rollcall--2020-08-07--What just happened in Tennessee’s Democratic Senate primary?

While Tennessee voters were watching the hotly contested and sometimes ugly Republican Senate primary , a major upset was taking @ @ @ @ @ .
Army veteran James Mackler , the presumed front-runner who raised over $ 2.1 million @ @ @ @ @ Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee , finished third in a five-way field with 24 percent behind @ @ @ @ @ percent and winner Marquita Bradshaw , who got 36 percent after raising a fraction of @ @ @ @ @ less than $ 25,000 , we beat a million-dollar budget because people lent their resources @ @ @ @ @ ” Bradshaw said Thursday night in an impromptu press conference outside her home .
“ @ @ @ @ @ proper budget is going to flip this U.S. Senate seat and make history.
” Bradshaw @ @ @ @ @ organizer who graduated from the University of Memphis .
The Memphis native ran an almost @ @ @ @ @ focused on environmental equity issues and health care and a justice overhaul .
She is @ @ @ @ @ be nominated for statewide office by either major political party in Tennessee .

While Tennessee voters were watching the hotly contested and sometimes ugly Republican Senate primary, a major upset was taking place on the Democratic ticket.
Army veteran James Mackler, the presumed front-runner who raised over $2.1 million and was endorsed by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, finished third in a five-way field with 24 percent behind lawyer Robin Kimbrough at 27 percent and winner Marquita Bradshaw, who got 36 percent after raising a fraction of his total.
“With less than $25,000, we beat a million-dollar budget because people lent their resources and worked their networks,” Bradshaw said Thursday night in an impromptu press conference outside her home. “Grassroot organizing along with the proper budget is going to flip this U.S. Senate seat and make history.”
Bradshaw is an environmental activist and organizer who graduated from the University of Memphis. The Memphis native ran an almost entirely volunteer campaign, which focused on environmental equity issues and health care and a justice overhaul.
She is the first Black woman to be nominated for statewide office by either major political party in Tennessee.


rollcall--2020-08-07--Park Service head retires; successor quickly named

The acting head of the National Park Service abruptly announced his retirement on Friday , vacating a role that a Senate-confirmed nominee has not held during the entire Trump administration .
David Vela , a 30-year career NPS official who assumed the role of acting director of the agency in October , will retire in September , the Interior Department said .
Interior Secretary David Bernhardt said Margaret Everson , principal deputy director of the U.S .
Fish and Wildlife Service and an adviser to Bernhardt , immediately assumes the authority to lead the NPS .
“ It has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director of the National Park Service , ” Vela , who had previously been deputy director of operations , said in a statement .
“ Over the past 30 years , I have had the distinct privilege of working alongside the men and women of the National Park Service to protect our nation ’ s most special places and all of the stories they contain.
” The National Park Service manages 419 units of a park system nationwide , operates on a roughly $ 3 billion annual budget and employs about 20,000 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The acting head of the National Park Service abruptly announced his retirement on Friday, vacating a role that a Senate-confirmed nominee has not held during the entire Trump administration.
David Vela, a 30-year career NPS official who assumed the role of acting director of the agency in October, will retire in September, the Interior Department said.
Interior Secretary David Bernhardt said Margaret Everson, principal deputy director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and an adviser to Bernhardt, immediately assumes the authority to lead the NPS.
“It has been my honor to serve as the deputy director of the National Park Service,” Vela, who had previously been deputy director of operations, said in a statement. “Over the past 30 years, I have had the distinct privilege of working alongside the men and women of the National Park Service to protect our nation’s most special places and all of the stories they contain.”
The National Park Service manages 419 units of a park system nationwide, operates on a roughly $3 billion annual budget and employs about 20,000 people, including temporary and seasonal workers.


rollcall--2020-08-07--Congressional panel slams Fed’s Main Street Lending Program

The Main Street Lending Program , a $ 600 billion loan facility set up by the Federal Reserve with $ 75 billion from the Treasury Department , is supposed to be a life preserver for midsize companies too big for the Paycheck Protection Program and too small to issue debt in the Fed-backed securities markets .
But at the first Congressional Oversight Commission hearing Friday , expert after expert said the lending lifeline is falling far short for companies and workers drowning in a coronavirus-ravaged economy .
“ I ’ m here this morning to provide testimony from the perspective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question that you all are asking : who the Main Street Lending Program is helping , ” said Tom Bohn , CEO of the Association for Corporate Growth , which represents 200,000 midsize companies .
“ Regrettably , I have no answer to offer you .
We can neither borrow from the program nor find someone in our membership who has received a loan through it.
” “ The Main Street Lending Program , while enacted to assist businesses like our portfolio companies weather the economic storm brought on by the pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently structured , ” said Vince Foster , executive chairman of the Main Street Capital Corp .
They testified shortly after Eric Rosengren , president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston , which runs the Main Street Lending Program .
Despite reports that the Treasury has held back the Fed from loosening the facility ’ s standards , Rosengren pointed no fingers Friday , defending the program as operating as planned to help the sliver of companies that were thrown for a loop by the pandemic but are otherwise healthy .

The Main Street Lending Program, a $600 billion loan facility set up by the Federal Reserve with $75 billion from the Treasury Department, is supposed to be a life preserver for midsize companies too big for the Paycheck Protection Program and too small to issue debt in the Fed-backed securities markets.
But at the first Congressional Oversight Commission hearing Friday, expert after expert said the lending lifeline is falling far short for companies and workers drowning in a coronavirus-ravaged economy.
“I’m here this morning to provide testimony from the perspective of middle-market borrowers to help answer the question that you all are asking: who the Main Street Lending Program is helping,” said Tom Bohn, CEO of the Association for Corporate Growth, which represents 200,000 midsize companies. “Regrettably, I have no answer to offer you. We can neither borrow from the program nor find someone in our membership who has received a loan through it.”
“The Main Street Lending Program, while enacted to assist businesses like our portfolio companies weather the economic storm brought on by the pandemic, is not responsive to their needs as currently structured,” said Vince Foster, executive chairman of the Main Street Capital Corp.
They testified shortly after Eric Rosengren, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, which runs the Main Street Lending Program. Despite reports that the Treasury has held back the Fed from loosening the facility’s standards, Rosengren pointed no fingers Friday, defending the program as operating as planned to help the sliver of companies that were thrown for a loop by the pandemic but are otherwise healthy.


rollcall--2020-08-07--Sing softly and carry a big stick: Congressional Hits and Misses

“ So , how ’ s it going ?
” queried Majority Leader Mitch McConnell from the Senate floor this @ @ @ @ @ to come to an agreement on the next coronavirus relief package and President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , lawmakers ’ dogs refused to cooperate on camera , Sen. Lamar Alexander gave @ @ @ @ @ and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer sang to Speaker Nancy “ Lioness ” Pelosi @

“So, how’s it going?” queried Majority Leader Mitch McConnell from the Senate floor this week.
Not great.
Negotiators have struggled to come to an agreement on the next coronavirus relief package and President Donald Trump struggled to pronounce words.
Meanwhile, lawmakers’ dogs refused to cooperate on camera, Sen. Lamar Alexander gave the president a big stick and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer sang to Speaker Nancy “Lioness” Pelosi.
[ Also watch: Meet Congressman COVID — Congressional Hits and Misses ]


rollcall--2020-08-07--Virus aid talks break down as White House weighs unilateral action

Coronavirus relief negotiations have officially come to a halt , with both sides saying Friday they ’ ll only come back to the table when the other side has something new to offer .
With legislative talks at an impasse , Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said they will recommend President Donald Trump act unilaterally to extend enhanced unemployment benefits , eviction and foreclosure moratoriums and student loan relief as soon as this weekend .
“ It ’ s going to take us a little bit of time for us to finalize these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll do we 'll do them as quickly as we can because the president wants action , ” Mnuchin told reporters after negotiations with congressional Democrats failed to produce progress on a legislative solution .
Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer said after the meeting that they reiterated their offer from the previous day to meet in the middle on the cost of the package .
Democrats started with a $ 3.4 trillion bill the House passed in May and Republicans with a $ 1 trillion proposal released last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t go much above their existing $ 1 trillion , ” Schumer said .

Coronavirus relief negotiations have officially come to a halt, with both sides saying Friday they’ll only come back to the table when the other side has something new to offer.
With legislative talks at an impasse, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said they will recommend President Donald Trump act unilaterally to extend enhanced unemployment benefits, eviction and foreclosure moratoriums and student loan relief as soon as this weekend.
“It’s going to take us a little bit of time for us to finalize these and process them, but we’ll do we'll do them as quickly as we can because the president wants action,” Mnuchin told reporters after negotiations with congressional Democrats failed to produce progress on a legislative solution.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer said after the meeting that they reiterated their offer from the previous day to meet in the middle on the cost of the package. Democrats started with a $3.4 trillion bill the House passed in May and Republicans with a $1 trillion proposal released last week.
“They said they couldn’t go much above their existing $1 trillion,” Schumer said.


rollcall--2020-08-07--Court extends legal fights over McGahn subpoena, border wall

A federal appeals court in Washington ruled Friday that the House Judiciary Committee has the right to go to court to enforce a subpoena against former White House counsel Don McGahn , but did not fully resolve that same issue regarding a House effort to stop the Trump administration ’ s spending on barriers on the U.S.-Mexico border .
The rulings from the full U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit backed congressional oversight power , and allowed House Democrats to continue legal fights that have stretched for more than a year .
But the D.C .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether McGahn must appear to testify before the committee and produce documents as part of a probe into the actions of President Donald Trump , or definitively settle whether the House can use the courts to stop the executive branch from violations of the Appropriations Clause of the Constitution .
The court in a 7-2 ruling sent the McGahn case back to a district court for further proceedings on McGahn ’ s objections to this particular subpoena , such as if a close presidential adviser enjoys “ absolute immunity ” from such testimony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a three-judge panel of the court the House lawsuit to challenge the administration plan to spend up to $ 8.1 billion for construction of barriers on the U.S.-Mexico border as a violation of the Appropriations Clause that usurps Congress ’ authority .

