rollcall--2020-02-19--He’s so populist: Trump, Sanders and beyond

President Donald Trump says he ’ s for “ the forgotten man.
” Sen. Bernie Sanders made his slogan “ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ re amid a surge in populist politics .
Where does it all lead @ @ @ @ @ , an economics professor at MIT and co-author of “ The Narrow Corridor : States @ @ @ @ @ Fate of Liberty , ” such populist movements pop up every so often , and @ @ @ @ @ societal changes .
Whether it comes from the Guilded Age or the Great Depression , @ @ @ @ @ for generations , by busting trusts , creating Social Security or securing the Voting Rights @ @ @ @ @ shape the future obviously depends on how the 2020 campaign shakes out , but the @ @ @ @ @ altered by the likes of Trump , Sanders and others looking to borrow from their @ @

President Donald Trump says he’s for “the forgotten man.” Sen. Bernie Sanders made his slogan “Not me. Us.” We’re amid a surge in populist politics. Where does it all lead?
According to Daron Acemoglu, an economics professor at MIT and co-author of “The Narrow Corridor: States, Societies, and the Fate of Liberty,” such populist movements pop up every so often, and they can lead to big societal changes.
Whether it comes from the Guilded Age or the Great Depression, populist politicians have shaped society for generations, by busting trusts, creating Social Security or securing the Voting Rights Act.
Who gets to shape the future obviously depends on how the 2020 campaign shakes out, but the political conversation has already been altered by the likes of Trump, Sanders and others looking to borrow from their playbooks.


rollcall--2020-02-19--Agriculture groups want to tackle climate change, but won’t call it that

A coalition of 21 agriculture groups says the industry is doing its part to control greenhouse gas emissions and wants a seat at the federal policy table as Congress focuses on climate change , but largely avoided using that term at a Wednesday briefing .
Instead , members of the newly formed Farmers for a Sustainable Future used terms like `` climate smart , '' sustainability , climate policy and climate issues .
Farmers and ranchers , they said , can help the environment with tools such as efficient water use , improved manure management , use of cover crops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nitrogen , and ethanol and biodiesel to reduce car emissions .
Michael Formica of the National Pork Producers Council said the terms coalition leaders use , or whether they believe humans contribute to climate change , are irrelevant .
“ I don ’ t know if it is human induced or naturally induced , the climate is changing .
I think the end result is what matters , that you reduce your emissions , ” said Formica , the group 's counsel and domestic affairs assistant vice president .
He highlighted a study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carolina pig farmers reduced ammonia levels from manure lagoons by 22 percent to 54 percent over 17 years .

A coalition of 21 agriculture groups says the industry is doing its part to control greenhouse gas emissions and wants a seat at the federal policy table as Congress focuses on climate change, but largely avoided using that term at a Wednesday briefing.
Instead, members of the newly formed Farmers for a Sustainable Future used terms like "climate smart," sustainability, climate policy and climate issues. Farmers and ranchers, they said, can help the environment with tools such as efficient water use, improved manure management, use of cover crops that can capture and store carbon and nitrogen, and ethanol and biodiesel to reduce car emissions.
[Hemp concerns and trade jitters top agriculture appropriations hearing]
Michael Formica of the National Pork Producers Council said the terms coalition leaders use, or whether they believe humans contribute to climate change, are irrelevant.
“I don’t know if it is human induced or naturally induced, the climate is changing. I think the end result is what matters, that you reduce your emissions,” said Formica, the group's counsel and domestic affairs assistant vice president. He highlighted a study the industry financed that shows that North Carolina pig farmers reduced ammonia levels from manure lagoons by 22 percent to 54 percent over 17 years.


rollcall--2020-02-19--Black Architect of the Capitol  employee called N-word, found a noose during an assignment, lawsuit

Black Architect of the Capitol  employee called N-word, found a noose during an assignment, lawsuit alleges

Anthony Green , a black maintenance mechanic working at the Architect of the Capitol ( AOC ) , found a noose hanging from equipment he was assigned to inspect and was called the N-word by white colleagues , Green alleges in a lawsuit he filed against the agency in November .
Green alleges that since he was hired in 2015 to work in the AOC ’ s Capitol Power Plant Jurisdiction , he was treated differently based on his race , and called “ lazy ” in addition to the racial slur .
When Green complained about the hostile conduct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action and retaliated against him , according to the lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia .
Victor Shaw , Green ’ s supervisor , along with three other mechanics — Quinton Coleman , Dana Spencer and David Barletta — referred to Green as the N-word when speaking to other AOC employees , the lawsuit alleges .
Shaw , Spencer and Barletta are white .
Coleman is black .
The lawsuit accuses Shaw , Coleman , Spencer and Barletta of saying Green and another black mechanic were lazy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and produced lesser-quality work .
Green 's lawsuit describes an incident in 2017 where he says Barletta intentionally closed a freight elevator door on his head .
The injury caused him to miss a week of work , and even though a supervisor witnessed the incident , the suit alleges , no action was taken against Barletta and the event was not recorded as a workplace injury .

Anthony Green, a black maintenance mechanic working at the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), found a noose hanging from equipment he was assigned to inspect and was called the N-word by white colleagues, Green alleges in a lawsuit he filed against the agency in November.
Green alleges that since he was hired in 2015 to work in the AOC’s Capitol Power Plant Jurisdiction, he was treated differently based on his race, and called “lazy” in addition to the racial slur. When Green complained about the hostile conduct, the AOC failed to take swift action and retaliated against him, according to the lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
Victor Shaw, Green’s supervisor, along with three other mechanics — Quinton Coleman, Dana Spencer and David Barletta — referred to Green as the N-word when speaking to other AOC employees, the lawsuit alleges. Shaw, Spencer and Barletta are white. Coleman is black.
The lawsuit accuses Shaw, Coleman, Spencer and Barletta of saying Green and another black mechanic were lazy, worked slower than the other mechanics and produced lesser-quality work.
Green's lawsuit describes an incident in 2017 where he says Barletta intentionally closed a freight elevator door on his head. The injury caused him to miss a week of work, and even though a supervisor witnessed the incident, the suit alleges, no action was taken against Barletta and the event was not recorded as a workplace injury.


rollcall--2020-02-19--How statehood is granted to U.S. territories, explained

Territorial status has historically been granted as a precursor to statehood , yet 1959 was the last time any stars @ @ @ @ @ .
The United States controls five inhabited territories .
While their citizens are Americans , @ @ @ @ @ states — but someday they could be .
Watch as CQ Roll Call explains the @ @ @

Territorial status has historically been granted as a precursor to statehood, yet 1959 was the last time any stars were added to Old Glory.
The United States controls five inhabited territories. While their citizens are Americans, their homes are not considered states — but someday they could be. Watch as CQ Roll Call explains the statehood process.


rollcall--2020-02-19--As Democrats debate, powerful labor union questions impact of Medicare for All

LAS VEGAS — How union benefits would be affected by Democratic presidential candidates ’ health insurance plans will likely get @ @ @ @ @ of the contenders seeking to oust President Donald Trump face off .
That is true @ @ @ @ @ attention expected to focus on the newcomer to the stage , billionaire former New York @ @ @ @ @ Culinary Workers Local 226 is always a big deal in Nevada politics , but the @ @ @ @ @ Medicare for All ” government-run coverage has put them even more in the spotlight ahead @ @ @ @ @ here .
The union last week criticized plans to establish a single-payer health care system @ @ @ @ @ in the United States to a government insurance plan that would cover medically-necessary services .
@ @ @ @ @ eliminate private insurance coverage that unions have fought to get for members in negotiations over @ @ @ @ @ presidential hopefuls are proposing a public option , which would create a government-run plan to @ @ @ @ @ the insurance exchanges set up under the 2010 health care law .

Niels Lesniewski and Mary Ellen McIntire

LAS VEGAS — How union benefits would be affected by Democratic presidential candidates’ health insurance plans will likely get national attention tonight as six of the contenders seeking to oust President Donald Trump face off.
That is true even with much of the attention expected to focus on the newcomer to the stage, billionaire former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg.
Culinary Workers Local 226 is always a big deal in Nevada politics, but the union's critique of “Medicare for All” government-run coverage has put them even more in the spotlight ahead of Saturday's Democratic caucus here.
The union last week criticized plans to establish a single-payer health care system, which would transition everyone in the United States to a government insurance plan that would cover medically-necessary services. Such a plan would effectively eliminate private insurance coverage that unions have fought to get for members in negotiations over the years.
Some Democratic presidential hopefuls are proposing a public option, which would create a government-run plan to compete with private plans on the insurance exchanges set up under the 2010 health care law.


rollcall--2020-02-19--When a majority is not enough to get a bill passed

Sometimes even popular bills just don ’ t move in Congress .
Consider the legislation to get Medicare coverage for a condition called lymphedema , which causes fluid retention and swollen tissues when the lymphatic system is damaged or blocked .
It ’ s a common side effect for cancer patients — especially breast cancer survivors — whose lymph nodes are harmed or removed .
An estimated 1.5 million to 3 million Medicare beneficiaries suffer from the disease , according to Illinois Democrat Jan Schakowsky , who sponsored a House bill last year .
For many , treatment requires special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 80 to $ 1,000 and that need replacement every six months .
Without adequate treatment , the disease can cause infections and potential disability .
The treatments are covered by the Veterans Affairs Department , TRICARE , many commercial insurers and , as part of their Medicaid programs , 44 states and the District of Columbia .
But not by Medicare .
[ Impeachment isn ’ t the only obstacle to legislative wins for Congress in 2020 ] The Congressional Budget Office has not officially weighed in on the potential cost of Schakowsky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its provisions were included in House-approved drug-pricing legislation that roughly estimated Medicare coverage would total less than $ 1 billion over 10 years .

