rollcall--2020-10-21--In Michigan district, Trump factor could turn seat over to Democrats

For Hillary Scholten to become the first Democrat in more than 40 years and the first woman to represent Grand Rapids , Michigan , in Congress , she needs voters to act like Jeff Timmer .
A lifelong Republican , Timmer is willing to ignore policy differences — like on abortion — to focus on what matters most to him : defeating President Donald Trump and anyone who defends him .
“ I ’ m not interested in supporting Republicans who are going to perpetuate Trumpism because that ’ s not conservatism .
It ’ s not Republicanism , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the former chairman of the Michigan GOP , whose front lawn sports a Scholten sign .
“ It is the first time in my life that I have ever supported a Democrat for Congress.
” Timmer ’ s story is an echo of Scholten ’ s own .
She says she “ did not know a Democrat until I was a senior in high school , ” a story she says is repeating itself across Michigan ’ s increasingly young and well-educated 3rd District currently represented by retiring GOP defector Justin Amash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shift , like I have , from a deeply conservative , traditionally Republican , faith-based community to one that still holds very dearly to its faith but is realizing that our morals — our values — have a different political home , ” Scholten said .
“ I hear from voters every single day about how they feel politically homeless and they didn ’ t leave the Republican Party — the Republican Party left them .
”

Corrected 12:45 p.m. | For Hillary Scholten to become the first Democrat in more than 40 years and the first woman to represent Grand Rapids, Michigan, in Congress, she needs voters to act like Jeff Timmer.
A lifelong Republican, Timmer is willing to ignore policy differences — like on abortion — to focus on what matters most to him: defeating President Donald Trump and anyone who defends him.
“I’m not interested in supporting Republicans who are going to perpetuate Trumpism because that’s not conservatism. It’s not Republicanism, and it’s not American,” said the former executive director of the Michigan GOP, whose front lawn sports a Scholten sign. “It is the first time in my life that I have ever supported a Democrat for Congress.”
Timmer’s story is an echo of Scholten’s own. She says she “did not know a Democrat until I was a senior in high school,” a story she says is repeating itself across Michigan’s increasingly young and well-educated 3rd District currently represented by retiring GOP defector Justin Amash.
“I have seen this community shift, like I have, from a deeply conservative, traditionally Republican, faith-based community to one that still holds very dearly to its faith but is realizing that our morals — our values — have a different political home,” Scholten said. “I hear from voters every single day about how they feel politically homeless and they didn’t leave the Republican Party — the Republican Party left them.”


rollcall--2020-10-21--Five more states voting this fall on legalizing marijuana

Marijuana legalization advocates , afraid that efforts to win ballot initiatives would go up in smoke given the challenges of a pandemic , are fired up about chances in five states this fall .
The difficulty of safely getting signatures in person helped doom marijuana legalization efforts in some states , like Idaho and Missouri .
But voters will decide next month whether to legalize recreational marijuana in four states , only one of which is reliably Democratic : Arizona , Montana , New Jersey and South Dakota .
Mississippi will also consider a pair of ballot initiatives to legalize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advocates managed to collect more than 661,000 signatures in four of those states in the 2020 election cycle to put the questions on the ballot .
Some began before the pandemic hit , while advocates with later deadlines added protective steps like using individual plastic-wrapped pens .
In recent years , 11 states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana for adults 21 years old or older , while 33 states plus the District have legalized medical marijuana for some patients .
If successful , as is likely in all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new legalization efforts could altogether bring in hundreds of millions in tax revenue , which could help blunt the impact of states ’ plummeting revenue due to the economic collapse .

Marijuana legalization advocates, afraid that efforts to win ballot initiatives would go up in smoke given the challenges of a pandemic, are fired up about chances in five states this fall.
The difficulty of safely getting signatures in person helped doom marijuana legalization efforts in some states, like Idaho and Missouri. But voters will decide next month whether to legalize recreational marijuana in four states, only one of which is reliably Democratic: Arizona, Montana, New Jersey and South Dakota. Mississippi will also consider a pair of ballot initiatives to legalize medical marijuana.
Despite COVID-19 risks, advocates managed to collect more than 661,000 signatures in four of those states in the 2020 election cycle to put the questions on the ballot. Some began before the pandemic hit, while advocates with later deadlines added protective steps like using individual plastic-wrapped pens.
In recent years, 11 states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana for adults 21 years old or older, while 33 states plus the District have legalized medical marijuana for some patients.
If successful, as is likely in all the states this year except possibly Mississippi, the new legalization efforts could altogether bring in hundreds of millions in tax revenue, which could help blunt the impact of states’ plummeting revenue due to the economic collapse.


rollcall--2020-10-21--Senate Democrats keep focus on Supreme Court case on Obamacare

A group of Senate Democrats is calling on the Trump administration to withdraw its support from a lawsuit challenging the 2010 health care law , even as the likely confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court threatens their case .
The 20 Democrats , led by Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and including vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris of California , wrote to the Justice Department on Wednesday to urge the administration to back off its decision not to defend the health law , commonly known as the Affordable Care Act or Obamacare , in a legal challenge the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month .
“ Destroying this progress and ripping away critical protections is cruel on its face , ” they wrote .
“ Looking to do so in the midst of a nearly unprecedented public health emergency — a coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID-19 ) pandemic that has claimed over 220,000 American lives and infected over 8 million people — is especially unconscionable.
” The Trump administration is supporting the lawsuit California v. Texas , which was brought by several Republican state officials arguing the 2010 health care law is invalid after Republicans zeroed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not have health insurance in the 2017 tax overhaul .
The states base their argument by saying the federal government is no longer receiving income from the tax penalty , a key facet of Chief Justice John G. Robert ’ s argument in the NFIB v. Sebelius case that upheld the law in 2012 .
Democrats made the lawsuit a focal point of Senate hearings last week on Barrett 's nomination to the Supreme Court .
Barrett , whose nomination is expected to be confirmed by the Senate on Monday , suggested the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rest of the law , but did not explain how she would approach or rule if she is seated on the court by the Nov. 10 oral arguments for the case .

Mary Ellen McIntire and Niels Lesniewski

A group of Senate Democrats is calling on the Trump administration to withdraw its support from a lawsuit challenging the 2010 health care law, even as the likely confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court threatens their case.
The 20 Democrats, led by Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and including vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris of California, wrote to the Justice Department on Wednesday to urge the administration to back off its decision not to defend the health law, commonly known as the Affordable Care Act or Obamacare, in a legal challenge the Supreme Court is set to hear next month.
“Destroying this progress and ripping away critical protections is cruel on its face,” they wrote. “Looking to do so in the midst of a nearly unprecedented public health emergency — a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that has claimed over 220,000 American lives and infected over 8 million people — is especially unconscionable.”
The Trump administration is supporting the lawsuit California v. Texas, which was brought by several Republican state officials arguing the 2010 health care law is invalid after Republicans zeroed out the penalty for people who do not have health insurance in the 2017 tax overhaul. The states base their argument by saying the federal government is no longer receiving income from the tax penalty, a key facet of Chief Justice John G. Robert’s argument in the NFIB v. Sebelius case that upheld the law in 2012.


rollcall--2020-10-21--Photo of the day: Vaccine a-go-go

Photo of the day: Vaccine a-go-go

Vaccine affordability protesters dance as the Long Live GoGo band plays outside of the Department of Health and Human Services @ @ @ @ @ .
The protest was held to call for safe and free COVID-19 vaccines .

(Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Vaccine affordability protesters dance as the Long Live GoGo band plays outside of the Department of Health and Human Services building in Washington on Wednesday. The protest was held to call for safe and free COVID-19 vaccines.


rollcall--2020-10-21--GOP not on board with Biden campaign’s use of Amtrak

Republicans on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee complained Wednesday that Amtrak has become a centerpiece of former Vice President Joe Biden ’ s presidential campaign , and they want to know if the taxpayer-funded rail service is giving the Democrat special treatment .
In a letter to Amtrak President and Chief Executive Officer William Flynn , Rep. Rick Crawford , R-Ark.
, the ranking member of the Railroads , Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee , asked whether Biden -- whose penchant for riding Amtrak to and from his home in Delaware each day -during his decades in the Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the struggling passenger rail service when he used an Amtrak charter train on a campaign trip through Pennsylvania and Ohio after the first presidential debate .
Their letter follows complaints by Democrats that President Donald Trump violated the Hatch Act by holding campaign events and parts of the Republican National Convention at the White House .
“ Anyone can charter a train with Amtrak , ” the Biden campaign responded .
“ Last time we checked , no one can charter the White House South Lawn for a political convention.
” Amtrak received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year before the 2020 coronavirus pandemic drove down passenger traffic by up to 97 percent .
The company received an additional $ 1 billion in a roughly $ 2 trillion coronavirus spending bill passed in March and has asked for $ 4.9 billion in funding for fiscal 2021 to make up for the steep decline in ridership .

