rollcall--2020-05-21--At the Races: (Democratic) Party like it’s 2018

Welcome to At the Races !
Each week we ’ ll bring you news and analysis from the CQ Roll Call team that will keep you informed about the 2020 election .
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If there was any doubt about Democrats ’ plans to make the 2020 elections all about health care , the leaders of each national Democratic organization cleared that up this week with an unusual joint memo .
“ Voters know that Democrats are the party of health care .
We ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through November , ” the leaders of the five major party organizations , including the Democratic National Committee and the House and Senate campaign arms , said in a joint statement .
Democrats believe focusing on GOP efforts to dismantle the 2010 health care law led to success up and down the ballot in 2018 .
And their memo underscores how they ’ re doubling down on the issue amid a global health crisis .
Republicans still believe they can pin vulnerable Democrats to more liberal policies like “ Medicare for All , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with former Vice President Joe Biden at the top of the ticket , who instead supports adding a public health care option .
Democrats are already going on the attack on health care .
Look no further than the hotly contested Montana Senate race where the state ’ s Democratic Gov .
Steve Bullock is challenging incumbent GOP Sen. Steve Daines .

Stephanie Akin, Bridget Bowman, and Kate Ackley

Welcome to At the Races! Each week we’ll bring you news and analysis from the CQ Roll Call team that will keep you informed about the 2020 election. Know someone who’d like to get this newsletter? They can subscribe here.
If there was any doubt about Democrats’ plans to make the 2020 elections all about health care, the leaders of each national Democratic organization cleared that up this week with an unusual joint memo.
“Voters know that Democrats are the party of health care. We’re going to keep reminding them of that through November,” the leaders of the five major party organizations, including the Democratic National Committee and the House and Senate campaign arms, said in a joint statement.
Democrats believe focusing on GOP efforts to dismantle the 2010 health care law led to success up and down the ballot in 2018. And their memo underscores how they’re doubling down on the issue amid a global health crisis. Republicans still believe they can pin vulnerable Democrats to more liberal policies like “Medicare for All,” but that may be more difficult with former Vice President Joe Biden at the top of the ticket, who instead supports adding a public health care option.
Democrats are already going on the attack on health care. Look no further than the hotly contested Montana Senate race where the state’s Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock is challenging incumbent GOP Sen. Steve Daines.


rollcall--2020-05-21--Senate Foreign Relations advances controversial Trump nominee in party-line vote

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee , in a party-line 12-10 vote Thursday , advanced the nomination of Michael Pack to lead the government ’ s international broadcasting operations after an exceptionally heated exchange between the panel ’ s Republicans and Democrats about breaking committee tradition by moving forward with a nominee who is under an active criminal investigation .
President Donald Trump has made confirming Pack , who was first nominated nearly two years ago to lead the U.S. Agency for Global Media , a priority .
Trump is seen as especially wanting an ally in place to make editorial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coverage of China ’ s handling of the coronavirus pandemic he has criticized .
The vote came after the committee agreed to move into a closed session for roughly 20 minutes to discuss Democrats ’ concerns with the nominee .
Last week , the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia disclosed to ranking member Bob Menendez of New Jersey that it was actively investigating Pack for alleged self-dealing and self-enrichment .
Menendez said Pack had transferred roughly $ 4.3 million in grants from a nonprofit “ that he totally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ totally controls ” and had not been honest about that in his IRS tax filings or in his official responses to the committee as part of his confirmation process .
Democrats offered seven motions to postpone a vote on Pack .
All were rejected in party-line votes .

CORRECTED, June 4 | The Senate Foreign Relations Committee, in a party-line 12-10 vote Thursday, advanced the nomination of Michael Pack to lead the government’s international broadcasting operations after an exceptionally heated exchange between the panel’s Republicans and Democrats about breaking committee tradition by moving forward with a nominee who is under an active criminal investigation.
President Donald Trump has made confirming Pack, who was first nominated nearly two years ago to lead the U.S. Agency for Global Media, a priority. Trump is seen as especially wanting an ally in place to make editorial changes at Voice of America, whose coverage of China’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic he has criticized.
The vote came after the committee agreed to move into a closed session for roughly 20 minutes to discuss Democrats’ concerns with the nominee. Last week, the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia disclosed to ranking member Bob Menendez of New Jersey that it was actively investigating Pack for alleged self-dealing and self-enrichment.
Menendez said Pack had transferred roughly $4.3 million in grants from a nonprofit “that he totally controls to his for-profit company that he totally controls” and had not been honest about that in his IRS tax filings or in his official responses to the committee as part of his confirmation process.
Democrats offered seven motions to postpone a vote on Pack. All were rejected in party-line votes.


rollcall--2020-05-22--Rep. Tim Ryan’s plan for TikTok domination

“ Bella , do you think I ’ m cool now ?
” Rep. Tim Ryan asked his daughter .
@ @ @ @ @ phone with Heard on the Hill discussing his fresh new TikTok account when the 16-year-old @ @ @ @ @ daughter has been doing these , ” he explained .
“ I kinda knew about @ @ @ @ @ whole lot.
” With approval from his teenage daughter and a little ( read : @ @ @ @ @ from his press team , the Ohio Democrat , who says he isn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ , ” made his lip-syncing debut this month .
His song of choice ?
“ @ @ @ @ @ ” the catchy track from Tyga and Curtis Roach that ’ s become the unofficial @ @ @ @ @ , thanks to lines like “ Locked down , I ’ m gon na stay @ @ @ @ @ Ramen noodles every night for my din din .
”

“Bella, do you think I’m cool now?” Rep. Tim Ryan asked his daughter.
The lawmaker was on the phone with Heard on the Hill discussing his fresh new TikTok account when the 16-year-old walked in.
“My daughter has been doing these,” he explained. “I kinda knew about it, but not a whole lot.”
With approval from his teenage daughter and a little (read: a lot of) help from his press team, the Ohio Democrat, who says he isn’t a “big karaoke guy,” made his lip-syncing debut this month.
His song of choice? “Bored in the House,” the catchy track from Tyga and Curtis Roach that’s become the unofficial anthem of the coronavirus pandemic, thanks to lines like “Locked down, I’m gonna stay stayin’ in in / Ramen noodles every night for my din din.”


rollcall--2020-05-21--Transportation Department says House letter on watchdog demotion contains ‘numerous errors’

The Department of Transportation told House Democrats their allegations that the department 's acting inspector general was wrongly terminated “ contains numerous errors of fact and law.
” In a letter sent Thursday afternoon , Steven G. Bradbury , the DOT ’ s general counsel who is also performing the duties of deputy secretary , took umbrage at a Tuesday letter from House Oversight and Reform Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney , D-N.Y. , House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter A. DeFazio , D-Ore. , and Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on Government Operations Chairman Gerald E. Connolly , D-Va. , saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Skip ” Elliott is unqualified for the position .
The Democrats ’ letter , Bradbury wrote , “ wholly mischaracterizes Skip Elliott ’ s background and experience.
” And he said Mitch Behm , the prior acting inspector general , was not removed from office but instead “ has long served and continues to serve in his position as Deputy Inspector General.
” In an emailed statement later Thursday , Maloney and DeFazio , said Bradbury 's letter ignored a clear conflict of interest in Elliott 's new role .
“ The response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seems to be trying to defend the idea that someone can serve both as a political appointee reporting directly to the Secretary and as an independent Inspector General charged with overseeing the Secretary ’ s actions , '' the Democrats wrote .
Our Committees will continue investigating this attack on the independence of Inspectors General .
”

The Department of Transportation told House Democrats their allegations that the department's acting inspector general was wrongly terminated “contains numerous errors of fact and law.”
In a letter sent Thursday afternoon, Steven G. Bradbury, the DOT’s general counsel who is also performing the duties of deputy secretary, took umbrage at a Tuesday letter from House Oversight and Reform Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney, D-N.Y., House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter A. DeFazio, D-Ore., and Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on Government Operations Chairman Gerald E. Connolly, D-Va., saying new acting Inspector General Howard R. “Skip” Elliott is unqualified for the position.
The Democrats’ letter, Bradbury wrote, “wholly mischaracterizes Skip Elliott’s background and experience.” And he said Mitch Behm, the prior acting inspector general, was not removed from office but instead “has long served and continues to serve in his position as Deputy Inspector General.”
In an emailed statement later Thursday, Maloney and DeFazio, said Bradbury's letter ignored a clear conflict of interest in Elliott's new role.
“The response today from the Department of Transportation actually seems to be trying to defend the idea that someone can serve both as a political appointee reporting directly to the Secretary and as an independent Inspector General charged with overseeing the Secretary’s actions," the Democrats wrote. Our Committees will continue investigating this attack on the independence of Inspectors General.”


rollcall--2020-05-22--USDA, FDA advise businesses in need of protective equipment

The agencies that oversee the U.S. food supply offered advice Friday to food and agriculture businesses in search of cloth face coverings , disinfectants and protective equipment to continue operations and reduce the likelihood of COVID-19 outbreaks .
In a joint announcement , the Agriculture Department and the Food and Drug Administration said manufacturers and suppliers should treat orders from the food and agriculture industries as priorities after filling orders from hospitals , retirement homes , long-term care , hospice and other health care-providing establishments , as well as the emergency responder community .
The focus on equipment and disinfectants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and poultry processing plants closed or slowed production because of COVID-19 outbreaks among workers .
Members of Congress and advocates for farmworkers have raised concerns about the availability of face coverings , protective gear and hand-washing stations for laborers who may work closely together , ride crowded transport and live in congested housing .
If suppliers can not meet their needs , USDA and the FDA said in an accompanying document that the food and agriculture sector can submit requests to state emergency management agencies .
Those requests should be as detailed as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ estimates of when on-hand supplies will run out .
USDA and FDA said it would also help to describe how the lack of equipment or supplies could affect “ the supply of food , agricultural commodities or agricultural inputs , and anticipated duration of its impact .
”

