shareblue--2020-03-12--GOP uses emergency bill for coronavirus testing to fight about abortion

The White House is objecting to a Democratic bill that would fund coronavirus testing kits for all Americans by demanding that unrelated anti-abortion language be added to the legislation .
House Democrats introduced the `` Families First '' bill on Thursday , which , along with providing funding for coronavirus test kits , would also call for mandatory paid sick leave for all workers , and ensure that poor Americans hurt by the economic impact of the virus would have access to food security .
But the White House is opposed to the bill , with Donald Trump saying that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Democrats have wanted to pass for years .
And in an apparent effort to build opposition to the bill , Republicans , including first son Donald Trump Jr. , are claiming the $ 1 billion in funding the Democratic bill would make available for coronavirus testing would actually be an `` abortion slush fund . ''
`` Multiple '' unnamed White House officials spoke to the right-wing Daily Caller to falsely claim that , `` Under the guise of protecting people , Speaker Pelosi is working to make sure taxpayer dollars are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling on Democrats to add the Hyde Amendment — which prohibits federal funding from being used on abortions — to be added to the bill .
There is absolutely no evidence that the funding the Democratic bill calls for would go toward abortion .
In fact , House Democrats filed what 's called a `` manager 's amendment , '' which makes clear that the funding can only be used for `` COVID-19 diagnostic tests and related administration or service costs . ''
`` Claims reimbursed under this section would be limited to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other COVID-19 testing and services assistance included in the bill , '' reads a summary of the amendment from the House Rules Committee .
`` Republicans are claiming that it is possible funding for coronavirus testing could be used for abortions because it falls outside the annual appropriations process so Hyde Amendment does n't apply , '' a House Democratic aide said in an interview .
`` We completely disagree with that interpretation . ''
The White House did not return a request for comment on how they determined that coronavirus testing funding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights groups are condemning the effort by Republicans to try and add anti-abortion language to the bill .
`` It 's time for the White House to stop attacking abortion and start addressing this very real public health emergency .
Nothing should hold up a much-needed coronavirus response , especially not an opportunistic play to attack access to abortion , '' Erica Sackin , senior director of communications for the Planned Parenthood Action Fund , said .
This is not the first time Republicans have tried to add unrelated anti-abortion language to legislation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unsuccessfully tried to add anti-abortion language to legislation that bans vaping products for people under the age of 21 .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

The White House is objecting to a Democratic bill that would fund coronavirus testing kits for all Americans by demanding that unrelated anti-abortion language be added to the legislation.
House Democrats introduced the “Families First” bill on Thursday, which, along with providing funding for coronavirus test kits, would also call for mandatory paid sick leave for all workers, and ensure that poor Americans hurt by the economic impact of the virus would have access to food security.
But the White House is opposed to the bill, with Donald Trump saying that the bill is filled with “goodies” Democrats have wanted to pass for years.
And in an apparent effort to build opposition to the bill, Republicans, including first son Donald Trump Jr., are claiming the $1 billion in funding the Democratic bill would make available for coronavirus testing would actually be an “abortion slush fund.”
“Multiple” unnamed White House officials spoke to the right-wing Daily Caller to falsely claim that, “Under the guise of protecting people, Speaker Pelosi is working to make sure taxpayer dollars are spent covering abortion.”
They are calling on Democrats to add the Hyde Amendment — which prohibits federal funding from being used on abortions — to be added to the bill.
There is absolutely no evidence that the funding the Democratic bill calls for would go toward abortion.
In fact, House Democrats filed what’s called a “manager’s amendment,” which makes clear that the funding can only be used for “COVID-19 diagnostic tests and related administration or service costs.”
“Claims reimbursed under this section would be limited to those for uninsured individuals not eligible for other COVID-19 testing and services assistance included in the bill,” reads a summary of the amendment from the House Rules Committee.
“Republicans are claiming that it is possible funding for coronavirus testing could be used for abortions because it falls outside the annual appropriations process so Hyde Amendment doesn’t apply,” a House Democratic aide said in an interview. “We completely disagree with that interpretation.”
The White House did not return a request for comment on how they determined that coronavirus testing funding would be used on abortion.
Abortion rights groups are condemning the effort by Republicans to try and add anti-abortion language to the bill.
“It’s time for the White House to stop attacking abortion and start addressing this very real public health emergency. Nothing should hold up a much-needed coronavirus response, especially not an opportunistic play to attack access to abortion,” Erica Sackin, senior director of communications for the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, said.
This is not the first time Republicans have tried to add unrelated anti-abortion language to legislation.
Just last month, House Republicans unsuccessfully tried to add anti-abortion language to legislation that bans vaping products for people under the age of 21.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-03-12--Trump campaign calls Biden a liar for correctly noting lack of coronavirus testing

Joe Biden on Thursday called for widespread national coronavirus testing to slow the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak , noting the lack of tests administered so far was a `` colossal '' failure .
Donald Trump 's campaign press secretary responded immediately to that criticism by claiming incorrectly that the former vice president was a liar .
In an address on his plan to combat COVID-19 , which is caused by a new strain of coronavirus , Biden noted the Trump administration 's struggle to get people people tested , urging a daily White House report of how many tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were returned positive .
`` The administration 's failure on testing is colossal , '' Biden said .
`` By next week , the number of tests should be in the millions , not the thousands . ''
`` Has anyone told Joe that 1 million tests have already been distributed , with 4 million distributed by the end of the week ? ''
she tweeted .
Biden , however , was not incorrect in his statements .
The former vice president and current Democratic presidential frontrunner appeared to be referring to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not the number of swab kits distributed .
According to the administration 's own numbers , Biden was correct to say the number of tests processed so far is only in the thousands .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on Wednesday that it and other public health laboratories had tested 11,079 specimens dating back to Jan. 18 .
In a congressional briefing this week , federal public health officials confirmed this number .
In South Korea , by comparison , more than 10,000 tests are being conducted daily .
Anthony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , conceded on Thursday that this was a `` failing . ''
`` It is a failing .
Let 's admit it , '' he said during a House Oversight Committee hearing .
`` ...
The idea of anybody getting it easily the way people in other countries are doing it , we are not set up for that .
Do I think we should be ?
Yes .
But we are not . ''
Additionally , a lack of supplies could make it impossible to read some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ STAT News reported that laboratories are running out of the reagent chemicals needed to isolate the virus ' RNA .
Despite bipartisan criticism of the lack of testing , Trump has falsely insisted that anyone who needs a test can get one and that they have been `` perfect '' just like his communications with Ukraine 's president , for which he was impeached in December .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Joe Biden on Thursday called for widespread national coronavirus testing to slow the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak, noting the lack of tests administered so far was a “colossal” failure.
Donald Trump’s campaign press secretary responded immediately to that criticism by claiming incorrectly that the former vice president was a liar.
In an address on his plan to combat COVID-19, which is caused by a new strain of coronavirus, Biden noted the Trump administration’s struggle to get people people tested, urging a daily White House report of how many tests have been ordered, completed, and were returned positive.
“The administration’s failure on testing is colossal,” Biden said. “By next week, the number of tests should be in the millions, not the thousands.”
Trump 2020 national press secretary Kayleigh McEnany responded to those comments Thursday afternoon.
“Has anyone told Joe that 1 million tests have already been distributed, with 4 million distributed by the end of the week?” she tweeted.
Biden, however, was not incorrect in his statements. The former vice president and current Democratic presidential frontrunner appeared to be referring to the number of tests processed thus far, not the number of swab kits distributed.
According to the administration’s own numbers, Biden was correct to say the number of tests processed so far is only in the thousands.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on Wednesday that it and other public health laboratories had tested 11,079 specimens dating back to Jan. 18. In a congressional briefing this week, federal public health officials confirmed this number.
In South Korea, by comparison, more than 10,000 tests are being conducted daily.
Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, conceded on Thursday that this was a “failing.”
“It is a failing. Let’s admit it,” he said during a House Oversight Committee hearing. “… The idea of anybody getting it easily the way people in other countries are doing it, we are not set up for that. Do I think we should be? Yes. But we are not.”
Additionally, a lack of supplies could make it impossible to read some of the tests. On Tuesday, STAT News reported that laboratories are running out of the reagent chemicals needed to isolate the virus’ RNA.
Despite bipartisan criticism of the lack of testing, Trump has falsely insisted that anyone who needs a test can get one and that they have been “perfect” just like his communications with Ukraine’s president, for which he was impeached in December.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-03-12--Trump mocks Democrats for canceling rallies amid coronavirus concerns

Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-VT ) announced on Tuesday that after consulting with state @ @ @ @ @ planned political rallies .
From a March 12 media availability at the White House : @ @ @ @ @ I think the Democrats wo n't be having rallies .
But nobody showed up to @ @ @ @ @ what difference does it make ?
You know , I 'll be – my rallies @ @ @ @ @ 're very big rallies .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) announced on Tuesday that after consulting with state health officials they would cancel planned political rallies.
From a March 12 media availability at the White House:
DONALD TRUMP: Well, I think the Democrats won’t be having rallies. But nobody showed up to their rallies anyways, so what difference does it make? You know, I’ll be – my rallies are very big. They’re very big rallies.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-03-12--Watch: Congresswoman forces CDC to agree to offer free coronavirus testing