Sometimes even popular bills just don’t move in Congress.
Consider the legislation to get Medicare coverage for a condition called lymphedema, which causes fluid retention and swollen tissues when the lymphatic system is damaged or blocked. It’s a common side effect for cancer patients — especially breast cancer survivors — whose lymph nodes are harmed or removed.
An estimated 1.5 million to 3 million Medicare beneficiaries suffer from the disease, according to Illinois Democrat Jan Schakowsky, who sponsored a House bill last year. For many, treatment requires special compression garments that can cost from $80 to $1,000 and that need replacement every six months. Without adequate treatment, the disease can cause infections and potential disability. The treatments are covered by the Veterans Affairs Department, TRICARE, many commercial insurers and, as part of their Medicaid programs, 44 states and the District of Columbia. But not by Medicare.
[Impeachment isn’t the only obstacle to legislative wins for Congress in 2020]
The Congressional Budget Office has not officially weighed in on the potential cost of Schakowsky’s bill, but many of its provisions were included in House-approved drug-pricing legislation that roughly estimated Medicare coverage would total less than $1 billion over 10 years.


rollcall--2020-02-21--Taco trucks, cookies and a ‘Battle Born’ caucus interview with Julián Castro

Almost 75,000 Nevada Democrats took part in a new early voting process in the Battle Born State ’ s 2020 @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday night .
The in-person caucuses are Saturday , and former Senate Majority Leader Harry @ @ @ @ @ see an opportunity to overtake Iowa and New Hampshire as the first contests in the @ @ @ @ @ Roll Call traveled to Nevada for events throughout the early caucus period , from union @ @ @ @ @ an East Las Vegas supermarket .

Almost 75,000 Nevada Democrats took part in a new early voting process in the Battle Born State’s 2020 presidential caucus before the debate Wednesday night.
The in-person caucuses are Saturday, and former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and other state Democrats see an opportunity to overtake Iowa and New Hampshire as the first contests in the nation in 2024.
CQ Roll Call traveled to Nevada for events throughout the early caucus period, from union halls to college campuses and an East Las Vegas supermarket.


rollcall--2020-02-20--Powerful millionaire LeBron James bucks 2020 trend, doesn’t think he should be president

NBA all-world megastar LeBron James told reporters Thursday that he has no plans to run for president of the United @ @ @ @ @ champion was responding to a plea from teammate DeMarcus Cousins after seeing James ’ leadership @ @ @ @ @ “ I told him the other day , ” Cousins said on a recent podcast @ @ @ @ @ probably gon na get pissed at me saying this .
Bro , you need to @ @ @ @ @ it isn ’ t the first time Cousins has nominated LeBron to lead the country @ @ @ @ @ ’ m not considering it , but yes , he ’ s said it a @ @ @ @ @ ’ s gone along , ” James said , according to video footage tweeted by @ @ @ @ @ Rohlin .

NBA all-world megastar LeBron James told reporters Thursday that he has no plans to run for president of the United States.
The three-time NBA champion was responding to a plea from teammate DeMarcus Cousins after seeing James’ leadership up close this season.
“I told him the other day,” Cousins said on a recent podcast. “He’s probably gonna get pissed at me saying this. Bro, you need to run for president.”
Apparently it isn’t the first time Cousins has nominated LeBron to lead the country.
“No, I’m not considering it, but yes, he’s said it a few times as the season’s gone along,” James said, according to video footage tweeted by Sports Illustrated’s Melissa Rohlin.


rollcall--2020-02-20--“Lock him up!” Roger Stone sentenced to 40 months in prison

The Thursday air was as crisp as it was tense , as press and protestors awaited Roger Stone 's exit @ @ @ @ @ for the District of Columbia .
The onetime adviser to President Donald Trump received a @ @ @ @ @ of lying to Congress and witness tampering while trying to protect his former boss .
@ @ @ @ @ to a press gaggle and competing chants of `` lock him up , '' and @ @ @ @ @ ''

The Thursday air was as crisp as it was tense, as press and protestors awaited Roger Stone's exit from the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
The onetime adviser to President Donald Trump received a 40-month prison sentence on charges of lying to Congress and witness tampering while trying to protect his former boss. Stone exited the courthouse doors to a press gaggle and competing chants of "lock him up," and "pardon Roger Stone."
[Judge defends Congress in Roger Stone sentencing]


rollcall--2020-02-20--At the Races: No one’s calling you dumb

At the Races: No one’s calling you dumb

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 .
No doubt they were settled before his near-disastrous performance in Wednesday ’ s debate in Las Vegas ( “ None of them accuse me of doing anything , other than maybe they did n't like a joke I told ” ) , but former Mayor Mike Bloomberg ’ s presidential campaign announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ endorsements from House Democrats -- Reps. Nita Lowey of New York , Pete Aguilar of California and Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey .
That brings his congressional endorsement total to 16 , ahead of everyone in the field except former Vice President Joe Biden , who has 48 .
Looking just at endorsements since the year began , Biden and Bloomberg are neck and neck , with Biden adding 17 to Bloomberg ’ s 16 .
Does it matter ?
In 2016 , when “ super delegates ” like members of Congress were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , endorsements gave their favored candidate a head start in the delegate count even before states held primaries that determined pledged delegates .
Those rules were changed , however , in response to Sen. Bernie Sanders ’ complaints about Hillary Clinton getting an unfair advantage from the party establishment .
So this year , super delegates only vote on the first ballot if a candidate has already locked up enough pledged delegates that their votes won ’ t matter in deciding the nomination .

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.
No doubt they were settled before his near-disastrous performance in Wednesday’s debate in Las Vegas (“None of them accuse me of doing anything, other than maybe they didn't like a joke I told”), but former Mayor Mike Bloomberg’s presidential campaign announced Thursday he had picked up three more endorsements from House Democrats -- Reps. Nita Lowey of New York, Pete Aguilar of California and Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey.
That brings his congressional endorsement total to 16, ahead of everyone in the field except former Vice President Joe Biden, who has 48. Looking just at endorsements since the year began, Biden and Bloomberg are neck and neck, with Biden adding 17 to Bloomberg’s 16.
Does it matter? In 2016, when “super delegates” like members of Congress were guaranteed votes on the first convention ballot, endorsements gave their favored candidate a head start in the delegate count even before states held primaries that determined pledged delegates.
Those rules were changed, however, in response to Sen. Bernie Sanders’ complaints about Hillary Clinton getting an unfair advantage from the party establishment. So this year, super delegates only vote on the first ballot if a candidate has already locked up enough pledged delegates that their votes won’t matter in deciding the nomination.


rollcall--2020-02-20--Judge defends Congress in Roger Stone sentencing

A federal judge in Washington vigorously defended congressional power to investigate national security matters when giving Roger Stone a 40-month prison sentence Thursday , a punishment that “ has to send the message that witnesses to do not get to decide for themselves ” whether they can mislead lawmakers .
U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson said Stone , the longtime Republican political operative and confidant of President Donald Trump , wasn ’ t just doing his brand of “ campaign hijinks ” when he lied to a House Intelligence Committee during a probe into Russian interference in the 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress , ” Jackson said .
“ Not to some secret anti-Trump cabal , but to Congress .
To the elected representatives of both parties who were confronted with a matter of grave national importance.
” The truth matters and thinking otherwise is a threat to our institutions , Jackson said , and if it goes unpunished , “ everyone loses.
” A jury in November convicted Stone , who has long cultured a larger-than-life persona , on charges he lied to Congress , obstructed an official proceeding and tampered with a witness @

A federal judge in Washington vigorously defended congressional power to investigate national security matters when giving Roger Stone a 40-month prison sentence Thursday, a punishment that “has to send the message that witnesses to do not get to decide for themselves” whether they can mislead lawmakers.
U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson said Stone, the longtime Republican political operative and confidant of President Donald Trump, wasn’t just doing his brand of “campaign hijinks” when he lied to a House Intelligence Committee during a probe into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
“He lied to Congress,” Jackson said. “Not to some secret anti-Trump cabal, but to Congress. To the elected representatives of both parties who were confronted with a matter of grave national importance.”
The truth matters and thinking otherwise is a threat to our institutions, Jackson said, and if it goes unpunished, “everyone loses.”
A jury in November convicted Stone, who has long cultured a larger-than-life persona, on charges he lied to Congress, obstructed an official proceeding and tampered with a witness.


rollcall--2020-02-20--New York man accused of making death threats to Schumer, Schiff over impeachment

A New York man has been arrested on charges involving threats against Rep. Adam B. Schiff and Senate Minority Leader @ @ @ @ @ roles in the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump .
Salvatore Lippa II , 57 @ @ @ @ @ , was charged Wednesday with threatening to assault and murder a federal official for performing @ @ @ @ @ communication of a threat .
Lippa faces up to 10 years in prison and a @ @ @ @ @ both .
Schumer voted to convict Trump on both articles of impeachment , which accused @ @ @ @ @ power and obstruction of Congress .
As the Democratic leader of the Senate , he @ @ @ @ @ s alleged misdeeds and was very critical of his Republican colleagues who — with the @ @ @ @ @ Romney — voted to acquit Trump on both charges .
Schumer ’ s Albany , @ @ @ @ @ a voicemail containing a death threat on Feb. 4 , the day before the senators @ @ @ @ @ fate .