The agencies that oversee the U.S. food supply offered advice Friday to food and agriculture businesses in search of cloth face coverings, disinfectants and protective equipment to continue operations and reduce the likelihood of COVID-19 outbreaks.
In a joint announcement, the Agriculture Department and the Food and Drug Administration said manufacturers and suppliers should treat orders from the food and agriculture industries as priorities after filling orders from hospitals, retirement homes, long-term care, hospice and other health care-providing establishments, as well as the emergency responder community.
The focus on equipment and disinfectants in food-related industries has grown as meat and poultry processing plants closed or slowed production because of COVID-19 outbreaks among workers. Members of Congress and advocates for farmworkers have raised concerns about the availability of face coverings, protective gear and hand-washing stations for laborers who may work closely together, ride crowded transport and live in congested housing.
If suppliers cannot meet their needs, USDA and the FDA said in an accompanying document that the food and agriculture sector can submit requests to state emergency management agencies. Those requests should be as detailed as possible about quantities of supplies needed and estimates of when on-hand supplies will run out.
USDA and FDA said it would also help to describe how the lack of equipment or supplies could affect “the supply of food, agricultural commodities or agricultural inputs, and anticipated duration of its impact.”


rollcall--2020-05-22--Doggy doo, rucksacks and Starbucks: Congressional Hits and Misses

Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President Donald Trump traded jabs about dog poop and morbid obesity , while Sen. Joni Ernst @ @ @ @ @ with an enormous rucksack on the Senate floor .
Meanwhile , House Minority Leader Kevin @ @ @ @ @ favorite Starbucks on Capitol Hill , and Reps. Jared Huffman and Alan Lowenthal admired each @ @ @ @ @ .
[ Also watch – Masks of Congress : The Good , the Bad and @ @ @

Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President Donald Trump traded jabs about dog poop and morbid obesity, while Sen. Joni Ernst gave a Memorial Day tribute with an enormous rucksack on the Senate floor.
Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy continued to advertise his favorite Starbucks on Capitol Hill, and Reps. Jared Huffman and Alan Lowenthal admired each other’s quarantine beards.
[Also watch – Masks of Congress: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly]


rollcall--2020-05-22--Photos of the week ending May 22, 2020

Photos of the week ending May 22, 2020

President Donald Trump dropped by the Senate for lunch , two new House members were sworn in , and a @ @ @ @ @ Leader Kevin McCarthy .
CQ Roll Call ’ s photojournalists were there to capture all @ @ @ @ @ .

Bill Clark, Tom Williams, and Caroline Brehman

President Donald Trump dropped by the Senate for lunch, two new House members were sworn in, and a man yelled at House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy. CQ Roll Call’s photojournalists were there to capture all that and more this week.
Luther Wright works on a commissioned window mural for Brookfield Properties on New York Avenue Northwest in Washington on Monday. The “Togetherness Through Art” program hires local artists to create murals and provides boxed meals for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Speaker Nancy Pelosi talks with former California Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon, center, and Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs, left, in the Capitol on Tuesday. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Jett Garcia, son of newly sworn-in California Rep. Mike Garcia, plays in the bushes at the House Triangle on Tuesday as Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy holds a news conference for House newcomers Garcia and Tom Tiffany of Wisconsin. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
A member of House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s Capitol Police security detail confronts a cyclist who was yelling at the California Republican for not wearing a face mask outside the Capitol on Tuesday. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
President Donald Trump arrives for the Senate Republicans‘ lunch in the Hart Building on Tuesday. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)


rollcall--2020-05-26--House Republicans sue Nancy Pelosi to block proxy voting rule

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy , along with 20 other Republicans and four constituents , challenged the constitutionality of proxy @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday with a lawsuit aimed at Speaker Nancy Pelosi .
The plaintiffs claim that the @ @ @ @ @ spurred by the coronavirus pandemic — dilutes members ’ votes , and by extension , @ @ @ @ @ .
House GOP leadership aides explained the rationale in a background call with reporters Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ member of Congress has had their vote unconstitutionally diluted by this proxy vote and their @ @ @ @ @ in Congress diluted by this unconstitutional House Rule , ” a GOP leadership aide said @ @ @ @ @ initially about where the lawsuit would be filed .
Aides had said it would be @ @ @ @ @ .
Circuit , ” ostensibly referring to the United States Court of Appeals for the @ @ @ @ @ but subsequent messages referred to the D.C. District Court — two different entities .
It @ @ @ @ @ D.C. District Court .

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, along with 20 other Republicans and four constituents, challenged the constitutionality of proxy voting in the chamber on Tuesday with a lawsuit aimed at Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
The plaintiffs claim that the transition to proxy voting — spurred by the coronavirus pandemic — dilutes members’ votes, and by extension, their constituents’ collective representation.
House GOP leadership aides explained the rationale in a background call with reporters Tuesday afternoon.
“Each individual member of Congress has had their vote unconstitutionally diluted by this proxy vote and their constituents have had their representation in Congress diluted by this unconstitutional House Rule,” a GOP leadership aide said.
There was some confusion initially about where the lawsuit would be filed. Aides had said it would be filed in the “D.C. Circuit,” ostensibly referring to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, but subsequent messages referred to the D.C. District Court — two different entities. It was later filed in the D.C. District Court.


rollcall--2020-05-26--Coronavirus Special Report: The battle in Congress over voting

In tonight 's episode , we cover a raging battle over whether lawmakers should vote by proxy and examine the @ @ @ @ @ a way to help those who are unemployed .
Then , we look at how @ @ @ @ @ dismissal of an internal watchdog at the Health and Human Services Department .
• HHS @ @ @ @ @ the face of Trump ’ s criticism • Name ID could decide crowded primaries for @ @ @ @ @ government ’ s most experienced watchdog steps down

In tonight's episode, we cover a raging battle over whether lawmakers should vote by proxy and examine the bipartisan support for figuring out a way to help those who are unemployed. Then, we look at how an oversight committee examines the dismissal of an internal watchdog at the Health and Human Services Department.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-05-26--Bipartisan Senate bill would punish Chinese banks over Hong Kong crackdown

Fresh moves by China to override Hong Kong ’ s political autonomy have elicited bipartisan outrage on Capitol Hill with some lawmakers now pushing a bill that would require the eventual sanctioning of any Chinese bank that directly or indirectly enables the anti-democracy crackdown .
The Chinese Communist Party said last week that it will use the yearly meeting of its top political committee to bypass Hong Kong ’ s local legislature and enact a security law that would revoke many of the island territory ’ s political freedoms , criminalize “ foreign interference , ” and ban sedition and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the National People ’ s Congress could happen as soon as this week though Hong Kong democracy activists on Tuesday said they think it might take months for the law to be implemented locally .
The CCP is moving to unilaterally impose the national security measure after years of unsuccessful attempts to use the local Hong Kong legislature to pass other anti-democracy measures .
Each time Beijing did that , they were met with massive public protests , leading to the measures being withdrawn .
“ This is a sign of weakness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has to use the 'nuclear weapon ' in the face of persistent protest from Hong Kong , ” said Ching Kwan Lee , a visiting sociology professor at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , in a Tuesday Facebook Live briefing organized by the Washington-based Hong Kong Democracy Council .

Fresh moves by China to override Hong Kong’s political autonomy have elicited bipartisan outrage on Capitol Hill with some lawmakers now pushing a bill that would require the eventual sanctioning of any Chinese bank that directly or indirectly enables the anti-democracy crackdown.
The Chinese Communist Party said last week that it will use the yearly meeting of its top political committee to bypass Hong Kong’s local legislature and enact a security law that would revoke many of the island territory’s political freedoms, criminalize “foreign interference,” and ban sedition and subversion.
Rubber-stamp passage of the measure by the National People’s Congress could happen as soon as this week though Hong Kong democracy activists on Tuesday said they think it might take months for the law to be implemented locally.
The CCP is moving to unilaterally impose the national security measure after years of unsuccessful attempts to use the local Hong Kong legislature to pass other anti-democracy measures. Each time Beijing did that, they were met with massive public protests, leading to the measures being withdrawn.
“This is a sign of weakness on the part of Beijing that it has to use the 'nuclear weapon' in the face of persistent protest from Hong Kong,” said Ching Kwan Lee, a visiting sociology professor at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, in a Tuesday Facebook Live briefing organized by the Washington-based Hong Kong Democracy Council.


rollcall--2020-05-26--Justice Department closes investigations into Loeffler, Feinstein, Inhofe

Three senators under Department of Justice scrutiny for stock trades after coronavirus briefings had their matters closed by the agency Tuesday , but a fourth lawmaker — Sen. Richard M. Burr , R-N.C. — remains under investigation .
Sen. Dianne Feinstein , a California Democrat , Sen. Kelly Loeffler , a Georgia Republican and Sen. James M. Inhofe , an Oklahoma Republican , were all notified by DOJ prosecutors through their defense attorneys , the Wall Street Journal first reported .
The senators all sold significant amounts of stock before the coronavirus pandemic decimated the financial markets .
The market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Senate received briefings on the coming pandemic .
Although the DOJ investigations have run their course for the trio of senators , that does not necessarily mean the Securities and Exchange Commission ’ s inquiries are halted , according to Jacob S. Frenkel , a former senior counsel in the SEC ’ s enforcement division .
“ The closing of the DOJ investigations does not mean that the SEC ’ s investigations are closed , because the burden of proof for the Government is much higher in a criminal case — reasonable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action — preponderance of the evidence , ” Frenkel said .