On Thursday , a freshman Democratic congresswoman from California convinced the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to offer free coronavirus testing to all Americans regardless of whether or not they have health insurance .
At a House Oversight Committee hearing , Rep. Katie Porter methodically explained both how much it would cost the average American to pay for coronavirus testing out of pocket and the legal authority of the CDC to waive those costs .
In the end , Dr. Robert Redfield , director of the CDC , agreed to invoke his authority to authorize payment for coronavirus testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asking witnesses if they knew the cost of the typical tests needed to confirm a coronavirus diagnosis , including a Flu A , Flu B , and a visit to the emergency room .
`` This all totals up to $ 1,331 , '' Porter said , `` assuming they are n't kept in isolation , '' which would cost an additional $ 4,000 .
`` Fear of these costs are going to keep people from being tested , from getting the care they need , and from keeping their community safe , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the CDC director has the authority to waive these costs .
`` Dr. Redfield , will you commit to the CDC right now using that existing authority to pay for diagnostic testing , [ making it ] free to every American regardless of insurance ? ''
Porter asked .
Redfield hedged his answer , saying he would talk to colleagues at the Department of Health and Human Services .
Porter responded immediately , telling him that his answer was `` not good enough . ''
Porter asked Redfield four separate times to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question , Redfield committed to doing so .
`` I think you 're an excellent questioner , '' Redfield told Porter , `` so my answer is yes . ''
An obviously happy Porter then reiterated what Redfield just committed to .
`` Excellent !
Everybody in America , hear that , '' Porter said .
`` You are eligible to go get tested for coronavirus and have that covered regardless of insurance . ''
Porter encouraged Americans to follow CDC guidelines , such as calling a doctor 's office before arriving .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ insurance worsen this crisis , '' she added .
The legal authority Porter was referring to is found in 42 CFR 71.30 , part of the code of federal regulations relevant to the CDC .
Porter read out part of the regulation at the hearing , which states that the CDC director `` may authorize payment for the care and treatment of individuals subject to medical exam , quarantine , isolation , and conditional release . ''
The Trump administration has struggled to provide an adequate number of tests to health care professionals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar announced that the CDC was working with five cities to test for the coronavirus , but the tests did n't work .
Almost a month after that announcement , an investigation by the Atlantic was only able to identify 4,384 people who had been tested in the entire country .
In the early phase of the outbreak , the CDC has strict requirements as to who could be tested , with some health care experts telling the Atlantic that such requirements meant many cases went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the government should `` refer to them as 'newly discovered cases , ' in order to remove the impression that the number of cases reported has any bearing on the actual number , '' Marc Lipsitch , an epidemiology professor at Harvard , told the Atlantic .
In a visit to the CDC , Donald Trump promised coronavirus testing to anyone who needed it , but Vice President Mike Pence refused to make the same commitment during Thursday morning television interviews , only saying that companies were in the process of producing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the lack of testing will hurt the ability of health care providers to slow the spread of the outbreak .
It was unclear at the hearing when CDC would implement the commitment Redfield made to Porter regarding covering the costs of coronavirus testing .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

On Thursday, a freshman Democratic congresswoman from California convinced the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to offer free coronavirus testing to all Americans regardless of whether or not they have health insurance.
At a House Oversight Committee hearing, Rep. Katie Porter methodically explained both how much it would cost the average American to pay for coronavirus testing out of pocket and the legal authority of the CDC to waive those costs.
In the end, Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the CDC, agreed to invoke his authority to authorize payment for coronavirus testing fees.
Porter began her questioning by asking witnesses if they knew the cost of the typical tests needed to confirm a coronavirus diagnosis, including a Flu A, Flu B, and a visit to the emergency room.
“This all totals up to $1,331,” Porter said, “assuming they aren’t kept in isolation,” which would cost an additional $4,000.
“Fear of these costs are going to keep people from being tested, from getting the care they need, and from keeping their community safe,” she added.
Porter then explained that the CDC director has the authority to waive these costs.
“Dr. Redfield, will you commit to the CDC right now using that existing authority to pay for diagnostic testing, [making it] free to every American regardless of insurance?” Porter asked.
Redfield hedged his answer, saying he would talk to colleagues at the Department of Health and Human Services. Porter responded immediately, telling him that his answer was “not good enough.”
Porter asked Redfield four separate times to invoke his authority. After the fourth question, Redfield committed to doing so.
“I think you’re an excellent questioner,” Redfield told Porter, “so my answer is yes.”
An obviously happy Porter then reiterated what Redfield just committed to.
“Excellent! Everybody in America, hear that,” Porter said. “You are eligible to go get tested for coronavirus and have that covered regardless of insurance.” Porter encouraged Americans to follow CDC guidelines, such as calling a doctor’s office before arriving.
“Do not let a lack of insurance worsen this crisis,” she added.
The legal authority Porter was referring to is found in 42 CFR 71.30, part of the code of federal regulations relevant to the CDC. Porter read out part of the regulation at the hearing, which states that the CDC director “may authorize payment for the care and treatment of individuals subject to medical exam, quarantine, isolation, and conditional release.”
The Trump administration has struggled to provide an adequate number of tests to health care professionals around the country.
On Feb. 13, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar announced that the CDC was working with five cities to test for the coronavirus, but the tests didn’t work.
Almost a month after that announcement, an investigation by the Atlantic was only able to identify 4,384 people who had been tested in the entire country. In the early phase of the outbreak, the CDC has strict requirements as to who could be tested, with some health care experts telling the Atlantic that such requirements meant many cases went unreported.
Instead of reporting new cases, the government should “refer to them as ‘newly discovered cases,’ in order to remove the impression that the number of cases reported has any bearing on the actual number,” Marc Lipsitch, an epidemiology professor at Harvard, told the Atlantic.
In a visit to the CDC, Donald Trump promised coronavirus testing to anyone who needed it, but Vice President Mike Pence refused to make the same commitment during Thursday morning television interviews, only saying that companies were in the process of producing more tests.
The Atlantic investigation concluded that the lack of testing will hurt the ability of health care providers to slow the spread of the outbreak.
It was unclear at the hearing when CDC would implement the commitment Redfield made to Porter regarding covering the costs of coronavirus testing.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-03-12--GOP leaders don't want to 'rush' coronavirus bill that would help Americans

Top Republican leaders — from Donald Trump to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell — are dismissing a bill from congressional Democrats that would provide economic security to workers most impacted by the fallout from the COVID-19 outbreak , saying they do n't want to rush a response .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer introduced a bill this week that would give workers 14 days of paid sick leave ( the number of days someone with COVID-19 or those suspected to have it must remain in quarantine ) , as well as provide food security to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or free school lunch .
It would also make testing for the virus free .
But Trump and McConnell are dismissing the bill , with Trump saying it 's full of `` goodies '' and McConnell saying offering free testing and economic security for vulnerable communities is `` not related to the pressing issues at hand . ''
`` There are things in there that have nothing to do with what we 're talking about , '' Trump told reporters Thursday .
`` So you know , it 's not a way for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they have n't been able to get for the last 25 years . ''
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said similarly that Republicans want to take their time with any response — even as the number of COVID-19 cases continue to grow and the economy slows .
The stock market has continued to plummet as well .
`` We are committing to get this right , '' McCarthy said Thursday at a news conference on Capitol Hill .
`` We ’ re working with the White House , with Secretary Mnuchin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not just take a rush just because there ’ s a bill .
We want to make sure it works in the process of where we ’ re going . ''
Additionally , a White House official told the Washington Post on Thursday that it opposes covering coronavirus testing for the uninsured .
The White House reportedly believes that reimbursing laboratory claims would lead to federal funding for abortion , though it 's unclear on what they are basing that conclusion .
The comments come after Trump himself taunted Pelosi , attacking her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help those impacted by office and school closures , as well as event cancellations that cause hourly workers and those without paid leave to miss out on pay .
`` Nancy Pelosi just said , ' I don ’ t know if we can be ready this week . '
In other words , it ’ s off to vacation for the Do Nothing Democrats , '' Trump tweeted on Tuesday .
`` That ’ s been the story with them for 1 1/2 years ! ''
Meanwhile , Sen. Lamar Alexander @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate Health , Education , Labor and Pensions Committee , had initially told reporters that Senate Republicans wo n't even begin to take action on a coronavirus response bill until after the chamber returns from a planned recess .
Senators were n't scheduled to be back from that recess until March 23 .
Given how fast the virus can spread , it 's unclear what the situation in the United States may look like in 11 days .
In Italy , for example , the virus is spreading at a rapid clip , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The country saw its number of cases double from roughly 2,500 on March 4 to 5,800 on March 7 , the New York Times reported .
The death toll also soared , jumping from 36 to 233 , according to the Times .
McConnell , however , announced Thursday afternoon that the Senate would cancel the planned recess to negotiate on a bill , though it 's unclear when a vote will take place .
`` Notwithstanding the scheduled state work period , the Senate will be in session next week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ glad talks are ongoing between the Administration and Speaker Pelosi .
I hope Congress can pass bipartisan legislation to continue combating the coronavirus and keep our economy strong . ''
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Top Republican leaders — from Donald Trump to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell — are dismissing a bill from congressional Democrats that would provide economic security to workers most impacted by the fallout from the COVID-19 outbreak, saying they don’t want to rush a response.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer introduced a bill this week that would give workers 14 days of paid sick leave (the number of days someone with COVID-19 or those suspected to have it must remain in quarantine), as well as provide food security to low-income families that rely on food stamps or free school lunch. It would also make testing for the virus free.
But Trump and McConnell are dismissing the bill, with Trump saying it’s full of “goodies” and McConnell saying offering free testing and economic security for vulnerable communities is “not related to the pressing issues at hand.”
“There are things in there that have nothing to do with what we’re talking about,” Trump told reporters Thursday. “So you know, it’s not a way for them to get some of the goodies that they haven’t been able to get for the last 25 years.”
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said similarly that Republicans want to take their time with any response — even as the number of COVID-19 cases continue to grow and the economy slows. The stock market has continued to plummet as well.
“We are committing to get this right,” McCarthy said Thursday at a news conference on Capitol Hill. “We’re working with the White House, with Secretary Mnuchin, and with the speaker. We should not just take a rush just because there’s a bill. We want to make sure it works in the process of where we’re going.”
Additionally, a White House official told the Washington Post on Thursday that it opposes covering coronavirus testing for the uninsured. The White House reportedly believes that reimbursing laboratory claims would lead to federal funding for abortion, though it’s unclear on what they are basing that conclusion.
The comments come after Trump himself taunted Pelosi, attacking her for tempering expectations for how quickly legislation to help those impacted by office and school closures, as well as event cancellations that cause hourly workers and those without paid leave to miss out on pay.
“Nancy Pelosi just said, ‘I don’t know if we can be ready this week.’ In other words, it’s off to vacation for the Do Nothing Democrats,” Trump tweeted on Tuesday. “That’s been the story with them for 1 1/2 years!”
Meanwhile, Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, had initially told reporters that Senate Republicans won’t even begin to take action on a coronavirus response bill until after the chamber returns from a planned recess. Senators weren’t scheduled to be back from that recess until March 23.
Given how fast the virus can spread, it’s unclear what the situation in the United States may look like in 11 days.
In Italy, for example, the virus is spreading at a rapid clip, despite drastic lockdown measures to stop it.
The country saw its number of cases double from roughly 2,500 on March 4 to 5,800 on March 7, the New York Times reported. The death toll also soared, jumping from 36 to 233, according to the Times.
McConnell, however, announced Thursday afternoon that the Senate would cancel the planned recess to negotiate on a bill, though it’s unclear when a vote will take place.
“Notwithstanding the scheduled state work period, the Senate will be in session next week,” he tweeted. “I am glad talks are ongoing between the Administration and Speaker Pelosi. I hope Congress can pass bipartisan legislation to continue combating the coronavirus and keep our economy strong.”
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-03-12--Pence attempts damage control after Trump's address but makes things worse

