney General William Barr “ full and complete authority to declassify information ” related to the origins of the federal investigation into possible ties between the Trump campaign and Russia , and he “ directed the intelligence community to quickly and fully cooperate with the Attorney General ’ s investigation.
” Barr selected U.S. Attorney John Durham as his right-hand man in this endeavor .
Neither Trump nor Barr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Page FISA filings .

A federal judge shut down an effort to further declassify information from Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act filings related to onetime Trump campaign associate Carter Page.
Amit Mehta, the judge for the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., agreed with the Justice Department that President Trump’s tweets and a White House news release didn’t constitute declassification orders.
The Freedom of Information Act lawsuit was filed in 2017 by investigative journalist Brad Heath, formerly of USA Today and now of Reuters, and the James Madison Project, and 412 pages of heavily redacted Page FISA documents were released as a result of it in June 2018.
The plaintiffs sought further FISA disclosures, including asking for 21 additional pages to be unredacted.
Trump promised FISA declassification action for a long time, and in September 2018, a White House press release said that Trump was directing his agencies to “provide for the immediate declassification" of a number of materials, including "pages 10-12 and 17-34 of the June 2017 application to the FISA court in the matter of Carter W. Page” and “all FBI reports of interviews prepared in connection with all Carter Page FISA applications.”
The plaintiffs in the FOIA case contended that the press release reflected a presidential order to declassify the pages they were seeking. The Justice Department disagreed, arguing that the message came from then-White House press secretary Sarah Sanders and that Trump’s subsequent tweets were clear enough to rescind any prior request.
Associate Deputy Attorney G. Bradley Weinsheimer submitted a declaration to the court in August 2019 arguing that “DOJ did not receive at any time a declassification order related to the materials remaining at issue in this case” and, after consulting with the White House following its press release, “DOJ was informed that there was no order requiring immediate declassification or disclosure of those documents.”
Mehta sided with Trump’s Justice Department.
“Plaintiffs assume that the Press Release is, in fact, as a declassification order and that it is Defendant’s job to prove otherwise, or alternatively, to prove that the order was rescinded,” the judge ruled on Tuesday. “DOJ’s declaration now makes clear that the Press Release was not a declassification order. Plaintiffs’ protestations to the contrary, which lack any evidentiary support, therefore ring hollow.”
Bradley Moss, an attorney for the James Madison Project, told the Washington Examiner that “this ruling is reflective of the chaotic mess the president’s unorthodox tweeting and actions cause, and the struggles DOJ continues to endure trying to translate that chaos into something similar to standard government processes."
“We disagree with the court’s analysis of the impact of the president’s actions and are evaluating options,” Moss said.
Trump caused some confusion in September 2018 when he appeared to walk back the White House press release partially.
“I met with the DOJ concerning the declassification of various UNREDACTED documents. They agreed to release them but stated that so doing may have a perceived negative impact on the Russia probe. Also, key Allies’ called to ask not to release,” Trump tweeted. “Therefore, the Inspector General has been asked to review these documents on an expedited basis. I believe he will move quickly on this (and hopefully other things which he is looking at). In the end I can always declassify if it proves necessary.”
In early January, Moss told the court they wanted access to more than just the 21 redacted FISA pages, stating that “the issue of the redactions and/or withholdings in the remaining 391 pages from the Page FISA warrants also remain unresolved.”
Here too, the judge rebuffed the James Madison Project.
“Plaintiffs never sought to disabuse the court of the notion that the ‘sole contested issue’ pertained to redaction of the [21] Pages — until now,” Mehta ruled. “They chose instead to contest only one discrete issue. Plaintiffs cannot now revive what they long ago abandoned.”
DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz released a report in December that criticized the Justice Department and the FBI for at least 17 “significant errors and omissions” related to the FISA surveillance of Page, who was never charged with wrongdoing, and for its heavy reliance on British ex-spy Christopher Steele’s salacious and unverified dossier.
Steele put his research together in 2016 at the behest of the opposition research firm Fusion GPS, which had been hired by the Hillary Clinton campaign and the Democratic National Committee through the Perkins Coie law firm.
The Justice Department has since said that at least the final two of four Page FISA warrants were “not valid” and the FBI sought to “sequester” the information gleaned from that surveillance. The Justice Department told the court that at least some of the information redacted within the 21 pages of the Page FISA filings had been revealed in Horowitz’s report.
In April, Trump hinted that he might be moving toward declassifying more of this information himself. And in late May, Trump gave Attorney General William Barr “full and complete authority to declassify information” related to the origins of the federal investigation into possible ties between the Trump campaign and Russia, and he “directed the intelligence community to quickly and fully cooperate with the Attorney General’s investigation.” Barr selected U.S. Attorney John Durham as his right-hand man in this endeavor.
Neither Trump nor Barr has formally moved to declassify more information from the Page FISA filings.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-04--Kennedy threatens to bring down major bipartisan energy bill over amendment blocked by GOP leadershi

Kennedy threatens to bring down major bipartisan energy bill over amendment blocked by GOP leadership

Senate Republican leadership and the White House are blocking efforts to add legislation reducing potent greenhouse gas refrigerants to a broader energy package the Senate is considering this week .
The roadblock persists even though the coolant bill ’ s sponsors , Louisiana Republican John Kennedy and Delaware Democrat Tom Carper , say they are confident they ’ d have the support of nearly two-thirds of the Senate for their measure and despite cross-party negotiations to attempt to resolve Republican leadership 's concerns .
The bill , , already boasts 32 co-sponsors , split equally between parties .
But Wyoming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate Environment Committee that oversees the bill , is objecting to holding a vote on the coolant bill .
Kennedy and Carper are it as an amendment to a sweeping energy package from Alaska Republican Lisa Murkowski and West Virginia Democrat Joe Manchin , which would be the biggest update to energy law in more than a decade .
Senate leadership is currently negotiating which amendments will get a vote .
“ We were promised an open amendment process .
In other words , if you don ’ t agree with the proposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Kennedy told reporters Wednesday .
“ That ’ s why God made roll call votes.
” “ But apparently , we have a rule that we ’ re all equal on the Republican side but some are more equal than others , ” he said .
Kennedy , whose state is home to major chemical manufacturing plants , said he 's threatened to block other amendments and hold up the entire bill if his amendment does n't get a vote .
The White House has also told senators it strongly opposes the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it wouldn ’ t support it without a clause prohibiting states from setting their own limits on the refrigerant chemicals , known as hydrofluorocarbons , or HFCs .
“ The transition from hydrofluorocarbon use in the heating , ventilation , air conditioning , and refrigeration industry is a matter that should be applied consistently across the country , ” the White House told the bill ’ s managers , according to a statement obtained by the Washington Examiner .
Broadly , the legislation would give the Environmental Protection Agency the authority to issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the coolants .
“ We also have concerns with a policy that mandates significant changes for the private sector and mandates consumers buy new products without any consideration of cost , ” the White House added .
The bill , known as the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act , has strong support from appliance makers , chemical manufacturers , and environmental groups .
The coolant bill “ appears to have well more than filibuster-proof support from Senators on both sides of the aisle because it is a win-win-win for the environment and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by industry and the environmental community alike , ” said Stephen Yurek , president and CEO of the Air-Conditioning , Heating , and Refrigeration Institute , which represents most U.S. major appliance and chemical manufacturers .
“ Given that support , it is surprising that its inclusion is not assured , ” Yurek added in a statement to the Washington Examiner .
Kennedy 's would direct the EPA to regulate HFCs consistent with a global deal limiting the refrigerants , which are also potent greenhouse gases that warm the atmosphere hundreds of times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement ’ s targets could avoid around half a degree Celsius of global warming , according to scientists ’ estimates .
Industry strongly backs the global deal , known as the Kigali Amendment , and for the first two years of the Trump administration lobbied the White House to support it , to little avail .
The bill from Kennedy and Carper would allow manufacturers to meet the Kigali reduction targets , even if the full deal isn ’ t ratified by the Senate in this administration .
Barrasso , though , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the door open for states such as California and New York to set stricter coolant limits than federal standards , something a handful of states are already moving forward on .
Several House Republicans , and they ’ re pushing for the bill to include preemption provisions , essentially prohibiting states from working on their own standards .
Any amendment on HFCs `` must include real state preemption language , '' a spokesperson for Barrasso told the Washington Examiner .
`` The Chairman has concerns with any legislative effort that will layer new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or future state rules , '' the spokesperson said .
`` Since the bill has had no process , there are other problems with the way the amendment is constructed that can be fixed if and when real preemption is added . ''
Kennedy , though , said Carper , his Democratic counterpart , already offered preemption language in a potential compromise , what he thought was a `` very fair '' provision , but it was rejected .
`` In fact , I was surprised that my Democratic friends went as far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the negotiations .
Carper , in remarks on the Senate floor Wednesday , appeared less open to preemption language , though he did n't fully close the door on it .
“ Allowing the states to act helps hold the federal government accountable , ” Carper said , expressing concern the Trump administration wouldn ’ t properly regulate the coolants even if ordered by Congress to .
“ However , once a strong federal program is in place , states will not need to act and will spend their resources elsewhere.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jeopardizing Democratic support in the House .
“ I always have concerns about preemption , ” New York congressman Paul Tonko told reporters Wednesday , following remarks at the American Council on Renewable Energy forum .
Tonko , a Democrat who sponsored the House version of the HFC bill and chairs the House Energy and Commerce Committee ’ s environment and climate change panel , expressed concerns with any provision that would hamstring progressive states such as New York from pushing forward more strongly on climate change .
Yurek , of AHRI , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the HFC bill to the Senate energy package .
“ This is important to our industry , to American jobs and the economy , and to American technology preeminence , and we are hopeful that it will be recognized as such and included in the Senate energy bill , ” Yurek said .
Murkowski , Kennedy said , wants him and his fellow senators to drop the fight over the amendment to allow the bill to move through , but he is n't willing to give up yet .
`` You know , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his birthday .
He 's not getting it , '' Kennedy quipped .
`` I 'm not going to give in .
So that 's where we are . ''

