theguardian--2020-03-24--Trump's push to shorten coronavirus shutdown proves the captain is flying blind

Due to social distancing , there were only two dozen or so reporters in the White House press briefing room on Monday , making it feel like a flight with numerous empty seats and lots of legroom .
But when Donald Trump let rip for nearly two hours , it was as if the captain had announced a sudden whim to land the plane on water while wearing a blindfold .
We sat tight for an unnerving journey .
On a day that a hundred American deaths were reported , the US president made clear his intention to reopen the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and , seemingly , sooner than medical experts believe to be safe .
Everything we know about him suggests this impulse has been guided by Fox News , the Wall Street Journal , the stock market , poll numbers , the imminent election and pure gut instinct .
Not science .
To watch Trump talk himself into this rash action in real time from a seat 30 feet ( 10 metres ) away was to witness the awesome and terrifying power of the American president over life and death .
It is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House occupant with no prior political or military experience , is uniquely unqualified to bear .
“ Our country wasn ’ t built to be shut down , ” he said at the halfway mark of his planned 15 days to slow the spread advice .
“ America will again and soon be open for business .
Very soon .
A lot sooner than three or four months that somebody was suggesting .
A lot sooner .
We can not let the cure be worse than the problem itself.
” So it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m not looking at months , I can tell you right now , ” he replied .
It represented yet another violent policy swing .
First , Trump told Americans there was nothing to worry about and the virus would disappear “ like a miracle ” .
Then he spun 180 degrees and declared himself “ a wartime president ” , issuing federal guidelines urging Americans to limit social contact and stay home .
Now , it seems , he is pivoting back to the original position .
Perhaps it was just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News host Steve Hilton told viewers : “ You know that famous phrase , the cure is worse than the disease ?
That is exactly the territory we ’ re hurtling towards… You think it ’ s just the coronavirus that kills people ?
This total economic shutdown will kill people.
” Perhaps it was also just coincidence that , on Monday , the stock market dropped past its closing level on 19 January 2017 , the day before he took his oath of office .
The entire Trump stock gain is wiped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a record number of jobs , he said .
“ We can ’ t turn that off and think it ’ s going to be wonderful .
There ’ ll be tremendous repercussions .
There will be tremendous death from that .
Death .
You ’ re talking about death .
Probably more death from that than anything that we ’ re talking about with respect to the virus.
” He pointed to the depressions and suicides caused by economic recession but did not present any evidence the death toll would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did suggest the mortality rate from the virus is not as bad as initially feared .
“ The whole concept of death is terrible , ” he said , “ but there ’ s a tremendous difference between something under 1 % and 4 or 5 or even 3 % .
” Trump ’ s Pollyannish tone was jarring on day that people were dying and hospitals desperately running short of masks and other equipment .
It made for a startling contrast with the UK ’ s prime minister , Boris Johnson , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the draconian measures in place across Europe .
It also begged the question of whether citizens would sufficiently trust him to feel safe returning to work or public places and whether state governors would have the final say in any case .
Senator Lindsey Graham , usually a Trump loyalist , warned in a tweet : “ There is no functioning economy unless we control the virus.
” But the president insisted “ we can do two things at one time ” , adding : “ We have a very active @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s looking like it ’ s heading to 50,000 or more deaths – deaths , not cases .
50,000 deaths – which is , that ’ s a lot .
And you look at automobile accidents , which are far greater than any numbers we ’ re talking about .
That doesn ’ t mean we ’ re going to tell everybody no more driving of cars .
So we have to do things to get our country open.
” Yet last Friday , when the car accident argument was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , he said : “ That ’ s totally way out .
That ’ s really a false equivalency … I don ’ t think with any moral conscience you could say , ‘ Why don ’ t we just let it rip and happen , and let X per cent of the people die ?
’ I don ’ t understand that reasoning at all.
” Like an insufficiently loyal apparatchik in the Soviet Union , Fauci was suddenly nowhere to be seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Guardian asked why .
Trump said : “ I was just with him ... he ’ s at the task force meeting right now.
” Does he agree with you about the need to reopen the economy soon ?
Trump : “ He doesn ’ t not agree.
” But the president was joined by coronavirus task force response coordinator , Deborah Birx .
She noted : “ I was not here over the weekend ... Saturday , I had a little low-grade fever ... ” Trump interjected “ Uh , oh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distance .
Attorney General William Barr smiled devotedly .
Birx added : “ I got a test late Saturday night and I am negative.
” Trump gave an exaggerated , “ Phew !
” Again Barr smiled .
But the room did not erupt in mirth .
The president also mentioned that his wife , Melania , had taken a test that came back negative .
Barr was on hand to discuss Trump ’ s executive order to stop hoarding and price gouging .
“ If you have a big supply of toilet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not something you have to worry about , ” the attorney general said .
“ But if you are sitting on a warehouse with masks , surgical masks , you will be hearing a knock on your door.
” In another reversal , Trump is dialling back his constant references to the “ Chinese virus ” amid media reports of hate crimes against Asian Americans .
He said : “ It ’ s very important that we totally protect our Asian American community in the United States and all around the world .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ spreading of the virus is not their fault in any way shape or form.
” The briefing finished at 8pm .
Trump and co-pilot Pence returned to the cockpit .
We ’ re in for a bumpy flight .
Gabriel Sherman , special correspondent at Vanity Fair magazine , spoke for many when he tweeted : “ This is the first time I am genuinely scared .
I must have been in denial before .
But that presser changed everything .
”

Due to social distancing, there were only two dozen or so reporters in the White House press briefing room on Monday, making it feel like a flight with numerous empty seats and lots of legroom.
But when Donald Trump let rip for nearly two hours, it was as if the captain had announced a sudden whim to land the plane on water while wearing a blindfold. We sat tight for an unnerving journey.
On a day that a hundred American deaths were reported, the US president made clear his intention to reopen the country for business much sooner than expected and, seemingly, sooner than medical experts believe to be safe. Everything we know about him suggests this impulse has been guided by Fox News, the Wall Street Journal, the stock market, poll numbers, the imminent election and pure gut instinct. Not science.
To watch Trump talk himself into this rash action in real time from a seat 30 feet (10 metres) away was to witness the awesome and terrifying power of the American president over life and death. It is a solemn burden that he, the first White House occupant with no prior political or military experience, is uniquely unqualified to bear.
“Our country wasn’t built to be shut down,” he said at the halfway mark of his planned 15 days to slow the spread advice. “America will again and soon be open for business. Very soon. A lot sooner than three or four months that somebody was suggesting. A lot sooner. We cannot let the cure be worse than the problem itself.”
So it is weeks or months?
“I’m not looking at months, I can tell you right now,” he replied.
It represented yet another violent policy swing. First, Trump told Americans there was nothing to worry about and the virus would disappear “like a miracle”. Then he spun 180 degrees and declared himself “a wartime president”, issuing federal guidelines urging Americans to limit social contact and stay home. Now, it seems, he is pivoting back to the original position.
Perhaps it was just coincidence that, on Sunday, Fox News host Steve Hilton told viewers: “You know that famous phrase, the cure is worse than the disease? That is exactly the territory we’re hurtling towards… You think it’s just the coronavirus that kills people? This total economic shutdown will kill people.”
Perhaps it was also just coincidence that, on Monday, the stock market dropped past its closing level on 19 January 2017, the day before he took his oath of office. The entire Trump stock gain is wiped out.
The economy had been booming with a record number of jobs, he said. “We can’t turn that off and think it’s going to be wonderful. There’ll be tremendous repercussions. There will be tremendous death from that. Death. You’re talking about death. Probably more death from that than anything that we’re talking about with respect to the virus.”
Due to social distancing, there were only two dozen or so reporters in the White House press briefing room. Photograph: Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images
He pointed to the depressions and suicides caused by economic recession but did not present any evidence the death toll would be higher than from the coronavirus.
He did suggest the mortality rate from the virus is not as bad as initially feared. “The whole concept of death is terrible,” he said, “but there’s a tremendous difference between something under 1% and 4 or 5 or even 3%.”
Trump’s Pollyannish tone was jarring on day that people were dying and hospitals desperately running short of masks and other equipment. It made for a startling contrast with the UK’s prime minister, Boris Johnson, who announced a strict lockdown in Britain, and the draconian measures in place across Europe. It also begged the question of whether citizens would sufficiently trust him to feel safe returning to work or public places and whether state governors would have the final say in any case.
Senator Lindsey Graham, usually a Trump loyalist, warned in a tweet: “There is no functioning economy unless we control the virus.”
But the president insisted “we can do two things at one time”, adding: “We have a very active flu season, more active than most. It’s looking like it’s heading to 50,000 or more deaths – deaths, not cases. 50,000 deaths – which is, that’s a lot. And you look at automobile accidents, which are far greater than any numbers we’re talking about. That doesn’t mean we’re going to tell everybody no more driving of cars. So we have to do things to get our country open.”
Yet last Friday, when the car accident argument was put to Dr Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, he said: “That’s totally way out. That’s really a false equivalency … I don’t think with any moral conscience you could say, ‘Why don’t we just let it rip and happen, and let X per cent of the people die?’ I don’t understand that reasoning at all.”
Like an insufficiently loyal apparatchik in the Soviet Union, Fauci was suddenly nowhere to be seen at Monday night’s briefing. The Guardian asked why. Trump said: “I was just with him ... he’s at the task force meeting right now.” Does he agree with you about the need to reopen the economy soon? Trump: “He doesn’t not agree.”
But the president was joined by coronavirus task force response coordinator, Deborah Birx. She noted: “I was not here over the weekend... Saturday, I had a little low-grade fever...”
Trump interjected “Uh, oh!” and cartoonishly recoiled to a distance. Attorney General William Barr smiled devotedly. Birx added: “I got a test late Saturday night and I am negative.”
Trump gave an exaggerated, “Phew!” Again Barr smiled. But the room did not erupt in mirth. The president also mentioned that his wife, Melania, had taken a test that came back negative.
Barr was on hand to discuss Trump’s executive order to stop hoarding and price gouging. “If you have a big supply of toilet paper in your house, this is not something you have to worry about,” the attorney general said. “But if you are sitting on a warehouse with masks, surgical masks, you will be hearing a knock on your door.”
In another reversal, Trump is dialling back his constant references to the “Chinese virus” amid media reports of hate crimes against Asian Americans. He said: “It’s very important that we totally protect our Asian American community in the United States and all around the world. They’re amazing people and the spreading of the virus is not their fault in any way shape or form.”
The briefing finished at 8pm. Trump and co-pilot Pence returned to the cockpit. We’re in for a bumpy flight. Gabriel Sherman, special correspondent at Vanity Fair magazine, spoke for many when he tweeted: “This is the first time I am genuinely scared. I must have been in denial before. But that presser changed everything.”