Vice President Mike Pence went on CNN and the `` Today '' show Thursday morning to talk about the Trump administration 's coronavirus response , but he struggled to answer basic questions about the global health pandemic .
Pence , who has been leading the Trump administration 's response to the coronavirus pandemic since Feb. 27 , defended Donald Trump 's error-riddled Wednesday night primetime address to the nation during a CNN appearance .
`` I do n't think there was confusion , '' Pence said about Trump 's address , despite the fact that the Trump administration issued numerous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump declared that cargo from Europe would be prohibited from entering the United States , but hours later he tweeted that trade would not be impacted .
Trump also said that he would suspend `` all travel from Europe to the United States for the next 30 days . ''
Afterward , the administration had to clarify that the restrictions did not apply to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents .
The administration also had to correct Trump to state that new travel restrictions only apply to parts of Europe rather than all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel restrictions are directed at countries where Trump owns hotel properties .
Pence also discussed coronavirus testing availability in the United States , struggling to provide accurate information .
He was asked about numbers released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showing a decline in coronavirus testing over the past week , from more than 1,200 tests administered on March 5 to only eight tests administered on March 10 .
`` Why are the number of tests going down ? ''
Pence was asked .
`` Well , I do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pence then said that labs in every state are able to conduct coronavirus testing , but did not repeat Trump 's promise that anyone who wanted to be tested could be tested .
Instead , Pence touted the ability of private companies to produce more tests at some point in the near future .
`` Ultimately , it 's going to be the commercial laboratories that have the capacity to get tests all over the country , and we 're making steady progress , '' Pence said .
When pushed about the testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I 'm not saying they 're wrong , '' he said , but the numbers `` may not be complete , because we do n't necessarily collect today all the information from state laboratories about tests that are being done . ''
When asked yet again how many tests have been administered across the country , Pence replied , `` Well , I would leave that to the experts . ''
Pence was not clear as to which experts he was referring .
On the `` Today '' show , Pence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the disease caused by the new coronavirus .
After being told that Dr. Anthony Fauci , a top infectious disease expert within the Trump administration , predicted `` millions and millions '' would become infected , Pence was asked what experts were telling him .
Pence responded by defending Trump 's actions to restrict travel from China in January .
He then said that `` we know there will be thousands more cases of coronavirus in this country . ''
`` Thousands or millions ? ''
he was asked .
`` Well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make the estimates of how many people will be infected , '' Pence said .
It was a Trump administration expert who estimated millions would be infected .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Vice President Mike Pence went on CNN and the “Today” show Thursday morning to talk about the Trump administration’s coronavirus response, but he struggled to answer basic questions about the global health pandemic.
Pence, who has been leading the Trump administration’s response to the coronavirus pandemic since Feb. 27, defended Donald Trump’s error-riddled Wednesday night primetime address to the nation during a CNN appearance.
“I don’t think there was confusion,” Pence said about Trump’s address, despite the fact that the Trump administration issued numerous corrections within hours of Trump speaking.
Trump declared that cargo from Europe would be prohibited from entering the United States, but hours later he tweeted that trade would not be impacted.
Trump also said that he would suspend “all travel from Europe to the United States for the next 30 days.” Afterward, the administration had to clarify that the restrictions did not apply to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents.
The administration also had to correct Trump to state that new travel restrictions only apply to parts of Europe rather than all of it. Though none of the travel restrictions are directed at countries where Trump owns hotel properties.
Pence also discussed coronavirus testing availability in the United States, struggling to provide accurate information.
He was asked about numbers released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showing a decline in coronavirus testing over the past week, from more than 1,200 tests administered on March 5 to only eight tests administered on March 10.
“Why are the number of tests going down?” Pence was asked.
“Well, I don’t believe are,” Pence replied.
Pence then said that labs in every state are able to conduct coronavirus testing, but did not repeat Trump’s promise that anyone who wanted to be tested could be tested.
Instead, Pence touted the ability of private companies to produce more tests at some point in the near future.
“Ultimately, it’s going to be the commercial laboratories that have the capacity to get tests all over the country, and we’re making steady progress,” Pence said.
When pushed about the testing numbers released by CDC, Pence equivocated.
“I’m not saying they’re wrong,” he said, but the numbers “may not be complete, because we don’t necessarily collect today all the information from state laboratories about tests that are being done.”
When asked yet again how many tests have been administered across the country, Pence replied, “Well, I would leave that to the experts.”
Pence was not clear as to which experts he was referring.
On the “Today” show, Pence was asked about the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.
After being told that Dr. Anthony Fauci, a top infectious disease expert within the Trump administration, predicted “millions and millions” would become infected, Pence was asked what experts were telling him.
Pence responded by defending Trump’s actions to restrict travel from China in January. He then said that “we know there will be thousands more cases of coronavirus in this country.”
“Thousands or millions?” he was asked.
“Well, I’ll leave to the experts to make the estimates of how many people will be infected,” Pence said.
It was a Trump administration expert who estimated millions would be infected.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-03-12--Americans in Europe panic after Trump misstates facts about his own travel ban