Senate Republican leadership and the White House are blocking efforts to add legislation reducing potent greenhouse gas refrigerants to a broader energy package the Senate is considering this week.
The roadblock persists even though the coolant bill’s sponsors, Louisiana Republican John Kennedy and Delaware Democrat Tom Carper, say they are confident they’d have the support of nearly two-thirds of the Senate for their measure and despite cross-party negotiations to attempt to resolve Republican leadership's concerns. The bill, S. 2754 , already boasts 32 co-sponsors, split equally between parties.
But Wyoming Republican John Barrasso, who chairs the Senate Environment Committee that oversees the bill, is objecting to holding a vote on the coolant bill. Kennedy and Carper are hoping to offer it as an amendment to a sweeping energy package from Alaska Republican Lisa Murkowski and West Virginia Democrat Joe Manchin, which would be the biggest update to energy law in more than a decade. Senate leadership is currently negotiating which amendments will get a vote.
“We were promised an open amendment process. In other words, if you don’t agree with the proposed amendment, you vote against it,” Kennedy told reporters Wednesday. “That’s why God made roll call votes.”
“But apparently, we have a rule that we’re all equal on the Republican side but some are more equal than others,” he said. Kennedy, whose state is home to major chemical manufacturing plants, said he's threatened to block other amendments and hold up the entire bill if his amendment doesn't get a vote.
The White House has also told senators it strongly opposes the coolant language as an amendment, suggesting it wouldn’t support it without a clause prohibiting states from setting their own limits on the refrigerant chemicals, known as hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs.
“The transition from hydrofluorocarbon use in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration industry is a matter that should be applied consistently across the country,” the White House told the bill’s managers, according to a statement obtained by the Washington Examiner. Broadly, the legislation would give the Environmental Protection Agency the authority to issue federal standards restricting the production and use of the coolants.
“We also have concerns with a policy that mandates significant changes for the private sector and mandates consumers buy new products without any consideration of cost,” the White House added.
The bill, known as the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, has strong support from appliance makers, chemical manufacturers, and environmental groups.
The coolant bill “appears to have well more than filibuster-proof support from Senators on both sides of the aisle because it is a win-win-win for the environment and jobs and American technology, strongly supported by industry and the environmental community alike,” said Stephen Yurek, president and CEO of the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, which represents most U.S. major appliance and chemical manufacturers.
“Given that support, it is surprising that its inclusion is not assured,” Yurek added in a statement to the Washington Examiner.
Kennedy's legislation would direct the EPA to regulate HFCs consistent with a global deal limiting the refrigerants, which are also potent greenhouse gases that warm the atmosphere hundreds of times faster than carbon dioxide. Meeting the agreement’s targets could avoid around half a degree Celsius of global warming, according to scientists’ estimates.
Industry strongly backs the global deal, known as the Kigali Amendment, and for the first two years of the Trump administration lobbied the White House to support it, to little avail.
The bill from Kennedy and Carper would allow manufacturers to meet the Kigali reduction targets, even if the full deal isn’t ratified by the Senate in this administration.
Barrasso, though, has raised concerns that the bill would leave the door open for states such as California and New York to set stricter coolant limits than federal standards, something a handful of states are already moving forward on. Several House Republicans share his worries , and they’re pushing for the bill to include preemption provisions, essentially prohibiting states from working on their own standards.
Any amendment on HFCs "must include real state preemption language," a spokesperson for Barrasso told the Washington Examiner.
"The Chairman has concerns with any legislative effort that will layer new federal rules on a patchwork of current or future state rules," the spokesperson said. "Since the bill has had no process, there are other problems with the way the amendment is constructed that can be fixed if and when real preemption is added."
Kennedy, though, said Carper, his Democratic counterpart, already offered to discuss preemption language in a potential compromise, what he thought was a "very fair" approach, but it was rejected.
"In fact, I was surprised that my Democratic friends went as far as they did," he said of the negotiations.
There were "informal discussions" among Carper, Kennedy, and Barrasso in which the Democrat offered to discuss a compromise on how to address Republican concerns, but Carper didn't offer any written language on the issue, a spokesperson from Carper's office told the Washington Examiner.
Carper "shared broad ideas" with the two Republicans "about what a compromise could eventually look like," Carper's spokesperson added, noting the senator had "mentioned some of the aspects of the preemption provision" in the 2016 bipartisan update to the Toxic Substances Control Act "that was resolved after years of work and negotiations."
However, Carper "has not offered written preemption language. Discussions did not get to that point," the spokesperson said.
A spokesperson for Kennedy said the amendment introduced by the senators Wednesday reflected the text of the original coolant bill, with no preemption language. "The only broad agreement I'm aware of on this amendment is that it's worthy of a vote on the floor," the Kennedy spokesperson said.
Carper, in remarks on the Senate floor Wednesday, appeared less open to preemption language, though he didn't fully close the door on it.
“Allowing the states to act helps hold the federal government accountable,” Carper said, expressing concern the Trump administration wouldn’t properly regulate the coolants even if ordered by Congress to. “However, once a strong federal program is in place, states will not need to act and will spend their resources elsewhere.”
Any preemption provision, however, risks jeopardizing Democratic support in the House.
“I always have concerns about preemption,” New York congressman Paul Tonko told reporters Wednesday, following remarks at the American Council on Renewable Energy forum.
Tonko, a Democrat who sponsored the House version of the HFC bill and chairs the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s environment and climate change panel, expressed concerns with any provision that would hamstring progressive states such as New York from pushing forward more strongly on climate change.
Yurek, of AHRI, said manufacturers strongly back efforts to add the HFC bill to the Senate energy package.
“This is important to our industry, to American jobs and the economy, and to American technology preeminence, and we are hopeful that it will be recognized as such and included in the Senate energy bill,” Yurek said.
Murkowski, Kennedy said, wants him and his fellow senators to drop the fight over the amendment to allow the bill to move through, but he isn't willing to give up yet.
"You know, my son would like a Porsche for his birthday. He's not getting it," Kennedy quipped. "I'm not going to give in. So that's where we are."