theguardian--2020-03-25--US stimulus package may be massive but it won’t be enough | Larry Elliott

The precise details of the US stimulus package are still to be revealed but some things are already clear : it will be massive , it will hit many of the right targets and it won ’ t be enough .
Let ’ s start with the size .
The deal worked out between the White House and Congress is worth $ 2tn ( £1.7tn ) , or about 10 % of the annual output of the world ’ s biggest economy .
That is colossal by any standards .
By comparison , the fiscal boost provided to mitigate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 2008 amounted to $ 800bn .
The US budget is going to explode this year .
Depending on the length and depth of the recession , it could hit 20 % of GDP .
But with that sort of fiscal injection , you can afford to spread the money around , which is what the package does .
If the advance reports are right , there will be a $ 1,200 cheque posted to American adults on a middle income or below , with an extra $ 500 for each child .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be more generous support for those losing their jobs , through the extension of unemployment insurance by 13 weeks and a four-month enhancement of benefits .
Together , these mean Americans would get their full salaries for a guaranteed period if forced out of work by Covid-19 .
A quarter of the stimulus is aimed at business .
There will be direct financial help for some sectors , such as airlines and airports , but the bulk of the corporate support comes in the form of loans and grants to businesses of all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aside a sizeable sum to indemnify the Federal Reserve against losses it might incur from extending credit to struggling companies .
Donald Trump is desperate to get the stimulus signed into law , which has allowed Democrats in Congress to extract some important concessions .
The cash payments go in full to anyone earning less than $ 75,000 a year , and will then be tapered and not paid at all to anybody paid more than $ 99,000 .
The Democrats have also taken steps to avoid company bosses enriching themselves at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a ban on share buybacks – a traditional form of enrichment for US CEOs – for the duration of any loan plus one year .
Trump himself will not be able to benefit and there will be a new inspector general and oversight board to check that the aid is being properly spent .
The size and the comprehensive nature of the package will limit the amount of pain that the US is going to suffer as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic but it is not going to eradicate it entirely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs report due out on Thursday with trepidation .
Before the crisis broke , about 200,000 Americans a week were filing jobless claims .
The lowest estimates for the latest week are 2 million and some are double that .
The pain from a likely tripling of unemployment will be colossal .

The precise details of the US stimulus package are still to be revealed but some things are already clear: it will be massive, it will hit many of the right targets and it won’t be enough.
Let’s start with the size. The deal worked out between the White House and Congress is worth $2tn (£1.7tn), or about 10% of the annual output of the world’s biggest economy. That is colossal by any standards. By comparison, the fiscal boost provided to mitigate the damage caused by the global financial crisis of 2008 amounted to $800bn.
The US budget is going to explode this year. Depending on the length and depth of the recession, it could hit 20% of GDP.
But with that sort of fiscal injection, you can afford to spread the money around, which is what the package does. If the advance reports are right, there will be a $1,200 cheque posted to American adults on a middle income or below, with an extra $500 for each child. On top of that, there will be more generous support for those losing their jobs, through the extension of unemployment insurance by 13 weeks and a four-month enhancement of benefits.
Together, these mean Americans would get their full salaries for a guaranteed period if forced out of work by Covid-19.
A quarter of the stimulus is aimed at business. There will be direct financial help for some sectors, such as airlines and airports, but the bulk of the corporate support comes in the form of loans and grants to businesses of all sizes. The US Treasury will put aside a sizeable sum to indemnify the Federal Reserve against losses it might incur from extending credit to struggling companies.
Donald Trump is desperate to get the stimulus signed into law, which has allowed Democrats in Congress to extract some important concessions. The cash payments go in full to anyone earning less than $75,000 a year, and will then be tapered and not paid at all to anybody paid more than $99,000.
The Democrats have also taken steps to avoid company bosses enriching themselves at the expense of the government. There will be a ban on share buybacks – a traditional form of enrichment for US CEOs – for the duration of any loan plus one year. Trump himself will not be able to benefit and there will be a new inspector general and oversight board to check that the aid is being properly spent.
The size and the comprehensive nature of the package will limit the amount of pain that the US is going to suffer as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic but it is not going to eradicate it entirely.
Wall Street is awaiting the weekly jobs report due out on Thursday with trepidation. Before the crisis broke, about 200,000 Americans a week were filing jobless claims. The lowest estimates for the latest week are 2 million and some are double that. The pain from a likely tripling of unemployment will be colossal.


theguardian--2020-03-25--Trump family will not profit from $2tn stimulus package, Schumer says

Donald Trump ’ s family has been blocked from getting bailout funds in the $ 2tn economic stimulus package , according to a letter from the Senate minority leader , Chuck Schumer .
US Senate leaders reached a deal on Wednesday on what is expected to be the largest economic stimulus measure ever passed .
Schumer , a New York Democrat , wrote a three-page “ Dear Colleagues ” letter which outlines the steps the Senate took to secure the agreement .
It emphasizes that Democrats will use the bailout to expand access to unemployment insurance and to increase funding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highlighted a provision to stop Trump ’ s private business , the Trump Organization , run by his sons , Eric and Don Jr , from benefiting from any cash giveaway .
Amid the bullet points outlining the “ significant improvements ” Schumer said Democrats had made to the bill was a line prohibiting the family of the president , and other lawmakers , from receiving loans from Treasury department programs .
The letter said the deal would “ prohibit businesses controlled by the president , vice-president , members of Congress , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or investments from treasury programs .
The children , spouses and in-laws of the aforementioned principals are also included in this prohibition.
” Before reaching a deal , Senate Democrats said they were concerned the economic stimulus could directly benefit the Trump family .
Trump is heavily invested in the hotel industry , one of the sectors hardest hit by coronavirus .
The Trump Organization has closed six of its top revenue-producing properties and more could close soon .
Before the outbreak , three of his properties already had outstanding loans from Deutsche @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 300m .
Trump ’ s son-in-law , Jared Kushner , also collects much of his income from his family ’ s real estate firm , Kushner Companies .
After dismissing coronavirus as a hoax , Trump has increasingly focused on the economic impact of business closures prompted by the public health crisis .
“ WE CAN NOT LET THE CURE BE WORSE THAN THE PROBLEM ITSELF , ” he wrote on Twitter this week , as the death toll mounted across the country .
The Senate is expected to vote on the deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The bill then moves to the House before hitting the president ’ s desk .
He is expected to ratify it .

Donald Trump’s family has been blocked from getting bailout funds in the $2tn economic stimulus package, according to a letter from the Senate minority leader, Chuck Schumer.
US Senate leaders reached a deal on Wednesday on what is expected to be the largest economic stimulus measure ever passed.
Schumer, a New York Democrat, wrote a three-page “Dear Colleagues” letter which outlines the steps the Senate took to secure the agreement. It emphasizes that Democrats will use the bailout to expand access to unemployment insurance and to increase funding for the health system.
Schumer also highlighted a provision to stop Trump’s private business, the Trump Organization, run by his sons, Eric and Don Jr, from benefiting from any cash giveaway.
Amid the bullet points outlining the “significant improvements” Schumer said Democrats had made to the bill was a line prohibiting the family of the president, and other lawmakers, from receiving loans from Treasury department programs.
The letter said the deal would “prohibit businesses controlled by the president, vice-president, members of Congress, and heads of executive departments from receiving loans or investments from treasury programs. The children, spouses and in-laws of the aforementioned principals are also included in this prohibition.”
Before reaching a deal, Senate Democrats said they were concerned the economic stimulus could directly benefit the Trump family.
Trump is heavily invested in the hotel industry, one of the sectors hardest hit by coronavirus. The Trump Organization has closed six of its top revenue-producing properties and more could close soon.
Before the outbreak, three of his properties already had outstanding loans from Deutsche Bank which originally totaled more than $300m.
Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, also collects much of his income from his family’s real estate firm, Kushner Companies.
After dismissing coronavirus as a hoax, Trump has increasingly focused on the economic impact of business closures prompted by the public health crisis. “WE CANNOT LET THE CURE BE WORSE THAN THE PROBLEM ITSELF,” he wrote on Twitter this week, as the death toll mounted across the country.
The Senate is expected to vote on the deal shortly after it reconvenes at midday Wednesday. The bill then moves to the House before hitting the president’s desk. He is expected to ratify it.


theguardian--2020-03-25--$1,200 stimulus checks for all? All you need to know about the US coronavirus bailout

