rollcall--2020-03-31--Rep. Mark Meadows resigns to become White House chief of staff

Rep. Mark Meadows has officially resigned from Congress , clearing the path to legally become President Donald Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ North Carolina Republican made the move official with a Monday letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi @ @ @ @ @ resignation , effective at 5 p.m. “ Serving the people of North Carolina ’ s @ @ @ @ @ last seven years has been the honor of my life , ” Meadows wrote .
@ @ @ @ @ grateful for the opportunity.
” The House is next scheduled to meet in a pro @ @ @ @ @ p.m. , when Meadows ’ resignation should be announced and the House member count adjusted @ @ @ @ @ Meadows looked like he was already in the role last week as he made the @ @ @ @ @ officials negotiating a deal with Congress on the coronavirus economic stimulus package , which the @ @ @ @ @ .

Rep. Mark Meadows has officially resigned from Congress, clearing the path to legally become President Donald Trump’s chief of staff.
The North Carolina Republican made the move official with a Monday letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi, informing her of his resignation, effective at 5 p.m.
“Serving the people of North Carolina’s eleventh congressional district for these last seven years has been the honor of my life,” Meadows wrote. “I will forever be grateful for the opportunity.”
The House is next scheduled to meet in a pro forma session Tuesday at 3 p.m., when Meadows’ resignation should be announced and the House member count adjusted to reflect the vacancy.
Meadows looked like he was already in the role last week as he made the rounds with top Trump administration officials negotiating a deal with Congress on the coronavirus economic stimulus package, which the president signed into law Friday.


rollcall--2020-03-30--Partial safety ban lifted at Army bio lab, lawmakers say

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , after restricting for months biological research at an Army lab that had @ @ @ @ @ now allowed the facility to fully resume operations , lawmakers said Monday .
The lab @ @ @ @ @ Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases , or USAMRIID ( pronounced you-SAM-rid ) .
@ @ @ @ @ Fort Detrick in Frederick , Maryland , is taking a leading role in research to @ @ @ @ @ and testing for the novel coronavirus .
Even as the safety restrictions are now lifted @ @ @ @ @ under a cloud because of concerns in Defense Department and Army leadership circles about alleged @ @ @ @ @ Frederick lab and at another Army lab at Aberdeen Proving Ground near Baltimore .
[ @ @ @ @ @ its own demons ] At last report , about 71 percent of the two labs @ @ @ @ @ fiscal 2020 Pentagon funding had been withheld amid worries about financial stewardship .

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, after restricting for months biological research at an Army lab that had violated safety protocols, has now allowed the facility to fully resume operations, lawmakers said Monday.
The lab at issue is the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, or USAMRIID (pronounced you-SAM-rid). The lab, located at Fort Detrick in Frederick, Maryland, is taking a leading role in research to develop a vaccine, treatments and testing for the novel coronavirus.
Even as the safety restrictions are now lifted, the lab is still under a cloud because of concerns in Defense Department and Army leadership circles about alleged financial mismanagement at both the Frederick lab and at another Army lab at Aberdeen Proving Ground near Baltimore.
[Army lab fights coronavirus and its own demons]
At last report, about 71 percent of the two labs’ $104 million in fiscal 2020 Pentagon funding had been withheld amid worries about financial stewardship.


rollcall--2020-03-30--Former Fed chairwoman warns ‘prolonged recession’ possible

Janet Yellen , the former chairwoman of the Federal Reserve , warned Monday that the longer the economy is locked down , the worse the recession will be .
But she added she was encouraged by the actions of the Fed and the Congress to support the economy .
“ It ’ s impossible to know at this point how deep the recession will be , ” said Yellen , who served as chairwoman of the Fed from 2014 to 2018 .
“ It depends critically on how long the period of social distancing lasts.
” Speaking as part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Institution , Yellen said the hope is that the “ lockdown ” can be lifted in May and economic activity will begin to return to normal in early summer .
“ But a longer period of confinement certainly seems possible , ” she said , adding “ there could be a second wave of infections after activity resumes.
” Yellen , a distinguished fellow at Brookings , praised the Fed , saying she has “ never seen a more rapid Fed response , and they ’ re giving it their absolute all , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can into responding quickly.
” She also expressed support for the $ 2.3 trillion economic package passed by Congress and signed by President Donald Trump last week .
Yellen said in a best-case scenario , an economic recovery could resume in the fourth quarter of the year .
But she said it ’ s possible that economic damage that occurs in the meantime “ could lead to a prolonged recession .
”

Janet Yellen, the former chairwoman of the Federal Reserve, warned Monday that the longer the economy is locked down, the worse the recession will be. But she added she was encouraged by the actions of the Fed and the Congress to support the economy.
“It’s impossible to know at this point how deep the recession will be,” said Yellen, who served as chairwoman of the Fed from 2014 to 2018. “It depends critically on how long the period of social distancing lasts.”
Speaking as part of an online panel hosted by the Brookings Institution, Yellen said the hope is that the “lockdown” can be lifted in May and economic activity will begin to return to normal in early summer. “But a longer period of confinement certainly seems possible,” she said, adding “there could be a second wave of infections after activity resumes.”
Yellen, a distinguished fellow at Brookings, praised the Fed, saying she has “never seen a more rapid Fed response, and they’re giving it their absolute all, they’re throwing everything they possibly can into responding quickly.” She also expressed support for the $2.3 trillion economic package passed by Congress and signed by President Donald Trump last week.
Yellen said in a best-case scenario, an economic recovery could resume in the fourth quarter of the year. But she said it’s possible that economic damage that occurs in the meantime “could lead to a prolonged recession.”


rollcall--2020-03-31--Insurers call for federal fund to help coronavirus-impaired businesses

Groups representing the mutual insurance and property casualty insurance industries joined dozens of other groups Tuesday in calling for a federal business continuity fund to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic .
“ The coronavirus has struck our nation and the world in an unprecedented way , significantly affecting nearly every aspect of the economy , including mutual insurance companies , in communities across the country , ” President Charles Chamness of the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies , or NAMIC , said in a statement .
“ The rescue of our economy is beyond the abilities of any one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be backed by the federal government and operate under a special administrator ’ s authority , according to a letter Tuesday from 36 industry groups .
The administrator would be able to enter “ contracts with interested businesses to administer the Recovery Fund and facilitate the distribution of federal funds and liquidity to impacted businesses and their employees.
” The letter was addressed to President Donald Trump , Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer , Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Minority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , president of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association , or APCIA , praised the passage of the new federal law to help industries and individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic enacted last Friday .

Groups representing the mutual insurance and property casualty insurance industries joined dozens of other groups Tuesday in calling for a federal business continuity fund to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The coronavirus has struck our nation and the world in an unprecedented way, significantly affecting nearly every aspect of the economy, including mutual insurance companies, in communities across the country,” President Charles Chamness of the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, or NAMIC, said in a statement. “The rescue of our economy is beyond the abilities of any one company or industry.”
The proposed fund would be backed by the federal government and operate under a special administrator’s authority, according to a letter Tuesday from 36 industry groups. The administrator would be able to enter “contracts with interested businesses to administer the Recovery Fund and facilitate the distribution of federal funds and liquidity to impacted businesses and their employees.”
The letter was addressed to President Donald Trump, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy.
David A. Sampson, president of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, or APCIA, praised the passage of the new federal law to help industries and individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic enacted last Friday.


rollcall--2020-03-31--Beef costs are up at stores, but futures are down.  Senators want to know why.

An Iowa senator says there ’ s something fishy about falling cattle market prices at a time when beef is a top seller among consumers stocking up during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Republican Charles E. Grassley , a senior Judiciary Committee member , told reporters Tuesday he will ask the Justice Department and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to look into live cattle future prices that declined in March as meat packers saw prices rise for the boxed beef they sold to grocery stores and other retailers .
“ In the last three weeks , live cattle futures have dropped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Grassley said .
“ That may be understandable in a normal situation , but this is happening while American consumers bought 77 percent more meat year over year in the month of March .
The spike in grocery buying has caused higher beef values for the big four meat packers and a decrease in the value for Iowa farmers.
” Grassley followed Montana Sen. Steve Daines , North Dakota Sens .
Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven , South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds , all Republicans , and Montana Democratic Sen. Jon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry where four companies control 80 percent of meat processing .
The companies are Tyson Foods Inc. , JBS USA Holdings , Cargill Inc. and National Beef Packing Co .

