rollcall--2020-09-30--Trump interruptions and call for racist group to ‘stand by’ mark first debate

As the Philadelphia Inquirer explained , Trump was renewing a false claim about poll watchers being blocked from watching ballots being cast there .
Trump said he had nominated Barrett for the seat vacated by the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg for the simple reason that he 's the president and the Republican Party has the majority in the Senate .
`` The Democrats they would n't even think about not doing it ... the only difference is they would try and to do it faster .
There 's no way they would give it up .
They had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they did n't have the election , '' Trump said , presumably talking about the GOP majority in the Senate when Garland was nominated by President Barack Obama in 2016 .
`` So they were stopped , and probably that would happen in reverse also — definitely would happen in reverse .
So we won the election , and we have a right to do it . ''
Biden argued , as he and other Democrats have previously , that the election should take place before there 's a real debate about who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` They are not going to get that chance now because we are in the middle of an election already , the election has already started , '' Biden said .
`` Tens of thousands of people have already voted , and so the thing that should happen is we should wait , we should wait and see what the outcome of this election is , because that 's the only way the American people get to express their view is by who they elect as president and who they elect as vice @ @ @

"They are not going to get that chance now because we are in the middle of an election already, the election has already started," Biden said. "Tens of thousands of people have already voted, and so the thing that should happen is we should wait, we should wait and see what the outcome of this election is, because that's the only way the American people get to express their view is by who they elect as president and who they elect as vice president."
Biden avoided answering, however, when asked whether he would seek to increase the number of seats on the Supreme Court or support ending the legislative filibuster, the 60-vote requirement in the Senate to bring bills up for votes.
“Whatever position I take on that, that will become the issue,” Biden said.
Health care
Biden framed the Supreme Court vacancy as part and parcel of the debate over the future of the 2010 health care law, and he rejected Trump’s assertion that offering the public an option to buy in to government-run coverage would eliminate private insurance. He appeared to conflate, however, the public option with another one of his campaign’s pillars — that people in states where Medicaid hasn’t expanded would get access to the public option for free if their incomes are low enough to qualify.
Trump said he supports overturning the 2010 law because “we want to give good health care,” but when pressed for details on how that would happen, he pointed to eliminating the mandate to buy health insurance and executive orders he’s signed that have not yet had a practical effect. “There is nothing symbolic,” Trump argued about his executive orders to protect guaranteed coverage for people with preexisting conditions, or lower drug prices.


rollcall--2020-09-30--A true sneakerhead wants to bring a ‘fresh’ style to Congress

Kamala Harris broke the internet when she stepped off a jet sporting a pair of Chuck Taylors ( and later Timberland boots ) .
Ed Markey wore vintage Nikes during his Senate primary .
But campaign watchers haven ’ t seen anything yet .
Cameron Webb is a true sneakerhead , and this is his shoe story .
Webb , a 37-year-old candidate for Virginia ’ s 5th District , began his love affair with kicks as a teenager , when he could buy his own .
Growing up as one of six children in his household , a sneaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would indulge .
“ My parents were those parents who [ said ] you get the $ 39.99 shoes , ” says Webb .
When he turned 16 , he got a job at the athletic shoe store Finish Line , so “ I could stay fresh , ” he says .
As a player on his high school basketball team , he wanted to emulate the pros he saw on the court .
“ The very first pair of shoes that I splurged on were Gary Payton ’ s ‘ The Glove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point guard for the Seattle SuperSonics .
From there , it was on to the “ foamposites ” that “ D.C .
kids loved , ” according to Webb , who grew up in Spotsylvania , Virginia .

Kamala Harris broke the internet when she stepped off a jet sporting a pair of Chuck Taylors (and later Timberland boots). Ed Markey wore vintage Nikes during his Senate primary. But campaign watchers haven’t seen anything yet.
Cameron Webb is a true sneakerhead, and this is his shoe story.
Webb, a 37-year-old candidate for Virginia’s 5th District, began his love affair with kicks as a teenager, when he could buy his own. Growing up as one of six children in his household, a sneaker habit wasn’t something his parents would indulge.
“My parents were those parents who [said] you get the $39.99 shoes,” says Webb. When he turned 16, he got a job at the athletic shoe store Finish Line, so “I could stay fresh,” he says.
As a player on his high school basketball team, he wanted to emulate the pros he saw on the court. “The very first pair of shoes that I splurged on were Gary Payton’s ‘The Glove,’” named after the star point guard for the Seattle SuperSonics. From there, it was on to the “foamposites” that “D.C. kids loved,” according to Webb, who grew up in Spotsylvania, Virginia.


rollcall--2020-09-30--The case for counting mail-in votes early

ANALYSIS — The FBI on Sept. 22 warned that foreign hackers and cyber criminals using fake websites and social media could spread disinformation regarding the results of the 2020 elections to “ discredit the electoral process and undermine confidence in U.S. democratic institutions.
” New Jersey ’ s Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness followed the next morning with a 13-page “ supplemental threat assessment ” subtitled “ The Convergence of COVID-19 , Nationwide Civil Unrest and the Upcoming Presidential Election.
” It said having to wait months for election results to be certified , or for litigation to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ motivate a wide group of do-badders , including “ lone offenders inspired by conspiracy theories , ” “ anti-government and anarchist extremists , ” “ racially motivated extremists , ” and even “ home-grown violent extremists ” controlled by foreign terrorist organizations .
They might threaten federal officials and judges , blend into protests to commit violence against protesters or police , or launch terrorist attacks on large gatherings “ while Americans are preoccupied with election results.
” A few hours later , President Donald Trump said the Senate needs to confirm a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late Ruth Bader Ginsburg in case the court has to decide the election .
And when asked at a news conference if he ’ d commit to a peaceful transfer of power , Trump said , “ We ’ re going to have to see what happens.
” Trump may not want to concede even the possibility he could lose , especially when asked by a reporter .
And it ’ s clear he believes that challenging the way election laws are being rewritten on the fly in response to the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters to show up .

ANALYSIS — The FBI on Sept. 22 warned that foreign hackers and cyber criminals using fake websites and social media could spread disinformation regarding the results of the 2020 elections to “discredit the electoral process and undermine confidence in U.S. democratic institutions.”
New Jersey’s Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness followed the next morning with a 13-page “supplemental threat assessment” subtitled “The Convergence of COVID-19, Nationwide Civil Unrest and the Upcoming Presidential Election.” It said having to wait months for election results to be certified, or for litigation to be decided by the Supreme Court, could motivate a wide group of do-badders, including “lone offenders inspired by conspiracy theories,” “anti-government and anarchist extremists,” “racially motivated extremists,” and even “home-grown violent extremists” controlled by foreign terrorist organizations.
They might threaten federal officials and judges, blend into protests to commit violence against protesters or police, or launch terrorist attacks on large gatherings “while Americans are preoccupied with election results.”
A few hours later, President Donald Trump said the Senate needs to confirm a Supreme Court justice quickly to replace the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg in case the court has to decide the election. And when asked at a news conference if he’d commit to a peaceful transfer of power, Trump said, “We’re going to have to see what happens.”
Trump may not want to concede even the possibility he could lose, especially when asked by a reporter. And it’s clear he believes that challenging the way election laws are being rewritten on the fly in response to the coronavirus pandemic is a great motivator to get his voters to show up.


rollcall--2020-09-30--TikTok ‘not a great look’ for lawmakers, security experts say

Despite official warnings for nearly a year about the security risks of the Chinese-owned TikTok video-sharing app , several politicians who might be ideal targets for Beijing ’ s spies still have accounts .
These include two former presidential candidates , plus members of Congress who oversee military , intelligence and digital security programs .
Also on the list are at least a couple of House candidates , including a former Green Beret with a top-secret security clearance who is a consultant to defense contractors .
Rep. Abigail Spanberger , D-Va. , a former CIA officer , said she has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of Congress using TikTok .
“ Lawmakers are the target of significant intelligence operations , especially given the information they have access to and their influence in setting policy , ” Spanberger told CQ Roll Call in a statement .
“ What ’ s more , if they do not take precautions , their actions could inadvertently send the message that TikTok is completely harmless.
” The TikTok app became available in the United States two years ago .
By some accounts , nearly half the U.S. population has downloaded it .

Despite official warnings for nearly a year about the security risks of the Chinese-owned TikTok video-sharing app, several politicians who might be ideal targets for Beijing’s spies still have accounts.
These include two former presidential candidates, plus members of Congress who oversee military, intelligence and digital security programs. Also on the list are at least a couple of House candidates, including a former Green Beret with a top-secret security clearance who is a consultant to defense contractors.
Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., a former CIA officer, said she has “deep reservations” about her fellow members of Congress using TikTok.
“Lawmakers are the target of significant intelligence operations, especially given the information they have access to and their influence in setting policy,” Spanberger told CQ Roll Call in a statement. “What’s more, if they do not take precautions, their actions could inadvertently send the message that TikTok is completely harmless.”
Senior members’ use of TikTok
The TikTok app became available in the United States two years ago. By some accounts, nearly half the U.S. population has downloaded it.


rollcall--2020-09-30--States push for more funds and guidance on vaccine distribution

With just a month before a Nov. 1 Trump administration deadline for states to be ready to potentially distribute any upcoming COVID-19 vaccines , states are just starting to get their share of $ 200 million in preparation funds as Congress deliberates over whether to provide more .
Public health officials cite the relatively small amount of funding and tight time frame as examples of the many challenges they face in distributing any vaccines that potentially could change the course of COVID-19 ’ s impact in the United States .
Local public health officials say they need billions more to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to track when individuals receive one vaccine dose or two and monitor side effects .
They also want money to contract with health care providers to administer shots , buy medical deep freezers to store vaccines and encourage Americans to take vaccines amid unprecedented hesitancy .
“ States are going to spend that money fast , ” Marcus Plescia , chief medical officer at the group representing state public health officials , the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials , said in an interview .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ send out the $ 200 million , which is divided among 64 states , territories and major cities , so that each will receive just a few million dollars or less as the nation faces a rise in cases and flu season begins .
Together , the twin threats of COVID-19 and influenza are likely to cause a new wave of hospitalizations and deaths .