A New York man has been arrested on charges involving threats against Rep. Adam B. Schiff and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer for their roles in the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump.
Salvatore Lippa II, 57, of Greece, N.Y., was charged Wednesday with threatening to assault and murder a federal official for performing their official duties and interstate communication of a threat. Lippa faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or both.
Schumer voted to convict Trump on both articles of impeachment, which accused the president of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. As the Democratic leader of the Senate, he frequently spoke about Trump’s alleged misdeeds and was very critical of his Republican colleagues who — with the exception of Utah Sen. Mitt Romney — voted to acquit Trump on both charges.
Schumer’s Albany, New York, office received a voicemail containing a death threat on Feb. 4, the day before the senators voted on Trump’s fate.
House impeachment manager Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)
Schiff served as the lead House impeachment manager throughout the Senate trial. He essentially led the prosecution against Trump and supervised impeachment hearings in the House.


rollcall--2020-02-20--Rep. Jim Hagedorn announces he has kidney cancer

Rep. Jim Hagedorn , a first-term Minnesota Republican , announced he has had stage 4 kidney cancer since February 2019 @ @ @ @ @ in Congress .
Hagedorn revealed the diagnosis Wednesday and said the disease had been detected @ @ @ @ @ before he exhibited any symptoms .
For most cancers , stages are ranked as numbers @ @ @ @ @ 4 is the highest , meaning the cancer is more advanced , according to the @ @ @ @ @ Exactly two months after marrying my wife , Jennifer , and just six weeks into @ @ @ @ @ District 's Congressman , I was given unexpected and rather shocking news , '' Hagedorn @ @ @ @ @ `` Just like millions of other Americans , I was told by my doctor : @ @ @ @ @ prayers and long talks with those closest to me , I was determined to fight @ @ @ @ @

Rep. Jim Hagedorn, a first-term Minnesota Republican, announced he has had stage 4 kidney cancer since February 2019 and plans to continue working in Congress.
Hagedorn revealed the diagnosis Wednesday and said the disease had been detected during a routine physical exam before he exhibited any symptoms.
[John Lewis faces hard fight against pancreatic cancer]
For most cancers, stages are ranked as numbers 1 through 4. Stage 4 is the highest, meaning the cancer is more advanced, according to the American Cancer Society.
“Exactly two months after marrying my wife, Jennifer, and just six weeks into my job as the First District's Congressman, I was given unexpected and rather shocking news," Hagedorn said in a statement. "Just like millions of other Americans, I was told by my doctor: you have cancer. After prayers and long talks with those closest to me, I was determined to fight it like hell."


rollcall--2020-02-20--Polls: Most people still think census will ask about citizenship

Most people incorrectly believe the census will include a citizenship question , according to a pair of surveys released Thursday , adding to concerns raised by advocates that fear over the question may depress participation in the decennial count .
The surveys , released by the Pew Research Center and the Urban Institute , measured different aspects of census preparation , but both found that more than half of respondents believe the census will include a citizenship question .
The results come more than six months after President Donald Trump dropped his effort to add the question to the census @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out the first prompts to participate next month .
The Urban Institute survey , conducted in December , found that more than 69 percent of respondents thought the census would ask about citizenship status .
The Pew survey , conducted in January , found that 56 percent of respondents believe the census would include a citizenship question .
“ It ’ s not unusual to have some misinformation or people who are misinformed about the census , ” said D ’ Vera Cohn , an author of the Pew study .
She pointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also incorrectly believe the census will ask about religion .
[ Fear of ICE raids during census could hamper count of immigrants ]

Most people incorrectly believe the census will include a citizenship question, according to a pair of surveys released Thursday, adding to concerns raised by advocates that fear over the question may depress participation in the decennial count.
The surveys, released by the Pew Research Center and the Urban Institute, measured different aspects of census preparation, but both found that more than half of respondents believe the census will include a citizenship question. The results come more than six months after President Donald Trump dropped his effort to add the question to the census and just weeks before the government sends out the first prompts to participate next month.
The Urban Institute survey, conducted in December, found that more than 69 percent of respondents thought the census would ask about citizenship status. The Pew survey, conducted in January, found that 56 percent of respondents believe the census would include a citizenship question.
“It’s not unusual to have some misinformation or people who are misinformed about the census,” said D’Vera Cohn, an author of the Pew study. She pointed out that a significant portion of respondents also incorrectly believe the census will ask about religion.
[Fear of ICE raids during census could hamper count of immigrants]


rollcall--2020-02-21--Not on the candidates’ radar: The ‘sixth great extinction’

Democrats running for the White House are talking about climate change often and in detail , but they don ’ t have much to say about one of its most catastrophic outcomes : the rapid disappearance of plants and animals that scientists call the sixth great extinction .
The Trump administration gave Democratic contenders a window in late January when it moved to relax federal rules against killing birds .
The proposed rule , from the U.S .
Fish and Wildlife Service , would allow oil , gas , construction and other companies to “ incidentally ” kill birds in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could place millions of birds in danger and weaken the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 .
But presidential campaigns — heading into the Nevada caucuses on Saturday and a debate Tuesday in South Carolina — did not squawk back , at least not loudly .
Extinction does not appear prominently , if at all , on any websites of the eight candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination , though many include provisions to conserve land and wildlife .
Still , those elements don ’ t come up in debates , and their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
[ Five ways Democrats vying for president differ on climate and energy ]

Democrats running for the White House are talking about climate change often and in detail, but they don’t have much to say about one of its most catastrophic outcomes: the rapid disappearance of plants and animals that scientists call the sixth great extinction.
The Trump administration gave Democratic contenders a window in late January when it moved to relax federal rules against killing birds. The proposed rule, from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, would allow oil, gas, construction and other companies to “incidentally” kill birds in their standard operations — a decision that could place millions of birds in danger and weaken the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.
But presidential campaigns — heading into the Nevada caucuses on Saturday and a debate Tuesday in South Carolina — did not squawk back, at least not loudly.
Extinction does not appear prominently, if at all, on any websites of the eight candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination, though many include provisions to conserve land and wildlife. Still, those elements don’t come up in debates, and their details are hidden deep in campaign websites.
[Five ways Democrats vying for president differ on climate and energy]


rollcall--2020-02-21--Trump eyes solution to Georgia primary problem by nominating Doug Collins for head of intelligence

President Donald Trump is considering Rep. Doug Collins for the post of director of national intelligence .
The president told @ @ @ @ @ after a Thursday night campaign rally in Colorado Springs that the Georgia Republican was among @ @ @ @ @ intelligence chief position .
Trump was heading back to Las Vegas , where he has @ @ @ @ @ swing this week .
Collins , who is the outgoing ranking member on the House @ @ @ @ @ a primary challenge to GOP Sen. Kelly Loeffler .
Appointed to replace Republican Johnny Isakson @ @ @ @ @ year , Loeffler faces Georgia voters in November for the remaining two years of Isakson @ @ @ @ @ campaign infrastructure of the Republican Party is supporting Loeffler and giving her the benefits of @ @ @ @ @ during a White House victory celebration after his impeachment trial that he was looking for @ @ @ @ @ contentious Georgia Senate primary for his party .

President Donald Trump is considering Rep. Doug Collins for the post of director of national intelligence.
The president told reporters aboard Air Force One after a Thursday night campaign rally in Colorado Springs that the Georgia Republican was among his potential nominees for the intelligence chief position. Trump was heading back to Las Vegas, where he has been based during a western swing this week.
Collins, who is the outgoing ranking member on the House Judiciary Committee, recently launched a primary challenge to GOP Sen. Kelly Loeffler. Appointed to replace Republican Johnny Isakson at the start of the year, Loeffler faces Georgia voters in November for the remaining two years of Isakson’s term.
The campaign infrastructure of the Republican Party is supporting Loeffler and giving her the benefits of incumbency.
Collins told the Fox Business Network Friday morning that he did not currently want the intelligence post."This is not a job that interests me, at this time it's not one that I would accept because I'm running a Senate race down here in Georgia," Collins said.


rollcall--2020-02-21--FBI arrests Katie Hill associate over cyberattack on opponent

Former Rep. Katie Hill said she was `` surprised and disturbed '' after the husband of her 2018 fundraising consultant was arrested by the FBI and accused of coordinating an effort to crash the website of her Democratic primary opponent .
Arthur Dam , the husband of fundraising consultant Kelsey O ’ Hara , was charged with intentionally damaging and attempting to damage a protected computer .
The news was first reported by the Intercept .
The campaign website of Hill ’ s opponent , Bryan Caforio , crashed for the first time on April 20 , 2018 .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 28 and May 29 , according to the criminal complaint .
The April 28 hack occurred the day of a debate between Hill and Caforio and the May 29 incident took place just days before Hill beat Caforio in the June 5 primary , 24,507 to 21,821 .
`` Like everyone else , I was surprised and disturbed to see the news of this criminal complaint , '' Hill said in a statement that defended the other staff , volunteers and supporters who worked on her campaign .
She said she had no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would not comment further `` out of respect for the rule of law and the defendant ’ s presumption of innocence . ''
Sources close to Caforio ’ s campaign said they reached out to the FBI shortly after the first attack .
The `` denial of service '' attacks meant voters were unable to donate , learn about Caforio or volunteer to work on the campaign .

Former Rep. Katie Hill said she was "surprised and disturbed" after the husband of her 2018 fundraising consultant was arrested by the FBI and accused of coordinating an effort to crash the website of her Democratic primary opponent.
Arthur Dam, the husband of fundraising consultant Kelsey O’Hara, was charged with intentionally damaging and attempting to damage a protected computer. The news was first reported by the Intercept.
The campaign website of Hill’s opponent, Bryan Caforio, crashed for the first time on April 20, 2018. It crashed again on April 21, April 28 and May 29, according to the criminal complaint. The April 28 hack occurred the day of a debate between Hill and Caforio and the May 29 incident took place just days before Hill beat Caforio in the June 5 primary, 24,507 to 21,821.
"Like everyone else, I was surprised and disturbed to see the news of this criminal complaint," Hill said in a statement that defended the other staff, volunteers and supporters who worked on her campaign. She said she had no information or knowledge of the conduct and would not comment further "out of respect for the rule of law and the defendant’s presumption of innocence."
Sources close to Caforio’s campaign said they reached out to the FBI shortly after the first attack. The "denial of service" attacks meant voters were unable to donate, learn about Caforio or volunteer to work on the campaign.


rollcall--2020-02-21--Trump’s western swing cements ties with Gardner and McSally

President Donald Trump is returning to Washington after a western swing that will provide plenty of material for campaign ads and fundraising blasts for down-ballot races .
Republican Sens .
Martha McSally of Arizona and Cory Gardner of Colorado had already ensured they would be tied to the president when they voted to acquit him on two articles of impeachment during the Senate trial earlier this month .
But this week 's Trump campaign rallies in Phoenix and Colorado Springs , respectively , leave no doubt and provide ideal video for the senators to appeal to core Trump supporters — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well .
`` There 's so much at stake .
My opponent said he would vote to convict and remove you from office , and remove you from the 2020 ballot , '' McSally said when invited on the rally stage Wednesday night .
`` Arizona is tired of investigations , they 're tired of obstructions , they do n't want socialism , they love our freedoms , '' she said .
`` Mark Kelly is flying on Bernie Sanders ' wing and I 'm flying on your wing , President Trump , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November . ''