Republicans on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee complained Wednesday that Amtrak has become a centerpiece of former Vice President Joe Biden’s presidential campaign, and they want to know if the taxpayer-funded rail service is giving the Democrat special treatment.
In a letter to Amtrak President and Chief Executive Officer William Flynn, Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Ark., the ranking member of the Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee, asked whether Biden -- whose penchant for riding Amtrak to and from his home in Delaware each day -during his decades in the Senate was well known -- drained resources from the struggling passenger rail service when he used an Amtrak charter train on a campaign trip through Pennsylvania and Ohio after the first presidential debate.
Their letter follows complaints by Democrats that President Donald Trump violated the Hatch Act by holding campaign events and parts of the Republican National Convention at the White House.
“Anyone can charter a train with Amtrak,” the Biden campaign responded. “Last time we checked, no one can charter the White House South Lawn for a political convention.”
Pandemic
Amtrak received roughly $2 billion in subsidies per year before the 2020 coronavirus pandemic drove down passenger traffic by up to 97 percent. The company received an additional $1 billion in a roughly $2 trillion coronavirus spending bill passed in March and has asked for $4.9 billion in funding for fiscal 2021 to make up for the steep decline in ridership.


rollcall--2020-10-21--COVID-19 legislation, postelection prep keep K Street busy

Corrected , 6:25 p.m. | Negotiations over the federal response to the COVID-19 crisis have fueled the lobbying sector this year , as K Street firms and corporate representatives now turn their attention to the coming tumult after the November elections .
Some of the nation ’ s biggest spenders on federal lobbying — including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce , the National Association of Realtors and tech giants Facebook and Amazon — reported shelling out more money on influence campaigns so far this year than they did during the first three quarters of 2019 , according to new disclosures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lobbying firms , such as Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck , also reported increasing revenue this year .
The pharmaceutical industry ’ s main lobbying group , though , disclosed a decline in spending when compared with the same period last year ; ditto for the American Hospital Association and the American Medical Association , though they still remained among the biggest spenders on federal lobbying .
The Chamber , the nation ’ s biggest business group representing a cross section of industries , is still the top spender for the year to date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and division over its political endorsements .
The National Association of Realtors , however , spent more than the Chamber and its affiliates from July through September , the period covered by the latest disclosures .
The Realtors ’ total for the quarter was $ 33 million , compared with $ 22.3 million for the Chamber .
“ Moving into 2021 , we look forward to highlighting the housing affordability and accessibility issues that still plague our nation while we push to advance fair housing , diversity and inclusion throughout our industry , @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Corrected, 6:25 p.m. | Negotiations over the federal response to the COVID-19 crisis have fueled the lobbying sector this year, as K Street firms and corporate representatives now turn their attention to the coming tumult after the November elections.
Some of the nation’s biggest spenders on federal lobbying — including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Realtors and tech giants Facebook and Amazon — reported shelling out more money on influence campaigns so far this year than they did during the first three quarters of 2019, according to new disclosures filed this week. And the biggest lobbying firms, such as Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, also reported increasing revenue this year.
The pharmaceutical industry’s main lobbying group, though, disclosed a decline in spending when compared with the same period last year; ditto for the American Hospital Association and the American Medical Association, though they still remained among the biggest spenders on federal lobbying.
The Chamber, the nation’s biggest business group representing a cross section of industries, is still the top spender for the year to date, even as it dealt with layoffs and division over its political endorsements. The National Association of Realtors, however, spent more than the Chamber and its affiliates from July through September, the period covered by the latest disclosures. The Realtors’ total for the quarter was $33 million, compared with $22.3 million for the Chamber.
“Moving into 2021, we look forward to highlighting the housing affordability and accessibility issues that still plague our nation while we push to advance fair housing, diversity and inclusion throughout our industry,” Realtors spokesman Wesley Shaw said.


rollcall--2020-10-21--Supreme Court vote tears at Judiciary Committee relationships

The Senate ’ s escalating partisan tug-of-war over judicial confirmations has frayed relationships in the chamber for decades , but Thursday ’ s committee vote on Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett threatens to sever the rope .
The vote is expected to unfold as it did for previous judicial nominees in the President Donald Trump era .
Democrats alone don ’ t have the votes to stop Republicans from advancing Barrett ’ s nomination to the floor , or the final confirmation vote slated for Monday .
Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee announced Wednesday afternoon that they would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violated panel rules in a rush to complete the process before the Nov. 3 conclusion of the election .
“ We will not grant this process any further legitimacy by participating in a committee markup of this nomination just twelve days before the culmination of an election that is already underway , ” Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer said in a news release .
And committee Democrats have leveled unusually sharp and personal criticism at Republicans this time .
Connecticut Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal accused Judiciary Republicans of a violation of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : keeping your word .

The Senate’s escalating partisan tug-of-war over judicial confirmations has frayed relationships in the chamber for decades, but Thursday’s committee vote on Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett threatens to sever the rope.
The vote is expected to unfold as it did for previous judicial nominees in the President Donald Trump era. Democrats alone don’t have the votes to stop Republicans from advancing Barrett’s nomination to the floor, or the final confirmation vote slated for Monday.
Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee announced Wednesday afternoon that they would boycott the hearing. They say Republicans violated panel rules in a rush to complete the process before the Nov. 3 conclusion of the election.
“We will not grant this process any further legitimacy by participating in a committee markup of this nomination just twelve days before the culmination of an election that is already underway,” Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer said in a news release.
And committee Democrats have leveled unusually sharp and personal criticism at Republicans this time. Connecticut Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal accused Judiciary Republicans of a violation of the Senate’s most important unwritten rule: keeping your word.


rollcall--2020-10-21--Optimism returns to coronavirus relief package negotiations

The Trump administration is hoping for “ breakthroughs ” in negotiations on a COVID-19 aid package within 48 hours , @ @ @ @ @ Mark Meadows said Wednesday .
Meadows said Speaker Nancy Pelosi so far hasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ “ But we ’ re hopeful that in the next 48 hours or so that @ @ @ @ @ breakthroughs where she actually starts negotiating , ” he told Salem Radio host Hugh Hewitt @ @ @ @ @ t really been negotiating.
” Pelosi has likewise struck an increasingly optimistic tone about reaching @ @ @ @ @ deliver a new round of pandemic relief after months of stalemate .
“ I 'm @ @ @ @ @ California Democrat told MSNBC .
“ I think we have a prospect for an agreement.
@ @ @ @ @ aiming to get a deal passed before Election Day , but acknowledged that Senate Republicans @ @ @ @ @ Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told Republicans Tuesday he advised the White House not to @ @ @ @ @ relief until after the Nov. 3 election , according to several reports .

The Trump administration is hoping for “breakthroughs” in negotiations on a COVID-19 aid package within 48 hours, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said Wednesday.
Meadows said Speaker Nancy Pelosi so far hasn’t been willing to compromise. “But we’re hopeful that in the next 48 hours or so that there’ll be some breakthroughs where she actually starts negotiating,” he told Salem Radio host Hugh Hewitt. “She hasn’t really been negotiating.”
Pelosi has likewise struck an increasingly optimistic tone about reaching a bipartisan deal that could deliver a new round of pandemic relief after months of stalemate.
“I'm pretty happy,” the California Democrat told MSNBC. “I think we have a prospect for an agreement.”
Pelosi said she was aiming to get a deal passed before Election Day, but acknowledged that Senate Republicans could disrupt that plan.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told Republicans Tuesday he advised the White House not to cut any deal on large-scale relief until after the Nov. 3 election, according to several reports.


rollcall--2020-10-21--House Democrats float tax compromises in coronavirus relief talks

House Democrats are offering several concessions to Republicans on pandemic-related tax items , including a temporary fix to the thorny @ @ @ @ @ others who work in multiple states during the pandemic should be taxed .
That pitch @ @ @ @ @ of tax proposals in a document obtained by CQ Roll Call that grew out of @ @ @ @ @ package between Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Speaker Nancy Pelosi .
The two top negotiators @ @ @ @ @ begin hammering out compromises on lower-hanging fruit while they continue discussions on major hangups , @ @ @ @ @ and local government aid and business liability protections .
The House Ways and Means offer @ @ @ @ @ of provisions Republicans and Democrats agree on with one exception : House Democrats ’ proposal @ @ @ @ @ loss provisions that were in the roughly $ 2 trillion March coronavirus relief law .
@ @ @ @ @ worth about $ 150 billion , are a giveaway to wealthy households .
`` Reserve @ @ @ @ @ '' the document says .

House Democrats are offering several concessions to Republicans on pandemic-related tax items, including a temporary fix to the thorny problem of how teleworkers and others who work in multiple states during the pandemic should be taxed.
That pitch is part of a collection of tax proposals in a document obtained by CQ Roll Call that grew out of talks on a broader relief package between Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
The two top negotiators tasked committees of jurisdiction to begin hammering out compromises on lower-hanging fruit while they continue discussions on major hangups, like the amount of state and local government aid and business liability protections.
The House Ways and Means offer sheet amounts to a litany of provisions Republicans and Democrats agree on with one exception: House Democrats’ proposal to roll back net operating loss provisions that were in the roughly $2 trillion March coronavirus relief law. Democrats say those breaks, worth about $150 billion, are a giveaway to wealthy households.
"Reserve discussion on NOL provisions," the document says.


rollcall--2020-10-21--Postal Service didn’t examine service impacts before making cuts, IG report says

The independent watchdog of the U.S .
Postal Service has issued a report criticizing service reductions implemented in June and July under Postmaster General Louis DeJoy , asserting that there was no consideration of the effects the cutbacks would have before they were put in place .
“ No analysis of the service impacts of these various changes was conducted and documentation and guidance to the field for these strategies was very limited and almost exclusively oral , ” the report , dated Monday , says .
“ The resulting confusion and inconsistency in operations at postal facilities compounded the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The inspector general ’ s report said that the operational changes implemented by DeJoy soon after he landed the top postal job in June may have met legal requirements , but the execution was flawed and definitively resulted in delays to mail delivery .
The report examines the elimination of late and extra trips between mail processing plants and post offices , a reorganization of field operations and headquarters and a pilot program at nearly 400 facilities aimed at reducing overtime pay .
These were compounded , according to the report , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that also went into effect .
“ These initiatives undertaken individually may not have been significant , ” the IG report states .
“ However , launching all of these efforts at once , in addition to the changes instituted by the postmaster general , had a significant impact on the Postal Service .
”

