rollcall--2020-03-16--Mnuchin’s call for returning Fed authorities meets skepticism

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin did n't specify what legislative authority he will seek as the administration tries to limit the economic damage from the COVID-19 pandemic , but experts think he wants to expand the Federal Reserve ’ s powers to save non-financial firms facing insolvency .
It ’ s unclear whether the Fed needs — or even wants — Congress to give it more power .
It still has the ability to offer non-financial firms credit , and Fed Chairman Jerome Powell told reporters Sunday he doesn ’ t need more authority .
“ We have not — at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further tools or authorities from Congress , ” Powell said .
“ It is not something we are actively considering right now.
” But speaking to CNBC on Friday , Mnuchin said Treasury was working on a third wave of response to follow the bill he negotiated with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , and the $ 8.3 billion package enacted earlier this month .
“ We don ’ t have the same authorities we had before Dodd-Frank in the financial crisis , but we do have authorities , ” Mnuchin said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to Congress for authorities that they took away that we think we need .
”

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin didn't specify what legislative authority he will seek as the administration tries to limit the economic damage from the COVID-19 pandemic, but experts think he wants to expand the Federal Reserve’s powers to save non-financial firms facing insolvency.
It’s unclear whether the Fed needs — or even wants — Congress to give it more power. It still has the ability to offer non-financial firms credit, and Fed Chairman Jerome Powell told reporters Sunday he doesn’t need more authority.
“We have not — at all — made a decision to require further tools or authorities from Congress,” Powell said. “It is not something we are actively considering right now.”
But speaking to CNBC on Friday, Mnuchin said Treasury was working on a third wave of response to follow the bill he negotiated with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and the $8.3 billion package enacted earlier this month.
“We don’t have the same authorities we had before Dodd-Frank in the financial crisis, but we do have authorities,” Mnuchin said. “We’ll be going back to Congress for authorities that they took away that we think we need.”


rollcall--2020-03-16--Road trip: Sen. Sherrod Brown skips air travel amid coronavirus

As the coronavirus continues to spread , public health officials are asking people to practice social distancing , which means avoiding mass gatherings and coming into contact with others only when absolutely necessary .
But what are lawmakers supposed to do ?
They have to craft legislation to address the pandemic , yet many of them are in the most vulnerable age group ( 60 and up ) .
That ’ s why instead of flying , Sen. Sherrod Brown loaded up his SUV Monday morning to make the six-hour drive from Cleveland , Ohio , to the U.S. Capitol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a package of aid measures to address the coronavirus pandemic currently threatening world health .
The Ohio Democrat said he voted early this morning in Cleveland and encourages others to do so , despite coronavirus fears .
( The Ohio presidential and congressional primaries are Tuesday .
Gov .
Mike DeWine on Monday recommended postponing them until June . )
During the trip in his Jeep , Brown spent most of the time talking with hospital administrators , while someone drove him to D.C. For Brown , the purpose behind the road trip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set an example for how Americans should be practicing social distancing , the 67-year-old also wants to limit his own exposure and that of his wife , Pulitzer prize-winning journalist Connie Schultz , who is asthmatic and more vulnerable to the virus ’ s effects .

As the coronavirus continues to spread, public health officials are asking people to practice social distancing, which means avoiding mass gatherings and coming into contact with others only when absolutely necessary.
But what are lawmakers supposed to do? They have to craft legislation to address the pandemic, yet many of them are in the most vulnerable age group (60 and up).
That’s why instead of flying, Sen. Sherrod Brown loaded up his SUV Monday morning to make the six-hour drive from Cleveland, Ohio, to the U.S. Capitol, where the Senate is working on a package of aid measures to address the coronavirus pandemic currently threatening world health.
The Ohio Democrat said he voted early this morning in Cleveland and encourages others to do so, despite coronavirus fears. (The Ohio presidential and congressional primaries are Tuesday. Gov. Mike DeWine on Monday recommended postponing them until June.) During the trip in his Jeep, Brown spent most of the time talking with hospital administrators, while someone drove him to D.C.
For Brown, the purpose behind the road trip is twofold. While he wants to set an example for how Americans should be practicing social distancing, the 67-year-old also wants to limit his own exposure and that of his wife, Pulitzer prize-winning journalist Connie Schultz, who is asthmatic and more vulnerable to the virus’s effects.


rollcall--2020-03-16--Artificial intelligence recruited to find clues about COVID-19

U.S. health and technology specialists on Monday said they had launched a new collaborative venture to assemble a dataset of tens of thousands of scientific papers and literature on the coronavirus , which would then be analyzed by artificial intelligence programs to find patterns and answer questions raised by the World Health Organization about the pandemic .
The dataset includes 29,000 articles , including 13,000 full-text pieces of medical literature , which will be made available on a special website allowing data scientists and artificial intelligence programmers to propose tools and software code that can unearth insights from the articles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporters in a conference call .
The venture came together after the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy issued a call to tech companies and research groups to figure out how artificial intelligence tools could be used to sift through thousands of research articles being published worldwide on the pandemic , said Lynn Parker , deputy chief technology officer at the White House office .
With data scientists and machine language experts mining the literature compilation known as COVID-19 Open Research Dataset , experts and White House officials expect to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on how long social distancing should be maintained and other insights , Michael Kratsios , the U.S. chief technology officer said .

U.S. health and technology specialists on Monday said they had launched a new collaborative venture to assemble a dataset of tens of thousands of scientific papers and literature on the coronavirus, which would then be analyzed by artificial intelligence programs to find patterns and answer questions raised by the World Health Organization about the pandemic.
The dataset includes 29,000 articles, including 13,000 full-text pieces of medical literature, which will be made available on a special website allowing data scientists and artificial intelligence programmers to propose tools and software code that can unearth insights from the articles, White House officials and experts told reporters in a conference call.
The venture came together after the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy issued a call to tech companies and research groups to figure out how artificial intelligence tools could be used to sift through thousands of research articles being published worldwide on the pandemic, said Lynn Parker, deputy chief technology officer at the White House office.
With data scientists and machine language experts mining the literature compilation known as COVID-19 Open Research Dataset, experts and White House officials expect to get help developing vaccines, forming new guidelines on how long social distancing should be maintained and other insights, Michael Kratsios, the U.S. chief technology officer said.
[White House: Limit gatherings to 10 people due to virus]


rollcall--2020-03-16--Coronavirus aid package in limbo amid ‘technical’ snafu

The fate of a package of aid measures to assist households affected by the COVID-19 pandemic is up in the air as the House is having trouble passing `` technical '' changes by unanimous consent and one GOP senator warned it ca n't pass in that chamber .
The bill drafted by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , `` will not pass the Senate as it is written , '' Sen. Tom Cotton , R-Ark.
, said on `` Fox and Friends '' Monday .
The main issue for Cotton and other Republicans is concern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's mandate to provide paid leave for workers forced to stay home due to quarantines , to care for family members or if their employers have shuttered temporarily .
Tax credits would be provided to defray the cost , but despite a commitment by Mnuchin to give firms the cash upfront , the small business lobby has come out in opposition .
In addition , there 's a concern that the measure 's exemption for larger companies with more than 500 employees — intended to keep tax credits from flowing to big firms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave millions of workers without pay .
Other GOP senators arguing similar points in recent days include Rick Scott of Florida and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin .

Jennifer Shutt, Lindsey McPherson, and Paul M. Krawzak

White House officials and the top Senate Republican said late Monday economic aid to households affected by the COVID-19 pandemic is on track despite concerns among the GOP rank-and-file in that chamber about the impact of paid leave requirements on small businesses.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said after huddling with senators late Monday that hangups in the House over a package of "technical" fixes to the bill passed by the House early Saturday morning were on the verge of being resolved. Minutes later, Rep. Louie Gohmert, R-Texas — one of 40 Republicans to vote "no" on the bill initially — dropped his objection and the corrections were adopted by unanimous consent.
Gohmert had held out for much of the day's pro forma House session, arguing he hadn't seen what the actual fixes were. Finally the changes were revealed, with a 7:38 p.m. time stamp, and by 8:10 p.m. Gohmert was on the floor giving the resolution his blessing, telling the nearly empty chamber "what are being called technical corrections make the bill better than it was when it got passed in the wee hours Saturday morning."
Now the ball is in Senate Majority Leader McConnell's court, and the Kentucky Republican said his plan for the House bill is simply to "pass it." The chamber will also need to adopt the changes to the bill added by the House late Monday.
On that front, there's some good news for small businesses in the 90-page packet of revisions.


rollcall--2020-03-16--White House: Limit gatherings to 10 people due to virus

The White House , in an evolving scramble to slow the spread of COVID-19 , urged people Monday not to @ @ @ @ @ than 10 people for the next 15 days .
The guidance comes less than 24 @ @ @ @ @ Disease Control and Prevention recommended that gatherings of more than 50 people be canceled over @ @ @ @ @ The stronger recommendations come as more state and local officials are seeking to keep people @ @ @ @ @ weeks by ordering restaurants , bars and gyms to close .
The White House guidelines @ @ @ @ @ going to restaurants or bars and that people work or engage in schoolwork from home @ @ @ @ @ to control the pandemic .
Deborah Birx , the White House coronavirus response coordinator , @ @ @ @ @ following models , including in coordination with groups in the United Kingdom , that showed @ @ @ @ @ in small groups is most effective for containing the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 .