An Iowa senator says there’s something fishy about falling cattle market prices at a time when beef is a top seller among consumers stocking up during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Republican Charles E. Grassley, a senior Judiciary Committee member, told reporters Tuesday he will ask the Justice Department and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to look into live cattle future prices that declined in March as meat packers saw prices rise for the boxed beef they sold to grocery stores and other retailers.
[Could coronavirus bring back infrastructure week?]
“In the last three weeks, live cattle futures have dropped three-and-half percent on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange,” Grassley said. “That may be understandable in a normal situation, but this is happening while American consumers bought 77 percent more meat year over year in the month of March. The spike in grocery buying has caused higher beef values for the big four meat packers and a decrease in the value for Iowa farmers.”
Grassley followed Montana Sen. Steve Daines, North Dakota Sens. Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven, South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds, all Republicans, and Montana Democratic Sen. Jon Tester in noting potential irregularities in an industry where four companies control 80 percent of meat processing. The companies are Tyson Foods Inc., JBS USA Holdings, Cargill Inc. and National Beef Packing Co.


rollcall--2020-03-31--Coronavirus Special Report: Evening update, 3/31

In tonight ’ s podcast , we bring you the latest on health policy and explain how restrictions have been @ @ @ @ @ to be transformed into makeshift hospitals .
Then , a conversation with the lawmaker who @ @ @ @ @ passage of the $ 2.3 trillion stimulus package to combat the COVID-19 pandemic .
• @ @ @ @ @ extend legislative weeks for days lost to pandemic • Two Capitol Police officers have tested @ @ @ @ @ could overwhelm legal help for America ’ s poor

In tonight’s podcast, we bring you the latest on health policy and explain how restrictions have been eased to allow more venues to be transformed into makeshift hospitals. Then, a conversation with the lawmaker who nearly derailed the the House passage of the $2.3 trillion stimulus package to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-03-31--Small businesses can apply for forgivable COVID-19 loans Friday

Small businesses shuttered by coronavirus countermeasures can start applying for emergency loans to cover payroll and other costs as soon as Friday , according to Treasury Department guidance .
The Treasury published fact sheets for lenders and borrowers Tuesday for the $ 349 billion Paycheck Protection Program that was part of the $ 2.3 trillion economic lifeline package enacted March 27 .
The program is relying on the Small Business Administration ’ s existing network of around 1,800 banks and credit unions in its Section 7 ( a ) loan guaranty program to provide small businesses forgivable loans to cover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 containment measures shut down large swaths of the economy .
Small businesses and sole proprietorships can start applying Friday for loans from existing SBA-approved lenders .
Independent contractors and self-employed individuals can do the same starting April 10 .
Nonprofit organizations can also apply .
Stepping up lending will be a massive challenge .
Over the entirety of 2019 , the SBA approved just 51,907 loans under the 7 ( a ) program to 46,111 businesses for a total of $ 23.2 billion .
The program wants to see roughly 15 times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks .

Small businesses shuttered by coronavirus countermeasures can start applying for emergency loans to cover payroll and other costs as soon as Friday, according to Treasury Department guidance.
The Treasury published fact sheets for lenders and borrowers Tuesday for the $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program that was part of the $2.3 trillion economic lifeline package enacted March 27.
The program is relying on the Small Business Administration’s existing network of around 1,800 banks and credit unions in its Section 7(a) loan guaranty program to provide small businesses forgivable loans to cover payroll and other fixed costs while government COVID-19 containment measures shut down large swaths of the economy.
Small businesses and sole proprietorships can start applying Friday for loans from existing SBA-approved lenders. Independent contractors and self-employed individuals can do the same starting April 10. Nonprofit organizations can also apply.
Stepping up lending will be a massive challenge. Over the entirety of 2019, the SBA approved just 51,907 loans under the 7(a) program to 46,111 businesses for a total of $23.2 billion. The program wants to see roughly 15 times that total issued in a matter of weeks.


rollcall--2020-03-31--Could coronavirus bring back infrastructure week?

President Donald Trump on Tuesday joined a growing chorus of lawmakers and lobbyists proposing massive spending on infrastructure in the @ @ @ @ @ calling for a $ 2 trillion investment .
And his endorsement appeared to embrace borrowing @ @ @ @ @ “ With interest rates for the United States being at ZERO , this is the @ @ @ @ @ long awaited Infrastructure Bill , ” Trump tweeted .
“ It should be VERY BIG @ @ @ @ @ Dollars , and be focused solely on jobs and rebuilding the once great infrastructure of @ @ @ @ @ How to pay for infrastructure ?
Ways and Means will count the ways ] House @ @ @ @ @ followed with a tweet of their own noting the position of their chairman , Rep. @ @ @ @ @ “ @ RepRichardNeal supports infrastructure investments being part of the next coronavirus response legislation .
@ @ @ @ @ work !
”

President Donald Trump on Tuesday joined a growing chorus of lawmakers and lobbyists proposing massive spending on infrastructure in the next coronavirus stimulus bill, calling for a $2 trillion investment. And his endorsement appeared to embrace borrowing to pay for it.
“With interest rates for the United States being at ZERO, this is the time to do our decades long awaited Infrastructure Bill,” Trump tweeted. “It should be VERY BIG & BOLD, Two Trillion Dollars, and be focused solely on jobs and rebuilding the once great infrastructure of our Country!”
[How to pay for infrastructure? Ways and Means will count the ways]
House Ways and Means Committee Democrats followed with a tweet of their own noting the position of their chairman, Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass.
“@RepRichardNeal supports infrastructure investments being part of the next coronavirus response legislation. Let’s get to work!”


rollcall--2020-03-31--Coronavirus disrupts appropriations schedule

This year ’ s appropriations process , like much other legislative business , is on hold pending lawmakers return to @ @ @ @ @ staff continue to work remotely , neither the House nor the Senate committees have scheduled @ @ @ @ @ exactly when they ’ ll be able to begin the markup process .
[ CBO @ @ @ @ @ trillions less from deficits ] Both chambers are out until April 20 at the earliest @ @ @ @ @ from their states .
And House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer , D-Md.
, told @ @ @ @ @ keep their schedules “ very flexible.
” “ In order to make up for time @ @ @ @ @ the House may meet during weeks that had previously been scheduled as District Work Periods @ @ @ @ @ become five-day weeks , ” he wrote in a letter .
“ While we have @ @ @ @ @ have not reduced the amount of work we have to do .
”

This year’s appropriations process, like much other legislative business, is on hold pending lawmakers return to Washington.
While members and staff continue to work remotely, neither the House nor the Senate committees have scheduled any additional hearings or knows exactly when they’ll be able to begin the markup process.
[CBO: Trump budget would cut trillions less from deficits]
Both chambers are out until April 20 at the earliest as lawmakers monitor the pandemic from their states. And House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, D-Md., told members Tuesday that they should keep their schedules “very flexible.”
“In order to make up for time that has been lost, the House may meet during weeks that had previously been scheduled as District Work Periods, and four-day weeks may become five-day weeks,” he wrote in a letter. “While we have lost legislative days, we have not reduced the amount of work we have to do.”


rollcall--2020-03-31--Pandemic dampens ‘Census Day’ as counting further delayed

Before the coronavirus pandemic , the Census Bureau planned to use April 1 , “ Census Day , ” to kick off in-person counting and outreach efforts that are key to the 2020 count .
Efforts to stop the spread of the virus scuttled those efforts , pushing a census process already rocked by controversy into unprecedented territory .
Vulnerable communities already considered difficult to count — young children , the elderly , rural residents and people of color — face greater risk of being left out of the count , which is used to divvy up congressional representation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spending , and more .
People can still self-respond to the census questionnaire online , over the phone or by mail , but “ everything else is critically affected because everything else requires people to go out and visit , ” said University of Chicago professor Colm O ’ Muircheartaigh .
“ It was already challenged by the controversy last year of the citizenship question , which I think has damaged trust in a fair number of communities , ” O ’ Muircheartaigh said .
“ The hope was that by providing adequate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combining that with the campaign by trusted voices would have overcome that initial controversy .
”

Before the coronavirus pandemic, the Census Bureau planned to use April 1, “Census Day,” to kick off in-person counting and outreach efforts that are key to the 2020 count.
Efforts to stop the spread of the virus scuttled those efforts, pushing a census process already rocked by controversy into unprecedented territory. Vulnerable communities already considered difficult to count — young children, the elderly, rural residents and people of color — face greater risk of being left out of the count, which is used to divvy up congressional representation, more than $1.5 trillion of federal spending, and more.
[Census delays all operations amid pandemic concerns]
People can still self-respond to the census questionnaire online, over the phone or by mail, but “everything else is critically affected because everything else requires people to go out and visit,” said University of Chicago professor Colm O’Muircheartaigh.
“It was already challenged by the controversy last year of the citizenship question, which I think has damaged trust in a fair number of communities,” O’Muircheartaigh said. “The hope was that by providing adequate training to [door knockers] and combining that with the campaign by trusted voices would have overcome that initial controversy.”


rollcall--2020-03-31--IG finds more ‘significant concerns’ with FBI surveillance of Trump campaign adviser

A Justice Department watchdog has found more problems with FBI applications to a secret court that approves surveillance as part @ @ @ @ @ .
The inspector general audit , released Tuesday , could play into the ongoing congressional @ @ @ @ @ Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , said he would call DOJ Inspector @ @ @ @ @ about the findings and his recommendations about what changes to make .
[ Coronavirus could @ @ @ @ @ ’ s poor ] In December , Horowitz identified “ significant concerns ” with how @ @ @ @ @ surveil former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page .
His office looked at 29 other applications @ @ @ @ @ the FBI was not following procedures from 2001 meant to protect the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance @ @ @ @ @ irregularities .
In a memo Tuesday , Horowitz wrote that “ we believe that a @ @ @ @ @ s efforts to support the factual statements in FISA applications through its Woods Procedures undermines @ @ @ @ @ to achieve its ‘ scrupulously accurate ’ standard for FISA applications .
”

A Justice Department watchdog has found more problems with FBI applications to a secret court that approves surveillance as part of counterintelligence and counterterrorism investigations.
The inspector general audit, released Tuesday, could play into the ongoing congressional debate over the program. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said he would call DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz to testify about the findings and his recommendations about what changes to make.
[Coronavirus could overwhelm legal help for America’s poor]
In December, Horowitz identified “significant concerns” with how the FBI handled applications to surveil former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page. His office looked at 29 other applications in an audit and found the FBI was not following procedures from 2001 meant to protect the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act process from abuse and irregularities.
In a memo Tuesday, Horowitz wrote that “we believe that a deficiency in the FBI’s efforts to support the factual statements in FISA applications through its Woods Procedures undermines the FBI’s ability to achieve its ‘scrupulously accurate’ standard for FISA applications.”


rollcall--2020-03-31--Final rule on fuel economy rollback opens door for lawsuits

The Trump administration Tuesday formally rolled back fuel-efficiency standards for passenger vehicles established under the previous administration — a move that hobbled a key U.S. policy to lower greenhouse gas emissions , infuriated environmentalists and is likely to trigger legal challenges .
By diluting the Obama-era vehicle standards , among the most ambitious fuel economy regulations in the world , Trump administration officials argued they could lower the prices of vehicles , encouraging consumers to buy new , safer cars .
Two years after his agency made its initial proposal to weaken the vehicle standards , EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released Tuesday , with Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao , who said the new standards would save lives , prevent injuries , lower the price of new vehicles and clean the environment .
“ By making newer , safer , cleaner vehicles more affordable for American families , we will save lives , create jobs and improve the quality of life and pave the way for a brighter future for our citizens , ” Chao said .
Trump had originally proposed to freeze standards at 2020 levels but received pushback even from some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was too drastic a reversal from the Obama-era standards .
EPA ’ s own Science Advisory Board found “ significant weaknesses in the scientific analysis ” behind that plan to lock in standards at 2020 levels .