With just a month before a Nov. 1 Trump administration deadline for states to be ready to potentially distribute any upcoming COVID-19 vaccines, states are just starting to get their share of $200 million in preparation funds as Congress deliberates over whether to provide more.
Public health officials cite the relatively small amount of funding and tight time frame as examples of the many challenges they face in distributing any vaccines that potentially could change the course of COVID-19’s impact in the United States.
Local public health officials say they need billions more to stand up vaccination sites and improve software to track when individuals receive one vaccine dose or two and monitor side effects. They also want money to contract with health care providers to administer shots, buy medical deep freezers to store vaccines and encourage Americans to take vaccines amid unprecedented hesitancy.
“States are going to spend that money fast,” Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer at the group representing state public health officials, the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, said in an interview.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on Sept. 23 that it would send out the $200 million, which is divided among 64 states, territories and major cities, so that each will receive just a few million dollars or less as the nation faces a rise in cases and flu season begins. Together, the twin threats of COVID-19 and influenza are likely to cause a new wave of hospitalizations and deaths.


rollcall--2020-09-29--Georgia election to fill Rep. John Lewis’ term goes to runoff

A short-term stint in Congress will be even shorter after a special election Tuesday in Georgia ’ s 5th District ended with none of the seven candidates getting the needed 50 percent of the vote to avoid a runoff .
Former Atlanta City Council Member Kwanza Hall and former Morehouse College President Robert Franklin , both Democrats , will meet in a Dec. 1 runoff to decide on a successor to civil rights icon John Lewis , who died in July .
Hall was was leading the seven-person field with 32 percent of the vote when The Associated Press called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Franklin was in second place with 28 percent , followed by state Rep. Mable Thomas with 19 percent .
The winner will serve just about one month , because no one who ran Tuesday is on the ballot in November , when voters in the Atlanta-based district choose their representative for the full two-year term that starts in January .
After Lewis ’ death , the executive committee of the state Democratic Party chose party chairwoman and state Sen. Nikema Williams as the nominee to face Republican Angela Stanton-King , who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @

A short-term stint in Congress will be even shorter after a special election Tuesday in Georgia’s 5th District ended with none of the seven candidates getting the needed 50 percent of the vote to avoid a runoff.
Former Atlanta City Council Member Kwanza Hall and former Morehouse College President Robert Franklin, both Democrats, will meet in a Dec. 1 runoff to decide on a successor to civil rights icon John Lewis, who died in July.
Hall was was leading the seven-person field with 32 percent of the vote when The Associated Press called the runoff before 10 p.m. Eastern time. Franklin was in second place with 28 percent, followed by state Rep. Mable Thomas with 19 percent.
The winner will serve just about one month, because no one who ran Tuesday is on the ballot in November, when voters in the Atlanta-based district choose their representative for the full two-year term that starts in January.
After Lewis’ death, the executive committee of the state Democratic Party chose party chairwoman and state Sen. Nikema Williams as the nominee to face Republican Angela Stanton-King, who was unopposed in the June 9 primary.


rollcall--2020-09-30--Exclusive: Mnuchin coronavirus relief plan includes more state, local funds

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin offered a $ 1.62 trillion COVID-19 relief proposal in talks with Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday , offering more state and local assistance than GOP negotiators have to date in a sign of potential progress toward a deal .
A person briefed on Mnuchin ’ s plan said it included $ 250 billion for state and local governments , which is $ 186 billion less than Democrats want in their latest $ 2.2 trillion package , but $ 100 billion more than the White House offered in talks that broke down over the summer .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 400 per week federal benefit , retroactive to Sept. 12 and lasting through Jan. 1 , 2021 , according to the source , who described the package on condition of anonymity .
That 's less than the $ 600 a week Democrats want , but $ 100 more than Senate Republicans have proposed .
Mnuchin presented his offer to Pelosi at the Capitol on Wednesday afternoon during a 90-minute meeting ; the discussion broke up without a deal , but the two principals agreed to continue negotiations Thursday .
A few hours later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on their $ 2.2 trillion bill until at least Thursday , pending the status of talks that day .

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin offered a $1.62 trillion COVID-19 relief proposal in talks with Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday, offering more state and local assistance than GOP negotiators have to date in a sign of potential progress toward a deal.
A person briefed on Mnuchin’s plan said it included $250 billion for state and local governments, which is $186 billion less than Democrats want in their latest $2.2 trillion package, but $100 billion more than the White House offered in talks that broke down over the summer.
On unemployment insurance, Mnuchin proposed a $400 per week federal benefit, retroactive to Sept. 12 and lasting through Jan. 1, 2021, according to the source, who described the package on condition of anonymity. That's less than the $600 a week Democrats want, but $100 more than Senate Republicans have proposed.
Mnuchin presented his offer to Pelosi at the Capitol on Wednesday afternoon during a 90-minute meeting; the discussion broke up without a deal, but the two principals agreed to continue negotiations Thursday.
A few hours later Democratic leaders announced they would delay voting on their $2.2 trillion bill until at least Thursday, pending the status of talks that day.


rollcall--2020-09-30--Hill Republicans in tough battles not thrilled with Trump debate style

House and Senate Republicans in tough reelection battles said Wednesday that President Donald Trump did not do them any favors in his first debate against Democratic nominee Joe Biden .
`` With the debate interrupting and name calling — Omaha does n't like that , '' said Nebraska GOP Rep. Don Bacon , one of the 10 most vulnerable House members seeking reelection .
He faces a rematch against Democrat Kara Eastman .
Trump carried Nebraska 's 2nd District by 2 points in 2016 , the same margin Bacon beat Eastman by in 2018 .
But Bacon told CQ Roll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both of them if he continues to use the same tactics .
`` It hurts him and it hurts his team , '' Bacon said .
`` If he talked about his accomplishments , our district is very slightly right , center right , his policies by and large are appealing to the majority .
The people want more respectful dialogue and I think last night was not that . ''
Bacon also said Biden shares some blame , citing the former vice president calling Trump a `` clown '' at one point @

House and Senate Republicans in tough reelection battles said Wednesday that President Donald Trump did not do them any favors in his first debate against Democratic nominee Joe Biden.
"With the debate interrupting and name calling — Omaha doesn't like that," said Nebraska GOP Rep. Don Bacon, one of the 10 most vulnerable House members seeking reelection. He faces a rematch against Democrat Kara Eastman.
Trump carried Nebraska's 2nd District by 2 points in 2016, the same margin Bacon beat Eastman by in 2018. But Bacon told CQ Roll Call it could be a problem for both of them if he continues to use the same tactics.
"It hurts him and it hurts his team," Bacon said. "If he talked about his accomplishments, our district is very slightly right, center right, his policies by and large are appealing to the majority. The people want more respectful dialogue and I think last night was not that."
Bacon also said Biden shares some blame, citing the former vice president calling Trump a "clown" at one point.


rollcall--2020-09-30--Internal documents show drugmakers’ reliance on US price hikes

House Democrats are using the results of an 18-month investigation into prescription drug pricing practices to highlight the extent to which pharmaceutical companies take advantage of a lack of pricing limits in the United States .
Internal documents from several drugmakers , released by the Oversight and Reform Committee at a hearing Wednesday , show how the permissive U.S. pricing environment is central to companies ' global business models , and how price increases were key to meeting earnings goals and boosting executives ' pay .
The reports — one on Celgene Inc. and Bristol Myers Squibb , and another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the companies identifying the U.S. as a `` highly favorable environment , '' as Celgene put it , compared to Europe , where the company encountered `` stagnated price growth . ''
Executives at the hearing from Bristol Myers Squibb and Teva , and a former executive from Celgene , which was acquired by Bristol Myers Squibb last year , defended decisions to raise prices and emphasized that profits from top-selling drugs supported research in other areas .
Yet some of the internal documents helped fuel a notion that Democrats and some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agree on in principle if not in approach — that the U.S. is being taken advantage of .

House Democrats are using the results of an 18-month investigation into prescription drug pricing practices to highlight the extent to which pharmaceutical companies take advantage of a lack of pricing limits in the United States.
Internal documents from several drugmakers, released by the Oversight and Reform Committee at a hearing Wednesday, show how the permissive U.S. pricing environment is central to companies' global business models, and how price increases were key to meeting earnings goals and boosting executives' pay.
The reports — one on Celgene Inc. and Bristol Myers Squibb, and another on Teva Pharmaceuticals — found numerous examples of the companies identifying the U.S. as a "highly favorable environment," as Celgene put it, compared to Europe, where the company encountered "stagnated price growth."
Executives at the hearing from Bristol Myers Squibb and Teva, and a former executive from Celgene, which was acquired by Bristol Myers Squibb last year, defended decisions to raise prices and emphasized that profits from top-selling drugs supported research in other areas.
Yet some of the internal documents helped fuel a notion that Democrats and some Republicans, like President Donald Trump, agree on in principle if not in approach — that the U.S. is being taken advantage of.


rollcall--2020-09-30--Schumer goes around McConnell to set up vote defending Obamacare

Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer is rattling the Senate cage , exercising a right every senator has — though one rarely utilized — in an effort to put Republicans on defense on health care in the home stretch of the 2020 campaign .
“ As soon as tomorrow , [ Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ] and all my Republican colleagues will have an opportunity to set the record straight with their vote , ” Schumer said at a news conference Wednesday , discussing his procedural move to set up a vote on a measure to block the Justice Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2010 Affordable Care Act .
On Tuesday afternoon , the New York Democrat filed a cloture motion to proceed to such a bill .
The move puts Republicans who say they support pre-existing condition protections in a bind , particularly those in tight reelection races .
The 2010 law guarantees coverage of pre-existing conditions , which is in danger of being struck down in a major case that comes before the Supreme Court just days after the November election .
`` It 's directly related to , we think , the critical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Supreme Court nomination , which is the Republican efforts to destroy health care in a pandemic , '' Virginia Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine told reporters Wednesday .
Members of both parties say they support protections for pre-existing conditions , the most popular part of the 2010 health law , but Democrats on the campaign trail are seeking to use the risks to those provisions against Republicans who previously voted to weaken them .

Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer is rattling the Senate cage, exercising a right every senator has — though one rarely utilized — in an effort to put Republicans on defense on health care in the home stretch of the 2020 campaign.
“As soon as tomorrow, [Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell] and all my Republican colleagues will have an opportunity to set the record straight with their vote,” Schumer said at a news conference Wednesday, discussing his procedural move to set up a vote on a measure to block the Justice Department from intervening in support of lawsuits involving the 2010 Affordable Care Act.
On Tuesday afternoon, the New York Democrat filed a cloture motion to proceed to such a bill. The move puts Republicans who say they support pre-existing condition protections in a bind, particularly those in tight reelection races. The 2010 law guarantees coverage of pre-existing conditions, which is in danger of being struck down in a major case that comes before the Supreme Court just days after the November election.
"It's directly related to, we think, the critical issue both in the election and the Supreme Court nomination, which is the Republican efforts to destroy health care in a pandemic," Virginia Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine told reporters Wednesday.
Members of both parties say they support protections for pre-existing conditions, the most popular part of the 2010 health law, but Democrats on the campaign trail are seeking to use the risks to those provisions against Republicans who previously voted to weaken them.


Photo: Flagging China

Texas Rep. Michael McCaul , the chairman of the House Republicans ’ China Task Force , attends a news conference @ @ @ @ @ s Rayburn Room .
The task force unveiled a new report outlining bipartisan proposals to @ @ @ @ @

(Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Texas Rep. Michael McCaul, the chairman of the House Republicans’ China Task Force, attends a news conference Wednesday in the Capitol’s Rayburn Room. The task force unveiled a new report outlining bipartisan proposals to combat threats from Beijing.


rollcall--2020-09-30--Stopgap funding bill clears Senate, extending current levels through Dec. 11

The Senate easily cleared a stopgap funding measure Wednesday that would avoid a partial government shutdown in the weeks leading @ @ @ @ @ elections .
On an 84-10 vote , the Senate sent to President Donald Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ to extend current funding levels for all federal agencies through Dec. 11 .
Trump is @ @ @ @ @ , which sailed through the House last week on a 359-57 vote , before a @ @ @ @ @ fiscal year is set to begin Thursday without any of the appropriations bills for next @ @ @ @ @ The punt to Dec. 11 leaves a tall task for lawmakers in the post-election lame-duck @ @ @ @ @ White House or Senate change hands .
The Supreme Court confirmation battle to replace Justice @ @ @ @ @ touched a partisan nerve and could make cooperation more difficult .
Debate over the stopgap @ @ @ @ @ .
Passage was ensured after congressional leaders struck a bipartisan agreement last week that resolved @ @ @ @ @ payments .

President Donald Trump early Thursday morning signed a short-term bill extending current appropriations through Dec. 11, buying more time for lawmakers to get through the November elections and then try to wrap up in a lame-duck session.
Trump didn't get back from a campaign rally in Minnesota in time to beat a midnight deadline for funding the government. But that didn't mean agencies were winding down their activities and telling employees not to show up during daylight hours.
White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows had told reporters on the plane that Trump would sign the continuing resolution early Thursday after he landed in Washington, according to a pool report.
There wasn't a lapse in appropriations even though he didn't sign it quite in time for the start of the fiscal year on Oct. 1. That's because of Trump's intent to sign the measure, which the Senate cleared Wednesday on an 84-10 vote.
Not that government operations would really be impacted in the first hour of a midnight shutdown, anyway. The Office of Management and Budget has said that if a signed appropriations bill is imminent, agencies don't need to suspend operations during the first day of a funding gap.


rollcall--2020-09-30--U.S. Agency for Global Media unrecognizable under Trump ally

It was , in essence , an oversight hearing of a relatively small government agency , but what it amounted to was yet another indictment of a bureau taken over by a Trump ally and made unrecognizable to the members of Congress — from both parties — who fund and monitor it .
Democrats and Republicans joined in expressing anger and dismay at what has happened to the U.S. Agency for Global Media since a supporter of President Donald Trump was confirmed as its director in early June .
The agency , with an annual budget just under $ 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 1,500 stringer reporters , is home to the U.S. government ’ s international broadcasting operations , including the Voice of America , Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Radio Free Asia , which have long been respected as trustworthy sources of information for people in authoritarian countries whose news is censored , restricted and blocked .
Since being confirmed in June to his post in a partisan Senate vote , Michael Pack has fired all of the heads of the agency ’ s news organizations , ordered the news networks to publish pro-Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work visas of dozens of VOA-employed foreign journalists who speak the local languages of the countries to which they broadcast , and flouted congressional spending directives by essentially impounding funding for projects to combat internet censorship in repressive societies .
Pack is a longtime ally of Steve Bannon , the recently indicted Trump supporter .
The two have made conservative documentaries together .

It was, in essence, an oversight hearing of a relatively small government agency, but what it amounted to was yet another indictment of a bureau taken over by a Trump ally and made unrecognizable to the members of Congress — from both parties — who fund and monitor it.
Democrats and Republicans joined in expressing anger and dismay at what has happened to the U.S. Agency for Global Media since a supporter of President Donald Trump was confirmed as its director in early June.
The agency, with an annual budget just under $1 billion and a staff of 4,000 employees and 1,500 stringer reporters, is home to the U.S. government’s international broadcasting operations, including the Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Radio Free Asia, which have long been respected as trustworthy sources of information for people in authoritarian countries whose news is censored, restricted and blocked.
Since being confirmed in June to his post in a partisan Senate vote, Michael Pack has fired all of the heads of the agency’s news organizations, ordered the news networks to publish pro-Trump administration editorials, refused to renew the work visas of dozens of VOA-employed foreign journalists who speak the local languages of the countries to which they broadcast, and flouted congressional spending directives by essentially impounding funding for projects to combat internet censorship in repressive societies.
Pack is a longtime ally of Steve Bannon, the recently indicted Trump supporter. The two have made conservative documentaries together.


rollcall--2020-09-30--Wolf nomination for Homeland Security secretary  advances

Chad Wolf 's nomination to head the Homeland Security Department , a position he has been serving in an interim capacity for nearly a year , advanced Wednesday after a party-line vote by a Senate panel .
His nomination now heads to the Senate floor .
“ We want to keep this pretty short and sweet .
I obviously support the nomination , ” Sen. Ron Johnson , R-Wis. , chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee , said in his opening remarks .
“ I think acting Secretary Wolf has done a pretty good job based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with as secretary.
” Wolf 's nomination was approved , 6-3 , with Democrats voting against .
Wolf has served as the acting secretary of the department since November .
He was sworn in on an interim basis shortly after being confirmed by the Senate for a different role — as the undersecretary of the department 's Office of Strategy , Policy , and Plans .
He is the fifth person to head DHS , which has been without a Senate-confirmed secretary since Kirstjen Nielsen resigned in April 2019 .
Wolf ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — Immigration and Customs Enforcement , Customs and Border Protection , and Citizenship and Immigration Services — as well as the Transportation Security Administration , the Federal Emergency Management Agency , the Coast Guard and the Secret Service .

Chad Wolf's nomination to head the Homeland Security Department, a position he has been serving in an interim capacity for nearly a year, advanced Wednesday after a party-line vote by a Senate panel. His nomination now heads to the Senate floor.
“We want to keep this pretty short and sweet. I obviously support the nomination,” Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said in his opening remarks. “I think acting Secretary Wolf has done a pretty good job based on all the things he has to deal with as secretary.”
Wolf's nomination was approved, 6-3, with Democrats voting against.
Wolf has served as the acting secretary of the department since November. He was sworn in on an interim basis shortly after being confirmed by the Senate for a different role — as the undersecretary of the department's Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans. He is the fifth person to head DHS, which has been without a Senate-confirmed secretary since Kirstjen Nielsen resigned in April 2019.
Wolf’s department oversees the three main immigration agencies — Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection, and Citizenship and Immigration Services — as well as the Transportation Security Administration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Coast Guard and the Secret Service.


rollcall--2020-09-30--House GOP’s China Task Force offers plenty of bipartisan proposals

How the U.S. should respond to China both economically and militarily has been an increasingly charged political topic , but many of the legislative suggestions unveiled Wednesday as part of House Republicans ’ China Task Force actually have a chance to eventually become law .
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and other GOP leaders criticized Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Democrats for not participating in the task force , which McCarthy said he had wanted to set up on a bipartisan basis .
But McCarthy and the task force chairman , Michael McCaul of Texas , emphasized the inclusion of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of my greatest prides in the China Task Force , more than 60 percent of all the ideas in here by the way the process worked through , ” McCarthy said .
McCaul cited a bipartisan effort to bring semiconductor chip production to the United States from overseas .
“ These advanced semiconductor chips are critical to our national security , and so we worked across the aisle in the House ” and with senators “ to get that language on the national defense authorization bill , ” said McCaul , the ranking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