The White House, in an evolving scramble to slow the spread of COVID-19, urged people Monday not to gather in groups of larger than 10 people for the next 15 days.
The guidance comes less than 24 hours after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that gatherings of more than 50 people be canceled over the next eight weeks. The stronger recommendations come as more state and local officials are seeking to keep people at home in the coming weeks by ordering restaurants, bars and gyms to close.
[Hawk ’n’ Dove shuts down operations amid backlash]
The White House guidelines also recommend that people avoid going to restaurants or bars and that people work or engage in schoolwork from home whenever possible as officials seek to control the pandemic.
Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, said officials have been closely following models, including in coordination with groups in the United Kingdom, that showed that social distancing and staying in small groups is most effective for containing the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19.


rollcall--2020-03-16--Bracing for coronavirus, hospitals call for more funding

Hospitals are seeking more funding as they brace for more patients with COVID-19 infections and potential shortages of workers and supplies .
Groups representing hospitals , doctors , and nurses are seeking an extra $ 1 billion to help build up temporary hospital capacity , protect workers and deal with other problems tied to the coronavirus pandemic .
Leading hospital groups also want Congress to temporarily boost Medicare payments and are warning against any blanket guidance on deferring nonemergency care .
Their requests come on the heels of President Donald Trump ’ s national emergency declaration Friday afternoon , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flexibility for health care providers to address the rapidly spreading virus .
Health care officials expect the number of reported cases to rise this week , as they say testing will become available in up to 2,000 labs after patients have struggled to get tested .
On Monday , the leading advocacy groups for hospitals , doctors and nurses sent a letter to congressional leaders asking for the additional $ 1 billion in emergency funding to build new facilities to handle an influx of potential patients , obtain more personal protective equipment and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said staffing needs are likely due to increased patient load or staffing shortages .
“ Our health care workers are as likely to contract the coronavirus disease as anyone else in the community , so that ’ s a concern to us , ” Nancy Foster , vice president of quality and patient safety policy at the American Hospital Association , said Friday in a separate interview with CQ Roll Call .

Hospitals are seeking more funding as they brace for more patients with COVID-19 infections and potential shortages of workers and supplies.
Groups representing hospitals, doctors, and nurses are seeking an extra $1 billion to help build up temporary hospital capacity, protect workers and deal with other problems tied to the coronavirus pandemic. Leading hospital groups also want Congress to temporarily boost Medicare payments and are warning against any blanket guidance on deferring nonemergency care.
Their requests come on the heels of President Donald Trump’s national emergency declaration Friday afternoon, which should provide more financial support and offer flexibility for health care providers to address the rapidly spreading virus. Health care officials expect the number of reported cases to rise this week, as they say testing will become available in up to 2,000 labs after patients have struggled to get tested.
On Monday, the leading advocacy groups for hospitals, doctors and nurses sent a letter to congressional leaders asking for the additional $1 billion in emergency funding to build new facilities to handle an influx of potential patients, obtain more personal protective equipment and pay for increased staffing. The groups said staffing needs are likely due to increased patient load or staffing shortages.
“Our health care workers are as likely to contract the coronavirus disease as anyone else in the community, so that’s a concern to us,” Nancy Foster, vice president of quality and patient safety policy at the American Hospital Association, said Friday in a separate interview with CQ Roll Call.


rollcall--2020-03-16--Wireless providers sign FCC pledge to keep customers connected

Nearly 70 telephone and internet companies including AT & T , Verizon , T-Mobile and Sprint have signed a pledge to keep communications networks for Americans open during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak .
The pledge , circulated by the Federal Communications Commission , asks companies not to terminate service to residential or small businesses who are unable to pay bills because of the outbreak .
It also asks companies to waive late fees and open Wi-Fi hotspots for public use .
“ As the coronavirus outbreak spreads and causes a series of disruptions to the economic , educational , medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it is imperative that Americans stay connected , ” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai in a statement .
“ Broadband will enable them to communicate with their loved ones and doctors , telework , ensure their children can engage in remote learning , and — importantly — take part in the ‘ social distancing ’ that will be so critical to limiting the spread of this novel coronavirus.
” Pai also announced that the commission would grant T-Mobile special authority to use expanded spectrum in the 600 MHz band to help customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the outbreak , during which “ social distancing ” has been advised .
The commission also voted to provide the Rural Health Care Program with an additional $ 42.19 million in funding “ to help ensure that healthcare providers have the resources they need to promote telehealth solutions for patients .
”

Nearly 70 telephone and internet companies including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint have signed a pledge to keep communications networks for Americans open during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
The pledge, circulated by the Federal Communications Commission, asks companies not to terminate service to residential or small businesses who are unable to pay bills because of the outbreak. It also asks companies to waive late fees and open Wi-Fi hotspots for public use.
“As the coronavirus outbreak spreads and causes a series of disruptions to the economic, educational, medical, and civic life of our country, it is imperative that Americans stay connected,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai in a statement. “Broadband will enable them to communicate with their loved ones and doctors, telework, ensure their children can engage in remote learning, and — importantly — take part in the ‘social distancing’ that will be so critical to limiting the spread of this novel coronavirus.”
Pai also announced that the commission would grant T-Mobile special authority to use expanded spectrum in the 600 MHz band to help customers remain connected to their schools and offices during the outbreak, during which “social distancing” has been advised.
The commission also voted to provide the Rural Health Care Program with an additional $42.19 million in funding “to help ensure that healthcare providers have the resources they need to promote telehealth solutions for patients.”


rollcall--2020-03-16--Coronavirus Special Report: Evening update, 3/16

This episode of Coronavirus Special Report rounds up all the policy news of the day including President Donald Trump 's @ @ @ @ @ package and what the nation 's hospitals and health care workers say they need .
@ @ @ @ @ stimulus still behind FISA on Senate schedule • Airlines seek $ 58 billion in aid @ @ @ @ @ • Supreme Court delays arguments for the first outbreak since Spanish flu

This episode of Coronavirus Special Report rounds up all the policy news of the day including President Donald Trump's latest remarks, the stimulus package and what the nation's hospitals and health care workers say they need.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-03-17--Could Joe Biden give a boost to an Irish American museum?

At least one pair of Irish eyes is smiling this St. Patrick ’ s Day as a result of Joe Biden ’ s sudden rise in the presidential sweepstakes .
The former vice president ’ s Irish heritage could help revive interest in an Irish American Museum in Washington , said Carl Shanahan , a Connecticut businessman who has been promoting the project for years .
“ We haven ’ t been as active as we were before , ” said Shanahan , who first proposed a museum in 2008 but saw a fundraising effort dry up during the financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have Biden in the running now .
He was brought up Irish.
” If elected , the 77-year-old Biden would be the most Irish president since John F. Kennedy , whose grandparents emigrated from Ireland in the 1800s , and Ronald Reagan , who had Irish ancestors and also famously played football star George Gipp , of the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame , in the 1940 movie “ Knute Rockne , All American.
” Biden often references his Irish roots in speeches and occasionally quotes an Irish poet , Seamus Heaney .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in December — “ I may be Irish , but I ’ m not stupid ” — could get Biden into a brawl at many an Irish pub .
But even if Biden were to win and have the White House painted Kelly green , the road to an Irish American museum in Washington will be long and winding .

At least one pair of Irish eyes is smiling this St. Patrick’s Day as a result of Joe Biden’s sudden rise in the presidential sweepstakes. The former vice president’s Irish heritage could help revive interest in an Irish American Museum in Washington, said Carl Shanahan, a Connecticut businessman who has been promoting the project for years.
“We haven’t been as active as we were before,” said Shanahan, who first proposed a museum in 2008 but saw a fundraising effort dry up during the financial crisis that year. “But we have Biden in the running now. He was brought up Irish.”
If elected, the 77-year-old Biden would be the most Irish president since John F. Kennedy, whose grandparents emigrated from Ireland in the 1800s, and Ronald Reagan, who had Irish ancestors and also famously played football star George Gipp, of the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, in the 1940 movie “Knute Rockne, All American.”
Biden often references his Irish roots in speeches and occasionally quotes an Irish poet, Seamus Heaney. His own lyric at an Iowa forum in December — “I may be Irish, but I’m not stupid” — could get Biden into a brawl at many an Irish pub.
But even if Biden were to win and have the White House painted Kelly green, the road to an Irish American museum in Washington will be long and winding.


rollcall--2020-03-17--Coronavirus Special Report: Morning minute 3/17

CQ Roll Call brings you the latest roundup of policy news on coronavirus to start your day .
First up @ @ @ @ @ passed the House late Monday and heads to the Senate today .
Plus , what @ @ @ @ @ 2020 primaries ?
We 'll be back later today with more policy news — stay @ @ @ @ @ all the Capitol Hill coronavirus cases we know of so far • House funds allowed @ @ @ @ @ virus spurs transit cuts • Reporters get new guidelines as Hill coronavirus cases grow

CQ Roll Call brings you the latest roundup of policy news on coronavirus to start your day. First up, the coronavirus stimulus bill passed the House late Monday and heads to the Senate today. Plus, what will the coronavirus mean for 2020 primaries? We'll be back later today with more policy news — stay tuned.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-03-17--Reporters get new guidelines as Hill coronavirus cases grow

Capitol Hill ’ s exposure to the coronavirus is growing , and reporters were asked to do their part as measures to combat the virus that causes COVID-19 escalated significantly around the Capitol on Monday .
At least three current and one former staffer have tested positive for the novel coronavirus and more than half a dozen lawmakers are self-quarantining after coming in contact with individuals who ’ ve tested positive , contributing to growing concerns on Capitol Hill .
The Senate press galleries , overseen by the sergeant-at-arms , passed along worries from Senate leadership about large groups of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in turn , walking and talking with groups of reporters in tight packs .
[ Lawmakers keep finding out about coronavirus exposure after meeting with foreign officials ] “ In some cases , lawmakers may be more reluctant to conduct lengthy sessions with large press scrums due to health concerns , ” read a Monday memo to reporters from the press galleries .
The House is in a district work period that ’ s been indefinitely extended .
The Senate remains in session as it prepares to consider a coronavirus stimulus package @

Chris Cioffi, Katherine Tully-McManus, and Lindsey McPherson

Capitol Hill’s exposure to the coronavirus is growing, and reporters were asked to do their part as measures to combat the virus that causes COVID-19 escalated significantly around the Capitol on Monday.
At least three current and one former staffer have tested positive for the novel coronavirus and more than half a dozen lawmakers are self-quarantining after coming in contact with individuals who’ve tested positive, contributing to growing concerns on Capitol Hill. The Senate press galleries, overseen by the sergeant-at-arms, passed along worries from Senate leadership about large groups of reporters huddling around lawmakers and those lawmakers, in turn, walking and talking with groups of reporters in tight packs.
[Lawmakers keep finding out about coronavirus exposure after meeting with foreign officials]
“In some cases, lawmakers may be more reluctant to conduct lengthy sessions with large press scrums due to health concerns,” read a Monday memo to reporters from the press galleries.
The House is in a district work period that’s been indefinitely extended. The Senate remains in session as it prepares to consider a coronavirus stimulus package.


rollcall--2020-03-17--Here are all the Capitol Hill coronavirus cases we know of so far

As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases balloon across the United States , Capitol Hill has not been immune to the crisis , albeit on a much smaller scale .
Sunday saw the announcement of two more cases of Hill staffers , one current and one former , testing positive for COVID-19 , four days after Washington Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell revealed that an aide in her D.C. office had been diagnosed .
The numbers could be far greater than what has been reported , however , given the unavailability of tests and people with less severe symptoms being denied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawmakers are self-quarantining after coming in contact with individuals who ’ ve later tested positive for the disease caused by the novel coronavirus .
Two Democrats , House Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján and Rep. Gwen Moore , on Monday became the latest lawmakers to announce they were going into self-quarantine .
Luján ’ s office said he is not exhibiting symptoms after “ a brief interaction with an individual who was at the time asymptomatic but later tested positive for COVID-19.
” The New Mexico Democrat learned about the individual ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say he is at low risk for infection , he decided to self-quarantine “ out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of the public , ” his office said .

