rollcall--2020-06-02--Democratic govenors seek federal COVID-19 testing coordination

Governors told a House subcommittee Tuesday they need more predictability about how the federal government plans to help provide testing supplies as they reopen their states while trying to minimize another spike of COVID-19 infections .
The testimony of a Republican and two Democratic governors came as the nation ’ s attention shifted this week from the pandemic , which has killed more than 100,000 Americans , to protests that broke out in cities nationwide following the death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minnesota .
Still , the threat of the virus remains as state officials decide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and adjust to life with the virus that causes COVID-19 .
Some experts have raised concerns that the protests could add to the number of cases and could further exacerbate how the virus has greatly affected African Americans .
Democratic governors Jared Polis of Colorado and Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan both told the Energy and Commerce Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee that more transparency is needed on how the federal government is providing testing materials for states , such as reagents and swabs that have at times been in short supply .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better with on the federal side is transparency and really knowing what we ’ re going to get when , ” Polis said .
If states don ’ t have that information , they can order their own materials and end up with too much of some items and net enough of others , he said .

Governors told a House subcommittee Tuesday they need more predictability about how the federal government plans to help provide testing supplies as they reopen their states while trying to minimize another spike of COVID-19 infections.
The testimony of a Republican and two Democratic governors came as the nation’s attention shifted this week from the pandemic, which has killed more than 100,000 Americans, to protests that broke out in cities nationwide following the death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minnesota.
Still, the threat of the virus remains as state officials decide how and when to lift additional restrictions and adjust to life with the virus that causes COVID-19. Some experts have raised concerns that the protests could add to the number of cases and could further exacerbate how the virus has greatly affected African Americans.
Democratic governors Jared Polis of Colorado and Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan both told the Energy and Commerce Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee that more transparency is needed on how the federal government is providing testing materials for states, such as reagents and swabs that have at times been in short supply.
“The most important things that we can do better with on the federal side is transparency and really knowing what we’re going to get when,” Polis said. If states don’t have that information, they can order their own materials and end up with too much of some items and net enough of others, he said.


rollcall--2020-06-02--Homeland Security grossly understated family separations, watchdog says

Customs and Border Protection separated dozens more migrant children at ports of entry in 2018 than it publicly attested to at the height of the Trump administration 's so-called zero tolerance policy , according to a new report published Tuesday by the Homeland Security Department 's internal watchdog .
The department ’ s Office of Inspector General identified at least 60 families that were separated in 2018 , while CBP claimed it had separated only seven asylum-seeking parents from their children .
The report looked at a specific two-month period , from May 6 to July 9 .
In its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than half of the separations were based solely on prior immigration violations of the parents , which was “ inconsistent with official DHS public messages.
” As a result , 40 children — the youngest of whom was 5 months old — were separated from their parents in contradiction to stated government practice .
In its response to the findings , CBP took issue with the inspector general 's suggestion “ that CBP personnel separated families without regard for the health , welfare , safety , and reunification of inadmissible asylum-seeking applicants for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CBP is committed to the care and processing of individuals in its custody with the utmost dignity and respect , and has taken steps to ensure an enhanced standard of care in response to the humanitarian crisis at the Southwest Border , ” senior CBP official , Henry A. Moak , Jr. , said in the formal response , which was included in the report 's appendix .

Customs and Border Protection separated dozens more migrant children at ports of entry in 2018 than it publicly attested to at the height of the Trump administration's so-called zero tolerance policy, according to a new report published Tuesday by the Homeland Security Department's internal watchdog.
The department’s Office of Inspector General identified at least 60 families that were separated in 2018, while CBP claimed it had separated only seven asylum-seeking parents from their children. The report looked at a specific two-month period, from May 6 to July 9.
In its report, the OIG notes that more than half of the separations were based solely on prior immigration violations of the parents, which was “inconsistent with official DHS public messages.” As a result, 40 children — the youngest of whom was 5 months old — were separated from their parents in contradiction to stated government practice.
In its response to the findings, CBP took issue with the inspector general's suggestion “that CBP personnel separated families without regard for the health, welfare, safety, and reunification of inadmissible asylum-seeking applicants for admission, which is incorrect.”
“CBP is committed to the care and processing of individuals in its custody with the utmost dignity and respect, and has taken steps to ensure an enhanced standard of care in response to the humanitarian crisis at the Southwest Border,” senior CBP official, Henry A. Moak, Jr., said in the formal response, which was included in the report's appendix.


rollcall--2020-06-02--House panel wants Pentagon leaders to testify on protests

The House Armed Services Committee has asked top Pentagon leaders to testify next week on U.S. military involvement in policing domestic upheaval , according to Rep. Adam Smith , the panel ’ s chairman .
The Washington Democrat told reporters in a conference call Tuesday that the Pentagon had not yet replied to the invitation for Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley to testify .
Smith said he understands the military has a legally allowable role in law enforcement under extreme circumstances .
But he said the Trump administration ’ s martial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deploying active-duty troops to join reservists already supporting police are “ deeply dangerous.
” “ If the president is basically threatening to use the U.S. military to go in and enforce the law in U.S. cities , that runs the risk of an extreme escalation in violence and a hugely disruptive practice , ” Smith said .
“ Treating this as a war is , I think , an enormous mistake.
” Smith said he spoke with Milley briefly Monday night to convey his concerns but had not spoken to Esper recently .

The House Armed Services Committee has asked top Pentagon leaders to testify next week on U.S. military involvement in policing domestic upheaval, according to Rep. Adam Smith, the panel’s chairman.
The Washington Democrat told reporters in a conference call Tuesday that the Pentagon had not yet replied to the invitation for Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley to testify.
Smith said he understands the military has a legally allowable role in law enforcement under extreme circumstances. But he said the Trump administration’s martial rhetoric and the prospect of the president deploying active-duty troops to join reservists already supporting police are “deeply dangerous.”
“If the president is basically threatening to use the U.S. military to go in and enforce the law in U.S. cities, that runs the risk of an extreme escalation in violence and a hugely disruptive practice,” Smith said. “Treating this as a war is, I think, an enormous mistake.”
Smith said he spoke with Milley briefly Monday night to convey his concerns but had not spoken to Esper recently.


rollcall--2020-06-02--Nadler seeks to punish Barr for not testifying

The House Judiciary Committee squared off against Attorney General William Barr on Tuesday to counter what Democrats say is continued @ @ @ @ @ to testify at a Justice Department oversight hearing .
Chairman Jerrold Nadler announced that he @ @ @ @ @ to slash the budget of the attorney general ’ s personal office by $ 50 @ @ @ @ @ to pass the Republican-controlled Senate or get President Donald Trump ’ s signature to become @ @ @ @ @ York Democrat said the committee also will hear testimony from DOJ whistleblowers and former department @ @ @ @ @ specific incidents of misconduct , as well as the unprecedented politicization ” of the Justice @ @ @ @ @ .
And the committee members plan to file a brief in the criminal case that @ @ @ @ @ drop against former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn , who previously pleaded guilty .