President Donald Trump is returning to Washington after a western swing that will provide plenty of material for campaign ads and fundraising blasts for down-ballot races.
Republican Sens. Martha McSally of Arizona and Cory Gardner of Colorado had already ensured they would be tied to the president when they voted to acquit him on two articles of impeachment during the Senate trial earlier this month.
But this week's Trump campaign rallies in Phoenix and Colorado Springs, respectively, leave no doubt and provide ideal video for the senators to appeal to core Trump supporters — and for their opponents to use as well.
"There's so much at stake. My opponent said he would vote to convict and remove you from office, and remove you from the 2020 ballot," McSally said when invited on the rally stage Wednesday night.
"Arizona is tired of investigations, they're tired of obstructions, they don't want socialism, they love our freedoms," she said. "Mark Kelly is flying on Bernie Sanders' wing and I'm flying on your wing, President Trump, and we're going to win in November."


rollcall--2020-02-21--The ads said a North Carolina candidate was ‘progressive’ and ‘one of us.’ The GOP paid for them

Television ads in North Carolina have been telling voters for weeks that there is only one `` proven progressive '' @ @ @ @ @ March 3 Democratic Senate primary , asking a series of rhetorical questions about who supports @ @ @ @ @ , the Green New Deal and has the endorsement of progressives and unions .
The @ @ @ @ @ group calling itself the Faith and Power PAC , proclaim that underdog candidate Erica Smith @ @ @ @ @ us . ''
After weeks of deflecting questions about the advertisements , the Senate Leadership @ @ @ @ @ PAC associated with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell — on Friday claimed responsibility .
In @ @ @ @ @ Steven Law called the ad blitz `` an unqualified success '' because it forced presumed @ @ @ @ @ hundreds of thousands of dollars against Smith , a little-known primary opponent .
The PAC @ @ @ @ @ against incumbent Sen. Thom Tillis , assuming Cunningham wins the nomination .

Television ads in North Carolina have been telling voters for weeks that there is only one "proven progressive" on the ballot in the March 3 Democratic Senate primary, asking a series of rhetorical questions about who supports "Medicare for All", the Green New Deal and has the endorsement of progressives and unions.
The ads, funded by a group calling itself the Faith and Power PAC, proclaim that underdog candidate Erica Smith "is one of us."
Who formed the PAC? Republicans.
After weeks of deflecting questions about the advertisements, the Senate Leadership Fund — a GOP super PAC associated with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell — on Friday claimed responsibility.
In a statement, SLF President Steven Law called the ad blitz "an unqualified success" because it forced presumed front-runner Cal Cunningham to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars against Smith, a little-known primary opponent. The PAC believes that will weaken Cunningham against incumbent Sen. Thom Tillis, assuming Cunningham wins the nomination.


rollcall--2020-02-21--Heritage Action chief to take role at Nikki Haley group

Heritage Action chief Tim Chapman , who plans to leave the conservative group this spring to join a new Nikki @ @ @ @ @ he did not know whether the former ambassador to the United Nations might run for @ @ @ @ @ .
But he expects the former GOP governor of South Carolina to be an influential @ @ @ @ @ “ I know that she ’ s going to be a strong policy leader for @ @ @ @ @ ” said Chapman during an interview with C-SPAN ’ s “ Newsmakers ” program .
@ @ @ @ @ a lot of her out there.
” The Newsmakers program will air this weekend .

Heritage Action chief Tim Chapman, who plans to leave the conservative group this spring to join a new Nikki Haley advocacy organization, said he did not know whether the former ambassador to the United Nations might run for the White House in 2024.
But he expects the former GOP governor of South Carolina to be an influential voice in policy issues.
“I know that she’s going to be a strong policy leader for the next four years,” said Chapman during an interview with C-SPAN’s “Newsmakers” program. “You’ll see a lot of her out there.”
The Newsmakers program will air this weekend.


rollcall--2020-02-21--House appropriators to start fiscal 2021 markups April 21

The House Appropriations Committee is officially two months away from kicking off this year 's process .
House appropriators plan @ @ @ @ @ fiscal 2021 spending bills on April 21 .
A week later on April 28 , @ @ @ @ @ with the first full committee markup and adoption of subcommittee allocations showing how the panel @ @ @ @ @ 1.4 trillion in discretionary spending among the various federal agencies .
Under the tentative schedule @ @ @ @ @ , the committee would wrap up all the markups by May 19 , clearing the @ @ @ @ @ to try to achieve their goal of passing all the bills on the floor before @ @ @ @ @

The House Appropriations Committee is officially two months away from kicking off this year's process.
House appropriators plan to start subcommittee markups for fiscal 2021 spending bills on April 21. A week later on April 28, they plan to follow up with the first full committee markup and adoption of subcommittee allocations showing how the panel would split up nearly $1.4 trillion in discretionary spending among the various federal agencies.
[Candidates for Appropriations gavel laying groundwork]
Under the tentative schedule obtained by CQ Roll Call, the committee would wrap up all the markups by May 19, clearing the way for House Democratic leaders to try to achieve their goal of passing all the bills on the floor before the start of July.


rollcall--2020-02-21--Reproductive rights fractures coalition of church-affiliated investment groups

A coalition of church-affiliated pension funds and other religious investment groups that leverages billions of dollars in shareholdings to push @ @ @ @ @ may be disrupted as the debate over abortion comes to a head in the U.S @ @ @ @ @ social and governance ( ESG ) change is a role religious investment groups have played @ @ @ @ @ , using their shares to press companies to lead when politicians won ’ t .
@ @ @ @ @ on issues auch as curbing the opioid epidemic , addressing climate change and President Donald @ @ @ @ @ .
On reproductive rights , however , their typical united front is fractured .
With @ @ @ @ @ hear a case next month on a Louisiana law requiring doctors who perform abortions to @ @ @ @ @ some religious investor groups are supporting a landmark campaign pressing companies to ensure access to @ @ @ @ @ groups and others who oppose abortion may be unwilling to join them .

A coalition of church-affiliated pension funds and other religious investment groups that leverages billions of dollars in shareholdings to push for change in corporate boardrooms may be disrupted as the debate over abortion comes to a head in the U.S.
Pressing for environmental, social and governance (ESG) change is a role religious investment groups have played since at least the 1970s, using their shares to press companies to lead when politicians won’t. The movement has enjoyed successes on issues auch as curbing the opioid epidemic, addressing climate change and President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
On reproductive rights, however, their typical united front is fractured.
[Investors push companies to make business case on abortion]
With the Supreme Court set to hear a case next month on a Louisiana law requiring doctors who perform abortions to have hospital admitting privileges, some religious investor groups are supporting a landmark campaign pressing companies to ensure access to reproductive health services. Catholic groups and others who oppose abortion may be unwilling to join them.


rollcall--2020-02-21--Trump packs the courts

Trump packs the courts

President Donald Trump focused on getting the Senate to confirm his judges in 2019 , taking few positions on policy @ @ @ @ @ or the Senate , CQ Roll Call found in its annual review of voting in @ @ @ @ @ on judicial nominees — all 105 of which were confirmed — were more partisan than @ @ @ @ @ Congress host Shawn Zeller and CQ Magazine editors Jonathan Miller and Mike Magner discuss the @ @ @ @ @ of CQ Roll Call 's 66-year-old vote studies .
• Senate says no to witnesses @ @ @ @ @ set for Wednesday

President Donald Trump focused on getting the Senate to confirm his judges in 2019, taking few positions on policy votes in either the House or the Senate, CQ Roll Call found in its annual review of voting in Congress. Meanwhile, votes on judicial nominees — all 105 of which were confirmed — were more partisan than ever before.
CQ on Congress host Shawn Zeller and CQ Magazine editors Jonathan Miller and Mike Magner discuss the findings in the latest installment of CQ Roll Call's 66-year-old vote studies.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-02-21--Maxine Waters: There are L.A. gangsters with ‘more integrity’ than Trump

Rep. Maxine Waters made her debut Thursday night on Showtime ’ s “ Desus & Mero ” late night show and ( characteristically ) didn ’ t hold back as she criticized President Donald Trump .
“ This guy is a street player , ” Waters said .
“ He ’ s a guy that has conned folks .
He ’ s flirted with gangsters.
” Waters , who leads the House Financial Services Committee , was one of the first Democrats to call for Trump ’ s impeachment and has been a vocal Trump critic throughout his presidency .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the toughest communities , ” said Waters , who represents Los Angeles .
“ I ’ ve worked with gangs , I ’ ve worked with Crips , I ’ ve worked with Bloods .
And there 's more integrity in many of these young people in the hood than this man has .
This is a flawed character , and I ’ ve never seen anything like this.
” Waters said she ’ s “ uncomfortable ” with how the 2020 Democratic presidential primary is playing out and concerned about the party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This country can not tolerate another four years of him , ” she said .
Waters plans to wait until after the South Carolina debate to make an endorsement .