A federal appeals court in Washington ruled Friday that the House Judiciary Committee has the right to go to court to enforce a subpoena against former White House counsel Don McGahn, but did not fully resolve that same issue regarding a House effort to stop the Trump administration’s spending on barriers on the U.S.-Mexico border.
The rulings from the full U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit backed congressional oversight power, and allowed House Democrats to continue legal fights that have stretched for more than a year.
But the D.C. Circuit did not settle key issues about whether McGahn must appear to testify before the committee and produce documents as part of a probe into the actions of President Donald Trump, or definitively settle whether the House can use the courts to stop the executive branch from violations of the Appropriations Clause of the Constitution.
The court in a 7-2 ruling sent the McGahn case back to a district court for further proceedings on McGahn’s objections to this particular subpoena, such as if a close presidential adviser enjoys “absolute immunity” from such testimony.
And the D.C. Circuit returned to a three-judge panel of the court the House lawsuit to challenge the administration plan to spend up to $8.1 billion for construction of barriers on the U.S.-Mexico border as a violation of the Appropriations Clause that usurps Congress’ authority.


rollcall--2020-08-07--Rep. Tlaib directed to reimburse campaign for $10,800 in postelection paychecks

The House Ethics Committee is directing Rep. Rashida Tlaib to repay her campaign for salary she drew after Election Day 2018 .
Congressional candidates are allowed to draw paychecks from their campaigns , but as the House Ethics Committee explained in a report released Friday , the payments are only allowed during an active candidacy .
Tlaib , a Michigan Democrat , continued to be paid after the election was over .
“ The Committee did not find that she sought to unjustly enrich herself by receiving the campaign funds at issue .
Indeed , during her campaign , Representative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funds , well below the legal threshold for the maximum amount of salary she was eligible to receive ; these payments allowed her to forego her salary from her full-time employment so that she could fully participate in campaign activities , ” the Ethics Committee report said .
“ However , because she received some of those funds , totaling $ 10,800 , for time periods in which she was no longer a congressional candidate , those funds were inconsistent with [ the campaign law 's ] personal use restrictions.
” The Ethics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directing the repayment of funds and said no further action was necessary .
The report notes that after receiving a referal from the Office of Congressional Ethics , the Ethics Committee conducted a document review and a number of witness interviews to try to determine the nature of payments made on Nov. 16 and Dec. 1 , 2018 .

The House Ethics Committee is directing Rep. Rashida Tlaib to repay her campaign for salary she drew after Election Day 2018.
Congressional candidates are allowed to draw paychecks from their campaigns, but as the House Ethics Committee explained in a report released Friday, the payments are only allowed during an active candidacy. Tlaib, a Michigan Democrat, continued to be paid after the election was over.
“The Committee did not find that she sought to unjustly enrich herself by receiving the campaign funds at issue. Indeed, during her campaign, Representative Tlaib received a conservative amount of campaign funds, well below the legal threshold for the maximum amount of salary she was eligible to receive; these payments allowed her to forego her salary from her full-time employment so that she could fully participate in campaign activities,” the Ethics Committee report said. “However, because she received some of those funds, totaling $10,800, for time periods in which she was no longer a congressional candidate, those funds were inconsistent with [the campaign law's] personal use restrictions.”
The Ethics Committee decided unanimously to release the report directing the repayment of funds and said no further action was necessary.
The report notes that after receiving a referal from the Office of Congressional Ethics, the Ethics Committee conducted a document review and a number of witness interviews to try to determine the nature of payments made on Nov. 16 and Dec. 1, 2018.


rollcall--2020-08-07--Should lawmakers be sleeping in their offices during a pandemic?

Some members of Congress sleep in their offices to show they ’ re not of Washington , but in pandemic times that raises questions about the safety of others who work on Capitol Hill .
Texas Republican Rep. Louie Gohmert , a noted office sleeper who frequently refused to wear a mask , tested positive for the coronavirus last week , leading some to worry that lawmakers staying overnight could put staff at greater risk of getting the virus .
Democratic leadership in the House has made masks mandatory but has not revisited the issue of whether members should sleep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Capitol start COVID-19 testing for staff and members ? ]
California Democratic Rep. Jackie Speier , who earlier this year sent a letter asking for a ban on members sleeping in the House office buildings due to the pandemic , said in a statement that Gohmert ’ s behavior in and around the Capitol complex was “ dangerous and reckless , ” and referenced his sleeping arrangements .
“ Where is he going to quarantine ?
In the same office and building with members , staffers , and congressional employees and U.S. Capitol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told host Sean Hannity on his radio show last week that he wouldn ’ t quarantine in his office and would drive back to Texas , but that did not settle the broader issue of how hygienic the situation is .

Some members of Congress sleep in their offices to show they’re not of Washington, but in pandemic times that raises questions about the safety of others who work on Capitol Hill.
Texas Republican Rep. Louie Gohmert, a noted office sleeper who frequently refused to wear a mask, tested positive for the coronavirus last week, leading some to worry that lawmakers staying overnight could put staff at greater risk of getting the virus. Democratic leadership in the House has made masks mandatory but has not revisited the issue of whether members should sleep in their offices.
[Should the Capitol start COVID-19 testing for staff and members?]
California Democratic Rep. Jackie Speier, who earlier this year sent a letter asking for a ban on members sleeping in the House office buildings due to the pandemic, said in a statement that Gohmert’s behavior in and around the Capitol complex was “dangerous and reckless,” and referenced his sleeping arrangements.
“Where is he going to quarantine? In the same office and building with members, staffers, and congressional employees and U.S. Capitol Police?” Speier said. Gohmert told host Sean Hannity on his radio show last week that he wouldn’t quarantine in his office and would drive back to Texas, but that did not settle the broader issue of how hygienic the situation is.


rollcall--2020-08-08--Trump signs COVID-19 economic relief actions

President Donald Trump on Saturday signed a series of executive actions intended to extend and expand COVID-19 relief , including suspending payroll tax collection and boosting federal support for unemployment benefits .
It wasn ’ t immediately clear the legal authority under which the president was acting in making the orders , which came at a news conference at his country club in Bedminster , New Jersey .
The president signed the orders before he was scheduled to fly to Long Island , New York , for high-dollar fundraisers in the Hamptons .
Trump also announced he was signing orders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loan deferrals through at least the end of the year and provide for partially reviving expanded unemployment insurance .
The suspension of payroll taxes may be the most contentious of the orders , which he said would apply through the end of the year for people making up to $ 100,000 a year .
The text indicates the actual sum is $ 104,000 a year .
The president said he was signing “ a directive instructing the Treasury Department to allow employers to defer payment of the employee portion of certain payroll taxes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sept. 1 through the end of 2020 .
The text circulated said the beginning of September , but the president suggested that would change .

President Donald Trump on Saturday signed a series of executive actions intended to extend and expand COVID-19 relief, including suspending payroll tax collection and boosting federal support for unemployment benefits.
It wasn’t immediately clear the legal authority under which the president was acting in making the orders, which came at a news conference at his country club in Bedminster, New Jersey. The president signed the orders before he was scheduled to fly to Long Island, New York, for high-dollar fundraisers in the Hamptons.
Trump also announced he was signing orders designed to prevent evictions, continue student loan deferrals through at least the end of the year and provide for partially reviving expanded unemployment insurance.
The suspension of payroll taxes may be the most contentious of the orders, which he said would apply through the end of the year for people making up to $100,000 a year. The text indicates the actual sum is $104,000 a year.
The president said he was signing “a directive instructing the Treasury Department to allow employers to defer payment of the employee portion of certain payroll taxes,” from either Aug. 1 or Sept. 1 through the end of 2020. The text circulated said the beginning of September, but the president suggested that would change.


rollcall--2020-08-09--Hawaii Democrats tap Kai Kahele for Tulsi Gabbard’s House seat

Hawaii state Sen. Kai Kahele is favored to be going to Congress after winning Saturday ’ s Democratic primary to @ @ @ @ @ the deep-blue 2nd District .
Kahale , an airline pilot and combat veteran who spent @ @ @ @ @ deployed with the Hawaii National Guard , was leading a four-candidate field with 77 percent @ @ @ @ @ percent of precincts counted .
The Associated Press called the race at 7:22 p.m. Hawaii @ @ @ @ @ in second with 9 percent .
The election was held by mail .
Kahele will @ @ @ @ @ a business development consultant who had 44 percent in a nine-way primary with 69 percent @ @ @ @ @ AP declared him the winner at 8:50 p.m. Hawaii time .