Lindsey McPherson, Chris Cioffi, and Katherine Tully-McManus

As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases balloon across the United States, Capitol Hill has not been immune to the crisis, albeit on a much smaller scale.
Sunday saw the announcement of two more cases of Hill staffers, one current and one former, testing positive for COVID-19, four days after Washington Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell revealed that an aide in her D.C. office had been diagnosed. The numbers could be far greater than what has been reported, however, given the unavailability of tests and people with less severe symptoms being denied tests.
More than half a dozen lawmakers are self-quarantining after coming in contact with individuals who’ve later tested positive for the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
Two Democrats, House Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján and Rep. Gwen Moore, on Monday became the latest lawmakers to announce they were going into self-quarantine.
Luján’s office said he is not exhibiting symptoms after “a brief interaction with an individual who was at the time asymptomatic but later tested positive for COVID-19.” The New Mexico Democrat learned about the individual’s diagnosis Sunday afternoon and while health professionals say he is at low risk for infection, he decided to self-quarantine “out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of the public,” his office said.


rollcall--2020-03-16--Revised coronavirus aid bill headed to Senate, finally

White House officials and the top Senate Republican said late Monday economic aid to households affected by the COVID-19 pandemic is on track despite concerns among the GOP rank-and-file in that chamber about the impact of paid leave requirements on small businesses .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said after huddling with senators late Monday that hangups in the House over a package of `` technical '' fixes to the bill passed by the House early Saturday morning were on the verge of being resolved .
Minutes later , Rep. Louie Gohmert , R-Texas — one of 40 Republicans to vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — dropped his objection and the corrections were adopted by unanimous consent .
Gohmert had held out for much of the day 's pro forma House session , arguing he had n't seen what the actual fixes were .
Finally the changes were revealed , with a 7:38 p.m. time stamp , and by 8:10 p.m. Gohmert was on the floor giving the resolution his blessing , telling the nearly empty chamber `` what are being called technical corrections make the bill better than it was when it got passed in the wee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ball is in Senate Majority Leader McConnell 's court , and the Kentucky Republican said his plan for the House bill is simply to `` pass it . ''
The chamber will also need to adopt the changes to the bill added by the House late Monday .
On that front , there 's some good news for small businesses in the 90-page packet of revisions .


rollcall--2020-03-17--Coronavirus Special Report: Evening update, 3/17

This episode rounds up all the coronavirus policy news that happened Tuesday , including the latest on Senate consideration of @ @ @ @ @ , a larger stimulus bill in the works , updated virus testing numbers and more @ @ @ @ @ take new actions to bolster lending during pandemic

This episode rounds up all the coronavirus policy news that happened Tuesday, including the latest on Senate consideration of the recent House-passed stimulus bill, a larger stimulus bill in the works, updated virus testing numbers and more.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-03-17--White House sees $50 billion for airlines, support for Boeing

A day after an industry group representing U.S. airlines asked the federal government for nearly $ 60 billion in loans and grants to deal with the economic impact of the coronavirus , the Trump administration responded with a $ 50 billion figure — and the president promised support for Boeing as well Specifically , the administration signaled it would include $ 50 billion for airlines out of the $ 850 billion in an economic stimulus it was preparing to sell to Congress .
The figure was confirmed by a senior administration official .
The administration didn ’ t offer details @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be divvied up , or if it would just go to passenger airlines or cargo airlines as well .
“ I am not going to comment on the specifics , ” said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , during a news conference Tuesday , while President Donald Trump vowed , “ the airline industry will be in good shape.
” But in what could become a controversial move , Trump signaled an interest in helping Boeing Co. , the beleaguered aircraft manufacturer that has struggled in the aftermath of two fatal accidents of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The company has been troubled by reports that it sacrificed safety in the pursuit of revenue and has faced harsh criticism as being too interested in its bottom line .

A day after an industry group representing U.S. airlines asked the federal government for nearly $60 billion in loans and grants to deal with the economic impact of the coronavirus, the Trump administration responded with a $50 billion figure — and the president promised support for Boeing as well.
Specifically, the administration signaled it would include $50 billion for airlines out of the $850 billion in an economic stimulus it was preparing to sell to Congress. The figure was confirmed by a senior administration official.
The administration didn’t offer details on how that $50 billion would be divvied up, or if it would just go to passenger airlines or cargo airlines as well.
“I am not going to comment on the specifics,” said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, during a news conference Tuesday, while President Donald Trump vowed, “the airline industry will be in good shape.”
But in what could become a controversial move, Trump signaled an interest in helping Boeing Co., the beleaguered aircraft manufacturer that has struggled in the aftermath of two fatal accidents of the Boeing 737 Max that killed 346. The company has been troubled by reports that it sacrificed safety in the pursuit of revenue and has faced harsh criticism as being too interested in its bottom line.


rollcall--2020-03-17--Tuesday’s elections (mostly) continue amid coronavirus pandemic

Voters in three states headed to the polls Tuesday even as chaos engulfed a fourth that ordered a last-minute postponement while Americans were warned to stay home to protect themselves from the new coronavirus .
In some ways , the contests were an early test of what the 2020 elections could look like in the midst of a global health crisis , and the very different paths states can take .
The Federal Election Commission also had to make a snap decision about fundraising for elections that go into overtime .
Arizona , Illinois and Florida moved forward with their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ohio officials moved to postpone in-person voting until June 2 , creating confusion and sparking a lawsuit over whether the decision was legal .
“ We need to continue to vote , ” said Arizona Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego , who was dropping off his ballot Tuesday .
“ We voted in this country in some horrible times .
Now , especially in Arizona with the availability of vote-by-mail , we can do this safely and effectively.
” Arizonans were casting their ballots by mail long before the pandemic hit .
But not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and election officials have been scrambling to postpone primaries and emphasize voting early or casting absentee ballots .

Voters in three states headed to the polls Tuesday even as chaos engulfed a fourth that ordered a last-minute postponement while Americans were warned to stay home to protect themselves from the new coronavirus.
In some ways, the contests were an early test of what the 2020 elections could look like in the midst of a global health crisis, and the very different paths states can take. The Federal Election Commission also had to make a snap decision about fundraising for elections that go into overtime.
Arizona, Illinois and Florida moved forward with their elections. But late Monday night, Ohio officials moved to postpone in-person voting until June 2, creating confusion and sparking a lawsuit over whether the decision was legal.
“We need to continue to vote,” said Arizona Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego, who was dropping off his ballot Tuesday. “We voted in this country in some horrible times. Now, especially in Arizona with the availability of vote-by-mail, we can do this safely and effectively.”
Arizonans were casting their ballots by mail long before the pandemic hit. But not every state has an ingrained vote-by-mail process, and election officials have been scrambling to postpone primaries and emphasize voting early or casting absentee ballots.


rollcall--2020-03-17--Defense secretary: Army Corps can’t build hospitals overnight

The Army Corps of Engineers might not be the most efficient way to provide support to hospitals strained by the @ @ @ @ @ Mark T. Esper said Tuesday .
Part of the issue is that the Corps of @ @ @ @ @ in construction but rather in the paperwork involved with construction projects .
“ I ’ @ @ @ @ @ send the Army Corps of Engineers out to work with states to see what we @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ The Corps of Engineers is a contracting body that does program oversight @ @ @ @ @ can be useful , if we can help , I ’ m certainly willing to @ @ @ @ @ Sunday , New York Gov .
Andrew M. Cuomo called on President Donald Trump to @ @ @ @ @ Engineers to help expand the capacity of hospitals struggling to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak @ @ @ @

The Army Corps of Engineers might not be the most efficient way to provide support to hospitals strained by the coronavirus pandemic, Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper said Tuesday.
Part of the issue is that the Corps of Engineers is not actively involved in construction but rather in the paperwork involved with construction projects.
[Trump drops payroll tax cut, wants stimulus checks]
“I’m more than willing to send the Army Corps of Engineers out to work with states to see what we can provide,” Esper said. “The Corps of Engineers is a contracting body that does program oversight work, and if we can be useful, if we can help, I’m certainly willing to provide that service.”
On Sunday, New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo called on President Donald Trump to deploy the Army Corps of Engineers to help expand the capacity of hospitals struggling to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak in the state.


rollcall--2020-03-17--Treasury, Fed take new actions to bolster lending during pandemic

The Treasury Department , Federal Reserve and other regulators on Tuesday took more steps to revitalize lending in a market @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 pandemic .
The Fed , along with Treasury 's Office of the Comptroller of @ @ @ @ @ Deposit Insurance Corporation , issued a statement encouraging banks to use excess reserves to lend @ @ @ @ @ Banks have more than doubled their capital and liquidity levels over the past decade and @ @ @ @ @ stronger than they were previously , the regulators said in a statement Tuesday .
“ @ @ @ @ @ of 2007-2008 , U.S. banking organizations have built up substantial levels of capital and liquidity @ @ @ @ @ and buffers , ” the agencies said .
The largest banking organizations hold $ 1.3 @ @ @ @ @ $ 2.9 trillion in high quality liquid assets .