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-04--Spike Lee compares black Trump supporters to slaves

Hollywood director Spike Lee compared black Trump supporters praying for the president to house slaves .
`` Massa , We Love You Massa .
We Gon na Pray Fo ' You Massa , Singing- `` Swing Low , Sweet Chariot , ” the BlacKkKlansman director posted to Instagram earlier this week in response to a photo taken in the White House .
The Cabinet Room meeting , which took place last week as part of a Black History Month celebration , was attended by actor Isaiah Washington , boxing champion Andre Berto , former NFL player Jack Brewer , author @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Silk , and others .
“ In every field , every generation , and every calling , African-Americans have lifted up our nation to new heights — and , like all citizens , you are entitled to a government that puts your needs , your interests , and your families first , ” Trump at the meeting .
A poll released in February shows Trump with 22 % support from registered black voters , which is a significant increase from the 8 % he received in 2016 .
Trump and Lee have clashed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the director 's speech while accepting the best adapted screenplay Oscar for BlacKkKlansman .
`` The 2020 presidential election is around the corner , ” Lee said .
“ Let ’ s all mobilize .
Let ’ s all be on the right side of history .
Make the moral choice between love versus hate.
” The president responded to that comment with a tweet denouncing Lee , who appeared to struggle with reading his speech at times .
`` Be nice if Spike Lee could read his notes , or better yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when doing his racist hit on your President , who has done more for African Americans ( Criminal Justice Reform , Lowest Unemployment numbers in History , Tax Cuts , etc . )
than almost any other Pres ! ''
Trump tweeted .
Lee also made news earlier this week when he announced he wo n't be showing up to his well-known seat on the floor of Madison Square Garden for New York Knicks games again this year following an altercation with the team 's security before a game Monday night .

Hollywood director Spike Lee compared black Trump supporters praying for the president to house slaves.
"Massa, We Love You Massa. We Gonna Pray Fo' You Massa, Singing- "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” the BlacKkKlansman director posted to Instagram earlier this week in response to a photo taken in the White House.
The Cabinet Room meeting, which took place last week as part of a Black History Month celebration, was attended by actor Isaiah Washington, boxing champion Andre Berto, former NFL player Jack Brewer, author Candace Owens, conservative personalities Diamond & Silk, and others.
“In every field, every generation, and every calling, African-Americans have lifted up our nation to new heights — and, like all citizens, you are entitled to a government that puts your needs, your interests, and your families first,” Trump said at the meeting.
A poll released in February shows Trump with 22% support from registered black voters, which is a significant increase from the 8% he received in 2016.
Trump and Lee have clashed in the past, most notably following the director's speech while accepting the best adapted screenplay Oscar for BlacKkKlansman.
"The 2020 presidential election is around the corner,” Lee said. “Let’s all mobilize. Let’s all be on the right side of history. Make the moral choice between love versus hate.”
The president responded to that comment with a tweet denouncing Lee, who appeared to struggle with reading his speech at times.
"Be nice if Spike Lee could read his notes, or better yet not have to use notes at all, when doing his racist hit on your President, who has done more for African Americans (Criminal Justice Reform, Lowest Unemployment numbers in History, Tax Cuts,etc.) than almost any other Pres!" Trump tweeted.
Be nice if Spike Lee could read his notes, or better yet not have to use notes at all, when doing his racist hit on your President, who has done more for African Americans (Criminal Justice Reform, Lowest Unemployment numbers in History, Tax Cuts,etc.) than almost any other Pres! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 25, 2019
Lee also made news earlier this week when he announced he won't be showing up to his well-known seat on the floor of Madison Square Garden for New York Knicks games again this year following an altercation with the team's security before a game Monday night.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-04--WATCH LIVE: President Trump speaks at the Latino Coalition Legislative Summit

President Trump will deliver the remarks as a keynote speaker at the Latino Coalition Legislative Summit at 1:50 p.m. EST @ @ @

President Trump will deliver the remarks as a keynote speaker at the Latino Coalition Legislative Summit at 1:50 p.m. EST on Wednesday.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-04--'Human petri dishes': Matt Gaetz wears gas mask on House floor for coronavirus vote

Rep. Matt Gaetz showed up on the House floor in a gas mask to vote on more funding to fight the spread of the coronavirus in the United States .
`` Reviewing the coronavirus supplemental appropriation and preparing to go vote , '' the Florida Republican said in a tweet Wednesday , which was accompanied by a picture of him in the gas mask .
Gaetz told reporters he wore the mask because he wanted to be conscious about spreading germs .
`` Members of Congress are human petri dishes , '' he said .
`` We fly through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet . ''
The House passed the $ 8.3 billion emergency spending bill to fight the coronavirus .
The Senate could act on the legislation as soon as Thursday .
President Trump is expected to sign it .
There have been 100 cases of the coronavirus confirmed in the U.S .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not confirmed any cases in Washington , D.C .
The coronavirus death toll in the country rose to 11 on Wednesday after a patient died in California .
Ten others died in Washington state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Mike Pence in charge of the administration 's response to the outbreak , has urged the public not to panic .

Rep. Matt Gaetz showed up on the House floor in a gas mask to vote on more funding to fight the spread of the coronavirus in the United States.
"Reviewing the coronavirus supplemental appropriation and preparing to go vote," the Florida Republican said in a tweet Wednesday, which was accompanied by a picture of him in the gas mask.
Reviewing the coronavirus supplemental appropriation and preparing to go vote. pic.twitter.com/wjJ4YY4VZz — Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) March 4, 2020
Gaetz told reporters he wore the mask because he wanted to be conscious about spreading germs. "Members of Congress are human petri dishes," he said. "We fly through the dirtiest airports. We touch everyone we meet."
.@mattgaetz told reporters that he was wearing a gas mask on the floor because "Members of Congress are human petri dishes. We fly through the dirtiest airports. We touch everyone we meet." — Ben Jacobs (@Bencjacobs) March 4, 2020
Wide shot: @RepMattGaetz wearing gas mask on House floor.
(Look just below and to the left of the word 'RULES') pic.twitter.com/5AoaL3i3db — Jeremy Art (@cspanJeremy) March 4, 2020
The House passed the $8.3 billion emergency spending bill to fight the coronavirus. The Senate could act on the legislation as soon as Thursday. President Trump is expected to sign it.
There have been 100 cases of the coronavirus confirmed in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not confirmed any cases in Washington, D.C.
The coronavirus death toll in the country rose to 11 on Wednesday after a patient died in California. Ten others died in Washington state.
Trump, who has placed Vice President Mike Pence in charge of the administration's response to the outbreak, has urged the public not to panic.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-04--House approves $8.3B to battle coronavirus

The House passed an $ 8.3 billion measure to fund the federal government ’ s response to the coronavirus outbreak , which has claimed 11 lives and infected more than 100 people in the United States .
The measure passed nearly unanimously and will now head to the Senate , which is expected to pass it as early as Thursday .
“ The government ’ s greatest responsibly is to keep Americans safe , ” said House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey , a New York Democrat .
“ This emergency supplemental addresses the coronavirus and takes critical steps to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and expanding outbreak.
” The vote followed a private House briefing by Vice President Mike Pence on the status of the virus and the federal government 's efforts to test for it , prevent the spread of the disease , and develop a vaccine .
The measure is much larger than the $ 2.5 billion request sent to Congress by the Trump administration .
The president said last week he will sign whatever funding amount Congress sends to his desk .
The bill would provide $ 3 billion for the research and development @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , $ 2.2 billion for prevention and response to the virus , $ 1 billion for medical supplies , and $ 1.5 billion to combat the virus overseas .
The measure allows for $ 7 billion in low-interest loans for small businesses affected by the coronavirus .
House and Senate Democrats and Republicans struck an agreement on the spending measure earlier Wednesday after haggling over price controls for the vaccines and treatments .
The measure includes language giving the Department of Health and Human Services the authority to ensure vaccines and treatments “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The funding includes $ 300 million to help pay for vaccines for those who can not afford them .
Senators in both parties endorsed the measure Wednesday .
“ Today , Democrats and Republicans in Congress showed they can come together in a bipartisan way to respond to the coronavirus in a swift , smart , and strategic way to keep the American people safe , ” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , a New York Democrat .
Republicans and Democrats say expanding testing and developing a vaccine must be a priority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is very likely to approve supplemental funding this week to provide states , local governments , and healthcare professionals the resources needed to respond to the virus , ” Sen. Pat Toomey , a Pennsylvania Republican , said .
“ I intend to support this measure .
”