Hawaii state Sen. Kai Kahele is favored to be going to Congress after winning Saturday’s Democratic primary to succeed Rep. Tulsi Gabbard in the deep-blue 2nd District.
Kahale, an airline pilot and combat veteran who spent the weeks before the primary deployed with the Hawaii National Guard, was leading a four-candidate field with 77 percent of the vote with 68 percent of precincts counted. The Associated Press called the race at 7:22 p.m. Hawaii time. Brian Evans was in second with 9 percent.
The election was held by mail.
Kahele will face Republican Joe Akana, a business development consultant who had 44 percent in a nine-way primary with 69 percent of precincts tallied. The AP declared him the winner at 8:50 p.m. Hawaii time.
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates the race Solid Democratic.


rollcall--2020-08-10--With Omar and Greene, Minnesota and Georgia primaries Tuesday test parties’ extremes

Tuesday ’ s primaries could help define Democrats ' and Republicans ' ideological extremes in the House , with progressive freshman Rep. Ilhan Omar fighting a challenger in Minnesota and Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene , a QAnon supporter who has filmed videos espousing bigoted ideas , in a close runoff for an open seat in the deep-red 14th District .
Primaries in Connecticut , Vermont and Wisconsin also feature a handful of matchups in races in the lower tier of the House battleground .
Here ’ s what to watch : Republican leaders in Washington rushed to condemn Greene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Georgia ’ s June primaries .
The comments that drew scrutiny included her warnings of an `` Islamic invasion into our government offices , '' her reference to Jewish businessman George Soros and an assertion that gangs , drugs and lack of education were holding black and brown men down in America .
`` That 's not a white person thing , ” she said .
But it is unclear how much sway that will have with voters in the 14th District , in the state 's northwest corner along the Alabama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and business owner John Cowan are in a runoff for the Republican nomination to replace retiring Rep. Tom Graves .
Some voters told the Atlanta Journal Constitution that they weren ’ t bothered by Greene 's remarks and respected her independence from what they saw as the Washington establishment .
Greene was known to peddle conspiracy theories and to have ties to the QAnon movement and the Ku Klux Klan when she emerged as a clear frontrunner in the June primary .
She led the nine-candidate field with 40 percent of the vote @ @ @ @ @ @

Corrected, Aug. 12 | Tuesday’s primaries could help define Democrats' and Republicans' ideological extremes in the House, with progressive freshman Rep. Ilhan Omar fighting a challenger in Minnesota and Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene, a QAnon supporter who has filmed videos espousing bigoted ideas, in a close runoff for an open seat in the deep-red 14th District.
Primaries in Connecticut, Vermont and Wisconsin also feature a handful of matchups in races in the lower tier of the House battleground. Here’s what to watch:
Will Georgia back QAnon supporter?
Republican leaders in Washington rushed to condemn Greene when the videos surfaced in the weeks after Georgia’s June primaries. The comments that drew scrutiny included her warnings of an "Islamic invasion into our government offices," her reference to Jewish businessman George Soros and an assertion that gangs, drugs and lack of education were holding black and brown men down in America. "That's not a white person thing,” she said.
But it is unclear how much sway that will have with voters in the 14th District, in the state's northwest corner along the Alabama and Tennessee borders. Greene and neurosurgeon and business owner John Cowan are in a runoff for the Republican nomination to replace retiring Rep. Tom Graves. Some voters told the Atlanta Journal Constitution that they weren’t bothered by Greene's remarks and respected her independence from what they saw as the Washington establishment.


rollcall--2020-08-10--Self-employed won’t get to defer taxes under Trump’s payroll break

Millions of self-employed individuals would be left out of President Donald Trump ’ s move to defer payroll taxes for the last four months of the year , according to tax experts .
That ’ s because the executive action specifically refers to taxes paid under Sec .
3101 ( a ) of the Internal Revenue Code , which set the Social Security tax rate at 6.2 percent for those employed by someone else .
There is no similar reference to Sec .
1401 ( a ) , which requires the self-employed to pay 12.4 percent on their own wages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ share of Social Security taxes .
The $ 2 trillion March relief package allowed companies to defer their portion of Social Security payroll taxes and pay them back in stages , half by mid-2021 and the rest a year later .
That included half of the 12.4 percent rate paid on self-employment income .
But the rest of the taxes that individuals who work for themselves -- and earn less than six figures annually -- would otherwise owe wouldn ’ t be deferred , either under the March law or under Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Maybe they intended to do that and they just hadn ’ t added that in , ” said Garrett Watson , senior policy analyst at the Tax Foundation .
“ Strictly speaking , reading the memoranda , it ’ s not in there .
”

Millions of self-employed individuals would be left out of President Donald Trump’s move to defer payroll taxes for the last four months of the year, according to tax experts.
That’s because the executive action specifically refers to taxes paid under Sec. 3101(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, which set the Social Security tax rate at 6.2 percent for those employed by someone else. There is no similar reference to Sec. 1401(a), which requires the self-employed to pay 12.4 percent on their own wages, or both the employer and employee share of Social Security taxes.
The $2 trillion March relief package allowed companies to defer their portion of Social Security payroll taxes and pay them back in stages, half by mid-2021 and the rest a year later. That included half of the 12.4 percent rate paid on self-employment income.
But the rest of the taxes that individuals who work for themselves -- and earn less than six figures annually -- would otherwise owe wouldn’t be deferred, either under the March law or under Trump’s memorandum, which he signed Saturday.
“Maybe they intended to do that and they just hadn’t added that in,” said Garrett Watson, senior policy analyst at the Tax Foundation. “Strictly speaking, reading the memoranda, it’s not in there.”


rollcall--2020-08-10--Why Trump’s unemployment boost may only be $300 a week for many

That $ 400 a week in additional COVID-19 unemployment benefits President Donald Trump announced Saturday ?
Cash-strapped states have an easy out to provide only $ 300 .
The memorandum that Trump signed Saturday announcing a new “ lost wages ” program to replace the now lapsed $ 600 weekly federal pandemic supplement said states would be required to put up 25 percent of the advertised $ 400 replacement benefit .
That ’ s in accordance with long-standing Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster relief rules under the Stafford Act , since FEMA ’ s main disaster fund is the source @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But the Labor Department is giving states some significant wiggle room so they don ’ t have to part with any cash they weren ’ t going to previously : They can simply count $ 100 of regular state unemployment benefits as their 25 percent matching share .
While that would deprive beneficiaries of the extra $ 100 they ’ d get if the state paid up , it ’ s a way for states to dispense with the hassle of finding the extra money to meet the matching requirements otherwise necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aid .

[Trump signs COVID-19 economic relief actions]
“In practice, this means that an unemployed claimant will receive $300 per week in new FEMA-funded benefits, in addition to his or her existing weekly state-funded benefit amounts,” says guidance reviewed by CQ Roll Call that was sent out to state agencies by Assistant Secretary for Employment and Labor John Pallasch. “This option requires no new expenditures of state funds beyond what the state would already be paying out from state funds in regular unemployment compensation benefits.”
The early guidance says that to be eligible for the extra $300 from the federal government, jobless individuals must be receiving at least $100 a week from one of several other sources, including state unemployment assistance.
‘States can’t afford it’
States could still decide to meet the matching requirements if they choose, but that would require a nearly $15 billion contribution from state governments, which are reeling from the pandemic economic shutdown.
They are pleading with Congress for some $500 billion in federal assistance, which is hung up in a fight between the parties. Trump’s memorandum says states can also use any leftover funds from the first round of $150 billion in direct aid to states and localities distributed in March; the Treasury Department has reported that state and municipal governments have been slow to use those resources.


rollcall--2020-08-10--House won’t take votes Labor Day week, citing COVID-19 concerns

The House will only hold committee work during the week of Labor Day in an attempt to minimize the number @ @ @ @ @ complex , Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer announced Monday .
“ The September schedule will @ @ @ @ @ June and July , so that we can conduct our necessary work while protecting public @ @ @ @ @ in a release .
The announcement was made in a newly updated House calendar for @ @ @ @ @ it is the only change in the calendar .
That means there will be no @ @ @ @ @ , unless there is a coronavirus relief deal between now and then that merits calling @ @ @ @ @ in the interim .
Hoyer ’ s announcement comes after the breakdown of talks last @ @ @ @ @ Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and White House negotiators led @ @ @ @ @ Meadows and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin .

The House will only hold committee work during the week of Labor Day in an attempt to minimize the number of people in the Capitol complex, Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer announced Monday.
“The September schedule will follow the same format as June and July, so that we can conduct our necessary work while protecting public health,” Hoyer said in a release.
[Download the CQ Roll Call 2020 Congressional Calendar]
The announcement was made in a newly updated House calendar for the remainder of 2020 — it is the only change in the calendar. That means there will be no House votes until Sept. 14, unless there is a coronavirus relief deal between now and then that merits calling the chamber back into session in the interim.
Hoyer’s announcement comes after the breakdown of talks last week on Capitol Hill between Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and White House negotiators led by Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.


rollcall--2020-08-10--Exclusive: Federal officials launch vaccine pilot program

After months of remaining vague about its plans to distribute a COVID-19 vaccine , the Trump administration is quietly piloting @ @ @ @ @ Roll Call has learned .
The plan , which is not yet public , was @ @ @ @ @ departments .
Federal officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , the Pentagon @ @ @ @ @ Warp Speed initiative plan to conduct site visits and develop “ model approaches ” for @ @ @ @ @ they learn , according to a CDC description of the project shared exclusively with CQ @ @ @ @ @ involved include California , Florida , North Dakota and Minnesota .
The start of vaccine @ @ @ @ @ by public health experts for a national strategy .
Distributing any authorized vaccines effectively will @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic .
Normal life can ’ t begin to resume in the United States @ @ @ @ @ residents are immune .
[ Fauci says speed on COVID-19 vaccine will not compromise safety @

After months of remaining vague about its plans to distribute a COVID-19 vaccine, the Trump administration is quietly piloting distribution working groups, CQ Roll Call has learned.
The plan, which is not yet public, was confirmed by four state health departments.
Federal officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Pentagon and the administration's Operation Warp Speed initiative plan to conduct site visits and develop “model approaches” for other states based on what they learn, according to a CDC description of the project shared exclusively with CQ Roll Call. The states involved include California, Florida, North Dakota and Minnesota.
The start of vaccine distribution plans come amid calls by public health experts for a national strategy. Distributing any authorized vaccines effectively will be crucial to stemming the coronavirus pandemic. Normal life can’t begin to resume in the United States until a large proportion of residents are immune.
[Fauci says speed on COVID-19 vaccine will not compromise safety]


rollcall--2020-08-11--Antitrust hawks, restaurants want to rein in food delivery apps