The Treasury Department, Federal Reserve and other regulators on Tuesday took more steps to revitalize lending in a market left reeling by the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.
The Fed, along with Treasury's Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, issued a statement encouraging banks to use excess reserves to lend to households and businesses.
[Courts ask Congress for coronavirus response funds]
Banks have more than doubled their capital and liquidity levels over the past decade and are now substantially safer and stronger than they were previously, the regulators said in a statement Tuesday.
“Since the global financial crisis of 2007-2008, U.S. banking organizations have built up substantial levels of capital and liquidity in excess of regulatory minimums and buffers,” the agencies said. The largest banking organizations hold $1.3 trillion in common equity and $2.9 trillion in high quality liquid assets.


rollcall--2020-03-17--Courts ask Congress for coronavirus response funds

The judicial branch has asked Congress for $ 7 million in additional funding this fiscal year to respond to the @ @ @ @ @ federal courts deal with a disruption to operations that it estimates could last three months @ @ @ @ @ funds to ensure the information technology department can give judges enough bandwidth to accommodate an @ @ @ @ @ U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan , chairwoman of the Executive Committee of the Judicial @ @ @ @ @ .
[ Trump wants checks sent directly to Americans as part of coronavirus response ] @ @ @ @ @ million of the request would go for mental health and drug treatment programs for criminal @ @ @ @ @ services , because of the social distancing measures needed to prevent the spread of the @ @ @ @ @ disease caused by the coronavirus .
“ Those treatments usually occur in a group , @ @ @ @ @ be more costly to provide it individually , ” Eagan said .

The judicial branch has asked Congress for $7 million in additional funding this fiscal year to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, as the federal courts deal with a disruption to operations that it estimates could last three months.
The federal courts want funds to ensure the information technology department can give judges enough bandwidth to accommodate an increase in remote work, U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan, chairwoman of the Executive Committee of the Judicial Conference, told reporters Tuesday.
[Trump wants checks sent directly to Americans as part of coronavirus response]
Also, about $4.5 million of the request would go for mental health and drug treatment programs for criminal defendants on probation or pre-trial services, because of the social distancing measures needed to prevent the spread of the highly contagious COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
“Those treatments usually occur in a group, it’s going to be more costly to provide it individually,” Eagan said.


rollcall--2020-03-17--Trump to cut patient privacy protections, making remote doctor visits easier

President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that his administration would curtail enforcement of the federal law restricting the release of medical @ @ @ @ @ this move would allow for greater use of telehealth services to combat the COVID-19 pandemic @

President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that his administration would curtail enforcement of the federal law restricting the release of medical information. The president said this move would allow for greater use of telehealth services to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.


rollcall--2020-03-17--Barrasso pushes for highway spending in next stimulus bill

As Congress prepares a plan to blunt the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic , at least two senators are pushing for the surface transportation bill to be included in a stimulus package .
Senate Environment and Public Works Chairman John Barrasso , R-Wyo.
, wants congressional relief efforts to include his bill ( S 2302 ) , which would authorize $ 287 billion in spending on roads and bridges over five years .
A spokesman for the committee said Barrasso wants to attach the measure to a subsequent stimulus bill , not the House-passed measure that was revised on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ projects is expected to lapse at the end of this fiscal year , unless Congress acts to extend or reauthorize that funding .
Barrasso ’ s bill would increase federal highway spending by around 27 percent .
“ States are already starting to plan for construction projects for the fall , ” Barrasso aide Mike Danylak told CQ Roll Call Tuesday in an email .
“ Knowing now that they will have more money available to them for roads and bridges , will allow them to ramp-up construction for this fall.
” Those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lift the economy after the coronavirus and “ boost confidence in the system .
”

As Congress prepares a plan to blunt the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, at least two senators are pushing for the surface transportation bill to be included in a stimulus package.
Senate Environment and Public Works Chairman John Barrasso, R-Wyo., wants congressional relief efforts to include his bill (S 2302), which would authorize $287 billion in spending on roads and bridges over five years. A spokesman for the committee said Barrasso wants to attach the measure to a subsequent stimulus bill, not the House-passed measure that was revised on Monday.
Current federal funding for highway projects is expected to lapse at the end of this fiscal year, unless Congress acts to extend or reauthorize that funding. Barrasso’s bill would increase federal highway spending by around 27 percent.
“States are already starting to plan for construction projects for the fall,” Barrasso aide Mike Danylak told CQ Roll Call Tuesday in an email. “Knowing now that they will have more money available to them for roads and bridges, will allow them to ramp-up construction for this fall.”
Those projects, he said, will help lift the economy after the coronavirus and “boost confidence in the system.”


rollcall--2020-03-17--Duncan Hunter sentenced to 11 months in prison

Former Rep. Duncan Hunter was sentenced Tuesday to 11 months in federal prison for pilfering over $ 150,000 of campaign funds and using them on personal pursuits .
“ Today the truth was victorious .
Today the facts were victorious , ” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Phil Halpern , one of the prosecutors of the case in San Diego .
His fellow prosecutor Emily Allen described the sentence as a fair one and added that the California Republican will report to prison in May .
The sentencing guideline range was prescribed at 8-14 months in prison .
U.S. District Court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hunter to a maximum of five years in prison or — on the other end of the spectrum — could have given him no prison time .
In August 2018 , Hunter and his wife Margaret Hunter , were named in a lengthy , 60-count indictment , outlining the ways in which they broke federal law and undermined the public ’ s trust .
The California Republican illegally spent campaign money on myriad endeavors : Lego sets , movie tickets , a $ 14,000 family vacation to Italy and flights for his family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also spent campaign cash on extensive bar tabs , Uber rides to the home of girlfriends for extramarital affairs , Marlboro cigarettes and chewing tobacco .

Former Rep. Duncan Hunter was sentenced Tuesday to 11 months in federal prison for pilfering over $150,000 of campaign funds and using them on personal pursuits.
“Today the truth was victorious. Today the facts were victorious,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Phil Halpern, one of the prosecutors of the case in San Diego. His fellow prosecutor Emily Allen described the sentence as a fair one and added that the California Republican will report to prison in May.
The sentencing guideline range was prescribed at 8-14 months in prison. U.S. District Court Judge Thomas J. Whelan could have sentenced Hunter to a maximum of five years in prison or — on the other end of the spectrum — could have given him no prison time.
In August 2018, Hunter and his wife Margaret Hunter, were named in a lengthy, 60-count indictment, outlining the ways in which they broke federal law and undermined the public’s trust.
The California Republican illegally spent campaign money on myriad endeavors: Lego sets, movie tickets, a $14,000 family vacation to Italy and flights for his family’s pet bunny rabbit. Hunter also spent campaign cash on extensive bar tabs, Uber rides to the home of girlfriends for extramarital affairs, Marlboro cigarettes and chewing tobacco.


rollcall--2020-03-17--Cups closes amid coronavirus, but will compensate workers

Things “ have been very slow here , ” Chung said of business in the basement of the Russell Senate @ @ @ @ @ also wants to do its part to prevent the spread of COVID-19 , she added @ @ @ @ @ p.m. Tuesday , Cups has shut down for the next three weeks and plans to @ @ @ @ @ receiving permission from the Architect of the Capitol .
Meanwhile , workers will be compensated @ @ @ @ @ closure comes just six months after Cups reopened , to the delight of Senate staffers @ @ @ @ @ expansion .
Among those often spotted sipping from a Cups cup is Sen. Ted Cruz @ @ @ @ @ the best , ” the Texas Republican tweeted last year .

Things “have been very slow here,” Chung said of business in the basement of the Russell Senate Office Building. The shop also wants to do its part to prevent the spread of COVID-19, she added.
So as of 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Cups has shut down for the next three weeks and plans to reopen April 6, after receiving permission from the Architect of the Capitol. Meanwhile, workers will be compensated, Chung said.
The closure comes just six months after Cups reopened, to the delight of Senate staffers, following a renovation and expansion.
Among those often spotted sipping from a Cups cup is Sen. Ted Cruz. “Cups coffee is the best,” the Texas Republican tweeted last year.


rollcall--2020-03-18--Trump-appointed judge playing defense on presidential powers

Democrats saw warning signs long before President Donald Trump nominated Neomi Rao to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit .
At the time , she was a White House lawyer who zealously defended Trump ’ s agenda .
She ’ d clerked for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas .
But she had no experience as a judge and little trial experience .
Her legal writings promoted broad powers for the presidency .
And as a college student she ’ d taken positions on social issues that were anathema to many liberals and even some conservatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ideal candidate for Trump and many conservatives .
They see the appointment of federal judges who can pass their litmus test on social issues — and champion deregulation — as a way to circumvent legislative gridlock in Congress and counter the influence of liberal jurists .
Loyalty to Trump seals the deal .
Less than a year after taking a seat on what is widely viewed as the second-most powerful court in the land , Rao has favored Trump ’ s position in dissents in two high-profile cases testing the power of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pushed back on a ruling that grand jury information referenced in Robert S. Mueller III ’ s report on Russian interference in the 2016 election must be shared with the House Judiciary Committee .