With large areas of the US shut down , stock markets crashing , industries facing collapse and soaring unemployment , the US government is set to pass the most expensive bailout in US history in attempts to save the US economy .
Democrat and Republican leaders of Congress , along with White House officials , have been scrambling to make a deal in around-the-clock negotiations and finally announced early on Wednesday that they have reached an agreement .
The Senate is expected to vote on the bill on Wednesday .
The details are still trickling out , but here ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the package : What does the stimulus look like ?
The bill is worth about $ 2tn , which will go to businesses , corporations and directly into the pockets of Americans .
It has six main components : • None $ 350bn in loans for small businesses that may be forgiven if firms use them to keep workers on payroll .
• None $ 500bn in aid for hard-hit industries and states and $ 50bn for airlines .
• None $ 150bn to help state and local governments .
Senate Republicans introduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marathon of negotiations took place until an agreement was made Wednesday morning .
Talks had originally stalled in the Senate on Sunday because Democrats were worried that the bailout did not include enough oversight over corporate loans and gave too little protection to workers .
There has been some compromise .
Republicans agreed to some major changes from their original bill .
More money will be given to large companies in hard-hit industries , but Democrats have also pushed for strict oversight of the loans .
More aid will also be given to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be earmarked for unemployment insurance after pushes from Democrats .
Are US taxpayers really going to get direct checks from the government ?
Yes .
The plan is for individuals to get up to $ 1,200 and married couples to get up to $ 2,400 , including $ 500 for each child .
The size of a check would diminish gradually for those whose income is above $ 75,000 , while individuals earning more than $ 99,000 and couples earning more than $ 198,000 will not be getting any checks .
The checks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individual ’ s 2018 tax return unless they filed their 2019 tax return , in which case it will be based of their 2019 return .
The treasury secretary , Steven Mnuchin , said last week that checks could be sent out as early as 6 April .
The bill earmarks $ 250bn for the checks .
Will there be corporate bailouts ?
Democrats and even some Republicans are adamant that corporations are given fair assistance that will not end up in the pockets of wealthy shareholders or corporate executives .
The bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guarantees to hard-hit companies , including commercial airlines and other travel-related companies hit hard over the last few months .
So far , Congress has not revealed which companies will be eligible for bailouts , though there are many that are asking for one .
The restaurant industry asked the government for $ 145bn to help offset losses after dozens of states mandated the closure of many full-service restaurants .
What oversight will there be for large companies that take out loans ?
Oversight of lending decisions will go to an independent inspector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , when asked who would provide oversight of the loans , “ I ’ ll be the oversight ” , the White House conceded to Democrats ’ concerns .
“ The oversight basically is saying that you know you can ’ t just … exempt everybody and give all your corporate executives , based on the backs of taxpayers , a free carnival , ” Joe Manchin , a Democratic senator from West Virginia , told the Washington Post .
Companies who receive government assistance will also see restrictions on stock buybacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shares of its own stock to increase the value of its shares , ultimately helping their wealthy stockholders and corporate executives .
Commercial airlines have been known for buying back their own shares .
Will Trump be getting any loans for his hotel business ?
Nope .
Schumer ’ s office said that there is a provision in the bill that blocks government officials , including members of Congress and Trump and his family , from getting the stimulus ’ s loans .
What is the package doing for unemployment insurance ?
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and covers self-employed and furloughed workers , offering workers $ 600 a week for those additional four months in addition to what a state will provide through their own program .
How is the government helping small businesses ?
The Republicans ’ plan consists of offering federally backed loans for small businesses with 500 employees or fewer .
The plan estimates $ 350bn will be given to these businesses through loans .
The plan also includes possible forgiveness of a loan if an employer retains their employees through 30 June , incentivizing businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time being .
Senate negotiators have also worked to include a “ payroll tax holiday ” for small businesses in the plan .
How is the government helping the healthcare sector ?
The bill will relieve burden on the healthcare sector by including a “ Marshall Plan ” that will give $ 130bn in grants and assistance to hospitals .
The bill also boosts Medicare payments for hospitals treating patients with Covid-19 .

With large areas of the US shut down, stock markets crashing, industries facing collapse and soaring unemployment, the US government is set to pass the most expensive bailout in US history in attempts to save the US economy.
Democrat and Republican leaders of Congress, along with White House officials, have been scrambling to make a deal in around-the-clock negotiations and finally announced early on Wednesday that they have reached an agreement. The Senate is expected to vote on the bill on Wednesday.
The details are still trickling out, but here’s what we know so far about the package:
What does the stimulus look like?
The bill is worth about $2tn, which will go to businesses, corporations and directly into the pockets of Americans. It has six main components:
Direct payment to most Americans.
$250bn to bolster unemployment insurance.
$350bn in loans for small businesses that may be forgiven if firms use them to keep workers on payroll.
$500bn in aid for hard-hit industries and states and $50bn for airlines.
$130bn in aid to hospitals.
$150bn to help state and local governments.
What held negotiations up?
Senate Republicans introduced the bill last Friday, and a marathon of negotiations took place until an agreement was made Wednesday morning.
Talks had originally stalled in the Senate on Sunday because Democrats were worried that the bailout did not include enough oversight over corporate loans and gave too little protection to workers.
There has been some compromise. Republicans agreed to some major changes from their original bill. More money will be given to large companies in hard-hit industries, but Democrats have also pushed for strict oversight of the loans. More aid will also be given to the healthcare sector and more funds will be earmarked for unemployment insurance after pushes from Democrats.
Are US taxpayers really going to get direct checks from the government?
Yes. The plan is for individuals to get up to $1,200 and married couples to get up to $2,400, plus an additional $500 for each child. The size of a check would diminish gradually for those whose income is above $75,000, while individuals earning more than $99,000 and couples earning more than $198,000 will not be getting any checks. The checks will be based on a household or individual’s 2018 tax return unless they filed their 2019 tax return, in which case it will be based of their 2019 return.
The treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, said last week that checks could be sent out as early as 6 April. The bill earmarks $250bn for the checks.
Will there be corporate bailouts?
Democrats and even some Republicans are adamant that corporations are given fair assistance that will not end up in the pockets of wealthy shareholders or corporate executives.
The bill includes $500bn in loans and loan guarantees to hard-hit companies, including commercial airlines and other travel-related companies hit hard over the last few months.
So far, Congress has not revealed which companies will be eligible for bailouts, though there are many that are asking for one. The restaurant industry asked the government for $145bn to help offset losses after dozens of states mandated the closure of many full-service restaurants.
What oversight will there be for large companies that take out loans?
Oversight of lending decisions will go to an independent inspector general and oversight board.
Though Trump said, when asked who would provide oversight of the loans, “I’ll be the oversight”, the White House conceded to Democrats’ concerns.
“The oversight basically is saying that you know you can’t just … exempt everybody and give all your corporate executives, based on the backs of taxpayers, a free carnival,” Joe Manchin, a Democratic senator from West Virginia, told the Washington Post.
Companies who receive government assistance will also see restrictions on stock buybacks, which is when a company buys shares of its own stock to increase the value of its shares, ultimately helping their wealthy stockholders and corporate executives. Commercial airlines have been known for buying back their own shares.
Will Trump be getting any loans for his hotel business?
Nope. Schumer’s office said that there is a provision in the bill that blocks government officials, including members of Congress and Trump and his family, from getting the stimulus’s loans.
What is the package doing for unemployment insurance?
The deal extends unemployment insurance by 13 weeks and covers self-employed and furloughed workers, offering workers $600 a week for those additional four months in addition to what a state will provide through their own program.
How is the government helping small businesses?
The Republicans’ plan consists of offering federally backed loans for small businesses with 500 employees or fewer. The plan estimates $350bn will be given to these businesses through loans.
The plan also includes possible forgiveness of a loan if an employer retains their employees through 30 June, incentivizing businesses to keep their employees around for the time being.
Senate negotiators have also worked to include a “payroll tax holiday” for small businesses in the plan.
How is the government helping the healthcare sector?
The bill will relieve burden on the healthcare sector by including a “Marshall Plan” that will give $130bn in grants and assistance to hospitals. The bill also boosts Medicare payments for hospitals treating patients with Covid-19.


theguardian--2020-03-25--To beat the coronavirus slump, shut us down now, Mr President | Gene Marks

More than half of US small businesses don ’ t have the wherewithal to survive , and could be out of business in under 90 days if things stay as they are .
That ’ s one of the more startling numbers from a survey of more than 1,500 small business conducted by Goldman Sachs .
As of now , according to the study , almost all small businesses have been affected in some way by the pandemic , mostly slower sales .
More than half of the small businesses surveyed don ’ t have the ability for their employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big surprise considering that so many of them are in the retail and restaurant industries .
The economic situation , in my opinion , will only get worse the longer the pandemic is allowed to progress .
Most small businesses will not be able to make it to the summer .
Even if they ’ re allowed to reopen , without the public being confident that the virus has been fully contained and that a treatment is either available or on the way , consumers and diners will stay away .
“ Self-quarantines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to work fast enough .
So what ’ s the answer ?
A full shutdown in the US .
For three full weeks .
Why three weeks ?
Because the virus has been known to run its course in about 14 days – at least , that ’ s the amount of time our doctors are telling us to isolate .
So I say give it another week just to make sure .
Our grandparents were asked to fight world wars .
We can handle 21 days of watching Netflix .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
I mean everything – other than a carefully selected list of essential businesses – gets shut .
No planes , trains or automobiles .
No stock market .
No services other than the most critical .
No one ’ s allowed out of their homes except for food , medical and maybe a little fresh air once in a while or to walk their dogs .
The president can do this .
He ’ s a “ war president ” .
He ’ s got the military and federal tools at his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ draconian .
Yes , it ’ s martial law .
But no , there won ’ t be an uprising or a civil war .
Because everyone – particularly small business owners – just wants this to be over and done with as soon as possible .
We don ’ t have until August , as Trump recently predicted .
We need to get back up and running much sooner than that .
The good news is that the federal government already passed a relief bill that makes capital accessible to small businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have also set up relief funds .
Many larger businesses are offering grants and deferrals to their smaller customers .
There is short-term cash available for a business to tread water over three weeks .
Most importantly , we need certainty .
We need a plan .
With a specific date of reopening on the horizon , we ’ ll have that plan .
We ’ ll know that the all clear is 19 days , 12 days , five days away .
While at home those of us that can will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , clean up our databases , reaffirm with customers and vendors and make a strategy for a return to normalcy .
And what a return it will be .
Imagine everyone getting the all clear and emerging from their homes into the April sunshine .
Imagine the restaurants , the shops , the events and the co-workers who are joyfully – yes joyfully – happy to go back to work .
Think of the orders , the shipments , the transactions … the future .
Of course things won ’ t be 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still be out there ( although I hope there will be further announcements of potential treatments ) .
Other countries will still be grappling with the problem and travel – particularly overseas – will take longer to recover .
But being shut for three weeks will have a dramatic impact on the number of cases and deaths .
So go ahead Mr President , # shutusdown .
We can take it .
Our businesses depend on it .