Donald Trump announced a temporary ban on most travel from Europe on Wednesday night , but the lack of clarity in his remarks about who would be exempt left many Americans overseas scrambling .
`` To keep new cases from entering our shores , we will be suspending all travel from Europe to the United States for the next 30 days .
The new rules will go into effect Friday at midnight , '' Trump said .
He noted that there would be `` exemptions for Americans who have undergone appropriate screenings , '' but did not explain what that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the exemptions applied to all legal U.S. residents and their immediate families .
At 9:40 p.m. , the official White House account tweeted , `` We will be suspending all travel from Europe , except the United Kingdom , for the next 30 days .
The policy goes into effect Friday at midnight . ''
Trump 's immigration czar Ken Cuccinelli later responded , `` This does not apply to American citizens or legal permanent residents or their families . ''
That chaotic back and forth caused mayhem among Americans in Europe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McIntyre tweeted that he had witnessed `` bedlam '' at Paris ' Charles de Galle Airport , as Americans tried to buy tickets home for before Friday midnight .
He wrote that dynamic pricing and massive demand drove him and many others to spent thousands on new tickets .
Some paid as much as $ 20,000 , not realizing the ban would not apply to them , he said .
Another traveler , visiting Spain from New Jersey , told the Times that he and his wife were awakened at 4 a.m. by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home by Friday .
Unsure whether the deadline applied to him , he unsuccessfully tried to clarify with the U.S. embassy .
Asked on Thursday whether they would refund tickets purchased by panicked Americans who were confused by Trump 's speech the night before , an American Airlines spokesperson said , `` We are placing caps on fares for all cabins , on flights from Europe back to the U.S. that are affected by the government-imposed travel restrictions . ''
A KLM spokesperson said that the airline `` has a global rebook policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ postpone their trip .
They can also opt for a gift certificate if they don ’ t have new dates or want to go to a different destination . ''
A spokesperson for Lufthansa said the airline was `` currently assessing the impact of the recent US Department of Homeland Security ’ s proclamation ’ s guidelines '' on flights to the United States . ''
British Airways , Delta , and United did not immediately respond to requests for comment .
Neither did the White House , State Department , or Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about confusion surrounding Trump 's announcement , Mike Pence told CNN he did not believe there was any .
`` I do n't think there was confusion , '' he claimed .
`` The President took another historic step , just like he did in January with China . ''
Pence was referring to earlier travel restrictions put in place by the Trump administration in late January .
Those restrictions barred entry to the United States by any foreign national from China or who 'd recently been to China .
U.S. citizens and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ban .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Donald Trump announced a temporary ban on most travel from Europe on Wednesday night, but the lack of clarity in his remarks about who would be exempt left many Americans overseas scrambling.
“To keep new cases from entering our shores, we will be suspending all travel from Europe to the United States for the next 30 days. The new rules will go into effect Friday at midnight,” Trump said. He noted that there would be “exemptions for Americans who have undergone appropriate screenings,” but did not explain what that meant.
Homeland Security officials eventually clarified that the exemptions applied to all legal U.S. residents and their immediate families.
At 9:40 p.m., the official White House account tweeted, “We will be suspending all travel from Europe, except the United Kingdom, for the next 30 days. The policy goes into effect Friday at midnight.”
Trump’s immigration czar Ken Cuccinelli later responded, “This does not apply to American citizens or legal permanent residents or their families.”
That chaotic back and forth caused mayhem among Americans in Europe.
New York Times investigative reporter Mike McIntyre tweeted that he had witnessed “bedlam” at Paris’ Charles de Galle Airport, as Americans tried to buy tickets home for before Friday midnight. He wrote that dynamic pricing and massive demand drove him and many others to spent thousands on new tickets.
Some paid as much as $20,000, not realizing the ban would not apply to them, he said.
Another traveler, visiting Spain from New Jersey, told the Times that he and his wife were awakened at 4 a.m. by friends warning him to get a flight home by Friday. Unsure whether the deadline applied to him, he unsuccessfully tried to clarify with the U.S. embassy.
Asked on Thursday whether they would refund tickets purchased by panicked Americans who were confused by Trump’s speech the night before, an American Airlines spokesperson said, “We are placing caps on fares for all cabins, on flights from Europe back to the U.S. that are affected by the government-imposed travel restrictions.”
A KLM spokesperson said that the airline “has a global rebook policy in place for passengers who want to postpone their trip. They can also opt for a gift certificate if they don’t have new dates or want to go to a different destination.”
A spokesperson for Lufthansa said the airline was “currently assessing the impact of the recent US Department of Homeland Security’s proclamation’s guidelines” on flights to the United States.”
Delta stated Thursday evening that it was working to cap fares for travel from Europe and would assist passengers looking to return to the U.S. by waiving change fees. However, according to the airline’s website, customers would still be required to cover any fare differences themselves.
“The safety and health of our customers and employees is always our highest priority,” a spokesperson said in an email. “Delta has and will continue to quickly make adjustments to service, as needed, in response to government travel directives.”
A State Department spokesperson advised only that U.S. citizens still overseas should plan to depart Europe using commercial travel options.
British Airways and United did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Neither did the White House or Department of Homeland Security.
Asked Thursday morning about confusion surrounding Trump’s announcement, Mike Pence told CNN he did not believe there was any.
“I don’t think there was confusion,” he claimed. “The President took another historic step, just like he did in January with China.”
Pence was referring to earlier travel restrictions put in place by the Trump administration in late January. Those restrictions barred entry to the United States by any foreign national from China or who’d recently been to China. U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents were also exempt from that ban.
This article has been updated to include additional statements from Delta and information from the State Department.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-03-12--Fact check: Trump got a lot wrong about his own European travel ban

Donald Trump misstated his administration 's intended actions on the coronavirus pandemic when he spoke to the nation in his prime-time address Wednesday .
He also appeared to hold out false hope of an imminent treatment for the spreading disease .
TRUMP : “ We will be suspending all travel from Europe , except the United Kingdom , for the next 30 days.
” THE FACTS : That 's not exactly his plan .
First , the restriction does not apply to legal permanent residents of the U.S. or their families when they are returning from Europe .
It also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back from Europe , as Trump acknowledged .
It also apparently does not apply to Ireland , Romania , Croatia , Ukraine and several other European states .
The proclamation released by the White House says the travel ban will affect the 26 European states in what 's known as the Schengen Area .
That 's most of Europe , but not “ all.
” ___ TRUMP : `` These prohibitions will not only apply to the tremendous amount of trade and cargo , but various other things as we get approval .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrong .
The White House quickly clarified that the restriction on movement from Europe `` only applies to human beings , not goods and cargo.
” ___ TRUMP : “ We are cutting massive amounts of red tape to make antiviral therapies available in record time .
These treatments will significantly reduce the impact and reach of the virus.
” THE FACTS : People suffering from COVID-19 or those who get it in the current outbreak should not expect those therapies to be available to them .
Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday that while antivirals are being tested , “ we don ’ t know if it works .
I don ’ t want to promise anything.
” An antiviral is a medicine that specifically attacks a virus to hasten recovery .
An experimental drug named remdesivir , which was being developed to fight Ebola , is being tested in COVID-19 patients in the U.S. and abroad .
There also are studies underway using combinations of some HIV-attacking drugs .

Donald Trump misstated his administration’s intended actions on the coronavirus pandemic when he spoke to the nation in his prime-time address Wednesday. He also appeared to hold out false hope of an imminent treatment for the spreading disease.
TRUMP: “We will be suspending all travel from Europe, except the United Kingdom, for the next 30 days.”
THE FACTS: That’s not exactly his plan.
First, the restriction does not apply to legal permanent residents of the U.S. or their families when they are returning from Europe. It also does not apply to U.S. citizens coming back from Europe, as Trump acknowledged.
It also apparently does not apply to Ireland, Romania, Croatia, Ukraine and several other European states.
The proclamation released by the White House says the travel ban will affect the 26 European states in what’s known as the Schengen Area. That’s most of Europe, but not “all.”
___
TRUMP: “These prohibitions will not only apply to the tremendous amount of trade and cargo, but various other things as we get approval.”
THE FACT: That is also wrong.
The White House quickly clarified that the restriction on movement from Europe “only applies to human beings, not goods and cargo.”
___
TRUMP: “We are cutting massive amounts of red tape to make antiviral therapies available in record time. These treatments will significantly reduce the impact and reach of the virus.”
THE FACTS: People suffering from COVID-19 or those who get it in the current outbreak should not expect those therapies to be available to them.
Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health told a congressional committee Wednesday that while antivirals are being tested, “we don’t know if it works. I don’t want to promise anything.”
An antiviral is a medicine that specifically attacks a virus to hasten recovery. An experimental drug named remdesivir, which was being developed to fight Ebola, is being tested in COVID-19 patients in the U.S. and abroad. There also are studies underway using combinations of some HIV-attacking drugs.


shareblue--2020-03-13--News you might have missed: Tuesday's primaries saw highest turnout in 10 years

This week , turnout soared as Democrats in six states voted for their presidential nominee , many Rhode Islanders will be getting a pay raise , and singer Gloria Gaynor makes handwashing fun .
Read on to see what you might have missed this week in the news .
Tuesday was primary day in Idaho , Michigan , Mississippi , Missouri , and Washington , and caucus day in North Dakota .
Democratic turnout was the highest in a decade .
In Michigan , more than 1.5 million Democrats participated — an increase of nearly 400,000 from the 2016 primaries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this set a state record for most votes in a Democratic primary .
The Hill also noted that turnout in Mississippi was up by about 19 % over 2016 , Missouri saw an increase of about 5 % , and North Dakota — thanks in part to new caucus rules — nearly quadrupled its 2016 participation .
Washington and Idaho also saw significant increases in their primaries , but both states used caucuses in 2016 .
Georgia voters get more time to fix rejected ballots A settlement reached between the Democratic Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whose absentee ballots are rejected will be notified by mail , phone , and email within three business days — or the next business day if it happens within 11 days of an election .
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution said this will `` allow them time to correct problems and have their ballots counted . ''
In 2018 , 8,157 absentee ballots were thrown out — roughly 3 % of those returned — spurring a lawsuit .
Many were based on election officials deciding the signatures did not match those on file .
Virginia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Legislature passed a bill last weekend that will let localities decide whether to take down Confederate statues and memorials .
Following emotional testimony from lawmakers , the state House and Senate passed H.B .
1537 , mostly along party lines .
Democratic Gov .
Ralph Northam is expected to sign the measure , eliminating state protections for the monuments .
The change comes after violent white nationalists rallied around a statue of Robert E. Lee in Charlottesville in 2018 .
Education and health care among progressive victories in Virginia In addition to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed what Democratic lawmakers called the `` most progressive budget in the commonwealth 's history . ''
The budget , which covers fiscal years 2021 and 2021 , includes `` significant investments today in education , the workforce , and affordable healthcare , '' House Democrats noted .
Teachers will receive a 2 % pay raise each year .
Effective Oct. 1 , the minimum hourly wage for workers will increase from $ 10.50 to $ 11.50 .
Raimondo said she was `` proud to sign '' the legislation , tweeting , `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can to support RI 's working families . ''
Head of U.S. Soccer resigns after insulting Women 's National Team On Thursday , Carlos Cordeiro , president of the U.S. Soccer Federation , announced he would resign following backlash related to a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Women 's National Team , HuffPost reported .
In a legal filing related to an equal pay lawsuit filed by the team , the U.S. Soccer Federation stated that members of the men 's national team are paid more because they are more skilled and have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women 's team has won four World Cup titles and four Olympic gold medals .
The captain of the 2019 World Cup champion team , Megan Rapinoe , was recently named Sports Illustrated 's sportsperson of the year .
The U.S. Men 's National Team has never won a World Cup or Olympic gold medal .
In his resignation letter , Cordeiro wrote that the language in the legal filing `` caused great offense and pain , especially to our extraordinary Women ’ s National Team players who deserve better . ''
Cordeiro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , vice president of the U.S. Soccer Federation Gloria Gaynor determined to help you `` survive '' If you are tired of singing the ABCs twice while washing your hands , Gloria Gaynor has a suggested alternative .
In a TikTok posted this week , Gaynor washes her hands while signing her classic hit , `` I Will Survive . ''
In text accompanying the video , Gaynor wrote , `` It only takes :20 seconds to `` SURVIVE !
`` 👏💕🎶 # iwillsurvivechallenge # fyp # coronavirus # handwashing . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frequent hand-washing with soap and warm water for 20 seconds as one of several ways to slow and prevent the spread of coronavirus .