Ilana Marcus, Joshua Eaton, and Ed Timms

Democrats saw warning signs long before President Donald Trump nominated Neomi Rao to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
At the time, she was a White House lawyer who zealously defended Trump’s agenda. She’d clerked for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. But she had no experience as a judge and little trial experience. Her legal writings promoted broad powers for the presidency. And as a college student she’d taken positions on social issues that were anathema to many liberals and even some conservatives.
That same background made her an ideal candidate for Trump and many conservatives. They see the appointment of federal judges who can pass their litmus test on social issues — and champion deregulation — as a way to circumvent legislative gridlock in Congress and counter the influence of liberal jurists. Loyalty to Trump seals the deal.
Less than a year after taking a seat on what is widely viewed as the second-most powerful court in the land, Rao has favored Trump’s position in dissents in two high-profile cases testing the power of the presidency. Just last week, she pushed back on a ruling that grand jury information referenced in Robert S. Mueller III’s report on Russian interference in the 2016 election must be shared with the House Judiciary Committee.


rollcall--2020-03-18--Parenting while distancing? Rep. Katie Porter has some single mom advice

Katie Porter was “ extremely busy ” when she squeezed in a phone call with Heard on the Hill this @ @ @ @ @ call in her pajamas .
At 9:30 a.m. ( on the West Coast ) , @ @ @ @ @ of the day .
Like millions of Americans , Porter was working from home on @ @ @ @ @ figure out how to occupy her kids as the coronavirus pandemic redefines the word “ @ @ @ @ @ it was going pretty well .
The California Democrat , who is serving her first @ @ @ @ @ a single mom .
Her Wi-Fi connection for work stuff was holding up OK , @ @ @ @ @ line of defense ” : telling her kids to “ stop streaming , ” which @ @ @ @ @ One side effect of the coronavirus is that it ’ s highlighting the sheer amount @ @ @ @ @ keep a young human being fed and busy for an entire day .
Now try @ @ @ @ @ for a period of social distancing .

Katie Porter was “extremely busy” when she squeezed in a phone call with Heard on the Hill this week. She took the call in her pajamas. At 9:30 a.m. (on the West Coast), it was her fifth one of the day.
Like millions of Americans, Porter was working from home on Tuesday — and trying to figure out how to occupy her kids as the coronavirus pandemic redefines the word “parenting.”
So far, it was going pretty well. The California Democrat, who is serving her first term in Congress, is a single mom. Her Wi-Fi connection for work stuff was holding up OK, thanks to her “first line of defense”: telling her kids to “stop streaming,” which they take in stride.
“They’re good kids,” she says.
One side effect of the coronavirus is that it’s highlighting the sheer amount of teamwork it takes to keep a young human being fed and busy for an entire day. Now try all that while hunkered down for a period of social distancing.


rollcall--2020-03-18--Public health experts worry about spread of COVID-19 misinformation

“ People are asking what they can do and are not getting much advice from the government , ” said @ @ @ @ @ of epidemiology at the Yale School of Public Health , who is concerned about the @ @ @ @ @ individuals can do to prevent contracting COVID-19 .
[ Reporters get new guidelines as Hill @ @ @ @ @ recommends good practices such as not handling money , carrying a personal pen for signing @ @ @ @ @ hand to open doors , avoiding handrails and using a knuckle to press elevator buttons @ @ @ @ @ of research at the Center for Public Health Initiatives at the University of Pennsylvania , @ @ @ @ @ limiting face-to-face interactions .
“ The key message to get across is that people should @ @ @ @ @ .
Stay home , unless you have an urgent need to leave for medical or @ @ @ @ @ an essential service , ” said Cannuscio .
“ This will protect you , your @ @ @ @ @ system .
Do your part , and do it now .
”

John Lednicky, a virologist with the University of Florida’s Department of Environmental & Global Health, is worried about the harmful information being put out that is masquerading as legitimate advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or other agencies.
“I think the government has been putting out useful and correct information,” said Lednicky. “The problem is that there are bad actors out there who are putting out misinformation, and sometimes people think the information is coming from the government but it’s not.”
Ineffective strategies
A lack of credible, easy-to-access information for individuals has led to some pursuing unorthodox approaches to health care that can be harmful. Stores have been selling out of hand sanitizers that do not meet the CDC’s guidelines and may not be effective, and bad actors have been hawking homeopathic products that could harm unwitting individuals.
Numerous reports have found that individuals have attempted to make their own hand sanitizers with vodka, which experts have warned is unsafe. Vodka does not have a high enough alcohol percentage to be effective. Last week, the top Food and Drug Administration official was unfamiliar with these reports.
Rep. Barbara Lee grilled FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn during a House Appropriations subcommittee hearing about homemade hand sanitizers. She described a homemade sanitizer recipe she found online and asked about its efficacy.


rollcall--2020-03-18--Pandemic ignites interest in remote voting; McConnell, Pelosi say no

Senators on both sides of the aisle said this week that the chamber is exploring the possibility of voting remotely on a third legislative package responding to the coronavirus pandemic , a move that would upend tradition and require tweaks to the Senate rules .
But Majority Leader Mitch McConnell shot down the idea of remote voting Tuesday , just like Speaker Nancy Pelosi did in the House last week .
The concept of making special accommodations to allow legislative action without gathering lawmakers together has been floating around Capitol Hill , but until this week lawmakers and congressional leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Call about what would happen if emergency legislation is needed and it is not safe for lawmakers to congregate .
Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn told reporters that there are discussions underway about potentially voting remotely because of the COVID-19 pandemic , but he stressed that the move would require a rules change and may not be simple .
An array of Senate rules and procedures require physical presence for certain floor and committee actions .
“ The Senate is a pretty tradition-bound place .
But these are extraordinary circumstances , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shutter offices following coronavirus diagnosis on the Hill ]

Updated 10:35 a.m. | Senators on both sides of the aisle said this week that the chamber is exploring the possibility of voting remotely on a third legislative package responding to the coronavirus pandemic, a move that would upend tradition and require tweaks to the Senate rules. But Majority Leader Mitch McConnell shot down the idea of remote voting Tuesday, just like Speaker Nancy Pelosi did in the House last week.
Still, McConnell is altering the Senate’s patterns, an acknowledgment of the concerns.
On Wednesday, the Kentucky Republican announced that any votes will be conducted as 30 minutes votes rather than the usual 15 minutes to stagger senators presence in the chamber.
He encouraged senators to leave promptly after voting and to not congregate in the well for the safety of clerks and staff in the front of the chamber.
“I think we’ll be able to get through the voting that will occur in all likelihood later today without violating any of the safety precautions that have been recommended to us by the capitol physician and others,” said McConnell.


rollcall--2020-03-18--Presidential race now leans toward the Democrats

ANALYSIS — More than 14 months ago , I wrote a column in this space suggesting that the 2020 presidential contest was a toss-up , but one that tilted toward the Democrats .
I offered caveats about the economy and the Democratic nomination , acknowledging that there was “ no way of knowing what events will draw America ’ s attention 18 or 20 months from now.
” Now , the landscape has changed .
Democrats are likely to be united in the fall , and President Donald Trump ’ s standing is stuck where it has been for many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about presidential leadership and the economy , which the president has been relying on to help him win a second term .
The president is an underdog now in his bid for a second term .
That doesn ’ t mean he can ’ t win .
It simply means that he is in a more difficult place than he was before , in part because Democrats have united behind a consensus candidate who has potentially broad appeal .
In my Jan. 3 , 2019 column , I noted that my “ Tilts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a combination of Trump ’ s current standing , his electoral performance in 2016 , his party ’ s performance in 2018 , questions about the Democratic Party ’ s ability to unite behind a broadly appealing nominee next year , and assumptions about the economy and state of the nation a year and a half from now.
” No , I didn ’ t anticipate impeachment or the coronavirus pandemic or the news about Trump ’ s effort to manipulate Ukraine .
But my assessment of the race ’ s fundamentals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standing in the polls and my general assessment of the race remain little changed .

ANALYSIS — More than 14 months ago, I wrote a column in this space suggesting that the 2020 presidential contest was a toss-up, but one that tilted toward the Democrats. I offered caveats about the economy and the Democratic nomination, acknowledging that there was “no way of knowing what events will draw America’s attention 18 or 20 months from now.” Now, the landscape has changed.
Democrats are likely to be united in the fall, and President Donald Trump’s standing is stuck where it has been for many months. There are also more questions about presidential leadership and the economy, which the president has been relying on to help him win a second term.
The president is an underdog now in his bid for a second term. That doesn’t mean he can’t win. It simply means that he is in a more difficult place than he was before, in part because Democrats have united behind a consensus candidate who has potentially broad appeal.
In my Jan. 3, 2019 column, I noted that my “Tilts Democratic” rating was based “on a combination of Trump’s current standing, his electoral performance in 2016, his party’s performance in 2018, questions about the Democratic Party’s ability to unite behind a broadly appealing nominee next year, and assumptions about the economy and state of the nation a year and a half from now.”
No, I didn’t anticipate impeachment or the coronavirus pandemic or the news about Trump’s effort to manipulate Ukraine. But my assessment of the race’s fundamentals, my reading of the president’s standing in the polls and my general assessment of the race remain little changed.


rollcall--2020-03-18--Coronavirus Special Report: Morning minute, 3/18

CQ Roll Call brings you the latest roundup of coronavirus policy news to start your Wednesday .
Find out more @ @ @ @ @ being discussed in Washington , plus the Defense secretary 's response to a call for @ @ @ @ @ to assist with pandemic response .
• Treasury , Fed take new actions to bolster @ @ @

CQ Roll Call brings you the latest roundup of coronavirus policy news to start your Wednesday. Find out more about the next stimulus package being discussed in Washington, plus the Defense secretary's response to a call for the Army Corps of Engineers to assist with pandemic response.
Show notes:


rollcall--2020-03-18--Rep. Dan Lipinski loses primary rematch to Marie Newman in Illinois

Illinois Rep. Daniel Lipinski , a Blue Dog Democrat opposed to abortion rights , lost his bid for a ninth term Tuesday to challenger Marie Newman in a primary where voters were rattled by the coronavirus pandemic .
With 95 percent of precincts reporting , Newman was leading Lipinski , 48 percent to 44 percent , when The Associated Press called the race for the 3rd District .
The primary was a rematch of 2018 when Lipinski eked out a 2-point victory .
This time , outside groups spent more money and got into the race earlier in the heavily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who has broken with his party on abortion as well as the 2010 health care overhaul , voted with his Democratic colleagues 95.9 percent of the time on votes that split the parties in 2019 , according to CQ Vote Studies .
First elected in 2004 to fill the seat previously held by his father , Lipinski has a conservative voting record on abortion and on some defense matters , including in 2016 when he was one of only a dozen Democrats to vote for a bill prohibiting the transfer of any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