More than half of US small businesses don’t have the wherewithal to survive, and could be out of business in under 90 days if things stay as they are.
That’s one of the more startling numbers from a survey of more than 1,500 small business conducted by Goldman Sachs. As of now, according to the study, almost all small businesses have been affected in some way by the pandemic, mostly slower sales. More than half of the small businesses surveyed don’t have the ability for their employees to work from home – not a big surprise considering that so many of them are in the retail and restaurant industries.
The economic situation, in my opinion, will only get worse the longer the pandemic is allowed to progress. Most small businesses will not be able to make it to the summer. Even if they’re allowed to reopen, without the public being confident that the virus has been fully contained and that a treatment is either available or on the way, consumers and diners will stay away. “Self-quarantines” and localized shutdowns aren’t going to work fast enough.
So what’s the answer? A full shutdown in the US. For three full weeks.
Why three weeks? Because the virus has been known to run its course in about 14 days – at least, that’s the amount of time our doctors are telling us to isolate. So I say give it another week just to make sure. Our grandparents were asked to fight world wars. We can handle 21 days of watching Netflix.
What do I mean by a full shutdown? I mean everything – other than a carefully selected list of essential businesses – gets shut. No planes, trains or automobiles. No stock market. No services other than the most critical. No one’s allowed out of their homes except for food, medical and maybe a little fresh air once in a while or to walk their dogs. The president can do this. He’s a “war president”. He’s got the military and federal tools at his disposal. Yes, it’s draconian. Yes, it’s martial law. But no, there won’t be an uprising or a civil war.
People will comply. Why?
Because everyone – particularly small business owners – just wants this to be over and done with as soon as possible. We don’t have until August, as Trump recently predicted. We need to get back up and running much sooner than that. The good news is that the federal government already passed a relief bill that makes capital accessible to small businesses through the Small Business Administration. States have also set up relief funds. Many larger businesses are offering grants and deferrals to their smaller customers. There is short-term cash available for a business to tread water over three weeks.
Most importantly, we need certainty. We need a plan. With a specific date of reopening on the horizon, we’ll have that plan. We’ll know that the all clear is 19 days, 12 days, five days away. While at home those of us that can will be able to still speak with our employees, clean up our databases, reaffirm with customers and vendors and make a strategy for a return to normalcy.
And what a return it will be. Imagine everyone getting the all clear and emerging from their homes into the April sunshine. Imagine the restaurants, the shops, the events and the co-workers who are joyfully – yes joyfully – happy to go back to work. Think of the orders, the shipments, the transactions … the future. Of course things won’t be 100% cleared up. The virus will still be out there (although I hope there will be further announcements of potential treatments). Other countries will still be grappling with the problem and travel – particularly overseas – will take longer to recover.
But being shut for three weeks will have a dramatic impact on the number of cases and deaths. So go ahead Mr President, #shutusdown. We can take it. Our businesses depend on it.


theguardian--2020-03-26--US gun industry groups urge lawmakers to keep gun shops open

US gun industry groups are engaged in an intense attempt to persuade state and federal lawmakers that gun shops should be considered “ essential ” businesses during the coronavirus crisis , and therefore allowed to stay open .
The National Shooting Sports Foundation ( NSSF ) , one of the largest US pro-gun ownership groups , told its members this week it had been in contact with the White House , Capitol Hill and the Department of Homeland Security ( DHS ) , to advocate for “ national critical infrastructure industry ” status .
“ We want you to know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work for you during this challenging time as the nation faces the Covid-19 pandemic , ” the group said in a statement .
According to the Wall Street Journal , Lawrence Keane , NSSF senior vice-president for government and public affairs , said in a letter to the DHS the “ critical infrastructure ” designation should be extended to the whole gun industry , including dealers and shooting ranges .
“ Food , water , shelter and adequate medical care are paramount for survival , but so too is the ability for an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their family , as well as their home , business and property , ” Keane reportedly wrote .
According to the NSSF , gun dealers have reported an unprecedented surge in firearm sales , with lines forming outside gun stores and background checks up 300 % on 16 March compared with the same day last year .
In Florida , the Miami Herald reported , background checks were up nearly 500 % on last Friday alone , with 13,192 checks recorded compared to 2,646 on the same date last year .
Florida ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ background checks , posted a message on its website which said the volume of requests was so high it was “ currently unable to receive customer service phone calls ” .
Across the US , a patchwork of orders and local ordinances allowing gun stores to remain open as “ essential businesses ” has emerged as the coronavirus crisis has developed .
In Illinois , Governor Jay Pritzker declared that “ firearm and ammunition suppliers and retailers , for purposes of safety and security ” were deemed “ essential ” and could thus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senator and gun-control advocate Richard Blumenthal argued that closing gun stores would be broadly in line with other anti-coronavirus measures , including restrictions on travel and assembly .
“ Plain and simple , there is no reason why gun stores should be given this exemption , ” the senator tweeted .
But the stores stayed open and the National Rifle Association praised the state governor , Ned Lamont , its legislative wing saying in a statement it thanked him “ for upholding the right of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves and their loved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tom Wolf allowed gun shops to open on a limited basis , reversing an earlier order at the urging of several state supreme court justices .
“ I am extremely pleased that Governor Wolf has acknowledged that he may not eviscerate citizens ’ inviolate rights , regardless of any states of emergency that may exist , ” said Joshua Prince of the Firearm Protection Coalition , a group that filed a lawsuit opposing the gun shop shutdown .
State justice David Wecht said the governor ’ s initial order to close gun shops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prohibition upon the acquisition of firearms by the citizens of this commonwealth – a result in clear tension with the second amendment ” of the US constitution as well as the constitution of Pennsylvania itself .
Wolf ’ s office did not announce the policy change : it was included on an updated list of businesses subject to an order to close because they are deemed “ non-life-sustaining ” .
In Albuquerque , New Mexico , efforts to update a city ordinance granting the mayor emergency powers were approved only after repeated assurances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would not restrict firearms sales .
In other jurisdictions , including San Jose and Castro Valley , California , local authorities have ordered stores to close .
“ Since we don ’ t live in the wild west , where people are dependent on guns for food , and we do have a well-functioning police department , it would be hard to articulate a basis for arguing that a gun shop would be an essential service , ” Sam Liccardo , the San Jose mayor , told the Wall Street Journal .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began closing gun shops on Tuesday , but dropped the effort less than 12 hours later .
Sheriff Alex Villanueva told FOX 11 the county legal counsel had issued an opinion that under Governor Gavin Newsom ’ s statewide executive order , gun stores should be classified as essential .