An online campaign that antitrust advocates are unveiling Tuesday will seek to limit the market power of online delivery apps like Grubhub Inc. and Uber Eats by getting local and state governments to limit the fees and commissions the apps can charge .
The campaign , which also targets Postmates and DoorDash Inc. , accuses the companies of using anti-competitive and predatory business practices during the COVID-19 pandemic to exploit restaurant owners and their employees — millions of whom are out of work — for profit while draining revenue from local economies , even as the food industry stands to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the year .
Led by the American Economic Liberties Project , a group that favors tough antitrust regulation , the campaign aims to help local business owners organize a push for local and state government action .
The AELP is funded by foundations and individuals .
Restaurants from around the country are involved in the campaign , including Washington establishments like Fiola Mare , Brasserie Liberté , and Ivy & Coney .
Prior to the pandemic , restaurant owners viewed the apps as a worthwhile investment even if it meant suffering losses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services were not a foundational aspect of their business models , Maureen Tkacik , a senior fellow at the American Economic Liberties Project , told CQ Roll Call .
“ But when the pandemic hit , suddenly these companies that control the delivery and takeout business became their only possible source of revenue , ” Tkacik said .
“ Immediately , it took a hard situation in which restaurants were guaranteed to lose money and it turned it into a situation that was completely impossible .
”

An online campaign that antitrust advocates are unveiling Tuesday will seek to limit the market power of online delivery apps like Grubhub Inc. and Uber Eats by getting local and state governments to limit the fees and commissions the apps can charge.
The campaign, which also targets Postmates and DoorDash Inc., accuses the companies of using anti-competitive and predatory business practices during the COVID-19 pandemic to exploit restaurant owners and their employees — millions of whom are out of work — for profit while draining revenue from local economies, even as the food industry stands to lose $240 billion by the end of the year.
Led by the American Economic Liberties Project, a group that favors tough antitrust regulation, the campaign aims to help local business owners organize a push for local and state government action. The AELP is funded by foundations and individuals. Restaurants from around the country are involved in the campaign, including Washington establishments like Fiola Mare, Brasserie Liberté, and Ivy & Coney.
Prior to the pandemic, restaurant owners viewed the apps as a worthwhile investment even if it meant suffering losses due to commissions because takeout and delivery services were not a foundational aspect of their business models, Maureen Tkacik, a senior fellow at the American Economic Liberties Project, told CQ Roll Call.
“But when the pandemic hit, suddenly these companies that control the delivery and takeout business became their only possible source of revenue,” Tkacik said. “Immediately, it took a hard situation in which restaurants were guaranteed to lose money and it turned it into a situation that was completely impossible.”


rollcall--2020-08-11--QAnon supporter Marjorie Taylor Greene wins Georgia runoff

Marjorie Taylor Greene , a QAnon supporter who has filmed videos espousing bigoted ideas , is likely going to Congress after winning the Republican primary runoff for Georgia ’ s deep-red 14th District .
Greene ’ s victory , one of at least three this cycle for congressional hopefuls linked to the QAnon movement , represents a potential headache for GOP leaders who have tried to recruit a diverse class of candidates in response to criticism that the party has been too tolerant of extremism under President Donald Trump .
QAnon is a wide-ranging conspiracy theory that alleges a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was leading neurosurgeon and business owner John Cowan 60 percent to 40 percent in the contest to replace retiring GOP Rep. Tom Graves when The Associated Press called the race at 9:44 p.m. Eastern time .
According to tweets by an Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter before he was escorted out of a victory celebration , Greene told supporters that the “ D.C .
swamp is against me ” and that “ the radical left and their allies in the media are terrified.
” She also called Speaker Nancy Pelosi a hypocrite and anti-American .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ kick that b -- - out of Congress , ” Greene said , according to the reporter Greg Bluestein ’ s tweet .

Corrected, Aug. 12 | Marjorie Taylor Greene, a QAnon supporter who has filmed videos espousing bigoted ideas, is likely going to Congress after winning the Republican primary runoff for Georgia’s deep-red 14th District.
Greene’s victory, one of at least three this cycle for congressional hopefuls linked to the QAnon movement, represents a potential headache for GOP leaders who have tried to recruit a diverse class of candidates in response to criticism that the party has been too tolerant of extremism under President Donald Trump. QAnon is a wide-ranging conspiracy theory that alleges a “deep-state” plot against Trump.
Greene was leading neurosurgeon and business owner John Cowan 60 percent to 40 percent in the contest to replace retiring GOP Rep. Tom Graves when The Associated Press called the race at 9:44 p.m. Eastern time.
According to tweets by an Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter before he was escorted out of a victory celebration, Greene told supporters that the “D.C. swamp is against me” and that “the radical left and their allies in the media are terrified.” She also called Speaker Nancy Pelosi a hypocrite and anti-American.
“And we’re going to kick that b--- out of Congress,” Greene said, according to the reporter Greg Bluestein’s tweet.


rollcall--2020-08-11--DOI withheld Bernhardt records during confirmation, IG says

Political officials at the Interior Department deliberately held back “ sensitive ” records about Interior Secretary David Bernhardt during his confirmation process , the department ’ s internal watchdog said Tuesday .
Bernhardt had his confirmation hearing in March 2019 and the Senate confirmed him by a 56-41 vote in April .
But in February 2019 , shortly after Bernhardt was nominated by President Donald Trump to be secretary , Hubbel Relat , an advisor to Bernhardt , directed staff at the department ’ s legal office and other DOI staffers who process Freedom of Information Act requests to “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that were being released as part of a lawsuit , the Interior Department ’ s inspector general said in a report released Tuesday .
DOI withheld 253 pages from the plaintiff ’ s request before releasing “ most ” of them in December , months after Bernhardt ’ s confirmation , the IG said .
The report does not identify which lawsuit or records , and the inspector general closed its investigation .
During the Trump administration , Interior and other federal agencies have implemented more aggressive screening procedures for FOIA requests , @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Political officials at the Interior Department deliberately held back “sensitive” records about Interior Secretary David Bernhardt during his confirmation process, the department’s internal watchdog said Tuesday.
Bernhardt had his confirmation hearing in March 2019 and the Senate confirmed him by a 56-41 vote in April.
But in February 2019, shortly after Bernhardt was nominated by President Donald Trump to be secretary, Hubbel Relat, an advisor to Bernhardt, directed staff at the department’s legal office and other DOI staffers who process Freedom of Information Act requests to “temporarily withhold documents related to Bernhardt” that were being released as part of a lawsuit, the Interior Department’s inspector general said in a report released Tuesday.
DOI withheld 253 pages from the plaintiff’s request before releasing “most” of them in December, months after Bernhardt’s confirmation, the IG said. The report does not identify which lawsuit or records, and the inspector general closed its investigation.
During the Trump administration, Interior and other federal agencies have implemented more aggressive screening procedures for FOIA requests, drawing ire from outside watchdog groups.


rollcall--2020-08-11--Sen. Kamala Harris in pictures

Sen. Kamala Harris in pictures

Sen. Kamala Harris will be the first Black woman to be a major party nominee for vice president and the @ @ @ @ @ presidential ticket , after presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden announced her as his running mate @ @ @ @ @ Democrat was first elected to the Senate in 2016 .
Here ’ s a look @ @ @ @ @ Capitol Hill and beyond , as captured by CQ Roll Call ’ s photojournalists .

Sen. Kamala Harris will be the first Black woman to be a major party nominee for vice president and the first Asian American on a presidential ticket, after presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden announced her as his running mate pick Tuesday.
The California Democrat was first elected to the Senate in 2016. Here’s a look back at her time on Capitol Hill and beyond, as captured by CQ Roll Call’s photojournalists.
Harris, as a senator-elect, is surrounded by reporters in the Capitol on Nov. 16, 2016, after the Senate Democratic Caucus leadership elections. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)
Biden poses with Harris and her family during her mock swearing-in ceremony in January 2017. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)
Harris questions former FBI Director James B. Comey on June 8, 2017, during a Senate Intelligence hearing on Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. elections. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)
Harris leaves the Senate floor on March 14, 2019, after the chamber voted to block President Donald Trump’s national emergency declaration on the southern border. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)


rollcall--2020-08-11--Biden chooses Kamala Harris as vice presidential nominee

Sen. Kamala Harris will be the first Black woman to be a major party nominee for vice president , joining @ @ @ @ @ on the 2020 Democratic ticket .
The Democrat from Oakland , California , who was @ @ @ @ @ nomination herself , was among the favorites to be selected as Biden ’ s vice @ @ @ @ @ Biden campaign announced the news Tuesday afternoon , calling Harris “ a fearless fighter for @ @ @ @ @ one of the country ’ s finest public servants.
” The daughter of a Jamaican @ @ @ @ @ Harris will also be the first Asian American on a major party presidential ticket .
@ @ @ @ @ a primary debate confrontation between Biden and Harris in which she criticized his civil rights @ @ @ @ @ last week that Harris was still very much in contention for the nod .

Sen. Kamala Harris will be the first Black woman to be a major party nominee for vice president, joining former Vice President Joe Biden on the 2020 Democratic ticket.
The Democrat from Oakland, California, who was a contender for the presidential nomination herself, was among the favorites to be selected as Biden’s vice presidential running mate.
The Biden campaign announced the news Tuesday afternoon, calling Harris “a fearless fighter for the little guy, and one of the country’s finest public servants.”
The daughter of a Jamaican father and Indian mother, Harris will also be the first Asian American on a major party presidential ticket.
Much has been made of a primary debate confrontation between Biden and Harris in which she criticized his civil rights record, but Biden said last week that Harris was still very much in contention for the nod.


rollcall--2020-08-11--Coronavirus Special Report: Public health experts fear a surge in COVID-19 in the fall

In today ’ s episode , we have a report on why the fall may bring a surge of cases @ @ @ @ @ even as it holds the dubious distinction of leading the world in the highest number @ @ @ @ @ from COVID-19 .
• Antitrust hawks , restaurants want to rein in food delivery apps @ @ @ @ @ get to defer taxes under Trump ’ s payroll break • Why Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ $ 300 a week for many

In today’s episode, we have a report on why the fall may bring a surge of cases in the United States — even as it holds the dubious distinction of leading the world in the highest number of confirmed cases and deaths from COVID-19.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-08-11--Trump forced through some COVID-19 relief. Now what?