The House passed an $8.3 billion measure to fund the federal government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak, which has claimed 11 lives and infected more than 100 people in the United States.
The measure passed nearly unanimously and will now head to the Senate, which is expected to pass it as early as Thursday.
“The government’s greatest responsibly is to keep Americans safe,” said House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey, a New York Democrat. “This emergency supplemental addresses the coronavirus and takes critical steps to protect the American people from this deadly and expanding outbreak.”
The vote followed a private House briefing by Vice President Mike Pence on the status of the virus and the federal government's efforts to test for it, prevent the spread of the disease, and develop a vaccine.
The measure is much larger than the $2.5 billion request sent to Congress by the Trump administration. The president said last week he will sign whatever funding amount Congress sends to his desk.
The bill would provide $3 billion for the research and development of vaccines and treatments for the coronavirus, $2.2 billion for prevention and response to the virus, $1 billion for medical supplies, and $1.5 billion to combat the virus overseas. The measure allows for $7 billion in low-interest loans for small businesses affected by the coronavirus.
House and Senate Democrats and Republicans struck an agreement on the spending measure earlier Wednesday after haggling over price controls for the vaccines and treatments.
The measure includes language giving the Department of Health and Human Services the authority to ensure vaccines and treatments “are affordable in the commercial market.”
The funding includes $300 million to help pay for vaccines for those who cannot afford them.
Senators in both parties endorsed the measure Wednesday.
“Today, Democrats and Republicans in Congress showed they can come together in a bipartisan way to respond to the coronavirus in a swift, smart, and strategic way to keep the American people safe,” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat.
Republicans and Democrats say expanding testing and developing a vaccine must be a priority for the federal government.
“Congress is very likely to approve supplemental funding this week to provide states, local governments, and healthcare professionals the resources needed to respond to the virus,” Sen. Pat Toomey, a Pennsylvania Republican, said. “I intend to support this measure.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-04--Top GOP candidate in Virginia 'toss-up' contest slams Democratic incumbent's 'politically calculated

Top GOP candidate in Virginia 'toss-up' contest slams Democratic incumbent's 'politically calculated' endorsement

The top Republican challenger in Virginia 's toss-up 7th Congressional District ripped incumbent Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger over her latest endorsement in the 2020 Democratic presidential contest .
Nick Freitas , a former Green Beret who has made a name for himself in Virginia politics as a brash and outspoken supporter of the Second Amendment , said Spanberger 's endorsement of Biden was `` politically calculated '' after the Democrat tweeted on Monday that she was `` proud '' to vote for Sen. Amy Klobuchar in the Virginia primary .
`` If you supported Klobuchar , why did you wait @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ? ''
Freitas asked on Twitter .
`` If you support Biden now , why did you wait until he won VA to actually endorse him ?
Is any decision you make genuine ?
... or is it all going to be politically calculated ? ''
Klobuchar dropped out of the presidential race on Monday and endorsed Biden at a rally in Dallas .
On Tuesday , the Cook Political Report changed its ranking of the district from `` lean Democratic '' to `` toss-up , '' citing Freitas 's candidacy and Spanberger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two articles of abuse of power and obstruction of justice .
`` Nick Freitas is the candidate to beat Abigail Spanberger and hold her to account for joining Nancy Pelosi ’ s impeachment sham , '' Freitas 's campaign manager Joe Desilates told the Culpeper Star-Exponent .
The primary election is scheduled for June 9 but the Republican party intends to select its candidate at their convention on April 25 in Richmond , where nine GOP candidates are set to face off , according to Ballotpedia .
The general election will be on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race is considered one of the highest-profile contests in Virginia after Spanberger ousted Republican David Brat in the historically Republican stronghold .
Brat wrested control of the district from then-House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in 2014 , a victory due in part to the emergence of the Tea Party movement , which helped Brat 's nontraditional campaign capitalize on disenfranchised voters .
Freitas , who narrowly lost to Republican Corey Stewart in Virginia 's Senate primary in 2018 , has raised more than a half-million dollars from more than 3,000 individual donors across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday .
Known for his libertarian-leaning conservatism , Freitas has received major endorsements from Republican Sens .
Ted Cruz , Rand Paul , and Mike Lee , and Rep. Dan Crenshaw .

The top Republican challenger in Virginia's toss-up 7th Congressional District ripped incumbent Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger over her latest endorsement in the 2020 Democratic presidential contest.
Nick Freitas, a former Green Beret who has made a name for himself in Virginia politics as a brash and outspoken supporter of the Second Amendment, said Spanberger's endorsement of Biden was "politically calculated" after the Democrat tweeted on Monday that she was "proud" to vote for Sen. Amy Klobuchar in the Virginia primary.
"If you supported Klobuchar, why did you wait until she dropped out to say so?" Freitas asked on Twitter. "If you support Biden now, why did you wait until he won VA to actually endorse him? Is any decision you make genuine? ... or is it all going to be politically calculated?"
If you supported Klobuchar, why did you wait until she dropped out to say so? If you support Biden now, why did you wait until he won VA to actually endorse him?
Is any decision you make genuine? ...or is it all going to be politically calculated? https://t.co/36yDJSzGbB — Nick Freitas (@NickForVA) March 4, 2020
Klobuchar dropped out of the presidential race on Monday and endorsed Biden at a rally in Dallas.
On Tuesday, the Cook Political Report changed its ranking of the district from "lean Democratic" to "toss-up," citing Freitas's candidacy and Spanberger's vote to impeach President Trump on two articles of abuse of power and obstruction of justice.
"Nick Freitas is the candidate to beat Abigail Spanberger and hold her to account for joining Nancy Pelosi’s impeachment sham," Freitas's campaign manager Joe Desilates told the Culpeper Star-Exponent.
The primary election is scheduled for June 9 but the Republican party intends to select its candidate at their convention on April 25 in Richmond, where nine GOP candidates are set to face off, according to Ballotpedia. The general election will be on Nov. 3.
The 7th Congressional District race is considered one of the highest-profile contests in Virginia after Spanberger ousted Republican David Brat in the historically Republican stronghold. Brat wrested control of the district from then-House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in 2014, a victory due in part to the emergence of the Tea Party movement, which helped Brat's nontraditional campaign capitalize on disenfranchised voters.
Freitas, who narrowly lost to Republican Corey Stewart in Virginia's Senate primary in 2018, has raised more than a half-million dollars from more than 3,000 individual donors across all 50 states, the campaign said Tuesday. Known for his libertarian-leaning conservatism, Freitas has received major endorsements from Republican Sens. Ted Cruz, Rand Paul, and Mike Lee, and Rep. Dan Crenshaw.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-04--Sanders warns Obama against endorsing Biden