First elected in 2004 to fill the seat previously held by his father, Lipinski has a conservative voting record on abortion and on some defense matters, including in 2016 when he was one of only a dozen Democrats to vote for a bill prohibiting the transfer of any detainee at the Guantanamo prison in Cuba.
Newman, a former advertising agency executive and consultant, founded the nonprofit organization “Team Up To Stop Bullying.” During her campaign, she endorsed “Medicare for All” and has pledged to reject campaign donations from corporate PACs.
In 2004, Lipinski’s father, William, all but assured that his son would be his successor; the elder Lipinski filed to run for reelection that year, was unopposed in the Democratic primary, and then announced during the August recess that he would retire.
The younger Lipinski’s defeat this year came during an election filled with increasing fear over COVID-19, potentially limiting turnout for in-person voting. However, political insiders had predicted that strong turnout would boost Newman.
Matt Dietrich, a spokesman for the Illinois State Board of Elections, said it was not yet clear how much the coronavirus may have affected turnout Tuesday.


rollcall--2020-03-18--New aid request adds to coronavirus response price tag

The White House sent a $ 45.8 billion supplemental spending request to Congress on Tuesday night to bolster funding for federal agencies ’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Administration officials stressed that the appropriations request is completely separate from a $ 1 trillion economic stimulus package that Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is working on with Senate Republicans .
The money is needed to deal with a surge in confirmed cases that is stretching the U.S. medical system , officials said .
The White House budget office 's acting director , Russell Vought , wrote in a letter accompanying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ with the pandemic growing , resource needs have also grown.
” Vought wrote that the “ unprecedented mobilization the Administration has achieved has forced agencies to incur unanticipated costs , ” which he said “ must be met with a legislative response to ensure full operational capacity.
” The Office of Management and Budget also submitted amendments to its fiscal 2021 spending request , increasing its asks for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , two agencies at the forefront of attempting to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combined $ 1.8 billion .

The White House sent a $45.8 billion supplemental spending request to Congress on Tuesday night to bolster funding for federal agencies’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Administration officials stressed that the appropriations request is completely separate from a $1 trillion economic stimulus package that Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is working on with Senate Republicans. The money is needed to deal with a surge in confirmed cases that is stretching the U.S. medical system, officials said.
[Mnuchin: White House plan will inject $1 trillion into economy]
The White House budget office's acting director, Russell Vought, wrote in a letter accompanying the request that the funding is needed because “with the pandemic growing, resource needs have also grown.” Vought wrote that the “unprecedented mobilization the Administration has achieved has forced agencies to incur unanticipated costs,” which he said “must be met with a legislative response to ensure full operational capacity.”
The Office of Management and Budget also submitted amendments to its fiscal 2021 spending request, increasing its asks for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, two agencies at the forefront of attempting to contain and treat COVID-19, by a combined $1.8 billion.


rollcall--2020-03-17--Guatemala suspends US flights carrying asylum-seekers

The Guatemalan government on Tuesday temporarily blocked the U.S. from bringing deported asylum-seekers to the Central American country as part @ @ @ @ @ the Trump administration .
U.S. immigration officials had been sending hundreds of asylum-seekers from Honduras @ @ @ @ @ since last fall under a “ safe third-country ” agreement .
But Guatemala 's foreign @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. flights to give its government time to establish sanitary protocols that would allow @ @ @ @ @ to their places of origin .
The foreign ministry also said in a news release @ @ @ @ @ had blocked U.S. flights of Guatemalan deportees .
The announcement comes a day after Guatemala @ @ @ @ @ its borders to help contain the spread of the coronavirus .
Neither U.S. Immigration and @ @ @ @ @ of Homeland Security responded to CQ Roll Call requests Tuesday for comment .

The Guatemalan government on Tuesday temporarily blocked the U.S. from bringing deported asylum-seekers to the Central American country as part of its bilateral agreement with the Trump administration.
U.S. immigration officials had been sending hundreds of asylum-seekers from Honduras and El Salvador to Guatemala since last fall under a “safe third-country” agreement.
But Guatemala's foreign ministry announced it had suspended the U.S. flights to give its government time to establish sanitary protocols that would allow these asylum-seekers to safely return to their places of origin. The foreign ministry also said in a news release on its website that it had blocked U.S. flights of Guatemalan deportees.
The announcement comes a day after Guatemala banned U.S. flights and closed its borders to help contain the spread of the coronavirus.
Neither U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement nor the Department of Homeland Security responded to CQ Roll Call requests Tuesday for comment.


rollcall--2020-03-18--Farm group warns of ‘bare shelves’ without expedited work visas

Agricultural employers warned of “ bare shelves in grocery stores ” in a letter to the State Department if it does not find a way to expedite its review of visa applications for foreign agricultural workers as U.S. farmers prepare for spring planting .
The Agriculture Workforce Coalition said it welcomed the State Department ’ s decision to review some applications for H-2A agricultural visas after saying on Monday that it was suspending action on all visa applications at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City and U.S. consulates throughout Mexico .
However , in a Tuesday email , the embassy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the consulate in Monterrey will give priority to processing people who have held H-2A or H-2B visas in the past 12 months , are seeking to renew those visas and qualify for a waiver from the requirement of an in-person interview .
But the coalition said in its letter Tuesday that only a portion of visa seekers will qualify for priority .
The employers argue the decision comes as farmers need workers and will delay the arrival of labor on farms .
Under the program , workers sign contracts for seasonal work for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sponsored by the growers .
H-2B visas are for temporary workers who usually fill jobs such as housekeepers , food processors , amusement park workers , waiters and cooks .

Agricultural employers warned of “bare shelves in grocery stores” in a letter to the State Department if it does not find a way to expedite its review of visa applications for foreign agricultural workers as U.S. farmers prepare for spring planting.
The Agriculture Workforce Coalition said it welcomed the State Department’s decision to review some applications for H-2A agricultural visas after saying on Monday that it was suspending action on all visa applications at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City and U.S. consulates throughout Mexico.
However, in a Tuesday email, the embassy notified H-2A and H-2B visa applicants that the consulate in Monterrey will give priority to processing people who have held H-2A or H-2B visas in the past 12 months, are seeking to renew those visas and qualify for a waiver from the requirement of an in-person interview.
But the coalition said in its letter Tuesday that only a portion of visa seekers will qualify for priority. The employers argue the decision comes as farmers need workers and will delay the arrival of labor on farms. Under the program, workers sign contracts for seasonal work for U.S. growers and enter under H-2A visas sponsored by the growers.
H-2B visas are for temporary workers who usually fill jobs such as housekeepers, food processors, amusement park workers, waiters and cooks.


rollcall--2020-03-18--First member of Congress reports positive coronavirus test

Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart said Wednesday that he has tested positive for the novel coronavirus .
The Florida Republican said in @ @ @ @ @ symptoms last Saturday .
He has remained in self-quarantine in Washington .
“ I want @ @ @ @ @ am feeling much better , ” Diaz-Balart said .
“ However , it is important @ @ @ @ @ seriously and follow CDC guidelines in order to avoid getting sick and mitigate the spread @ @ @ @ @ explained that he did not leave Washington when the House adjourned on Friday , March @ @ @ @ @ to fly home to Miami because his wife has a preexisting condition that could have @ @ @ @ @ associated with the COVID-19 illness .

Two House lawmakers announced Wednesday that they had tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
Hours after Florida Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart became the first member of Congress to disclose his COVID-19 diagnosis, Utah Rep. Ben McAdams followed with news of his positive test.
McAdams, a Democrat and former Salt Lake County mayor, said he developed symptoms, including a dry cough and fever, when he returned home to Utah from Washington last weekend.
“I have self-quarantined since first having symptoms and consulted with my doctor,” McAdams tweeted Wednesday evening.
Diaz-Balart, a Republican from South Florida, said in a statement that he developed symptoms last Saturday. He has remained in self-quarantine in Washington.


rollcall--2020-03-18--Coronavirus Special Report: Evening update, 3/18

The president called himself a wartime president , and the Senate passed a second stimulus bill .
It now turns @ @ @ @ @ economic stimulus plan put forward by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin .
We 'll break down @ @ @ @ @ plan , and what the government is and is n't doing to help hospitals and @ @ @ @ @ clears coronavirus aid package , with more to come • Census delays all in-person counting @ @ @ @ @ to coronavirus • Nurses , doctors exposed to COVID-19 who miss work may lose their @ @ @ @ @ Shortage of supplies for virus leads Trump to invoke war powers

The president called himself a wartime president, and the Senate passed a second stimulus bill. It now turns to a $1 trillion economic stimulus plan put forward by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. We'll break down what's in the new plan, and what the government is and isn't doing to help hospitals and first responders.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-03-18--Murray, others urge sick leave in future coronavirus bill

The Senate on Wednesday rejected an attempt by Sen. Patty Murray to tack additional paid sick leave onto a coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ the House , but Murray and other Democrats said on a press call that the @ @ @ @ @ such provisions to win Democratic support .
Murray was joined on the call by Sen. @ @ @ @ @ and Rep. Rosa DeLauro , D-Conn. , to say that enhanced sick leave and family @ @ @ @ @ be part of future legislation to respond to COVID-19 , the disease caused by the @ @ @ @ @ , said she wants to include permanent mandates for up to seven paid sick days @ @ @ @ @ leave .
“ This has to be part of any supplemental we do , ” @ @ @ @ @ member of the Senate Health , Education Labor and Pensions Committee .