President Donald Trump signed a number of executive actions last weekend to provide some COVID-19 aid , including suspending payroll @ @ @ @ @ 300 to $ 400 in federal unemployment benefits , as negotiators failed to reach agreement @ @ @ @ @ .
But is it enough ?
CQ Roll Call ’ s Jennifer Shutt and Peter @ @ @ @ @ and look at what they might mean for negotiations going forward .
• Self-employed won @ @ @ @ @ taxes under Trump ’ s payroll break • Why Trump ’ s unemployment boost may @ @ @ @ @ week for many • With Omar and Greene , Minnesota and Georgia primaries Tuesday test @ @ @

Jennifer Shutt, Peter Cohn, and Evan Campbell

President Donald Trump signed a number of executive actions last weekend to provide some COVID-19 aid, including suspending payroll tax collection and adding $300 to $400 in federal unemployment benefits, as negotiators failed to reach agreement on the next relief package. But is it enough? CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and Peter Cohn discuss the executive actions and look at what they might mean for negotiations going forward.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-08-11--Shaheen asks for watchdog probe into Census Bureau schedule

The ranking Democrat on the Senate Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations Subcommittee pushed Monday for an investigation into the decision to cut off census counting a month early , arguing that the administration had meddled in the plan for political gain .
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen , D-N.H. , said in a letter Monday to the Commerce Department Office of Inspector General that the Census Bureau may fail to count many people with its new end date of Sept. 30 .
The bureau had planned to conduct the count from Aug. 11 to Oct. 31 , but said last month it would end the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statutory deadline to complete all its work by Dec. 31 .
“ I believe that this deviation in schedule is driven not by expert opinions of career Census Bureau employees but by external pressure from the White House and the Department of Commerce for perceived political gain , ” Shaheen wrote .
The letter cites previous statements by Census Bureau officials that the agency could n't complete the process by the existing statutory deadline .
For months , career officials have told reporters that the agency could no longer meet that Dec. @ @ @

The ranking Democrat on the Senate Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations Subcommittee pushed Monday for an investigation into the decision to cut off census counting a month early, arguing that the administration had meddled in the plan for political gain.
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., said in a letter Monday to the Commerce Department Office of Inspector General that the Census Bureau may fail to count many people with its new end date of Sept. 30. The bureau had planned to conduct the count from Aug. 11 to Oct. 31, but said last month it would end the count on Sept. 30 to comply with a statutory deadline to complete all its work by Dec. 31.
[Census Bureau to halt counting efforts a month early]
“I believe that this deviation in schedule is driven not by expert opinions of career Census Bureau employees but by external pressure from the White House and the Department of Commerce for perceived political gain,” Shaheen wrote.
The letter cites previous statements by Census Bureau officials that the agency couldn't complete the process by the existing statutory deadline. For months, career officials have told reporters that the agency could no longer meet that Dec. 31 deadline.


rollcall--2020-08-12--Mass public gatherings are coming. That could lead to an explosion of COVID-19, experts fear

Football games , protests , political rallies and going back to school : a confluence of mass public gatherings as @ @ @ @ @ close could lead to the increased spread of COVID-19 .
“ This is not going @ @ @ @ @ of disease , ” said Georges Benjamin , executive director of the American Public Health @ @ @ @ @ health secretary .
“ It will be exponential.
” With more than 5.1 million cases @ @ @ @ @ United States now has the world ’ s highest confirmed infections and deaths heading into @ @ @ @ @ CQ Roll Call health care reporter Andrew Siddons breaks down how upcoming public events could @ @ @ @ @ .
[ Also watch : Lawmakers are worried about a rise in suicides during the @ @

Football games, protests, political rallies and going back to school: a confluence of mass public gatherings as the summer comes to a close could lead to the increased spread of COVID-19.
“This is not going to be a linear explosion of disease,” said Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association and a former Maryland health secretary. “It will be exponential.”
With more than 5.1 million cases and 164,000 deaths, the United States now has the world’s highest confirmed infections and deaths heading into the fall. Watch as CQ Roll Call health care reporter Andrew Siddons breaks down how upcoming public events could increase transmission of the coronavirus.
[ Also watch: Lawmakers are worried about a rise in suicides during the pandemic ]


rollcall--2020-08-12--Upcoming events could increase COVID-19 spread after summer surge

America ’ s leaders are pushing to get the country back to normal after months of lockdowns and economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic .
But if all of those things happen at once , with many states unable to bring down COVID-19 infection rates to manageable levels , experts fear that the dire situation in the United States can only get worse .
“ This is not going to be a linear explosion of disease , ” said American Public Health Association Executive Director Georges Benjamin .
“ It will be exponential.
” “ People need to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cumulative : that when you have schools open , and universities open , and people going to these events , and at the same time still have indoor bars and restaurants open , too , that we are going to see a surge in cases , and I think we as a society have to make a decision about our priorities , ” said former Baltimore Health Commissioner Leana Wen , a George Washington University public health professor .
It ’ s not necessarily too late for certain mass gatherings to happen safely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acknowledge that leaders , and society as a whole , are eager to get back in operation after half a year of life interrupted .

America’s leaders are pushing to get the country back to normal after months of lockdowns and economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
But if all of those things happen at once, with many states unable to bring down COVID-19 infection rates to manageable levels, experts fear that the dire situation in the United States can only get worse.
“This is not going to be a linear explosion of disease,” said American Public Health Association Executive Director Georges Benjamin. “It will be exponential.”
“People need to be aware that all of these effects are cumulative: that when you have schools open, and universities open, and people going to these events, and at the same time still have indoor bars and restaurants open, too, that we are going to see a surge in cases, and I think we as a society have to make a decision about our priorities,” said former Baltimore Health Commissioner Leana Wen, a George Washington University public health professor.
It’s not necessarily too late for certain mass gatherings to happen safely, public health experts say. They acknowledge that leaders, and society as a whole, are eager to get back in operation after half a year of life interrupted.


rollcall--2020-08-11--Omar wins as matchups are set for Minnesota, Wisconsin battlegrounds

Minnesota Democrat Ilhan Omar , one of the most progressive members of the House , has thwarted a primary challenger who raised millions of dollars amid the national backlash against her celebrity .
Her victory Tuesday over lawyer Antone Melton-Meaux , by far the best-funded of the four Democrats who took on the freshman lawmaker , was also a vindication for the so-called squad of progressive female freshmen who have sought to push House leadership to the left .
Omar is the last of three squad members to face primary challengers in a cycle that has seen three Democratic incumbents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
President Donald Trump lost her Minneapolis-based district by 55 points in 2016 , so Omar ’ s nomination all but assures her a second term in Congress In other primaries Tuesday , voters decided the matchups for these races that could be competitive in the fall : • Republicans in Minnesota chose Army veteran Kendall Qualls to take on freshman Democrat Dean Phillips ; • House Agriculture Chairman Collin C. Peterson was renominated easily , and will face Republican Michelle Fischbach , a former Minnesota lieutenant governor ; and Omar was leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5th District , which encompasses Minneapolis , with 57 percent of the vote when The Associated Press called the race at 9:23 p.m. Central time .

Minnesota Democrat Ilhan Omar, one of the most progressive members of the House, has thwarted a primary challenger who raised millions of dollars amid the national backlash against her celebrity.
Her victory Tuesday over lawyer Antone Melton-Meaux, by far the best-funded of the four Democrats who took on the freshman lawmaker, was also a vindication for the so-called squad of progressive female freshmen who have sought to push House leadership to the left.
Omar is the last of three squad members to face primary challengers in a cycle that has seen three Democratic incumbents fall to challengers backed by progressive groups. President Donald Trump lost her Minneapolis-based district by 55 points in 2016, so Omar’s nomination all but assures her a second term in Congress
In other primaries Tuesday, voters decided the matchups for these races that could be competitive in the fall:
Republicans in Minnesota chose Army veteran Kendall Qualls to take on freshman Democrat Dean Phillips;
House Agriculture Chairman Collin C. Peterson was renominated easily, and will face Republican Michelle Fischbach, a former Minnesota lieutenant governor; and
Wisconsin Republicans picked retired Navy SEAL Derrick Van Orden to challenge longtime Democratic Rep. Ron Kind.
Omar beats well-funded challenger
Omar was leading the five-person field in Minnesota’s 5th District, which encompasses Minneapolis, with 57 percent of the vote when The Associated Press called the race at 9:23 p.m. Central time.


rollcall--2020-08-12--How will Kamala Harris impact the rest of the Democratic ticket?