The Trump administration Tuesday formally rolled back fuel-efficiency standards for passenger vehicles established under the previous administration — a move that hobbled a key U.S. policy to lower greenhouse gas emissions, infuriated environmentalists and is likely to trigger legal challenges.
By diluting the Obama-era vehicle standards, among the most ambitious fuel economy regulations in the world, Trump administration officials argued they could lower the prices of vehicles, encouraging consumers to buy new, safer cars.
Two years after his agency made its initial proposal to weaken the vehicle standards, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler unveiled the rule, finalized and publicly released Tuesday, with Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao, who said the new standards would save lives, prevent injuries, lower the price of new vehicles and clean the environment.
“By making newer, safer, cleaner vehicles more affordable for American families, we will save lives, create jobs and improve the quality of life and pave the way for a brighter future for our citizens,” Chao said.
Trump had originally proposed to freeze standards at 2020 levels but received pushback even from some automakers, who worried such a step was too drastic a reversal from the Obama-era standards. EPA’s own Science Advisory Board found “significant weaknesses in the scientific analysis” behind that plan to lock in standards at 2020 levels.


rollcall--2020-03-31--Two Capitol Police officers have tested positive for coronavirus

Two Capitol Police officers have tested positive for the novel coronavirus , an incursion into the force that protects the @ @ @ @ @ two sources familiar with the matter .
On March 20 , union head Gus Papathanasiou @ @ @ @ @ A. Sund he has been flooded with inquiries from officers concerned about contracting the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ employees who can work from home , many officers are required to maintain a physical @ @ @ @ @ “ No USCP officers have been identified to be at high risk and no testing @ @ @ @ @ in an email to Papathanasiou .
Sund sent that email after a first officer tested @ @ @ @ @ began to self-quarantine on March 18 .
The Hill reported that first officer ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Thus far , five lawmakers have tested positive for coronavirus .
Additionally , New York @ @ @ @ @ disclosed on Monday that she had been diagnosed with a “ presumed coronavirus infection .
@

Two Capitol Police officers have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, an incursion into the force that protects the Capitol complex, according to two sources familiar with the matter.
On March 20, union head Gus Papathanasiou told Capitol Police Chief Steven A. Sund he has been flooded with inquiries from officers concerned about contracting the coronavirus. Unlike staffers and other employees who can work from home, many officers are required to maintain a physical presence around the grounds.
“No USCP officers have been identified to be at high risk and no testing required,” Sund said in an email to Papathanasiou.
Sund sent that email after a first officer tested positive for the virus and began to self-quarantine on March 18. The Hill reported that first officer’s positive diagnosis on Sunday.
Thus far, five lawmakers have tested positive for coronavirus. Additionally, New York Democratic Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez disclosed on Monday that she had been diagnosed with a “presumed coronavirus infection.”


rollcall--2020-04-01--At the state level, no shortage of COVID-19 policies or spats

States ’ responses to the COVID-19 pandemic have created a patchwork of policies and , in some states , opportunities @ @ @ @ @ The dust-ups have occurred mostly in states where governors have let counties take the lead @ @ @ @ @ .
In Florida , 10 House Democrats wrote a letter March 25 urging Republican Gov @ @ @ @ @ statewide action in response to the coronavirus , calling for a shelter-in-place order for the @ @ @ @ @ travel beyond essential services , including grocery stores , health care providers and critical workers @ @ @ @ @ workplace .
Decisions about which businesses and public places in Florida can remain open have @ @ @ @ @ county officials .
Many public beaches remained open and were heavily used by tourists , @ @ @ @ @ spring break festivities in mid-March .
Rep. Ted Deutch , D-Fla. , warned of the @ @ @ @ @ Florida , which he noted has the nation ’ s highest concentration of older residents @

States’ responses to the COVID-19 pandemic have created a patchwork of policies and, in some states, opportunities for intrastate political skirmishes.
The dust-ups have occurred mostly in states where governors have let counties take the lead in imposing social distancing rules.
In Florida, 10 House Democrats wrote a letter March 25 urging Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis to take statewide action in response to the coronavirus, calling for a shelter-in-place order for the entire state and limiting all travel beyond essential services, including grocery stores, health care providers and critical workers getting to and from the workplace.
Decisions about which businesses and public places in Florida can remain open have been left to local and county officials. Many public beaches remained open and were heavily used by tourists, especially young people during annual spring break festivities in mid-March.
Rep. Ted Deutch, D-Fla., warned of the severity of the pandemic in Florida, which he noted has the nation’s highest concentration of older residents.


rollcall--2020-04-01--Hospitals plan ventilator substitutes as shortage looms

Hospitals facing an expected shortage of ventilators are considering unusual workarounds for critically ill patients in a sign of how scarce the breathing machines have become .
The primary fallback plan is to substitute anesthesia gas machines , thousands of which are unused as hospitals are forced to cancel nonurgent procedures .
Other more desperate plans include substituting less sophisticated machines for the breathing devices or splitting ventilators among multiple patients .
“ We ’ re creative and we ’ re working and figuring it out , ” Democratic Gov .
Andrew M. Cuomo of New York , the epicenter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The conversion of anesthesia machines would inject tens of thousands of new machines into the national supply as the U.S. health system confronts a shortfall that could potentially run into the hundreds of thousands , according to one recent estimate from the Society of Critical Care Medicine .
Cuomo estimates the state is still far short of the projected 30,000 ventilators it will need to meet expected demand when the peak hits in the next couple of weeks .
The state ordered 17,000 from China , but only expects to receive around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of competition from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other states .

Hospitals facing an expected shortage of ventilators are considering unusual workarounds for critically ill patients in a sign of how scarce the breathing machines have become.
The primary fallback plan is to substitute anesthesia gas machines, thousands of which are unused as hospitals are forced to cancel nonurgent procedures. Other more desperate plans include substituting less sophisticated machines for the breathing devices or splitting ventilators among multiple patients.
“We’re creative and we’re working and figuring it out,” Democratic Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York, the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, said Tuesday.
The conversion of anesthesia machines would inject tens of thousands of new machines into the national supply as the U.S. health system confronts a shortfall that could potentially run into the hundreds of thousands, according to one recent estimate from the Society of Critical Care Medicine.
Cuomo estimates the state is still far short of the projected 30,000 ventilators it will need to meet expected demand when the peak hits in the next couple of weeks. The state ordered 17,000 from China, but only expects to receive around 2,500 in the next two weeks because of competition from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other states.


rollcall--2020-04-01--Defense industry on sidelines, for now, during pandemic fight

The defense industry has high-tech production lines sprinkled around the country and a skilled workforce that has been deemed essential @ @ @ @ @ factors that would seemingly make it a candidate for building desperately needed ventilators and personal @ @ @ @ @ contractors are , for now , sticking to what they do best : making weapons @ @ @ @ @ carry on in face of coronavirus ] In March , defense contractors were designated “ @ @ @ @ @ them to keep reporting to their jobs in spite of various shutdowns and closures imposed @ @ @ @ @ .
And President Donald Trump has formally invoked the Defense Production Act to instruct General @ @ @ @ @ .

But at this point, the federal government has not asked the sprawling defense industrial base, which includes giants like Boeing Co. and Lockheed Martin Corp., to switch over to making products directly related to dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak.
That is, at least in part, because the most direct way for defense contractors to contribute to national security is to manufacture and maintain the military’s weapons and equipment, said Arnold Punaro, a retired Marine Corps general and the incoming chairman of the National Defense Industrial Association.
“Our companies are forward leaning, they want to work,” Punaro said.
But, he acknowledged, concerns over the safety and well-being of the workforce can cause interruptions. Last month, some employees at Bath Iron Works, a shipbuilder in Maine, stayed home to compel ownership to do more to disinfect the facility, and aerospace giant Boeing closed operations at its Puget Sound facilities because of the COVID-19 hotspot in Seattle.
Practical matters
There are also practical realities keeping the defense industry focused on business as usual.


rollcall--2020-03-31--Beef costs are up at stores, but futures are down. Senators want to know why


rollcall--2020-04-01--After delay, Florida Gov. DeSantis issues stay-at-home order

After resisting pressure to take statewide action , Florida GOP Gov .
Ron DeSantis issued a stay-at-home order for the @ @ @ @ @ growing list of governors ordering residents to stay out of public except for essential needs @ @ @ @ @ in designated essential industries to continue working and encourages others to work from home .
@ @ @ @ @ as are activities like helping others , caring for pets and recreation .
It bans @ @ @ @ @ 10 people .
The order goes into effect Friday and remains for the rest of @ @ @ @ @ of services deemed essential in the order was based on federal Department of Homeland Security @ @ @ @ @ place in three South Florida counties and includes health care services , pharmacies and grocery @ @ @ @ @ DeSantis had resisted calls from Democrats to issue a statewide order , allowing local officials @ @ @ @ @ beaches , restrict gatherings or close businesses in their areas .