The House Judiciary Committee squared off against Attorney General William Barr on Tuesday to counter what Democrats say is continued defiance of Congress for refusing to testify at a Justice Department oversight hearing.
Chairman Jerrold Nadler announced that he would introduce legislation this week to slash the budget of the attorney general’s personal office by $50 million — a proposal unlikely to pass the Republican-controlled Senate or get President Donald Trump’s signature to become law.
But the New York Democrat said the committee also will hear testimony from DOJ whistleblowers and former department officials who can “describe specific incidents of misconduct, as well as the unprecedented politicization” of the Justice Department during the Trump administration.
[House Democrats start contempt of Congress process against Barr]
And the committee members plan to file a brief in the criminal case that the Justice Department wants to drop against former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn, who previously pleaded guilty.


rollcall--2020-06-02--Senate panel provides preview for next COVID-19 relief bill

The Senate Banking Committee hearing Tuesday previewed the coming debate on the next legislative response to the economic carnage wrought by COVID-19 .
While the hearing was nominally about the implementation of Federal Reserve lending facilities established by a roughly $ 2 trillion economic relief package , the focus looked ahead to an upcoming economic package .
As most senators tried to use witnesses to bolster support for provisions they want in the next bill , some hinted where compromises might be struck .
Democrats , along with some Republicans , have called for bailing out state and local governments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus crisis .
As those governments have increased spending to fight the pandemic , they ’ ve seen tax revenue drop drastically .
Heidi Shierholz , director of policy at the progressive Economic Policy Institute and former chief economist at the Labor Department , told the committee that nearly 1 million government jobs at the state and local level have been lost already .
She warned those layoffs could create a vicious cycle that could drown the recovery : Government workers ' wages stop flowing to businesses struggling to recover , leading to @ @ @ @ @ @

The Senate Banking Committee hearing Tuesday previewed the coming debate on the next legislative response to the economic carnage wrought by COVID-19.
While the hearing was nominally about the implementation of Federal Reserve lending facilities established by a roughly $2 trillion economic relief package, the focus looked ahead to an upcoming economic package. As most senators tried to use witnesses to bolster support for provisions they want in the next bill, some hinted where compromises might be struck.
Democrats, along with some Republicans, have called for bailing out state and local governments whose budgets have been decimated by the coronavirus crisis. As those governments have increased spending to fight the pandemic, they’ve seen tax revenue drop drastically.
Heidi Shierholz, director of policy at the progressive Economic Policy Institute and former chief economist at the Labor Department, told the committee that nearly 1 million government jobs at the state and local level have been lost already.
She warned those layoffs could create a vicious cycle that could drown the recovery: Government workers' wages stop flowing to businesses struggling to recover, leading to further private-sector layoffs and bankruptcies.


rollcall--2020-06-03--New normal? Pennsylvania waits for election results

The tallies from many of the precincts are in , but the primary is not over in four Pennsylvania House @ @ @ @ @ party , that are expected to be competitive in a state that is also a @ @ @ @ @ campaign .
The delays are the result of the surge in ballots sent by mail @ @ @ @ @ , and emergency rules in several counties providing more time for ballots to arrive in @ @ @ @ @ and curfews tied to protests over police violence .
Suzanne Almeida , interim director of @ @ @ @ @ reporters Tuesday afternoon that there was widespread voter confusion , with polling places consolidated because @ @ @ @ @ What we ’ re seeing is voters who are showing up to their old precincts @ @ @ @ @ and calling the hotline… to get directions to where they should vote , ” Almeida @ @

The tallies from many of the precincts are in, but the primary is not over in two Pennsylvania House races, one in each party, that are expected to be competitive in a state that is also a crucial battleground in the presidential campaign.
The delays are the result of the surge in ballots sent by mail because of the coronavirus pandemic, and emergency rules in several counties providing more time for ballots to arrive in the mail because of disruptions and curfews tied to protests over police violence.
Suzanne Almeida, interim director of Common Cause Pennsylvania, told reporters Tuesday afternoon that there was widespread voter confusion, with polling places consolidated because of the pandemic.
[Iowa Rep. Steve King ousted in Republican primary]
“What we’re seeing is voters who are showing up to their old precincts unable to cast ballots there and calling the hotline… to get directions to where they should vote,” Almeida said.


rollcall--2020-06-03--Renewable energy projects get a pandemic break from IRS

Most people don ’ t want to hear from the IRS .
The renewable energy industry was glad to .
Facing a deadline to qualify for federal tax credits , renewable energy developers will get an extra year to complete construction and bring their projects online under new Internal Revenue Service guidance , which the agency issued in May , drawing bipartisan and industry praise .
The IRS decision , released due to the pandemic that has slowed construction , permitting and disrupted shipments and supplies , according to experts , gives companies that broke ground on new projects in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to finish their work and qualify for the credits .
While the policy applies to biomass , geothermal , landfill gas , hydroelectric , solar , fuel-cell and other businesses , it is distinctly vital for the wind business , which saw a surge in construction in 2016 specifically tied to the tax credit schedule .
“ It applies broadly , but it ’ s particularly important for the wind energy sector , ” Greg Wetstone , president and CEO of the American Council on Renewable Energy , said in an interview .

Most people don’t want to hear from the IRS. The renewable energy industry was glad to.
Facing a deadline to qualify for federal tax credits, renewable energy developers will get an extra year to complete construction and bring their projects online under new Internal Revenue Service guidance, which the agency issued in May, drawing bipartisan and industry praise.
The IRS decision, released due to the pandemic that has slowed construction, permitting and disrupted shipments and supplies, according to experts, gives companies that broke ground on new projects in 2016 and 2017 until 2021 and 2022 to finish their work and qualify for the credits.
While the policy applies to biomass, geothermal, landfill gas, hydroelectric, solar, fuel-cell and other businesses, it is distinctly vital for the wind business, which saw a surge in construction in 2016 specifically tied to the tax credit schedule.
“It applies broadly, but it’s particularly important for the wind energy sector,” Greg Wetstone, president and CEO of the American Council on Renewable Energy, said in an interview.


rollcall--2020-06-03--Is the 2020 fight for the House already over?