The independent watchdog of the U.S. Postal Service has issued a report criticizing service reductions implemented in June and July under Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, asserting that there was no consideration of the effects the cutbacks would have before they were put in place.
“No analysis of the service impacts of these various changes was conducted and documentation and guidance to the field for these strategies was very limited and almost exclusively oral,” the report, dated Monday, says. “The resulting confusion and inconsistency in operations at postal facilities compounded the significant negative service impacts across the country.”
The inspector general’s report said that the operational changes implemented by DeJoy soon after he landed the top postal job in June may have met legal requirements, but the execution was flawed and definitively resulted in delays to mail delivery.
The report examines the elimination of late and extra trips between mail processing plants and post offices, a reorganization of field operations and headquarters and a pilot program at nearly 400 facilities aimed at reducing overtime pay. These were compounded, according to the report, by more than 50 other cost-cutting initiatives that also went into effect.
“These initiatives undertaken individually may not have been significant,” the IG report states. “However, launching all of these efforts at once, in addition to the changes instituted by the postmaster general, had a significant impact on the Postal Service.”


rollcall--2020-10-21--Emissions exposure may increase COVID-19 mortality

For years , the effort to reduce transportation emissions has largely centered on fighting climate change .
But some advocates say the pandemic underscores the need to focus on human health as well .
The worst effects of air pollution are being borne by low-income communities and people of color — the same groups that have suffered disproportionately during the pandemic .
Researchers say they 're seeing indications that the pollutants spewed out of tailpipes are making the people who breathe them at high levels more likely to die from COVID-19 .
Much of the analysis is still in its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some not yet peer-reviewed , show high levels of nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter correlate with higher mortality rates from the virus .
“ The science of the health effects of exposure to air pollution is clear , ” said Francesa Dominici , professor of biostatistics at the Harvard T.H .
Chan School of Public Health .
“ The huge burden to the health care system is clear.
” Dominici was among the authors of an April study that correlated small increases in exposure to fine particulate matter with elevated COVID-19 death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peer-reviewed or published .

Car pollution is making the pandemic worse.
For years, the effort to reduce transportation emissions has largely centered on fighting climate change. But some advocates say the pandemic underscores the need to focus on human health as well. The worst effects of air pollution are being borne by low-income communities and people of color — the same groups that have suffered disproportionately during the pandemic.
Researchers say they're seeing indications that the pollutants spewed out of tailpipes are making the people who breathe them at high levels more likely to die from COVID-19. Much of the analysis is still in its early stages, but several studies, some not yet peer-reviewed, show high levels of nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter correlate with higher mortality rates from the virus.
“The science of the health effects of exposure to air pollution is clear,” said Francesa Dominici, professor of biostatistics at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “The huge burden to the health care system is clear.”
Dominici was among the authors of an April study that correlated small increases in exposure to fine particulate matter with elevated COVID-19 death rates. The study has not been peer-reviewed or published.


rollcall--2020-10-21--The Google antitrust lawsuit: Five key takeaways

The lawsuit filed by the Justice Department against Google on Tuesday marks the first major antitrust enforcement case against a technology company since a case against Microsoft began in 1998 and ended in a settlement with the government in 2002 .
The Justice Department is accusing Google of using anti-competitive business practices to maintain monopolies over its competitors in the online search and advertising industry , and Google is vowing to fight back , arguing that its success does not mean it did anything wrong .
Here are five key takeaways from Tuesday ’ s action : 1 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress Unlike so many high-profile actions undertaken by President Donald Trump ’ s Justice Department in the past four years , the Google lawsuit quickly won the support of Republican and Democratic lawmakers alike , including key antitrust hawks .
Some of the loudest praise came from Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri , who investigated Google when he was the Show-Me State ’ s attorney general .
Hawley said the case could be the most significant antitrust suit “ in a generation ” and that if the government wins , it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case “ because Google is really a more powerful company than Microsoft was even at the height of Microsoft ’ s power .
”

The lawsuit filed by the Justice Department against Google on Tuesday marks the first major antitrust enforcement case against a technology company since a case against Microsoft began in 1998 and ended in a settlement with the government in 2002. The Justice Department is accusing Google of using anti-competitive business practices to maintain monopolies over its competitors in the online search and advertising industry, and Google is vowing to fight back, arguing that its success does not mean it did anything wrong.
Here are five key takeaways from Tuesday’s action:
1. The Justice Department lawsuit has bipartisan support in Congress
Unlike so many high-profile actions undertaken by President Donald Trump’s Justice Department in the past four years, the Google lawsuit quickly won the support of Republican and Democratic lawmakers alike, including key antitrust hawks.
Some of the loudest praise came from Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, who investigated Google when he was the Show-Me State’s attorney general. Hawley said the case could be the most significant antitrust suit “in a generation” and that if the government wins, it would be even more significant than the Microsoft case “because Google is really a more powerful company than Microsoft was even at the height of Microsoft’s power.”


rollcall--2020-10-22--Power shift, return to limelight in store for Senate Budget

The Senate Budget Committee could be in store for a leadership shakeup next year with major policy implications under an electoral scenario that many prognosticators say is increasingly likely : a Democratic sweep in November .
Vermont independent Bernie Sanders , a self-described Democratic socialist who became the committee 's ranking member in 2015 , could decide to move on in January , according to Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse .
“ I think he ’ s a strong and passionate voice for more income equality , and he just may very well have a better offer from other committees , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rhode Island Democrat , who joined the Budget panel in 2007 along with Sanders , would `` conceivably '' be next in line , Whitehouse said .
Sanders ’ office did not return multiple requests for comment .
But the progressive stalwart has the seniority on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee to potentially leapfrog Sen. Joe Manchin III , D-W.Va. , for instance .
Sanders is a passionate advocate for heading off climate change and limiting fossil fuels , while Manchin hails from an oil , gas and coal-producing state where views @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line with many on the left .

The Senate Budget Committee could be in store for a leadership shakeup next year with major policy implications under an electoral scenario that many prognosticators say is increasingly likely: a Democratic sweep in November.
Vermont independent Bernie Sanders, a self-described Democratic socialist who became the committee's ranking member in 2015, could decide to move on in January, according to Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse.
“I think he’s a strong and passionate voice for more income equality, and he just may very well have a better offer from other committees,” Whitehouse told CQ Roll Call. The Rhode Island Democrat, who joined the Budget panel in 2007 along with Sanders, would "conceivably" be next in line, Whitehouse said.
Sanders’ office did not return multiple requests for comment. But the progressive stalwart has the seniority on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee to potentially leapfrog Sen. Joe Manchin III, D-W.Va., for instance.
Sanders is a passionate advocate for heading off climate change and limiting fossil fuels, while Manchin hails from an oil, gas and coal-producing state where views on energy policy aren’t in line with many on the left.


rollcall--2020-10-22--‘Republicans often racialize poverty. Democrats often run from poverty’

MacArthur “ genius ” grantee , founder of Repairers of the Breach , and organizer of the Poor People ’ @ @ @ @ @ Call for Moral Revival , Rev .
William J Barber II has made eradicating poverty @ @ @ @ @ He sits down with host Mary C. Curtis for a candid and surprising conversation .

Mary C. Curtis, Joanne Levine, and Evan Campbell

MacArthur “genius” grantee, founder of Repairers of the Breach, and organizer of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival, Rev. William J Barber II has made eradicating poverty his life's work. He sits down with host Mary C. Curtis for a candid and surprising conversation.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-10-22--Running for office is exhausting. Breast cancer doesn’t care

When Christine Gregoire got her diagnosis back in 2003 , she called up two women who could definitely relate : @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I need to talk to you privately , and you can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ going to share with anybody , ” she told the fellow politicians .
“ You @ @ @ @ @ guessed , and they were right .
Gregoire was running for governor while serving as @ @ @ @ @ and she was trying to decide when to tell the voters about her mastectomy .
@ @ @ @ @ I — not disclose ?
” she wondered .
“ If I was just forthright @ @ @ @ @ would influence people to get a regular exam , ” she says in “ Beat @ @ @ @ @ , ” a new book by journalist Ali Rogin .