The fundraising email from California Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris hit inboxes Tuesday evening with the subject line “ Proud to announce.
” But it wasn ’ t about Harris making history as her party ’ s vice presidential nominee .
“ I ’ m excited to let you know ... that I ’ m proudly endorsing Cindy Axne for Congress !
” read the email , touting the Iowa Democrat who is in a hotly contested reelection race in the Des Moines-based 3rd District .
Axne 's fundraising blast epitomized how Democrats in competitive House and Senate races could tap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden ’ s decision to choose Harris as his running mate .
The announcement appeared to be a fundraising boon for Democrats on Tuesday , with $ 10.8 million flowing through the ActBlue platform , according to The New York Times .
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee also had its best online fundraising day ever .
Biden campaign spokesman Matt Hill said in a statement to CQ Roll Call that Biden has been building a coalition `` to not only beat Donald Trump , but to elect Democrats up and down the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , `` lifts up women of color across the country , and supercharges the path to victory for our campaign and Democrats running everywhere . ''

The fundraising email from California Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris hit inboxes Tuesday evening with the subject line “Proud to announce.” But it wasn’t about Harris making history as her party’s vice presidential nominee.
“I’m excited to let you know ... that I’m proudly endorsing Cindy Axne for Congress!” read the email, touting the Iowa Democrat who is in a hotly contested reelection race in the Des Moines-based 3rd District.
Axne's fundraising blast epitomized how Democrats in competitive House and Senate races could tap into the energy surrounding former Vice President Joe Biden’s decision to choose Harris as his running mate. The announcement appeared to be a fundraising boon for Democrats on Tuesday, with $10.8 million flowing through the ActBlue platform, according to The New York Times. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee also had its best online fundraising day ever.
Biden campaign spokesman Matt Hill said in a statement to CQ Roll Call that Biden has been building a coalition "to not only beat Donald Trump, but to elect Democrats up and down the ballot."
Harris, he said, "lifts up women of color across the country, and supercharges the path to victory for our campaign and Democrats running everywhere."


rollcall--2020-08-12--Social Security’s safe with us, Mnuchin says

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Wednesday that the Trump administration will “ create a level of certainty ” to encourage businesses to participate in President Donald Trump ’ s payroll tax holiday , and that after November ’ s election a victorious Trump would push legislation “ to fully top up ” Social Security ’ s finances .
Trump on Saturday ordered Mnuchin , who oversees the IRS , to stop collecting the 6.2 percent workers ’ share of the payroll tax that funds Social Security -- limited to those earning less than about $ 104,000 annually -- between Sept. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Treasury has yet to issue guidance on how this will be accomplished , leaving businesses uncertain about their potential liabilities in withholding and repaying the deferred taxes .
Trump ’ s directive expresses a vague hope that the deferred taxes , which the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimates will amount to $ 100 billion , will somehow not have to be repaid .
And it leaves unanswered how soon taxpayers would have to pay back what would amount to a loan if Congress doesn ’ t forgive the deferred taxes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people to participate , but I think many of small businesses will do this and pass on the benefits , ” Mnuchin told Fox Business .

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Wednesday that the Trump administration will “create a level of certainty” to encourage businesses to participate in President Donald Trump’s payroll tax holiday, and that after November’s election a victorious Trump would push legislation “to fully top up” Social Security’s finances.
Trump on Saturday ordered Mnuchin, who oversees the IRS, to stop collecting the 6.2 percent workers’ share of the payroll tax that funds Social Security -- limited to those earning less than about $104,000 annually -- between Sept. 1 and the end of the year. Treasury has yet to issue guidance on how this will be accomplished, leaving businesses uncertain about their potential liabilities in withholding and repaying the deferred taxes.
Trump’s directive expresses a vague hope that the deferred taxes, which the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimates will amount to $100 billion, will somehow not have to be repaid. And it leaves unanswered how soon taxpayers would have to pay back what would amount to a loan if Congress doesn’t forgive the deferred taxes.
“We can’t force people to participate, but I think many of small businesses will do this and pass on the benefits,” Mnuchin told Fox Business.
[Trump signs COVID-19 economic relief actions]


rollcall--2020-08-12--‘It’s just history’: Kamala Harris as the VP nominee

Kamala Harris made history , again , this week , when she became the first Black woman and first Asian @ @ @ @ @ political party ’ s presidential ticket .
The daughter of an Indian mother and a @ @ @ @ @ Democrat has been many firsts .
She has been a county deputy district attorney ; @ @ @ @ @ Francisco — the first woman and first African American elected to that position ; and @ @ @ @ @ , Black and Asian American attorney general .
Harris was also the second Black woman @ @ @ @ @ succeeding Democrat Barbara Boxer in 2017 .
Not quite four years ago , it was @ @ @ @ @ president , who swore her in as California ’ s junior senator .
Now Biden @ @ @ @ @ help him win the White House as his running mate .
With us on Political @ @ @ @ @ pick is CQ Roll Call columnist Mary C. Curtis , a longtime political correspondent covering @ @ @ @ @ culture and race .

Kamala Harris made history, again, this week, when she became the first Black woman and first Asian American picked for a major political party’s presidential ticket. The daughter of an Indian mother and a Jamaican father, the California Democrat has been many firsts.
She has been a county deputy district attorney; the district attorney for San Francisco — the first woman and first African American elected to that position; and California’s first female, Black and Asian American attorney general. Harris was also the second Black woman to join the Senate, succeeding Democrat Barbara Boxer in 2017.
Not quite four years ago, it was Joe Biden, as vice president, who swore her in as California’s junior senator. Now Biden is counting on Harris to help him win the White House as his running mate.
With us on Political Theater to talk about this pick is CQ Roll Call columnist Mary C. Curtis, a longtime political correspondent covering the intersection of politics, culture and race.


rollcall--2020-08-12--The legislative record of Kamala Harris shows a loyal Democrat and Trump counterpuncher

Kamala Harris ’ s arrival in the Senate coincided with the start of the Trump administration in 2017 , and the Democratic vice presidential candidate ’ s legislative record shows her to be a reliable soldier of the opposition party .
Because of that reality , there ’ s been limited opportunity for crossover voting for Joe Biden ’ s choice of running mate , but that doesn ’ t mean there ’ s been none .
Her party unity score , calculated by CQ Roll Call as the percentage of votes cast in which a lawmaker votes the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their caucus , is north of 99 percent .
Notable times that she has dissented with the party include her 2019 vote against a Middle East security package that warned against “ precipitous withdrawal ” of U.S. military forces in Syria and Afghanistan .
She was one of 22 Democratic caucus members to cast a no vote .
She was one of eight Democrats this past January to vote against the passage of a trade agreement between the United States , Mexico and Canada that would replace the North American Free-Trade Agreement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump clearly articulated a position — mainly nominations to executive branch positions and the federal bench — she has voted with the president just about 16 percent of the time .

Kamala Harris’ arrival in the Senate coincided with the start of the Trump administration in 2017, and the Democratic vice presidential candidate’s legislative record shows her to be a reliable soldier of the opposition party.
Because of that reality, there’s been limited opportunity for crossover voting for Joe Biden’s choice of running mate, but that doesn’t mean there’s been none. Her party unity score, calculated by CQ Roll Call as the percentage of votes cast in which a lawmaker votes the same way as a majority of the members of their caucus, is north of 99 percent.
Notable times that she has dissented with the party include her 2019 vote against a Middle East security package that warned against “precipitous withdrawal” of U.S. military forces in Syria and Afghanistan. She was one of 22 Democratic caucus members to cast a no vote.
She was one of eight Democrats this past January to vote against the passage of a trade agreement between the United States, Mexico and Canada that would replace the North American Free-Trade Agreement.
On votes in which President Donald Trump clearly articulated a position — mainly nominations to executive branch positions and the federal bench — she has voted with the president just about 16 percent of the time.


rollcall--2020-08-13--At Gettysburg, worry over preserving history without sugarcoating

Like unblinking sentries on watch , monuments dot the southern and western edges of the Gettysburg National Military Park , @ @ @ @ @ days in 1863 the United States repelled an Army of rebels led by Robert E. @ @ @ @ @ Pennsylvania cost more than 50,000 casualties for both sides .
In all , there are @ @ @ @ @ at Gettysburg , including 12 monuments to their secessionist states .
That number could be @ @ @ @ @ a spending bill , which the House passed in July , becomes law .
There @ @ @ @ @ provision and others in the Republican-controlled Senate .
In the final year of his first @ @ @ @ @ is trying to extend his political future by banking on the past and defending monuments @ @ @ @ @ leaders like Andrew Jackson , Thomas “ Stonewall ” Jackson and Lee , who turned @ @ @ @ @ slavery .

Corrected 12:42 p.m. | Like unblinking sentries on watch, monuments dot the southern and western edges of the Gettysburg National Military Park, where over three hot July days in 1863 the United States repelled an Army of rebels led by Robert E. Lee, whose invasion of Pennsylvania cost more than 50,000 casualties for both sides.
In all, there are 40 monuments to Confederate soldiers at Gettysburg, including 12 monuments to their secessionist states. That number could be zero if a section of a spending bill, which the House passed in July, becomes law. There is strong opposition to that provision and others in the Republican-controlled Senate.
In the final year of his first term, President Donald Trump is trying to extend his political future by banking on the past and defending monuments to Confederate leaders like Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson and Lee, who turned on their nation to preserve slavery.


rollcall--2020-08-13--Will Gettysburg’s Confederate memorials come down?

There are 40 monuments to Confederate soldiers and their states at the Gettysburg National Military Park .
That number could @ @ @ @ @ of a spending bill , which the House passed in July , becomes law .
@ @ @ @ @ in the Republican-controlled Senate , but that proposal and others to rid the nation of @ @ @ @ @ fought to preserve slavery has triggered a discussion of how best to reflect on the @ @ @ @ @ Call took an early morning trip to the famed battlefield , site of the war @ @ @ @ @ to see the contentious monuments up-close .
See the video for a summary of reporter @ @ @ @ @ story about the monuments and their role amid the national dialogue on police violence in @ @ @ @ @ Defund ’ or ‘ reform ’ the police ?
Lawmakers and activists at odds ]

There are 40 monuments to Confederate soldiers and their states at the Gettysburg National Military Park. That number could be zero if a section of a spending bill, which the House passed in July, becomes law.
The measure faces strong opposition in the Republican-controlled Senate, but that proposal and others to rid the nation of monuments honoring an army that fought to preserve slavery has triggered a discussion of how best to reflect on the Civil War.
CQ Roll Call took an early morning trip to the famed battlefield, site of the war’s turning point, to see the contentious monuments up-close. See the video for a summary of reporter Benjamin J. Hulac’s story about the monuments and their role amid the national dialogue on police violence in Black communities.
[ Read more: At Gettysburg, worry over preserving history without sugarcoating ]


rollcall--2020-08-13--Top health official argues against widespread COVID-19 testing approach