ANALYSIS — Of the major political handicappers , not even one of them thinks the House is likely to flip in November .
Not the folks at the Cook Political Report .
Not the analysts at Sabato ’ s Crystal Ball .
And certainly not my colleagues at Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales , who in a recent column argued that the most likely House result is anything from “ a GOP gain of five seats to a Democratic gain of five seats.
” ( For more on that , watch Nathan ’ s recent CQ Roll Call video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House is not in play is , in some ways , remarkable .
Republicans need a manageable 17 seats to regain the chamber , after losing a net of 40 seats , and their majority , in 2018 .
While only six House Republicans sit in districts carried by Hillary Clinton in 2016 ( two redrawn seats in North Carolina , plus one each in California , New York , Pennsylvania and Texas ) , 30 Democratic members now occupy seats that backed President Donald Trump .
That means the National Republican Congressional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunities than the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee .
But that ’ s not how the cycle is playing out — at least not to this point .

ANALYSIS — Of the major political handicappers, not even one of them thinks the House is likely to flip in November.
Not the folks at the Cook Political Report. Not the analysts at Sabato’s Crystal Ball. And certainly not my colleagues at Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales, who in a recent column argued that the most likely House result is anything from “a GOP gain of five seats to a Democratic gain of five seats.” (For more on that, watch Nathan’s recent CQ Roll Call video.)
The general sense that the House is not in play is, in some ways, remarkable.
Republicans need a manageable 17 seats to regain the chamber, after losing a net of 40 seats, and their majority, in 2018. While only six House Republicans sit in districts carried by Hillary Clinton in 2016 (two redrawn seats in North Carolina, plus one each in California, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas), 30 Democratic members now occupy seats that backed President Donald Trump.
That means the National Republican Congressional Committee should start off with many more opportunities than the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. But that’s not how the cycle is playing out — at least not to this point.


rollcall--2020-06-03--Colleges weigh how to confront COVID-19 as they plan to reopen

Students at Grinnell College will be returning to campus during the next academic year , but likely not all at the same time .
The Iowa college plans to bring students back in smaller cohorts for roughly seven weeks at a time , allowing essentially all of its roughly 1,700 students to spend time on campus throughout the academic year .
The college is partnering with the testing company Tempus to have regularly scheduled diagnostic tests on campus .
Across the country , colleges and universities are determining how to safely reopen their campuses for in-person classes and determining how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect people from the virus that causes COVID-19 .
The issue is one of numerous societal challenges that a wide range of officials have to confront in individual decisions that could each impact public health while the world waits for vaccines or treatments .
When Grinnell students arrive on campus , they will be tested for the virus , as will faculty and staff .
Students who test positive would be isolated on campus in a separate dormitory , while others would move into their regular dorms .
The college is contracting with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often to test throughout the year , which could be as frequently as every week .
Grinnell expects to have an average of 600 tests available each week , President Raynard Kington told CQ Roll Call .
By having tests available on campus and restricting the number of people there , Kington said he ’ s confident the campus can reopen and limit the threat of the virus .

Students at Grinnell College will be returning to campus during the next academic year, but likely not all at the same time.
The Iowa college plans to bring students back in smaller cohorts for roughly seven weeks at a time, allowing essentially all of its roughly 1,700 students to spend time on campus throughout the academic year. The college is partnering with the testing company Tempus to have regularly scheduled diagnostic tests on campus.
Across the country, colleges and universities are determining how to safely reopen their campuses for in-person classes and determining how campus life will need to change to protect people from the virus that causes COVID-19. The issue is one of numerous societal challenges that a wide range of officials have to confront in individual decisions that could each impact public health while the world waits for vaccines or treatments.
When Grinnell students arrive on campus, they will be tested for the virus, as will faculty and staff. Students who test positive would be isolated on campus in a separate dormitory, while others would move into their regular dorms.
The college is contracting with a modeling unit to help determine how often to test throughout the year, which could be as frequently as every week. Grinnell expects to have an average of 600 tests available each week, President Raynard Kington told CQ Roll Call. By having tests available on campus and restricting the number of people there, Kington said he’s confident the campus can reopen and limit the threat of the virus.


rollcall--2020-06-03--Montana awaits marquee fall as competitive races for House and Senate are set

Montana , which will host one of the nation ’ s hottest Senate contests this fall , moved into general election mode after its Tuesday primaries officially set out the congressional contenders .
First-term Republican Sen. Steve Daines , whom CQ Roll Call ranks as among the most vulnerable in the chamber , will face the state ’ s Democratic governor , Steve Bullock , in a race that has already drawn big political money from outside groups .
Neither had a serious primary threat Tuesday .
Meanwhile , former state Rep. Kathleen Williams easily won the Democratic nomination for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , defeating state Rep. Tom Winter .
With 27 percent of precincts reporting , she was ahead with 90 percent of the vote when The Associated Press called the race .
Williams will face state Auditor Matt Rosendale , who bested a six-candidate Republican field that included Montana Secretary of State Corey Stapleton .
With 61 percent of precincts reporting , Rosendale led Stapleton , 48 percent to 34 percent , when the AP called the race .
Williams ’ relatively smooth primary this cycle is a contrast to her intraparty win in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investment for her to pull out a victory .
She also entered the race months earlier this time and had already banked $ 1.2 million by May 13 .

Montana, which will host one of the nation’s hottest Senate contests this fall, moved into general election mode after its Tuesday primaries officially set out the congressional contenders.
First-term Republican Sen. Steve Daines, whom CQ Roll Call ranks as among the most vulnerable in the chamber, will face the state’s Democratic governor, Steve Bullock, in a race that has already drawn big political money from outside groups. Neither had a serious primary threat Tuesday.
Meanwhile, former state Rep. Kathleen Williams easily won the Democratic nomination for the state’s at-large House seat, defeating state Rep. Tom Winter. With 27 percent of precincts reporting, she was ahead with 90 percent of the vote when The Associated Press called the race.
Williams will face state Auditor Matt Rosendale, who bested a six-candidate Republican field that included Montana Secretary of State Corey Stapleton. With 61 percent of precincts reporting, Rosendale led Stapleton, 48 percent to 34 percent, when the AP called the race.
Williams’ relatively smooth primary this cycle is a contrast to her intraparty win in 2018 when it took more of an investment for her to pull out a victory. She also entered the race months earlier this time and had already banked $1.2 million by May 13.


rollcall--2020-06-03--Rep. Steve King ousted: Iowa GOP nominates state Sen. Randy Feenstra

Iowa Republican Rep. Steve King lost his primary Tuesday night , ending a tumultuous career of nearly two decades in the House that saw him draw heat for a series of controversial and racist comments .
State Sen. Randy Feenstra was declared the winner of the 4th District primary over King , who lost his committee assignments last year after he questioned when terms like “ white supremacy ” became offensive in an interview with The New York Times .
King has made several racist comments through the years , and he nearly lost reelection in 2018 in his deeply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent of precincts reporting , Feenstra was leading King , 46 percent to 36 percent , when The Associated Press called the race .
King is the second incumbent to lose a primary this year , after Illinois Democratic Rep. Daniel Lipinksi , who lost to a progressive challenger in March .
“ I am truly humbled by the outpouring of support over the past 17 months that made tonight possible and I thank Congressman King for his decades of public service , ” Feenstra said in a statement Tuesday night .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I will remain focused on my plans to deliver results for the families , farmers and communities of Iowa.
” GOP outside groups , including Defending Main Street , and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce , put money into the race to help Feenstra , and also out of fear that King would be a drag on the Republican ticket in November , when the state ’ s junior senator , Joni Ernst , is up for a second term .