How the U.S. should respond to China both economically and militarily has been an increasingly charged political topic, but many of the legislative suggestions unveiled Wednesday as part of House Republicans’ China Task Force actually have a chance to eventually become law.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and other GOP leaders criticized Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Democrats for not participating in the task force, which McCarthy said he had wanted to set up on a bipartisan basis. But McCarthy and the task force chairman, Michael McCaul of Texas, emphasized the inclusion of many recommendations from Democrats.
“One of my greatest prides in the China Task Force? More than 60 percent of all the ideas in here are bipartisan, the way the process worked through,” McCarthy said.
McCaul cited a bipartisan effort to bring semiconductor chip production to the United States from overseas.
“These advanced semiconductor chips are critical to our national security, and so we worked across the aisle in the House” and with senators “to get that language on the national defense authorization bill,” said McCaul, the ranking member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.


rollcall--2020-09-30--House delays vote on partisan virus aid bill amid last-ditch talks

House Democratic leaders postponed a vote on their own coronavirus relief package late Wednesday amid growing optimism about striking an 11th-hour bipartisan deal that could deliver new relief before the Nov. 3 elections .
Democrats decided to hold off on voting for a day on their $ 2.2 trillion aid package that Republicans oppose to give more time for bipartisan talks on a compromise , a Democratic aide said .
If no deal is reached by Thursday , House leaders planned to proceed with a floor vote on their partisan bill , the aide said .
The decision to allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 90-minute meeting between Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and later consultations with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell .
After that session , leaders of both camps had expressed some cautious optimism that a bipartisan agreement could be within reach .
“ We 're gon na go back and do a little more work again , ” Mnuchin told reporters after the meeting .
“ I think we 've made a lot of progress in a lot of areas.
” Pelosi issued a more circumspect statement , saying she and Mnuchin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further clarification.
” She added : “ Our conversations will continue .
”

House Democratic leaders postponed a vote on their own coronavirus relief package late Wednesday amid growing optimism about striking an 11th-hour bipartisan deal that could deliver new relief before the Nov. 3 elections.
Democrats decided to hold off on voting for a day on their $2.2 trillion aid package that Republicans oppose to give more time for bipartisan talks on a compromise, a Democratic aide said. If no deal is reached by Thursday, House leaders planned to proceed with a floor vote on their partisan bill, the aide said.
The decision to allow for more time came hours after a 90-minute meeting between Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and later consultations with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. After that session, leaders of both camps had expressed some cautious optimism that a bipartisan agreement could be within reach.
“We're gonna go back and do a little more work again,” Mnuchin told reporters after the meeting. “I think we've made a lot of progress in a lot of areas.”
Pelosi issued a more circumspect statement, saying she and Mnuchin “found areas where we are seeking further clarification.” She added: “Our conversations will continue.”


rollcall--2020-10-01--House passes $2.2 trillion coronavirus relief bill amid faltering talks

House Democrats passed their own revised version of a coronavirus aid package Thursday , in a largely symbolic expression of @ @ @ @ @ a bipartisan compromise .
On a party-line vote of 214-207 , the House sent to @ @ @ @ @ trillion package that Republicans have lambasted as a costly “ liberal wish list.
” No @ @ @ @ @ it ; 18 Democrats voted `` no . ''
There were 10 Republican no-shows on @ @ @ @ @ potentially flipped the outcome .
The Trump administration has offered about $ 1.5 trillion .
@ @ @ @ @ two plans jumps to roughly $ 1 trillion once offsets are backed out of the @ @ @ @ @ Nancy Pelosi said amounts to $ 265 billion in tax increases on well-off business owners @ @ @ @ @ Senate Republicans want to spend even less : They chafed even at a $ 1 @ @ @ @ @ , before backing a bill with just $ 650 billion in relief — more than @ @ @ @ @

House Democrats passed their own revised version of a coronavirus aid package Thursday, in a largely symbolic expression of frustration with protracted talks on a bipartisan compromise.
On a party-line vote of 214-207, the House sent to the Senate a $2.2 trillion package that Republicans have lambasted as a costly “liberal wish list.” No House GOP lawmaker voted for it; 18 Democrats voted "no."
There were 10 Republican no-shows on final passage who could have potentially flipped the outcome.
The Trump administration has offered about $1.5 trillion. But the divide between the two plans jumps to roughly $1 trillion once offsets are backed out of the equation, including what Speaker Nancy Pelosi said amounts to $265 billion in tax increases on well-off business owners that Republicans have rejected.
Senate Republicans want to spend even less: They chafed even at a $1 trillion package over the summer, before backing a bill with just $650 billion in relief — more than half of it offset.


rollcall--2020-10-01--Coronavirus Special Report: COVID-19 relief talks between the House and White House stall

In tonight ’ s episode , we look at the stumbling blocks to passing the latest round of COVID-19 relief @ @ @ @ @ chance to get a deal may have slipped by for now , at least until @ @ @ @ @ look at why airlines have begun to furlough employees .
• Rating changes : Collins @ @ @ @ @ Graham in tougher race • New FBI film warns about China ’ s recruitment of @ @

In tonight’s episode, we look at the stumbling blocks to passing the latest round of COVID-19 relief and why the last best chance to get a deal may have slipped by for now, at least until the elections. We also look at why airlines have begun to furlough employees.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-10-01--Heavy hitters in House urge return of spending bill earmarks

Two of the most influential House Democrats said Thursday that the chamber should bring back earmarks next year , saying a de facto prohibition on `` congressionally directed spending '' gives too much power to the executive branch .
Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland , the No .
2 House Democrat , and James E. Clyburn of South Carolina , the party whip and third-ranking Democrat , told the Rules Committee that earmarks should be restored with “ safeguards ” Democrats instituted in 2007 and expanded two years later .
Hoyer , Clyburn and others testifying on potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said earmarks help lawmakers advocate for the needs of their districts and states .
“ I represent many rural communities , each with its own challenges and needs , ” said Clyburn , who served on Appropriations for eight years before taking a leave of absence starting in 2007 .
“ These communities have limited resources and are unable to hire grant writers and lobbyists .
What these communities have is a congressman.
” Earmarks have been banned in the House since 2011 , when then-Speaker John Boehner , supported by a wave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prohibition to GOP rules .

Two of the most influential House Democrats said Thursday that the chamber should bring back earmarks next year, saying a de facto prohibition on "congressionally directed spending" gives too much power to the executive branch.
Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland, the No. 2 House Democrat, and James E. Clyburn of South Carolina, the party whip and third-ranking Democrat, told the Rules Committee that earmarks should be restored with “safeguards” Democrats instituted in 2007 and expanded two years later.
Hoyer, Clyburn and others testifying on potential House rules changes for the 117th Congress said earmarks help lawmakers advocate for the needs of their districts and states.
“I represent many rural communities, each with its own challenges and needs,” said Clyburn, who served on Appropriations for eight years before taking a leave of absence starting in 2007. “These communities have limited resources and are unable to hire grant writers and lobbyists. What these communities have is a congressman.”
Earmarks have been banned in the House since 2011, when then-Speaker John Boehner, supported by a wave of newly-elected conservative members, added a prohibition to GOP rules.


rollcall--2020-10-01--Pandemic Halloween: Here’s the CDC’s October safety guidance

A bipartisan group of lawmakers requested the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide safety guidance on Halloween activities during @ @ @ @ @ CDC ’ s website now has a page detailing guidelines for various upcoming holidays , @ @ @ @ @ video for some key takeaways , including that a Halloween mask is no a substitute @ @ @ @ @ , and that typical trick-or-treating is considered a “ high risk ” activity by the @ @

A bipartisan group of lawmakers requested the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide safety guidance on Halloween activities during the coronavirus pandemic. The CDC’s website now has a page detailing guidelines for various upcoming holidays, including Halloween.
See the video for some key takeaways, including that a Halloween mask is no a substitute for a cloth face mask, and that typical trick-or-treating is considered a “high risk” activity by the CDC.
Also watch: Capitol Hill’s top 3 ghost stories


rollcall--2020-10-01--New FBI film warns about China’s recruitment of US officials

China ’ s effort to recruit current and former top U.S. national security officials using social media accounts has reached such a fever pitch that the FBI has made a 30-minute movie based on a real-life incident to warn Americans about falling prey to such tactics .
The FBI and the National Counterintelligence and Security Center on Wednesday released a movie titled The Nevernight Connection , named after Shanghai , which is known as the Never-Night city for its ceaseless 24-hour life .
The movie portrays a fictional Daniel Landry , a retired U.S. Navy official who worked for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its undersea vehicle program , and is sought out on a professional social media platform that sounds like LinkedIn .
A man called Thomas Wu , claiming to work for Southeast Asia Maritime Institute , wants Landry to write a white paper on how unmanned undersea vehicles could help with exploiting undersea resources for commercial purposes .
In exchange Landry gets offered $ 1,500 and an all-expenses paid trip to Shanghai to present the paper .
Wu asks Landry to ask his former Navy colleagues for the latest information and advances while preparing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his speech and is given an envelope of crisp $ 100 bills does he see a news headline of another American official who is arrested for helping China gain access to sensitive U.S. military information .
But it ’ s too late by then and Landry gets arrested on his return to the United States on similar charges and gets sent to prison for 20 years .