After resisting pressure to take statewide action, Florida GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a stay-at-home order for the state Wednesday, joining a growing list of governors ordering residents to stay out of public except for essential needs.
The order allows workers in designated essential industries to continue working and encourages others to work from home. Religious services are exempted, as are activities like helping others, caring for pets and recreation. It bans public gatherings of more than 10 people. The order goes into effect Friday and remains for the rest of the month.
[Navy removing more sailors from stricken aircraft carrier]
The list of services deemed essential in the order was based on federal Department of Homeland Security guidance and orders already in place in three South Florida counties and includes health care services, pharmacies and grocery stores, among others.
DeSantis had resisted calls from Democrats to issue a statewide order, allowing local officials to decide whether to close beaches, restrict gatherings or close businesses in their areas.


rollcall--2020-04-01--Democrats press EPA for pandemic response details

Democratic members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee asked EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler how his agency was responding @ @ @ @ @ rolling back enforcement .
In a letter Wednesday from ranking member Thomas R. Carper , @ @ @ @ @ Democrats , senators raised concerns about agency activities during and in response to the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ a public continuity of operations plan and a recent move easing enforcement of air and @ @ @ @ @ EPA also appears to be moving forward with controversial rulemakings and other activities , often @ @ @ @ @ not allow for meaningful public input to be provided , ” the Democrats wrote .
@ @ @ @ @ , EPA is rushing to finalize many of its more controversial rules to weaken pollution @ @ @ @ @ plants.
” [ Advocates see flaws as EPA eases compliance rules in crisis ] A @ @ @ @ @ understand that field inspections may not be possible as Americans shelter in place because of @ @ @ @ @ want clarification on how the agency is adjusting to those restrictions .

Democratic members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee asked EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler how his agency was responding to the COVID-19 pandemic beyond rolling back enforcement.
In a letter Wednesday from ranking member Thomas R. Carper, D-Del., and 10 other Democrats, senators raised concerns about agency activities during and in response to the pandemic, including its lack of a public continuity of operations plan and a recent move easing enforcement of air and water pollution rules.
“EPA also appears to be moving forward with controversial rulemakings and other activities, often in a manner that does not allow for meaningful public input to be provided,” the Democrats wrote. “At the same time, EPA is rushing to finalize many of its more controversial rules to weaken pollution standards for automobiles and power plants.”
[Advocates see flaws as EPA eases compliance rules in crisis]
A Democratic staffer said the senators understand that field inspections may not be possible as Americans shelter in place because of the pandemic, but they want clarification on how the agency is adjusting to those restrictions.


rollcall--2020-04-01--Coronavirus Special Report: Evening update, 4/1

As the pandemic washes across the nation , Washington continues to look for ways to alleviate the strain imposed by @ @ @ @ @ health and the economy .
Tonight ’ s podcast offers the latest on what is @ @ @ @ @ examines the pandemic ’ s impact on a slice of the legal system .
• @ @ @ @ @ Production Act , but how does it work ?
• Top money manager has companies @ @ @ @ @

As the pandemic washes across the nation, Washington continues to look for ways to alleviate the strain imposed by COVID-19 on America’s health and the economy. Tonight’s podcast offers the latest on what is happening with health policy and examines the pandemic’s impact on a slice of the legal system.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-04-01--Navy removing more sailors from stricken aircraft carrier

Some members of Congress sided with Crozier on the need to get as many crew members off the carrier as @ @ @ @ @ only a relatively small group of sailors to protect and maintain weapons , aircraft and @ @ @ @ @ Joe Courtney , the Connecticut Democrat who chairs the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower @ @ @ @ @ CQ Roll Call in a statement that the ship ’ s commanding officer , or @ @ @ @ @ .
“ If the CO of the carrier believes this is the best path forward @ @ @ @ @ of the crew , then there should be no question it is the right thing @ @ @ @ @ said .
[ Why Nimitz-class aircraft carriers are a necessary investment | Commentary ] Courtney @ @ @ @ @ House members , including several on Armed Services , wrote Navy leaders Wednesday asking for @ @ @ @ @ steps being taken to address the potential emergence of COVID-19 on deployed ships.
``

Navy leaders said Wednesday they are moving aggressively to remove more than half the sailors off the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier, which has been hit with nearly 100 COVID-19 infections and counting.
But Navy Secretary Thomas Modly and Chief of Naval Operations Michael Gilday made clear they do not agree with Capt. Brett Crozier, the carrier’s commanding officer, that 90 percent of the crew need to be sent ashore for quarantine in Guam, where the ship is making a port visit.
In an impassioned March 30 memo, Crozier had pleaded with Navy leaders to evacuate 90 percent of the ship’s crew as soon as possible.


rollcall--2020-04-01--As oil industry tanks fill, lawmakers press to end glut

The oil industry says it is running out of space to store its product as sheltering-in-place Americans drive less and @ @ @ @ @ and Saudi Arabia floods the market , according to oil-state lawmakers .
Those lawmakers say @ @ @ @ @ economies and jobs , and are scrambling to find ways to help the industry .
@ @ @ @ @ EPA eases compliance rules in crisis ] There ’ s an excess of 15 million @ @ @ @ @ oil right now , according to Richard Joswick , managing director of oil analytics at @ @ @ @ @ .
The problem isn ’ t just among crude oil producers .
Refineries that produce @ @ @ @ @ diesel are also running out of storage for the excess products they had anticipated selling @ @ @ @ @ people away from the gas pump .

Oil industry executives say they will meet with President Donald Trump on Friday to discuss markets troubled by weak demand, tumbling prices and a supply glut.
Word of the meeting comes as oil-state lawmakers fear the industry is running out of space to store its product, given that millions of Americans are staying at home to mitigate the coronavirus pandemic and as a production dispute between Russia and Saudi Arabia floods the market.
An official from the American Petroleum Institute said the trade group’s president, Mike Sommers, will attend the meeting and emphasized the industry isn’t seeking any “government subsidies or industry-specific” interventions.
[Advocates see flaws as EPA eases compliance rules in crisis]
“Natural gas and oil will be critical to our nation’s economic recovery, and the industry’s message to the administration is sharing actions it is taking during this challenging time and highlighting that history has proven that markets work,” the official said.


rollcall--2020-04-01--How ‘Tiger King’ wooed Congress before it was ‘Tiger King’

With more time to waste and nowhere to go ( except the fridge ) , it ’ s inevitable that @ @ @ @ @ end up in the same bingey haven .
“ In the spirit of American solidarity @ @ @ @ @ tonight , ” Texas Rep. Dan Crenshaw posted on Instagram .
Tiger King is , @ @ @ @ @ King : Murder , Mayhem and Madness , ” one of Netflix ’ s latest @ @ @ @ @ ’ s the not-so-guilty pleasure everyone seems to be talking about , even some in @ @ @ @ @ with our nation ’ s legislative body goes way back .

With more time to waste and nowhere to go (except the fridge), it’s inevitable that anyone working from home will end up in the same bingey haven. “In the spirit of American solidarity we are starting Tiger King tonight,” Texas Rep. Dan Crenshaw posted on Instagram.
Tiger King is, of course, “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness,” one of Netflix’s latest antidotes to isolation. It’s the not-so-guilty pleasure everyone seems to be talking about, even some in Congress — and its history with our nation’s legislative body goes way back.


rollcall--2020-04-01--Pelosi calls on Republicans to negotiate on phase four coronavirus recovery

Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday called on Republicans to stop denying the need for a fourth coronavirus response package and to join Democrats in a “ four corners ” leadership negotiation to get a bill ready for when Congress returns to Washington as early as April 20 .
“ That ’ s the way I ’ d like to do it , just have the four corners — House and Senate , Democrats and Republicans — putting together the bill again with the president ’ s folks at the table to see what he would be willing to sign so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Pelosi said in a CNN interview .
So far it ’ s mostly been Democrats outlining what they want in a fourth package .
Pelosi has talked about providing more resources to states , directing President Donald Trump to use the Defense Production Act to mandate manufacturing of personal protective equipment , implementing emergency worker protections for first responders , expanding paid and family medical leave and investing in infrastructure , among other priorities .
“ This is a reasonable amount of time to say we couldn ’ t get everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let ’ s begin to go down this path .
But it is going to be a number of weeks because we ’ re not here .
So rather than putting it off further , why aren ’ t we working together ?
” she said .

Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday called on Republicans to stop denying the need for a fourth coronavirus response package and to join Democrats in a “four corners” leadership negotiation to get a bill ready for when Congress returns to Washington as early as April 20.
“That’s the way I’d like to do it, just have the four corners — House and Senate, Democrats and Republicans — putting together the bill again with the president’s folks at the table to see what he would be willing to sign so that we’re not losing time,” Pelosi said in a CNN interview.
[Pelosi revives ambitious infrastructure bill for next stimulus]
So far it’s mostly been Democrats outlining what they want in a fourth package. Pelosi has talked about providing more resources to states, directing President Donald Trump to use the Defense Production Act to mandate manufacturing of personal protective equipment, implementing emergency worker protections for first responders, expanding paid and family medical leave and investing in infrastructure, among other priorities.
“This is a reasonable amount of time to say we couldn’t get everything we wanted in the other bill; let’s begin to go down this path. But it is going to be a number of weeks because we’re not here. So rather than putting it off further, why aren’t we working together?” she said.


rollcall--2020-04-01--Pelosi revives ambitious infrastructure bill for next stimulus

The checks from the last coronavirus stimulus bill aren ’ t even in the mail , but the jockeying for the next bill has already begun .
President Donald Trump ’ s Tuesday tweet announcing that he wanted a $ 2 trillion infrastructure investment as part of phase four of the federal response to the coronavirus epidemic has spurred stakeholders to line up for a place in the next proposal and inspired Democrats on Wednesday to dust off the ambitious five-year , $ 760 billion infrastructure plan they unveiled in January .
The Democrats ’ bill would invest $ 329 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to increase the availability of electric-vehicle charging stations and alternative fueling options .
It would also include $ 105 billion for transit , $ 55 billion for rail , $ 30 billion for airports , $ 50.5 billion for wastewater and $ 86 billion to expand broadband .
It also proposes $ 10 billion for community health centers , Speaker Nancy Pelosi said during a press call Wednesday .
She said the bill would also likely include investments in school construction and housing .
Democratic lawmakers on the call argued that investing in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ build an economy virtually shut down by the coronavirus pandemic .