Iowa Republican Rep. Steve King lost his primary Tuesday night, ending a tumultuous career of nearly two decades in the House that saw him draw heat for a series of controversial and racist comments.
State Sen. Randy Feenstra was declared the winner of the 4th District primary over King, who lost his committee assignments last year after he questioned when terms like “white supremacy” became offensive in an interview with The New York Times. King has made several racist comments through the years, and he nearly lost reelection in 2018 in his deeply Republican northwest Iowa seat.
With 95 percent of precincts reporting, Feenstra was leading King, 46 percent to 36 percent, when The Associated Press called the race. King is the second incumbent to lose a primary this year, after Illinois Democratic Rep. Daniel Lipinksi, who lost to a progressive challenger in March.
“I am truly humbled by the outpouring of support over the past 17 months that made tonight possible and I thank Congressman King for his decades of public service,” Feenstra said in a statement Tuesday night. “As we turn to the General Election, I will remain focused on my plans to deliver results for the families, farmers and communities of Iowa.”
GOP outside groups, including Defending Main Street, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, put money into the race to help Feenstra, and also out of fear that King would be a drag on the Republican ticket in November, when the state’s junior senator, Joni Ernst, is up for a second term.


rollcall--2020-06-02--New Mexico rematch: Herrell to face Torres Small again

Former state Rep. Yvette Herrell won a nasty Republican primary in New Mexico ’ s 2nd District on Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ Democratic Rep. Xochitl Torres Small , one of the GOP ’ s top targets this @ @ @ @ @ lost to Torres Small by less than 2 points in 2018 , beat oil industry @ @ @ @ @ Chris Mathys in a race that drew $ 1.3 million in outside spending and even @ @ @ @ @ voters also chose Mark Ronchetti to take on Democratic Rep. Ben Ray Luján for the @ @ @ @ @ Democrat Tom Udall is vacating .
Luján was unopposed in the Democratic primary .
And @ @ @ @ @ , Democrats nominated lawyer Teresa Leger Fernandez in the race for the safe blue seat @ @ @ @ @ terms .
The vast , rural 2nd District covers the southern half of the state @ @ @ @ @ by 10 points in 2016 .

Former state Rep. Yvette Herrell won a nasty Republican primary in New Mexico’s 2nd District on Tuesday, setting up a rematch against Democratic Rep. Xochitl Torres Small, one of the GOP’s top targets this year.
Herrell, who lost to Torres Small by less than 2 points in 2018, beat oil industry executive Claire Chase and businessman Chris Mathys in a race that drew $1.3 million in outside spending and even some Democratic mischief.
Republican voters also chose Mark Ronchetti to take on Democratic Rep. Ben Ray Luján for the open New Mexico Senate seat Democrat Tom Udall is vacating. Luján was unopposed in the Democratic primary.
And in the open 3rd District, Democrats nominated lawyer Teresa Leger Fernandez in the race for the safe blue seat Luján has held for six terms.
Trump loyalty fight
The vast, rural 2nd District covers the southern half of the state and backed President Donald Trump by 10 points in 2016.


rollcall--2020-06-02--Theresa Greenfield will take on GOP Sen. Joni Ernst in Iowa

Real estate executive Theresa Greenfield won the Democratic primary Tuesday to take on Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst in what @ @ @ @ @ most hotly contested Senate races in November .
Greenfield was leading a four-candidate field with @ @ @ @ @ when The Associated Press called the race with just 8 percent of precincts reporting .
@ @ @ @ @ Franken was in second place with 26 percent , followed lawyer Kimberly Graham with 15 @ @ @ @ @ Mauro with 12 percent .
Ernst was unopposed in her primary .
Outside money poured @ @ @ @ @ primary , with much of it boosting Greenfield , who had the backing of state @ @ @ @ @ Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee endorsed Greenfield early in the race .
Ernst is one of @ @ @ @ @ for reelection this fall .
President Donald Trump won Iowa by 9 points in 2016 @ @ @ @ @ state can be competitive this year .

Real estate executive Theresa Greenfield won the Democratic primary Tuesday to take on Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst in what will be one of the most hotly contested Senate races in November.
Greenfield was leading a four-candidate field with 46 percent of the vote when The Associated Press called the race with just 8 percent of precincts reporting. Retired three-star Navy Adm. Mike Franken was in second place with 26 percent, followed lawyer Kimberly Graham with 15 percent and insurance broker Eddie Mauro with 12 percent. Ernst was unopposed in her primary.
Outside money poured into Iowa ahead of the primary, with much of it boosting Greenfield, who had the backing of state and national Democrats. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee endorsed Greenfield early in the race.
Ernst is one of the most vulnerable senators running for reelection this fall. President Donald Trump won Iowa by 9 points in 2016, but Democrats believe the state can be competitive this year.
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates the general election Lean Republican.


rollcall--2020-06-02--Nominees picked in Indiana for seats now held by Brooks and Visclosky

State Sen. Victoria Spartz won a crowded 15-person Republican primary in Indiana ’ s 5th District on Tuesday for the @ @ @ @ @ GOP Rep. Susan W. Brooks .
She will next face Democratic former state Rep. Christina @ @ @ @ @ in the Indianapolis suburbs that Democrats have on their target list this year .
Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ 1st District that includes Gary and suburbs of Chicago , Democrat Frank Mrvan beat 13 @ @ @ @ @ replace longtime Democratic Rep. Peter J. Visclosky , who is retiring after 18 terms .
@ @ @ @ @ Republicans for the GOP nomination .
Both seats are considered unlikely to change hands , @ @ @ @ @ about the 5th District , with its suburban profile , than Republicans are about the @ @ @ @ @ Nathan L. Gonzales rates the 5th District race Likely Republican , and the 1st District @ @ @