China’s effort to recruit current and former top U.S. national security officials using social media accounts has reached such a fever pitch that the FBI has made a 30-minute movie based on a real-life incident to warn Americans about falling prey to such tactics.
The FBI and the National Counterintelligence and Security Center on Wednesday released a movie titled The Nevernight Connection, named after Shanghai, which is known as the Never-Night city for its ceaseless 24-hour life.
The movie portrays a fictional Daniel Landry, a retired U.S. Navy official who worked for the service’s undersea warfare office managing its undersea vehicle program, and is sought out on a professional social media platform that sounds like LinkedIn.
A man called Thomas Wu, claiming to work for Southeast Asia Maritime Institute, wants Landry to write a white paper on how unmanned undersea vehicles could help with exploiting undersea resources for commercial purposes. In exchange Landry gets offered $1,500 and an all-expenses paid trip to Shanghai to present the paper.
Wu asks Landry to ask his former Navy colleagues for the latest information and advances while preparing the paper. Only after Landry finishes his speech and is given an envelope of crisp $100 bills does he see a news headline of another American official who is arrested for helping China gain access to sensitive U.S. military information. But it’s too late by then and Landry gets arrested on his return to the United States on similar charges and gets sent to prison for 20 years.


rollcall--2020-10-01--Schumer effort to force health care vote earns some GOP support

Six Senate Republicans , including five facing tight reelection races this fall , voted with Democrats on Thursday on a procedural vote on legislation to block the Trump administration from intervening in a lawsuit to overturn the 2010 health care law .
Sens .
Susan Collins of Maine , Joni Ernst of Iowa , Cory Gardner of Colorado , Martha McSally of Arizona and Dan Sullivan of Alaska voted to end debate on proceeding to a bill that would block the Department of Justice from advocating that a court should overturn the health care law , including in a high-profile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court is set to hear on Nov. 10 .
Alaska Republican Lisa Murkowski , who is not on the ballot this year , also voted with Democrats to advance to the bill .
The cloture vote on proceeding to the measure was set up by Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer in an unusual move to force Republicans to vote on an issue Democrats consider politically difficult for them .
It fell short by a vote of 51-43 — 60 votes were required .
Collins previously criticized the administration for supporting the lawsuit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affirming his support for coverage of preexisting health conditions .
Most Republicans , except for Collins and Murkowski , have voted in the past few years to weaken preexisting conditions protections in efforts to overhaul the 2010 law .

Six Senate Republicans, including five facing tight reelection races this fall, voted with Democrats on Thursday on a procedural vote on legislation to block the Trump administration from intervening in a lawsuit to overturn the 2010 health care law.
Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Joni Ernst of Iowa, Cory Gardner of Colorado, Martha McSally of Arizona and Dan Sullivan of Alaska voted to end debate on proceeding to a bill that would block the Department of Justice from advocating that a court should overturn the health care law, including in a high-profile challenge to the law that the Supreme Court is set to hear on Nov. 10.
Alaska Republican Lisa Murkowski, who is not on the ballot this year, also voted with Democrats to advance to the bill.
The cloture vote on proceeding to the measure was set up by Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer in an unusual move to force Republicans to vote on an issue Democrats consider politically difficult for them. It fell short by a vote of 51-43 — 60 votes were required.
Collins previously criticized the administration for supporting the lawsuit. Gardner released an ad last month affirming his support for coverage of preexisting health conditions. Most Republicans, except for Collins and Murkowski, have voted in the past few years to weaken preexisting conditions protections in efforts to overhaul the 2010 law.


rollcall--2020-10-01--House clears sweeping Olympic and amateur sports oversight package

The House cleared by voice vote sweeping legislation Thursday designed to strengthen oversight of U.S. participation in the Olympics .
The bipartisan , bicameral package was the outgrowth of an investigation by the Senate Commerce , Science and Transportation Committee ’ s Manufacturing , Trade , and Consumer Protection Subcommittee , which has jurisdiction over sports policy .
“ Today , the House passed our Olympic reform legislation advancing critical changes and effective safeguards to protect our Olympic , Paralympic and amateur athletes .
Through the input and guidance of the courageous survivors — athletes who traveled to Washington , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we were able to advance this legislation through Congress , '' Subcommittee Chairman Jerry Moran , R-Kan. , and ranking member Richard Blumenthal , D-Conn. , said in a joint statement .
The panel investigated the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee ’ s handling of well-documented allegations of abuse against athletes , as well as the response from governing bodies for individual sports like gymnastics .
The resulting legislation passed the Senate by unanimous consent shortly before the August recess .
It will now be on the way to President Donald Trump ’ @ @ @

The House cleared by voice vote sweeping legislation Thursday designed to strengthen oversight of U.S. participation in the Olympics.
The bipartisan, bicameral package was the outgrowth of an investigation by the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee’s Manufacturing, Trade, and Consumer Protection Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over sports policy.
“Today, the House passed our Olympic reform legislation advancing critical changes and effective safeguards to protect our Olympic, Paralympic and amateur athletes. Through the input and guidance of the courageous survivors — athletes who traveled to Washington, shared their stories and demanded change — we were able to advance this legislation through Congress," Subcommittee Chairman Jerry Moran, R-Kan., and ranking member Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said in a joint statement.
The panel investigated the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s handling of well-documented allegations of abuse against athletes, as well as the response from governing bodies for individual sports like gymnastics.
The resulting legislation passed the Senate by unanimous consent shortly before the August recess. It will now be on the way to President Donald Trump’s desk.


rollcall--2020-10-01--Photo: Happy birthday, Mr. President

Photo: Happy birthday, Mr. President

Former President Jimmy Carter turns 96 Thursday .
Known for his work with Habitat for Humanity , the 39th president @ @ @ @ @ 1992 with the Democratic presidential ticket of Bill Clinton and Al Gore and former first @ @ @ @ @ start of construction on a Habitat house in Atlanta .

(Bill Clark/file photo)
Former President Jimmy Carter turns 96 Thursday. Known for his work with Habitat for Humanity, the 39th president is seen here in August 1992 with the Democratic presidential ticket of Bill Clinton and Al Gore and former first lady Rosalynn Carter before the start of construction on a Habitat house in Atlanta.


rollcall--2020-10-01--At the Races: It’s debatable

At the Races: It’s debatable

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 .
As the first presidential debate Tuesday threw the country into a panic spiral over the collapse of political discourse and the futility of “ joint appearances ” devoid of real exchanges of ideas , candidates in some of the most competitive Senate and House races of the cycle were also having their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part , they were much more productive .
Iowa GOP Sen. Joni Ernst and Democrat Theresa Greeenfield faced off over the Supreme Court , health care and money in politics , among other issues .
In Maine , GOP Sen. Susan Collins and her Democratic challenger , Sara Gideon , battled over the high court , while a big chunk of the Montana Senate debate between Republican incumbent Steve Daines and Democratic Gov .
Steve Bullock was spent arguing over political money .
And in South Carolina ’ s 1st District , vulnerable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mace exchanged jabs over tax rates , climate science and the coronavirus pandemic .
In North Carolina , vulnerable GOP Sen. Thom Tillis will square off for the third and final time in a debate Thursday night against Democratic challenger Cal Cunningham .
While some of these exchanges were contentious , they also featured revealing sound bites about hot-button issues and provided clear contrasts to voters who chose to tune in .
That ’ s a valuable opportunity , especially in areas without robust local media .

Bridget Bowman, Kate Ackley, and Stephanie Akin

Welcome to At the Races! Each week we’ll bring you news and analysis from the CQ Roll Call team that will keep you informed about the 2020 election. Know someone who’d like to get this newsletter? They can subscribe here.
As the first presidential debate Tuesday threw the country into a panic spiral over the collapse of political discourse and the futility of “joint appearances” devoid of real exchanges of ideas, candidates in some of the most competitive Senate and House races of the cycle were also having their own first debates. For the most part, they were much more productive.
Iowa GOP Sen. Joni Ernst and Democrat Theresa Greeenfield faced off over the Supreme Court, health care and money in politics, among other issues. In Maine, GOP Sen. Susan Collins and her Democratic challenger, Sara Gideon, battled over the high court, while a big chunk of the Montana Senate debate between Republican incumbent Steve Daines and Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock was spent arguing over political money.
And in South Carolina’s 1st District, vulnerable Democrat Joe Cunningham and GOP challenger Nancy Mace exchanged jabs over tax rates, climate science and the coronavirus pandemic. In North Carolina, vulnerable GOP Sen. Thom Tillis will square off for the third and final time in a debate Thursday night against Democratic challenger Cal Cunningham.
While some of these exchanges were contentious, they also featured revealing sound bites about hot-button issues and provided clear contrasts to voters who chose to tune in. That’s a valuable opportunity, especially in areas without robust local media.


rollcall--2020-10-01--Women, small-dollar donors fuel $11 billion election cycle

Women and small-dollar donors are filling political campaign coffers like never before as the 2020 election cycle ’ s price tag is expected to hit a record-shattering $ 11 billion .
That ’ s according to a new report from the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics , which tracks campaign money .
The 2020 elections feature not only competitive , high-dollar Senate and House races , but also a presidential campaign that at the start of the year included some free-spending billionaire candidates .
“ The 2018 election smashed fundraising records for midterms , and 2020 is going to absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — or imagined , ” said Sheila Krumholz , the center ’ s executive director , in a statement explaining the report Thursday .
“ This is already the most expensive presidential election in history and there are still months of election spending to account for .
The unanswered question is whether this will be the new normal for future elections.
” Women donors , who for decades lagged behind their male counterparts in campaign giving , represent 43 percent of all 2020 contributors , the center calculated .
The group uses software @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political donors .
Female contributors already have outspent their previous record in the 2017-2018 cycle , giving nearly $ 1.7 billion so far this cycle .
In the last cycle , women harnessed the power of the political purse to give more than they had previously to political candidates .
And that trend has only increased .