When Christine Gregoire got her diagnosis back in 2003, she called up two women who could definitely relate: Janet Napolitano and Heidi Heitkamp.
“I need to talk to you privately, and you can’t share what I’m going to share with anybody,” she told the fellow politicians.
“You have cancer,” they guessed, and they were right. Gregoire was running for governor while serving as Washington state attorney general, and she was trying to decide when to tell the voters about her mastectomy.
“Could I — should I — not disclose?” she wondered.
“If I was just forthright and honest, maybe I would influence people to get a regular exam,” she says in “Beat Breast Cancer Like a Boss,” a new book by journalist Ali Rogin.


rollcall--2020-10-22--Indiana district will test how far suburbs have moved for GOP

Indiana ’ s 5th District was once known for its conservative firebrand of a congressman — Republican Dan Burton , the House Oversight chairman who famously called Bill Clinton a “ scumbag ” and tried to reenact the death of Clinton aide Vince Foster by shooting a watermelon .
But redistricting and seven years have made a world of difference .
Now , this district just north of Indianapolis is a test case for whether traditionally Republican suburban voters will reject the same aggressive partisanship espoused by Burton and now President Donald Trump .
Democrat Christina Hale , a former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governor in 2016 , faces state Sen. Victoria Spartz , a Republican businesswoman who helped found her county tea party group .
Both are seeking to replace Burton ’ s successor , Republican Susan W. Brooks , who is retiring after four terms .
Hale is running in the tradition of former Indiana Democratic Sens .
Evan Bayh and Joe Donnelly .
Moderate in tone , she ’ s emphasized bipartisanship on the campaign trail — a move designed to appeal to a Republican state that has nonetheless been known to back Democrats @ @ @ @ @

Indiana’s 5th District was once known for its conservative firebrand of a congressman — Republican Dan Burton, the House Oversight chairman who famously called Bill Clinton a “scumbag” and tried to reenact the death of Clinton aide Vince Foster by shooting a watermelon.
But redistricting and seven years have made a world of difference.
Now, this district just north of Indianapolis is a test case for whether traditionally Republican suburban voters will reject the same aggressive partisanship espoused by Burton and now President Donald Trump.
Democrat Christina Hale, a former state representative who ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor in 2016, faces state Sen. Victoria Spartz, a Republican businesswoman who helped found her county tea party group. Both are seeking to replace Burton’s successor, Republican Susan W. Brooks, who is retiring after four terms.
No longer a lock
Hale is running in the tradition of former Indiana Democratic Sens. Evan Bayh and Joe Donnelly. Moderate in tone, she’s emphasized bipartisanship on the campaign trail — a move designed to appeal to a Republican state that has nonetheless been known to back Democrats for Senate and governor.


rollcall--2020-10-22--COVID-19 trials risk excluding those most vulnerable to virus

The elderly and communities of color have suffered disproportionately from the COVID-19 pandemic — and those groups are also at risk of being short-changed by fast-paced clinical trials with participants that skew younger and whiter than the general U.S. population .
Older adults may be willing to participate in research but may not be appealing candidates to drug companies , due to their poorer underlying health .
People from minority groups may be less inclined to trust the system , given historical injustices and a lack of diversity among the people actually conducting the research .
Experts warn that many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that medical researchers still have a long way to go before minority communities more actively participate .
[ Deep freezers and dry ice for Pfizer vaccine may face shortages ] '' We ca n't just go to Black and brown communities and say , 'Sign up for clinical trials , participate in clinical trials , ' if there is not deep representation upstream in the science and the management of the processes that bring about the science , '' Michelle A. Williams , dean of the Harvard T.H .
Chan School of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the American Medical Association interview last week .

The elderly and communities of color have suffered disproportionately from the COVID-19 pandemic — and those groups are also at risk of being short-changed by fast-paced clinical trials with participants that skew younger and whiter than the general U.S. population.
Older adults may be willing to participate in research but may not be appealing candidates to drug companies, due to their poorer underlying health. People from minority groups may be less inclined to trust the system, given historical injustices and a lack of diversity among the people actually conducting the research.
Experts warn that many COVID-19 studies are likely excluding the elderly and that medical researchers still have a long way to go before minority communities more actively participate.
[Deep freezers and dry ice for Pfizer vaccine may face shortages]
"We can't just go to Black and brown communities and say, 'Sign up for clinical trials, participate in clinical trials,' if there is not deep representation upstream in the science and the management of the processes that bring about the science," Michelle A. Williams, dean of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said in a Journal of the American Medical Association interview last week.


rollcall--2020-10-22--Arizona race sets stage for Senate battles to come

Arizona voters may not want to hear it , but Election Day won ’ t mean the end of campaign ads in the Grand Canyon State .
Millions of dollars have flooded the state ’ s airwaves , since both parties view Arizona as a top battleground in the fight for the White House and for the Senate .
Democrats are bullish about their chances in the state after they flipped a Senate seat in 2018 , two years after President Donald Trump won Arizona by just 4 points .
The Phoenix media market has seen the most political TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a whopping $ 246 million for all candidates , according to Advertising Analytics .
From Sept. 8 to Oct. 18 alone , some 52,456 ads were aired , the Wesleyan Media Project found .
That works out to 1,311 ads a day .
And this year may only be the beginning of things to come with competitive Senate races likely again in 2022 and 2024 .
“ We ’ re ground zero , ” Republican Sen. Martha McSally said at a Trump rally in Prescott this week .
“ This state will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four more years .
This state will decide the Senate majority .
”

Arizona voters may not want to hear it, but Election Day won’t mean the end of campaign ads in the Grand Canyon State.
Millions of dollars have flooded the state’s airwaves, since both parties view Arizona as a top battleground in the fight for the White House and for the Senate. Democrats are bullish about their chances in the state after they flipped a Senate seat in 2018, two years after President Donald Trump won Arizona by just 4 points.
The Phoenix media market has seen the most political TV spending in the country this election cycle, a whopping $246 million for all candidates, according to Advertising Analytics. From Sept. 8 to Oct. 18 alone, some 52,456 ads were aired, the Wesleyan Media Project found.
That works out to 1,311 ads a day. And this year may only be the beginning of things to come with competitive Senate races likely again in 2022 and 2024.
“We’re ground zero,” Republican Sen. Martha McSally said at a Trump rally in Prescott this week. “This state will decide to send President Trump back for four more years. This state will decide the Senate majority.”


rollcall--2020-10-22--Ratcliffe’s warning on foreign interference with U.S. voters provokes skepticism

The director of national intelligence , John Ratcliffe , in a hastily assembled news conference late Wednesday with FBI and @ @ @ @ @ that Iran and Russia had managed to steal voter registration information and were targeting voters @ @ @ @ @ harm President Donald Trump .
But Ratcliffe ’ s warnings immediately drew skeptical reactions from @ @ @ @ @ whom had been briefed in private about the interference .
They specifically disputed that the @ @ @ @ @ to harm Trump .
Instead of listening to Ratcliffe , the House Homeland Security Committee @ @ @ @ @ that Americans should listen to FBI Director Christopher Wray and Christopher Krebs , director of @ @ @ @ @ Agency .
Wray and Krebs stood with Ratcliffe at the Wednesday evening press briefing .
@ @ @ @ @ politicized the Intelligence Community to carry water for the President , ” the committee — @ @ @ @ @ , D-Miss .
— said in a tweet .

The director of national intelligence, John Ratcliffe, in a hastily assembled news conference late Wednesday with FBI and Homeland Security officials, said that Iran and Russia had managed to steal voter registration information and were targeting voters, spreading disinformation intended to harm President Donald Trump.
But Ratcliffe’s warnings immediately drew skeptical reactions from Democratic lawmakers, some of whom had been briefed in private about the interference. They specifically disputed that the actions by Iran were intended to harm Trump.
Instead of listening to Ratcliffe, the House Homeland Security Committee said in its Twitter feed that Americans should listen to FBI Director Christopher Wray and Christopher Krebs, director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Wray and Krebs stood with Ratcliffe at the Wednesday evening press briefing.
“Ratcliffe has TOO OFTEN politicized the Intelligence Community to carry water for the President,” the committee — led by Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss. — said in a tweet.
Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer also doubted Ratcliffe’s conclusions.


rollcall--2020-10-22--Brent Roske, ‘Iowa’s political bartender,’ talks Hawkeye State races

Brent Roske is a political animal , but it wasn ’ t supposed to be that way .
A veteran @ @ @ @ @ series “ Chasing the Hill , ” about a fictional congressional campaign , was supposed @ @ @ @ @ his system .
It just lit the fire though , and he went on to @ @ @ @ @ move to Iowa , start a political talk show , “ Roske on Politics , @ @ @ @ @ political strategy .
And now , with several competitive races in the Hawkeye State in @ @ @ @ @ doing what he does best : getting politicians to open up in the public sphere @

Brent Roske is a political animal, but it wasn’t supposed to be that way.
A veteran Hollywood creative type, his series “Chasing the Hill,” about a fictional congressional campaign, was supposed to get politics out of his system. It just lit the fire though, and he went on to run for Congress himself, move to Iowa, start a political talk show, “Roske on Politics,” and get involved in political strategy.
And now, with several competitive races in the Hawkeye State in 2020, he’s doing what he does best: getting politicians to open up in the public sphere.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-10-22--Senate Judiciary authorizes subpoenas for Facebook, Twitter chiefs

Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee continued on Thursday to push for a hearing with the chief executives of Facebook @ @ @ @ @ 3 presidential election , authorizing subpoenas to both companies for testimony related to their handling @ @ @ @ @ 's Hunter Biden story .
The committee agreed , 12-0 , to allow Chairman Lindsey @ @ @ @ @ subpoena Mark Zuckerberg , the head of Facebook , and Jack Dorsey , the head @ @ @ @ @ silent objections of Democrats who were not present because they were boycotting a separate vote @ @ @ @ @ floor the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett for the Supreme Court .
Graham said Democrats @ @ @ @ @ him to delay voting on the subpoena authorization but that he decided to move forward @ @ @ @ @ Zuckerberg and Dorsey .
A representative for Facebook declined to comment .
A representative for @ @ @ @ @ a request for comment .
Graham said he hoped the authorization of subpoenas would give @ @ @ @ @ to secure voluntary testimony from Zuckerberg and Dorsey .

Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee continued on Thursday to push for a hearing with the chief executives of Facebook and Twitter before the Nov. 3 presidential election, authorizing subpoenas to both companies for testimony related to their handling of the New York Post's Hunter Biden story.
The committee agreed, 12-0, to allow Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., to subpoena Mark Zuckerberg, the head of Facebook, and Jack Dorsey, the head of Twitter, over the silent objections of Democrats who were not present because they were boycotting a separate vote to advance to the Senate floor the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett for the Supreme Court.
Graham said Democrats on the committee had asked him to delay voting on the subpoena authorization but that he decided to move forward because of bipartisan interest in Zuckerberg and Dorsey.
A representative for Facebook declined to comment. A representative for Twitter did not respond to a request for comment.
Graham said he hoped the authorization of subpoenas would give the committee "leverage" to secure voluntary testimony from Zuckerberg and Dorsey.


rollcall--2020-10-22--At the Races: October surprises are so 2016

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 .
Just when it seemed 2020 couldn ’ t get any weirder , Tuesday night ’ s news about Iranian meddling with the election came as a reminder that a lot can still happen between now and Nov. 3 .
But with more than 44 million ballots already cast , the chance that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results is diminishing by the day .
The latest RealClearPolitics average of national polls shows former Vice President Joe Biden with a 7.7-point lead over President Donald Trump .
Biden is also leading in states with races that could decide control of the next Senate , including North Carolina , Arizona , Georgia , Iowa , Colorado and Maine , though several leads are inside the polls ’ margins of error..
In North Carolina , Biden and Democratic Senate nominee Cal Cunningham are both leading by an RCP polling average of 2 points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hammer Cunningham over recent revelations surrounding extramarital romantic texts .
In Iowa , where Biden ’ s average lead is less than 1 point , Democrat Theresa Greenfield leads by an average of 1.8 points .

Bridget Bowman, Kate Ackley, and Stephanie Akin

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.
Just when it seemed 2020 couldn’t get any weirder, Tuesday night’s news about Iranian meddling with the election came as a reminder that a lot can still happen between now and Nov. 3.
But with more than 44 million ballots already cast, the chance that any October surprises could skew the election results is diminishing by the day. The latest RealClearPolitics average of national polls shows former Vice President Joe Biden with a 7.7-point lead over President Donald Trump.
Biden is also leading in states with races that could decide control of the next Senate, including North Carolina, Arizona, Georgia, Iowa, Colorado and Maine, though several leads are inside the polls’ margins of error..
In North Carolina, Biden and Democratic Senate nominee Cal Cunningham are both leading by an RCP polling average of 2 points, in spite of Republicans’ efforts to hammer Cunningham over recent revelations surrounding extramarital romantic texts. In Iowa, where Biden’s average lead is less than 1 point, Democrat Theresa Greenfield leads by an average of 1.8 points.


rollcall--2020-10-22--Timeline for coronavirus relief package vote slips despite progress in talks

Speaker Nancy Pelosi raised doubts Thursday about getting a coronavirus aid bill passed before the Nov. 3 elections , even if a bipartisan deal is reached in the coming days .
While talks continue , the California Democrat said it would take time to get a comprehensive bill written and reviewed by budget scorekeepers and legal counsel before a floor vote could be scheduled .
And with only 12 days to go before the elections and no deal yet reached , there may be little time left , she said .
“ If we can resolve some of these things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will take a while to write the bill , ” Pelosi said at her weekly news conference .
While a deal could still pass before Election day , she said , “ We wouldn ’ t take less of a bill to get it sooner.
” Pelosi said she remained hopeful of reaching a deal with the Trump administration that could end a monthslong stalemate over a new relief package to combat the health and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic .
After several daily talks with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waiting to hear from congressional committee leaders who were trying to resolve differences between Democrats and the administration .
But her hedging comments about the timing of potential votes injected a fresh dose of doubt that any new aid could get delivered before Election Day .
And Pelosi said President Donald Trump would need to convince Senate Republicans to back any potential deal that they so far have panned as excessively costly .

Speaker Nancy Pelosi raised doubts Thursday about getting a coronavirus aid bill passed before the Nov. 3 elections, even if a bipartisan deal is reached in the coming days.
While talks continue, the California Democrat said it would take time to get a comprehensive bill written and reviewed by budget scorekeepers and legal counsel before a floor vote could be scheduled. And with only 12 days to go before the elections and no deal yet reached, there may be little time left, she said.
“If we can resolve some of these things in the next few days, it will take a while to write the bill,” Pelosi said at her weekly news conference. While a deal could still pass before Election day, she said, “We wouldn’t take less of a bill to get it sooner.”
Pelosi said she remained hopeful of reaching a deal with the Trump administration that could end a monthslong stalemate over a new relief package to combat the health and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. After several daily talks with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, she told reporters late Thursday that she was waiting to hear from congressional committee leaders who were trying to resolve differences between Democrats and the administration.
But her hedging comments about the timing of potential votes injected a fresh dose of doubt that any new aid could get delivered before Election Day. And Pelosi said President Donald Trump would need to convince Senate Republicans to back any potential deal that they so far have panned as excessively costly.


rollcall--2020-10-22--Photo of the day: Smile, you’re on Cornyn camera

Sen. John Cornyn , R-Texas , takes a cell phone video of the Democratic senators ' empty seats in the @ @ @ @ @ Democrats boycotted the panel 's vote on the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to serve @ @ @ @ @ the Supreme Court of the United States .
The 12 Republicans on the committee voted @ @ @ @ @ nomination favorably to the Senate floor , while Democrats did not vote .
A confirmation @ @ @ @ @ .

(Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, takes a cell phone video of the Democratic senators' empty seats in the Judiciary Committee on Thursday. Democrats boycotted the panel's vote on the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to serve as an associate justice on the Supreme Court of the United States.
The 12 Republicans on the committee voted to report Barrett’s nomination favorably to the Senate floor, while Democrats did not vote. A confirmation vote is scheduled for Monday.


rollcall--2020-10-22--Democrats target Asian voters in crucial House districts

House Democrats looking to defend and grow their majority are launching new efforts to engage Asian American and Pacific Islander @ @ @ @ @ could make the difference in a number of hotly contested House districts in California , @ @ @ @ @ Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee announced Thursday that it launched a “ seven-figure ” voter turnout @ @ @ @ @ AAPI voters through mail pieces as well as TV , digital and radio ads .
@ @ @ @ @ reporters Thursday that the outreach would be in multiple languages , including English , Chinese @ @ @ @ @ Democratic Rep. Grace Meng said Democrats ’ focus on AAPI voters is “ unprecedented.
” @ @ @ @ @ the political arm of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus .
“ AAPIs are the @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve been largely passed off , ” Meng said Thursday .
Bustos noted that @ @ @ @ @ County , Calif. , in 2018 proved Democrats “ could play in these districts where @ @ @ @ @ to make the difference .
”

House Democrats looking to defend and grow their majority are launching new efforts to engage Asian American and Pacific Islander voters, believing AAPI voters could make the difference in a number of hotly contested House districts in California, Texas and Georgia.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee announced Thursday that it launched a “seven-figure” voter turnout effort this month, targeting AAPI voters through mail pieces as well as TV, digital and radio ads. DCCC Chairwoman Cheri Bustos told reporters Thursday that the outreach would be in multiple languages, including English, Chinese and Korean.
New York Democratic Rep. Grace Meng said Democrats’ focus on AAPI voters is “unprecedented.” Meng chairs ASPIRE PAC, the political arm of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.
“AAPIs are the fastest-growing electorate and yet we’ve been largely passed off,” Meng said Thursday.
Bustos noted that Democrats’ success in Orange County, Calif., in 2018 proved Democrats “could play in these districts where the AAPI populations are going to make the difference.”


rollcall--2020-10-22--Biden’s court commission draws ire of court-packing critics and supporters

Former Vice President Joe Biden ’ s plan to set up a commission to study how to overhaul ( and perhaps expand ) federal courts is unlikely to make anyone happy .
But it could give the Democratic presidential nominee breathing room on the issue since he was sure to be asked about calls for Democrats to add seats the Supreme Court during Thursday night ’ s second and final presidential debate .
“ If elected , what I will do is I ’ ll put together a national commission of , bipartisan commission of scholars , constitutional scholars , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And I will ask them to over 180 days come back to me with recommendations as to how to reform the court system , because it ’ s getting out of whack — the way in which it ’ s being handled — and it ’ s not about court packing , '' Biden said in an interview with the CBS News program `` 60 Minutes . ''
Beyond the question of whether to add seats to the Supreme Court past the current total of nine , there have been other proposals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ courts through legislation .
There are proposals to impose term limits on some or all of the justices .
Demand Justice , which is advocating for Democrats to boost the number of seats on the Supreme Court in response to the imminent confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the ninth seat on the high court , expressed displeasure with Biden ’ s proposal .

Former Vice President Joe Biden’s plan to set up a commission to study how to overhaul (and perhaps expand) federal courts is unlikely to make anyone happy.
But it could give the Democratic presidential nominee breathing room on the issue since he was sure to be asked about calls for Democrats to add seats the Supreme Court during Thursday night’s second and final presidential debate.
“If elected, what I will do is I’ll put together a national commission of, bipartisan commission of scholars, constitutional scholars, Democrats, Republicans, liberal, conservative. And I will ask them to over 180 days come back to me with recommendations as to how to reform the court system, because it’s getting out of whack — the way in which it’s being handled — and it’s not about court packing," Biden said in an interview with the CBS News program "60 Minutes."
Beyond the question of whether to add seats to the Supreme Court past the current total of nine, there have been other proposals, including limiting the jurisdiction of federal courts through legislation. There are proposals to impose term limits on some or all of the justices.
Demand Justice, which is advocating for Democrats to boost the number of seats on the Supreme Court in response to the imminent confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the ninth seat on the high court, expressed displeasure with Biden’s proposal.


rollcall--2020-10-22--Senate Judiciary sends Amy Coney Barrett nomination to the floor with no Democratic votes

The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced the Supreme Court nomination of Amy Coney Barrett on Thursday as the panel ’ s @ @ @ @ @ setting up a final confirmation vote on the Senate floor as early as Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ committee voted to report Barrett ’ s nomination favorably to the Senate floor , while @ @ @ @ @ they were absent .
“ We did it .
We did it .
Judge Barrett @ @ @ @ @ , ” Chairman Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said to the Republicans there .
“ @ @ @ @ @ on this time on the committee and say , ' I was there when it @ @ @ @ @ were.
” Instead of attending , committee Democrats set up large photos on their chairs @ @ @ @ @ be harmed if Barrett is confirmed .
They have accused Republicans of violating panel rules @ @ @ @ @ the process in time for Supreme Court oral arguments Nov. 10 in a case where @ @ @ @ @ the justices to wipe out the full 2010 health care law .