Rep. Maxine Waters made her debut Thursday night on Showtime’s “Desus & Mero” late night show and (characteristically) didn’t hold back as she criticized President Donald Trump.
“This guy is a street player,” Waters said. “He’s a guy that has conned folks. He’s flirted with gangsters.”
Waters, who leads the House Financial Services Committee, was one of the first Democrats to call for Trump’s impeachment and has been a vocal Trump critic throughout his presidency.
“I have worked in some of the toughest communities,” said Waters, who represents Los Angeles. “I’ve worked with gangs, I’ve worked with Crips, I’ve worked with Bloods. And there's more integrity in many of these young people in the hood than this man has. This is a flawed character, and I’ve never seen anything like this.”
Waters said she’s “uncomfortable” with how the 2020 Democratic presidential primary is playing out and concerned about the party picking someone who can take on Trump. “This country cannot tolerate another four years of him,” she said. Waters plans to wait until after the South Carolina debate to make an endorsement.


rollcall--2020-02-21--Collins says he’s not interested in DNI job ‘at this time’

President Donald Trump is considering Rep. Doug Collins for the post of director of national intelligence .
The president told @ @ @ @ @ after a Thursday night campaign rally in Colorado Springs that the Georgia Republican was among @ @ @ @ @ intelligence chief position .
Trump was heading back to Las Vegas , where he has @ @ @ @ @ swing this week .
Collins , who is the outgoing ranking member on the House @ @ @ @ @ a primary challenge to GOP Sen. Kelly Loeffler .
Appointed to replace Republican Johnny Isakson @ @ @ @ @ year , Loeffler faces Georgia voters in November for the remaining two years of Isakson @ @ @ @ @ campaign infrastructure of the Republican Party is supporting Loeffler and giving her the benefits of @ @ @ @ @ Fox Business Network Friday morning that he did not currently want the intelligence post .
@ @ @ @ @ job that interests me , at this time it 's not one that I would @ @ @ @ @ a Senate race down here in Georgia , '' Collins said .


rollcall--2020-02-22--Lawmakers seek to tighten gun background checks

The FBI would no longer be able to purge incomplete gun background checks from its systems if legislation by Rep. @ @ @ @ @ The California Democrat introduced the bill Friday in response to a CQ Roll Call report @ @ @ @ @ hundreds of thousands of background checks each year — a practice that could allow gun @ @ @ @ @ check .
If the new bill gets out of the House , it would join @ @ @ @ @ by the chamber that face stiff odds in the Republican-controlled Senate .

The FBI usually gives gun dealers an immediate “yes” or “no” when they run a background check on a potential gun buyer. But in some cases, it has to delay the sale to do more research on whether buyers have a previous arrest or conviction that would bar them from owning a gun under federal or state law.
If the delay takes longer than three business days, current law and regulations allow gun dealers to make the sale without a completed background check. The FBI continues its research but stops after 88 days and purges the background check from its systems.
That happened 201,323 times in 2018, the most recent year for which data is available, according to data obtained by CQ Roll Call. The numbers were similar in previous years.
It’s impossible to know how many of those people purchased guns without a completed background check — or how many purchases would have been blocked if the FBI had completed the background checks instead of purging them from its systems.
Panetta’s bill would allow the FBI to maintain the data for a gun background check in its systems until the check is complete.


rollcall--2020-02-22--Will a tea party challenge work in Trump’s GOP? Kay Granger is going to find out

AZLE , Texas — Rep. Kay Granger wanted to win .
Cash in hand , she kept raising her bid as the auctioneer at Silver Creek United Methodist Church rattled off prices for a chocolate cake .
The Texas Republican eventually paid $ 220 for the cake , leaving a candidate forum here Thursday night with a wave to the crowd after she collected her dessert .
Her primary opponent , former technology executive Chris Putnam , did not bid on the cakes , which were auctioned off between candidate speeches to raise money for the church .
But a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of billions negotiated annually between the White House and congressional Democrats and Republicans — is very much the focus of his Republican primary challenge to Granger in the Forth Worth-area 12th District .
The race is reminiscent of tea party primary challenges from the last decade , with an insurgent hopeful taking on a longtime incumbent and railing against government spending .
But Putnam could have one problem : The GOP isn ’ t the tea party .
It ’ s Donald Trump ’ s party now .
The president has endorsed Granger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ television ads and flyers .
Trump ’ s backing helped her win over Frank Zamarron , a 53-year-old truck repair shop manager from Parker County , who attended the forum Thursday .
With all of the negative ads he ’ s seen , Zamarron said he might have voted against Granger otherwise .

AZLE, Texas — Rep. Kay Granger wanted to win. Cash in hand, she kept raising her bid as the auctioneer at Silver Creek United Methodist Church rattled off prices for a chocolate cake.
The Texas Republican eventually paid $220 for the cake, leaving a candidate forum here Thursday night with a wave to the crowd after she collected her dessert. Her primary opponent, former technology executive Chris Putnam, did not bid on the cakes, which were auctioned off between candidate speeches to raise money for the church.
But a different kind of spending — the hundreds of billions negotiated annually between the White House and congressional Democrats and Republicans — is very much the focus of his Republican primary challenge to Granger in the Forth Worth-area 12th District. The race is reminiscent of tea party primary challenges from the last decade, with an insurgent hopeful taking on a longtime incumbent and railing against government spending.
But Putnam could have one problem: The GOP isn’t the tea party. It’s Donald Trump’s party now.
The president has endorsed Granger, which she’s touting in television ads and flyers. Trump’s backing helped her win over Frank Zamarron, a 53-year-old truck repair shop manager from Parker County, who attended the forum Thursday. With all of the negative ads he’s seen, Zamarron said he might have voted against Granger otherwise.


rollcall--2020-02-28--Shouting and sniping as Pompeo defends Trump’s Iran and Iraq policy

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo ’ s first public appearance of the year before Congress was his most heated and combative yet , with House Democrats frequently raising their voice to sharply rebuke the secretary , who categorically rejected all of their criticisms on the administration ’ s Iran policy and on its handling of the growing worldwide coronavirus outbreak .
The House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing was nominally about the administration ’ s policy toward Iran and Iraq and its use of war powers .
But Democrats used a good portion of their questioning time to ask about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new coronavirus that began in late 2019 in Wuhan , China and is a close cousin to the SARS and MERS viruses .
Rep. Ted Deutch said the Trump administration had a major credibility problem on its hands when it came to its handling of COVID-19 .
“ The American people are becoming increasingly worried about coronavirus , ” the Florida Democrat said .
“ We get phone calls every minute of every day .
People are really concerned and when they hear conflicting messages , they don ’ t know what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2,800 people and infected roughly 81,500 people , including some 60 Americans .
At least one of those Americans , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , appears to have been infected via “ community transmission ” within the United States .

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s first public appearance of the year before Congress was his most heated and combative yet, with House Democrats frequently raising their voice to sharply rebuke the secretary, who categorically rejected all of their criticisms on the administration’s Iran policy and on its handling of the growing worldwide coronavirus outbreak.
The House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing was nominally about the administration’s policy toward Iran and Iraq and its use of war powers. But Democrats used a good portion of their questioning time to ask about the administration’s response to COVID-19, the new coronavirus that began in late 2019 in Wuhan, China and is a close cousin to the SARS and MERS viruses.
Rep. Ted Deutch said the Trump administration had a major credibility problem on its hands when it came to its handling of COVID-19.
[Congress zeroing in on $6B to $8B coronavirus aid package]
“The American people are becoming increasingly worried about coronavirus,” the Florida Democrat said. “We get phone calls every minute of every day. People are really concerned and when they hear conflicting messages, they don’t know what to do.”


rollcall--2020-02-28--Photos of the week

Photos of the week

As the coronavirus spread , Congress turned its attention this week toward finding funding for developing a vaccine and treatment @ @ @ @ @ in photos :

Bill Clark, Tom Williams, and Caroline Brehman

As the coronavirus spread, Congress turned its attention this week toward finding funding for developing a vaccine and treatment.
Here is the week in photos:
Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg speaks at a campaign rally in Arlington, Va., on Sunday. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Attorney General William Barr arrives in the Capitol to attend the Senate Republicans' lunch on Tuesday. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., left, talks with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., in the senators-only elevator in the Capitol on Tuesday. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Rep. Bill Pascrell, D-N.J., left, talks with Rep. Paul Tonko, D-N.Y., before the start of a House subcommittee hearing on the live event ticketing industry on Wednesday. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Health and Human Services staff look at their phones as HHS Secretary Alex Azar testifies during a hearing on the coronavirus outbreak on Wednesday. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., speaks about Sen. Bernie Sanders’ comments on Cuba during the House Republicans’ weekly news conference on Wednesday. Balart is flanked by, from left, Republican Conference Chairwoman Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., House Minority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., holds her weekly news conference in the Capitol as a monitor shows CNN’s coverage of the coronavirus outbreak on Thursday. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)


rollcall--2020-02-28--Five questions for Rep. Mark Pocan

Five questions for Rep. Mark Pocan

Rep. Mark Pocan , in his fourth term representing the liberal college town of Madison , Wisconsin , is co-chairman @ @ @ @ @ , which represents 94 House Democrats .
Here is an edited transcript of a recent @ @ @ @ @ that was first published in the Feb. 24 issue of CQ Magazine .
Q .
@ @ @ @ @ overwhelming Democratic majorities for bills that have split the party in the past : on @ @ @ @ @ and labor rights , among other things .
Do you think a future Democratic government @ @ @ @ @ A .
Yes , and I don ’ t give credit to Congress , but @ @ @ @ @ Many of these issues come back to the 2016 campaign of Bernie Sanders .
And @ @ @ @ @ it comes to raising the minimum wage , health care as a universal right , @ @ @ @ @ dealing with gun violence , 60-80 percent are in favor .
Q .
Are there @ @ @ @ @ to the floor because of moderate Democrats ’ opposition ?