The checks from the last coronavirus stimulus bill aren’t even in the mail, but the jockeying for the next bill has already begun.
President Donald Trump’s Tuesday tweet announcing that he wanted a $2 trillion infrastructure investment as part of phase four of the federal response to the coronavirus epidemic has spurred stakeholders to line up for a place in the next proposal and inspired Democrats on Wednesday to dust off the ambitious five-year, $760 billion infrastructure plan they unveiled in January.
The Democrats’ bill would invest $329 billion for highways and bridges and aim to increase the availability of electric-vehicle charging stations and alternative fueling options. It would also include $105 billion for transit, $55 billion for rail, $30 billion for airports, $50.5 billion for wastewater and $86 billion to expand broadband. It also proposes $10 billion for community health centers, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said during a press call Wednesday.
She said the bill would also likely include investments in school construction and housing.
Democratic lawmakers on the call argued that investing in infrastructure would be an ideal way to build an economy virtually shut down by the coronavirus pandemic.


rollcall--2020-04-01--COVID-19 fight boosted by Defense Production Act, but how does it work?

From here on out General Motors wo n't prioritize making cars , it will build ventilators .
That 's because @ @ @ @ @ , which was officially deployed by the Trump Administration .
GM has been ordered to @ @ @ @ @ of equipment hospitals need to ease the strain of caring for patients infected with COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ act work ?
Watch as CQ Roll Call explains the advantages and shortfalls of the @ @ @ @

From here on out General Motors won't prioritize making cars, it will build ventilators.
That's because of the Defense Production Act, which was officially deployed by the Trump Administration. GM has been ordered to help manufacture the critical pieces of equipment hospitals need to ease the strain of caring for patients infected with COVID-19.
But how does the act work? Watch as CQ Roll Call explains the advantages and shortfalls of the Defense Production Act.


rollcall--2020-04-01--What happens to the appropriations process now?

With COVID-19 legislation taking up all the oxygen on Capitol Hill and lawmakers largely out of town during April , @ @ @ @ @ put on hold .
Budget tracker David Lerman and budget and appropriations reporter Jennifer Shutt @ @ @ @ @ and what could happen as the pandemic continues — especially with another stimulus bill in @ @ @

With COVID-19 legislation taking up all the oxygen on Capitol Hill and lawmakers largely out of town during April, typical appropriations routines have been put on hold. Budget tracker David Lerman and budget and appropriations reporter Jennifer Shutt explain where normal business stands and what could happen as the pandemic continues — especially with another stimulus bill in the works.
Show notes:


rollcall--2020-04-02--Tech, retailers join Pentagon’s AI unit to help with COVID-19 logistics

Top U.S. tech companies and the country ’ s largest retailers have teamed up with the Pentagon ’ s artificial intelligence team to build a new platform that would help predict and address shortages of water , medicines , food , medical supplies and other essentials across the country as the COVID-19 pandemic spreads .
The Pentagon ’ s Joint Artificial Intelligence Center , which was started in 2019 to serve as a clearinghouse for the military ’ s artificial intelligence work , has launched a new effort called Project Salus — named after the Roman goddess of safety and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief technology officer of the center .
By combining data from the Census Bureau , Medicare , hospitals , and projections about how the COVID-19 pandemic is spreading , as well as data from retailers on how key items are moving off their shelves , the project aims to apply artificial intelligence technologies to develop a predictive model for where shortages may occur .
They are working toward a “ common view and a predictive capability to truly understand where the next problem sets are going to be and bringing to bear all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pentagon , Mulchandani told CQ Roll Call in an interview .
Mulchandani declined to name the tech companies or the retailers involved in the project because the work is still underway and a prototype of the data platform is expected to be ready this Friday .
But he said the companies involved in the effort include the biggest tech companies that bring a “ combination of scale , cloud computing infrastructure , and data .
”

Top U.S. tech companies and the country’s largest retailers have teamed up with the Pentagon’s artificial intelligence team to build a new platform that would help predict and address shortages of water, medicines, food, medical supplies and other essentials across the country as the COVID-19 pandemic spreads.
The Pentagon’s Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, which was started in 2019 to serve as a clearinghouse for the military’s artificial intelligence work, has launched a new effort called Project Salus — named after the Roman goddess of safety and well-being — said Nand Mulchandani, the chief technology officer of the center.
By combining data from the Census Bureau, Medicare, hospitals, and projections about how the COVID-19 pandemic is spreading, as well as data from retailers on how key items are moving off their shelves, the project aims to apply artificial intelligence technologies to develop a predictive model for where shortages may occur.
They are working toward a “common view and a predictive capability to truly understand where the next problem sets are going to be and bringing to bear all of the logistical capability” of the Pentagon, Mulchandani told CQ Roll Call in an interview.
Mulchandani declined to name the tech companies or the retailers involved in the project because the work is still underway and a prototype of the data platform is expected to be ready this Friday. But he said the companies involved in the effort include the biggest tech companies that bring a “combination of scale, cloud computing infrastructure, and data.”


rollcall--2020-04-02--Can Congress or the president institute a national quarantine?

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic , there have been calls and speculation surrounding a national quarantine in the @ @ @ @ @ Call sat down with professors Randy Barnett and Michael Dorf , experts in constitutional law @ @ @ @ @ , to discuss if Congress or the president has the power to institute such a @ @ @ @ @ they agreed on ?
It ’ s complicated .

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, there have been calls and speculation surrounding a national quarantine in the United States.
CQ Roll Call sat down with professors Randy Barnett and Michael Dorf, experts in constitutional law and presidential powers, respectively, to discuss if Congress or the president has the power to institute such a quarantine.
The only thing they agreed on? It’s complicated.


rollcall--2020-04-02--House Democrats add two more districts to their target list

House Democrats are continuing their offensive campaign while also defending their majority , adding two more seats to their 2020 @ @ @ @ @ Democratic challenger .
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is adding Ohio ’ s 10th and @ @ @ @ @ its list of targets , according to an announcement shared first with CQ Roll Call @ @ @ @ @ adding Texas Democrat Sri Preston Kulkarni to its Red to Blue program .
The program @ @ @ @ @ access to committee resources , and it ’ s a signal to donors that the @ @ @ @ @ challenger .
“ It ’ s never been more important to protect and expand this @ @ @ @ @ leaders who are committed to fighting for all Americans , ” DCCC Chairwoman Cheri Bustos @ @ @ @ @ Republicans need a net gain of 18 seats to flip the House , so Democrats @ @ @ @ @ 2020 .
But they ’ re also looking to pick up seats , particularly in @ @ @ @ @ the 22nd District , where Kulkarni is running .

House Democrats are continuing their offensive campaign while also defending their majority, adding two more seats to their 2020 target list and elevating one Democratic challenger.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is adding Ohio’s 10th and Arkansas’ 2nd districts to its list of targets, according to an announcement shared first with CQ Roll Call.
The committee is also adding Texas Democrat Sri Preston Kulkarni to its Red to Blue program. The program means Kulkarni will have additional access to committee resources, and it’s a signal to donors that the committee considers him a formidable challenger.
“It’s never been more important to protect and expand this historic House majority and elect leaders who are committed to fighting for all Americans,” DCCC Chairwoman Cheri Bustos said in a statement.
Republicans need a net gain of 18 seats to flip the House, so Democrats are largely on defense in 2020. But they’re also looking to pick up seats, particularly in the diversifying Texas suburbs like the 22nd District, where Kulkarni is running.


rollcall--2020-04-02--Medicaid enrollment will likely increase because of COVID-19, experts say

The high numbers of Americans facing tough financial situations — which will likely create a surge of people enrolling in Medicaid due to high unemployment — is leading some experts and advocates to say funding that Congress gave the states last week may not be enough .
The United States is seeing record forecasts for unemployment benefit applications .
Last week , the Department of Labor reported that 3.3 million people filed unemployment claims in the week ending March 28 .
[ At the state level , no shortage of COVID-19 policies or spats ] “ This is going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of people losing their jobs .
Medicaid eligibility is determined by monthly income , which means that even if you had some significant income for the first few months of the year , if your income goes way down , you are very likely going to be eligible for Medicaid , ” said Linda Blumberg , an institute fellow in the Health Policy Center at the left-leaning Urban Institute .
During times of financial difficulty , enrollment typically spikes in Medicaid , the nation ’ s health insurance program primarily serving @ @ @

The high number of Americans facing tough financial situations — which will likely create a surge of people enrolling in Medicaid due to rising unemployment — is leading some experts and advocates to say funding that Congress gave the states last week may not be enough.
On Thursday, the Department of Labor reported that an eye-popping 6.6 million people filed initial unemployment claims in the week ending March 28. That followed 3.3 million claims the previous week, which was already a record.
[At the state level, no shortage of COVID-19 policies or spats]
“This is going to be a very important safety net for a lot of people losing their jobs. Medicaid eligibility is determined by monthly income, which means that even if you had some significant income for the first few months of the year, if your income goes way down, you are very likely going to be eligible for Medicaid,” said Linda Blumberg, an institute fellow in the Health Policy Center at the left-leaning Urban Institute.
During times of financial difficulty, enrollment typically spikes in Medicaid, the nation’s health insurance program primarily serving the poor.


rollcall--2020-04-02--Naturalized citizens could be critical in this fall’s election