Sen. Bernie Sanders , battered from his defeat in many Super Tuesday contests , warned President Barack Obama not to endorse Joe Biden , Obama ’ s former vice president who is now running neck and neck with Sanders for the Democratic nomination .
“ I have not the slightest doubt that there is enormous pressure on President Obama to jump into this race and support Joe Biden , ” Sanders said during a press conference about the status of his campaign .
Sanders told reporters he backed Obama ’ s pledge to support the Democrat who wins the nomination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not get involved in the primary .
“ I agree with him , ” Sanders said .
“ But that ’ s not easy for him to do .
And I very much appreciate his willingness to do that.
” Obama has said very little publicly about the Democratic fight for the nomination or when he plans to give his coveted endorsement to one of the candidates , now likely to be Biden .
The Democratic candidates have touted their relationships with Obama .
Sanders , on Tuesday , began running a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It featured a clip of Obama praising Sanders as “ somebody who has the virtue of saying exactly what he believes , great authenticity , great passion , and is fearless , ” among other compliments .
Biden ’ s campaign criticized the ad as disingenuous , but Sanders defended it Wednesday .
“ We have worked with President Obama , ” Sanders said .
“ I ’ m not going to say we are best friends .
We talk every now and then.
” Sanders said he ran the ad to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to say I work with him and respect him.
” Obama ’ s endorsement would be pivotal for Biden this month .
The Super Tuesday primaries put Biden ahead of Sanders in the delegate count , but that number will shift as the votes are counted in California , where Sanders is in the lead .
There is still a chance neither candidate will win the 1,991 pledged delegates to secure the nomination without a fight at the July convention .
Biden won 10 of the 14 Super Tuesday state contests and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after losing momentum following a poor performance in both the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary .
Sanders is now scrambling to regain momentum in a close race with Biden for the nomination .
“ Of course I ’ m disappointed , ” Sanders said .
“ I ’ d like to win every state by a landslide , but that ’ s not going to happen .
But what we are trying to do is unprecedented .
We are talking about a political revolution.
” He called Biden “ a candidate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form the rich to fund his campaign .

Sen. Bernie Sanders, battered from his defeat in many Super Tuesday contests, warned President Barack Obama not to endorse Joe Biden, Obama’s former vice president who is now running neck and neck with Sanders for the Democratic nomination.
“I have not the slightest doubt that there is enormous pressure on President Obama to jump into this race and support Joe Biden,” Sanders said during a press conference about the status of his campaign.
Sanders told reporters he backed Obama’s pledge to support the Democrat who wins the nomination and his private assurances that he would not get involved in the primary.
“I agree with him,” Sanders said. “But that’s not easy for him to do. And I very much appreciate his willingness to do that.”
Obama has said very little publicly about the Democratic fight for the nomination or when he plans to give his coveted endorsement to one of the candidates, now likely to be Biden.
The Democratic candidates have touted their relationships with Obama.
Sanders, on Tuesday, began running a new campaign ad promoting his connection to Obama. It featured a clip of Obama praising Sanders as “somebody who has the virtue of saying exactly what he believes, great authenticity, great passion, and is fearless,” among other compliments.
Biden’s campaign criticized the ad as disingenuous, but Sanders defended it Wednesday.
“We have worked with President Obama,” Sanders said. “I’m not going to say we are best friends. We talk every now and then.”
Sanders said he ran the ad to clarify his relationship with Obama, “to say I work with him and respect him.”
Obama’s endorsement would be pivotal for Biden this month.
The Super Tuesday primaries put Biden ahead of Sanders in the delegate count, but that number will shift as the votes are counted in California, where Sanders is in the lead. There is still a chance neither candidate will win the 1,991 pledged delegates to secure the nomination without a fight at the July convention.
Biden won 10 of the 14 Super Tuesday state contests and is back in the lead in national polls after losing momentum following a poor performance in both the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary. Sanders is now scrambling to regain momentum in a close race with Biden for the nomination.
“Of course I’m disappointed,” Sanders said. “I’d like to win every state by a landslide, but that’s not going to happen. But what we are trying to do is unprecedented. We are talking about a political revolution.”
He called Biden “a candidate from the establishment,” raising money form the rich to fund his campaign.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-04--GOP senator will release interim report on Hunter Biden and Burisma within next two months

A top Republican announced that he will release an interim report on his findings connected to his investigation of Burisma Holdings and its connection to Joe and Hunter Biden .
Sen. Ron Johnson , a Wisconsin Republican who heads the Senate Homeland Security Committee on Wednesday that the public can expect an interim report on the committee 's investigation into Burisma within one or two months .
Johnson argued that Democrats should want to have some answers about Hunter Biden ’ s role on the board of Burisma before casting their votes for Joe Biden .
`` These are questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Johnson said .
`` And if I were a Democrat primary voter , I ’ d want these questions satisfactorily answered before I cast my final vote . ''
The elder Biden in the delegate count after a strong Super Tuesday performance .
Johnson said that Biden ’ s surge makes his committee ’ s investigation into Ukrainian gas company Burisma Holdings more significant , but denied that he is investigating the situation solely because of the election .
“ My investigations are not focused on the Bidens .
They ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insisted .
`` But I can ’ t ignore them because they ’ re part of the story .
They made themselves part of the story .
If there ’ s wrongdoing , the American people need to know it .
If there is no wrongdoing or nothing significant , the American people need to understand that as well.
” Republicans have gave Hunter a high-paying position on the company board despite him having little experience in the energy sector and a well-documented problem with drug use .
At the time , Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s diplomatic efforts in Ukraine , leaving critics , including President Trump , to wonder if the company used the younger Biden to leverage the former vice president .
Trump urging Ukraine 's leader to investigate the Bidens and other political rivals became central to an impeachment fight which ended last month with acquittal in the Senate .
Earlier this week , Johnson sent a memo to his committee announcing that they would be considering a subpoena against employees of Blue Star Strategies , which represented Burisma ’ s interests in the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ board .
Johnson said the subpoena would investigate the claims that Burisma “ sought to leverage Hunter Biden ’ s role as a board member of Burisma to gain access to , and potentially influence matters at , the State Department.
” Several Democrats have criticized Johnson for escalating the investigation into the Bidens just as the vice president 's campaign takes off .
“ I am concerned to see that in the Senate there seems to be a renewed interest in furthering these bogus Russian narratives through the use of their investigative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s so deeply destructive to be effectively working in a concert with Russian propaganda artists , '' House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff said .
Joe Biden ’ s campaign told Politico that Johnson had done the campaign a “ favor ” by “ admitting that he is abusing ” his position to investigate Burisma and the Bidens .
Johnson argued that such an investigation was standard for the committee , saying , “ I don ’ t know why any member of my committee would vote against a subpoena that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consulting firm .
”

A top Republican announced that he will release an interim report on his findings connected to his investigation of Burisma Holdings and its connection to Joe and Hunter Biden.
Sen. Ron Johnson, a Wisconsin Republican who heads the Senate Homeland Security Committee told reporters on Wednesday that the public can expect an interim report on the committee's investigation into Burisma within one or two months. Johnson argued that Democrats should want to have some answers about Hunter Biden’s role on the board of Burisma before casting their votes for Joe Biden.
"These are questions that Joe Biden has not adequately answered," Johnson said. "And if I were a Democrat primary voter, I’d want these questions satisfactorily answered before I cast my final vote."
The elder Biden surpassed Sen. Bernie Sanders in the delegate count after a strong Super Tuesday performance. Johnson said that Biden’s surge makes his committee’s investigation into Ukrainian gas company Burisma Holdings more significant, but denied that he is investigating the situation solely because of the election.
“My investigations are not focused on the Bidens. They’re just not," the senator insisted. "But I can’t ignore them because they’re part of the story. They made themselves part of the story. If there’s wrongdoing, the American people need to know it. If there is no wrongdoing or nothing significant, the American people need to understand that as well.”
Republicans have questioned why Burisma gave Hunter a high-paying position on the company board despite him having little experience in the energy sector and a well-documented problem with drug use. At the time, Joe Biden was leading the Obama administration’s diplomatic efforts in Ukraine, leaving critics, including President Trump, to wonder if the company used the younger Biden to leverage the former vice president.
Trump urging Ukraine's leader to investigate the Bidens and other political rivals became central to an impeachment fight which ended last month with acquittal in the Senate.
Earlier this week, Johnson sent a memo to his committee announcing that they would be considering a subpoena against employees of Blue Star Strategies, which represented Burisma’s interests in the United States while Hunter Biden was on the board. Johnson said the subpoena would investigate the claims that Burisma “sought to leverage Hunter Biden’s role as a board member of Burisma to gain access to, and potentially influence matters at, the State Department.”
Several Democrats have criticized Johnson for escalating the investigation into the Bidens just as the vice president's campaign takes off.
“I am concerned to see that in the Senate there seems to be a renewed interest in furthering these bogus Russian narratives through the use of their investigative powers. I just think it’s so deeply destructive to be effectively working in a concert with Russian propaganda artists," House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff said.
Joe Biden’s campaign told Politico that Johnson had done the campaign a “favor” by “admitting that he is abusing” his position to investigate Burisma and the Bidens. Johnson argued that such an investigation was standard for the committee, saying, “I don’t know why any member of my committee would vote against a subpoena that’s just looking for records from a U.S. consulting firm.”