Women and small-dollar donors are filling political campaign coffers like never before as the 2020 election cycle’s price tag is expected to hit a record-shattering $11 billion.
That’s according to a new report from the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics, which tracks campaign money. The 2020 elections feature not only competitive, high-dollar Senate and House races, but also a presidential campaign that at the start of the year included some free-spending billionaire candidates.
“The 2018 election smashed fundraising records for midterms, and 2020 is going to absolutely crush anything we’ve ever seen — or imagined,” said Sheila Krumholz, the center’s executive director, in a statement explaining the report Thursday. “This is already the most expensive presidential election in history and there are still months of election spending to account for. The unanswered question is whether this will be the new normal for future elections.”
Women donors, who for decades lagged behind their male counterparts in campaign giving, represent 43 percent of all 2020 contributors, the center calculated. The group uses software and reporting to identify the genders of political donors.
Female contributors already have outspent their previous record in the 2017-2018 cycle, giving nearly $1.7 billion so far this cycle. In the last cycle, women harnessed the power of the political purse to give more than they had previously to political candidates. And that trend has only increased.


CQ Future: Cities

People can work anywhere now , so why stay in cramped apartments ?
But the more people flee urban areas @ @ @ @ @ , the harder it will be to revive local economies since much-needed income is leaving @ @ @ @ @ about the future of cities we reached out to two experts — Rep. Brenda Lawrence @ @ @ @ @ Southfield ’ s first African American mayor , and Annise Parker , former mayor of @ @ @ @ @ How one Hill aide is turning his political connections into a business

Shawn Zeller, Joanne Levine, and Evan Campbell

People can work anywhere now, so why stay in cramped apartments? But the more people flee urban areas due to the coronavirus pandemic, the harder it will be to revive local economies since much-needed income is leaving as well.
To talk about the future of cities we reached out to two experts — Rep. Brenda Lawrence of Michigan, who was Southfield’s first African American mayor, and Annise Parker, former mayor of Houston.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-10-02--Trump, first lady test positive for COVID-19

President Donald Trump announced early Friday morning that he and first lady Melania Trump have both tested positive for COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ our quarantine and recovery process immediately , ” the president tweeted shortly before 1 a.m. @ @ @ @ @ will get through this TOGETHER !
” The Trumps were tested after Hope Hicks , @ @ @ @ @ s closest advisers , tested positive Friday .
A memorandum from the president ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Sean P. Conley , which was released publicly minutes after Trump ’ s tweet , @ @ @ @ @ “ The President and First Lady are both well at this time , and they @ @ @ @ @ within the White House during their convalescence , ” the memo said .

President Donald Trump announced early Friday morning that he and first lady Melania Trump have both tested positive for COVID-19.
“We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately,” the president tweeted shortly before 1 a.m. Eastern time. “We will get through this TOGETHER!”
The Trumps were tested after Hope Hicks, one of the president’s closest advisers, tested positive Friday.
A memorandum from the president’s physician, Navy Cmdr. Sean P. Conley, which was released publicly minutes after Trump’s tweet, confirmed the test results.
“The President and First Lady are both well at this time, and they plan to remain at home within the White House during their convalescence,” the memo said.


rollcall--2020-10-02--McConnell: Senate will be in Monday despite positive COVID-19 tests

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says he expects senators back in Washington on Monday despite the uncertainty surrounding their exposure to COVID-19 in the wake of the positive diagnoses of President Donald Trump and Sen. Mike Lee .
“ We ’ ve been operating in the same environment now since the 1st of May and been able to do Senate business .
There ’ s no reason why we can ’ t continue to do that , ” McConnell told a reporter Friday at an event in Kentucky .
That promise to continue operating as normal comes even though Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend ’ s White House event announcing the Supreme Court nomination of Amy Coney Barrett disclosed positive coronavirus tests Friday .
The positive tests have led some to call for the Senate to avoid meeting and follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines that call for a period of self-isolation .
McConnell made his comments Friday afternoon , a few hours before North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis revealed he had tested positive for the virus .
Tillis was among the Republican senators at Saturday ’ s White House event , and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Utah ’ s senior senator .
“ I will be following the recommendations of my doctor and will be self-isolating at home for 10 days and notifying those I ’ ve been in close contact with .
Thankfully , I have no symptoms and I feel well .
As we all know , COVID-19 is a very contagious and deadly virus , especially because many carriers are asymptomatic , ” Tillis said in a statement .

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says he expects senators back in Washington on Monday despite the uncertainty surrounding their exposure to COVID-19 in the wake of the positive diagnoses of President Donald Trump and Sen. Mike Lee.
“We’ve been operating in the same environment now since the 1st of May and been able to do Senate business. There’s no reason why we can’t continue to do that,” McConnell told a reporter Friday at an event in Kentucky.
That promise to continue operating as normal comes even though Trump, Lee and others who attended last weekend’s White House event announcing the Supreme Court nomination of Amy Coney Barrett disclosed positive coronavirus tests Friday. The positive tests have led some to call for the Senate to avoid meeting and follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines that call for a period of self-isolation.
McConnell made his comments Friday afternoon, a few hours before North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis revealed he had tested positive for the virus. Tillis was among the Republican senators at Saturday’s White House event, and was seated mere feet away from Lee, Utah’s senior senator.
“I will be following the recommendations of my doctor and will be self-isolating at home for 10 days and notifying those I’ve been in close contact with. Thankfully, I have no symptoms and I feel well. As we all know, COVID-19 is a very contagious and deadly virus, especially because many carriers are asymptomatic,” Tillis said in a statement.


rollcall--2020-10-02--Trump to spend ‘a few days’ at Walter Reed after COVID-19 diagnosis

President Donald Trump is heading to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for what the White House says is a precaution after he tested positive for COVID-19 and began experiencing symptoms .
“ President Trump remains in good [ spirits ] , has mild symptoms , and has been working throughout the day .
Out of an abundance of caution , and at the recommendation of his physician and medical experts , the President will be working from the presidential offices at Walter Reed for the next few days , ” White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the military medical complex aboard Marine One , which is the way presidents often travel to the facility in nearby Bethesda , Maryland .
The former Bethesda Naval Hospital has a long history of treating ailing presidents and other dignitaries , and features a variety of VIP quarters , including a presidential suite .
“ As of this afternoon , President Trump remains fatigued but in good spirits .
He ’ s being evaluated by a team of experts , and together we ’ ll be making recommendations to the President and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steps , ” the president ’ s physician , Navy Cmdr .
Sean P. Conley , wrote in a memo released before it was publicly known Trump was leaving the White House for Bethesda .

President Donald Trump is heading to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for what the White House says is a precaution after he tested positive for COVID-19 and began experiencing symptoms.
“President Trump remains in good [spirits], has mild symptoms, and has been working throughout the day. Out of an abundance of caution, and at the recommendation of his physician and medical experts, the President will be working from the presidential offices at Walter Reed for the next few days,” White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said in a statement Friday.
Trump is traveling to the military medical complex aboard Marine One, which is the way presidents often travel to the facility in nearby Bethesda, Maryland.
The former Bethesda Naval Hospital has a long history of treating ailing presidents and other dignitaries, and features a variety of VIP quarters, including a presidential suite.
“As of this afternoon, President Trump remains fatigued but in good spirits. He’s being evaluated by a team of experts, and together we’ll be making recommendations to the President and First Lady in regards to next best steps,” the president’s physician, Navy Cmdr. Sean P. Conley, wrote in a memo released before it was publicly known Trump was leaving the White House for Bethesda.


rollcall--2020-10-02--US adversaries could seize on Trump’s COVID-19 diagnosis to spread disinformation

The security implications of President Donald Trump ’ s contraction of the novel coronavirus are more likely to involve a @ @ @ @ @ any military event , several former top government officials said Friday .
While more fake @ @ @ @ @ almost certainly not lead to war , they could roil an already tense and divided @ @ @ @ @ ahead of the Nov. 3 election .
The president and first lady Melania Trump , @ @ @ @ @ the virus , were in quarantine and experiencing mild symptoms as of Friday , the @ @ @ @ @ the president 's health does not worsen considerably , little of consequence is likely to @ @ @ @ @ national security .
The president is 74 , though , placing him at greater risk @ @ @ @ @ worse and even dying .
On Friday evening , the White House announced Trump would @ @ @ @ @ Military Medical Center for several days `` out of an abundance of caution . ''

The security implications of President Donald Trump’s contraction of the novel coronavirus are more likely to involve a stepped-up Russian disinformation campaign than any military event, several former top government officials said.
While more fake stories on social media would almost certainly not lead to war, they could roil an already tense and divided America just a few weeks ahead of the Nov. 3 election.
In what would seem a positive sign about Trump’s health, the president returned to the White House on Monday evening after spending three days at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in the nearby Maryland suburbs.
But officials have acknowledged to reporters that Trump’s condition has been serious. He was given supplemental oxygen to help him breathe on Oct. 2. His blood oxygen levels plummeted suddenly on two occasions in recent days. And he was given a steroid that experts have said is normally reserved for those with extreme cases of COVID-19.
If the president's health does not worsen considerably, little of consequence is likely to change in the realm of national security. The president is 74, though, placing him at greater risk than most people of getting worse and even dying. And the virus can worsen in the second week and even after it has shown signs of subsiding, doctors have said.


rollcall--2020-10-02--Capitol physician expands testing, but remains selective

Lawmakers and staff on Capitol Hill have expanded access to on-site COVID-19 testing through the Office of the Attending Physician , according to new guidance released Friday .
The details on availability of the testing , though , do not appear to be widely known and underscore that there is no uniform testing regime for the legislative branch .
“ The testing is available in medically indicated cases of Members who have symptoms suggestive of coronavirus or who are concerned they may have been exposed to a known positive Covid 19 patient , ” the guidance reads .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Other staff members who have been in contact with a known positive case here at the Capitol are also offered testing.
” This is the first time that staffers have had access to tests if they were potentially exposed to the virus over the course of their work duties .
Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee and Minnesota GOP Reps. Tom Emmer and Jim Hagedorn all received tests from the OAP in recent days .
Lee announced Friday that he had tested positive .
Emmer and Hagedorn said Friday their tests came back negative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ internal medical office comes after the news overnight that President Donald Trump , first lady Melania Trump and senior Trump counselor Hope Hicks all tested positive for COVID-19 and the ensuing revelation that multiple lawmakers may have been exposed to the coronavirus when they flew with the president and his senior staff on Air Force One to recent events .