The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced the Supreme Court nomination of Amy Coney Barrett on Thursday as the panel’s Democrats boycotted the hearing, setting up a final confirmation vote on the Senate floor as early as Monday.
The 12 Republicans on the committee voted to report Barrett’s nomination favorably to the Senate floor, while Democrats did not vote because they were absent.
“We did it. We did it. Judge Barrett is going to the floor,” Chairman Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said to the Republicans there. “I hope you look back on this time on the committee and say, 'I was there when it mattered.' And you were.”
Instead of attending, committee Democrats set up large photos on their chairs of constituents they say will be harmed if Barrett is confirmed.
They have accused Republicans of violating panel rules in a rush to complete the process in time for Supreme Court oral arguments Nov. 10 in a case where the Trump administration is asking the justices to wipe out the full 2010 health care law.


rollcall--2020-10-22--Ratcliffe’s warning on foreign interference with US voters provokes skepticism


rollcall--2020-10-23--Senate sets up procedural vote on Amy Coney Barrett nomination for Sunday

The stage is set for a Sunday afternoon Senate vote to limit debate on President Donald Trump ’ s nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell filed a cloture motion on the nomination Friday .
That sets up a simple-majority vote to wind down the debate one hour after the Senate convenes on Sunday .
Under regular order , that vote is expected to kick off at 1 p.m. Eastern time .
Convening the Senate over the weekend should allow for the final vote on Barrett ’ s confirmation to replace the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place before 8 p.m. Monday , likely to be the last roll call vote before most senators depart the Capitol for the last time until after Election Day .
That is , unless there ’ s a final agreement on another aid package in response to the COVID-19 pandemic .
The Senate has been in a procedural morass all week , with Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer having called a number of roll call votes on procedural matters and the chamber being unable to ever actually adjourn overnight .
( It is , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Monday , Oct. 19 , and that day might not end any time soon . )

The stage is set for a Sunday afternoon Senate vote to limit debate on President Donald Trump’s nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell filed a cloture motion on the nomination Friday. That sets up a simple-majority vote to wind down the debate one hour after the Senate convenes on Sunday. Under regular order, that vote is expected to kick off at 1 p.m. Eastern time.
Convening the Senate over the weekend should allow for the final vote on Barrett’s confirmation to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg to take place before 8 p.m. Monday, likely to be the last roll call vote before most senators depart the Capitol for the last time until after Election Day.
That is, unless there’s a final agreement on another aid package in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Senate has been in a procedural morass all week, with Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer having called a number of roll call votes on procedural matters and the chamber being unable to ever actually adjourn overnight. (It is, in fact, still the legislative day of Monday, Oct. 19, and that day might not end any time soon.)


rollcall--2020-10-23--Political stunts, difficult masks and AOC Among Us: Congressional Hits and Misses

As the Senate Judiciary Committee sent the Amy Coney Barrett nomination to the floor , Sen. Charles E. Schumer struggled @ @ @ @ @ Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez livestreamed a game of Among Us and Sen. Roger Wicker felt let down @ @ @ @ @ .
[ Also watch : ‘ This goose is pretty much cooked ’ — Congressional @ @ @ @

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rollcall--2020-10-23--Photos of the week ending Oct. 23, 2020

Photos of the week ending Oct. 23, 2020

As the general election approaches , the Senate is racing to confirm Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court .
@ @ @ @ @ appears likely next week , despite a vote boycott by Democrats on the Senate Judiciary @ @ @ @ @ protesters hit the streets and some fog rolled through on Capitol Hill .

Bill Clark, Caroline Brehman, and Tom Williams

As the general election approaches, the Senate is racing to confirm Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. The vote on the floor appears likely next week, despite a vote boycott by Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday. Meanwhile protesters hit the streets and some fog rolled through on Capitol Hill.
Here's the week in photos:
A masked woman holds up a sign as she participates in the Women's March in front of the Trump International Hotel in Washington on Saturday. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
A "vote" sign hangs on an apartment building under construction on New York Avenue NE, in the NoMa neighborhood of Washington on Monday. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
A child wearing a face mask walks by one of the sculptures in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden on Tuesday. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
A person walks by a social distancing sign in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden on Tuesday. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Fog obsures the Capitol dome as a jogger runs by on Wednesday morning. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., left, and Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., participate in the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing on passenger and freight rail service on Wednesday. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Vaccine affordability protesters dance to the Long Live GoGo band outside of the Department of Health and Human Services building in Washington on Wednesday. The protest was held to call for safe and free COVID-19 vaccines. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
U.S. Capitol Police arrest protesters opposing the confirmation of Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett outside of the Senate office biuldings on Thursday. Police line tape was used to create a makeshift area to process the arrestees. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
A poster is placed in the seat of an absent Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del. Democratic senators on the Senate Judiciary panel on Thursday boycotted the committee vote on Amy Coney Barrett to serve as an associate justice on the Supreme Court. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, takes a cell phone video of the empty Democratic senators' seats on the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)


rollcall--2020-10-23--Trump vs. Biden: Either we’re ‘rounding the corner’ or heading toward ‘dark winter’ on virus

With Election Day edging closer , President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden have sharply contrasting views about the current severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and how they would shape health care over the next four years if elected .
Those differences were on display during their final face-to-face debate on Thursday , which covered little new ground but presented their positions more clearly than their first debate , where substance was lost amid constant interruptions and attacks .
With coronavirus cases spiking all over the country , Trump maintained that the country is `` rounding the corner '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his administration ’ s current approach .
He called for lifting restrictions meant to reduce virus spread , and said a vaccine would be ready “ within weeks ” -- though when asked if that was a guarantee , he said it was not .
`` It will go away , '' Trump said .
Even though death rates have fallen , the national daily case count exceeded 76,000 on Thursday , a level that has n't been seen since peaks during the summer .
Biden argued that continuing Trump 's approach could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States and a “ dark winter.
” He said that schools and businesses should reopen but need to be given the resources to do it safely .
He said restrictions would be appropriate in cases when the virus is spreading rapidly , but emphasized that it was n't an all-or-nothing choice between slowing spread of the virus and keeping the economy open .
`` I 'm going to shut down the virus , not the country , '' Biden said .

With Election Day edging closer, President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden have sharply contrasting views about the current severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and how they would shape health care over the next four years if elected.
Those differences were on display during their final face-to-face debate on Thursday, which covered little new ground but presented their positions more clearly than their first debate, where substance was lost amid constant interruptions and attacks.
With coronavirus cases spiking all over the country, Trump maintained that the country is "rounding the corner" and didn't suggest any change to his administration’s current approach. He called for lifting restrictions meant to reduce virus spread, and said a vaccine would be ready “within weeks” -- though when asked if that was a guarantee, he said it was not.
"It will go away," Trump said. Even though death rates have fallen, the national daily case count exceeded 76,000 on Thursday, a level that hasn't been seen since peaks during the summer.
Biden argued that continuing Trump's approach could result in another 200,000 deaths in the United States and a “dark winter.” He said that schools and businesses should reopen but need to be given the resources to do it safely. He said restrictions would be appropriate in cases when the virus is spreading rapidly, but emphasized that it wasn't an all-or-nothing choice between slowing spread of the virus and keeping the economy open. "I'm going to shut down the virus, not the country," Biden said.


rollcall--2020-10-23--Campus Notebook: Capitol Police arrests 28 protesters

Despite restrictions on public access to congressional office buildings and the Capitol , protesters are still finding a way to register their presence , and several of them are being arrested by Capitol Police .
On Oct. 15 , the fourth day of confirmation hearings for Judge Amy Coney Barrett ’ s Supreme Court nomination before the Senate Judiciary Committee , 28 people were arrested by the Capitol Police for disrupting the flow of traffic while they were protesting in the 100 block of Constitution Avenue Northeast , outside the Senate office buildings .
Two of the 28 arrested were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of whom climbed a tree , according to the Capitol Police ’ s weekly arrest report .
“ While waiting to be processed , the Suspect turned and climbed a tree within the designated holding area .
R/O-2 ordered the Suspect to come down but he refused , ” the report said .
“ At approximately 0049 hours on October 16 , 2020 , the Suspect descended the tree , was arrested , and transported to Headquarters for processing.
” Jeffrey Sprecher , the husband of Georgia Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler , sold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million in Intercontinental Exchange Inc. ( ICE ) stock on Sep. 23 .