Rep. Mark Pocan, in his fourth term representing the liberal college town of Madison, Wisconsin, is co-chairman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, which represents 94 House Democrats. Here is an edited transcript of a recent interview with CQ Roll Call that was first published in the Feb. 24 issue of CQ Magazine.
Q. In 2019, you saw overwhelming Democratic majorities for bills that have split the party in the past: on gun control, climate change and labor rights, among other things. Do you think a future Democratic government would make them law?
A. Yes, and I don’t give credit to Congress, but to the American people. Many of these issues come back to the 2016 campaign of Bernie Sanders. And now people see that when it comes to raising the minimum wage, health care as a universal right, dealing with climate change, dealing with gun violence, 60-80 percent are in favor.
[Democrats ‘got completely rolled’ in NDAA talks, critics say]
Q. Are there bills that have not gone to the floor because of moderate Democrats’ opposition?


rollcall--2020-02-28--Federal courts prepare for possible coronavirus disruptions

The nation ’ s federal courts should make sure they are prepared for a “ potential pandemic ” from the coronavirus respiratory illness , including procedures to “ ensure the continuation of necessary court functions , ” the judiciary ’ s administrative agency recommended in a memo Thursday .
The memo from James Duff , the director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts , went to all federal judges , along with clerks , staff , attorneys and chief probation officers and was marked as “ important information.
” [ Congress zeroing in on $ 6B to $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrived with “ posters for placing around facilities , ” including Centers for Disease Control information on “ What to do if you are sick with coronavirus disease 2019 ” and “ STOP THE SPREAD OF GERMS : Help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19 , ” the illness caused by coronavirus .
The guidance came as the stock market dropped again and the Trump administration expanded its response to the potential for an outbreak of COVID-19 on American soil , as the virus that started in China had spread to @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The nation’s federal courts should make sure they are prepared for a “potential pandemic” from the coronavirus respiratory illness, including procedures to “ensure the continuation of necessary court functions,” the judiciary’s administrative agency recommended in a memo Thursday.
The memo from James Duff, the director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, went to all federal judges, along with clerks, staff, attorneys and chief probation officers and was marked as “important information.”
[Congress zeroing in on $6B to $8B coronavirus aid package]
The memo arrived with “posters for placing around facilities,” including Centers for Disease Control information on “What to do if you are sick with coronavirus disease 2019” and “STOP THE SPREAD OF GERMS: Help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19,” the illness caused by coronavirus.
The guidance came as the stock market dropped again and the Trump administration expanded its response to the potential for an outbreak of COVID-19 on American soil, as the virus that started in China had spread to Iran, Italy and other countries.


rollcall--2020-02-28--Retirees’ worst nightmare: Federal backing of pension funds at risk

The colorful history of the Teamsters union ’ s largest pension fund as a piggy bank for the mob was a driving element in the Oscar-nominated film “ The Irishman.
” But it will take a lot more than great acting and directing to solve the fund ’ s current problems .
It ’ s projected to run out of money in 2025 .
Already its annual benefits payments are $ 2.1 billion more than it ’ s taking in .
And the Central States , Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Plan is committed to paying $ 40 billion more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dwindling assets can support .
Not coincidentally , the federal backstop to protect such plans , the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation , is projected to go under the same year .
Its multiemployer insurance fund covers 1,400 union plans with more than 10 million members and has a balance of about $ 2.5 billion .
A growing number of insolvencies by small pension plans will shrink that to about $ 1.7 billion in 2024 .
The Teamsters plan will wipe out the rest .
“ We ’ ll take the PBGC down for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about it , ” said Thomas Nyhan , executive director of the Central States pension plan .
When that happens , Central States pensioners , currently receiving an average benefit of about $ 1,400 a month , will get an immediate 20 percent cut since the PBGC ’ s insurance fund pays a maximum benefit of $ 1,072.50 a month .
Those with 30 years in as a Teamster who receive a $ 3,000 monthly check can expect a 60 percent cut .
Once the PBGC fund balance hits zero things get even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revenue will be the $ 380 million in premiums coming in annually .

The colorful history of the Teamsters union’s largest pension fund as a piggy bank for the mob was a driving element in the Oscar-nominated film “The Irishman.” But it will take a lot more than great acting and directing to solve the fund’s current problems.
It’s projected to run out of money in 2025. Already its annual benefits payments are $2.1 billion more than it’s taking in. And the Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Plan is committed to paying $40 billion more in benefits to 364,000 members than its dwindling assets can support.
Not coincidentally, the federal backstop to protect such plans, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, is projected to go under the same year. Its multiemployer insurance fund covers 1,400 union plans with more than 10 million members and has a balance of about $2.5 billion. A growing number of insolvencies by small pension plans will shrink that to about $1.7 billion in 2024. The Teamsters plan will wipe out the rest.
“We’ll take the PBGC down for sure, there’s no doubt about it,” said Thomas Nyhan, executive director of the Central States pension plan.
When that happens, Central States pensioners, currently receiving an average benefit of about $1,400 a month, will get an immediate 20 percent cut since the PBGC’s insurance fund pays a maximum benefit of $1,072.50 a month. Those with 30 years in as a Teamster who receive a $3,000 monthly check can expect a 60 percent cut. Once the PBGC fund balance hits zero things get even worse, as its sole source of revenue will be the $380 million in premiums coming in annually.


rollcall--2020-02-28--Congress zeroing in on $6B to $8B coronavirus aid package

Amid growing concerns about both the economic and health impacts of the rapidly spreading coronavirus , appropriators are rushing to @ @ @ @ @ that could provide upward of $ 6 billion in aid .
House and Senate appropriators @ @ @ @ @ the range of $ 6 billion to $ 8 billion with the aim of getting @ @ @ @ @ as early as the middle of next week , several people familiar with the deliberations @ @ @ @ @ go to the departments of Health and Human Services , State , Homeland Security and @ @ @ @ @ to fight the deadly COVID-19 disease , which has killed thousands worldwide and sent global @ @ @ @ @ this week .
The sources familiar with the discussions , who spoke on condition they @ @ @ @ @ could speak freely , said the legislation would provide some flexibility in spending the funds @ @ @ @ @ 5.4 billion Ebola virus aid package enacted in late 2014 .

Amid growing concerns about both the economic and health impacts of the rapidly spreading coronavirus, appropriators are rushing to draft an emergency spending package that could provide upward of $6 billion in aid.
House and Senate appropriators are discussing a package in the range of $6 billion to $8 billion with the aim of getting it on the House floor as early as the middle of next week, several people familiar with the deliberations said.
The funds would go to the departments of Health and Human Services, State, Homeland Security and Defense and possibly other agencies to fight the deadly COVID-19 disease, which has killed thousands worldwide and sent global stock markets into a tailspin this week.
The sources familiar with the discussions, who spoke on condition they not be identified so they could speak freely, said the legislation would provide some flexibility in spending the funds, similar to the $5.4 billion Ebola virus aid package enacted in late 2014.


rollcall--2020-02-28--Oversight hearing room named for Elijah Cummings

The House Oversight and Reform hearing room was named Thursday in honor of late Chairman Elijah E. Cummings — the @ @ @ @ @ complex to ever be named for an African American lawmaker .
The unveiling of the @ @ @ @ @ both entrances of Room 2154 in the Rayburn House Office Building drew congressional leaders , @ @ @ @ @ and lawmakers from both sides of the aisle .
The Maryland Democrat died Oct. 17 @ @ @ @ @ the House .
He was 68 .
Oversight Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney told the crowd @ @ @ @ @ gem , seemingly having his own inner light and brilliance .
“ He brought us @ @ @ @ @ and he is doing it again , even now , ” the New York Democrat @ @ @ @ @ and the work we do here will remind future generations of Elijah ’ s unwavering @ @ @ @ @ well as his dedication to stability and decorum .
”

The House Oversight and Reform hearing room was named Thursday in honor of late Chairman Elijah E. Cummings — the first room in the Capitol complex to ever be named for an African American lawmaker.
The unveiling of the gold-lettered nameplate to hang above both entrances of Room 2154 in the Rayburn House Office Building drew congressional leaders, Cummings’ family, staffers and lawmakers from both sides of the aisle. The Maryland Democrat died Oct. 17 during his 12th term in the House. He was 68.
[Rep. Elijah Cummings, key Democrat in impeachment investigation, has died]
Oversight Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney told the crowd that Cummings was like a gem, seemingly having his own inner light and brilliance.
“He brought us together in this room, and he is doing it again, even now,” the New York Democrat said. “This room and the work we do here will remind future generations of Elijah’s unwavering commitment to justice, as well as his dedication to stability and decorum.”


rollcall--2020-02-27--Menthol ban causes discrimination concerns

A bill to restrict tobacco flavors could have a closer vote margin Friday than House leaders would like amid frustration @ @ @ @ @ that the bill could lead to unintended consequences in black communities .
Tobacco-state Democrats also @ @ @ @ @ choices for adults who choose to use a legal product .
The bill was written @ @ @ @ @ rise in youth e-cigarette use , but in addition to placing new restrictions on sales @ @ @ @ @ for those products , it would also ban flavors in tobacco products like cigars , @ @ @ @ @ .
Some members say the bill ’ s ban on menthol products would unduly punish @ @ @ @ @ ten black smokers prefer menthol-flavored products , according to the Truth Initiative , an anti-smoking @ @ @ @ @ menthol ban .
While a handful of House Republicans are expected to support the bill @ @ @ @ @ enough to avoid a close vote given opposition from CBC members , tobacco-state lawmakers and @ @

Andrew Siddons, Lindsey McPherson, and Emily Kopp

A bill to restrict tobacco flavors could have a closer vote margin Friday than House leaders would like amid frustration from Congressional Black Caucus members that the bill could lead to unintended consequences in black communities.
Tobacco-state Democrats also argue the bill would limit choices for adults who choose to use a legal product.
The bill was written in response to the dramatic rise in youth e-cigarette use, but in addition to placing new restrictions on sales of e-cigarette flavors and advertising for those products, it would also ban flavors in tobacco products like cigars, as well as menthol cigarettes.
Some members say the bill’s ban on menthol products would unduly punish black smokers. Nine in ten black smokers prefer menthol-flavored products, according to the Truth Initiative, an anti-smoking advocacy group that supports a menthol ban.
While a handful of House Republicans are expected to support the bill, that might not be enough to avoid a close vote given opposition from CBC members, tobacco-state lawmakers and others.


rollcall--2020-02-27--LGBTQ children books honored on House floor

Reps. Angie Craig , D-Minn. , and Jackie Speier , D-Calif. , honored two children 's books by reading them @ @ @ @ @ Thursday morning .
The illustrated books — “ I Am Jazz ” by Jessica Herthel @ @ @ @ @ well as “ They , She , He Easy as ABC ” by Maya Christina @ @ @ @ @ acceptance and gender Identity .
Noting that Feb. 27 is the Human Rights Campaign 's @ @ @ @ @ National Day of School and Community Readings , ” the Minnesota congresswoman said the readings @ @ @ @ @ non-binary youth .
Speier pointed out during her time that she has read `` Jazz @ @ @ @ @ the House floor .