State Sen. Victoria Spartz won a crowded 15-person Republican primary in Indiana’s 5th District on Tuesday for the seat being vacated by retiring GOP Rep. Susan W. Brooks.
She will next face Democratic former state Rep. Christina Hale in a district anchored in the Indianapolis suburbs that Democrats have on their target list this year.
Meanwhile, in the much bluer 1st District that includes Gary and suburbs of Chicago, Democrat Frank Mrvan beat 13 others in the primary to replace longtime Democratic Rep. Peter J. Visclosky, who is retiring after 18 terms. Mark Levyra beat five other Republicans for the GOP nomination.
Both seats are considered unlikely to change hands, but Democrats are more hopeful about the 5th District, with its suburban profile, than Republicans are about the 1st.
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates the 5th District race Likely Republican, and the 1st District Solid Democratic.


rollcall--2020-06-03--The two very different ends of Pennsylvania Avenue

The contrast between how the George Floyd protests unfolded at the White House and on Capitol Hill could hardly be greater , with Congress ’ relatively calm reaction to protesters and its own legislative business a vivid rejoinder to the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue .
Chaos on Monday at Lafayette Square was replaced with a chaotic executive branch openly feuding with itself on Wednesday .
As protesters began to march down Pennsylvania Avenue from Freedom Plaza to Capitol Hill on Wednesday morning , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell opened the chamber with remarks that acknowledged the protests and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Kentucky Republican ’ s rhetorical quiver .
“ This week , in cities across America , the pain of racial injustice has been compounded by violent riots that have drowned out peaceful protests and hurt innocent people , ” he said , before discussing the economic fallout and “ all of the important business we would have needed to address even before the pandemic.
” Outside , Capitol Police lined up against temporary barricades that extended across most of the East and West front of the Capitol itself , as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Hill , chanting “ no justice , no peace.
” They held up signs that read , “ Black Lives Matter ” and “ Lawyers Against Police Brutality , ” among others .
Some Capitol Police officers responded by taking a knee , a sign of respect to the protesters and their message of racial justice .

The contrast between how the George Floyd protests unfolded at the White House and on Capitol Hill could hardly be greater, with Congress’ relatively calm reaction to protesters and its own legislative business a vivid rejoinder to the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue.
Chaos on Monday at Lafayette Square was replaced with a chaotic executive branch openly feuding with itself on Wednesday.
As demonstrators began to march down Pennsylvania Avenue from Freedom Plaza to Capitol Hill on Wednesday morning, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell opened the chamber with remarks that acknowledged the protests and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, but largely came from the Kentucky Republican’s rhetorical quiver.
“This week, in cities across America, the pain of racial injustice has been compounded by violent riots that have drowned out peaceful protests and hurt innocent people,” he said, before discussing the economic fallout and “all of the important business we would have needed to address even before the pandemic.”
Outside, Capitol Police lined up against temporary barricades that extended across most of the East and West fronts of the Capitol itself, as a crowd of roughly 1,000 protesters converged on the Hill, chanting, “No justice, no peace.” They held up signs that read “Black Lives Matter” and “Lawyers Against Police Brutality,” among others. Some Capitol Police officers responded by taking a knee, a sign of respect to the protesters and their message of racial justice.


rollcall--2020-06-03--Labor IG departs amid fraud dispute over jobless benefits

The long-time inspector general of the Labor Department said he will retire as of June 21 , leaving the office in search of new leadership as it ramps up a $ 26 million program to oversee the vastly increased unemployment benefits funded by coronavirus relief laws .
The challenge of monitoring billions in supplemental benefits was highlighted by a memorandum the Office of Inspector General sent last week questioning a department decision on documentation for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program , warning it opens the door to a “ high risk of fraud.
” “ We believe that reliance solely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and wages renders the PUA program highly vulnerable to improper payments and fraud , ” the OIG warned in a May 26 memorandum signed by agency audit chief Elliot P. Lewis .
The public release of a memo revealing a fundamental disagreement with department guidance to states suggests that the office intends to be aggressive .
The departing inspector general , former federal prosecutor Scott S. Dahl , emphasized in his Tuesday statement that any conflicts did not play a part in his retirement .
Dahl was confirmed as the department 's inspector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a term limit .

The long-time inspector general of the Labor Department said he will retire as of June 21, leaving the office in search of new leadership as it ramps up a $26 million program to oversee the vastly increased unemployment benefits funded by coronavirus relief laws.
The challenge of monitoring billions in supplemental benefits was highlighted by a memorandum the Office of Inspector General sent last week questioning a department decision on documentation for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, warning it opens the door to a “high risk of fraud.”
“We believe that reliance solely on claimant self-certifications without evidence of eligibility and wages renders the PUA program highly vulnerable to improper payments and fraud,” the OIG warned in a May 26 memorandum signed by agency audit chief Elliot P. Lewis.
The public release of a memo revealing a fundamental disagreement with department guidance to states suggests that the office intends to be aggressive.
The departing inspector general, former federal prosecutor Scott S. Dahl, emphasized in his Tuesday statement that any conflicts did not play a part in his retirement. Dahl was confirmed as the department's inspector general in 2013 and doesn't have a term limit.


rollcall--2020-06-03--OMB nominee gets earful from Democratic senators

Senate Budget Committee Democrats denounced the nomination of Russell Vought to be director of the Office of Management and Budget at a hearing Wednesday , with their primary focus on what they say was an illegal withholding of foreign aid to Ukraine .
Nevertheless , Republicans on the narrowly divided committee appeared supportive of Vought during his confirmation hearing , suggesting there will be the votes to report the nomination to the full Senate .
Patty Murray , D-Wash. , called Vought “ unfit and unqualified ” to lead OMB , adding that she was “ stunned ” that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Murray charged that OMB violated federal law while Vought served as acting director last year by temporarily withholding military aid to Ukraine .
The Government Accountability Office said OMB violated the law , but OMB has maintained the hold was legal .
Murray also accused Vought of not being involved in the negotiations between the White House and Congress over pandemic aid legislation .
She said Vought “ is nowhere to be found .
How can that be ?
” Vought told Murray he has a “ great relationship ” with Treasury Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man in the talks , and that they “ talk multiple times a day and he and I are constantly working together on these issues.
” Vought said his door is always open “ to build a closer relationship with you and other members of this committee .
”