Katherine Tully-McManus and Chris Cioffi

Lawmakers and staff on Capitol Hill have expanded access to on-site COVID-19 testing through the Office of the Attending Physician, according to new guidance released Friday. The details on availability of the testing, though, do not appear to be widely known and underscore that there is no uniform testing regime for the legislative branch.
“The testing is available in medically indicated cases of Members who have symptoms suggestive of coronavirus or who are concerned they may have been exposed to a known positive Covid 19 patient,” the guidance reads. “The testing is available throughout the day. Other staff members who have been in contact with a known positive case here at the Capitol are also offered testing.”
This is the first time that staffers have had access to tests if they were potentially exposed to the virus over the course of their work duties.
Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee and Minnesota GOP Reps. Tom Emmer and Jim Hagedorn all received tests from the OAP in recent days. Lee announced Friday that he had tested positive. Emmer and Hagedorn said Friday their tests came back negative.
Friday’s announcement from Congress’ internal medical office comes after the news overnight that President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and senior Trump counselor Hope Hicks all tested positive for COVID-19 and the ensuing revelation that multiple lawmakers may have been exposed to the coronavirus when they flew with the president and his senior staff on Air Force One to recent events.


rollcall--2020-10-02--Azar says science will guide vaccine decisions

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar , responding to Democrats ' concerns that President Donald Trump might try to rush out a COVID-19 vaccine before it is ready , told a House panel Friday that science would govern whether his department approves a vaccine .
In Azar ’ s first testimony on Capitol Hill since February , he told the House 's Coronavirus Crisis Subcommittee that career officials at the Food and Drug Administration , led by Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research Director Peter Marks , would decide if a vaccine was safe and effective .
Still , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as himself , bring years of experience to the table that can be useful in the debate over approving a vaccine .
The hearing came hours after President Donald Trump announced early Friday he and First Lady Melania Trump tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 , following the diagnosis of close aide Hope Hicks .
Azar said his own test had come back negative .
Azar declined to answer questions about whether he had advised Trump not to hold political rallies during the pandemic or whether Trump had directed him to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying he would not discuss private conversations .

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, responding to Democrats' concerns that President Donald Trump might try to rush out a COVID-19 vaccine before it is ready, told a House panel Friday that science would govern whether his department approves a vaccine.
In Azar’s first testimony on Capitol Hill since February, he told the House's Coronavirus Crisis Subcommittee that career officials at the Food and Drug Administration, led by Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research Director Peter Marks, would decide if a vaccine was safe and effective.
Still, Azar said that other officials, such as himself, bring years of experience to the table that can be useful in the debate over approving a vaccine.
The hearing came hours after President Donald Trump announced early Friday he and First Lady Melania Trump tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19, following the diagnosis of close aide Hope Hicks. Azar said his own test had come back negative.
Azar declined to answer questions about whether he had advised Trump not to hold political rallies during the pandemic or whether Trump had directed him to slow down testing for the virus, saying he would not discuss private conversations.


rollcall--2020-10-02--‘God help us all if this is by the book’ — Congressional Hits and Misses

Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse described the first 2020 presidential debate as a “ s -- - show , ” but @ @ @ @ @ been talking about the entire week .
President Donald Trump and Utah Sen. Mike Lee @ @ @ @ @ on Friday as calls grew for more lawmakers to get tested .
From Iowa Rep. @ @ @ @ @ of the term “ white nationalism ” to Illinois Rep. Jan Schakowsky wishing she ’ @ @ @ @ @ names , the presidential debate wasn ’ t the only bizarre spectacle in politics this @ @ @ @ @ : Photos of the week ending Oct. 2 ]

Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse described the first 2020 presidential debate as a “s--- show,” but he may as well have been talking about the entire week. President Donald Trump and Utah Sen. Mike Lee both tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday as calls grew for more lawmakers to get tested.
From Iowa Rep. Steve King charting the use of the term “white nationalism” to Illinois Rep. Jan Schakowsky wishing she’d practiced pronouncing staffers’ names, the presidential debate wasn’t the only bizarre spectacle in politics this week.
[See more: Photos of the week ending Oct. 2]


rollcall--2020-10-02--Pelosi open to stand-alone airline aid bill to prevent layoffs

Given the prospect of `` imminent '' action , Pelosi urged the airline industry to “ delay their devastating job cuts ” that “ jeopardize the livelihoods of tens of thousands and threaten to accelerate the devastating economic crisis facing our nation.
” A Pelosi spokesman did not respond to a request for comment on how long the speaker would give for negotiations on a comprehensive bill before advancing a stand-alone measure .
DeFazio tried to obtain unanimous consent to pass his bill before the House adjourned Friday .
Kendra Horn , D-Okla. , who was presiding , rejected the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting the request cleared in advance by party leaders on both sides .
DeFazio blamed GOP leaders for that outcome .
`` In plain English , what you just said is that the Republican majority killed this legislation , ” he said .
A House GOP aide said rather than pass an earlier bipartisan airline aid bill , Democrats introduced a new partisan measure with no offsets and sent it to Republicans during the final vote series of the day .
Republicans objected to the unanimous consent request because they are still awaiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ details of the legislation , the aide said .

Given the prospect of "imminent" action, Pelosi urged the airline industry to “delay their devastating job cuts” that “jeopardize the livelihoods of tens of thousands and threaten to accelerate the devastating economic crisis facing our nation.”
A Pelosi spokesman did not respond to a request for comment on how long the speaker would give for negotiations on a comprehensive bill before advancing a stand-alone measure.
DeFazio tried to obtain unanimous consent to pass his bill before the House adjourned Friday. Kendra Horn, D-Okla., who was presiding, rejected the request on standard procedural grounds for not getting the request cleared in advance by party leaders on both sides.
DeFazio blamed GOP leaders for that outcome. "In plain English, what you just said is that the Republican majority killed this legislation,” he said.
A House GOP aide said rather than pass an earlier bipartisan airline aid bill, Democrats introduced a new partisan measure with no offsets and sent it to Republicans during the final vote series of the day. Republicans objected to the unanimous consent request because they are still awaiting a Congressional Budget Office score and further details of the legislation, the aide said.


rollcall--2020-10-02--Photos of the week ending Oct. 2

Photos of the week ending Oct. 2

The Capitol was dominated this week by the start of the confirmation process for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett @ @ @ @ @ senators .
Here is how the week unfolded , through the lenses of CQ Roll @ @ @ @ @

Bill Clark, Caroline Brehman, and Tom Williams

The Capitol was dominated this week by the start of the confirmation process for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett, who met with Republican senators.
Here is how the week unfolded, through the lenses of CQ Roll Call’s photojournalists.
A U.S. Capitol Police officer stands on the Senate steps Tuesday before Barrett’s arrival for her first day of meetings with senators. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Barrett is greeted Tuesday by, from left, Vice President Mike Pence, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and White House counsel Pat Cipollone before being escorted into the Senate. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Barrett and Pence arrive at Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s office Tuesday before meetings with senators. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Rev. Angela Martin prepares for a march and a pray-in with the Poor People’s Campaign on Tuesday on Capitol Hill to remember the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Breonna Taylor, who was shot and killed by Louisville, Ky., police at her home in March during a botched raid. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer is captured from two different angles at the same moment Wednesday morning as he enters the Capitol. (Bill Clark and Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Barrett and Utah Sen. Mitt Romney pose for photos in the Capitol’s Mansfield Room before their meeting Wednesday. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Texas Rep. Michael McCaul, the chairman of the House Republicans’ China Task Force, mistakenly replaces his face mask upside down after speaking at a news conference Wednesday in the Capitol’s Rayburn Room. The task force unveiled a new report outlining bipartisan proposals to combat threats from Beijing. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
McConnell leaves the Senate Republicans’ lunch in the Hart Building on Wednesday. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Reporters stake out Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office Wednesday as a Capitol worker wheels out trash. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley talks with a reporter Thursday before a Senate Judiciary markup on judicial nominations. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)


rollcall--2020-10-02--Calls grow for more COVID-19 testing of lawmakers, staff

A deluge of positive COVID-19 tests that included Sen. Mike Lee , President Donald Trump and his aide Hope Hicks prompted more calls for a testing program in the Capitol and its surrounding office buildings .
“ This episode demonstrates that the Senate needs a testing and contact tracing program for Senators , staff , and all who work in the Capitol complex , ” Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer said in a statement Friday .
“ We simply can not allow the administration 's cavalier attitude to adversely affect this branch of government.
” In a statement released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advice Thursday after experiencing symptoms consistent with “ longtime allergies.
” “ Unlike the test I took just a few days ago while visiting the White House , yesterday ’ s test came back positive , ” the Utah Republican said .
Lee was seen wearing a mask before a Thursday Senate Judiciary Committee markup but about an hour into the meeting he was maskless .
He was spotted sitting close to senators at the White House on Saturday at the announcement where Trump introduced Judge Amy Coney Barrett as his Supreme Court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday .

A deluge of positive COVID-19 tests that included Sen. Mike Lee, President Donald Trump and his aide Hope Hicks prompted more calls for a testing program in the Capitol and its surrounding office buildings.
“This episode demonstrates that the Senate needs a testing and contact tracing program for Senators, staff, and all who work in the Capitol complex,” Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer said in a statement Friday. “We simply cannot allow the administration's cavalier attitude to adversely affect this branch of government.”
In a statement released Friday, Lee said he sought medical advice Thursday after experiencing symptoms consistent with “longtime allergies.”
“Unlike the test I took just a few days ago while visiting the White House, yesterday’s test came back positive,” the Utah Republican said.
Lee was seen wearing a mask before a Thursday Senate Judiciary Committee markup but about an hour into the meeting he was maskless. He was spotted sitting close to senators at the White House on Saturday at the announcement where Trump introduced Judge Amy Coney Barrett as his Supreme Court nominee. Lee met with Barrett on Tuesday.


rollcall--2020-10-02--Business as usual for House after Trump positive COVID-19 test

Speaker Nancy Pelosi offered no indications Friday of imminent changes to congressional operations after President Donald Trump and First Lady @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 .
“ The distancing , that ’ s hard , the distancing because people @ @ @ @ @ legislation and the rest , ” the California Democrat said on MSNBC .
“ But @ @ @ @ @ president , the situation with the president then makes it clearer that everybody has to @ @ @ @ @ sides , on both sides of the aisle.
” Pelosi made clear that message was @ @ @ @ @ whom she said “ in most cases mimic what the president says about masks , @ @ @ @ @ , which is most unfortunate.
” She added : “ That ’ s why we @ @ @ @ @ rules in the chamber in terms of mask wearing being required : ‘ You don @ @ @ @ @ you can ’ t come in ; you don ’ t have a mask we @ @ @ @ @ ’ ”

Speaker Nancy Pelosi offered no indications Friday of imminent changes to congressional operations after President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump tested positive for COVID-19.
“The distancing, that’s hard, the distancing because people are trying to communicate about legislation and the rest,” the California Democrat said on MSNBC. “But I do think that the president, the situation with the president then makes it clearer that everybody has to keep their distance on both sides, on both sides of the aisle.”
[Trump’s test shows how COVID-19 might threaten Barrett confirmation]
Pelosi made clear that message was largely directed at Republicans, whom she said “in most cases mimic what the president says about masks, about distancing and the rest, which is most unfortunate.”
She added: “That’s why we’ve had to institute rules in the chamber in terms of mask wearing being required: ‘You don’t have a mask you can’t come in; you don’t have a mask we have one for you.’”


rollcall--2020-10-03--After Republican COVID-19 positives, Senate to remain out until Oct. 19

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced Saturday that he will seek permission for the Senate to remain out for two weeks instead of resuming work Monday , but hearings on Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett will continue as scheduled .
“ On Monday , I intend to obtain a consent agreement for the Senate to meet in pro forma sessions for the next two weeks .
Previously-scheduled floor activity will be rescheduled until after October 19th , ” the Kentucky Republican said in a statement .
McConnell said Friday in Kentucky he expected senators to come back to Washington Oct. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to COVID-19 in the wake of the positive diagnoses of President Donald Trump and Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee .
Since then , two more GOP senators , North Carolina ’ s Thom Tillis and Wisconsin ’ s Ron Johnson , revealed positive tests for the virus .
Johnson had been quarantining after an earlier interaction with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 and had returned to Washington on Tuesday .
After learning of a new exposure this week , Johnson was tested again Friday .
The result of that test came back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday .
Oklahoma GOP Sen. James Lankford , who said he was in contact with Lee , announced Saturday he would following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and “ will continue to quarantine , ” despite a negative test .

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced Saturday that he will seek permission for the Senate to remain out for two weeks instead of resuming work Monday, but hearings on Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett will continue as scheduled.
“On Monday, I intend to obtain a consent agreement for the Senate to meet in pro forma sessions for the next two weeks. Previously-scheduled floor activity will be rescheduled until after October 19th,” the Kentucky Republican said in a statement.
McConnell said Friday in Kentucky he expected senators to come back to Washington Oct. 5, despite uncertainty surrounding their exposure to COVID-19 in the wake of the positive diagnoses of President Donald Trump and Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee. Since then, two more GOP senators, North Carolina’s Thom Tillis and Wisconsin’s Ron Johnson, revealed positive tests for the virus.
Johnson had been quarantining after an earlier interaction with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 and had returned to Washington on Tuesday. After learning of a new exposure this week, Johnson was tested again Friday. The result of that test came back positive, Johnson spokesman Ben Voelkel said Saturday.
Oklahoma GOP Sen. James Lankford, who said he was in contact with Lee, announced Saturday he would following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and “will continue to quarantine,” despite a negative test.


rollcall--2020-10-04--Report: Pennsylvania Sen. Patrick J. Toomey to retire

Pennsylvania GOP Sen. Patrick J. Toomey will not run for reelection or for governor in 2022 , The Philadelphia Inquirer @ @ @ @ @ office declined to comment on the report .
The Pennsylvania Republican is set to make @ @ @ @ @ political plans on Monday morning .
The two-term senator 's retirement will likely spark a @ @ @ @ @ Senate seat .
A Republican source said Sunday that one potential candidate to watch is @ @ @ @ @ who was elected to Congress in 2018 .
Toomey , an ardent proponent of small @ @ @ @ @ to the Senate in 2010 after serving in the House and as president of the @ @ @ @ @ .
Toomey won a hotly contested race for his second term in 2016 .
Toomey @ @ @ @ @ for members of Congress , introducing legislation in 2015 to limit senators to two terms @

Pennsylvania GOP Sen. Patrick J. Toomey will not run for reelection or for governor in 2022, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Sunday.
Toomey's office declined to comment on the report. The Pennsylvania Republican is set to make an announcement about his future political plans on Monday morning.
The two-term senator's retirement will likely spark a crowded GOP primary for his Senate seat. A Republican source said Sunday that one potential candidate to watch is GOP Rep. Dan Meuser, who was elected to Congress in 2018.
Toomey, an ardent proponent of small government, was first elected to the Senate in 2010 after serving in the House and as president of the anti-tax group Club for Growth. Toomey won a hotly contested race for his second term in 2016. Toomey has long supported term limits for members of Congress, introducing legislation in 2015 to limit senators to two terms.


rollcall--2020-10-05--How a Democratic sweep on Nov. 3 could restore Congress’ power

ANALYSIS — Lawmakers enter the home stretch of the 2020 campaign season at a time when they have never looked weaker .
Still hoping to pass another round of virus relief , but thus far unwilling to make the compromises needed to get there , they warred over Donald Trump ’ s nominee to the Supreme Court , Amy Coney Barrett .
Republicans still plan to confirm her despite the president and three GOP senators contracting the coronavirus .
Democrats warned that she would join the court ’ s conservative bloc in overturning the 2010 health care law .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their argument is the presumption that a Democratic Congress next year could not repair the damage .
Still , in a month ’ s time , if the polls are to be believed , Joe Biden , who spent 36 years in the Senate , will win the presidential election .
His ascent to power could offer Congress a way out of its downward spiral .
Biden , should he defeat Donald Trump , will face a choice of three paths .
He can follow the lead of Barack Obama and Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive action , further expanding presidential power .
He can join progressives who see the only route to tackle the country ’ s biggest problems , on climate change , health care , immigration and racial justice , through ending the Senate filibuster , and offer Congress a chance at restoration .
Or he can attempt to work across the aisle as he once did as a senator , the most fraught of the three .
The middle option , of course , depends on Democrats winning both the presidency , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In an era when bipartisan cooperation on major legislation is all but dead , it may be the only way to act on the issues the Democratic base believes a President Biden must address .

ANALYSIS — Lawmakers enter the home stretch of the 2020 campaign season at a time when they have never looked weaker. Still hoping to pass another round of virus relief, but thus far unwilling to make the compromises needed to get there, they warred over Donald Trump’s nominee to the Supreme Court, Amy Coney Barrett.
Republicans still plan to confirm her despite the president and three GOP senators contracting the coronavirus. Democrats warned that she would join the court’s conservative bloc in overturning the 2010 health care law. That only underscored Congress’ impotence. Implicit in their argument is the presumption that a Democratic Congress next year could not repair the damage.
Still, in a month’s time, if the polls are to be believed, Joe Biden, who spent 36 years in the Senate, will win the presidential election. His ascent to power could offer Congress a way out of its downward spiral.
Biden, should he defeat Donald Trump, will face a choice of three paths. He can follow the lead of Barack Obama and Trump in seeking to implement his agenda by executive action, further expanding presidential power. He can join progressives who see the only route to tackle the country’s biggest problems, on climate change, health care, immigration and racial justice, through ending the Senate filibuster, and offer Congress a chance at restoration. Or he can attempt to work across the aisle as he once did as a senator, the most fraught of the three.
The middle option, of course, depends on Democrats winning both the presidency, and the Senate, while retaining House control. In an era when bipartisan cooperation on major legislation is all but dead, it may be the only way to act on the issues the Democratic base believes a President Biden must address.