Despite restrictions on public access to congressional office buildings and the Capitol, protesters are still finding a way to register their presence, and several of them are being arrested by Capitol Police.
On Oct. 15, the fourth day of confirmation hearings for Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court nomination before the Senate Judiciary Committee, 28 people were arrested by the Capitol Police for disrupting the flow of traffic while they were protesting in the 100 block of Constitution Avenue Northeast, outside the Senate office buildings.
Two of the 28 arrested were additionally charged with resisting arrest, one of whom climbed a tree, according to the Capitol Police’s weekly arrest report.
“While waiting to be processed, the Suspect turned and climbed a tree within the designated holding area. R/O-2 ordered the Suspect to come down but he refused,” the report said. “At approximately 0049 hours on October 16, 2020, the Suspect descended the tree, was arrested, and transported to Headquarters for processing.”
Loeffler family trades
Jeffrey Sprecher, the husband of Georgia Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler, sold between $1 million and $5 million in Intercontinental Exchange Inc. (ICE) stock on Sep. 23.


rollcall--2020-10-23--Latest reports show more money surging against GOP in Senate battleground races

Whether they are betting on a party takeover or just fired up by the rushed confirmation of a Supreme Court @ @ @ @ @ Democratic challengers in competitive Senate races with cash during the first two weeks of October @ @ @ @ @ to the Federal Election Commission show .
Senate Democratic challengers in each of the 11 @ @ @ @ @ by Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales all raised more than the incumbents .
Combined @ @ @ @ @ million from Oct. 1-14 , to GOP incumbents ’ $ 30.7 million .
Democrats defending @ @ @ @ @ their opponents in fundraising , and the Democrat running for an open seat in Kansas @ @ @ @ @ $ 1 raised by her opponent , an incumbent House member .
Democrats need to @ @ @ @ @ to take the majority in the Senate , or three seats if they win the @ @ @ @ @ vice president breaks ties .
Here ’ s a quick look at the numbers :

Whether they are betting on a party takeover or just fired up by the rushed confirmation of a Supreme Court justice, campaign contributors showered Democratic challengers in competitive Senate races with cash during the first two weeks of October, the final disclosure reports to the Federal Election Commission show.
Senate Democratic challengers in each of the 11 Senate races rated as competitive by Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales all raised more than the incumbents. Combined, they collected $70.3 million from Oct. 1-14, to GOP incumbents’ $30.7 million.
Democrats defending two competitive seats also bested their opponents in fundraising, and the Democrat running for an open seat in Kansas raised $7.76 for every $1 raised by her opponent, an incumbent House member.
Democrats need to win a net four seats to take the majority in the Senate, or three seats if they win the White House, since the vice president breaks ties.
Here’s a quick look at the numbers:


rollcall--2020-10-25--Senate cuts off debate on Barrett nomination, moves to final vote on Monday

A sharply divided Senate dispensed with a key procedural hurdle Sunday on the Supreme Court nomination of Amy Coney Barrett , as Republicans raced to a final confirmation vote Monday that will solidify the high court ’ s conservative tilt .
In a rare weekend floor vote mostly along party lines , 51-48 , Republicans backed President Donald Trump ’ s pick of the reliably conservative federal appeals court judge to fill the vacancy left by the death last month of the liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg .
The only Republicans voting against the cloture motion were Susan Collins of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Saturday , Murkowski said she would vote Sunday against cutting off debate on the motion , but would vote to confirm Barrett on Monday .
At the same time , Democratic senators decried a plan to have Vice President Mike Pence preside over Monday night ’ s vote for the Supreme Court nominee from his state , even though his chief of staff and other staffers in his office tested positive for COVID-19 .
Pence ’ s office said he has tested negative .
Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of a senator ’ s staff tested positive for the highly contagious novel coronavirus as well .
He recommended that senators “ not congregate in the Senate chamber today and that you cast your votes quickly and from a safe distance .
”

A sharply divided Senate dispensed with a key procedural hurdle Sunday on the Supreme Court nomination of Amy Coney Barrett, as Republicans raced to a final confirmation vote Monday that will solidify the high court’s conservative tilt.
In a rare weekend floor vote mostly along party lines, 51-48, Republicans backed President Donald Trump’s pick of the reliably conservative federal appeals court judge to fill the vacancy left by the death last month of the liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
The only Republicans voting against the cloture motion were Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. On Saturday, Murkowski said she would vote Sunday against cutting off debate on the motion, but would vote to confirm Barrett on Monday.
At the same time, Democratic senators decried a plan to have Vice President Mike Pence preside over Monday night’s vote for the Supreme Court nominee from his state, even though his chief of staff and other staffers in his office tested positive for COVID-19.
Pence’s office said he has tested negative. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, in a letter to the caucus, said members of a senator’s staff tested positive for the highly contagious novel coronavirus as well. He recommended that senators “not congregate in the Senate chamber today and that you cast your votes quickly and from a safe distance.”


rollcall--2020-10-26--2 GOP senators’ strategies diverge, but both are in peril

ANALYSIS — Republican senators facing tough reelection races this year are stuck .
They can not afford to lose Donald @ @ @ @ @ .
But they also need to win over voters in the middle who don ’ @ @ @ @ @ .
Whichever way these senators go , they lose .
Or so it looks now @ @ @ @ @ endangered GOP incumbents , Cory Gardner and Susan Collins .
It would stand to reason @ @ @ @ @ state — Colorado — that is trending Democratic , would have worked to establish a @ @ @ @ @ this year .
But Gardner ’ s voting record in 2020 reveals he has done @ @ @ @ @ at least in that one realm — choosing his ayes and nays on the Senate @ @ @ @ @ in concrete terms where they stand .
On the 78 votes on which Trump expressed @ @ @ @ @ with the president 72 times , voting against him five times , while missing one @ @ @ @ @ supported Trump on 93.5 percent of the votes Trump cared about .

ANALYSIS — Republican senators facing tough reelection races this year are stuck. They cannot afford to lose Donald Trump’s devoted followers. But they also need to win over voters in the middle who don’t approve of the president.
Whichever way these senators go, they lose. Or so it looks now for two of the most endangered GOP incumbents, Cory Gardner and Susan Collins.
It would stand to reason that Gardner, representing a state — Colorado — that is trending Democratic, would have worked to establish a reputation for independence from Trump this year.
But Gardner’s voting record in 2020 reveals he has done nothing of the sort, at least in that one realm — choosing his ayes and nays on the Senate floor — where senators demonstrate in concrete terms where they stand.
On the 78 votes on which Trump expressed a view, Gardner sided with the president 72 times, voting against him five times, while missing one of the votes. He supported Trump on 93.5 percent of the votes Trump cared about.


rollcall--2020-10-26--Rep. Alex X. Mooney’s campaign spent funds that raise personal use questions

Rep. Alex X. Mooney spent more than $ 1,900 in campaign funds at Chick-fil-A over the course of 53 transactions , many near his residence in Charles Town , West Virginia .
He also paid just over $ 4,500 at Rooster ’ s Amish Shed for three equipment purchases in 2018 .
And he spent thousands on resorts and hotels in his home state .
Since 2017 , Alex Mooney for Congress has doled out more than $ 49,000 on fuel , food , drinks , wineries , resort stays and international travel , according to a CQ Roll Call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Federal law allows members to use campaign money for expenditures relating to campaign or officeholder activity , meaning it can include international travel and resort stays .
However , House rules and federal law have strict prohibitions on campaign spending for personal use and whether a specific expense is legitimate depends on the context of each expense .
Mark Harris , a consultant for the the West Virginia Republican ’ s campaign , said all the expenses are “ legitimate ” and provided a rationale for many of the expenses , explaining why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official activity .
When it came to the Chick-fil-A spending , Harris said President Donald Trump ’ s campaign and the Republican National Committee also spent a lot of money on the fast food chain .

Rep. Alex X. Mooney spent more than $1,900 in campaign funds at Chick-fil-A over the course of 53 transactions, many near his residence in Charles Town, West Virginia. He also paid just over $4,500 at Rooster’s Amish Shed for three equipment purchases in 2018. And he spent thousands on resorts and hotels in his home state.
Since 2017, Alex Mooney for Congress has doled out more than $49,000 on fuel, food, drinks, wineries, resort stays and international travel, according to a CQ Roll Call analysis of Federal Election Commission records.
Federal law allows members to use campaign money for expenditures relating to campaign or officeholder activity, meaning it can include international travel and resort stays. However, House rules and federal law have strict prohibitions on campaign spending for personal use and whether a specific expense is legitimate depends on the context of each expense.
Mark Harris, a consultant for the the West Virginia Republican’s campaign, said all the expenses are “legitimate” and provided a rationale for many of the expenses, explaining why they were tied to the campaign or official activity.
When it came to the Chick-fil-A spending, Harris said President Donald Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee also spent a lot of money on the fast food chain.


rollcall--2020-10-26--Without Senate-confirmed leaders, Interior rules may be at risk

Three Interior Department divisions have gone without Senate-confirmed leaders during the entire Trump administration , endangering department policies and decisions over violations of laws that govern presidential appointments and nominations .
Through a series of appointments that appear to have bypassed the Appointments Clause of the Constitution and the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998 , the officials leading those agencies — the Bureau of Land Management , the National Park Service and the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement — have been nonpolitical career staff or political officials chosen by Interior Secretary David Bernhardt or his predecessor , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appointees have been the top official at BLM since January 2017 .
The NPS has had four acting directors .
The White House nominated Lanny Erdos in October 2019 , moving to fill the director post at the mining agency three years into the term .
His nomination stalled , but he ’ s still in charge there .
And the U.S .
Fish and Wildlife Service , another DOI division , did not have a confirmed director until December 2019 , when the Senate narrowly approved Aurelia Skipwith .
Legal and congressional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ congressional oversight by failing to nominate candidates for these crucial roles and that policies set under their watch could be legally vulnerable .
[ Environmental action , laws may face new hurdles on high court ]