Reps. Angie Craig, D-Minn., and Jackie Speier, D-Calif., honored two children's books by reading them aloud on the House floor Thursday morning.
The illustrated books — “I Am Jazz” by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings, as well as “They, She, He Easy as ABC” by Maya Christina Gonzalez — focus on transgender acceptance and gender Identity.
Noting that Feb. 27 is the Human Rights Campaign's annual “Jazz & Friends National Day of School and Community Readings,” the Minnesota congresswoman said the readings were to support transgender and non-binary youth.
Speier pointed out during her time that she has read "Jazz & Friends" before on the House floor.


rollcall--2020-02-27--Our Texas-size Super Tuesday jamboree

Our Texas-size Super Tuesday jamboree

Super Tuesday !
It 's a big deal .
And yes , the Democratic presidential primary is getting a lot of attention .
But among the 14 states , one territory and Democrats abroad involved in this most super of Tuesdays on March 3 , five states are also hosting congressional primaries , accounting for 117 House and Senate primaries and one special election .
We couldn ’ t go everywhere before the big day , but one place we did go was Texas , sending senior political reporter Bridget Bowman and photo editor Bill Clark to cover the gathering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and one Senate primary contests on Tuesday in the Lone Star State are several that Democrats and Republicans are fiercely competing for and will help determine who is in the majority next year .
In 2018 , Democrats flipped two GOP seats in Texas , and this time around they are targeting seven .
So Texas is a big deal , as any Texan will tell you .
And so is the special election to replace former Rep. Katie Hill in California .
And the Alabama Senate GOP primary that will give us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return to the chamber .
And who will be chosen in some of those slightly un-gerrymandered districts in North Carolina ?

Super Tuesday! It's a big deal. And yes, the Democratic presidential primary is getting a lot of attention. But among the 14 states, one territory and Democrats abroad involved in this most super of Tuesdays on March 3, five states are also hosting congressional primaries, accounting for 117 House and Senate primaries and one special election.
We couldn’t go everywhere before the big day, but one place we did go was Texas, sending senior political reporter Bridget Bowman and photo editor Bill Clark to cover the gathering political showdown.
Among the 36 House and one Senate primary contests on Tuesday in the Lone Star State are several that Democrats and Republicans are fiercely competing for and will help determine who is in the majority next year. In 2018, Democrats flipped two GOP seats in Texas, and this time around they are targeting seven.
So Texas is a big deal, as any Texan will tell you. And so is the special election to replace former Rep. Katie Hill in California. And the Alabama Senate GOP primary that will give us an idea about whether Jeff Sessions might return to the chamber. And who will be chosen in some of those slightly un-gerrymandered districts in North Carolina?


rollcall--2020-02-28--History repeats itself: Donald Trump tweets that John Ratcliffe will be director of national intelli

History repeats itself: Donald Trump tweets that John Ratcliffe will be director of national intelligence, again

A week later , Trump said Ratcliffe had withdrawn his name from consideration , with the president citing the congressman being “ treated very unfairly by the LameStream Media ” as cause for the nomination to be pulled back .
Concerns had been raised about exaggerations and amplifications in Ratcliffe ’ s record at the time , which were clarified by staff .
Following Coats ’ departure in August , Joseph Maguire succeeded him as acting director .
Grenell replaced Maguire earlier this month , but like Macguire , he would not be able to serve in the position past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sends a nomination to the Senate for consideration before then .
A formal nomination of Ratcliffe would , in effect , stop the clock .
Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer urged his colleagues to reject Ratcliffe ’ s nomination , saying Trump “ has shown once again his lack of respect for the rule of law and the intelligence community.
” “ Replacing one highly partisan operative with another does nothing to keep our country safe , ” the New York Democrat said in a statement .
“ At a time when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we need a nonpartisan leader at the helm of the Intelligence Community who sees the world objectively and speaks truth to power , and unfortunately neither Acting Director Grenell nor Rep. Ratcliffe comes even close to that .
”

A week later, Trump said Ratcliffe had withdrawn his name from consideration, with the president citing the congressman being “treated very unfairly by the LameStream Media” as cause for the nomination to be pulled back.
Concerns had been raised about exaggerations and amplifications in Ratcliffe’s record at the time, which were clarified by staff.
Following Coats’ departure in August, Joseph Maguire succeeded him as acting director. Grenell replaced Maguire earlier this month, but like Macguire, he would not be able to serve in the position past March 11, unless the White House sends a nomination to the Senate for consideration before then. A formal nomination of Ratcliffe would, in effect, stop the clock.
Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer urged his colleagues to reject Ratcliffe’s nomination, saying Trump “has shown once again his lack of respect for the rule of law and the intelligence community.”
“Replacing one highly partisan operative with another does nothing to keep our country safe,” the New York Democrat said in a statement. “At a time when the Russians are interfering in our elections, we need a nonpartisan leader at the helm of the Intelligence Community who sees the world objectively and speaks truth to power, and unfortunately neither Acting Director Grenell nor Rep. Ratcliffe comes even close to that.”


rollcall--2020-02-28--States counting on reimbursements for coronavirus response

Not all state and local health departments have the Golden State ’ s resources , though .
Adriane Caslotti , chief of government and public affairs with the National Association of County and City Health Officials said even departments without a case have been “ activated ” to address the virus .
“ In far too many localities , that means diverting staff and limited resources from other projects — strategies that are not sustainable and which run the risk of compromising other critical work , ” she wrote in an email .
Janet Hamilton , director of science and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Territorial Epidemiologists , said states depend on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , or CDC , funding for regular programs .
The additional needs from the coronavirus- caused disease demand additional resources , not just shifted from other accounts .
Doing so would negatively affect people ’ s health , she said .
“ The concept of robbing Peter to pay Paul is not something that public health can afford , ” she said .
In New Mexico , which hasn ’ t seen a COVID-19 case yet , state epidemiologist Dr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government to provide necessary funding as it did during the swine flu , Ebola and Zika public health emergencies .

Congress is negotiating a supplemental package between about $6 billion and $8 billion. The Trump administration’s request was for a package of $2.5 billion.
[Trump administration sees swift action on coronavirus package]
Newsom, a Democrat who has conflicted often with the Trump administration over immigration, environmental regulations, health care and other issues, said he had “great confidence” the administration and Congress would provide more than enough resources. Until then, the state is running record surpluses and able to meet its immediate response needs, he said.
With 11 COVID-19 cases, California has seen more cases than any other and was the site of the first case in the U.S. of person-to-person transmission in the general public. In all other reported U.S. cases, the infected person either spent time overseas recently or had close contact with someone who did.
Departments ‘activated’
Not all state and local health departments have the Golden State’s resources, though. Adriane Caslotti, chief of government and public affairs with the National Association of County and City Health Officials said even departments without a case have been “activated” to address the virus.


rollcall--2020-02-28--House suit seeking McGahn testimony tossed by appeals court

A federal appeals court in Washington dealt a blow to congressional oversight power Friday , throwing out a House Judiciary @ @ @ @ @ White House Counsel Don McGahn to testify as part of a probe into the actions @ @ @ @ @ The three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit @ @ @ @ @ , declined to rule on whether McGahn had to honor a committee subpoena or if @ @ @ @ @ “ absolute immunity ” from such testimony .
[ House contends it still needs court @ @ @ @ @ ] Instead , the majority found that federal courts had no role to play in @ @ @ @ @ political branches , and Congress can instead use “ a series of political tools to @ @ @ @ @ heel.
” Those “ ample yet imperfect tools ” include holding officers in contempt , @ @ @ @ @ confirm the president ’ s nominees , harnessing public opinion , delaying or derailing the @ @ @ @ @ , or impeaching recalcitrant officers , the majority wrote .

A federal appeals court in Washington dealt a blow to congressional oversight power Friday, throwing out a House Judiciary Committee lawsuit to force former White House Counsel Don McGahn to testify as part of a probe into the actions of President Donald Trump.
The three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, in a 2-1 ruling, declined to rule on whether McGahn had to honor a committee subpoena or if the close presidential adviser enjoys “absolute immunity” from such testimony.
[House contends it still needs court help to get Mueller info]
Instead, the majority found that federal courts had no role to play in such a clash between the political branches, and Congress can instead use “a series of political tools to bring the Executive Branch to heel.”
Those “ample yet imperfect tools” include holding officers in contempt, withholding appropriations, refusing to confirm the president’s nominees, harnessing public opinion, delaying or derailing the president’s legislative agenda, or impeaching recalcitrant officers, the majority wrote.


rollcall--2020-02-28--House Democrats look to vaporize tobacco’s influence over youth

House Democrats , health officials and anti-vaping youth advocates held a press conference Friday before the House cleared the Reversing @ @ @ @ @ .
The bill would amend the Federal Food , Drug and Cosmetic Act to ban @ @ @ @ @ and sales restrictions on e-cigarettes like Juul .
The press conference focused on the adverse @ @ @ @ @ on adolescents who are at risk for addiction .

House Democrats, health officials and anti-vaping youth advocates held a press conference Friday before the House cleared the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act.
The bill would amend the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to ban flavored tobacco and impose taxes and sales restrictions on e-cigarettes like Juul.
The press conference focused on the adverse effects of flavored tobacco products on adolescents who are at risk for addiction.


rollcall--2020-02-28--Trump administration sees swift action on coronavirus package

“ That should rapidly expand in the next several weeks , for the reasons I ’ ve said , that type of lab-based testing , ” Azar said .
“ What you ’ re talking about at the doctor ’ s office would be a bedside type diagnostic , which we have for instance for strep , for flu .
We need to get to that , but that is a longer development process.
” Azar said that coming up with such a testing mechanism would be a priority .
`` When we get the supplemental through ...
I 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amount of money Congress gives us to rapidly speed along the development of the bedside diagnostic , but once we get this fully out to public health labs as well as [ private ] labs , that 's going to give us tremendous , tremendous capacity out there in the United States , '' he said .
The officials spoke as two new coronavirus cases were identified among the passengers repatriated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday .
That brings the new total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases Director Nancy Messonnier said monitoring in six major cities will begin next week .
“ We are moving rapidly to not only stand up those six sites but to go from those sites to national surveillance , ” she said .