This week, turnout soared as Democrats in six states voted for their presidential nominee, many Rhode Islanders will be getting a pay raise, and singer Gloria Gaynor makes handwashing fun.
Read on to see what you might have missed this week in the news.
Tuesday was primary day in Idaho, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, and Washington, and caucus day in North Dakota.
Democratic turnout was the highest in a decade.
In Michigan, more than 1.5 million Democrats participated — an increase of nearly 400,000 from the 2016 primaries. According to the Detroit Free Press, this set a state record for most votes in a Democratic primary.
The Hill also noted that turnout in Mississippi was up by about 19% over 2016, Missouri saw an increase of about 5%, and North Dakota — thanks in part to new caucus rules — nearly quadrupled its 2016 participation.
Washington and Idaho also saw significant increases in their primaries, but both states used caucuses in 2016.
A settlement reached between the Democratic Party and Georgia election officials ensures that voters whose absentee ballots are rejected will be notified by mail, phone, and email within three business days — or the next business day if it happens within 11 days of an election.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution said this will “allow them time to correct problems and have their ballots counted.”
In 2018, 8,157 absentee ballots were thrown out — roughly 3% of those returned — spurring a lawsuit. Many were based on election officials deciding the signatures did not match those on file.
Virginia’s new Democratic majority in the state Legislature passed a bill last weekend that will let localities decide whether to take down Confederate statues and memorials.
Following emotional testimony from lawmakers, the state House and Senate passed H.B. 1537, mostly along party lines. Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam is expected to sign the measure, eliminating state protections for the monuments.
The change comes after violent white nationalists rallied around a statue of Robert E. Lee in Charlottesville in 2018.
In addition to the Confederate memorials bill, Virginia’s Legislature passed what Democratic lawmakers called the “most progressive budget in the commonwealth’s history.”
The budget, which covers fiscal years 2021 and 2021, includes “significant investments today in education, the workforce, and affordable healthcare,” House Democrats noted. Teachers will receive a 2% pay raise each year.
On Tuesday, Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo, a Democrat, signed a minimum wage increase into law.
Effective Oct. 1, the minimum hourly wage for workers will increase from $10.50 to $11.50.
Raimondo said she was “proud to sign” the legislation, tweeting, “I’m committed to doing all I can to support RI’s working families.”
On Thursday, Carlos Cordeiro, president of the U.S. Soccer Federation, announced he would resign following backlash related to a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Women’s National Team, HuffPost reported.
In a legal filing related to an equal pay lawsuit filed by the team, the U.S. Soccer Federation stated that members of the men’s national team are paid more because they are more skilled and have “more responsibility.”
The U.S. women’s team has won four World Cup titles and four Olympic gold medals. The captain of the 2019 World Cup champion team, Megan Rapinoe, was recently named Sports Illustrated’s sportsperson of the year.
The U.S. Men’s National Team has never won a World Cup or Olympic gold medal.
In his resignation letter, Cordeiro wrote that the language in the legal filing “caused great offense and pain, especially to our extraordinary Women’s National Team players who deserve better.”
Cordeiro will be replaced by Cindy Parlow Cone, vice president of the U.S. Soccer Federation
If you are tired of singing the ABCs twice while washing your hands, Gloria Gaynor has a suggested alternative.
In a TikTok posted this week, Gaynor washes her hands while signing her classic hit, “I Will Survive.”
In text accompanying the video, Gaynor wrote, “It only takes :20 seconds to “SURVIVE!”??? #iwillsurvivechallenge #fyp #coronavirus #handwashing.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends frequent hand-washing with soap and warm water for 20 seconds as one of several ways to slow and prevent the spread of coronavirus.


shareblue--2020-03-13--Trump on lack of coronavirus tests: 'I don't take responsibility at all'

From a March 13 press conference in the White House Rose Garden : KRISTEN WELKER , NBC : Mr. President @ @ @ @ @ this week that the lag in testing was , in fact , a failing .
@ @ @ @ @ that , and when can you guarantee that every single American who needs a test @ @ @ @ @ a test ?
What 's the date of that ?
DONALD TRUMP : No , @ @ @ @ @ at all because we were given a set of circumstances , and we were given @ @ @ @ @ specifications from a different time .
Was n't meant for this kind of an event @ @ @ @ @ numbers that we ’ re talking about .
And what we 've done is redesigned @ @ @ @ @ help of the people behind me , and we 're now in very , very @ @ @

From a March 13 press conference in the White House Rose Garden:
KRISTEN WELKER, NBC: Mr. President, Dr. Fauci said earlier this week that the lag in testing was, in fact, a failing. Do you take responsibility for that, and when can you guarantee that every single American who needs a test will be able to have a test? What’s the date of that?
DONALD TRUMP: No, I don’t take responsibility at all because we were given a set of circumstances, and we were given rules, regulations, and specifications from a different time. Wasn’t meant for this kind of an event, with the kind of numbers that we’re talking about.
And what we’ve done is redesigned it very quickly with the help of the people behind me, and we’re now in very, very strong shape.


shareblue--2020-03-13--Trump declares national emergency 2 weeks after calling coronavirus concern a 'hoax'

On Friday , Donald Trump announced that he is finally — and according to some , belatedly — declaring the coronavirus a national emergency .
`` I am officially declaring a national emergency , '' he said , speaking to reporters in the Rose Garden .
He added that the move will open up nearly $ 50 billion for state and local governments to respond to the growing crisis .
Trump also said he was granting Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar emergency authority to waive federal regulations and laws that will give doctors and hospitals `` flexibility '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after growing pressure to do so from the American Hospital Association , American Nurses Association , and American Medical Association , as well as many others , and as schools and local governments close down across the country .
It seemed at last that Trump was finally taking seriously what the World Health Organization earlier this week called a pandemic .
That was not the case two weeks ago , when Trump was busily downplaying the threat , insisting that it would soon be over , and complaining about criticism of his handling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are politicizing the coronavirus , ” he said at a South Carolina campaign rally on Feb. 28 .
“ One of my people came up to me and said ‘ Mr .
President they tried to beat you on Russia , Russia , Russia .
That didn ’ t work out too well.
’ They couldn ’ t do it .
They tried the impeachment hoax that was on a perfect conversation , ” he said .
`` This is their new hoax . ''
The day before , he had insisted that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States who had tested positive , and `` the 15 within a couple of days is going to be down to close to zero .
That ’ s a pretty good job we ’ ve done . ''
At the time of Trump 's Friday press conference announcing the national emergency , 1,629 people had tested positive , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Forty-one people have died .
Forty-six states and the District of Columbia have reported cases .
Earlier this week , Dr. Anthony Fauci , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Infectious Diseases , said `` things will get worse than they are right now . ''
Trump has resisted calls from health experts and even members of his own party to take the ongoing outbreak seriously and to stop minimizing its threat .
On Thursday , he mocked Democratic presidential candidates Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders for canceling campaign rallies .
As recently as Friday morning , Trump was still pushing the claim that President Barack Obama is somehow to blame for the crisis .
He falsely said Obama made it harder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had made the 2009 H1N1 flu outbreak worse by not declaring a state of emergency early enough .
That , as many were quick to note , was also false .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

On Friday, Donald Trump announced that he is finally — and according to some, belatedly — declaring the coronavirus a national emergency.
“I am officially declaring a national emergency,” he said, speaking to reporters in the Rose Garden. He added that the move will open up nearly $50 billion for state and local governments to respond to the growing crisis.
Trump also said he was granting Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar emergency authority to waive federal regulations and laws that will give doctors and hospitals “flexibility” in treating patients.
The decision comes after growing pressure to do so from the American Hospital Association, American Nurses Association, and American Medical Association, as well as many others, and as schools and local governments close down across the country.
It seemed at last that Trump was finally taking seriously what the World Health Organization earlier this week called a pandemic.
That was not the case two weeks ago, when Trump was busily downplaying the threat, insisting that it would soon be over, and complaining about criticism of his handling of the situation.
“The Democrats are politicizing the coronavirus,” he said at a South Carolina campaign rally on Feb. 28.
“One of my people came up to me and said ‘Mr. President they tried to beat you on Russia, Russia, Russia. That didn’t work out too well.’ They couldn’t do it. They tried the impeachment hoax that was on a perfect conversation,” he said. “This is their new hoax.”
The day before, he had insisted that there were only 15 people in the United States who had tested positive, and “the 15 within a couple of days is going to be down to close to zero. That’s a pretty good job we’ve done.”
At the time of Trump’s Friday press conference announcing the national emergency, 1,629 people had tested positive, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Forty-one people have died.
Forty-six states and the District of Columbia have reported cases.
Earlier this week, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said “things will get worse than they are right now.”
Trump has resisted calls from health experts and even members of his own party to take the ongoing outbreak seriously and to stop minimizing its threat. On Thursday, he mocked Democratic presidential candidates Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders for canceling campaign rallies.
As recently as Friday morning, Trump was still pushing the claim that President Barack Obama is somehow to blame for the crisis. He falsely said Obama made it harder to test for viruses and that he had made the 2009 H1N1 flu outbreak worse by not declaring a state of emergency early enough.
That, as many were quick to note, was also false.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-03-13--Will voting by mail become the way of the future?