The Senate on Wednesday rejected an attempt by Sen. Patty Murray to tack additional paid sick leave onto a coronavirus response bill already passed by the House, but Murray and other Democrats said on a press call that the next relief legislation must have such provisions to win Democratic support.
Murray was joined on the call by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., and Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., to say that enhanced sick leave and family medical leave would have to be part of future legislation to respond to COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. Murray, D-Wash., said she wants to include permanent mandates for up to seven paid sick days and paid family and medical leave.
“This has to be part of any supplemental we do,” said Murray, the ranking member of the Senate Health, Education Labor and Pensions Committee.


rollcall--2020-03-18--‘Shutdown of travel’ seen as White House, Congress plan rescues

Wednesday brought a new wave of rattling announcements from all corners of the transportation sector as airports warned of defaults @ @ @ @ @ operations , and the administration and Congress readied another round of stimulus spending .
`` @ @ @ @ @ of travel , '' said U.S. Travel Association CEO Roger Dow .
Honda , Ford @ @ @ @ @ that they were suspending operations .
Fiat-Chrysler said it would start closing plants `` progressively @ @ @ @ @ of March . ''
The closures came just one day after an employee at Ford @ @ @ @ @ positive for COVID-19 .
Hyundai , meanwhile , announced it was suspending operations at an @ @ @ @ @ there tested positive as well .

Wednesday brought a new wave of rattling announcements from all corners of the transportation sector as airports warned of defaults on bonds, automakers suspended operations, and the administration and Congress readied another round of stimulus spending.
"We're witnessing the shutdown of travel," said U.S. Travel Association CEO Roger Dow.
Honda, Ford and General Motors all announced that they were suspending operations. Fiat-Chrysler said it would start closing plants "progressively from today through the end of March."
The closures came just one day after an employee at Ford’s Dearborn plant tested positive for COVID-19. Hyundai, meanwhile, announced it was suspending operations at an Alabama plant after an employee there tested positive as well.
[Road trip: Sen. Sherrod Brown skips air travel amid coronavirus]


rollcall--2020-03-18--Wedding postponed? Gilbert Gottfried is here to help (sort of)

“ I heard you had to postpone your upcoming wedding for no other reason than there ’ s some virus @ @ @ @ @ earth and will wipe out humanity , ” actor and comedian Gilbert Gottfried said in @ @ @ @ @ message was for Sam Ungar and Alex Saslaw , who , like many couples in @ @ @ @ @ to postpone their spring wedding after the CDC ’ s latest guidelines on mass gatherings @ @ @ @ @ in the early stages of deciding what to do next , ” Ungar told Heard @ @ @ @ @ .
Dozens of messages followed from family and friends , but the one from the @ @ @ @ @ Ungar admits he ’ s not necessarily a Gottfried stan , but said if they @ @ @ @ @ voice of comfort in this “ difficult time , ” they ’ re “ glad @ @ @ @ @ as his.
” The comedian ’ s message , booked by a friend ( a @ @ @ @ @ 150 ) , included some marital advice .

“I heard you had to postpone your upcoming wedding for no other reason than there’s some virus which is taking over the earth and will wipe out humanity,” actor and comedian Gilbert Gottfried said in a Cameo video.
The message was for Sam Ungar and Alex Saslaw, who, like many couples in these plan-canceling times, decided to postpone their spring wedding after the CDC’s latest guidelines on mass gatherings.
“We are still in the early stages of deciding what to do next,” Ungar told Heard on the Hill on Wednesday.
Dozens of messages followed from family and friends, but the one from the Hollywood actor was unexpected. Ungar admits he’s not necessarily a Gottfried stan, but said if they were going to hear a voice of comfort in this “difficult time,” they’re “glad it was one as distinctive as his.”
The comedian’s message, booked by a friend (a cameo from Gottfried cost $150), included some marital advice.


rollcall--2020-03-18--Defense contractors are unlikely to pivot to coronavirus response

Defense contractors are unlikely to stop building ships and planes and start making medical equipment , even after President Donald @ @ @ @ @ Act on Wednesday .
Technically , defense contractors could shift production toward badly needed medical @ @ @ @ @ , director of the defense-industrial initiatives group at the Center for Strategic and International Studies @ @ @ @ @ said than done .
[ Senate clears coronavirus aid package , with more to come @ @ @ @ @ not sure they ’ d be able to obtain the necessary certifications for producing advanced @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t already have them , so my guess is this will mostly involve @ @ @ @ @ Hunter said in an email .
Domestic production of the most needed equipment , like @ @ @ @ @ already focused on coronavirus response , he noted .
So the most likely role the @ @ @ @ @ is to provide financial incentives for expanded production , he said .

Defense contractors are unlikely to stop building ships and planes and start making medical equipment, even after President Donald Trump invoked the Defense Production Act on Wednesday.
Technically, defense contractors could shift production toward badly needed medical equipment, said Andrew Hunter, director of the defense-industrial initiatives group at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. But that's easier said than done.
[Senate clears coronavirus aid package, with more to come]
“I’m not sure they’d be able to obtain the necessary certifications for producing advanced medical equipment quickly if they don’t already have them, so my guess is this will mostly involve existing medical manufacturers,” Hunter said in an email.
Domestic production of the most needed equipment, like masks and ventilators, is already focused on coronavirus response, he noted. So the most likely role the Defense Production Act can play is to provide financial incentives for expanded production, he said.


rollcall--2020-03-18--CDC suggests nurses use bandanas, scarves during face mask shortage

As the national shortage of face masks becomes severe , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says nurses can @ @ @ @ @ makeshift masks when caring for COVID-19 patients — although it ’ s unclear whether they @ @ @ @ @ The CDC says that option should be used “ as a last resort ” and @ @ @ @ @ depletes its supply and experiences a crush of COVID-19 patients , reaching “ crisis capacity.
@ @ @ @ @ its recommendations are out of step with standards of care in the United States .
@ @ @ @ @ a policy shielding nurses from COVID-19 because there aren ’ t enough masks ] Nurses @ @ @ @ @ can “ use homemade masks ( e.g.
, bandana , scarf ) for care of @ @ @ @ @ the CDC website now reads .
The agency says in the next sentence that the @ @ @ @ @ protect health care providers against the coronavirus-caused disease “ is unknown.
” [ Nurses , @ @ @ @ @ miss work may lose their job under aid bill ]

As the national shortage of face masks becomes severe, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says nurses can use bandanas and scarves as makeshift masks when caring for COVID-19 patients — although it’s unclear whether they would protect medical workers.
The CDC says that option should be used “as a last resort” and only when the hospital nearly depletes its supply and experiences a crush of COVID-19 patients, reaching “crisis capacity.” The CDC acknowledges that its recommendations are out of step with standards of care in the United States.
[Hospitals want to kill a policy shielding nurses from COVID-19 because there aren’t enough masks]
Nurses and other health care providers can “use homemade masks (e.g., bandana, scarf) for care of patients with COVID-19,” the CDC website now reads. The agency says in the next sentence that the homemade masks’ capability to protect health care providers against the coronavirus-caused disease “is unknown.”
[Nurses, doctors exposed to COVID-19 who miss work may lose their job under aid bill]


rollcall--2020-03-18--Immigration authorities hit pause amid coronavirus concerns

The Trump administration is taking extensive measures this week to close immigration offices , cancel in-person check-ins with undocumented immigrants , and drastically scale back court hearings to help contain the coronavirus outbreak .
U.S .
Citizenship and Immigration Services announced late Tuesday that U.S. immigration offices across the country will be closed through at least April 1 to prevent the spread of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
“ USCIS field offices will send notices to applicants and petitioners with scheduled appointments and naturalization ceremonies impacted by this closure .
USCIS asylum offices will send interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the agency said in a statement .
The decision will postpone asylum interviews and naturalization ceremonies , resulting in one of the biggest impacts to the immigration system .
As immigration offices temporarily close , some advocacy groups called for the Trump administration to extend deadlines for recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals , an Obama-era program that grants undocumented immigrants who came to America as children the legal right to stay and work .
Advocates worry the closures will hamper the ability of DACA recipients to renew their @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The Trump administration is taking extensive measures this week to close immigration offices, cancel in-person check-ins with undocumented immigrants, and drastically scale back court hearings to help contain the coronavirus outbreak.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced late Tuesday that U.S. immigration offices across the country will be closed through at least April 1 to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
“USCIS field offices will send notices to applicants and petitioners with scheduled appointments and naturalization ceremonies impacted by this closure. USCIS asylum offices will send interview cancellation notices and automatically reschedule asylum interviews,” the agency said in a statement.
The decision will postpone asylum interviews and naturalization ceremonies, resulting in one of the biggest impacts to the immigration system.
As immigration offices temporarily close, some advocacy groups called for the Trump administration to extend deadlines for recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, an Obama-era program that grants undocumented immigrants who came to America as children the legal right to stay and work. Advocates worry the closures will hamper the ability of DACA recipients to renew their protections before they expire this year.


rollcall--2020-03-18--Lipinski: ‘I will not prevail’ in race against Marie Newman

Rep. Daniel Lipinski , an anti-abortion-rights Democrat from Illinois , said Wednesday he was unlikely to win his party ’ @ @ @ @ @ , more than 15 hours after The Associated Press called the primary in favor of @ @ @ @ @ .
Lipinski , the first incumbent in Congress to lose this election cycle and one @ @ @ @ @ self-described pro-life Democrats in Congress , said there were still outstanding ballots .
“ But @ @ @ @ @ now , it appears I will not prevail , ” he said during a news @ @ @ @ @ on Facebook .
Lipinski said he had called to congratulate Newman , a former advertising @ @ @ @ @ founded the nonprofit organization “ Team Up To Stop Bullying.
” During her campaign , @ @ @ @ @ All ” and has pledged to reject campaign donations from corporate PACs .
It was @ @ @ @ @ , that Lipinski said loomed over the race and fueled big outside money invested on @ @ @ @ @

Rep. Daniel Lipinski, an anti-abortion-rights Democrat from Illinois, said Wednesday he was unlikely to win his party’s nomination for another term, more than 15 hours after The Associated Press called the primary in favor of his opponent, Marie Newman.
Lipinski, the first incumbent in Congress to lose this election cycle and one of only a handful of self-described pro-life Democrats in Congress, said there were still outstanding ballots.


rollcall--2020-03-19--Candidate trying to oust Rep. Ben McAdams, who has COVID-19, edits hospital beds out of video

Days before Rep. Ben McAdams announced he had COVID-19 , a candidate vying to unseat the Utah Democrat launched his campaign with a video featuring lawmakers being wheeled on hospital beds through what appear to be the halls of Congress .
That part of the video , for Republican hopeful Trent Christensen , was edited out from the version posted on the candidate ’ s website Wednesday , as cases of the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 spiked across the country and hours before McAdams and another lawmaker , Florida GOP Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart , announced they had contracted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a venture capital firm and the regional finance director for Sen. Mitt Romney ’ s 2012 presidential campaign , told CQ Roll Call he had been attempting to take “ a lighthearted look ” at career politicians in Washington but reconsidered as the level of anxiety in the country rose this week .
In addition to the coronavirus pandemic , he noted , Utah experienced a 5.7 magnitude earthquake Wednesday .
“ With everything going on , we wanted to make sure the tone was appropriate with where everyone was , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ example of political messaging that has fallen flat in recent weeks as candidates attempt to adjust to the rapidly changing mood of a country facing an economic and public health crisis unlike anything in recent memory .