At her naturalization ceremony , Blanca Inhof , a 49-year-old woman from West Lawn , Pa. , could not hold back her tears .
“ I have been waiting for this moment for 25 years .
I always wanted to become a citizen , but … we couldn ’ t get the money together , ” says Inhof , who works as a translator for her school district .
“ It ’ s been a bit of a struggle , but we are so grateful to be here , ” she adds .
“ Indeed , we are in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country .
It has brought so much happiness in my life.
” After her mother passed away 25-or-so years ago , Blanca came to the United States from Mexico on a 10-year visa .
She considers it a “ miracle ” that she was able to immigrate legally in search of a new beginning , a better life .
A couple of years after she arrived , she met her husband , David Inhof , and within months they married .
He , along with their two children — a 20-year-old daughter studying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a high-schooler son who wants to join the Marines — watched Blanca take the momentous final step to citizenship one February afternoon in Philadelphia .
Along one wall inside the ceremony room , volunteers waited with voter registrations forms , and Blanca filled one out .
While it was not the determining factor , the 2020 election contributed to Blanca ’ s naturalization decision .
Having her citizenship pending any longer would have added a layer of precarity to her family ’ s life .
“ We don ’ t trust him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — we don ’ t trust him , ” David Inhof says , referring to President Donald Trump .
“ He ’ s kicked legal residents out and put kids in cages .
”

At her naturalization ceremony, Blanca Inhof, a 49-year-old woman from West Lawn, Pa., could not hold back her tears.
“I have been waiting for this moment for 25 years. I always wanted to become a citizen, but … we couldn’t get the money together,” says Inhof, who works as a translator for her school district. “It’s been a bit of a struggle, but we are so grateful to be here,” she adds. “Indeed, we are in a free, free country — a beautiful country. It has brought so much happiness in my life.”
After her mother passed away 25-or-so years ago, Blanca came to the United States from Mexico on a 10-year visa. She considers it a “miracle” that she was able to immigrate legally in search of a new beginning, a better life. A couple of years after she arrived, she met her husband, David Inhof, and within months they married. He, along with their two children — a 20-year-old daughter studying in college to be an interior architect and a high-schooler son who wants to join the Marines — watched Blanca take the momentous final step to citizenship one February afternoon in Philadelphia.
Along one wall inside the ceremony room, volunteers waited with voter registrations forms, and Blanca filled one out. While it was not the determining factor, the 2020 election contributed to Blanca’s naturalization decision. Having her citizenship pending any longer would have added a layer of precarity to her family’s life.
“We don’t trust him — it’s plain and simple — we don’t trust him,” David Inhof says, referring to President Donald Trump. “He’s kicked legal residents out and put kids in cages.”


rollcall--2020-04-02--Citizenship is a tough mountain to climb, especially under Trump

Gaining citizenship is a long , expensive and complicated process — one that has gotten more so under the Trump @ @ @ @ @ currently stands , it can take 10 years or more for a person who entered @ @ @ @ @ visa to become a citizen .
Just getting a green card can take at least @ @ @ @ @ to apply for citizenship as a permanent resident after that ?
Another five years .
@ @ @ @ @ won ’ t be penalized applying for naturalization , USCIS says ] If you get @ @ @ @ @ then fill out the N-400 form , submit it with a $ 640 filing fee @ @ @ @ @ the civics test , biometric appointment and potential further vetting .
After clearing those last @ @ @ @ @ free — a bona fide U.S. citizen .
Except , for an increasing number of @ @ @ @ @ really takes off .

Gaining citizenship is a long, expensive and complicated process — one that has gotten more so under the Trump administration.
As the system currently stands, it can take 10 years or more for a person who entered the United States on a visa to become a citizen. Just getting a green card can take at least five years. Becoming eligible to apply for citizenship as a permanent resident after that? Another five years.
[Immigrants tested for coronavirus won’t be penalized applying for naturalization, USCIS says]
If you get to that stage, you then fill out the N-400 form, submit it with a $640 filing fee and then ready yourself for the civics test, biometric appointment and potential further vetting. After clearing those last hurdles, you are home free — a bona fide U.S. citizen.
Except, for an increasing number of people, that process never really takes off.


rollcall--2020-04-02--FDA loosens blood donation restrictions in wake of COVID-19

The Food and Drug Administration announced on Thursday it would lift a series of restrictions on blood donation , as @ @ @ @ @ due to the COVID-19 health emergency .
Groups like The American Red Cross have made @ @ @ @ @ and blood component donations in the wake of a nationwide shortage .
Some advocates have @ @ @ @ @ limiting the supply of potential donors , such as men who have sex with other @ @ @ @ @ 10 percent of the N95 masks requested have been received by 5 states ] The @ @ @ @ @ recommendations on Thursday that would ease some of these restrictions , but some contend the @ @ @ @ @ enough .
The new guidelines would decrease a recommended deferral period from 12 months to @ @ @ @ @ of individuals that have a greater potential of transmitting HIV , according to the FDA @

The Food and Drug Administration announced on Thursday it would lift a series of restrictions on blood donation, as the need for blood grows due to the COVID-19 health emergency.
Groups like The American Red Cross have made urgent calls for additional blood and blood component donations in the wake of a nationwide shortage. Some advocates have argued that discriminatory policies are limiting the supply of potential donors, such as men who have sex with other men.
[Less than 10 percent of the N95 masks requested have been received by 5 states]
The FDA issued a series of recommendations on Thursday that would ease some of these restrictions, but some contend the policies do not go far enough.
The new guidelines would decrease a recommended deferral period from 12 months to three months for three categories of individuals that have a greater potential of transmitting HIV, according to the FDA.


rollcall--2020-04-02--Less than 10 percent of the N95 masks requested have been received by 5 states

Since the novel coronavirus was first detected in the District of Columbia about a month ago , the city has requested more than 1 million N95 masks from the national stockpile .
The number of these masks the city has received : 5,520 .
States are receiving just a fraction of the supplies they need from the Strategic National Stockpile , according to internal Federal Emergency Management Agency data for five states and the District of Columbia made public for the first time Thursday .
[ State requests for more assistance ‘ probably the biggest leverage ’ for a phase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 10 percent of the N95 masks requested by the states — Delaware , Maryland , Pennsylvania , Virginia , West Virginia , as well as the District of Columbia — have been distributed by the stockpile , according to the Trump administration 's internal data .
The states also requested 194 million pairs of gloves , but received less than 1 percent of that amount .
The documents were released as part of an investigation by the House Oversight and Reform Committee .
FEMA and the Department of Health and Human Services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Since the novel coronavirus was first detected in the District of Columbia about a month ago, the city has requested more than 1 million N95 masks from the national stockpile. The number of these masks the city has received: 5,520.
States are receiving just a fraction of the supplies they need from the Strategic National Stockpile, according to internal Federal Emergency Management Agency data for five states and the District of Columbia made public for the first time Thursday.
[State requests for more assistance ‘probably the biggest leverage’ for a phase four stimulus, Pelosi says]
Less than 10 percent of the N95 masks requested by the states — Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, as well as the District of Columbia — have been distributed by the stockpile, according to the Trump administration's internal data. The states also requested 194 million pairs of gloves, but received less than 1 percent of that amount.
The documents were released as part of an investigation by the House Oversight and Reform Committee. FEMA and the Department of Health and Human Services briefed committee members on Tuesday and Wednesday.


rollcall--2020-04-02--CBO: Unemployment rate could hit 12 percent by summer

The Congressional Budget Office says the unemployment rate will shoot up above 10 percent and gross domestic product will contract @ @ @ @ @ in the second quarter in an updated economic forecast reflecting the disruption caused by the @ @ @ @ @ GDP could be “ much larger , ” CBO Director Phillip Swagel wrote in a @ @ @ @ @ noted that the forecast included the impacts from the more than $ 2 trillion law @ @ @ @ @ March 27 .
Swagel called the estimates “ very preliminary ” based on economic data @ @ @ @ @ .
[ FDA : No evidence COVID-19 can be transmitted by food or packaging on @ @ @ @ @ that the economy will contract sharply during the second quarter of 2020 as a result @ @ @ @ @ commerce stemming from the spread of the novel coronavirus , ” Swagel wrote .
He @ @ @ @ @ ’ s upcoming estimate on the second of three coronavirus-related bills signed into law in @ @ @ @ @ percent unemployment rate .
Swagel said that estimate would be published later Thursday .

The Congressional Budget Office says the unemployment rate will shoot up above 10 percent and gross domestic product will contract by at least 7 percent in the second quarter in an updated economic forecast reflecting the disruption caused by the coronavirus.
The decline in GDP could be “much larger,” CBO Director Phillip Swagel wrote in a blog post Thursday where he noted that the forecast included the impacts from the more than $2 trillion law signed into law Friday, March 27. Swagel called the estimates “very preliminary” based on economic data available as of Thursday morning.
[FDA: No evidence COVID-19 can be transmitted by food or packaging on food]
“CBO expects that the economy will contract sharply during the second quarter of 2020 as a result of the continued disruption of commerce stemming from the spread of the novel coronavirus,” Swagel wrote.
He noted that in the CBO’s upcoming estimate on the second of three coronavirus-related bills signed into law in March it assumes a 12 percent unemployment rate. Swagel said that estimate would be published later Thursday.


rollcall--2020-04-02--Airline employees see threat to stimulus wage support provision

Flight attendants are worried that a provision in the coronavirus stimulus law passed last week will throw a wrench into the payroll grants that they are relying on to keep airline employees afloat .
The stimulus bill signed by President Donald Trump last week includes a measure providing $ 25 billion to passenger airlines in payroll grants to help them keep employees on the job .
Under the provision , airlines can ask for the equivalent of their payroll between April 1 and Sept. 30 of last year , and companies that accept grants would be barred from cutting pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oct. 1 .
But the money comes with other strings as well : Airlines receiving the grants may be asked to provide “ warrants , options , preferred stock , debt securities , notes , or other financial instruments issued by recipients ” in exchange for the cash grants as compensation for the aid .
In essence : The government is required to ask companies to turn over equity or stock in order to receive a cash grant .
By requiring companies to pay the grants back , the provision effectively turns the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airlines less inclined to accept them , argues Sara Nelson , international president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA .

Flight attendants are worried that a provision in the coronavirus stimulus law passed last week will throw a wrench into the payroll grants that they are relying on to keep airline employees afloat.
The stimulus bill signed by President Donald Trump last week includes a measure providing $25 billion to passenger airlines in payroll grants to help them keep employees on the job.
Under the provision, airlines can ask for the equivalent of their payroll between April 1 and Sept. 30 of last year, and companies that accept grants would be barred from cutting pay or benefits or enacting involuntary furloughs until Oct. 1.
But the money comes with other strings as well: Airlines receiving the grants may be asked to provide “warrants, options, preferred stock, debt securities, notes, or other financial instruments issued by recipients” in exchange for the cash grants as compensation for the aid. In essence: The government is required to ask companies to turn over equity or stock in order to receive a cash grant.
By requiring companies to pay the grants back, the provision effectively turns the grants into loans and would likely make airlines less inclined to accept them, argues Sara Nelson, international president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA.


rollcall--2020-04-02--Coronavirus Special Report: Evening update, 4/2

The COVID-19 pandemic is acting like a wrecking ball on the U.S. economy , as a staggering 6.6 million unemployment @ @ @ @ @ .
We turn to CQ Budget Tracker David Lerman to discuss how the 2.2 trillion @ @ @ @ @ a salve .
• State requests for more assistance ‘ probably the biggest leverage ’ @ @ @ @ @ , Pelosi says • Pelosi wants coronavirus select committee but that requires a vote • @ @ @ @ @ can be transmitted by food or packaging on food • Four Capitol Police officers test @ @ @ @

The COVID-19 pandemic is acting like a wrecking ball on the U.S. economy, as a staggering 6.6 million unemployment claims were filed last week. We turn to CQ Budget Tracker David Lerman to discuss how the 2.2 trillion stimulus package might act as a salve.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-04-02--What happens when you lose track of your own story

The word “ journalist , ” which dates back to the 17th century , comes from the French and means @ @ @ @ @ .
When it started to dawn on all of us just how serious the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ around prepared for what will likely be the biggest story we ever cover .
And @ @ @ @ @ want not just to cover the story , but to also cover how we cover @ @ @ @ @ we set out to do at Political Theater was to keep an audio diary of @ @ @ @ @ make sure the small moments , and personal ones , did not get lost amid @ @ @ @ @ enough , right ?
This is an audio-based medium , so what would make more @ @ @ @ @ audio diary ?
That should be easy enough , as a podcast host , and @ @ @ @ @ Roll Call ’ s coverage in the newsroom .

The word “journalist,” which dates back to the 17th century, comes from the French and means one who keeps a journal.
When it started to dawn on all of us just how serious the coronavirus pandemic was, journalists all around prepared for what will likely be the biggest story we ever cover.
And it’s natural to want not just to cover the story, but to also cover how we cover the story. One thing we set out to do at Political Theater was to keep an audio diary of what was happening, to make sure the small moments, and personal ones, did not get lost amid the big moments.
Easy enough, right? This is an audio-based medium, so what would make more sense than to keep an audio diary? That should be easy enough, as a podcast host, and as someone helping coordinate CQ Roll Call’s coverage in the newsroom.


rollcall--2020-04-02--State requests for more assistance ‘probably the biggest leverage’ for a phase four stimulus, Pelosi

State requests for more assistance ‘probably the biggest leverage’ for a phase four stimulus, Pelosi says

As Democrats continue to push for a fourth coronavirus response bill that Republicans aren ’ t yet convinced is needed , Speaker Nancy Pelosi thinks she has some leverage with states requesting more federal assistance .
“ We haven ’ t thought big enough because we still have these needs for state and local governments , ” she said on a conference call with reporters Thursday .
“ And that ’ s probably the biggest leverage we have to get another bill — Democrats and Republicans , mayors and governors , insisting that the need is there.
” Pelosi said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic lawmakers have been making for President Donald Trump to use the Defense Production Act to require companies to manufacture ventilators and personal protective equipment for medical workers to distribute across the country .
“ They ’ ve been a strong force and hopefully will help us make the case for another bill , ” she said .
So far , Republicans in Congress and the administration aren ’ t convinced on the need for a fourth bill and have said they want to see the third package — which contains more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , hospitals , businesses , individuals and families — implemented before considering additional legislation .

As Democrats continue to push for a fourth coronavirus response bill that Republicans aren’t yet convinced is needed, Speaker Nancy Pelosi thinks she has some leverage with states requesting more federal assistance.
“We haven’t thought big enough because we still have these needs for state and local governments,” she said on a conference call with reporters Thursday. “And that’s probably the biggest leverage we have to get another bill — Democrats and Republicans, mayors and governors, insisting that the need is there.”
Pelosi said governors in both parties are backing calls Democratic lawmakers have been making for President Donald Trump to use the Defense Production Act to require companies to manufacture ventilators and personal protective equipment for medical workers to distribute across the country.
“They’ve been a strong force and hopefully will help us make the case for another bill,” she said.
So far, Republicans in Congress and the administration aren’t convinced on the need for a fourth bill and have said they want to see the third package — which contains more than $2 trillion in assistance to states, hospitals, businesses, individuals and families — implemented before considering additional legislation.


rollcall--2020-04-02--FDA: No evidence COVID-19 can be transmitted by food or packaging on food

A top FDA official Thursday sought to assure a U.S. public still wondering if COVID-19 can be transmitted by food @ @ @ @ @ shelves empty of their favorite foods .
Frank Yiannas , Food and Drug Administration deputy @ @ @ @ @ response , acknowledged during a press call that the United States has entered a “ @ @ @ @ @ novel coronavirus pandemic .
For example , he said the agency is adding monitoring of @ @ @ @ @ supply chain to its responsibilities in keeping with the Trump administration ’ s tracking of @ @ @ @ @ the effects of COVID-19 spread across the country .
“ Let me assure you that @ @ @ @ @ protecting the health of the American people and facing any challenges that might arise during @ @ @ @ @ ensuring that the food supply chain remains safe during the crisis and that the food @ @ @ @ @ table is not disrupted , ” Yiannas said .
The agency posted a 30-second public @ @ @ @ @ message Thursday on its YouTube account .

A top FDA official Thursday sought to assure a U.S. public still wondering if COVID-19 can be transmitted by food and feeling unsettled by grocery shelves empty of their favorite foods.
Frank Yiannas, Food and Drug Administration deputy commissioner of food policy and response, acknowledged during a press call that the United States has entered a “new frontier” with the novel coronavirus pandemic. For example, he said the agency is adding monitoring of the domestic and imported food supply chain to its responsibilities in keeping with the Trump administration’s tracking of supply chains in general as the effects of COVID-19 spread across the country.
[Coronavirus creates funding time bomb for public schools]
“Let me assure you that the FDA is committed to protecting the health of the American people and facing any challenges that might arise during this crisis. This includes ensuring that the food supply chain remains safe during the crisis and that the food supply chain from farm to table is not disrupted,” Yiannas said.
The agency posted a 30-second public service announcement with a similar message Thursday on its YouTube account.


rollcall--2020-04-02--At the Races: Pandemic hits airwaves

At the Races: Pandemic hits airwaves

Welcome to At the Races !
Each week we ’ ll bring you news and analysis from the CQ Roll Call team that will keep you informed about the 2020 election .
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They can subscribe here .
The novel coronavirus has upended campaigns across the country , from the national parties down to local races .
Thursday afternoon , the Democratic National Committee announced it is postponing its convention in Milwaukee until the week of Aug. 17 , one week before the GOP convention in North Carolina .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with super PACs engaged in the presidential race launching new spots to criticize , or defend , President Donald Trump ’ s handling of the crisis .
Congressional campaigns are starting to do the same .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and his potential challenger , Democrat Amy McGrath , have been talking about the crisis in recent ads in the Kentucky Senate race .
One new ad drew attention to a competitive open-seat race in Texas ’ 22nd District .
Republican Kathaleen Wall , who is in a primary runoff there , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic opponent slammed as “ race-baiting.
” The spot begins with a narrator saying , “ China poisoned our people .
President Trump has the courage to call it what it is.
” The ad shows red arrows labeled “ Chinese virus ” traveling from China to the U.S. and features footage of Trump saying “ the Chinese virus.
” Democrat Sri Preston Kulkarni , who avoided a runoff by winning his March 3 primary outright , said the ad was “ unacceptable and dangerous to TX-22 ’ s large Asian American and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aware of the FBI warning about the recent surge of hate crimes against their community.
” The district is among the diversifying suburban seats in Texas that Democrats are targeting this cycle and nearly 20 percent of the district ’ s population is Asian , according to Census Bureau estimates .