Drastic social distancing efforts to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus have raised questions about how to hold upcoming presidential nominating contests , as crowded polling places and caucus gatherings could be breeding grounds for the virus .
On Friday , Louisiana officially became the first state to announce it was pushing back its previously scheduled April 4 primary until June 20 in an effort to stop the virus ' spread .
But experts who have been advocating for all-mail elections say situations like the one in Louisiana could have been avoided if more states had already adopted all-mail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the turning point in the all-mail election movement .
`` What the current crisis does is it just sheds a new light on the merits of this system , '' Phil Keisling , who sits on the board of the National Vote at Home Institute , which advocates for all-mail voting , said in an interview .
`` And at a minimum , it might be a strategy by which states can navigate through this unprecedented moment . ''
Keisling helped implement the first all-mail election for the vacant U.S. Senate seat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December 1995 , when he served as Oregon secretary of state .
That election not only saw record turnout , but may have also prevented disaster as the state was experiencing a damaging wind storm that could have caused voting problems .
`` Much of the state was hit by a major windstorm that brought 100 mph winds to large portions of the Coast and interior valleys — and the emergency authorities were all urging Oregonians affected to stay home unless they absolutely needed to get out of house , '' Keisling said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' He added , `` Quite honestly , I 'm not sure , looking back , what we could have done .
Could the governor have declared an emergency , and suspended the election , or moved the day ?
Fortunately , we never had to find out . ''
Now , Oregon is one of three states to hold all-mail elections , after Colorado and Washington State adopted the voting method .
Even before the coronavirus pandemic raised concerns about the safety of in-person voting , the National Conference of State Legislatures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact , decreasing long waits at polling places , saving states money , and increasing turnout .
More states are seeing vote-by-mail numbers grow as they lower barriers to absentee voting .
For example , 59 % of ballots in California 's 2016 Democratic primary were vote-by-mail , according to the Los Angeles Times .
Keisling noted that it woulg be hard for states such as Louisiana — which currently only allow absentee ballots if a voter has an approved excuse — to suddenly shift to an all-mail election right away in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If only 1 % or 5 % of your vote is coming in from mail ballots , it ’ s a huge challenge to ramp that up , '' Keisling said .
`` That said , '' he added , `` this health problem might be such that people even in those states are going to have to seriously look at '' all-mail voting .
For now , it 's unclear if more states will go the route of Louisiana and postpone their elections , or work to implement all-mail elections before November @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impacting life in the United States .
On Tuesday , four important states — Arizona , Florida , Illinois , and Ohio — will head to the polls in the Democratic presidential primary .
Election officials in those states say they are prepared , and have advised voters to use proper hygiene when they vote .
Former Vice President Joe Biden 's campaign is advising voters to use common sense .
`` If voters are members of an at-risk population , exhibiting symptoms , or have been exposed to a diagnosed case of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absentee ballots and vote by mail options , '' the Biden campaign said in a statement , according to CBS News ' Caitlin Huey-Burns .
But Keisling said he hopes more states look to all-mail elections in the wake of this crisis .
`` We never wanted to be in a position of having our reform getting this kind of attention for this kind of reason , '' Keisling said .
`` But the abnormal time we ’ re in has put it in the spotlight in some new ways , and again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is worth people giving really serious thought to as they grapple with serious issues . ''
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Drastic social distancing efforts to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus have raised questions about how to hold upcoming presidential nominating contests, as crowded polling places and caucus gatherings could be breeding grounds for the virus.
On Friday, Louisiana officially became the first state to announce it was pushing back its previously scheduled April 4 primary until June 20 in an effort to stop the virus’ spread.
But experts who have been advocating for all-mail elections say situations like the one in Louisiana could have been avoided if more states had already adopted all-mail voting systems — and that this could be the turning point in the all-mail election movement.
“What the current crisis does is it just sheds a new light on the merits of this system,” Phil Keisling, who sits on the board of the National Vote at Home Institute, which advocates for all-mail voting, said in an interview. “And at a minimum, it might be a strategy by which states can navigate through this unprecedented moment.”
Keisling helped implement the first all-mail election for the vacant U.S. Senate seat now held by Democrat Ron Wyden in December 1995, when he served as Oregon secretary of state.
That election not only saw record turnout, but may have also prevented disaster as the state was experiencing a damaging wind storm that could have caused voting problems.
“Much of the state was hit by a major windstorm that brought 100 mph winds to large portions of the Coast and interior valleys — and the emergency authorities were all urging Oregonians affected to stay home unless they absolutely needed to get out of house,” Keisling said. “Many lost their power.”
He added, “Quite honestly, I’m not sure, looking back, what we could have done. Could the governor have declared an emergency, and suspended the election, or moved the day? Fortunately, we never had to find out.”
Now, Oregon is one of three states to hold all-mail elections, after Colorado and Washington State adopted the voting method.
Even before the coronavirus pandemic raised concerns about the safety of in-person voting, the National Conference of State Legislatures said the voting method was having an impact, decreasing long waits at polling places, saving states money, and increasing turnout.
More states are seeing vote-by-mail numbers grow as they lower barriers to absentee voting. For example, 59% of ballots in California’s 2016 Democratic primary were vote-by-mail, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Keisling noted that it woulg be hard for states such as Louisiana — which currently only allow absentee ballots if a voter has an approved excuse — to suddenly shift to an all-mail election right away in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
“If only 1% or 5% of your vote is coming in from mail ballots, it’s a huge challenge to ramp that up,” Keisling said.
“That said,” he added, “this health problem might be such that people even in those states are going to have to seriously look at” all-mail voting.
For now, it’s unclear if more states will go the route of Louisiana and postpone their elections, or work to implement all-mail elections before November, when the virus still could be impacting life in the United States.
On Tuesday, four important states — Arizona, Florida, Illinois, and Ohio — will head to the polls in the Democratic presidential primary. Election officials in those states say they are prepared, and have advised voters to use proper hygiene when they vote.
Former Vice President Joe Biden’s campaign is advising voters to use common sense.
“If voters are members of an at-risk population, exhibiting symptoms, or have been exposed to a diagnosed case of COVID-19, we encourage them to explore absentee ballots and vote by mail options,” the Biden campaign said in a statement, according to CBS News’ Caitlin Huey-Burns.
But Keisling said he hopes more states look to all-mail elections in the wake of this crisis.
“We never wanted to be in a position of having our reform getting this kind of attention for this kind of reason,” Keisling said. “But the abnormal time we’re in has put it in the spotlight in some new ways, and again we think that it’s something that is worth people giving really serious thought to as they grapple with serious issues.”
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-03-13--Republican senators are trying to ban one of the safest kinds of abortion

A group of conservative senators is leading an effort to ban medication abortions performed via telemedicine nationwide , even as numerous studies have shown they are very safe and in some cases the only option for care .
When telemedicine is used for abortion care , a patient who chooses a medication abortion is connected to a clinician remotely via video .
That clinician reviews the patient 's records , is available to answer questions , and authorizes the medication to be given to the patient .
A proposed bill , led by Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` physically present '' for any medication abortion .
Failure to do so can result in a fine and imprisonment .
Cassidy describes banning this procedure as somehow helping to `` care for mothers '' but did n't clarify how blocking abortion access does this .
Joining Cassidy in this effort is Louisiana 's other Republican senator , John Kennedy , who declared that medication abortions `` put women at astonishing risk , '' adding that using telemedicine will `` put up even more barriers between women and critical medical care . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he says that medication abortions conducted via telemedicine put people at risk .
In fact , the use of telemedicine for medication abortions is remarkably low risk .
Over a seven-year span when Planned Parenthood used telemedicine to perform over 8,000 medication abortions in Iowa , 99 % of patients had a successful abortion and just 1 % of patients had any adverse events , such as going to the emergency room .
Telemedicine also helps solve the problem of `` abortion deserts '' — locations where people must travel more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A recent study found there are 27 of these deserts in the United States .
Besides ensuring better access to care for rural people , telemedicine also results in people being able to obtain abortions as soon as they want one .
One study showed that telemedicine in Iowa allowed more people to obtain abortions before 12 weeks .
`` From a public-health perspective , [ telemedicine ] does improve access to early abortion [ and ] decreases later abortion , and that would result in improved health outcomes , '' Daniel Grossman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who supports broad implementation of telemedicine , told the Atlantic .
Efforts to ban telemedicine exist at the state level as well .
The Ohio Senate just passed a measure that would bar the procedure , despite the fact that medical abortions have been safely provided in the state via telemedicine for the last two years .
Lauren Blauvelt-Copelin , the vice president of government affairs and public advocacy of Planned Parenthood in Ohio , argues that banning the use of telemedicine for abortions is designed to get rid of abortion access , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The goal of Senate Bill 260 is not better health care for Ohioans or patient safety , its sole purpose is to push access to safe , legal abortion further out of reach and against the will of the majority of Ohioans . ''
Blauvelt-Copelin , said .
Sen. Kevin Cramer ( R-ND ) , another sponsor of the federal bill to ban telemedicine abortion , appeared to admit the bill is not about the safety of the mother but about throwing up barriers to people seeking an abortion .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and encouraging women to undergo that procedure without knowing the impact is egregious , '' Cramer said in a statement supporting the telemedicine ban .
In states where it is legal , telemedicine provides a safe way for people to obtain an abortion early in pregnancy , regardless of where they live .
Taking that away does n't help anyone , but serves only to push abortions out of reach for many .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