Senate Budget Committee Democrats denounced the nomination of Russell Vought to be director of the Office of Management and Budget at a hearing Wednesday, with their primary focus on what they say was an illegal withholding of foreign aid to Ukraine.
Nevertheless, Republicans on the narrowly divided committee appeared supportive of Vought during his confirmation hearing, suggesting there will be the votes to report the nomination to the full Senate.
Patty Murray, D-Wash., called Vought “unfit and unqualified” to lead OMB, adding that she was “stunned” that the committee was even holding the hearing. Murray charged that OMB violated federal law while Vought served as acting director last year by temporarily withholding military aid to Ukraine. The Government Accountability Office said OMB violated the law, but OMB has maintained the hold was legal.
Murray also accused Vought of not being involved in the negotiations between the White House and Congress over pandemic aid legislation. She said Vought “is nowhere to be found. How can that be?”
Vought told Murray he has a “great relationship” with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, the White House point man in the talks, and that they “talk multiple times a day and he and I are constantly working together on these issues.” Vought said his door is always open “to build a closer relationship with you and other members of this committee.”


rollcall--2020-06-03--Coronavirus Special Report: COVID-19’s economic impact on minorities

Tonight , we have a report on the disproportionate economic impact the virus has had on minorities , the House @ @ @ @ @ transportation programs to the tune of nearly $ 500 billion , and the latest on @ @ @ @ @ • Esper under fire after breaking with Trump on Insurrection Act

Tonight, we have a report on the disproportionate economic impact the virus has had on minorities, the House’s proposal to fund transportation programs to the tune of nearly $500 billion, and the latest on the Paycheck Protection Program.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-06-03--‘I am the last Steve King standing,’ author tweets

King ( the novelist ) has fended off Twitter messages likely meant for the congressman .
“ Let ’ s get 1 thing straight .
I ’ m not THAT Steve King , ” the “ It ” and “ Carrie ” author tweeted last year .
The clarification came around the time Rep. King made inflammatory remarks about rape and incest .
A vocal critic of President Donald Trump and donor to Democrats , the writer has pleaded with Iowans to vote the other King out of office once before when the congressman was up for reelection .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with this racist dumbbell , ” he said .
His residence in Maine hasn ’ t kept him from offering advice in other state ’ s elections .
He thinks South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham is “ a dork.
” Closer to home , he won ’ t be voting for vulnerable Sen. Susan Collins anytime soon .
“ She has to go , ” he said in May , after lending his name to emails from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee raising funds for her opponent .
This week ’ s loss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step in his journey toward irrelevance .
Last year , Republican House leaders stripped King of his committee assignments after he gave an interview to The New York Times questioning when such terms as “ white nationalist , white supremacist , Western civilization ” had become “ offensive.
” Now lobbyists are making it clear he shouldn ’ t expect a soft landing on K Street once he leaves office .

King (the novelist) has fended off Twitter messages likely meant for the congressman. “Let’s get 1 thing straight. I’m not THAT Steve King,” the “It” and “Carrie” author tweeted last year. The clarification came around the time Rep. King made inflammatory remarks about rape and incest.
A vocal critic of President Donald Trump and donor to Democrats, the writer has pleaded with Iowans to vote the other King out of office once before when the congressman was up for reelection. “I’m tired of being confused with this racist dumbbell,” he said.
His residence in Maine hasn’t kept him from offering advice in other state’s elections. He thinks South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham is “a dork.” Closer to home, he won’t be voting for vulnerable Sen. Susan Collins anytime soon.
“She has to go,” he said in May, after lending his name to emails from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee raising funds for her opponent.
This week’s loss for King the politician was the latest step in his journey toward irrelevance. Last year, Republican House leaders stripped King of his committee assignments after he gave an interview to The New York Times questioning when such terms as “white nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization” had become “offensive.” Now lobbyists are making it clear he shouldn’t expect a soft landing on K Street once he leaves office.


rollcall--2020-06-03--Steve King moves from lightning rod to lame duck

Iowa Rep. Steve King has courted controversy and rarely shied away from a fight during his time in Congress .
@ @ @ @ @ , the longtime Republican lightning rod is officially a lame duck .
King ’ s @ @ @ @ @ comments .
But his unwavering positions on abortion and immigration provided him a high profile @ @ @ @ @ co-chairman of Texas Sen. Ted Cruz ’ s 2016 presidential campaign and once upon a @ @ @ @ @ him chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice .
His support @ @ @ @ @ dry up last year when remarks he made to The New York Times questioning how @ @ @ @ @ ” became offensive forced leaders to distance themselves .
“ White nationalists , white supremacists @ @ @ @ @ did that language become offensive ?
Why did I sit in classes teaching me about @ @ @ @ @ and our civilization ?
” King told the Times .

Iowa Rep. Steve King has courted controversy and rarely shied away from a fight during his time in Congress. With his primary defeat Tuesday, the longtime Republican lightning rod is officially a lame duck.
King’s career is spotted with inflammatory comments. But his unwavering positions on abortion and immigration provided him a high profile. He was a national co-chairman of Texas Sen. Ted Cruz’s 2016 presidential campaign and once upon a time, House leadership appointed him chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice.
His support among the GOP started to dry up last year when remarks he made to The New York Times questioning how labels like “white supremacists” became offensive forced leaders to distance themselves.
[Rep. Steve King is toxic to K Street]
“White nationalists, white supremacists, western civilization — how did that language become offensive? Why did I sit in classes teaching me about the merits of our history and our civilization?” King told the Times.


rollcall--2020-06-03--Senators want Dred Scott author’s bust replaced with Thurgood Marshall

Maryland 's Democratic Sens .
Benjamin L. Cardin and Chris Van Hollen introduced legislation that would replace the bust of @ @ @ @ @ who wrote the majority opinion in a case concluding black people were not U.S. citizens @ @ @ @ @ serve on the high court .
The bill calls for replacing Roger Brooke Taney , @ @ @ @ @ Scott decision , with Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall .
The 1857 ruling in Dred @ @ @ @ @ the Constitution did not include black people as citizens and that Congress could not prohibit @ @ @ @ @ country continues to grapple with the past and future of civil rights and systemic racism @ @ @ @ @ in history that have propelled us towards justice and put an end to the glorification @ @ @ @ @ its way , '' Van Hollen said in a statement Wednesday .
Marshall , a @ @ @ @ @ successful attorney who argued several cases before the court , including Brown v. Board of @ @ @ @ @ to the court in 1967 , where he served until 1991 .