Three senators under Department of Justice scrutiny for stock trades after coronavirus briefings had their matters closed by the agency Tuesday, but a fourth lawmaker — Sen. Richard M. Burr, R-N.C. — remains under investigation.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a California Democrat, Sen. Kelly Loeffler, a Georgia Republican and Sen. James M. Inhofe, an Oklahoma Republican, were all notified by DOJ prosecutors through their defense attorneys, the Wall Street Journal first reported.
The senators all sold significant amounts of stock before the coronavirus pandemic decimated the financial markets. The market plunge began in late February and after the Senate received briefings on the coming pandemic.
Although the DOJ investigations have run their course for the trio of senators, that does not necessarily mean the Securities and Exchange Commission’s inquiries are halted, according to Jacob S. Frenkel, a former senior counsel in the SEC’s enforcement division.
“The closing of the DOJ investigations does not mean that the SEC’s investigations are closed, because the burden of proof for the Government is much higher in a criminal case — reasonable doubt — than in a civil enforcement action — preponderance of the evidence,” Frenkel said.


rollcall--2020-05-26--Name ID could decide crowded primaries for open Indiana seats

With a global pandemic gobbling up news coverage and traditional campaigning replaced with debates and virtual events conducted over Zoom , next Tuesday ’ s primaries for two House races in Indiana could come down to which candidate has the most familiar name in districts where longtime incumbents are retiring .
Fifteen Republicans and five Democrats are duking it out for their parties ’ nominations in Rep. Susan W. Brooks ’ central Indiana district , which the Republican has held since 2013 .
And 14 Democrats and six Republicans are battling in primaries to replace Rep. Peter J. Visclosky , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is expected to flip , though Democrats are more bullish about their chances of taking Brooks ’ 5th District seat , which includes the Indianapolis suburbs , than Republicans are about flipping Visclosky ’ s 1st District in northwest Indiana ’ s Chicago suburbs .
Brooks ran and won as a moderate , but that was seven years ago .
Now , the Republicans bidding to replace her have , for the most part , embraced the politics of President Donald Trump , all vying to show who is most loyal to him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ science professor at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis .

With a global pandemic gobbling up news coverage and traditional campaigning replaced with debates and virtual events conducted over Zoom, next Tuesday’s primaries for two House races in Indiana could come down to which candidate has the most familiar name in districts where longtime incumbents are retiring.
Fifteen Republicans and five Democrats are duking it out for their parties’ nominations in Rep. Susan W. Brooks’ central Indiana district, which the Republican has held since 2013.
And 14 Democrats and six Republicans are battling in primaries to replace Rep. Peter J. Visclosky, a 35-year House veteran.
Neither seat is expected to flip, though Democrats are more bullish about their chances of taking Brooks’ 5th District seat, which includes the Indianapolis suburbs, than Republicans are about flipping Visclosky’s 1st District in northwest Indiana’s Chicago suburbs.
The Trump factor
Brooks ran and won as a moderate, but that was seven years ago. Now, the Republicans bidding to replace her have, for the most part, embraced the politics of President Donald Trump, all vying to show who is most loyal to him, said William Blomquist, a political science professor at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.


rollcall--2020-05-26--HHS OIG calls for independence in the face of Trump’s criticism

The acting inspector general for the Department of Health and Human Services , who faced criticism from President Donald Trump last month , emphasized during a congressional briefing Tuesday the importance of independent oversight from the nation ’ s watchdogs .
“ I view and the community views independence and effectiveness of an IG as a key safeguard for the programs that we oversee , ” Christi Grimm , the department 's principal deputy inspector general , told the House Oversight and Reform Committee .
“ It ’ s what allows us to bring our objective judgement to bear on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run the programs are hearing what they want to hear or what they want to see the programs be doing .
The briefings come as Democrats raise concerns about whether Trump is targeting inspectors general across the administration .
A top official in the Pentagon ’ s Inspector General office , Glenn Fine , resigned Tuesday .
Fine is one of five inspectors general to have been recently demoted or dismissed by Trump in highly unusual moves .
The HHS office has been without a permanent inspector general since last year , Grimm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he intended to nominate Jason Weida , an assistant U.S. attorney general in Boston , to the post .

The acting inspector general for the Department of Health and Human Services, who faced criticism from President Donald Trump last month, emphasized during a congressional briefing Tuesday the importance of independent oversight from the nation’s watchdogs.
“I view and the community views independence and effectiveness of an IG as a key safeguard for the programs that we oversee,” Christi Grimm, the department's principal deputy inspector general, told the House Oversight and Reform Committee. “It’s what allows us to bring our objective judgement to bear on problems without worrying about whether those that run the programs are hearing what they want to hear or what they want to see the programs be doing.
The briefings come as Democrats raise concerns about whether Trump is targeting inspectors general across the administration. A top official in the Pentagon’s Inspector General office, Glenn Fine, resigned Tuesday. Fine is one of five inspectors general to have been recently demoted or dismissed by Trump in highly unusual moves.
[Trump’s pick for Pentagon watchdog prompts questions]
The HHS office has been without a permanent inspector general since last year, Grimm said. Trump said earlier this month he intended to nominate Jason Weida, an assistant U.S. attorney general in Boston, to the post.


rollcall--2020-05-26--Memorial Day 2020: Presidential race still leaning Biden

ANALYSIS — More than two months ago , even before COVID-19 became all-consuming in our lives , I wrote a column arguing that the presidential race had changed from a toss-up/tilting Democratic to leaning Democratic .
That significant change had nothing to do with the coronavirus .
Instead , it followed from changes in the fundamentals of the 2020 presidential contest , including the end of the Democratic race , the inevitable nomination of former Vice President Joe Biden , and President Donald Trump ’ s continued poor standing in the polls .
Now , a little more than two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much has happened .
Approximately 100,000 Americans have died from the coronavirus .
The stock market went down and then back up again .
Tens of millions of Americans have become unemployed .
Multiple inspectors general have been fired .
There have been political gaffes and controversies .
And the president has tweeted and tweeted and tweeted .
Despite all these developments , I see little reason to change my assessment of the presidential race .
The country is as polarized as it was two months ago , and the trajectory of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holding a comfortable lead in national polling and having multiple paths to 270 electoral votes .
While daily developments give the cable television networks something to chatter about , today ’ s big story will be replaced by a new one tomorrow , and another one the day after that .
But the fundamentals of the race remain unchanged .

ANALYSIS — More than two months ago, even before COVID-19 became all-consuming in our lives, I wrote a column arguing that the presidential race had changed from a toss-up/tilting Democratic to leaning Democratic.
That significant change had nothing to do with the coronavirus. Instead, it followed from changes in the fundamentals of the 2020 presidential contest, including the end of the Democratic race, the inevitable nomination of former Vice President Joe Biden, and President Donald Trump’s continued poor standing in the polls.
Now, a little more than two months after that March 18 column, much has happened. Approximately 100,000 Americans have died from the coronavirus. The stock market went down and then back up again. Tens of millions of Americans have become unemployed. Multiple inspectors general have been fired. There have been political gaffes and controversies. And the president has tweeted and tweeted and tweeted.
Despite all these developments, I see little reason to change my assessment of the presidential race. The country is as polarized as it was two months ago, and the trajectory of the contest is essentially unchanged, with Biden holding a comfortable lead in national polling and having multiple paths to 270 electoral votes.
While daily developments give the cable television networks something to chatter about, today’s big story will be replaced by a new one tomorrow, and another one the day after that. But the fundamentals of the race remain unchanged.


rollcall--2020-05-26--U.S. government’s most experienced watchdog steps down

Glenn Fine , a top official in the Pentagon inspector general ’ s office , stepped down Tuesday in the latest installment of a recent drama over internal oversight in the Trump administration .
Fine , who is one of five inspectors general to have been recently demoted or dismissed by President Donald Trump , issued a statement underscoring the importance of IGs remaining above the partisan fray .
“ The role of Inspectors General is a strength of our system of government , ” he said .
“ They provide independent oversight to help improve government operations in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ component of our system of checks and balances , and I am grateful to have been part of that system.
” Fine resigned from the Pentagon IG ’ s No .
2 job , the principal deputy IG .
But he had been the acting Pentagon IG from 2016 until last month .
As acting Pentagon IG , Fine had been chosen in late March by his fellow federal IGs to chair the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee , which Congress created to oversee a $ 2.3 trillion package to help the country respond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .

Glenn Fine, a top official in the Pentagon inspector general’s office, stepped down Tuesday in the latest installment of a recent drama over internal oversight in the Trump administration.
Fine, who is one of five inspectors general to have been recently demoted or dismissed by President Donald Trump, issued a statement underscoring the importance of IGs remaining above the partisan fray.
“The role of Inspectors General is a strength of our system of government,” he said. “They provide independent oversight to help improve government operations in a transparent way. They are a vital component of our system of checks and balances, and I am grateful to have been part of that system.”
Fine resigned from the Pentagon IG’s No. 2 job, the principal deputy IG. But he had been the acting Pentagon IG from 2016 until last month.
As acting Pentagon IG, Fine had been chosen in late March by his fellow federal IGs to chair the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee, which Congress created to oversee a $2.3 trillion package to help the country respond to the coronavirus outbreak (PL 116-136).


rollcall--2020-05-26--Photos: A most unusual Memorial Day weekend

This Memorial Day weekend was a time to remember the fallen as well as to document parts of the Mid-Atlantic @ @ @ @ @ new normal .
CQ Roll Call photojournalist Caroline Brehman spent a day in Ocean City @ @ @ @ @ beach town struggles to reopen for the summer season .
Closer t0 home , photojournalist @ @ @ @ @ distanced ceremonies and sights around the National Mall in Washington on Monday .