US gun industry groups are engaged in an intense attempt to persuade state and federal lawmakers that gun shops should be considered “essential” businesses during the coronavirus crisis, and therefore allowed to stay open.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), one of the largest US pro-gun ownership groups, told its members this week it had been in contact with the White House, Capitol Hill and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to advocate for “national critical infrastructure industry” status.
“We want you to know the [NSSF] is hard at work for you during this challenging time as the nation faces the Covid-19 pandemic,” the group said in a statement.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Lawrence Keane, NSSF senior vice-president for government and public affairs, said in a letter to the DHS the “critical infrastructure” designation should be extended to the whole gun industry, including dealers and shooting ranges.
“Food, water, shelter and adequate medical care are paramount for survival, but so too is the ability for an individual to defend his or herself, their family, as well as their home, business and property,” Keane reportedly wrote.
According to the NSSF, gun dealers have reported an unprecedented surge in firearm sales, with lines forming outside gun stores and background checks up 300% on 16 March compared with the same day last year.
In Florida, the Miami Herald reported, background checks were up nearly 500% on last Friday alone, with 13,192 checks recorded compared to 2,646 on the same date last year.
Florida’s Firearm Purchase Program, which conducts background checks, posted a message on its website which said the volume of requests was so high it was “currently unable to receive customer service phone calls”.
Across the US, a patchwork of orders and local ordinances allowing gun stores to remain open as “essential businesses” has emerged as the coronavirus crisis has developed.
In Illinois, Governor Jay Pritzker declared that “firearm and ammunition suppliers and retailers, for purposes of safety and security” were deemed “essential” and could thus stay open.
In Connecticut, Democratic senator and gun-control advocate Richard Blumenthal argued that closing gun stores would be broadly in line with other anti-coronavirus measures, including restrictions on travel and assembly.
“Plain and simple, there is no reason why gun stores should be given this exemption,” the senator tweeted.
But the stores stayed open and the National Rifle Association praised the state governor, Ned Lamont, its legislative wing saying in a statement it thanked him “for upholding the right of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves and their loved ones”.
In Pennsylvania, Governor Tom Wolf allowed gun shops to open on a limited basis, reversing an earlier order at the urging of several state supreme court justices.
“I am extremely pleased that Governor Wolf has acknowledged that he may not eviscerate citizens’ inviolate rights, regardless of any states of emergency that may exist,” said Joshua Prince of the Firearm Protection Coalition, a group that filed a lawsuit opposing the gun shop shutdown.
State justice David Wecht said the governor’s initial order to close gun shops amounted to “an absolute and indefinite prohibition upon the acquisition of firearms by the citizens of this commonwealth – a result in clear tension with the second amendment” of the US constitution as well as the constitution of Pennsylvania itself.
Wolf’s office did not announce the policy change: it was included on an updated list of businesses subject to an order to close because they are deemed “non-life-sustaining”.
In Albuquerque, New Mexico, efforts to update a city ordinance granting the mayor emergency powers were approved only after repeated assurances from Mayor Tim Keller that the city would not restrict firearms sales.
In other jurisdictions, including San Jose and Castro Valley, California, local authorities have ordered stores to close.
“Since we don’t live in the wild west, where people are dependent on guns for food, and we do have a well-functioning police department, it would be hard to articulate a basis for arguing that a gun shop would be an essential service,” Sam Liccardo, the San Jose mayor, told the Wall Street Journal.
The Los Angeles county sheriff’s department began closing gun shops on Tuesday, but dropped the effort less than 12 hours later. Sheriff Alex Villanueva told FOX 11 the county legal counsel had issued an opinion that under Governor Gavin Newsom’s statewide executive order, gun stores should be classified as essential.


theguardian--2020-03-26--US coronavirus stimulus: are you eligible and how much will you get?

The US has agreed on a $ 2tn stimulus package , the largest economic stimulus in US history , in response to the economic impacts of Covid-19 .
While corporations will be the biggest recipients of the bailout , some of that money will be paid directly to Americans hit by the pandemic .
Most taxpayers will get a check in the mail , while those directly impacted by the economic effects of Covid-19 are slated to receive robust government support .
The bill hit a snag on Wednesday , with Republicans objecting to the unemployment benefits portion of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to push it through .
Here ’ s what we know so far about how the new stimulus package will directly affect Americans in the coming weeks : Who ’ s eligible for a check from the government ?
Congress will spend about $ 250bn for checks up to $ 1,200 per person that will go directly to taxpayers .
To be eligible for the full amount , a person ’ s most recently filed tax return must show that they made $ 75,000 or under .
For couples , who can receive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cutoff is $ 150,000 .
If a person makes more than $ 75,000 , the amount given goes down incrementally by $ 5 for every $ 100 increase in salary .
So a person who makes $ 85,000 would get $ 700 while a person who makes $ 95,000 would get $ 200 .
If a person makes above $ 99,000 , or a couple makes above $ 198,000 , no check will be given .
The Tax Foundation , a DC-based thinktank , estimates that 93.6 % of Americans will be eligible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ package .
Taxpayers will be given $ 500 per child listed as a dependent on their latest tax return .
When will I get this money ?
That is still unclear .
Experts say that Americans will likely not get the money until May , given how long it takes the Internal Revenue Service ( IRS ) to send out checks .
Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin said the White House wants the checks out in two weeks but the logistics of sending them will likely make the wait a bit longer .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has sent checks to Americans .
The federal government gave up to $ 300 in 2001 and $ 600 in 2008 to taxpayers who met a certain income bracket to similarly stimulate the economy .
Does the package help unemployed workers ?
Yes , specifically the bill will increase unemployment insurance by $ 600 for 13 weeks – about four months – for every person , added to the existing unemployment compensation a person gets from their state ’ s program .
Republicans are objecting to this part of the bill – arguing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of work than they did in their jobs .
The length and amount of compensation varies from state to state .
A majority of states providing a maximum of 26 weeks of compensation , while average weekly compensation ranges from 20 % of a person ’ s wage to just over 50 % .
What about freelance and gig workers ?
While unemployment insurance typically does not cover people who are self-employed – freelancers , contractors and gig workers – the bill comes with a “ pandemic unemployment assistance ” measure that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there been any changes to paid leave ?
Not in this bill .
Earlier last week , Donald Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act , a bill worth about $ 100bn meant to expand paid sick leave and emergency paid leave , but it came with major loopholes .
Companies with over 500 employees were not mentioned in the bill , while companies with under 50 employees can apply for exemptions .
The bill mandates 10 days of fully paid sick leave for employees of companies with 500 employees or less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their children ’ s school closing and those leaving for medical reasons can get 12 weeks of pay at 67 % of their salary .
Will there be anything to offset healthcare costs related to Covid-19 ?
Again , not in this bill .
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act included a measure that mandated all Covid-19 testing is free , but treatment for any symptoms ( there is currently no cure for the illness ) still comes at a cost .
A few states have reopened enrollment for their health insurance programs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enroll , but there are still stories of people getting bills for as much as $ 34,000 to cover treatment of the virus ’ symptoms .

The US has agreed on a $2tn stimulus package, the largest economic stimulus in US history, in response to the economic impacts of Covid-19. While corporations will be the biggest recipients of the bailout, some of that money will be paid directly to Americans hit by the pandemic.
Most taxpayers will get a check in the mail, while those directly affected by the economic effects of Covid-19 are slated to receive robust government support.
Here’s what we know so far about how the new stimulus package will directly affect Americans in the coming weeks:
Who’s eligible for a check from the government?
Congress will spend about $250bn for checks up to $1,200 per person that will go directly to taxpayers.
To be eligible for the full amount, a person’s most recently filed tax return must show that they made $75,000 or under. For couples, who can receive a maximum of $2,400, the cutoff is $150,000.
If a person makes more than $75,000, the amount given goes down incrementally by $5 for every $100 increase in salary. So a person who makes $85,000 would get $700 while a person who makes $95,000 would get $200.
If a person makes above $99,000, or a couple makes above $198,000, no check will be given.
There are some requirements and exceptions. Those getting a check must be living and working in the US and have a valid social security number. If a person is listed as a dependent on their parents’ tax return – the case for many college students – they are excluded.
The Tax Foundation, a DC-based thinktank, estimates that 93.6% of Americans will be eligible for a check coming from the stimulus package.
What about parents?
Taxpayers will be given $500 per child 16 or under listed as a dependent on their latest tax return.
When will I get this money?
That is still unclear. Experts say that Americans will probably not get the money until May, given how long it takes the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to send out checks. The treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, said those whose bank account information is already with the IRS from previous tax returns can expect a payment “within three weeks”.
For those who still need to give the IRS their bank account information, a web-based portal will be opening soon to allow people to provide the IRS with their information. The IRS says this is to make sure people get their checks immediately, instead of sending them through the mail.
This is not the first time the government has sent checks to Americans. The federal government gave up to $300 in 2001 and $600 in 2008 to taxpayers who met a certain income bracket to similarly stimulate the economy.
What if a person did not file their 2018 or 2019 return?
The IRS recommends people file their 2018 or 2019 tax return as soon as possible to get the payment. A check will be sent to any qualified person so long as they file their return within 2020.
What if a person does not file their taxes?
A person may still be eligible even if they do not file the taxes. The IRS says people who typically do not file taxes – low-income taxpayers and some veterans – will need to file a “simple tax return” in order to get the payment. Social security beneficiaries will not need to fill out the tax return, even if they do not file their taxes, to get the payment.
Does the package help unemployed workers?
Yes, specifically the bill will increase unemployment insurance by $600 for 13 weeks – about four months – for every person, added to the existing unemployment compensation a person gets from their state’s program.
The length and amount of compensation varies from state to state. A majority of states providing a maximum of 26 weeks of compensation, while average weekly compensation ranges from 20% of a person’s wage to just over 50%.
What about freelance and gig workers?
While unemployment insurance typically does not cover people who are self-employed – freelancers, contractors and gig workers – the bill comes with a “pandemic unemployment assistance” measure that will extend insurance to those workers.
02:25 'The universe is collapsing': Bernie Sanders mocks Republicans over coronavirus aid – video
Have there been any changes to paid leave?
Not in this bill. Earlier last week, Donald Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, a bill worth about $100bn meant to expand paid sick leave and emergency paid leave, but it came with major loopholes. Companies with over 500 employees were not mentioned in the bill, while companies with under 50 employees can apply for exemptions.
The bill mandates 10 days of fully paid sick leave for employees of companies with 500 employees or less. Parents of those companies affected by their children’s school closing and those leaving for medical reasons can get 12 weeks of pay at 67% of their salary.
Will there be anything to offset healthcare costs related to Covid-19?
Again, not in this bill. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act included a measure that mandated all Covid-19 testing is free, but treatment for any symptoms (there is currently no cure for the illness) still comes at a cost.
A few states have reopened enrollment for their health insurance programs to allow those concerned about costs to enroll, and three major health insurance companies said they will be waiving any high costs for treatment, but there are still stories of people getting bills for as much as $34,000 to cover treatment of the virus’s symptoms.


theguardian--2020-03-26--US Senate passes historic $2tn relief package as coronavirus devastates economy