Maryland's Democratic Sens. Benjamin L. Cardin and Chris Van Hollen introduced legislation that would replace the bust of a controversial Supreme Court justice who wrote the majority opinion in a case concluding black people were not U.S. citizens with the first African-American to serve on the high court.
The bill calls for replacing Roger Brooke Taney, author of the infamous Dred Scott decision, with Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. The 1857 ruling in Dred Scott v. Sandford determined that the Constitution did not include black people as citizens and that Congress could not prohibit slavery.
[Vulnerable senators offer mixed reviews of Trump in crisis]
"As our country continues to grapple with the past and future of civil rights and systemic racism, we should highlight leaders in history that have propelled us towards justice and put an end to the glorification of those who stood in its way," Van Hollen said in a statement Wednesday.
Marshall, a Baltimore native, was a successful attorney who argued several cases before the court, including Brown v. Board of Education, before being named to the court in 1967, where he served until 1991.


rollcall--2020-06-03--Rep. Steve King toxic to K Street

Rep. Steve King toxic to K Street

Iowa Republican Rep. Steve King , a pariah within his own party for racist comments and whom K Street interests worked to defeat this week , shouldn ’ t expect a lucrative lobbying gig awaiting him when he exits Congress .
King , who lost his primary Tuesday , would be too controversial for lobbying firms , trade associations and corporations , say lobbyists and K Street headhunters , even as many former lawmakers decamp for such jobs .
This week offers an especially stark picture for King , as many companies and lobbying groups issued statements offering support for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests gripping the nation .
“ I can ’ t imagine any scenario where Steve King would be an attractive candidate in representing corporate America , ” said Republican lobbyist Marc Lampkin , the managing partner of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck ’ s Washington office .
“ His conduct is often described as being bigoted and outrageous and inflammatory.
” King had also lost influence among his colleagues well before he lost the Republican primary in Iowa ’ s 4th District to state Sen. Randy Feenstra , who criticized the incumbent ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stripped King of committee assignments last year after he gave an interview to The New York Times questioning when such terms as “ white nationalist , white supremacist , Western civilization ” had become “ offensive.
” King has made several racist comments during his career , and he almost lost reelection in 2018 in a northwest Iowa seat President Donald Trump had carried by 27 points two years earlier .

Iowa Republican Rep. Steve King, a pariah within his own party for racist comments and whom K Street interests worked to defeat this week, shouldn’t expect a lucrative lobbying gig awaiting him when he exits Congress.
King, who lost his primary Tuesday, would be too controversial for lobbying firms, trade associations and corporations, say lobbyists and K Street headhunters, even as many former lawmakers decamp for such jobs. This week offers an especially stark picture for King, as many companies and lobbying groups issued statements offering support for racial justice efforts amid Black Lives Matter protests gripping the nation.
“I can’t imagine any scenario where Steve King would be an attractive candidate in representing corporate America,” said Republican lobbyist Marc Lampkin, the managing partner of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck’s Washington office. “His conduct is often described as being bigoted and outrageous and inflammatory.”
King had also lost influence among his colleagues well before he lost the Republican primary in Iowa’s 4th District to state Sen. Randy Feenstra, who criticized the incumbent’s loss of power.
Republican House leaders stripped King of committee assignments last year after he gave an interview to The New York Times questioning when such terms as “white nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization” had become “offensive.” King has made several racist comments during his career, and he almost lost reelection in 2018 in a northwest Iowa seat President Donald Trump had carried by 27 points two years earlier.


rollcall--2020-06-03--Top health lawmakers push HHS on COVID-19 Medicaid payments

Leaders from health committees in both chambers penned a bipartisan letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar Wednesday demanding relief funding be distributed to Medicaid providers .
The move is a rare bipartisan , bicameral stance against the health policy actions of the administration .
The chairmen and ranking members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Senate Finance Committee , which both oversee the Medicaid program , wrote to Azar Wednesday with concerns over delays in the distribution of Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund money to Medicaid providers .
The letter notes that Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through two COVID-19 relief laws , and while HHS allocated much of that money based on Medicare reimbursements and to Medicare skilled-nursing facilities , providers that rely on Medicaid have not received sufficient allocations .
“ Many of these providers are safety net providers that operate on thin profit margins , if at all .
The COVID-19 pandemic has strained their already scarce resources , threatening their ability to keep their doors open in the midst of a declared public health emergency , ” wrote Senate Finance Chairman Charles E. Grassley R-Iowa , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and House Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone Jr. , D-N.J. , and ranking member Greg Walden , R-Ore .

Leaders from health committees in both chambers penned a bipartisan letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar Wednesday demanding relief funding be distributed to Medicaid providers.
The move is a rare bipartisan, bicameral stance against the health policy actions of the administration.
The chairmen and ranking members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Senate Finance Committee, which both oversee the Medicaid program, wrote to Azar Wednesday with concerns over delays in the distribution of Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund money to Medicaid providers.
The letter notes that Congress appropriated $175 billion for the providers through two COVID-19 relief laws, and while HHS allocated much of that money based on Medicare reimbursements and to Medicare skilled-nursing facilities, providers that rely on Medicaid have not received sufficient allocations.
“Many of these providers are safety net providers that operate on thin profit margins, if at all. The COVID-19 pandemic has strained their already scarce resources, threatening their ability to keep their doors open in the midst of a declared public health emergency,” wrote Senate Finance Chairman Charles E. Grassley R-Iowa, and ranking member Ron Wyden D-Ore., and House Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone Jr., D-N.J., and ranking member Greg Walden, R-Ore.


rollcall--2020-06-03--Trump orders halt to U.S. flights by Chinese air carriers

The Trump administration said it would suspend all commercial passenger flights by Chinese carriers to and from the United States @ @ @ @ @ move that may escalate tensions between the world ’ s two largest economies .
The @ @ @ @ @ Transportation on Wednesday follows the Chinese government ’ s continuing ban of U.S. airline flights @ @ @ @ @ of fears of coronavirus transmission .
“ This action responds to the failure of the @ @ @ @ @ s Republic of China to permit U.S. carriers to exercise their bilateral rights to conduct @ @ @ @ @ , ” an agency spokesperson said .
“ Currently , four Chinese carriers and no @ @ @ @ @ flights between the United States and China . ''
U.S. carriers had asked to resume @ @ @ @ @ , the spokesman said , adding `` the Chinese government ’ s failure to approve @ @ @ @ @ of our Air Transport Agreement.
” [ Trump going ahead with pulling the US back @ @ @ @ @ ]