This Memorial Day weekend was a time to remember the fallen as well as to document parts of the Mid-Atlantic region slowly returning to a new normal. CQ Roll Call photojournalist Caroline Brehman spent a day in Ocean City, Md., as the beach town struggles to reopen for the summer season.
Closer t0 home, photojournalist Bill Clark captured the socially distanced ceremonies and sights around the National Mall in Washington on Monday.
Shops along the Ocean City, Md., boardwalk were open on Sunday for the unofficial start of summer over the Memorial Day weekend. Maryland lifted its stay-at-home order as it enters its first phase of reopening. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Crowds of visitors walk along the Ocean City boardwalk amid cool and cloudy conditions. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
A Marina Deck restaurant employee dressed in a crab costume holds a sign advertising that the establishment is open. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
An employee at Flashback Old Time Photos wears a face mask as she waits for customers along the Ocean City boardwalk on Sunday. The store posted a sign announcing its enhanced safety procedures, including sanitizing costumes and employee temperature checks. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Employees adjust their face masks as they wait for customers on the Ocean City boardwalk. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
A boy chases a flock of seagulls along the Ocean City boardwalk. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Friends of the National World War II Memorial, as well as the National Park Service, host a private wreath-laying ceremony at the World War II Memorial in Washington on Monday. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Visitors at the Lincoln Memorial take in the view as a recent graduate poses for graduation photos on Monday. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
President Donald Trump’s motrocade passes by the Lincoln Memorial on the way to Arlington National Cemetery on Monday. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Visitors wearing face masks pay their respects at the Korean War Veterans Memorial. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)


rollcall--2020-05-26--Victims’ lives turn on coming military sexual assault debate

It happened almost four years ago , but the pain for Adrian Perry was still brutal last week as she @ @ @ @ @ phone about how her young daughters had been sexually abused .
It is a personal @ @ @ @ @ debate .
The abuse had happened in the summer of 2016 , at Camp Lejeune @ @ @ @ @ her twin girls had just turned 6 and an older daughter was 10 .
Her @ @ @ @ @ , Marine Corps Col. Daniel Wilson , had abused the twins , with one of @ @ @ @ @ occasions , Perry said .
It had happened during several of the periodic visits Perry @ @ @ @ @ the home of Wilson and his wife .
Perry found out about it later , @ @ @ @ @ kids .

It happened almost four years ago, but the pain for Adrian Perry was still brutal last week as she spoke through tears on the phone about how her young daughters had been sexually abused.
It is a personal story that dramatizes a policy debate.
The abuse had happened in the summer of 2016, at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, when her twin girls had just turned 6 and an older daughter was 10.
Her husband’s former boss, Marine Corps Col. Daniel Wilson, had abused the twins, with one of the girls victimized on multiple occasions, Perry said.
It had happened during several of the periodic visits Perry and her girls paid to the home of Wilson and his wife. Perry found out about it later, she said, from her kids.


rollcall--2020-05-27--Iowa Rep. Steve King facing toughest primary yet

Rep. Steve King reminded those watching a virtual candidate forum on Facebook on Saturday that he has never lost a race .
But that could change next week .
While it ’ s rare for incumbents to lose primaries , the Iowa Republican is facing a close race against state Sen. Randy Feenstra , who has outraised him and has help from outside groups ahead of Tuesday ’ s primary .
King has a history of making controversial and racist comments , but he ’ s in trouble this year because his colleagues decided to punish him .
House Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year after he questioned when terms like “ white supremacist ” became offensive , and Feenstra and his allies have emphasized King ’ s loss of influence in their closing messages to voters .
Outside groups involved in the race have an additional motive : making sure King doesn ’ t become a drag on other Iowa Republicans , especially Sen. Joni Ernst , in November .
“ It ’ s the most contested primary we ’ ve seen in this district since redistricting , ” said Story County GOP Chairman Brett Barker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
King appeared vulnerable to a primary challenge after Democrat J.D .
Scholten came close to defeating him in the rural 4th District in 2018 .

Rep. Steve King reminded those watching a virtual candidate forum on Facebook on Saturday that he has never lost a race. But that could change next week.
While it’s rare for incumbents to lose primaries, the Iowa Republican is facing a close race against state Sen. Randy Feenstra, who has outraised him and has help from outside groups ahead of Tuesday’s primary. King has a history of making controversial and racist comments, but he’s in trouble this year because his colleagues decided to punish him.
House Republicans stripped him of his committee assignments last year after he questioned when terms like “white supremacist” became offensive, and Feenstra and his allies have emphasized King’s loss of influence in their closing messages to voters. Outside groups involved in the race have an additional motive: making sure King doesn’t become a drag on other Iowa Republicans, especially Sen. Joni Ernst, in November.
“It’s the most contested primary we’ve seen in this district since redistricting,” said Story County GOP Chairman Brett Barker, who is neutral in the race.
A congressman without committees
King appeared vulnerable to a primary challenge after Democrat J.D. Scholten came close to defeating him in the rural 4th District in 2018.


rollcall--2020-05-27--Amtrak sees service cuts without an additional $1.48 billion for 2021

Amtrak 's top executive said Acela and other Northeast Corridor routes could be curtailed if Congress does not approve $ @ @ @ @ @ in fiscal 2021 .
In a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Mike @ @ @ @ @ and CEO Bill Flynn said the money was needed for Amtrak to continue to operate @ @ @ @ @ passenger rail network and continue necessary capital investments .
Amtrak had already requested $ 2.04 @ @ @ @ @ for the railroad ’ s Northeast Corridor and $ 1.33 billion for its national network @ @ @ @ @ .
The additional request , which would be on top of that $ 2.04 billion @ @ @ @ @ million to the Northeast Corridor and $ 567 million to the national network .
“ @ @ @ @ @ of this pandemic and its economic fallout become clearer , we are seeking supplemental federal @ @ @ @ @ year , ” Flynn wrote .

Amtrak's top executive said Acela and other Northeast Corridor routes could be curtailed if Congress does not approve $1.48 billion in supplemental funding in fiscal 2021.
In a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Mike Pence Tuesday, Amtrak President and CEO Bill Flynn said the money was needed for Amtrak to continue to operate minimum service levels across the passenger rail network and continue necessary capital investments.
Amtrak had already requested $2.04 billion — $714 million for the railroad’s Northeast Corridor and $1.33 billion for its national network — for fiscal year 2021. The additional request, which would be on top of that $2.04 billion, would provide $909 million to the Northeast Corridor and $567 million to the national network.
“As the severity and duration of this pandemic and its economic fallout become clearer, we are seeking supplemental federal funding for the next fiscal year,” Flynn wrote.
[House spending bill would boost transit, Amtrak, highways]


rollcall--2020-05-27--Firefighters seek rough parity with police in virus aid efforts

Police and firefighters weren ’ t forgotten when Congress passed a $ 2 trillion coronavirus relief package in March .
Within a week of the law ’ s enactment , aid began flowing to states and cities through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program , run by the Justice Department .
Much of that aid goes to police departments across the country , which have received more than $ 143 million so far , according to a CQ Roll Call analysis of grant recipients .
But firefighters , who were promised $ 100 million , have yet to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Firefighters Grant Program , run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency , requires a cumbersome peer review process for grant awards that can take months .
The result has been a frustrating wait for money designed to help fire departments buy personal protective equipment , thermometers , sanitizer sprayers and other material needed to fight fires during the pandemic .
“ Our budgets have been decimated by supplies we ’ ve had to buy , ” said Gary Ludwig , president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs , who also heads the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ re buying extra equipment we never had to buy before .
”

Police and firefighters weren’t forgotten when Congress passed a $2 trillion coronavirus relief package in March.
Within a week of the law’s enactment, aid began flowing to states and cities through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program, run by the Justice Department. Much of that aid goes to police departments across the country, which have received more than $143 million so far, according to a CQ Roll Call analysis of grant recipients.
But firefighters, who were promised $100 million, have yet to get a dime. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, requires a cumbersome peer review process for grant awards that can take months.
The result has been a frustrating wait for money designed to help fire departments buy personal protective equipment, thermometers, sanitizer sprayers and other material needed to fight fires during the pandemic.
“Our budgets have been decimated by supplies we’ve had to buy,” said Gary Ludwig, president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, who also heads the fire department in Champaign, Ill. “We’re buying extra equipment we never had to buy before.”


rollcall--2020-05-27--Drug overdoses climb during COVID-19 pandemic

Drug overdoses have risen in some areas during the COVID-19 pandemic , less than a year after the Trump administration @ @ @ @ @ ’ s overdose epidemic .
From Memphis to Milwaukee , a range of cities and @ @ @ @ @ reporting spikes in fatal and nonfatal overdoses .
Last year , Trump administration officials highlighted @ @ @ @ @ overdose crisis of the last decade .
In January , Centers for Disease Control and @ @ @ @ @ drug overdose death rate fell by 4.6 percent in 2018 , after a record-high number @ @ @ @ @ A May 13 report tracking nationwide overdose data , with a focus on six unnamed @ @ @ @ @ information , found that two of the six states had a statistically significant rise in @ @ @ @ @ .
The report , by a part of the federal Office of National Drug Control @ @ @ @ @ Mapping Application Program surveillance information .