The US Senate has passed a $ 2.2tn emergency relief package as the coronavirus pandemic devastates the economy , marking the biggest rescue deal of its kind in US history .
“ This is a strange and evil disease , ” said the Senate minority leader , Chuck Schumer ahead of the vote .
“ When we pass this bill , instead of hugging each other , we ’ ll wave from a distance.
” The bill would provide up to $ 1,200 in direct relief for American adults , create a $ 500bn lending program for businesses , cities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small businesses .
The plan also provides $ 130bn to hospitals , and expands unemployment insurance .
Senators overwhelmingly voted to pass the legislation , approving it 96-0 .
The House is expected to vote on the bill on Friday .
“ We are working to ensure that those who are unable to return to Washington will be able to express their views on this legislation remotely , ” said the House leader Steny Hoyer in a statement .
Lawmakers scrambled on Wednesday to smooth over snags as they rushed to pass the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American families , and loans and grants to businesses .
A last-minute amendment , from Republican senators who complained that the bill would incentivize workers to collect unemployment payments rather than take a job , failed .
After casting her vote Elizabeth Warren , a Democrat of Massachusetts , said : “ This is not the bill I wanted , but its immediate investments are vital.
” “ They are also insufficient , ” she added .
“ We will need to do more – and soon.
” McConnell similarly reflected on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrive at the deal .
“ It ’ s been a long , hard road , with a remarkable number of twists and turns , ” he said .
“ But for the sake of millions of Americans , it will be worth it .
It will be worth it to get help to millions of small businesses and save tens of millions of jobs.
” The Senate majority whip , John Thune , missed the Wednesday night vote because he was in self-quarantine after experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 .
Senator Rand Paul @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and senators Mitt Romney and Mike Lee – who have not tested positive but are self-isolating out of caution – were also unable to vote .
The House , which leader Nancy Pelosi indicated will approve the measure , is also grappling with the logistics of voting with several confirmed and suspected cases .
Wednesday ’ s vote came after days of round-the-clock and at times extraordinarily tense negotiations among senators and administration officials .
A compromise was struck just after midnight on Tuesday to rush financial assistance to workers , businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sweeps the country , deepening economic fallout as Donald Trump considers easing restrictions aimed at combating the contagion .
“ We have a deal , ” said Eric Ueland , the White House legislative affairs director , just before 1am , adding that the text of the bill needed to be completed .
“ We have either clear , explicit legislative text reflecting all parties or we know exactly where we ’ re going to land on legislative text as we continue to finish.
” The Senate majority leader , Mitch McConnell , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ historic relief package for this pandemic ” , a deal he described as a “ wartime level of investment into our nation ” .
The minority leader , Chuck Schumer , said : “ This is not a moment of celebration , but one of necessity .
To all Americans I say : help is on the way.
” The Senate reconvened on Wednesday but a drive to push through the package quickly was upended by the objections of a group of conservative lawmakers .
Three Republicans – Lindsey Graham , Tim Scott @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what they claimed was a “ massive drafting error ” that would create a “ strong incentive for employees to be laid off instead of going to work ” .
The Vermont independent ( and candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination ) Bernie Sanders countered that he would “ put a hold on ” the bill , in order to push for stronger conditions on bailed-out businesses , unless the Republicans dropped their objections .
House speaker Pelosi said the Senate bill went “ a long way down the road in meeting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but did not give a clear sign of approval .
The legislation is an order of magnitude larger than the $ 800bn stimulus bill passed in 2009 to alleviate the economic pain of the Great Recession .
And yet it is only expected to be a temporary patch to stabilize an economy spiraling out of control .
Senators have already signaled a need to begin work on the next stimulus package .
Trump confirmed on Wednesday evening that he planned to sign the stimulus package “ immediately ” when it gets to his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a “ beautiful ” signing .
During a coronavirus task force briefing , the treasury secretary , Steven Mnuchin , signaled that the bill could bolster the economy for three months .
But the president , contradicting public health experts , said the country will open up “ like a rocket ship ” and people would be able to return to work within a fortnight .
The legislation would also prohibit businesses owned by Trump , his family and members of Congress from receiving loans or investments from the treasury department program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the law shouldn ’ t benefit from the law , ” Schumer told CNN on Wednesday .
US stock markets , which rose more than 2,100 points , or more than 11 % , on Tuesday , continued to rise , albeit at a slower pace , on Wednesday .
But many on Wall Street appear uncertain that the stimulus package , together with a Federal Reserve pledge of nearly $ 4tn in aid , will counter the havoc an uncontained coronavirus outbreak could still wreak .
“ This was a one-day bull @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jim Cramer .
“ You had stocks that moved so much they basically moved as if the second half of the year is going to be good .
I struggle to find out why the second half of the year should be good .
I hate this kind of rally .
This was a machine-driven rally , just like the sell-offs .
I want to wait to see.
” Relief that US politicians had reached a deal pushed world stock markets up on Wednesday .
Indexes in Europe and Asia rose a day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day since 1933 .
The FTSE-100 in London closed up 4.45 % at 5688 .
A major sticking point in the negotiations concerned $ 500bn for guaranteed , subsidized loans to larger industries , including a fight over how generous to be with airlines that have been rocked by a near-shutdown of travel .
Hospitals would get significant help as well .
The deal provides for one-time direct payments of up to $ 1,200 to most adults and greatly expanded unemployment insurance .
It also includes a $ 367bn program for small businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home .
On Wednesday , the New York governor , Andrew Cuomo , assailed the relief package in his daily press briefing , calling the $ 3.8bn in financial assistance that would flow to his state , the center of the outbreak in the US , a “ drop in the bucket ” .
The deal came as Trump grew impatient with his administration ’ s decision to impose strict restrictions on all aspects of public life to try to slow the spread of the virus , a move recommended by health officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was aiming to reopen “ large sections of the country ” by Easter , just over two weeks away , as public health officials and state governors rejected that timeline as potentially unsafe .
“ We can not let the cure be worse than the problem itself .
At the end of the 15-day period , we will make a decision as to which way we want to go , ” Trump wrote in an all-capitals tweet .
He doubled down during a Fox News town hall on Tuesday , arguing against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy caused by mandated social isolation would inflict more harm than the spread of the virus .
The 15-day period of White House guidelines to enforce physical distancing and other measures began on 16 March .
Loosening restrictions on public activities and social distancing would defy the best advice of his administration ’ s health officials , including Dr Anthony Fauci , the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , who warned that the US has not yet experienced the worst of the pandemic .

Lauren Gambino in Washington and Maanvi Singh in San Francisco

The US Senate has passed a $2.2tn emergency relief package as the coronavirus pandemic devastates the economy, marking the biggest rescue deal of its kind in US history.
“This is a strange and evil disease,” said the Senate minority leader, Chuck Schumer, ahead of the vote. “When we pass this bill, instead of hugging each other, we’ll wave from a distance.”
The bill would provide up to $1,200 in direct relief for American adults, create a $500bn lending program for businesses, cities and states and a $367bn fund for small businesses. The plan also provides $130bn to hospitals and expands unemployment insurance.
Senators overwhelmingly voted to pass the legislation, approving it 96-0.
The House is expected to vote on the bill on Friday. “We are working to ensure that those who are unable to return to Washington will be able to express their views on this legislation remotely,” said the House majority leader, Steny Hoyer, in a statement.
Lawmakers scrambled on Wednesday to smooth over snags as they rushed to pass the legislation, which provides direct payments to American families, and loans and grants to businesses. A last-minute amendment, from Republican senators who complained that the bill would incentivize workers to collect unemployment payments rather than take a job, failed.
After casting her vote Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat of Massachusetts, said: “This is not the bill I wanted, but its immediate investments are vital.” “They are also insufficient,” she added. “We will need to do more – and soon.”
McConnell similarly reflected on the compromises that Republicans and Democrats made to arrive at the deal. “It’s been a long, hard road, with a remarkable number of twists and turns,” he said. “But for the sake of millions of Americans, it will be worth it. It will be worth it to get help to millions of small businesses and save tens of millions of jobs.”
The Senate majority whip, John Thune, missed the Wednesday night vote because he was in self-quarantine after experiencing symptoms of Covid-19. Senator Rand Paul, who tested positive for the coronavirus, and senators Mitt Romney and Mike Lee – who have not tested positive but are self-isolating out of caution – were also unable to vote. The House, which the speaker, Nancy Pelosi, indicated will approve the measure, is also grappling with the logistics of voting with several confirmed and suspected cases.
Wednesday’s vote came after days of round-the-clock and at times extraordinarily tense negotiations among senators and administration officials. A compromise was struck just after midnight on Tuesday to rush financial assistance to workers, businesses and the healthcare system as the pandemic sweeps the country, deepening economic fallout as Donald Trump considers easing restrictions aimed at combating the contagion.
“We have a deal,” said Eric Ueland, the White House legislative affairs director, just before 1am, adding that the text of the bill needed to be completed.
“We have either clear, explicit legislative text reflecting all parties or we know exactly where we’re going to land on legislative text as we continue to finish.”
McConnell saluted “a bipartisan agreement on a historic relief package for this pandemic”, a deal he described as a “wartime level of investment into our nation”.
Schumer said: “This is not a moment of celebration, but one of necessity. To all Americans I say: help is on the way.”
The Senate reconvened on Wednesday but a drive to push through the package quickly was upended by the objections of a group of conservative lawmakers.
Three Republicans – Lindsey Graham, Tim Scott and Ben Sasse – raised concerns over what they claimed was a “massive drafting error” that would create a “strong incentive for employees to be laid off instead of going to work”.
The Vermont independent (and candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination) Bernie Sanders countered that he would “put a hold on” the bill, in order to push for stronger conditions on bailed-out businesses, unless the Republicans dropped their objections.
Pelosi said the Senate bill went “a long way down the road in meeting the needs of the American people”, but did not give a clear sign of approval.
The legislation is an order of magnitude larger than the $800bn stimulus bill passed in 2009 to alleviate the economic pain of the Great Recession. And yet it is only expected to be a temporary patch to stabilize an economy spiraling out of control. Senators have signaled a need to begin work on the next stimulus package.
Trump confirmed on Wednesday evening that he planned to sign the stimulus package “immediately” when it gets to his desk, adding that he’ll have a “beautiful” signing.
During a coronavirus taskforce briefing, the treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, signaled that the bill could bolster the economy for three months. But the president, contradicting public health experts, said the country will open up “like a rocket ship” and people would be able to return to work within a fortnight.
The legislation would also prohibit businesses owned by Trump, his family and members of Congress from receiving loans or investments from the treasury department program.
“Those of us who write the law shouldn’t benefit from the law,” Schumer told CNN on Wednesday.
US stock markets, which rose more than 2,100 points, or more than 11%, on Tuesday, continued to rise, albeit at a slower pace, on Wednesday.
A Las Vegas maintenance worker disinfects playground equipment. Photograph: Ethan Miller/Getty Images
But many on Wall Street appear uncertain that the stimulus package, together with a Federal Reserve pledge of nearly $4tn in aid, will counter the havoc an uncontained coronavirus outbreak could still wreak.
“This was a one-day bull market,” said CNBC’s Jim Cramer. “You had stocks that moved so much they basically moved as if the second half of the year is going to be good. I struggle to find out why the second half of the year should be good. I hate this kind of rally. This was a machine-driven rally, just like the sell-offs. I want to wait to see.”
Relief that US politicians had reached a deal pushed world stock markets up on Wednesday. Indexes in Europe and Asia rose a day after the Dow Jones had its best day since 1933. The FTSE-100 in London closed up 4.45% at 5688.
A major sticking point in the negotiations concerned $500bn for guaranteed, subsidized loans to larger industries, including a fight over how generous to be with airlines that have been rocked by a near-shutdown of travel. Hospitals would get significant help as well.
The deal provides for one-time direct payments of up to $1,200 to most adults and greatly expanded unemployment insurance. It also includes a $367bn program for small businesses to keep paying employees forced to stay home.
On Wednesday, the New York governor, Andrew Cuomo, assailed the relief package in his daily press briefing, calling the $3.8bn in financial assistance that would flow to his state, the center of the outbreak in the US, a “drop in the bucket”.
The deal came as Trump grew impatient with his administration’s decision to impose strict restrictions on all aspects of public life to try to slow the spread of the virus, a move recommended by health officials.
On Tuesday, Trump said he was aiming to reopen “large sections of the country” by Easter, just over two weeks away, as public health officials and state governors rejected that timeline as potentially unsafe.
“We cannot let the cure be worse than the problem itself. At the end of the 15-day period, we will make a decision as to which way we want to go,” Trump wrote in an all-capitals tweet. He doubled down during a Fox News town hall on Tuesday, arguing against the best advice of experts that a crippled economy caused by mandated social isolation would inflict more harm than the spread of the virus.
The 15-day period of White House guidelines to enforce physical distancing and other measures began on 16 March.
Loosening restrictions on public activities and social distancing would defy the best advice of his administration’s health officials, including Dr Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, who warned that the US has not yet experienced the worst of the pandemic.