The Trump administration official overseeing the nationwide strategy for COVID-19 diagnostic testing is pushing back on the idea that more widespread and frequent testing of asymptomatic individuals is needed , arguing that focusing on the sick and vulnerable is already leading to an improvement in caseloads .
As some state and federal leaders push for schools and businesses to reopen , some public health experts say widespread testing using diagnostics that are cheaper and potentially less accurate is the best way to ensure that cases are caught before more people are infected .
The logic behind the approach is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and anyone with a positive result would need to follow up with a more accurate test to confirm an infection .
Under such a system , you would guard against false negatives by having people tested every few days .
But Brett Giroir , the assistant secretary for health at the Department of Health and Human Services , called it a “ false narrative ” that there is a need for millions of tests every day .
He argued that widespread , frequent testing like that could result in delays of processing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He also said it could instill a false sense of security in those who test negative if they use the result as an excuse to abandon public health measures like wearings masks or social distancing .
“ You beat the virus by smart policies supplemented by strategic testing , ” he said on a call with reporters Thursday .
“ You do not beat the virus by shotgun testing everybody , all the time .
”

The Trump administration official overseeing the nationwide strategy for COVID-19 diagnostic testing is pushing back on the idea that more widespread and frequent testing of asymptomatic individuals is needed, arguing that focusing on the sick and vulnerable is already leading to an improvement in caseloads.
As some state and federal leaders push for schools and businesses to reopen, some public health experts say widespread testing using diagnostics that are cheaper and potentially less accurate is the best way to ensure that cases are caught before more people are infected.
The logic behind the approach is that these tests can be processed more quickly, and anyone with a positive result would need to follow up with a more accurate test to confirm an infection. Under such a system, you would guard against false negatives by having people tested every few days.
But Brett Giroir, the assistant secretary for health at the Department of Health and Human Services, called it a “false narrative” that there is a need for millions of tests every day. He argued that widespread, frequent testing like that could result in delays of processing tests for people who are actually symptomatic. He also said it could instill a false sense of security in those who test negative if they use the result as an excuse to abandon public health measures like wearings masks or social distancing.
“You beat the virus by smart policies supplemented by strategic testing,” he said on a call with reporters Thursday. “You do not beat the virus by shotgun testing everybody, all the time.”


rollcall--2020-08-13--House Ethics launches investigation into Steve Watkins, despite lame-duck status

Kansas Republican Steve Watkins is facing felony charges and resigned from his seats on three House committees .
Now the House Ethics Committee has impaneled an investigative subcommittee to examine the charges against Watkins , despite his lame-duck status as a member of Congress .
He was toppled by a GOP primary challenge on Aug. 4 and will not be on the ballot for reelection in November .
Watkins was charged July 14 with interference with law enforcement , providing false information ; voting without being qualified ; unlawful advance voting ; and failing to notify the DMV of change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UPS store address on his voter registration form .
Under the Ethics Committee ’ s own rules , the panel must decide within 30 days of a member being indicted or charged with criminal conduct whether to establish a subcommittee to look into the charges or issue a report to the House explaining reasons for not investigating further .
Anthony G. Brown , a Maryland Democrat , will chair the investigative subcommittee , and Pete Olson , a Texas Republican , will serve as the ranking member .
Ted Deutch , a Florida @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Missouri Republican , will also investigate the matter on the subcommittee .

Kansas Republican Steve Watkins is facing felony charges and resigned from his seats on three House committees. Now the House Ethics Committee has impaneled an investigative subcommittee to examine the charges against Watkins, despite his lame-duck status as a member of Congress.
He was toppled by a GOP primary challenge on Aug. 4 and will not be on the ballot for reelection in November.
Watkins was charged July 14 with interference with law enforcement, providing false information; voting without being qualified; unlawful advance voting; and failing to notify the DMV of change of address. Watkins allegedly listed a UPS store address on his voter registration form.
Under the Ethics Committee’s own rules, the panel must decide within 30 days of a member being indicted or charged with criminal conduct whether to establish a subcommittee to look into the charges or issue a report to the House explaining reasons for not investigating further.
Anthony G. Brown, a Maryland Democrat, will chair the investigative subcommittee, and Pete Olson, a Texas Republican, will serve as the ranking member. Ted Deutch, a Florida Democrat, and Ann Wagner, a Missouri Republican, will also investigate the matter on the subcommittee.


rollcall--2020-08-13--Senate breaks for August recess with no coronavirus deal in sight

Under the agreement announced on the floor , the Senate is functionally gone until 3 p.m. on Tuesday , Sept. 8 , which is the day after Labor Day .
The Senate would likely have been out of session the next two weeks in any case because of the Democratic and Republican political conventions .
But since the pandemic has rendered those events largely virtual , it ’ s unlikely that would be a hindrance to meeting , either .
Until then , there will only be brief pro forma sessions , allowing the Senate to fulfill its constitutional responsibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from making any recess appointments .
“ As has been the case , the senators would receive at least 24 hours notice before any unanticipated votes , ” McConnell said .
“ The American people need more help , coronavirus is not finished with our country , so Congress can not be finished helping our people.
” The majority leader moved to limit debate on a number of Trump ’ s judicial nominations before shutting down the floor , meaning that the scheduled business on the floor after Labor Day will be another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ picks for lifetime appointments to the federal bench .
The Senate completed routine business prior to effectively adjourning for the rest of the regular August recess .

Under the agreement announced on the floor, the Senate is functionally gone until 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8, which is the day after Labor Day. The Senate would likely have been out of session the next two weeks in any case because of the Democratic and Republican political conventions. But since the pandemic has rendered those events largely virtual, it’s unlikely that would be a hindrance to meeting, either.
Until then, there will only be brief pro forma sessions, allowing the Senate to fulfill its constitutional responsibility to meet while blocking President Donald Trump from making any recess appointments.
“As has been the case, the senators would receive at least 24 hours notice before any unanticipated votes,” McConnell said. “The American people need more help, coronavirus is not finished with our country, so Congress cannot be finished helping our people.”
The majority leader moved to limit debate on a number of Trump’s judicial nominations before shutting down the floor, meaning that the scheduled business on the floor after Labor Day will be another steady drumbeat of the president’s picks for lifetime appointments to the federal bench.
The Senate completed routine business prior to effectively adjourning for the rest of the regular August recess.


rollcall--2020-08-13--At the Races: That’s the ticket

At the Races: That’s the ticket

Welcome to At the Races !
Each week we ’ ll bring you news and analysis from the CQ Roll Call team that will keep you informed about the 2020 election .
Know someone who ’ d like to get this newsletter ?
They can subscribe here .
The Democratic ticket is now set with presumptive presidential nominee Joe Biden selecting California Sen. Kamala Harris as his running mate .
Republicans wasted no time tying vulnerable congressional Democrats to Harris ’ more liberal policy positions .
But Democrats see her providing a boost to down-ballot candidates by motivating the party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Biden ’ s announcement came less than one week before Democrats gather virtually for their party ’ s convention .
We ’ ll be watching to see how much the battle for Congress comes up next week , especially since Biden made helping down-ballot candidates a central part of his case to primary voters .
Some emphasis on congressional races could come during Monday night ’ s “ We the People ” program .
Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto , who chairs the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee , is slated to speak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the most vulnerable senator running for reelection .
But Jones is so far the only lawmaker or candidate in a competitive race who was announced as a prime-time speaker .
But before the conventions kick off next week , take a step back and join us at 3 p.m. today to discuss lessons from the primaries in our latest At the Races webinar .
You can tune in for the live event on Roll Call ’ s Facebook , Twitter and YouTube pages .
( And we ’ ll be taking your @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Stephanie Akin, Bridget Bowman, and Kate Ackley

Welcome to At the Races! Each week we’ll bring you news and analysis from the CQ Roll Call team that will keep you informed about the 2020 election. Know someone who’d like to get this newsletter? They can subscribe here.
Corrected, 8/14 | The Democratic ticket is now set with presumptive presidential nominee Joe Biden selecting California Sen. Kamala Harris as his running mate. Republicans wasted no time tying vulnerable congressional Democrats to Harris’ more liberal policy positions. But Democrats see her providing a boost to down-ballot candidates by motivating the party’s base and helping with fundraising.
Biden’s announcement came less than one week before Democrats gather virtually for their party’s convention. We’ll be watching to see how much the battle for Congress comes up next week, especially since Biden made helping down-ballot candidates a central part of his case to primary voters.
Some emphasis on congressional races could come during Monday night’s “We the People” program. Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, who chairs the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, is slated to speak. So is Alabama Sen. Doug Jones, the most vulnerable senator running for reelection. But Jones is so far the only lawmaker or candidate in a competitive race who was announced as a prime-time speaker.
But before the conventions kick off next week, take a step back and join us at 3 p.m. today to discuss lessons from the primaries in our latest At the Races webinar. You can tune in for the live event on Roll Call’s Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages. (And we’ll be taking your questions!) See you soon!


rollcall--2020-08-13--CDC study finds behavioral health concerns rose in June amid coronavirus

Symptoms of anxiety disorder , depressive disorder , substance use and suicidal thoughts have increased in the second quarter of this year compared to the same period last year , with over 40 percent of individuals in June reporting an adverse mental or behavioral health condition , according to a report released Thursday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
The results come as public health experts , advocates and officials have been sounding the alarm about the secondary health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Localities have reported spikes in drug overdoses or suicide deaths during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the nature of the pandemic could worsen overall mental health .
`` We 're quite worried about it and I think that the evidence we 've seen so far indicates that that worry is well-placed , '' Elinore McCance-Katz , Health and Human Services assistant secretary for mental health and substance use , said in an interview this month with CQ Roll Call .
`` During this time of social isolation , lockdown and other restrictions lead people to what can be desperate circumstances in terms of job loss , in terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just not having the social support available that people rely on and seeing the kinds of fallout . ''
The study , released Thursday as part of CDC 's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report , was conducted June 24-30 and showed increases in a variety of adverse mental health conditions .
However , the report 's authors caution it does not use diagnostic evaluations .
Anxiety disorder symptoms were about three times higher than those reported during the second quarter of 2019 , rising from about 8 percent to almost 26 percent .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 7 percent to 24 percent compared to the same time last year .