Experts worry about the impact the pandemic will have on the death rate due to drug and alcohol use.
“Never did I imagine the nation would be experiencing the coinciding of mental health issues and infectious disease that my training addressed,” Elinore McCance-Katz, the Department of Health and Human Services assistant secretary for mental health and substance use, said at a White House cabinet meeting last week.
Before the pandemic, about 120,000 individuals died from drug overdose and suicide per year, said McCance-Katz, who is a psychiatrist with a doctorate in infectious disease epidemiology.
“How many more lives are we willing to sacrifice in the name of containing the virus?” she said. “We’ve worked so hard in states and communities across this country to combat epidemics like the opioids crisis. Why are we willing to forget those efforts now or deem them less important?”
HHS Secretary Alex Azar, in the same meeting, said by one estimate, the recession from the pandemic will lead to at least an extra 65,000 deaths from drug overdose, alcohol abuse and suicide over 10 years. He was referring to median data from a report by the Well Being Trust and the Robert Graham Center for Policy Studies in Family Medicine and Primary Care released this month.


rollcall--2020-05-27--Meet the punk rock-loving ‘voice of Congress’ soothing House watchers through the pandemic

Back in December , as the impeachment of President Donald Trump was in full swing , House reading clerk Joe Novotny would tap into an unexpected source as he prepared for a long day in the chamber .
“ I was listening to a lot of D.C. punk rock , like Minor Threat , Bad Brains and Fugazi , ” said Novotny .
It ’ s been three decades since those bands peaked in popularity , but “ they still resonate for my mood of just kind of getting my armor on.
” You may not know who Novotny is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watched House proceedings on C-SPAN , you ’ ve almost certainly heard his voice .
For the past 10 years he ’ s been a steady presence in front of the microphone , reading aloud the text of bills , amendments and resolutions .
When it came time to recite the articles of impeachment on the House floor , he was the one who did it .
“ It ’ s almost like that feeling when you go to the gym and you just have to get yourself pumped up , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a calming effect , it has quite the opposite .
But I think in a stressful environment , sometimes you need to be prepared , because it just gets you primed for what might be coming.
” Back in early March when I first sat down with Novotny , he was reflecting on his 10 years as reading clerk , the first openly gay person to hold the position .
Most of the discussion focused on what it was like to serve in that role at such an historic moment .

Back in December, as the impeachment of President Donald Trump was in full swing, House reading clerk Joe Novotny would tap into an unexpected source as he prepared for a long day in the chamber.
“I was listening to a lot of D.C. punk rock, like Minor Threat, Bad Brains and Fugazi,” said Novotny. It’s been three decades since those bands peaked in popularity, but “they still resonate for my mood of just kind of getting my armor on.”
You may not know who Novotny is, but if you’ve ever watched House proceedings on C-SPAN, you’ve almost certainly heard his voice. For the past 10 years he’s been a steady presence in front of the microphone, reading aloud the text of bills, amendments and resolutions. When it came time to recite the articles of impeachment on the House floor, he was the one who did it.
“It’s almost like that feeling when you go to the gym and you just have to get yourself pumped up,” said Novotny. “It doesn’t have a calming effect, it has quite the opposite. But I think in a stressful environment, sometimes you need to be prepared, because it just gets you primed for what might be coming.”
Back in early March when I first sat down with Novotny, he was reflecting on his 10 years as reading clerk, the first openly gay person to hold the position. Most of the discussion focused on what it was like to serve in that role at such an historic moment.


rollcall--2020-05-27--This congressman’s career advice? Play softball

Rep. Darin LaHood has been spending a lot of time in his car lately .
“ My wife and I have three teenage boys that of course are at home now , ” he said in a phone interview last month .
“ So I find myself retreating to the garage in my car and locking the doors and trying to get as much Wi-Fi as I can.
” Never has the office seemed so cramped , and he ’ s been around politics for a while .
As the pandemic upended routines around the country , the Illinois Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days working for Congress , first as a “ glorified ” intern and then as an Appropriations Committee staffer .
He learned from watching his father , Ray , who was a staffer back then too and would go on to serve in the House .
But the younger LaHood also found lifelong mentors in his bosses , the husband and wife team of Rep. Jerry Lewis and chief of staff Arlene .
They still keep in touch .
“ Those are really strong relationships , ” he said of the people he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , playing softball or hanging out at the Hawk ’ N ’ Dove — exactly the kind of activities currently on hold .

Rep. Darin LaHood has been spending a lot of time in his car lately.
“My wife and I have three teenage boys that of course are at home now,” he said in a phone interview last month. “So I find myself retreating to the garage in my car and locking the doors and trying to get as much Wi-Fi as I can.”
Never has the office seemed so cramped, and he’s been around politics for a while. As the pandemic upended routines around the country, the Illinois Republican took a moment to recall his earliest days working for Congress, first as a “glorified” intern and then as an Appropriations Committee staffer.
He learned from watching his father, Ray, who was a staffer back then too and would go on to serve in the House. But the younger LaHood also found lifelong mentors in his bosses, the husband and wife team of Rep. Jerry Lewis and chief of staff Arlene.
They still keep in touch. “Those are really strong relationships,” he said of the people he met on the Hill in his twenties, playing softball or hanging out at the Hawk ’N’ Dove — exactly the kind of activities currently on hold.


rollcall--2020-05-27--The voice of the House loves D.C. punk rock

This year is the 10th anniversary of Joe Novotny becoming the first-ever openly gay House reading clerk .
Novotny sat @ @ @ @ @ March to discuss historic House floor events in the past decade and how he listened @ @ @ @ @ to get psyched-up before facing the C-SPAN cameras during the House ’ s impeachment of @ @ @ @ @ Read more : Meet the punk rock-loving ‘ voice of Congress ’ soothing House watchers @ @ @ @

This year is the 10th anniversary of Joe Novotny becoming the first-ever openly gay House reading clerk. Novotny sat down with Roll Call in March to discuss historic House floor events in the past decade and how he listened to D.C. punk rock music to get psyched-up before facing the C-SPAN cameras during the House’s impeachment of President Donald Trump.
[ Read more: Meet the punk rock-loving ‘voice of Congress’ soothing House watchers through the pandemic ]


rollcall--2020-05-27--Road ahead: Proxy voting begins as House takes up FISA, PPP bills

The House will be in session for two consecutive voting days this week for the first time since mid-March as it takes up the Senate-amended bill to reauthorize surveillance powers and legislation to adjust the terms of the relief effort that provides forgivable loans to small businesses .
However , some members will not be returning to the Capitol to vote .
More than one-tenth of the 431 House members have sent letters to the clerk designating a colleague to serve as their proxy for voting on the floor .
This week ’ s votes will see the first use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House adopted on May 15 .
Members voting by proxy will be “ voting just as real , just as effectively , on behalf of their 750,000 people ” as those in the chamber , House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer told reporters Tuesday .
Democrats were the first to signal to the clerk their intent to use proxies .
That includes several members from faraway states such as California , Washington , Oregon and Texas , as well as a few from states within driving distance , including New Jersey and New @ @

The House will be in session for two consecutive voting days this week for the first time since mid-March as it takes up the Senate-amended bill to reauthorize surveillance powers and legislation to adjust the terms of the relief effort that provides forgivable loans to small businesses.
However, some members will not be returning to the Capitol to vote. More than one-tenth of the 431 House members have sent letters to the clerk designating a colleague to serve as their proxy for voting on the floor.
[Pelosi activates 45-day authorization for proxy voting, remote committee meetings]
This week’s votes will see the first use of the proxy voting rule that the House adopted on May 15. Members voting by proxy will be “voting just as real, just as effectively, on behalf of their 750,000 people” as those in the chamber, House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer told reporters Tuesday.
Democrats were the first to signal to the clerk their intent to use proxies. That includes several members from faraway states such as California, Washington, Oregon and Texas, as well as a few from states within driving distance, including New Jersey and New York.


rollcall--2020-05-27--First proxy votes cast in the House despite GOP opposition, lawsuit

The submission of a proxy vote is a lengthy process .
It begins with the letter to the clerk , followed by the announcement from the designee at the microphone and another announcement by the clerk of the absent lawmaker ’ s position during the vote .
Only once the clerk voices the position does it appear illuminated on the wall alongside the electronic votes of their present colleagues .
At the close of the vote , the clerk once again reads aloud the proxy votes .
Democrats casting votes for their colleagues queued in the aisle , wearing masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them as they awaited their turn at the microphone .
Floor staffers urged them to not return up the aisle past their colleagues when they were done , but instead ushered them to the mostly empty front of the chamber .
Until Wednesday , only members present in the House chamber could cast votes on legislation and procedural business .
It is standard practice for members to file “ Personal Explanations ” explaining missed votes , or votes they entered incorrectly , which appear in the Congressional Record .
The explanations don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one after the fact , and the final tally remains unchanged .
The statements express the intent of the lawmakers and allow them to say , “ Here ’ s how I would have voted.
” That is the method that Republican leaders urged their members to use if they could not physically make it to the Capitol to vote .
GOP Whip Steve Scalise urged his conference to come to Washington for this week ’ s votes and to not utilize the proxy voting system .
“ If a Member is unable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encouraged to submit their vote positions for the Congressional record rather than utilizing the Democrats ’ proxy voting scheme , ” reads a whip notice sent to Republicans .

The submission of a proxy vote is a lengthy process. It begins with the letter to the clerk, followed by the announcement from the designee at the microphone and another announcement by the clerk of the absent lawmaker’s position during the vote. Only once the clerk voices the position does it appear illuminated on the wall alongside the electronic votes of their present colleagues. At the close of the vote, the clerk once again reads aloud the proxy votes.
Democrats casting votes for their colleagues queued in the aisle, wearing masks and keeping at least 6 feet between them as they awaited their turn at the microphone. Floor staffers urged them to not return up the aisle past their colleagues when they were done, but instead ushered them to the mostly empty front of the chamber.
Until Wednesday, only members present in the House chamber could cast votes on legislation and procedural business. It is standard practice for members to file “Personal Explanations” explaining missed votes, or votes they entered incorrectly, which appear in the Congressional Record. The explanations don’t actually change a vote or record one after the fact, and the final tally remains unchanged. The statements express the intent of the lawmakers and allow them to say, “Here’s how I would have voted.”
That is the method that Republican leaders urged their members to use if they could not physically make it to the Capitol to vote. GOP Whip Steve Scalise urged his conference to come to Washington for this week’s votes and to not utilize the proxy voting system.
“If a Member is unable to travel to D.C., they are encouraged to submit their vote positions for the Congressional record rather than utilizing the Democrats’ proxy voting scheme,” reads a whip notice sent to Republicans.