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-04--Coronavirus: The government is here to help, and that's why you should be afraid

The novel coronavirus , COVID-19 , is moving around the world and inducing fear as well as economic turmoil .
The pharmaceutical industry has taken notice and jumped into action , fast-tracking research and development to come up with a solution .
This is the free market at its best .
The industry did this on its own , and it isn ’ t just one company — they are all competing to come up with the solution .
Now comes what President Ronald Reagan called the `` nine most terrifying words in the English language : I 'm from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help . ''
While late to the game , Congress is now considering an emergency budget supplement to address the new disease , but it 's already here and spreading , and the economy is already taking a hit .
If Congress really wanted to help blunt a viral epidemic , they would have had this debate years ago , but government bureaucracy and politicians aren ’ t forward-looking when their efforts don ’ t have a large political payoff .
And , now , as a part of their solution , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that can be made from developing a solution .
A price cap doesn ’ t mean that a solution is developed quicker .
It doesn ’ t provide an incentive for the best solution .
It doesn ’ t encourage any other companies to join in the race for a solution , and it doesn ’ t provide any broader research into follow-up viruses .
In other words , Congress is considering adding a provision to its emergency supplement that might delay a solution .
Stop helping !
What Congress is considering is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress should propose .
If anything , Congress should put a prize out for the first company to develop a solution .
They could decide the amount .
Maybe it is $ 1 million , $ 10 million , or the $ 2 billion that is the average cost to develop a drug , and then , maybe they should throw a parade for the company — the CEO , the lab technicians , and the investors .
Bernie Sanders could lead the parade as a part of making amends to an industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a great example of capitalism in action if the companies are left alone to develop a solution and help stave off further turmoil .
The economic benefits of capitalism are usually only found in long-run studies and can be hard to identify , but the way the free market jumped into developing a solution to this virus is a perfect example of the benefits .
Pharmaceutical companies saw demand increase and no supply .
That is the dream of a capitalist and the start of a research and development war .
That stands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses saved , and the anxiety of protecting our loved ones subdued .
At the end of the day , even if only one company out of the myriad of companies competing to develop a solution prevails , it still has to protect its brand — it can ’ t become another Martin Shkreli .
But , if two or more develop a solution , then they will necessarily compete for market share , and prices will drop on their own .
We are looking at much more than two companies solving the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t always agree on politics or capitalism , but , when she noticed an infographic on the news showing how many companies were competing to develop a treatment for coronavirus , she pointed out that this was a perfect example of capitalism in action .
She was right , and , at the time , I told her so , but I also said that I would likely wait to write about it until a solution was found .
However , with government now stepping in with a “ solution ” that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , now is the time .
Government should provide rewards to those saving lives , not shackles .
Charles Sauer ( @ CharlesSauer ) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner 's Beltway Confidential blog .
He is president of the Market Institute and previously worked on Capitol Hill , for a governor , and for an academic think tank .

The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, is moving around the world and inducing fear as well as economic turmoil. The pharmaceutical industry has taken notice and jumped into action, fast-tracking research and development to come up with a solution. This is the free market at its best. The industry did this on its own, and it isn’t just one company — they are all competing to come up with the solution.
Now comes what President Ronald Reagan called the "nine most terrifying words in the English language: I'm from the government, and I'm here to help."
While late to the game, Congress is now considering an emergency budget supplement to address the new disease, but it's already here and spreading, and the economy is already taking a hit. If Congress really wanted to help blunt a viral epidemic, they would have had this debate years ago, but government bureaucracy and politicians aren’t forward-looking when their efforts don’t have a large political payoff. And, now, as a part of their solution, they are considering caps to the profit that can be made from developing a solution.
A price cap doesn’t mean that a solution is developed quicker. It doesn’t provide an incentive for the best solution. It doesn’t encourage any other companies to join in the race for a solution, and it doesn’t provide any broader research into follow-up viruses.
In other words, Congress is considering adding a provision to its emergency supplement that might delay a solution. Stop helping!
What Congress is considering is the exact opposite of the solution that Congress should propose. If anything, Congress should put a prize out for the first company to develop a solution. They could decide the amount. Maybe it is $1 million, $10 million, or the $2 billion that is the average cost to develop a drug, and then, maybe they should throw a parade for the company — the CEO, the lab technicians, and the investors.
Bernie Sanders could lead the parade as a part of making amends to an industry that he vilifies.
This would be a great example of capitalism in action if the companies are left alone to develop a solution and help stave off further turmoil. The economic benefits of capitalism are usually only found in long-run studies and can be hard to identify, but the way the free market jumped into developing a solution to this virus is a perfect example of the benefits. Pharmaceutical companies saw demand increase and no supply. That is the dream of a capitalist and the start of a research and development war. That stands to benefit everyone. Lives saved, businesses saved, and the anxiety of protecting our loved ones subdued.
At the end of the day, even if only one company out of the myriad of companies competing to develop a solution prevails, it still has to protect its brand — it can’t become another Martin Shkreli. But, if two or more develop a solution, then they will necessarily compete for market share, and prices will drop on their own. We are looking at much more than two companies solving the issue.
My wife and I don’t always agree on politics or capitalism, but, when she noticed an infographic on the news showing how many companies were competing to develop a treatment for coronavirus, she pointed out that this was a perfect example of capitalism in action. She was right, and, at the time, I told her so, but I also said that I would likely wait to write about it until a solution was found. However, with government now stepping in with a “solution” that might stop the competition in its tracks, now is the time.
Government should provide rewards to those saving lives, not shackles.
Charles Sauer (@CharlesSauer) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner's Beltway Confidential blog. He is president of the Market Institute and previously worked on Capitol Hill, for a governor, and for an academic think tank.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-04--Top Democrat asks DHS to consider Secret Service protection for 2020 Democrats

The day after protesters rushed Joe Biden at a Super Tuesday rally , a top House Democrat is n't taking any chances .
Rep. Bennie Thompson , chairman of the Homeland Security Committee , wrote a letter Wednesday to acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf , urging him to offer Secret Service protection to the candidates seeking the Democratic presidential nomination .
`` I write to urge you to immediately undertake the consultation process necessary to determine whether any Democratic candidates for President should be afforded protection by the United States Secret Service ( USSS ) , '' read the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guidelines indicate that a candidate must request protection from the Secretary and the USSS Director in order to begin the consultation and authorization process , the Guidelines also indicate that the absence of a request would not prevent the authorization of protection when warranted , '' the Mississippi Democrat added .
The letter came a day after two protesters shouting , “ Let dairy die !
” stormed the stage in Los Angeles while Biden was giving a speech after his Super Tuesday victories .
The first demonstrator was quickly intercepted and removed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but was followed by a second protester that jumped up , waved a sign , and was blocked by Biden ’ s wife .
Biden ’ s senior adviser Symone Sanders rushed up to grab the second protester , who was then escorted away .
Former White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said Biden and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders needed Secret Service protection after Tuesday 's “ genuinely scary ” moment .
It was n't the first time Jill Biden intercepted a protester during one of her husband 's events .
In New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the podium and intercepted a heckler , helping security remove the individual from the crowd .
The protesters were against the dairy industry .
Anti-dairy protesters also interrupted a rally for Sanders last month .