theguardian--2020-03-26--$1,200 stimulus checks for all? What to know about the US coronavirus bailout


theguardian--2020-03-26--Trump accuses media of wanting to keep economy shut to hurt his reelection

Donald Trump has accused the media of wanting to keep the US economy shuttered during the coronavirus pandemic to undermine his chances of reelection .
The US president has been pushing to reopen swaths of the country by Easter – 12 April – despite warnings from medical experts that measures such as closing businesses and social distancing need more time to work .
“ The LameStream Media is the dominant force in trying to get me to keep our Country closed as long as possible in the hope that it will be detrimental to my election success , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people want to get back to work ASAP .
” At Wednesday ’ s White House coronavirus task force briefing , Trump followed up with an aggressive denial that the Easter timeline is based on his political interests .
“ The media would like to see me do poorly in the election , ” he said .
Challenged by a reporter , Trump , who has long used the press as a punching bag , said with exasperation : “ Just so you understand – are you ready ?
– I think there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not to open so quickly .
I think there are certain people that would like it to do financially poorly because they think that would be very good as far as defeating me at the polls.
” The president added : “ I don ’ t know if that ’ s so , but I do think it ’ s so that there are people in your profession that would like that to happen .
I think it ’ s very clear that there are people in your profession that write fake news.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ his hands , he said : “ You do .
She does .
There are people in your profession that write fake news .
They would love to see me – for whatever reason , because we ’ ve done one hell of a job , nobody ’ s done the job that we ’ ve done – and it ’ s lucky that you have this group here right now for this problem because you wouldn ’ t even have a country left.
” Trump has long tied his political fortunes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in particular , but the coronavirus outbreak has wiped out the stock gains of his presidency .
On Wednesday he reiterated his call for restarting the economy at Easter , even though US infections have now topped 60,000 and scientists have warned of disastrous consequences for public health .
“ It ’ s time , ” he said .
“ People want to get back to work .
I want to get our country back.
” But he sought to provide reassurance that he would heed the advice of public health officials .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ do anything rash or hastily , I don ’ t do that.
” People who return to work could still take precautions , Trump claimed .
“ They ’ re not going to walk around hugging and kissing each other in the office when they come back .
Even though they may feel like it.
” The deadline goal drew criticism from Democratic front runner Joe Biden , the president ’ s likely opponent in the November election .
“ Now he ’ s suggesting he wants to get the country opened – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told reporters at a virtual press conference .
“ Look , we all want to get back to normal as quickly as possible , but we have a lot to do to make that possible .
We have to do it in a smart way – not on some arbitrary or symbolic timeline.
” The former vice president , speaking via video link from his basement , added : “ It would be a catastrophic thing to do for our people and for our economy if we sent people back to work just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact of social distancing take hold only to unleash a second spike in infections.
” Biden ’ s Democratic primary with Senator Bernie Sanders has been paralysed by the crisis , denying both men political oxygen , and the long term political implications remain unpredictable .
Opinion polls suggest a majority of Americans approve of Trump ’ s handling of the crisis , despite his early downplaying of the threat .
At Wednesday ’ s briefing , Trump also urged Congress to pass a historic $ 2tn stimulus bill negotiated by his administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate .
“ I will sign it immediately , ” he said , adding that it would mark a “ great day for the American worker and American families ” .
The bill , delayed by bitter partisan battles , includes funding to send $ 1,200 cheques to many Americans , $ 500bn to help distressed companies , including $ 25bn for airlines , and $ 367bn in loans to sustain small businesses .
Steven Mnuchin , the treasury secretary , thanked Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell minority leader Chuck Schumer for their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be more pleased with the unprecedented response from the Senate to protect American workers and American businesses , ” he told reporters .
“ Our expectation is this bill passes tonight and gets to the House tomorrow .
And they pass it .
We need to get this money into the American economy and American workers.
” Meanwhile Dr Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , warned that the coronavirus could be seasonal and cyclical .
“ I know we ’ ll be successful in putting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ But we really need to be prepared for another cycle.
” Trump also offered some bizarre digressions , boasting about his efforts to make Nato allies pay more , touting his “ big , beautiful wall ” and defending the package ’ s $ 25m funding for the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington .
“ This was a request from the Democrats because of the fact that they have a facility that ’ s essentially closed up , ” he said .
“ If I wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Romeo and Juliet , I ’ d love to go see Romero and Juliet ... ”