rollcall--2020-05-27--Coronavirus Special Report: Mr. Cuomo goes to Washington

In tonight ’ s episode we look at the New York governor ’ s visit to D.C. , how swing @ @ @ @ @ hit by the pandemic and the House ’ s first attempt at proxy voting .
@ @ @ @ @ counter China on emerging technology with $ 100 billion • Drug overdose deaths are increasing @ @ @ @ @ attacks go , calling Sen. Chris Coons ‘ Christian hating ’ is a doozy

In tonight’s episode we look at the New York governor’s visit to D.C., how swing states are among the hardest hit by the pandemic and the House’s first attempt at proxy voting.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-05-27--‘Out of money by early fall’: Postal unions press for pandemic relief

Postal union officials called for more financial support in upcoming COVID-relief packages on Wednesday , warning that the agency could run out of money by the end of September and disrupt essential services .
“ Without real relief , appropriated relief , not more debt , not more loans , appropriated relief , … the post office could likely run out of money by early fall , ” said Mark Dimondstein , president of the American Postal Workers Union .
“ And that would put the whole question of service to the people in serious and dire jeopardy.
” Dimondstein @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling for support of Postal Service provisions in the $ 3 trillion coronavirus aid package passed by the House on May 15 .
The bill would provide a $ 25 billion appropriation to the post office , and , according to union leaders , free up a $ 10 billion loan authorized by an earlier relief law .
Senate Republicans have been cool to another relief bill , saying they want to see the effect of four laws already enacted .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , said Tuesday that another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stopped short of saying he will begin bipartisan negotiations when he returns to Washington .
The COVID-19 pandemic has put the Postal Service in a double crisis , Dimondstein said .
As many as 12,000 workers have fallen ill , with 64 fatalities , and the economic contraction has caused a dramatic drop in letter and other flat mail volumes .

Postal union officials called for more financial support in upcoming COVID-relief packages on Wednesday, warning that the agency could run out of money by the end of September and disrupt essential services.
“Without real relief, appropriated relief, not more debt, not more loans, appropriated relief, … the post office could likely run out of money by early fall,” said Mark Dimondstein, president of the American Postal Workers Union. “And that would put the whole question of service to the people in serious and dire jeopardy.”
Dimondstein joined AFL-CIO Secretary Treasurer Liz Shuler in calling for support of Postal Service provisions in the $3 trillion coronavirus aid package passed by the House on May 15. The bill would provide a $25 billion appropriation to the post office, and, according to union leaders, free up a $10 billion loan authorized by an earlier relief law.
Senate Republicans have been cool to another relief bill, saying they want to see the effect of four laws already enacted. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Tuesday that another package is an option, but he stopped short of saying he will begin bipartisan negotiations when he returns to Washington.
The COVID-19 pandemic has put the Postal Service in a double crisis, Dimondstein said. As many as 12,000 workers have fallen ill, with 64 fatalities, and the economic contraction has caused a dramatic drop in letter and other flat mail volumes.


rollcall--2020-05-27--Senate Democrats look to turn tables on GOP regarding judicial nominees

Senate Democrats launched a campaign Wednesday blasting the GOP majority ’ s confirmation of conservatives to the federal courts as @ @ @ @ @ and their donors .
The Democrats released a 54-page report spotlighting “ dark-money ” groups @ @ @ @ @ a scheme for installing like-minded judges to benefit the GOP and its benefactors .
Getting @ @ @ @ @ benches has been a point of pride for President Donald Trump and Senate Majority Leader @ @ @ @ @ likely previews Democrats ’ plans to combat Republican election cycle talking points that focus on @ @ @ @ @ Democrats sore on ‘ right-wing judges , ’ but they ’ re OK with the @ @ @ @ @ ] “ This is not just simply Republican presidents choosing conservative judges ; there is @ @ @ @ @ make that happen and capture the courts for a small special narrow interest group , @ @ @ @ @ E. Schumer .
Schumer spoke on a Wednesday call with Sens .
Sheldon Whitehouse of @ @ @ @ @ of Michigan .

The new report spotlights conservative-leaning groups like the Federalist Society and its co-chairman Leonard Leo. It draws parallels between Leo’s group and groups not required to disclose donors running campaigns and publicity for nominees like now-Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
“Over the coming months, Democrats in the Senate will shed light on the corruption and conflicts of interest now spreading around the Trump judiciary,” the report said. The report said it plans to show the “real-world” impact of courts’ decisions on issues like health care and reproductive rights, and promises legislative fixes.
McConnell has led the charge toward record-setting judicial confirmations to federal appeals courts, which have the final say in all but the several dozen cases the Supreme Court hears each year. The majority leader hasn’t shown signs of letting up, and much of the Senate's time since returning from the extended coronavirus recess has been spent confirming nominees.
During Trump’s 2016 bid for the White House, he put out a list of people he’d be willing to appoint to the courts. All three lawmakers on the call Wednesday said that wouldn’t be necessary for former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee.
Stabenow expressed confidence Biden would put forth competent nominees who have firm beliefs in the Constitution and an independent judiciary, she said. “And basically begin to unwind, what we are seeing that the Republicans have been doing.”


rollcall--2020-05-27--DOJ memo offered to buy out immigration board members

The Justice Department offered buyouts to pre-Trump administration career members on its influential immigration appeals board as part of an ongoing effort to restructure the immigration court system with new hires who may be likely to render decisions restricting asylum .
An internal memo viewed by CQ Roll Call shows that James McHenry , the director of the Executive Office of Immigration Review , offered financial incentives to longtime members of the Board of Immigration Appeals to encourage them to retire or resign .
The buyouts and “ voluntary separation incentive payments ” were offered to “ individuals whose positions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order to accommodate skills , technology , and labor markets , ” according to the April 17 memo .
EOIR is the Justice Department agency that oversees the Board of Immigration Appeals , a 23-member body that reviews appealed decisions by immigration judges and sets precedent .
According to two knowledgeable sources at EOIR who declined to be identified for fear of retaliation , the memo was sent to the nine board members appointed under previous Republican and Democratic administrations , before Trump took office .
No one accepted the buyout offers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Call reached out for comment on the memo to McHenry , EOIR and the Justice Department and received a statement Wednesday saying that “ the Department does not comment on personnel matters .
”

The Justice Department offered buyouts to pre-Trump administration career members on its influential immigration appeals board as part of an ongoing effort to restructure the immigration court system.
Critics view the move as an effort to push out the civil servants on the board and stack it with new hires who would align with the Trump administration’s restrictive immigration agenda.
An internal memo viewed by CQ Roll Call shows that James McHenry, the director of the Executive Office of Immigration Review, offered financial incentives to longtime members of the Board of Immigration Appeals to encourage them to retire or resign. The buyouts and “voluntary separation incentive payments” were offered to “individuals whose positions will help us strategically restructure EOIR in order to accommodate skills, technology, and labor markets,” according to the April 17 memo.
EOIR is the Justice Department agency that oversees the Board of Immigration Appeals, a 23-member body that reviews appealed decisions by immigration judges and sets precedent.
According to two knowledgeable sources at EOIR who declined to be identified for fear of retaliation, the memo was sent to the nine board members appointed under previous Republican and Democratic administrations, before Trump took office. No one accepted the buyout offers, according to both sources.


rollcall--2020-05-27--Pompeo ups the ante with China, using Hong Kong’s trade status as a Trump card

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday formally notified Congress that Hong Kong was no longer politically autonomous from mainland China , kick-starting a process that could lead to the revocation of some or all of the special trade and legal privileges afforded to the former British colony that have made it one of the world ’ s most important financial centers .
The notification by Pompeo , required by multiple U.S. laws , came a week after the Chinese government announced its intent to draft and impose a law that would drastically curtail civil liberties in Hong Kong .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the reporting period , I certified to Congress today that Hong Kong does not continue to warrant treatment under United States laws in the same manner as U.S. laws were applied to Hong Kong before July 1997 , ” the secretary said in a statement , referring to the period when Hong Kong was still a British colony .
“ No reasonable person can assert today that Hong Kong maintains a high degree of autonomy from China , given facts on the ground.
” The National People ’ s Congress — the Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is expected on Thursday to approve in principle the drafting of a sweeping anti-sedition law for Hong Kong , the specific details of which are not yet known .

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday formally notified Congress that Hong Kong was no longer politically autonomous from mainland China, kick-starting a process that could lead to the revocation of some or all of the special trade and legal privileges afforded to the former British colony that have made it one of the world’s most important financial centers.
The notification by Pompeo, required by multiple U.S. laws, came a week after the Chinese government announced its intent to draft and impose a law that would drastically curtail civil liberties in Hong Kong.
“After careful study of developments over the reporting period, I certified to Congress today that Hong Kong does not continue to warrant treatment under United States laws in the same manner as U.S. laws were applied to Hong Kong before July 1997,” the secretary said in a statement, referring to the period when Hong Kong was still a British colony. “No reasonable person can assert today that Hong Kong maintains a high degree of autonomy from China, given facts on the ground.”
The National People’s Congress — the Chinese Communist Party’s rubber-stamp legislature — is expected on Thursday to approve in principle the drafting of a sweeping anti-sedition law for Hong Kong, the specific details of which are not yet known.
[Bipartisan Senate bill would punish Chinese banks over Hong Kong crackdown]


rollcall--2020-05-27--States, environmental groups challenge EPA fuel efficiency rule

The Trump administration ’ s rollback of fuel efficiency standards provoked a series of legal actions Wednesday , as attorneys @ @ @ @ @ well as a dozen environmental groups filed separate challenges to a rule that would weaken @ @ @ @ @ In a petition filed in the U.S. District Court of Appeals for the District of @ @ @ @ @ , led by California , as well as the District of Columbia asked the court @ @ @ @ @ the EPA and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration March 31 .
In a news @ @ @ @ @ the final rules violate the congressional mandates and were based on an analysis “ riddled @ @ @ @ @ and unfounded assumptions in an attempt to justify their desired result.
” “ The Administration @ @ @ @ @ save money and lives , but previously undisclosed internal documents reveal how far from the @ @ @ @ @ Attorney General Xavier Becerra said in a press statement announcing the lawsuit .