Symptoms of anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, substance use and suicidal thoughts have increased in the second quarter of this year compared to the same period last year, with over 40 percent of individuals in June reporting an adverse mental or behavioral health condition, according to a report released Thursday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The results come as public health experts, advocates and officials have been sounding the alarm about the secondary health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Localities have reported spikes in drug overdoses or suicide deaths during the pandemic, and many experts have warned that the nature of the pandemic could worsen overall mental health.
"We're quite worried about it and I think that the evidence we've seen so far indicates that that worry is well-placed," Elinore McCance-Katz, Health and Human Services assistant secretary for mental health and substance use, said in an interview this month with CQ Roll Call. "During this time of social isolation, lockdown and other restrictions lead people to what can be desperate circumstances in terms of job loss, in terms of financial stressors, in terms of just not having the social support available that people rely on and seeing the kinds of fallout."


rollcall--2020-08-13--Trump opposes funding Postal Service because it would increase vote by mail

President Donald Trump said Thursday he opposed emergency funding for election operations and the Postal Service because it could allow more people to vote by mail .
“ They want $ 3.5 billion for something that will turn out to be fraudulent , that ’ s election money basically , ” Trump said of congressional Democrats .
“ They want $ 25 billion , billion , for the post office .
Now they need that money in order to have the post office work so it can take all of these millions and millions of ballots.
” Speaking on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more direct than he or his advisers had been previously about the reason for his opposition to assistance for the Postal Service , which has seen existing revenue challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic .
[ Election officials ‘ prepare for the worst ’ as congressional aid talks stall ] “ Now , if we don ’ t make a deal , that means they don ’ t get the money .
That means they can ’ t have universal mail-in voting , they just can ’ t have it , ” Trump @ @ @

President Donald Trump said Thursday he opposed emergency funding for election operations and the Postal Service because it could allow more people to vote by mail.
“They want $3.5 billion for something that will turn out to be fraudulent, that’s election money basically,” Trump said of congressional Democrats. “They want $25 billion, billion, for the post office. Now they need that money in order to have the post office work so it can take all of these millions and millions of ballots.”
Speaking on the Fox Business Network, the president was more direct than he or his advisers had been previously about the reason for his opposition to assistance for the Postal Service, which has seen existing revenue challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
[Election officials ‘prepare for the worst’ as congressional aid talks stall]
“Now, if we don’t make a deal, that means they don’t get the money. That means they can’t have universal mail-in voting, they just can’t have it,” Trump said Thursday.


rollcall--2020-08-13--Election officials ‘prepare for the worst’ as congressional aid talks stall

With the White House and Capitol Hill Democrats seemingly deadlocked on legislation to help the unemployed and businesses reeling from the pandemic , election officials around the country are watching anxiously because there is bipartisan agreement that voting in November is going to be more complicated and expensive .
Election Assistance Commission Chairman Ben Hovland said election costs could be `` unprecedented '' due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and high turnout for the presidential election .
And those costs come as states are seeing tax revenues plummet .
Hovland said every election official he has talked to , regardless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funding is needed to prepare for a surge in voting by mail and the extra staff and protective equipment needed to make polling places safe .
Grants intended to improve election security may be used instead to pay for pandemic-related costs , he said .
The need for more funding than the $ 400 million Congress allocated in March is also frequently discussed during the National Association of Secretaries of State 's weekly conference calls .
`` I think that election officials also know that they need to plan like they 're not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Hovland said Tuesday in a phone interview .
`` You know , the old adage of plan for the worst and hope for the best . ''
Hovland and other experts and advocates warned that further delay or a failure to provide any additional funds could exacerbate problems that plagued some recent primaries , including long lines at polling places and long waits for results .

With the White House and Capitol Hill Democrats seemingly deadlocked on legislation to help the unemployed and businesses reeling from the pandemic, election officials around the country are watching anxiously because there is bipartisan agreement that voting in November is going to be more complicated and expensive.
Election Assistance Commission Chairman Ben Hovland said election costs could be "unprecedented" due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and high turnout for the presidential election. And those costs come as states are seeing tax revenues plummet.
Hovland said every election official he has talked to, regardless of political party, has said additional funding is needed to prepare for a surge in voting by mail and the extra staff and protective equipment needed to make polling places safe. Grants intended to improve election security may be used instead to pay for pandemic-related costs, he said. The need for more funding than the $400 million Congress allocated in March is also frequently discussed during the National Association of Secretaries of State's weekly conference calls.
"I think that election officials also know that they need to plan like they're not going to get [more funding]," Hovland said Tuesday in a phone interview. "You know, the old adage of plan for the worst and hope for the best."
Hovland and other experts and advocates warned that further delay or a failure to provide any additional funds could exacerbate problems that plagued some recent primaries, including long lines at polling places and long waits for results.


rollcall--2020-08-13--Watch: Will Gettysburg’s Confederate memorials come down?

There are 40 monuments to Confederate soldiers and their states at the Gettysburg National Military Park .
That number could @ @ @ @ @ of a spending bill , which the House passed in July , becomes law .
@ @ @ @ @ in the Republican-controlled Senate , but that proposal and others to rid the nation of @ @ @ @ @ fought to preserve slavery has triggered a discussion of how best to reflect on the @ @ @ @ @ Call took an early morning trip to the famed battlefield , site of the war @ @ @ @ @ to see the contentious monuments up-close .
See the video for a summary of reporter @ @ @ @ @ story about the monuments and their role amid the national dialogue on police violence in @ @ @ @ @ more : At Gettysburg , worry over preserving history without sugarcoating ]


rollcall--2020-08-14--Constituent communications went digital due to COVID-19, and that could stick, report says

Congress has ramped up email newsletter frequency , videoconferencing and telephone town halls to stay connected to constituents as the coronavirus pandemic transforms daily life .
And a new report suggests some of those shifts could be here to stay .
The Congressional Management Foundation on Friday released a report , “ The Future of Citizen Engagement : Coronavirus , Congress , and Constituent Communications , ” that explores how congressional offices have implemented changes to operations and constituent engagement in response to COVID-19 .
According to the group ’ s research , because of the move to remote work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Capitol Hill , lawmakers and their staff are embracing new technologies , while also depending more heavily on established ones , to keep in contact with constituents and advocates .
“ While we are currently in flux , the COVID-19 crisis is offering ( or forcing ) new opportunities for Congress , citizens , and the groups that represent them to consider how to build new tools and systems for democratic communication , ” report authors Kathy Goldschmidt and Bradley Joseph Sinkaus write .
The report compared the significant shift in communication happening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anthrax attacks on Capitol Hill interrupted the mail system in Congress , accelerating the adoption of email .

The report compared the significant shift in communication happening today to when 9/11 and the 2001 anthrax attacks on Capitol Hill interrupted the mail system in Congress, accelerating the adoption of email.
The authors predict communications changes put in place during this crisis and expectations of digital outreach may hold fast, just like emails continued to flood Capitol Hill even after the postal mail system for Congress was restored in 2002.
“COVID-19 has forced Members of Congress and staff (some of whom have been fairly resistant to or unfamiliar with modern technologies) to quickly learn how to work remotely,” Goldschmidt and Sinkaus write.
Between May 26 and July 23, the foundation sent surveys to senior congressional staff, and heard back from 128 of them. Of that group, 13 were interviewed for more detailed responses. During the same time frame, but with no coordination, CQ Roll Call was regularly talking to lawmakers about staffing and technology changes they had made because of the pandemic.
The report highlights that, despite communicating at all hours and between time zones with district offices, few offices were ready with the technology or had policies in place for everyone to work remotely at once.


rollcall--2020-08-14--Boys State churns out members of Congress. These were their teenage dreams

Advice for teens can sound pretty hollow , especially when it comes from the mouths of politicians .
Get ready , they like to say .
You are the leaders of tomorrow .
The future belongs to you .
Soon enough you ’ ll be running for office yourself .
When it comes to Boys State , they ’ re probably right .
The program has influenced some of the most powerful men in the country , including current lawmakers as far apart in tone as Sens .
John Thune , Cory Booker and Tom Cotton .
“ Close to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how Cotton once described the program .
“ A real hands-on civic lesson , ” said Sen. Bob Menendez .
All told , at least 20 percent of senators now serving on Capitol Hill cut their political teeth at Boys State back when they were in high school .
“ You learn how to lead , ” Tim Scott said of his time there .
Lamar Alexander was so struck by the experience — half summer camp , half immersive roleplaying — that he keeps a framed memento from 1957 on the wall @ @ @ @ @ @

“A message of unity, as good as it sounds, and as good as it ultimately is for our country, is not winning anyone any elections,” attendee Ben Feinstein says in one scene. “You have to use personal attacks and you have to find divisive issues in order to differentiate yourself at all.”
A budding cynic, he uses his campaign speech to do just that. He leans hard into division as he champions “Americanism,” a worldview that doesn’t have much wiggle room. Especially dangerous, in his telling, are the antiwar positions of the activist group Code Pink.
As these young politicians hone their talents, a realization sets in: This probably won’t be the last time we hear from the subjects of this film. From gathering signatures and crafting speeches, to making political ads in the form of Instagram memes, the boys do it all. (Girls can do it all, too, but they can’t do it here. Instead, they go to Girls State, a sister program not featured in the documentary.)
Listening to speech after speech, filled with red-meat cliches, we hear our own adult politics recited back to us, but it’s not quite that simple. When a gubernatorial candidate tries out some heated rhetoric, people compare him to conservative commentator Ben Shapiro, which counts as high praise. It’s hard to tell where the roleplaying ends and the next political era begins.
Questions pile up: What can the leaders of the future learn from these highly specific conditions? If a boy debates abortion at an all-boys camp, does it make a sound? And if the program revolves around a group of chosen high schoolers, destined to pack up and leave at the end of the week, just what is the point of writing a party platform with a position on immigration?