Donald Trump has accused the media of wanting to keep the US economy shuttered during the coronavirus pandemic to undermine his chances of re-election.
The US president has been pushing to reopen swaths of the country by Easter – 12 April – despite warnings from medical experts that measures such as closing businesses and social distancing need more time to work.
“The LameStream Media is the dominant force in trying to get me to keep our Country closed as long as possible in the hope that it will be detrimental to my election success,” he tweeted on Wednesday. “The real people want to get back to work ASAP. ”
At Wednesday’s White House coronavirus taskforce briefing, Trump followed up with an aggressive denial that the Easter timeline is based on his political interests. “The media would like to see me do poorly in the election,” he said.
Challenged by a reporter, Trump, who has long used the press as a punching bag, said with exasperation: “Just so you understand – are you ready? – I think there are certain people that would like it not to open so quickly. I think there are certain people that would like it to do financially poorly because they think that would be very good as far as defeating me at the polls.”
The president added: “I don’t know if that’s so, but I do think it’s so that there are people in your profession that would like that to happen. I think it’s very clear that there are people in your profession that write fake news.”
Gesturing around the briefing room with his hands, he said: “You do. She does. There are people in your profession that write fake news. They would love to see me – for whatever reason, because we’ve done one hell of a job, nobody’s done the job that we’ve done – and it’s lucky that you have this group here right now for this problem because you wouldn’t even have a country left.”
Trump has long tied his political fortunes to the economy in general and stock market in particular, but the coronavirus outbreak has wiped out the stock gains of his presidency. On Wednesday he reiterated his call for restarting the economy at Easter, even though US infections have now topped 60,000 and scientists have warned of disastrous consequences for public health.
“It’s time,” he said. “People want to get back to work. I want to get our country back.”
But he sought to provide reassurance that he would heed the advice of public health officials. “I’m not going to do anything rash or hastily, I don’t do that.”
People who return to work could still take precautions, Trump claimed. “They’re not going to walk around hugging and kissing each other in the office when they come back. Even though they may feel like it.”
The deadline goal drew criticism from Democratic frontrunner Joe Biden, the president’s likely opponent in the November election. “Now he’s suggesting he wants to get the country opened – back open by Easter,” Biden told reporters at a virtual press conference. “Look, we all want to get back to normal as quickly as possible, but we have a lot to do to make that possible. We have to do it in a smart way – not on some arbitrary or symbolic timeline.”
The former vice-president, speaking via video link from his basement, added: “It would be a catastrophic thing to do for our people and for our economy if we sent people back to work just as we were beginning to see the impact of social distancing take hold only to unleash a second spike in infections.”
Biden’s Democratic primary with Senator Bernie Sanders has been paralysed by the crisis, denying both men political oxygen, and the long-term political implications remain unpredictable. Opinion polls suggest a majority of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of the crisis, despite his early downplaying of the threat.
At Wednesday’s briefing, Trump also urged Congress to pass a historic $2tn stimulus bill negotiated by his administration and Republican and Democratic leaders in the Senate. “I will sign it immediately,” he said, adding that it would mark a “great day for the American worker and American families”.
The bill, delayed by bitter partisan battles, includes funding to send $1,200 cheques to many Americans, $500bn to help distressed companies, including $25bn for airlines, and $367bn in loans to sustain small businesses.
Steven Mnuchin, the treasury secretary, thanked the Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell, and the minority leader, Chuck Schumer, for their efforts. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the unprecedented response from the Senate to protect American workers and American businesses,” he told reporters.
“Our expectation is this bill passes tonight and gets to the House tomorrow. And they pass it. We need to get this money into the American economy and American workers.”
Meanwhile Dr Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, warned that the coronavirus could be seasonal and cyclical. “I know we’ll be successful in putting this down now,” he said. “But we really need to be prepared for another cycle.”
Trump also offered some bizarre digressions, boasting about his efforts to make Nato allies pay more, touting his “big, beautiful wall” and defending the package’s $25m funding for the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington.
“This was a request from the Democrats because of the fact that they have a facility that’s essentially closed up,” he said. “If I wanted to go there tonight to look at Romeo and Juliet, I’d love to go see Romeo and Juliet …”


theguardian--2020-04-16--Coronavirus US live: White House publishes guidelines on reopening US – as it happened

Joe Biden has raised more than $ 5m in two days , according to his campaign .
“ We ’ @ @ @ @ @ because of these folks than we ever have , ” Biden told supporters during a @ @ @ @ @ reporters in virtual attendance .
“ We ’ re raising , we raised I think @ @ @ @ @ yesterday .
Two and a half million dollars a day before , ” the former @ @ @ @ @ from Bernie Sanders , Elizabeth Warren and Barack Obama have helped , Biden said .
@ @ @ @ @ more money than we ever raised because they ’ re going out to their people @ @ @ @ @ ’ s time to give your five bucks , it ’ s time to help.
@ @ @ @ @ into their lists as well , ” he said .

Maanvi Singh in San Francisco (now) and Joan E Greve in New York (earlier)

16 Apr 2020 00.54 BST Summary That’s it for today. Here’s what’s happened: Trump unveiled federal guidelines on reopening the economy. The plan includes several phases, which shouldn’t kick in unless a state sees cases decline for at least 14 days straight, despite robust testing. During his daily briefing, Trump undermined his administration’s planning, promising packed stadiums “very soon”.
The plan includes several phases, which shouldn’t kick in unless a state sees cases decline for at least 14 days straight, despite robust testing. During his daily briefing, Trump undermined his administration’s planning, promising packed stadiums “very soon”. Roger Stone, the president’s longtime confidant and former aide, has been denied retrial and been released from a gag order. Stone’s defense argued that his jury was biased, but the federal judge overseeing the case ruled otherwise.
Stone’s defense argued that his jury was biased, but the federal judge overseeing the case ruled otherwise. Seven midwestern states are forming a pact to devise a regional plan on reopening. The pact, announced by the states’ governors today, mirrors similar efforts on the east and west coasts and somewhat pre-empted Trump’s announcement on the new federal guidelines.
The pact, announced by the states’ governors today, mirrors similar efforts on the east and west coasts and somewhat pre-empted Trump’s announcement on the new federal guidelines. The Democratic chairman of the House rules committee recommended remote voting. Congressman Jim McGovern proposed allowing members to vote by proxy as a temporary measure to protect those lawmakers at higher risk of developing serious illness from coronavirus.
Congressman proposed allowing members to vote by proxy as a temporary measure to protect those lawmakers at higher risk of developing serious illness from coronavirus. New York extended its stay-at-home order until May 15. Several other cities and states -- including Washington, DC, Los Angeles and Wisconsin -- have similarly announced that non-essential businesses and schools will remain closed for at least several more weeks.
Several other cities and states -- including Washington, DC, Los Angeles and Wisconsin -- have similarly announced that non-essential businesses and schools will remain closed for at least several more weeks. Another 5.24 million people filed for unemployment last week, according to the latest report from the labor department. More than 22 million Americans have filed for unemployment in the past four weeks.
16 Apr 2020 00.36 BST Joe Biden has raised more than $5m in two days, according to his campaign. “We’ve raised more money online because of these folks than we ever have,” Biden told supporters during a Zoom fundraiser, according to reporters in virtual attendance. “We’re raising, we raised I think it was $2.75 million yesterday. Two and a half million dollars a day before,” the former vice president said. Endorsements from Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Barack Obama have helped, Biden said. “We’re raising more money than we ever raised because they’re going out to their people and saying, ‘It’s time to give your five bucks, it’s time to help.’ They’re going into their lists as well,” he said.
16 Apr 2020 00.35 BST Roger Stone is denied retrial The judge overseeing the criminal case against Roger Stone has refused to grant him a new trial, rejecting his lawyers’ argument that there was juror misconduct. Stone, a longtime confidant and former aide to Trump, was convicted in November of seven felonies in an attempt to interfere with a congressional inquiry. Amy Berman Jackson, a federal judge, sentenced him to 40 months in prison. Stone must appear in person “at the institution designated by the Bureau of Prisons” within 14 days to serve out his sentence, Jackson ruled. She also released Stone and his lawyers from a gag order. The case set off a crisis at the Justice Department when Trump complained about what he viewed as a harsh sentencing recommendation of nine years in prison for his friend. Attorney General William Barr intervened and recommended a more lenient sentence, leading all four prosecutors in the case to quit the case. More background: House panel launches inquiry into Trump's attorney general over possible interference Read more
Updated at 00.36 BST
16 Apr 2020 00.21 BST Minutes after the CDC director emphasized the importance of “early diagnosis, isolation and contact tracing,” the president contradicted the public health officials. There are states with “wide open plains, wide-open spaces,” Trump said. Aggressive testing and tracing aren’t necessary in those areas, according to the president.
16 Apr 2020 00.17 BST “We’re beating the date” of reopening by May 1, Trump said. “That’s big stuff.” He reiterated that many, “very important states” are ready to reopen. But every state has hundreds, if not thousands to tens of thousands of cases. Trump will not say which states are doing well enough to considering scaling back distancing measures.
16 Apr 2020 00.07 BST White House guidelines to reopen the country The White House has published the guidelines here. The virus has affected his own friends, Trump said. “Some are dead, right now. They’re dead.” At the same time, others who contracted Covid-19, had nothing more than “sniffles,” he said.
Ultimately, 29 states are “in that ballgame” of opening, and will be able to reopen soon, the president noted. Of course, it’s up to state leaders whether and when to lift distancing measures.
Updated at 00.10 BST
16 Apr 2020 00.00 BST Trump said that many states have already met the criteria to reopen, but declined to name any of those states. Undermining what Drs Fauci and Birx just said, Trump is predicting a new normal that’s pretty much exactly like the old normal. “We want every seat occupied” in an Alabama football stadium with 110,000 seats, Trump said. If a restaurant has 158 seats, all 158 should be filled, he noted. ‘That’s our normal,” Trump said. “And it’s going to happen relatively quickly.”
16 Apr 2020 23.53 BST Dr Anthony Fauci presented many caveats to the administration’s plan. “There may be some setbacks. Let’s face it,” he said. “We may have to pull back a little, and then go forward.” The transition back to the “new normal” should be slow and cautious, he said. “Light switch on and off is the exact opposite of what you see here. The dominating drive of this was to make sure that this was done in the safest way possible.”
16 Apr 2020 23.48 BST Phase 3 is a return to the “new normal,” Birx said. We can’t go back to not washing our hands, we have to continue giving people a six-foot birth. She didn’t say this, but I imagine that the Happy Birthday song will never be the same for many of us.
16 Apr 2020 23.46 BST If infections continue to decrease for more two weeks, we can get to Phase 2, Birx said. Phase 2: People can go back to work, but should telework if possible.
Non-essential travel can resume.
Schools and daycares can reopen.
Visits to senior living facilities should be prohibited.
Large venues can operate, with distancing measures in place.
Elective surgeries can resume.
Updated at 23.46 BST
16 Apr 2020 23.42 BST If the number of infections seems to be decreasing fro two weeks, Dr Birx said there are four phrases to reopening the country: Phase 1: Americans can return to work in slow, while teleworking whenever possible.
Non-essential travel should be avoided.
Schools should remain closed, and visits to senior living facilities should be prohibited.
Restaurants and gyms can reopen if they adhere to distancing guidelines.
16 Apr 2020 23.37 BST Before the US can consider reopening, there needs to be robust testing, especially for health care workers, and indications that the number of infections is decreasing for at least 14 days. “We want every state to have a plan to protect the health and safety of its workers,” Birx added — states and counties need to also surveil and monitor cases among nursing homes and other vulnerable populations, she said.