The Trump administration’s rollback of fuel efficiency standards provoked a series of legal actions Wednesday, as attorneys general in 23 states as well as a dozen environmental groups filed separate challenges to a rule that would weaken Obama-era fuel efficiency standards.
In a petition filed in the U.S. District Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, the states, led by California, as well as the District of Columbia asked the court to review rules finalized by the EPA and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration March 31.
In a news release, California argued that the final rules violate the congressional mandates and were based on an analysis “riddled with errors, omissions, and unfounded assumptions in an attempt to justify their desired result.”
“The Administration claims their new rule will save money and lives, but previously undisclosed internal documents reveal how far from the truth that is,” Attorney General Xavier Becerra said in a press statement announcing the lawsuit.
[Final rule on fuel economy rollback opens door for lawsuits]


rollcall--2020-05-27--Physicians, ACLU sue FDA over abortion pill limits

A group of medical providers represented by the American Civil Liberties Union sued the Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday , challenging federal requirements that limit how medication abortions are dispensed .
The medical group coalition , led by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists , opposes an FDA restriction on mifepristone , a drug used to end a pregnancy or for miscarriage management .
Medication abortions use a two-pill regimen to end a pregnancy .
Under federal regulations , a mifepristone pill must be administered in person at a health care office or hospital and can not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other medications .
The lawsuit seeks to allow patients to access the medication by mail during the current pandemic .
“ At every other turn during this pandemic , the federal government is trying to make it easier for patients to get the medical care they need without unnecessary health care visits that jeopardize their safety , ” said Julia Kaye , staff attorney at the ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project .
“ But when it comes to patients who need to end an early pregnancy or treat a miscarriage , the administration is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , clinic , or medical office just to pick up a pill they are already permitted to swallow later at home .
”

A group of medical providers represented by the American Civil Liberties Union sued the Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday, challenging federal requirements that limit how medication abortions are dispensed.
The medical group coalition, led by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, opposes an FDA restriction on mifepristone, a drug used to end a pregnancy or for miscarriage management. Medication abortions use a two-pill regimen to end a pregnancy.
Under federal regulations, a mifepristone pill must be administered in person at a health care office or hospital and cannot be picked up at a pharmacy like most other medications. The lawsuit seeks to allow patients to access the medication by mail during the current pandemic.
“At every other turn during this pandemic, the federal government is trying to make it easier for patients to get the medical care they need without unnecessary health care visits that jeopardize their safety,” said Julia Kaye, staff attorney at the ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project.
“But when it comes to patients who need to end an early pregnancy or treat a miscarriage, the administration is forcing them to travel to a hospital, clinic, or medical office just to pick up a pill they are already permitted to swallow later at home.”


rollcall--2020-05-27--Bipartisan bill seeks to counter China on emerging technology with $100 billion

Bipartisan lawmakers including Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer on Wednesday announced sweeping legislation that would overhaul the government ’ @ @ @ @ @ with the aim of countering a push by China for innovation dominance this century .
@ @ @ @ @ the National Science Foundation as the National Science and Technology Foundation and authorize $ 100 @ @ @ @ @ within the agency to fund research and development in 10 areas of emerging technology the @ @ @ @ @ global competitiveness ” in the coming decades .
The fields of technology covered under the @ @ @ @ @ — artificial intelligence , cybersecurity , robotics and automation and advanced telecommunications — to more @ @ @ @ @ genomics , quantum computing and semiconductors , according to a summary of the legislation .
@ @ @ @ @ be authorized to use the $ 100 billion to increase funding for partnerships between research @ @ @ @ @ and educational benefits including undergraduate scholarships , industry training programs and post-doctoral support .
[ @ @ @ @ @ technology could help spot future pandemics earlier ]

Bipartisan lawmakers including Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer on Wednesday announced sweeping legislation that would overhaul the government’s approach to emerging technology with the aim of countering a push by China for innovation dominance this century.
The bicameral legislation would rechristen the National Science Foundation as the National Science and Technology Foundation and authorize $100 billion for a new directorate within the agency to fund research and development in 10 areas of emerging technology the lawmakers believe “will define global competitiveness” in the coming decades.
The fields of technology covered under the legislation range from familiar topics — artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics and automation and advanced telecommunications — to more obscure ones like biotechnology and genomics, quantum computing and semiconductors, according to a summary of the legislation.
The newly created directorate would be authorized to use the $100 billion to increase funding for partnerships between research universities and the private sector and educational benefits including undergraduate scholarships, industry training programs and post-doctoral support.
[Pentagon AI chief says the technology could help spot future pandemics earlier]


rollcall--2020-05-27--Drug overdose deaths are increasing during the pandemic

A year after a reported decline in overdoses in the U.S. , the coronavirus pandemic seems to have caused a @ @ @ @ @ CQ Roll Call health care reporter Sandhya Raman explains the disturbing data trend , and @ @ @ @ @ do about it .

A year after a reported decline in overdoses in the U.S., the coronavirus pandemic seems to have caused a recent uptick in deaths. CQ Roll Call health care reporter Sandhya Raman explains the disturbing data trend, and what some lawmakers want to do about it.
[ Read more: Drug overdoses climb during COVID-19 pandemic ]


rollcall--2020-05-28--Pennsylvania primaries to set match-ups in House battlegrounds

Pennsylvania will be a crucial battleground in the presidential race , and the Keystone State will also host a handful of competitive House races in 2020 , including some the GOP considers critical to winning back the House .
Republicans need a net gain of 17 seats to win the majority , and they ’ re hoping to get some of them in Pennsylvania , where Democrats are defending two districts that President Donald Trump won and one that he narrowly lost .
But Republicans are also on defense , with Democrats targeting three GOP seats .
Since the primaries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to the coronavirus pandemic , the contests have been fairly quiet .
The House primaries have n't attracted much outside spending or involvement , aside from President Donald Trump endorsing two candidates over the weekend .
But the races could pick up once the match-ups are set .
Outside groups involved in House races have already reserved more than $ 18 million in airtime for the fall in Pennsylvania ’ s media markets , with the bulk of those reservations in the Philadelphia market , which also covers competitive races in New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeted support for two Republicans taking on Pennsylvania Democrats : Army veteran Sean Parnell , who is challenging Rep. Conor Lamb in the 17th District ; and former Lehigh County Commissioner Lisa Scheller , who is challenging Rep. Susan Wild in the 7th District .

Pennsylvania will be a crucial battleground in the presidential race, and it will also host a handful of competitive House races this year, including some Republicans consider critical to them winning back the House.
Republicans need a net gain of 17 seats to retake the chamber and they’re hoping to get some of them in the Keystone State, where Democrats are defending two districts that President Donald Trump won and one that he narrowly lost in 2016. But Republicans are also on defense, with Democrats targeting three GOP seats.
Since the primaries were postponed from April 28 to Tuesday due to the coronavirus pandemic, the contests have been fairly quiet. The House primaries haven’t attracted much outside spending or involvement, aside from Trump endorsing two candidates over the weekend.
But the races could pick up once the matchups are set. Outside groups involved in House races have already reserved more than $18 million in airtime for the fall in Pennsylvania’s media markets, with the bulk of those reservations in the Philadelphia market, which also covers competitive races in New Jersey.
Trump's picks
Over the weekend, Trump tweeted support for two Pennsylvania Republicans taking on Democratic incumbents: Army veteran Sean Parnell, who is challenging Rep. Conor Lamb in the 17th District; and former Lehigh County Commissioner Lisa Scheller, who is challenging Rep. Susan Wild in the 7th.


rollcall--2020-05-28--Pace of economic recovery could shape races in swing states

The economic downturn from the coronavirus pandemic has hit some swing states with close electoral races harder than others , @ @ @ @ @ that may linger through the November elections .
Across the country , unemployment rates have @ @ @ @ @ declined and a majority of businesses fear they may not recover .
Michigan Democratic Sen. @ @ @ @ @ running for reelection this fall , said the handling of the crisis will shape voter @ @ @ @ @ .
“ What everybody ’ s focused on is getting through the COVID-19 crisis , @ @ @ @ @ Call .
“ So it ’ s certainly going to continue to be an issue @ @ @ @ @ states include Peters ’ Michigan as well as a handful of others with competitive elections @ @ @ @ @ and White House .
That includes Nevada , Georgia and Pennsylvania .
All four of @ @ @ @ @ or more of the workforce apply for unemployment since February , including furloughed employees .