Days before Rep. Ben McAdams announced he had COVID-19, a candidate vying to unseat the Utah Democrat launched his campaign with a video featuring lawmakers being wheeled on hospital beds through what appear to be the halls of Congress.
That part of the video, for Republican hopeful Trent Christensen, was edited out from the version posted on the candidate’s website Wednesday, as cases of the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 spiked across the country and hours before McAdams and another lawmaker, Florida GOP Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, announced they had contracted the virus.
Christensen, the CEO of a venture capital firm and the regional finance director for Sen. Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign, told CQ Roll Call he had been attempting to take “a lighthearted look” at career politicians in Washington but reconsidered as the level of anxiety in the country rose this week. In addition to the coronavirus pandemic, he noted, Utah experienced a 5.7 magnitude earthquake Wednesday.
“With everything going on, we wanted to make sure the tone was appropriate with where everyone was,” he said.
The video is the latest example of political messaging that has fallen flat in recent weeks as candidates attempt to adjust to the rapidly changing mood of a country facing an economic and public health crisis unlike anything in recent memory.


rollcall--2020-03-19--Airlines would get $58B in loans in Senate coronavirus bill

The newest iteration of federal relief in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic would include $ 58 billion in collateralized @ @ @ @ @ U.S. airlines .
The Senate stimulus bill provides more than the $ 50 billion in @ @ @ @ @ Mnuchin had proposed , but , by omitting the direct grant relief requested , falls @ @ @ @ @ , a leading industry group , requested .
[ ‘ Shutdown of travel ’ seen @ @ @ @ @ plan rescues ] “ We are not bailing out the airlines or other industries — @ @ @ @ @ Appropriations Chairman Richard C. Shelby , R-Ala. “ Instead , we are allowing the Treasury @ @ @ @ @ collateralized loans to industries whose operations the coronavirus outbreak has jeopardized.
” Shelby said the @ @ @ @ @ balance between providing assistance and protecting taxpayers .
”

The newest iteration of federal relief in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic would include $58 billion in collateralized loans but no grants to U.S. airlines.
The Senate stimulus bill provides more than the $50 billion in loans that Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin had proposed, but, by omitting the direct grant relief requested, falls short what Airlines for America, a leading industry group, requested.
[‘Shutdown of travel’ seen as White House, Congress plan rescues]
“We are not bailing out the airlines or other industries — period,” said Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard C. Shelby, R-Ala. “Instead, we are allowing the Treasury Secretary to make or guarantee collateralized loans to industries whose operations the coronavirus outbreak has jeopardized.”
Shelby said the approach “strikes an appropriate balance between providing assistance and protecting taxpayers.”


rollcall--2020-03-19--House panel seeks insurers’ records on travel cancellations

A House Oversight and Reform subcommittee asked three travel insurance companies for documents and interviews about how they are deciding to cover cancellations related to COVID-19 , following their refusal to testify at a recent hearing .
Oversight and Reform Economic and Consumer Policy Chairman Raja Krishnamoorthi , D-Ill. , sent letters to the CEOs of Generali Global Assistance Inc. , Travel Guard Group Inc. , and Allianz Global Assistance USA requesting information by March 25 .
“ The subcommittee is concerned that your policy to deny reimbursement to consumers who choose to refrain from travel to protect themselves , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worsen the coronavirus pandemic , ” Krishnamoorthi wrote to the insurers Wednesday .
“ Some of these consumers , rather than lose the entire price of their trip , may travel against the advice of CDC and increase the risk of infection.
” The companies didn ’ t respond to CQ Roll Call ’ s requests for comment .
The subcommittee asked for lists of claims for trip cancellation reimbursements and medical expense reimbursements related to COVID-19 , “ including how many of such claims are paid , denied , or pending review @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were due to a ‘ fear of travel , ’ and how many were denied because coronavirus was ‘ foreseeable .
’ ”

A House Oversight and Reform subcommittee asked three travel insurance companies for documents and interviews about how they are deciding to cover cancellations related to COVID-19, following their refusal to testify at a recent hearing.
Oversight and Reform Economic and Consumer Policy Chairman Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., sent letters to the CEOs of Generali Global Assistance Inc., Travel Guard Group Inc., and Allianz Global Assistance USA requesting information by March 25.
“The subcommittee is concerned that your policy to deny reimbursement to consumers who choose to refrain from travel to protect themselves, their families, and their communities may worsen the coronavirus pandemic,” Krishnamoorthi wrote to the insurers Wednesday. “Some of these consumers, rather than lose the entire price of their trip, may travel against the advice of CDC and increase the risk of infection.”
A spokesperson for Generali Global Assistance responded with a statement: “Our Global team is working around the clock and is 100 percent committed to fulfilling all of our contractual commitments, and providing assistance and medical aid to travelers in this unprecedented time of need. We look forward to working with Congress and assisting in this matter.”
The other companies declined CQ Roll Call’s requests for comment.


rollcall--2020-03-19--Coronavirus Special Report: Evening update, 3/19

Today we 're unpacking what 's in the second and third stimulus bills , what it means for Congress now @ @ @ @ @ positive for coronavirus and more relevant health policy news .

Today we're unpacking what's in the second and third stimulus bills, what it means for Congress now that two lawmakers have tested positive for coronavirus and more relevant health policy news.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-03-19--House Dems want to combine coronavirus stimulus, supplemental

Republican and Democratic lawmakers are at odds over whether to provide additional funding for the government ’ s response to the coronavirus in the just-released third stimulus package or to draft a separate , fourth bill .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Thursday the Appropriations Committee would be tasked with sorting through a $ 45.8 billion supplemental spending request the White House sent Congress on Tuesday night and drafting a bill that lawmakers can vote on after approving a massive stimulus package .
“ Immediately after we pass this legislation , Congress must begin a bipartisan , bicameral appropriations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supplemental funding request so we can keep funding health care and other priorities , ” the Kentucky Republican said .
House Democrats don ’ t support the idea and indicated Thursday they want any additional funding for federal agencies , such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Institutes of Health , in the third package instead .
“ The House Appropriations Committee is developing plans , far broader than the Trump administration ’ s supplemental request , to fully fund the federal , state , and local response to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Evan Hollander said in a statement .
“ The phase three package must be comprehensive , and it would be irresponsible to exclude needed appropriations from that legislation .
”

Republican and Democratic lawmakers are at odds over whether to provide additional funding for the government’s response to the coronavirus in the just-released third stimulus package or to draft a separate, fourth bill.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Thursday the Appropriations Committee would be tasked with sorting through a $45.8 billion supplemental spending request the White House sent Congress on Tuesday night and drafting a bill that lawmakers can vote on after approving a massive stimulus package.
“Immediately after we pass this legislation, Congress must begin a bipartisan, bicameral appropriations process to address the administration's new supplemental funding request so we can keep funding health care and other priorities,” the Kentucky Republican said.
House Democrats don’t support the idea and indicated Thursday they want any additional funding for federal agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Institutes of Health, in the third package instead.
“The House Appropriations Committee is developing plans, far broader than the Trump administration’s supplemental request, to fully fund the federal, state, and local response to coronavirus,” House Appropriations Committee spokesman Evan Hollander said in a statement. “The phase three package must be comprehensive, and it would be irresponsible to exclude needed appropriations from that legislation.”


rollcall--2020-03-19--This congressman’s family runs a distillery. They’re shifting to hand sanitizer

“ I ’ m in production right now , it ’ s crazy , ” Christine Riggleman , CEO and @ @ @ @ @ , shouted from the other end of the phone .
The wife of Virginia Rep. @ @ @ @ @ family business into a hand sanitizer manufacturing facility .
To say she was busy is @ @ @ @ @ ’ m literally making whiskey right now , ” she told Heard on the Hill @ @ @ @ @ are in and out the door.
” Her original plan to create a “ small @ @ @ @ @ family and staff quickly turned into a community relief effort , with requests coming in @ @ @ @ @ Facebook page as the coronavirus pandemic led to shortages .
About 24 hours in , @ @ @ @ @ pickup have been made “ on the fly , ” she said .
The unexpected @ @ @ @ @ GoFundMe for supplies like bottles , labels and hydrogen peroxide .

“I’m in production right now, it’s crazy,” Christine Riggleman, CEO and master distiller at Silverback Distillery, shouted from the other end of the phone.
The wife of Virginia Rep. Denver Riggleman was transitioning the family business into a hand sanitizer manufacturing facility. To say she was busy is an understatement.
“I’m literally making whiskey right now,” she told Heard on the Hill on Thursday. “People are in and out the door.”
Her original plan to create a “small batch” of sanitizer for family and staff quickly turned into a community relief effort, with requests coming in through the company’s Facebook page as the coronavirus pandemic led to shortages.
About 24 hours in, at least 300 bottles for pickup have been made “on the fly,” she said. The unexpected high demand has prompted a GoFundMe for supplies like bottles, labels and hydrogen peroxide.