Stephanie Akin, Bridget Bowman, and Kate Ackley

Welcome to At the Races! Each week we’ll bring you news and analysis from the CQ Roll Call team that will keep you informed about the 2020 election. Know someone who’d like to get this newsletter? They can subscribe here.
The novel coronavirus has upended campaigns across the country, from the national parties down to local races. Thursday afternoon, the Democratic National Committee announced it is postponing its convention in Milwaukee until the week of Aug. 17, one week before the GOP convention in North Carolina.
The pandemic is also hitting the airwaves, with super PACs engaged in the presidential race launching new spots to criticize, or defend, President Donald Trump’s handling of the crisis. Congressional campaigns are starting to do the same. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and his potential challenger, Democrat Amy McGrath, have been talking about the crisis in recent ads in the Kentucky Senate race.
One new ad drew attention to a competitive open-seat race in Texas’ 22nd District. Republican Kathaleen Wall, who is in a primary runoff there, just launched an ad that her potential Democratic opponent slammed as “race-baiting.” The spot begins with a narrator saying, “China poisoned our people. President Trump has the courage to call it what it is.” The ad shows red arrows labeled “Chinese virus” traveling from China to the U.S. and features footage of Trump saying “the Chinese virus.”
Democrat Sri Preston Kulkarni, who avoided a runoff by winning his March 3 primary outright, said the ad was “unacceptable and dangerous to TX-22’s large Asian American and Pacific Islander population, who are intimately aware of the FBI warning about the recent surge of hate crimes against their community.” The district is among the diversifying suburban seats in Texas that Democrats are targeting this cycle and nearly 20 percent of the district’s population is Asian, according to Census Bureau estimates.


rollcall--2020-04-02--Pelosi wants coronavirus select committee but that requires a vote

Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Thursday that she is forming a bipartisan House select committee on the coronavirus crisis .
But in order to establish the panel , the House would need to vote and it ’ s unlikely they ’ ll be able to do that with Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy opposed and members not in Washington .
The speaker has the power to propose a select committee but the House must vote on a resolution to establish one .
Republicans don ’ t appear ready to agree to a unanimous consent request or voice vote on such a resolution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t see a need for a select committee at this time .
“ I ’ m not sure what this is supposed to do , ” the California Republican said .
Pelosi announced her plan for a select committee on a conference call with reporters that started at 10:45 a.m. McCarthy said Pelosi called him about 30 minutes before that but he was on another call .
Speaking on his own conference call with reporters that started at 11:30 a.m. , McCarthy said he would call Pelosi back after he was @ @ @ @ @ @

Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Thursday that she is forming a bipartisan House select committee on the coronavirus crisis. But in order to establish the panel, the House would need to vote and it’s unlikely they’ll be able to do that with Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy opposed and members not in Washington.
The speaker has the power to propose a select committee but the House must vote on a resolution to establish one. Republicans don’t appear ready to agree to a unanimous consent request or voice vote on such a resolution.
McCarthy told reporters Thursday that he doesn’t see a need for a select committee at this time.
“I’m not sure what this is supposed to do,” the California Republican said.
Pelosi announced her plan for a select committee on a conference call with reporters that started at 10:45 a.m. McCarthy said Pelosi called him about 30 minutes before that but he was on another call. Speaking on his own conference call with reporters that started at 11:30 a.m., McCarthy said he would call Pelosi back after he was done with the press call.


rollcall--2020-04-03--Democrats face ‘SALT’ challenge in next phase of coronavirus relief

Speaker Nancy Pelosi ’ s push to undo caps on state and local tax deductions as part of a new coronavirus relief package faces more than just steep opposition in the GOP-controlled Senate , where Republicans are calling it a “ nonstarter.
” House Democrats would need to thread the proverbial needle to hit their trifecta of goals : avoiding a windfall for the wealthiest ; helping vulnerable swing district lawmakers ; and selling “ SALT ” relief as help for Americans hit by a devastating pandemic .
Pelosi told The New York Times this week she wants to retroactively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 and 2019 , generating refunds for taxes paid in those years under the rules imposed by the 2017 GOP tax overhaul .
A Pelosi spokesman clarified later that Democrats will “ include limitations on the higher end ” so the benefit would be tailored to the middle class .
Pelosi said the measure would increase disposable income , which she called “ the lifeblood of our economy.
” And there ’ s no question two of the states most affected by the SALT cap , New York and New Jersey , are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats have long chafed at the SALT deduction limit , which disproportionately impacts constituents in high-tax states like New York , New Jersey and California .
Roughly a dozen freshman House Democrats flipped GOP seats in the 2018 midterms in part on pledges to undo the cap .

Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s push to undo caps on state and local tax deductions as part of a new coronavirus relief package faces more than just steep opposition in the GOP-controlled Senate, where Republicans are calling it a “nonstarter.”
House Democrats would need to thread the proverbial needle to hit their trifecta of goals: avoiding a windfall for the wealthiest; helping vulnerable swing district lawmakers; and selling “SALT” relief as help for Americans hit by a devastating pandemic.
Pelosi told The New York Times this week she wants to retroactively repeal the $10,000 SALT cap for 2018 and 2019, generating refunds for taxes paid in those years under the rules imposed by the 2017 GOP tax overhaul. A Pelosi spokesman clarified later that Democrats will “include limitations on the higher end” so the benefit would be tailored to the middle class.


rollcall--2020-04-02--CBO: Second coronavirus aid package will cost $192 billion

The second coronavirus relief package enacted last month , offering expanded paid leave benefits and increased food aid , among @ @ @ @ @ nearly $ 192 billion over a decade , the Congressional Budget Office said Thursday .
@ @ @ @ @ only a fraction of the roughly $ 2.3 trillion package Congress passed just before adjourning @ @ @ @ @ But the earlier legislation , which was passed March 18 without a cost estimate in @ @ @ @ @ deficits to pay for more Medicaid funding , free diagnostic testing of the coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ , and tax credits to employers to finance expanded sick leave and family medical leave @ @ @ @ @ delayed cost estimate , the CBO said its forecast was “ uncertain to an extraordinary @ @ @ @ @ length of the COVID-19 pandemic and the effectiveness of recovery efforts remain difficult to gauge @

The second coronavirus relief package enacted last month, offering expanded paid leave benefits and increased food aid, among other provisions, will cost nearly $192 billion over a decade, the Congressional Budget Office said Thursday.
The relief measure amounts to only a fraction of the roughly $2.3 trillion package Congress passed just before adjourning for an extended recess.
But the earlier legislation, which was passed March 18 without a cost estimate in place, will deepen federal deficits to pay for more Medicaid funding, free diagnostic testing of the coronavirus, extra money for federal agencies, and tax credits to employers to finance expanded sick leave and family medical leave benefits.
In issuing its delayed cost estimate, the CBO said its forecast was “uncertain to an extraordinary degree” because the likely length of the COVID-19 pandemic and the effectiveness of recovery efforts remain difficult to gauge.


rollcall--2020-04-02--New election security funds won’t come easy for hard-hit states

Cash-strapped states , which Congress just pumped $ 150 billion into , will nonetheless have to pony up in order to access new election security grants in the massive new coronavirus aid package signed by President Donald Trump last week .
The $ 2.3 trillion aid bill contains $ 400 million to `` prevent , prepare for , and respond to coronavirus , domestically or internationally , for the 2020 Federal election cycle . ''
The Election Assistance Commission , an independent , bipartisan commission established in 2002 , will administer the grants .
But consistent with past practice , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with strings attached : States need to put up matching funds equal to 20 percent of their federal aid .
Previous election security grants required a state match , most recently the 20 percent state match required for $ 425 million provided in regular fiscal 2020 appropriations last December .
But some election security experts were taken aback that the matching funds requirement was n't waived in the latest round of aid , and House Democrats are already planning to include a fix in the `` phase four '' COVID-19 bill they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and others , the match requirement may pose a hardship at a time when states find their budgets under pressure due to the government-imposed economic shutdown that is cutting deeply into tax revenue and increasing spending on government assistance programs .
That 's why the latest aid package included $ 150 billion for a `` state stabilization fund , '' for instance .

Cash-strapped states, which Congress just pumped $150 billion into, will nonetheless have to pony up in order to access new election security grants in the massive new coronavirus aid package signed by President Donald Trump last week.
The $2.3 trillion aid bill contains $400 million to "prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus, domestically or internationally, for the 2020 Federal election cycle." The Election Assistance Commission, an independent, bipartisan commission established in 2002, will administer the grants.
But consistent with past practice, and EAC guidelines, the money comes with strings attached: States need to put up matching funds equal to 20 percent of their federal aid. Previous election security grants required a state match, most recently the 20 percent state match required for $425 million provided in regular fiscal 2020 appropriations last December.
But some election security experts were taken aback that the matching funds requirement wasn't waived in the latest round of aid, and House Democrats are already planning to include a fix in the "phase four" COVID-19 bill they are prepping.
According to some state officials and others, the match requirement may pose a hardship at a time when states find their budgets under pressure due to the government-imposed economic shutdown that is cutting deeply into tax revenue and increasing spending on government assistance programs. That's why the latest aid package included $150 billion for a "state stabilization fund," for instance.


rollcall--2020-04-03--Mental health workers seek protections during COVID-19 crisis

Behavioral health workers from a major labor union made a plea Friday for additional protections against COVID-19 for themselves and @ @ @ @ @ echoes that of other health care unions , who have clamored in recent weeks for @ @ @ @ @ and Health Administration against infectious diseases .
But the AFL-CIO and affiliated unions also warned @ @ @ @ @ that psychiatric facility and Veterans Affairs employees have to endure especially dangerous conditions that may @ @ @ @ @ focuses on other hospitals overcrowded with sick patients .
Behavioral health workers in the field @ @ @ @ @ the virus while caring for workers .
Mental health workers often need to work in @ @ @ @ @ and not all types of care can be conducted through telemedicine .
Since patients may @ @ @ @ @ the risks may be less obvious than with emergency room or hospital personnel helping patients @ @ @ @ @

Behavioral health workers from a major labor union made a plea Friday for additional protections against COVID-19 for themselves and their patients.
The call echoes that of other health care unions, who have clamored in recent weeks for protections from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration against infectious diseases. But the AFL-CIO and affiliated unions also warned during a call with reporters that psychiatric facility and Veterans Affairs employees have to endure especially dangerous conditions that may be overlooked as the nation focuses on other hospitals overcrowded with sick patients.
Behavioral health workers in the field expressed numerous concerns about contracting the virus while caring for workers. Mental health workers often need to work in close proximity to patients, and not all types of care can be conducted through telemedicine. Since patients may not show COVID-19 symptoms, the risks may be less obvious than with emergency room or hospital personnel helping patients who are clearly sick.