The day after protesters rushed Joe Biden at a Super Tuesday rally, a top House Democrat isn't taking any chances.
Rep. Bennie Thompson, chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, wrote a letter Wednesday to acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf, urging him to offer Secret Service protection to the candidates seeking the Democratic presidential nomination.
"I write to urge you to immediately undertake the consultation process necessary to determine whether any Democratic candidates for President should be afforded protection by the United States Secret Service (USSS)," read the letter to Wolf.
"While the Guidelines indicate that a candidate must request protection from the Secretary and the USSS Director in order to begin the consultation and authorization process, the Guidelines also indicate that the absence of a request would not prevent the authorization of protection when warranted," the Mississippi Democrat added.
The letter came a day after two protesters shouting, “Let dairy die!” stormed the stage in Los Angeles while Biden was giving a speech after his Super Tuesday victories. The first demonstrator was quickly intercepted and removed from the stage by a security guard but was followed by a second protester that jumped up, waved a sign, and was blocked by Biden’s wife. Biden’s senior adviser Symone Sanders rushed up to grab the second protester, who was then escorted away.
Former White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said Biden and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders needed Secret Service protection after Tuesday's “genuinely scary” moment.
It wasn't the first time Jill Biden intercepted a protester during one of her husband's events. In New Hampshire last month, she crossed behind the podium and intercepted a heckler, helping security remove the individual from the crowd.
The protesters were against the dairy industry. Anti-dairy protesters also interrupted a rally for Sanders last month.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-04--Congress reaches $8.3B deal to fund coronavirus response

The House is expected to vote Wednesday on an $ 8.3 billion measure aimed at helping fund testing kits , @ @ @ @ @ response efforts to deal with a coronavirus outbreak as well as low-interest loans for small @ @ @ @ @ virus .
Lawmakers reached the agreement after haggling over coronavirus vaccine , drug , and @ @ @ @ @ wanted to impose price restrictions on pharmaceutical companies , arguing millions in taxpayer funding would @ @ @ @ @ companies develop the vaccine and testing kits .
The agreement provides more than $ 300 @ @ @ @ @ that , when a vaccine is developed , Americans can receive it regardless of their @ @ @ @ @ measure also mandates “ fair and reasonable ” pricing for coronavirus vaccines and drugs and @ @ @ @ @ “ authority to ensure they are affordable on the commercial market.
” The measure also @ @ @ @ @ Medicare providers to make home visits and telephone visits to seniors regardless of where they @ @

The House is expected to vote Wednesday on an $8.3 billion measure aimed at helping fund testing kits, a vaccine, and local response efforts to deal with a coronavirus outbreak as well as low-interest loans for small businesses negatively impacted by the virus.
Lawmakers reached the agreement after haggling over coronavirus vaccine, drug, and testing kit pricing.
[Click here for complete coronavirus coverage]
Democrats wanted to impose price restrictions on pharmaceutical companies, arguing millions in taxpayer funding would be provided to help the companies develop the vaccine and testing kits.
The agreement provides more than $300 million “to help ensure that, when a vaccine is developed, Americans can receive it regardless of their ability to pay.”
The measure also mandates “fair and reasonable” pricing for coronavirus vaccines and drugs and provides Health and Human Services “authority to ensure they are affordable on the commercial market.”
The measure also includes language that would allow Medicare providers to make home visits and telephone visits to seniors regardless of where they live.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-04--Clyburn encourages Bloomberg and Warren to 'reassess' their presidential bids after Super Tuesday

South Carolina kingmaker Rep. Jim Clyburn called on Michael Bloomberg and Sen. Elizabeth Warren to reconsider their presidential aspirations following their disappointing Super Tuesday performances .
The former mayor of New York City failed to win any state that voted on Super Tuesday , albeit while taking home a victory in American Samoa .
Meanwhile , the senator from Massachusetts did not win — or come in second — in her home state .
Clyburn , whose endorsement of former Vice President Joe Biden helped boost him in South Carolina over the weekend and carried him through an unexpectedly strong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on what the remaining candidates should do during a Wednesday morning interview on CNN .
`` Let me congratulate — I guess — Mayor Bloomberg is demonstrating once again what a class guy he is , '' he said .
`` I ’ ve heard this morning that he ’ s going to do some reassessments .
And I hope he will really coalesce around Joe Biden like the rest of us will and have a tremendous victory in November . ''
The Democratic congressman said he 'd `` suggest that we all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he has `` no idea '' what the former mayor will do moving forward .
Clyburn was then asked if he thought Warren should end her campaign , to which he noted her third-place finish in Massachusetts and said , `` I would reassess if I were her . ''
Despite his endorsement , which has spurred Biden 's resurgence , Clyburn has already made it known to the former vice president 's campaign that they 'll need to make changes in order to secure the party 's nomination .

South Carolina kingmaker Rep. Jim Clyburn called on Michael Bloomberg and Sen. Elizabeth Warren to reconsider their presidential aspirations following their disappointing Super Tuesday performances.
The former mayor of New York City failed to win any state that voted on Super Tuesday, albeit while taking home a victory in American Samoa. Meanwhile, the senator from Massachusetts did not win — or come in second — in her home state.
Clyburn, whose endorsement of former Vice President Joe Biden helped boost him in South Carolina over the weekend and carried him through an unexpectedly strong Super Tuesday performance, offered his thoughts on what the remaining candidates should do during a Wednesday morning interview on CNN.
"Let me congratulate — I guess — Mayor Bloomberg is demonstrating once again what a class guy he is," he said. "I’ve heard this morning that he’s going to do some reassessments. And I hope he will really coalesce around Joe Biden like the rest of us will and have a tremendous victory in November."
The Democratic congressman said he'd "suggest that we all coalesce around Joe Biden" but added that he has "no idea" what the former mayor will do moving forward. Clyburn was then asked if he thought Warren should end her campaign, to which he noted her third-place finish in Massachusetts and said, "I would reassess if I were her."
Despite his endorsement, which has spurred Biden's resurgence, Clyburn has already made it known to the former vice president's campaign that they'll need to make changes in order to secure the party's nomination.


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-04--Virus at the border: 328 Chinese caught entering illegally