Three Interior Department divisions have gone without Senate-confirmed leaders during the entire Trump administration, endangering department policies and decisions over violations of laws that govern presidential appointments and nominations.
Through a series of appointments that appear to have bypassed the Appointments Clause of the Constitution and the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, the officials leading those agencies — the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service and the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement — have been nonpolitical career staff or political officials chosen by Interior Secretary David Bernhardt or his predecessor, Ryan Zinke.
Five career and political appointees have been the top official at BLM since January 2017. The NPS has had four acting directors. The White House nominated Lanny Erdos in October 2019, moving to fill the director post at the mining agency three years into the term. His nomination stalled, but he’s still in charge there. And the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, another DOI division, did not have a confirmed director until December 2019, when the Senate narrowly approved Aurelia Skipwith.
Legal and congressional experts say the Trump administration routinely circumvented congressional oversight by failing to nominate candidates for these crucial roles and that policies set under their watch could be legally vulnerable.
[Environmental action, laws may face new hurdles on high court]


rollcall--2020-10-26--Abortion restrictions on the ballot in two states

Voters in Colorado and Louisiana will have the opportunity to weigh in on two different abortion restrictions through ballot initiatives this fall , following the approval of two similar initiatives in conservative states in 2018 .
This comes as the national debate over the future of the 1973 Roe v. Wade abortion case intensifies with the Senate poised to confirm Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court on Monday .
Advocates on both sides of the issue say she could play a major role in upcoming cases before the high court that could chip away at abortion access .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one step away from the court .
State-level changes through ballot initiatives or legislation could have major implications if the Supreme Court changes precedent on this issue .
“ Major shifts in the Supreme Court tend to result in action at the state level .
I ’ d imagine we might be seeing other states look to adopt these kinds of amendments , ” said Elizabeth Nash , interim associate director of state issues at the Guttmacher Institute , an abortion rights group that specializes in reproductive health research .
She noted that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2018 , states began passing more abortion limits .
Colorado voters will decide whether to add restrictions to abortion based on the fetus ’ gestational age , and Louisiana voters will decide if there is a right to abortion in the state constitution .

Voters in Colorado and Louisiana have the opportunity to weigh in on two different abortion restrictions through ballot initiatives this fall, following the approval of two similar initiatives in conservative states in 2018.
This comes as the national debate over the future of the 1973 Roe v. Wade abortion case intensifies with the Senate poised to confirm Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court on Monday. Advocates on both sides of the issue say she could play a major role in upcoming cases before the high court that could chip away at abortion access.
So far, 17 cases are currently only one step away from the court. State-level changes through ballot initiatives or legislation could have major implications if the Supreme Court changes precedent on this issue.
“Major shifts in the Supreme Court tend to result in action at the state level. I’d imagine we might be seeing other states look to adopt these kinds of amendments,” said Elizabeth Nash, interim associate director of state issues at the Guttmacher Institute, an abortion rights group that specializes in reproductive health research. She noted that when Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh was confirmed in 2018, states began passing more abortion limits.
Colorado voters will decide whether to add restrictions to abortion based on the fetus’ gestational age, and Louisiana voters will decide if there is a right to abortion in the state constitution.


rollcall--2020-10-26--Election could affect trillions in sustainability investments

In addition to determining who will occupy the White House , elections next month could affect trillions of dollars in investments aimed at influencing public companies ’ environmental policies and workforce disclosures .
Investments based on environmental , social and governance matters — known as ESG , and sometimes labeled generally as “ sustainability ” — gained legitimacy amid the COVID-19 crisis as they outperformed conventional strategies .
Companies faced investor , worker , customer and government pressure to maintain employment rolls , prioritize diversity and focus on mitigating the climate crisis .
Election Day comes at an inflection point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ term for President Donald Trump , some foresee continued but slower progress under an administration that has taken steps to limit the practice .
If Democrat Joe Biden wins , they predict an acceleration of sustainability investing and quick moves to mandate transparency at U.S. companies .
Robert Hockett , a Cornell University law professor who is in touch with the Biden transition team , told CQ Roll Call that global pressure is growing on companies to disclose their impact on climate change and the treatment of workers .
“ It looks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ midst of a trend where it ’ s not even begun to crest yet , ” he said .

In addition to determining who will occupy the White House, elections next month could affect trillions of dollars in investments aimed at influencing public companies’ environmental policies and workforce disclosures.
Investments based on environmental, social and governance matters — known as ESG, and sometimes labeled generally as “sustainability” — gained legitimacy amid the COVID-19 crisis as they outperformed conventional strategies. Companies faced investor, worker, customer and government pressure to maintain employment rolls, prioritize diversity and focus on mitigating the climate crisis.
Election Day comes at an inflection point for ESG investing. Under a second term for President Donald Trump, some foresee continued but slower progress under an administration that has taken steps to limit the practice. If Democrat Joe Biden wins, they predict an acceleration of sustainability investing and quick moves to mandate transparency at U.S. companies.
Robert Hockett, a Cornell University law professor who is in touch with the Biden transition team, told CQ Roll Call that global pressure is growing on companies to disclose their impact on climate change and the treatment of workers.
“It looks to me like we’re in the midst of a trend where it’s not even begun to crest yet,” he said.


rollcall--2020-10-26--Tensions high but drama largely absent at Barrett’s Senate confirmation

There was none of the usual anticipation in the Senate when lawmakers closed out out an all-night session following weekend @ @ @ @ @ Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court in the exact proportion of yeas and nays @ @ @ @ @ weeks .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell gave the last speech ahead of the vote @ @ @ @ @ side of the chamber , with each senator at their desk and the back benches @ @ @ @ @ than 25 staffers .
The Democratic side was empty .
While McConnell spoke , Minority @ @ @ @ @ in the Democratic cloakroom , visibly glowering and shaking his head through the swinging doors @ @ @ @ @ with more than half of the lawmakers seated and ready , faster than any typical @ @ @ @ @ extended voting periods implemented for social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic .
New Mexico Democrat @ @ @ @ @ lawmaker to cast his vote , waving his arms at the crowd of GOP lawmakers @ @ @ @ @ boos to his nay vote .

There was none of the usual anticipation in the Senate when lawmakers closed out an all-night session following weekend work, voting to confirm Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court in the exact proportion of yeas and nays that has been known for weeks.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell gave the last speech ahead of the vote, facing a packed GOP side of the chamber, with each senator at their desk and the back benches and aisles filled with more than 25 staffers. The Democratic side was empty.
While McConnell spoke, Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer sat in the Democratic cloakroom, visibly glowering and shaking his head through the swinging doors.
The vote was rapid with more than half of the lawmakers seated and ready, faster than any typical Senate vote, particularly the extended voting periods implemented for social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
New Mexico Democrat Tom Udall was the final lawmaker to cast his vote, waving his arms at the crowd of GOP lawmakers, who responded with lighthearted boos to his nay vote.


rollcall--2020-10-26--Kaptur makes her pitch for Appropriations gavel

Rep. Marcy Kaptur is circulating what her office is billing as a “ comprehensive vision document ” in her bid @ @ @ @ @ on the House Appropriations Committee .
The two-page document outlines some of the changes Kaptur @ @ @ @ @ succeed retiring chairwoman Nita M. Lowey , D-N.Y. , including bringing back earmarks for local @ @ @ @ @ Kaptur , D-Ohio , told CQ Roll Call on Monday that if she ’ s @ @ @ @ @ go along if the caucus decides to remove the so-called Hyde amendment from the annual @ @ @ @ @ That is authorizing on an appropriations bill and I do not want it on our @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We ’ ll see where we are after the new Congress is sworn @ @ @ @ @ will of the caucus is and I ’ ll carry that forward .
…I ’ @ @ @ @ @ needless controversy but I want clean bills . ''
The Hyde amendment prevents federal funding @ @ @ @ @ with limited exceptions for rape , incest or the woman ’ s life .

Rep. Marcy Kaptur is circulating what her office is billing as a “comprehensive vision document” in her bid to become the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee.
The two-page document outlines some of the changes Kaptur would make if elected to succeed retiring chairwoman Nita M. Lowey, D-N.Y., including bringing back earmarks for local projects in spending bills.
Kaptur, D-Ohio, told CQ Roll Call on Monday that if she’s selected chairwoman, she'd go along if the caucus decides to remove the so-called Hyde amendment from the annual Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill.
"That is authorizing on an appropriations bill and I do not want it on our bill," Kaptur said. "We’ll see where we are after the new Congress is sworn in and see what the will of the caucus is and I’ll carry that forward. …I’m not going to create needless controversy but I want clean bills."
The Hyde amendment prevents federal funding from going to abortion access with limited exceptions for rape, incest or the woman’s life.


rollcall--2020-10-26--Photo of the day: Throwback on a monster of a Monday

Ten years ago on this day , U.S. Park Police officers stopped zombies from crossing the street on the National @ @ @ @ @ who arose at dawn on Oct. 26 , 2010 , had planned to swarm the @ @ @ @ @ part of a publicity campaign staged in major cities around the world for AMC 's @ @ @ @ @ TV series , which premiered on Oct. 31 , 2010 .

(Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)
Ten years ago on this day, U.S. Park Police officers stopped zombies from crossing the street on the National Mall. The zombies, who arose at dawn on Oct. 26, 2010, had planned to swarm the Lincoln Memorial. They were part of a publicity campaign staged in major cities around the world for AMC's "The Walking Dead" TV series, which premiered on Oct. 31, 2010.