A group of conservative senators is leading an effort to ban medication abortions performed via telemedicine nationwide, even as numerous studies have shown they are very safe and in some cases the only option for care.
When telemedicine is used for abortion care, a patient who chooses a medication abortion is connected to a clinician remotely via video. That clinician reviews the patient’s records, is available to answer questions, and authorizes the medication to be given to the patient.
A proposed bill, led by Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, would require health care providers to be “physically present” for any medication abortion. Failure to do so can result in a fine and imprisonment.
Cassidy describes banning this procedure as somehow helping to “care for mothers” but didn’t clarify how blocking abortion access does this.
Joining Cassidy in this effort is Louisiana’s other Republican senator, John Kennedy, who declared that medication abortions “put women at astonishing risk,” adding that using telemedicine will “put up even more barriers between women and critical medical care.”
But Kennedy is not telling the truth when he says that medication abortions conducted via telemedicine put people at risk. In fact, the use of telemedicine for medication abortions is remarkably low risk.
Over a seven-year span when Planned Parenthood used telemedicine to perform over 8,000 medication abortions in Iowa, 99% of patients had a successful abortion and just 1% of patients had any adverse events, such as going to the emergency room.
Telemedicine also helps solve the problem of “abortion deserts” — locations where people must travel more than 100 miles to obtain an abortion. A recent study found there are 27 of these deserts in the United States.
Besides ensuring better access to care for rural people, telemedicine also results in people being able to obtain abortions as soon as they want one. One study showed that telemedicine in Iowa allowed more people to obtain abortions before 12 weeks.
“From a public-health perspective, [telemedicine] does improve access to early abortion [and] decreases later abortion, and that would result in improved health outcomes,” Daniel Grossman, a doctor and reproductive health researcher who supports broad implementation of telemedicine, told the Atlantic.
Efforts to ban telemedicine exist at the state level as well. The Ohio Senate just passed a measure that would bar the procedure, despite the fact that medical abortions have been safely provided in the state via telemedicine for the last two years.
Lauren Blauvelt-Copelin, the vice president of government affairs and public advocacy of Planned Parenthood in Ohio, argues that banning the use of telemedicine for abortions is designed to get rid of abortion access, not to increase safety for pregnant people.
“The goal of Senate Bill 260 is not better health care for Ohioans or patient safety, its sole purpose is to push access to safe, legal abortion further out of reach and against the will of the majority of Ohioans.” Blauvelt-Copelin, said.
Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND), another sponsor of the federal bill to ban telemedicine abortion, appeared to admit the bill is not about the safety of the mother but about throwing up barriers to people seeking an abortion.
“Killing an unborn child is wrong, and encouraging women to undergo that procedure without knowing the impact is egregious,” Cramer said in a statement supporting the telemedicine ban.
In states where it is legal, telemedicine provides a safe way for people to obtain an abortion early in pregnancy, regardless of where they live.
Taking that away doesn’t help anyone, but serves only to push abortions out of reach for many.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-03-13--Trump's favorite Evangelical leaders are peddling coronavirus lies

Evangelical leaders with close ties to Donald Trump are peddling false conspiracy theories and lies to downplay the COVID-19 outbreak , even as actual public health experts warn that without drastic measures the virus could overrun the country 's health system .
Jerry Falwell Jr. — whose early endorsement of Trump in the 2016 primary helped Trump rise in popularity with the Evangelical community — said on `` Fox & Friends '' Friday morning that people are `` overreacting '' to the virus .
`` It makes you wonder if there 's a political reason for that .
Impeachment did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't work and Article 25 did n't work so maybe now this is their next attempt to get Trump , '' Falwell said Friday morning , referring to the Constitutional Amendment that some said could be used to remove Trump from power .
Falwell then summoned a baseless conspiracy theory that North Korea may be behind the virus , saying he thought of it only because someone at a restaurant reminded him that North Korea 's Kim Jong Un had sarcastically promised Trump a `` Christmas present '' last year .
Peddling conspiracy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it could convince people vulnerable to the virus that they do n't have to follow public health experts ' advice to practice social distancing .
In fact , polls show that Republican voters — such as those who make up a broad swath of `` Fox & Friends '' viewership — are less likely to view the coronavirus as a threat than Democrats .
An Axios/Survey Monkey poll this month found that 62 % of Republicans think the severity of the coronavirus is `` generally exaggerated . ''
And given that faith leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , pushing lies that contradict actual public health experts ' advice is equally dangerous .
Falwell is n't the only faith leader close to Trump who has minimized the virus ' threat .
On Wednesday , David Herzog Ministries — run by a man who was part of a prayer breakfast at the Trump Hotel during Trump 's inauguration — announced that it will hold a conference from April 9 to April 12 , despite calls to cancel large gatherings over fears of the virus spreading .
According to Right Wing Watch , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ministries wrote : `` Today many people including Believers are in fear of the corona virus [ sic ] among other sicknesses .
But the Word of God promises us protection from these very things . ''
Paula White , one of Trump 's `` spiritual advisers , '' is also scheduled to speak at the conference , which promises `` supernatural protection that is activated when we apply Jesus Blood and celebrate the Passover Lamb , '' Right Wing Watch reported .
And Kenneth Copeland — a televangelist whose wife , Gloria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to heal viewers of his televised sermon of the coronavirus through the television screen .
Copeland made headlines recently when he defended his use of private jets and lavish lifestyle .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Evangelical leaders with close ties to Donald Trump are peddling false conspiracy theories and lies to downplay the COVID-19 outbreak, even as actual public health experts warn that without drastic measures the virus could overrun the country’s health system.
Jerry Falwell Jr. — whose early endorsement of Trump in the 2016 primary helped Trump rise in popularity with the Evangelical community — said on “Fox & Friends” Friday morning that people are “overreacting” to the virus.
“It makes you wonder if there’s a political reason for that. Impeachment didn’t work and the Mueller report didn’t work and Article 25 didn’t work so maybe now this is their next attempt to get Trump,” Falwell said Friday morning, referring to the Constitutional Amendment that some said could be used to remove Trump from power.
Falwell then summoned a baseless conspiracy theory that North Korea may be behind the virus, saying he thought of it only because someone at a restaurant reminded him that North Korea’s Kim Jong Un had sarcastically promised Trump a “Christmas present” last year.
Peddling conspiracy theories like this are dangerous, as it could convince people vulnerable to the virus that they don’t have to follow public health experts’ advice to practice social distancing.
In fact, polls show that Republican voters — such as those who make up a broad swath of “Fox & Friends” viewership — are less likely to view the coronavirus as a threat than Democrats.
An Axios/Survey Monkey poll this month found that 62% of Republicans think the severity of the coronavirus is “generally exaggerated.”
And given that faith leaders often have considerable sway among their followers, pushing lies that contradict actual public health experts’ advice is equally dangerous.
Falwell isn’t the only faith leader close to Trump who has minimized the virus’ threat.
On Wednesday, David Herzog Ministries — run by a man who was part of a prayer breakfast at the Trump Hotel during Trump’s inauguration — announced that it will hold a conference from April 9 to April 12, despite calls to cancel large gatherings over fears of the virus spreading.
According to Right Wing Watch, in announcing the conference, David Herzog Ministries wrote: “Today many people including Believers are in fear of the corona virus [sic] among other sicknesses. But the Word of God promises us protection from these very things.”
Paula White, one of Trump’s “spiritual advisers,” is also scheduled to speak at the conference, which promises “supernatural protection that is activated when we apply Jesus Blood and celebrate the Passover Lamb,” Right Wing Watch reported.
And Kenneth Copeland — a televangelist whose wife, Gloria, advised Trump’s campaign — claimed to heal viewers of his televised sermon of the coronavirus through the television screen.
Copeland made headlines recently when he defended his use of private jets and lavish lifestyle.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-03-13--Trump's payroll tax cuts won't help those hit hardest by coronavirus