At least 328 Chinese nationals trying to enter the United States illegally since January have been intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials as part of heightened awareness on the borders to block the coronavirus from slipping into the nation .
Officials told Secrets Wednesday that since January , 328 Chinese were “ apprehended ” and sent back across the border or repatriated consistent with existing policy and procedure .
Another three from South Korea , where the virus is also spreading , were also caught .
Some 227 foreign nationals from other nations who tried to enter through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 3 have been turned away due to the travel restriction ordered by the president and implemented by the Department of Homeland Security , officials said .
The White House previously announced travel restrictions for China , saying the U.S. would keep out any foreign national who 's been in China within 14 days .
Several agencies within the DHS have been enlisted into President Trump ’ s “ whole of government ” attack on the virus , and more than 700 officials have been deployed to the effort .
Senior administration officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focus on the border , the new wall , and the policy of keeping illegal immigrants in Mexico while awaiting permission to enter the U.S. , have gone a long way to keep the virus away , especially at the southern border .
But acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf on Tuesday raised concerns about a court challenge to the Migrant Protection Protocols policy of keeping migrants in Mexico , where the coronavirus has also landed .
“ MPP has an uncertain future .
We know from experience that the journey to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — and they often arrive with no passports , medical histories , or travel manifests .
The administration will continue to closely monitor the virus globally , as well as in our hemisphere , and will adjust our proactive measures as necessary , ” he said .
Added a senior administration official : `` We have a unique public health threat posed by individuals arriving unlawfully at the border .
Any halting of MPP would exacerbate that threat . ''
DHS acting Deputy Secretary Ken Cuccinelli said , “ The department ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American people , and President Trump has directed an aggressive , coordinated interagency response to fulfill that mission.
” He told Secrets : “ The American people can be assured that we 're doing everything we can to protect our homeland .
While the general risk to the American public remains low , DHS has mobilized a departmentwide response to keep Americans safe , secure , and informed .
Fortunately , we were able to engage DHS assistance early to prevent the spread of this virus in the U.S. We remain locked arm-in-arm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CDC health professionals , and state and local officials acting as one to safeguard the health and safety of the American people.
” Several agencies are part of the effort .
CBP and the DHS Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office are supporting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention entry screening at 11 major airports .
The Federal Emergency Management Agency and U.S. Coast Guard are also playing key roles .
Officials said that 150-200 CBP officers are involved in screening those coming into the United States at 11 locations .
CWMD @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coast Guard medical teams have screened 707 people at three airports , Detroit , Dallas-Fort Worth , Seattle , and remains responsible for all seaports .
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is working with the Department of Health and Human Services in “ incident management , resource planning , and federal interagency coordination , ” according to an official .
FEMA is readying 56 “ incident management assistance teams ” that can be deployed to trouble areas .
The numbers of those caught so far : Illegal immigrants apprehended at the southern border @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Korea : 3 Foreign nationals refused at land ports of entry by CBP from Feb. 2 to March 3 : Canada : 113 China : 90 India : 9 Mexico : 6 Germany : 4 Bangladesh : 2 Japan : 2 Norway : 1 Singapore : 1

At least 328 Chinese nationals trying to enter the United States illegally since January have been intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials as part of heightened awareness on the borders to block the coronavirus from slipping into the nation.
Officials told Secrets Wednesday that since January, 328 Chinese were “apprehended” and sent back across the border or repatriated consistent with existing policy and procedure. Another three from South Korea, where the virus is also spreading, were also caught.
Some 227 foreign nationals from other nations who tried to enter through legal border points from Feb. 2 through March 3 have been turned away due to the travel restriction ordered by the president and implemented by the Department of Homeland Security, officials said.
The White House previously announced travel restrictions for China, saying the U.S. would keep out any foreign national who's been in China within 14 days.
Several agencies within the DHS have been enlisted into President Trump’s “whole of government” attack on the virus, and more than 700 officials have been deployed to the effort.
Senior administration officials said that the president’s three-year focus on the border, the new wall, and the policy of keeping illegal immigrants in Mexico while awaiting permission to enter the U.S., have gone a long way to keep the virus away, especially at the southern border.
But acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf on Tuesday raised concerns about a court challenge to the Migrant Protection Protocols policy of keeping migrants in Mexico, where the coronavirus has also landed.
“MPP has an uncertain future. We know from experience that the journey to the U.S. border puts migrants in poor conditions — and they often arrive with no passports, medical histories, or travel manifests. The administration will continue to closely monitor the virus globally, as well as in our hemisphere, and will adjust our proactive measures as necessary,” he said.
Added a senior administration official: "We have a unique public health threat posed by individuals arriving unlawfully at the border. Any halting of MPP would exacerbate that threat."
DHS acting Deputy Secretary Ken Cuccinelli said, “The department’s top priority is the safety of the American people, and President Trump has directed an aggressive, coordinated interagency response to fulfill that mission.”
He told Secrets: “The American people can be assured that we're doing everything we can to protect our homeland. While the general risk to the American public remains low, DHS has mobilized a departmentwide response to keep Americans safe, secure, and informed. Fortunately, we were able to engage DHS assistance early to prevent the spread of this virus in the U.S. We remain locked arm-in-arm with our interagency partners, HHS and CDC health professionals, and state and local officials acting as one to safeguard the health and safety of the American people.”
Several agencies are part of the effort. CBP and the DHS Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office are supporting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention entry screening at 11 major airports. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and U.S. Coast Guard are also playing key roles.
Officials said that 150-200 CBP officers are involved in screening those coming into the United States at 11 locations.
CWMD has more than 500 trained screeners.
Coast Guard medical teams have screened 707 people at three airports, Detroit, Dallas-Fort Worth, Seattle, and remains responsible for all seaports.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is working with the Department of Health and Human Services in “incident management, resource planning, and federal interagency coordination,” according to an official. FEMA is readying 56 “incident management assistance teams” that can be deployed to trouble areas.
The numbers of those caught so far:
Illegal immigrants apprehended at the southern border since Jan. 1:
China: 328
South Korea: 3
Foreign nationals refused at land ports of entry by CBP from Feb. 2 to March 3:
Canada: 113
China: 90
India: 9
Mexico: 6
Germany: 4
Bangladesh: 2
Japan: 2
Norway: 1
Singapore: 1


thewashingtonexaminer--2020-03-04--Stressed out: Politics disrupts 130 nights of sleep, dreams of Trump, Pelosi, Clinton

Anxiety over politics and the 2020 presidential race is robbing U.S. citizens of their sleep , disrupting an average of 130 nights annually , according to an unusual survey of the issues with U.S. sleep habits .
Not only do people report losing sleep over politics and hot-button issues , such as gun control and even tax reform , many said their “ dreams ” feature President Trump , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , and Hillary Rodham Clinton .
Trump is dreamed about most frequently , 89 % of those who have political dreams , said the survey from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But those dreams may not be happy .
The survey found Democrats dream of Republican leaders and Republicans of Democratic leaders .
For example , of Democrats who reported political dreams , 97 % said they included Trump .
Republicans , meanwhile topped Democrats in dreaming about Pelosi and Clinton .
“ General concern over the political climate in America disrupted sleep an average of 130 nights over the past year , accounting for more than 26 lost hours of sleep , ” said the survey .
It found that Trump voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who voted Democrat in 2016 .
And even which cable station people get their news from had an effect .
MSNBC viewers average two nights of poor sleep per week due to political concerns , and 36 % of CNN and MSNBC viewers feel stressed about politics , more than consumers of any other mainstream media , the Sleep Judge told us .
The Sleep Judge , which offers sleeping and anti-snoring aids , suggested that as the campaign moves into the summer , the stress could get worse .
“ Americans are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and emotional burdens of a particularly intense time in the political landscape no matter which side of the aisle you happen to sit on , and it ’ s possible things may only get more extreme before they get better , ” said the survey analysis .

Anxiety over politics and the 2020 presidential race is robbing U.S. citizens of their sleep, disrupting an average of 130 nights annually, according to an unusual survey of the issues with U.S. sleep habits.
Not only do people report losing sleep over politics and hot-button issues, such as gun control and even tax reform, many said their “dreams” feature President Trump, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Trump is dreamed about most frequently, 89% of those who have political dreams, said the survey from the Sleep Judge, provided to Secrets today.
But those dreams may not be happy. The survey found Democrats dream of Republican leaders and Republicans of Democratic leaders. For example, of Democrats who reported political dreams, 97% said they included Trump.
Republicans, meanwhile topped Democrats in dreaming about Pelosi and Clinton.
“General concern over the political climate in America disrupted sleep an average of 130 nights over the past year, accounting for more than 26 lost hours of sleep,” said the survey.
It found that Trump voters lost a bit more sleep than those who voted Democrat in 2016.
And even which cable station people get their news from had an effect.
MSNBC viewers average two nights of poor sleep per week due to political concerns, and 36% of CNN and MSNBC viewers feel stressed about politics, more than consumers of any other mainstream media, the Sleep Judge told us.
The Sleep Judge, which offers sleeping and anti-snoring aids, suggested that as the campaign moves into the summer, the stress could get worse.
“Americans are already managing the physical, mental, and emotional burdens of a particularly intense time in the political landscape no matter which side of the aisle you happen to sit on, and it’s possible things may only get more extreme before they get better,” said the survey analysis.