The economic downturn from the coronavirus pandemic has hit some swing states with close electoral races harder than others, with federal data indicating damage that may linger through the November elections.
Across the country, unemployment rates have climbed, business formation has declined and a majority of businesses fear they may not recover. Michigan Democratic Sen. Gary Peters, who is running for reelection this fall, said the handling of the crisis will shape voter views at the ballot box.
“What everybody’s focused on is getting through the COVID-19 crisis,” Peters told CQ Roll Call. “So it’s certainly going to continue to be an issue in November.”
The worst-hit states include Peters’ Michigan as well as a handful of others with competitive elections for the House, Senate and White House. That includes Nevada, Georgia and Pennsylvania. All four of those states have seen one-quarter or more of the workforce apply for unemployment since February, including furloughed employees.


rollcall--2020-05-27--Former Rep. Sam Johnson, a Vietnam POW, has died at 89

Former Rep. Sam Johnson , a Texas Republican and decorated Air Force pilot who spent nearly seven years held captive at the infamous Hanoi Hilton , died Wednesday at the age of 89 .
Johnson , a former chairman of the key House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security , served nearly 28 years in the House and retired when his last term ended in January 2019 .
Born in San Antonio , Texas , in 1930 , Johnson served in the Air Force during the Korean and Vietnam wars .
On a mission near North Vietnam , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was hit .
Johnson and his co-pilot bailed and were captured by the North Vietnamese .
Johnson was a prisoner of war for seven years and for a time shared a cell in the Hoa Lo prison , dubbed the Hanoi Hilton , with Navy pilot John McCain .
McCain would also later get elected to the House and then the Senate ; the Arizona Republican died in August 2018 .
Rep. Kevin Brady , a Texas Republican and the current ranking member on the Ways and Means Committee , reflected on Johnson @ @ @ @

Former Rep. Sam Johnson, a Texas Republican and decorated Air Force pilot who spent nearly seven years held captive at the infamous Hanoi Hilton, died Wednesday at the age of 89.
Johnson, a former chairman of the key House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security, served nearly 28 years in the House and retired when his last term ended in January 2019.
Born in San Antonio, Texas, in 1930, Johnson served in the Air Force during the Korean and Vietnam wars.
On a mission near North Vietnam, the plane he was piloting took fire and was hit. Johnson and his co-pilot bailed and were captured by the North Vietnamese. Johnson was a prisoner of war for seven years and for a time shared a cell in the Hoa Lo prison, dubbed the Hanoi Hilton, with Navy pilot John McCain. McCain would also later get elected to the House and then the Senate; the Arizona Republican died in August 2018.
Rep. Kevin Brady, a Texas Republican and the current ranking member on the Ways and Means Committee, reflected on Johnson’s life.


rollcall--2020-05-27--House delays votes on FISA bill

House delays votes on FISA bill

The House on Wednesday canceled a vote on what had been a bipartisan Senate compromise on overhauling surveillance programs .
It was the culmination of a confusing 24 hour period that featured disagreements about a key amendment , calls by House Republican leaders to pull the bill , and a veto promise from President Donald Trump that left the measure 's future in doubt .
The result could be the Senate needing to once again consider the House-passed measure , according to Speaker Nancy Pelosi .
“ There are some that say , ‘ I don ’ t like this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ And if they don ’ t want to vote for a bill , then we ’ ll just send back our House bill , which isn ’ t as good as the Senate bill , ” the California Democrat said in a PBS Newshour interview earlier in the day , before the House vote on the measure was canceled .
“ The Senate bill was very courageous , broke new ground , very progressive in terms of protecting the balance between security , privacy , security and civil rights .
That ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have and this bill does it very well . ''

Updated 10:04 a.m. May 28 — House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer announced Thursday that a bill to reauthorize and overhaul surveillance authorities was being pulled from the floor schedule.
"At the request of the Speaker of the House, I am withdrawing consideration of the FISA Act. The two-thirds of the Republican Party that voted for this bill in March have indicated they are going to vote against it now," Hoyer, D-Md., said in a statement.
The moves comes after the House on Wednesday postponed a vote on a bipartisan Senate compromise on overhauling surveillance programs.
That was the culmination of a confusing 24 hour period that featured disagreements about a key amendment, calls by House Republican leaders to pull the bill, and a veto promise from President Donald Trump that left the measure's future in doubt.
The result could be the Senate needing to once again consider the House-passed measure, according to Speaker Nancy Pelosi.


rollcall--2020-05-27--Lawmakers compromise on PPP loan terms as talks continue

A Republican lawmaker said Wednesday that negotiators agreed to adjust a key ratio in a program to relieve small businesses from the COVID-19 pandemic , lowering to 60 percent the portion of loans that must be used for payroll , from 75 percent currently , and giving borrowers more time to use any loans .
Rep. Chip Roy , R-Texas , the sponsor of a bill that is scheduled for a House floor vote Thursday , told CQ Roll Call that he expects House and Senate leaders to reach a deal on how small businesses can use a $ 660 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relief laws through the Paycheck Protection Program administered by the Small Business Administration .
“ Our belief is it ’ s moving forward and moving forward well , ” Roy said .
Roy introduced the bill with Democratic Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota , who put out a press release Wednesday touting the support of 45 business groups .
The bill would reduce an administration requirement that 75 percent of PPP loan funds be used for payroll .
Roy said lawmakers had agreed to require that 60 percent of such loans be used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initial draft that would have eliminated it and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin ’ s position last week that it should stay at 75 percent .
The bill would give borrowers up to 24 weeks , up from eight currently , to use the funds and extend the deadline for rehiring workers to June 30 .
The bill would also allow businesses to repay any non-forgiven balance over five years , instead of two , which would help companies stay solvent by reducing the size of each payment .

A Republican lawmaker said Wednesday that negotiators agreed to adjust a key ratio in a program to relieve small businesses from the COVID-19 pandemic, lowering to 60 percent the portion of loans that must be used for payroll, from 75 percent currently, and giving borrowers more time to use any loans.
Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, the sponsor of a bill that is scheduled for a House floor vote Thursday, told CQ Roll Call that he expects House and Senate leaders to reach a deal on how small businesses can use a $660 billion lifeline provided in two previous economic relief laws through the Paycheck Protection Program administered by the Small Business Administration.
“Our belief is it’s moving forward and moving forward well,” Roy said. Roy introduced the bill with Democratic Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota, who put out a press release Wednesday touting the support of 45 business groups.
The bill would reduce an administration requirement that 75 percent of PPP loan funds be used for payroll. Roy said lawmakers had agreed to require that 60 percent of such loans be used for payroll, a compromise between the initial draft that would have eliminated it and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin’s position last week that it should stay at 75 percent.
The bill would give borrowers up to 24 weeks, up from eight currently, to use the funds and extend the deadline for rehiring workers to June 30. The bill would also allow businesses to repay any non-forgiven balance over five years, instead of two, which would help companies stay solvent by reducing the size of each payment.


rollcall--2020-05-28--$30 billion New York rail project hangs on recovery funds

Supporters of the Gateway Program , a $ 30 billion infrastructure project repairing a 10-mile stretch of Amtrak ’ s Northeast Corridor , have a new argument for their proposal : It could revive the economy of one of the regions hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic .
In a board meeting of the Gateway Program Development Corp. on Thursday and a White House meeting between New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo and President Donald Trump on Wednesday , the program ’ s backers said if Congress passes a bill aimed at reviving the economy in the wake of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ targeted at their long-sought project .
“ If he gives us the green light , this is not going to be years of discussion , ” Cuomo said of Trump .
“ I have a shovel in the trunk of my car , we 'll start this afternoon , right ?
” Cuomo argues finishing the project — specifically the century-old tunnel under the Hudson River — would help “ supercharge ” an economy hobbled by the pandemic .
[ Amtrak sees service cuts without an additional $ 1.48 billion for 2021 ]

Corrected Friday, 1:04 p.m. | Supporters of the Gateway Program, a $30 billion infrastructure project repairing a 10-mile stretch of Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor, have a new argument for their proposal: It could revive the economy of one of the regions hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a board meeting of the Gateway Program Development Corp. on Thursday and a White House meeting between New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and President Donald Trump on Wednesday, the program’s backers said if Congress passes a bill aimed at reviving the economy in the wake of the pandemic, it should include infrastructure money targeted at their long-sought project.
“If he gives us the green light, this is not going to be years of discussion,” Cuomo said of Trump. “I have a shovel in the trunk of my car, we'll start this afternoon, right?”
Cuomo argues finishing the project — specifically the century-old tunnel under the Hudson River — would help “supercharge” an economy hobbled by the pandemic.
[Amtrak sees service cuts without an additional $1.48 billion for 2021]


rollcall--2020-05-28--Coronavirus Special Report: House votes to amend PPP

In this episode we delve into why the House passed some changes to the Paycheck Protection Program , how proxy @ @ @ @ @ latest on health care policy news , including a look at opioid deaths since the @ @ @ @ @ First proxy votes cast in the House despite GOP opposition , lawsuit • Drug overdose @ @ @ @ @ pandemic • Outside money pours into Iowa Senate primary , with more to come

In this episode we delve into why the House passed some changes to the Paycheck Protection Program, how proxy voting is faring and the latest on health care policy news, including a look at opioid deaths since the pandemic broke out.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-05-28--Democrats press OSHA head over COVID-19 enforcement

The partisan divide over how to ensure workplace safety surfaced repeatedly Thursday as Democrats on the House Education and Labor Committee questioned the head of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration about the agency 's response to the pandemic .
Rep. Suzanne Bonamici , D-Ore. , put Labor Department Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Loren E. Sweatt on the spot when she asked how many of the nearly 5,000 COVID-19 related complaints received so far by OSHA have ended in enforcement action .
“ At this point , we ’ ve issued one citation under an existing standard , and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months to complete any investigation or enforcement action , ” Sweatt replied .
“ I think relying on looking at citations is maybe not the best parameter.
” Rather than enforcement , the Trump administration has relied on guidance to employers as the first line of defense in promoting workplace safety , Sweatt said , pointing to detailed best practice guides for health care , meatpacking , construction and other sectors .
“ I do believe that this approach has been effective , ” Sweatt said in response to a question from Rep. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ member .

The partisan divide over how to ensure workplace safety surfaced repeatedly Thursday as Democrats on the House Education and Labor Committee questioned the head of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration about the agency's response to the pandemic.
Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore., put Labor Department Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Loren E. Sweatt on the spot when she asked how many of the nearly 5,000 COVID-19 related complaints received so far by OSHA have ended in enforcement action.
“At this point, we’ve issued one citation under an existing standard, and I would note that we still have six months to complete any investigation or enforcement action,” Sweatt replied. “I think relying on looking at citations is maybe not the best parameter.”
Rather than enforcement, the Trump administration has relied on guidance to employers as the first line of defense in promoting workplace safety, Sweatt said, pointing to detailed best practice guides for health care, meatpacking, construction and other sectors.
“I do believe that this approach has been effective,” Sweatt said in response to a question from Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., the ranking member.