Donald Trump continues to insist that a payroll tax cut is needed to deal with the coronavirus pandemic , even though economists say it wo n't help those most directly impacted by the outbreak .
`` If you want to get money into the hands of people quickly & efficiently , let them have the full money that they earned , APPROVE A PAYROLL TAX CUT until the end of the year , December 31 , '' Trump tweeted Friday morning .
`` Then you are doing something that is really meaningful .
Only that will make a big difference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump tweeted about a payroll tax cut this month , but experts doubt such a measure is the most effective way to respond to the current crisis .
An analysis by the Tax Foundation found that a payroll tax cut `` would not be well-targeted to those most vulnerable to economic disruption . ''
A payroll tax cut only helps people who have jobs , but the Tax Foundation points out that low-income and hourly workers are those most likely to lose their jobs as the economy continues to veer towards a recession @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the biggest health impact of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the new coronavirus .
As the Tax Foundation noted , retirees `` are not in the labor force and will not benefit from the tax cut . ''
Josh Bivens , research director at the Economic Policy Institute , said in an email Friday that the amount of money such a tax cut would cost — roughly $ 800 billion — is `` the relative size and scale that we need , '' but nonetheless criticized the idea .
A payroll tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said , adding that the `` employer-side cut is a pure windfall to employers and wo n't go to workers . ''
Bivens also criticized the speed at which such a measure would take place , saying it would raise paychecks by less than 10 % per week .
`` Something quicker and bigger is needed , '' he added .
There are other options that could more effectively help a larger number of people , Seth Hanlon , a senior fellow with the Center for American Progress , said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unemployment benefits , more nutrition assistance , paid leave , assistance to states to address the epidemic , and an expansion of small business credit `` are much more targeted ways to deliver aid to those most affected . ''
He also suggested direct payments to all households , a measure that would reach people who are out of work and seniors , as well as those in the workforce .
In a March 9 article , Bivens also made the case for direct payments to households , noting that former President George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This time around , Bivens suggested $ 1,000 for each individual and $ 500 per child , and recommended double that amount for lower-income households .
Beyond the stock market tumbling , the economic impacts of the outbreak are already hitting some industries , according to a Wednesday report in the Washington Post .
So far , the biggest impact is among entry-level workers , young workers , and those engaged in the gig economy .
`` We will definitely see an effect on jobs from the coronavirus , and it could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Julia Pollak , labor economist at ZipRecruiter , told the Post .
`` The first thing we ’ ll see is a reduction in hours .
We hear many reports of employers canceling staff everywhere except in health care . ''
As of March 12 , there are more than 1,200 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States , and at least 36 people have died , according to data compiled by the National Governors Association .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Donald Trump continues to insist that a payroll tax cut is needed to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, even though economists say it won’t help those most directly impacted by the outbreak.
“If you want to get money into the hands of people quickly & efficiently, let them have the full money that they earned, APPROVE A PAYROLL TAX CUT until the end of the year, December 31,” Trump tweeted Friday morning. “Then you are doing something that is really meaningful. Only that will make a big difference!”
It was the sixth time Trump tweeted about a payroll tax cut this month, but experts doubt such a measure is the most effective way to respond to the current crisis.
An analysis by the Tax Foundation found that a payroll tax cut “would not be well-targeted to those most vulnerable to economic disruption.”
A payroll tax cut only helps people who have jobs, but the Tax Foundation points out that low-income and hourly workers are those most likely to lose their jobs as the economy continues to veer towards a recession.
Elderly people seem to be experiencing the biggest health impact of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. As the Tax Foundation noted, retirees “are not in the labor force and will not benefit from the tax cut.”
Josh Bivens, research director at the Economic Policy Institute, said in an email Friday that the amount of money such a tax cut would cost — roughly $800 billion — is “the relative size and scale that we need,” but nonetheless criticized the idea.
A payroll tax cut “is very poorly targeted,” he said, adding that the “employer-side cut is a pure windfall to employers and won’t go to workers.”
Bivens also criticized the speed at which such a measure would take place, saying it would raise paychecks by less than 10% per week.
“Something quicker and bigger is needed,” he added.
There are other options that could more effectively help a larger number of people, Seth Hanlon, a senior fellow with the Center for American Progress, said in a Friday email.
Hanlon said emergency unemployment benefits, more nutrition assistance, paid leave, assistance to states to address the epidemic, and an expansion of small business credit “are much more targeted ways to deliver aid to those most affected.”
He also suggested direct payments to all households, a measure that would reach people who are out of work and seniors, as well as those in the workforce.
In a March 9 article, Bivens also made the case for direct payments to households, noting that former President George W. Bush did so in February 2008. This time around, Bivens suggested $1,000 for each individual and $500 per child, and recommended double that amount for lower-income households.
Beyond the stock market tumbling, the economic impacts of the outbreak are already hitting some industries, according to a Wednesday report in the Washington Post. So far, the biggest impact is among entry-level workers, young workers, and those engaged in the gig economy.
“We will definitely see an effect on jobs from the coronavirus, and it could be pretty large in leisure and hospitality,” Julia Pollak, labor economist at ZipRecruiter, told the Post. “The first thing we’ll see is a reduction in hours. We hear many reports of employers canceling staff everywhere except in health care.”
As of March 12, there are more than 1,200 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States, and at least 36 people have died, according to data compiled by the National Governors Association.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-03-13--Trump finally decides fighting coronavirus might be as important as his wall

The American Hospital Association , American Nurses Association , and American Medical Association have all urged Donald Trump to declare the COVID-19 outbreak a national disaster or emergency under the Stafford Act or National Emergencies Act .
By Friday morning , Trump finally appeared ready to do so .
In a joint letter on Thursday , the groups argued that this step would better allow the federal government `` to ensure that health care services and sufficient health care items are available '' to respond to the crisis .
Such a move would allow FEMA to take action and make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Medicaid , and the Children 's Health Insurance Program to support communities .
On Friday , Bloomberg reported that Trump has at last reluctantly agreed to declare and emergency .
`` Trump plans to declare a national emergency over the coronavirus outbreak , invoking the Stafford Act to open the door to more federal aid for states and municipalities , '' senior White House reporter Jennifer Jacobs tweeted .
Last week , Trump said declaring a national emergency would be premature .
`` I do n't think you 'll need that , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good shape , '' he claimed last Monday .
`` We 're prepared for anything .
And we can always do that at a later date if we need it . ''
On Thursday , news reports suggested an emergency declaration was imminent , but Trump demurred .
`` I don ’ t want to say that , but you know , at some point , '' he told reporters when asked if an order was coming .
Politico reported on Wednesday that Trump has resisted calling the current outbreak an emergency because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crisis and pretend everything is under control .
`` The president isn ’ t persuaded because [ an emergency declaration ] contradicts his message that this is the flu , '' a Trump confidant told the paper .
A former Homeland Security official added that the administration worried the `` optics of national emergency '' could hurt the stock market , tourism , and travel .
Trump 's delayed action on the virus stands in stark contrast to his decision to issue an emergency declaration last February about the southern border .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ border presents a border security and humanitarian crisis that threatens core national security interests and constitutes a national emergency , '' he wrote .
He claimed that action gave him the power to take billions of dollars from defense programs to pay for his wall .
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the delay .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported more than 1,200 coronavirus cases and 36 deaths in the United States already .
Experts believe hundreds of thousands of others may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been tested .
Trump , meanwhile , took to Twitter late Thursday to mock the Obama administration for taking too long to declare a national emergency over the 2009 H1N1 swine flu .
`` President Obama made changes that only complicated things further , '' he tweeted .
`` Their response to H1N1 Swine Flu was a full scale disaster , with thousands dying , and nothing meaningful done to fix the testing problem , until now . ''
He claimed `` changes have been made '' since then and suggested more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a very large scale basis . ''
`` All Red Tape has been cut , ready to go ! ''
he wrote .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

The American Hospital Association, American Nurses Association, and American Medical Association have all urged Donald Trump to declare the COVID-19 outbreak a national disaster or emergency under the Stafford Act or National Emergencies Act.
By Friday morning, Trump finally appeared ready to do so.
In a joint letter on Thursday, the groups argued that this step would better allow the federal government “to ensure that health care services and sufficient health care items are available” to respond to the crisis. Such a move would allow FEMA to take action and make it easier for programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program to support communities.
On Friday, Bloomberg reported that Trump has at last reluctantly agreed to declare and emergency.
“Trump plans to declare a national emergency over the coronavirus outbreak, invoking the Stafford Act to open the door to more federal aid for states and municipalities,” senior White House reporter Jennifer Jacobs tweeted.
Last week, Trump said declaring a national emergency would be premature. “I don’t think you’ll need that, because I really think we’re in extremely good shape,” he claimed last Monday. “We’re prepared for anything. And we can always do that at a later date if we need it.”
On Thursday, news reports suggested an emergency declaration was imminent, but Trump demurred. “I don’t want to say that, but you know, at some point,” he told reporters when asked if an order was coming.
Politico reported on Wednesday that Trump has resisted calling the current outbreak an emergency because it would undermine his attempts to downplay the crisis and pretend everything is under control.
“The president isn’t persuaded because [an emergency declaration] contradicts his message that this is the flu,” a Trump confidant told the paper.
A former Homeland Security official added that the administration worried the “optics of national emergency” could hurt the stock market, tourism, and travel.
Trump’s delayed action on the virus stands in stark contrast to his decision to issue an emergency declaration last February about the southern border. “The current situation at the southern border presents a border security and humanitarian crisis that threatens core national security interests and constitutes a national emergency,” he wrote. He claimed that action gave him the power to take billions of dollars from defense programs to pay for his wall.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the delay.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported more than 1,200 coronavirus cases and 36 deaths in the United States already. Experts believe hundreds of thousands of others may be undiagnosed, as so few people have been tested.
Trump, meanwhile, took to Twitter late Thursday to mock the Obama administration for taking too long to declare a national emergency over the 2009 H1N1 swine flu.
“President Obama made changes that only complicated things further,” he tweeted. “Their response to H1N1 Swine Flu was a full scale disaster, with thousands dying, and nothing meaningful done to fix the testing problem, until now.”
He claimed “changes have been made” since then and suggested more coronavirus testing would “soon happen on a very large scale basis.”
“All Red Tape has been cut, ready to go!” he wrote.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.