“That should rapidly expand in the next several weeks, for the reasons I’ve said, that type of lab-based testing,” Azar said. “What you’re talking about at the doctor’s office would be a bedside type diagnostic, which we have for instance for strep, for flu. We need to get to that, but that is a longer development process.”
Azar said that coming up with such a testing mechanism would be a priority.
"When we get the supplemental through ... I've told the team we will spend whatever amount of money Congress gives us to rapidly speed along the development of the bedside diagnostic, but once we get this fully out to public health labs as well as [private] labs, that's going to give us tremendous, tremendous capacity out there in the United States," he said.
The officials spoke as two new coronavirus cases were identified among the passengers repatriated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday. That brings the new total among the ship's passengers to 44.
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases Director Nancy Messonnier said monitoring in six major cities will begin next week. “We are moving rapidly to not only stand up those six sites but to go from those sites to national surveillance,” she said.


rollcall--2020-02-28--Federal appeals court blocks Trump’s ‘Remain in Mexico’ program

A federal appeals court on Friday reinstated an injunction against the Trump administration ’ s “ Remain in Mexico ” program , which has forced almost 60,000 migrants to wait in Mexico as their cases slowly wind through the U.S. immigration court system .
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals wrote in its ruling that the program officially known as Migrant Protection Protocols was “ invalid in its entirety ” because of its inconsistency with U.S. statutory law and “ should be enjoined in its entirety.
” The court also ruled the government was violating international legal obligations by sending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first piloted in California in January 2019 at the San Ysidro port of entry at the San Diego-Tijuana border .
In April , a district judge issued a preliminary injunction against the policy while its legality was hashed out in court — but the Ninth Circuit lifted that injunction a month later .
The administration then started placing more people in the program and expanded it following talks with Mexico in June .
It is unclear how the Trump administration will honor the latest injunction and handle the large numbers of migrants it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out their cases .
MPP was originally restricted to Central Americans coming to the border seeking asylum , but has recently come to include Brazilian nationals as well .
On Thursday , acting Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Mark Morgan called the program “ extremely effective ” during his testimony before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security .
He said `` the greatest positive effect '' within the past eight months has been more than a 70 percent reduction in the flow of migrants at the southern border .

A federal appeals court on Friday reinstated an injunction against Trump administration’s “Remain in Mexico” program – but then hours later put the decision on hold to give the U.S. government time to appeal.
The actions by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals affect the program formally known as Migrant Protection Protocols, or MPP, which has forced nearly 60,000 migrants to wait in Mexico as their cases slowly wind through the U.S. immigration court system. The pair of decisions created uncertainty late Friday at U.S. ports of entries, where migrants, advocates and attorneys had lined up.
The California-based court initially ruled that MPP was “invalid in its entirety” because of its inconsistency with U.S. statutory law and “should be enjoined in its entirety.” The court also ruled the government was violating international legal obligations by sending migrants back to harm.
But the court hours later stayed that ruling, which effectively halted MPP. The lawyers involved in the case now have until Monday to respond to the stay.
Mark Morgan, the acting Customs and Border Protection commissioner, said in a late Friday night tweet that his agency would “immediately reinstate the policy.”


rollcall--2020-02-28--Campus Notebook: Trahan opens legal expense fund to address Ethics inquiry

Rep. Lori Trahan is enlisting the help of a special fund for lawmakers to address legal expenses arising from a House Ethics Committee inquiry into whether her campaign accepted impermissible contributions that exceeded federal parameters and misreported information with the Federal Election Commission .
The Massachusetts Democrat established the Lori Trahan Legal Expense Trust on Feb. 20 , according to a filing received Feb. 24 by the House Legislative Resource Center .
A legal expense fund is permitted by the Ethics Committee when legal fees arise in connection with a member ’ s candidacy or election to federal office , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosecution , or a civil matter bearing on the person ’ s reputation or fitness for office .
Reports on contributions and spending must be filed on a quarterly basis with the committee and for the public at the Legislative Resource Center .
Contributions to Trahan ’ s fund can not exceed $ 5,000 from an individual or an organization in a calendar year .
Neither registered lobbyists nor foreign agents can give to the trust .
Those who have previously donated to Trahan are eligible to donate up to $ 5,000 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members pay for expensive legal bills and are fairly common .
The establishment of a fund does not mean a member has done anything improper .
Rep. Tony Cardenas , a California Democrat , used a legal expense fund to defend himself against a civil lawsuit that was eventually dropped .

Rep. Lori Trahan is enlisting the help of a special fund for lawmakers to address legal expenses arising from a House Ethics Committee inquiry into whether her campaign accepted impermissible contributions that exceeded federal parameters and misreported information with the Federal Election Commission.
The Massachusetts Democrat established the Lori Trahan Legal Expense Trust on Feb. 20, according to a filing received Feb. 24 by the House Legislative Resource Center. A legal expense fund is permitted by the Ethics Committee when legal fees arise in connection with a member’s candidacy or election to federal office, official duties in office, a criminal prosecution, or a civil matter bearing on the person’s reputation or fitness for office. Reports on contributions and spending must be filed on a quarterly basis with the committee and for the public at the Legislative Resource Center.
Contributions to Trahan’s fund cannot exceed $5,000 from an individual or an organization in a calendar year. Neither registered lobbyists nor foreign agents can give to the trust. Those who have previously donated to Trahan are eligible to donate up to $5,000 to this new fund.
These funds help members pay for expensive legal bills and are fairly common. The establishment of a fund does not mean a member has done anything improper.
Rep. Tony Cardenas, a California Democrat, used a legal expense fund to defend himself against a civil lawsuit that was eventually dropped.


rollcall--2020-02-28--House issues guidance for staffers amid coronavirus concerns

[ Capitol Hill offices instructed to update pandemic plans , Office of the Attending Physician sets record straight on coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ to avoid touching their mouth , nose and eyes and to clean and disinfect objects @ @ @ @ @ reiterated what is the most common and accepted guidance for preventing the spread of the @ @ @ @ @ with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer .
@ @ @ @ @ Disease Control and Prevention guidance that facemasks are not recommended to protect healthy individuals against @ @ @ @ @ .
However , masks are recommended for people exhibiting symptoms of the disease to prevent @ @ @ @ @ “ As a practical matter , if you are showing symptoms of COVID-19 , you @ @ @ @ @ work and should seek appropriate medical attention , ” it says .

[Capitol Hill offices instructed to update pandemic plans, Office of the Attending Physician sets record straight on coronavirus]
House employees were instructed to avoid touching their mouth, nose and eyes and to clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.
The email reiterated what is the most common and accepted guidance for preventing the spread of the virus: washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
The email cites Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance that facemasks are not recommended to protect healthy individuals against respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. However, masks are recommended for people exhibiting symptoms of the disease to prevent spreading it to others.
“As a practical matter, if you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, you should not be reporting to work and should seek appropriate medical attention,” it says.


rollcall--2020-02-28--House passes bill to restrict flavored tobacco products

The House on Friday passed , 213-195 , a bill that would ban flavored tobacco products and impose taxes and sales restrictions on e-cigarettes .
While the bill was mainly touted as part of House Democrats ’ efforts to limit youth e-cigarette use , the vote underscored concerns that the bill could discriminate against some tobacco users .
The bill would ban all flavored tobacco products , including menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars .
But it also would carve out more expensive premium cigars from the most stringent Food and Drug Administration regulation , leading to criticisms from some Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a double standard based on race and class .
Still , Democrats ’ desire to address youth e-cigarette use was enough to advance the bill .
Five moderate Republicans joined Democrats to support the bill .
While eight of the 17 Democratic 'no ' votes were from African American members who had expressed concern about the implications of banning menthol , they were joined by nine Democrats who will have tough reelection campaigns in more conservative districts .
House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn , who said he had concerns about the bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not vote .
Clyburn 's home state of South Carolina holds its presidential primary on Saturday .

The House on Friday passed, 213-195, a bill that would ban flavored tobacco products and impose taxes and sales restrictions on e-cigarettes.
While the bill was mainly touted as part of House Democrats’ efforts to limit youth e-cigarette use, the vote underscored concerns that the bill could discriminate against some tobacco users.
The bill would ban all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. But it also would carve out more expensive premium cigars from the most stringent Food and Drug Administration regulation, leading to criticisms from some Democrats and many Republicans that it would impose a double standard based on race and class.
Still, Democrats’ desire to address youth e-cigarette use was enough to advance the bill. Five moderate Republicans joined Democrats to support the bill.
While eight of the 17 Democratic 'no' votes were from African American members who had expressed concern about the implications of banning menthol, they were joined by nine Democrats who will have tough reelection campaigns in more conservative districts. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn, who said he had concerns about the bill, was one of 22 members who did not vote. Clyburn's home state of South Carolina holds its presidential primary on Saturday.


rollcall--2020-02-28--A pandemic … of swamp rats: Congressional Hits and Misses

While much of Congress was “ freaking out ” about the coronavirus this week , Reps. Josh Harder and Garret @ @ @ @ @ pressing pandemic facing their districts : the scourge of swamp rats .
Harder even brought @ @ @ @ @ the Nutria , ” a stuffed swamp rat , to the House floor to show @ @ @ @ @ cute little critters can be .
[ Also watch : Greg Walden knows what ’ @ @ @ @ @ s mind ]

While much of Congress was “freaking out” about the coronavirus this week, Reps. Josh Harder and Garret Graves had a much more pressing pandemic facing their districts: the scourge of swamp rats.
Harder even brought his “good friend Nellie the Nutria,” a stuffed swamp rat, to the House floor to show off what a menace the cute little critters can be.
[ Also watch: Greg Walden knows what’s on his staff’s mind ]