The Trump administration said it would suspend all commercial passenger flights by Chinese carriers to and from the United States by June 16, a move that may escalate tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
The announcement from the Department of Transportation on Wednesday follows the Chinese government’s continuing ban of U.S. airline flights to and from China because of fears of coronavirus transmission.
“This action responds to the failure of the Government of the People’s Republic of China to permit U.S. carriers to exercise their bilateral rights to conduct passenger air service to China,” an agency spokesperson said. “Currently, four Chinese carriers and no U.S. carriers operate scheduled passenger flights between the United States and China."
U.S. carriers had asked to resume passenger service on June 1, the spokesman said, adding "the Chinese government’s failure to approve their requests is a violation of our Air Transport Agreement.”
[Trump going ahead with pulling the US back from the World Health Organization]


rollcall--2020-06-04--With no GOP input, stakeholders fear House highway bill may stall

A five-year , $ 494 billion surface transportation bill crafted by House Democrats received a lukewarm reception from stakeholders who @ @ @ @ @ bipartisan backing needed to get it passed by the time the current highway authorization expires @ @ @ @ @ be formally be introduced Thursday during the House ’ s pro forma session , is @ @ @ @ @ almost double the $ 287 billion highway bill ( S 2302 ) approved unanimously by @ @ @ @ @ Works Committee in July .
It includes ambitious greenhouse gas reduction provisions , would invest @ @ @ @ @ alternative fuel vehicles , and would effectively punish states that do not make progress reducing @ @ @ @ @ It was crafted with minimal input from the GOP , as reflected in the comments @ @ @ @ @ R-Mo.
, and two subcommittee ranking Republicans shortly after the text of the bill was @ @ @ @ @ the bill as lacking flexibility for states and giving “ outsized ” funding to urban @ @ @ @ @ rural communities .

A five-year, $494 billion surface transportation bill crafted by House Democrats received a lukewarm reception from stakeholders who warned that it lacked the bipartisan backing needed to get it passed by the time the current highway authorization expires.
The bill, to be formally be introduced Thursday during the House’s pro forma session, is a behemoth: It would almost double the $287 billion highway bill (S 2302) approved unanimously by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee in July.
It includes ambitious greenhouse gas reduction provisions, would invest money in charging stations for alternative fuel vehicles, and would effectively punish states that do not make progress reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.
It was crafted with minimal input from the GOP, as reflected in the comments of ranking Republican Sam Graves R-Mo., and two subcommittee ranking Republicans shortly after the text of the bill was released.
The trio criticized the bill as lacking flexibility for states and giving “outsized” funding to urban areas at the expense of rural communities.


rollcall--2020-06-04--Hemp industry asks Congress to help on FDA guidance

The hemp industry is eying the next economic relief bill or must-pass legislation as potential vehicles for provisions to expand @ @ @ @ @ to include hemp-derived cannabidiol products .
The industry , trying to regain ground lost to @ @ @ @ @ asking the Agriculture Department to make it eligible for COVID-19 aid .
Jonathan Miller , @ @ @ @ @ Hemp Roundtable , said that the trade association wants lawmakers to require the Food and @ @ @ @ @ regulations for cannabidiol ( CBD ) products as dietary supplements and food additives .
“ @ @ @ @ @ re asking for would legalize the sale of CBD as a dietary supplement and a @ @ @ @ @ said .
Miller said major retailers and food manufacturers backed away from CBD products after @ @ @ @ @ more studies to determine the safety of CBD products and is issuing warning letters to @ @ @ @ @ .
Because of the regulatory uncertainty , Miller said CBD prices began to fall in @ @

The hemp industry is eying the next economic relief bill or must-pass legislation as potential vehicles for provisions to expand the definition of dietary supplements to include hemp-derived cannabidiol products.
The industry, trying to regain ground lost to the pandemic, is also asking the Agriculture Department to make it eligible for COVID-19 aid.
Jonathan Miller, general counsel for the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, said that the trade association wants lawmakers to require the Food and Drug Administration to start writing regulations for cannabidiol (CBD) products as dietary supplements and food additives.
“The legislation that we’re asking for would legalize the sale of CBD as a dietary supplement and a food additive,” Miller said.
Miller said major retailers and food manufacturers backed away from CBD products after the FDA said it needs more studies to determine the safety of CBD products and is issuing warning letters to companies about their CBD products. Because of the regulatory uncertainty, Miller said CBD prices began to fall in 2019.


rollcall--2020-06-04--Watch: Lawmakers join protesters nationwide

Several lawmakers have attended the nationwide protests following the slaying of George Floyd in the past few days , including @ @ @ @ @ .
Most of the demonstrations involving lawmakers have been peaceful , though police pepper-sprayed Rep. @ @ @ @ @ in Columbus , Ohio , last week .
Texas Rep. Will Hurd was the rare @ @ @ @ @ presence at a protest on social media .
And Sen. Cory Booker , in an @ @ @ @ @ his own absence from the protest that the administration had cleared from a park across @ @ @ @ @ [ Watch more : The dual health crises of police brutality and a second wave @ @ @

Several lawmakers have attended the nationwide protests following the slaying of George Floyd in the past few days, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday.
Most of the demonstrations involving lawmakers have been peaceful, though police pepper-sprayed Rep. Joyce Beatty at a protest in Columbus, Ohio, last week.
Texas Rep. Will Hurd was the rare Republican lawmaker to announce his presence at a protest on social media.
And Sen. Cory Booker, in an emotional press conference, decried his own absence from the protest that the administration had cleared from a park across from the White House.
[ Watch more: The dual health crises of police brutality and a second wave of COVID-19 ]


rollcall--2020-06-04--Minority groups hit hard by crisis seek more congressional aid

Minority groups that are losing jobs at higher rates amid the pandemic-driven economic crash are looking to Congress for quick action , but it may be months before lawmakers can deliver more help .
Current record-high jobless numbers among minorities suggest the crisis may hit these communities harder than during the Great Recession .
In April , unemployment hit 16 percent among African Americans and 18 percent among Hispanics .
The rate was 14.5 percent for Asian Americans .
The Bureau of Labor Statistics will release May unemployment numbers on Friday .
University of California economics professor Robert Fairlie said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the more damage it will wreak on minority households and their wealth .
The unemployment numbers for the current crisis are already as bad as the last recession , which started in 2007 .
African American unemployment peaked at more than 16 percent in 2010 .
For Hispanics , unemployment hit a high of 13 percent in 2009 .
The unemployment rate among both groups did not return to pre-recession levels until late 2016 .
The economic blow comes at the same time minorities are getting hit disproportionately hard by coronavirus infections .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ dying of COVID-19 at higher rates than whites , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
The jobless numbers only deepen the community ’ s vulnerability , said Congressional Black Caucus chairwoman Rep. Karen Bass , D-Calif .

Minority groups that are losing jobs at higher rates amid the pandemic-driven economic crash are looking to Congress for quick action, but it may be months before lawmakers can deliver more help.
Current record-high jobless numbers among minorities suggest the crisis may hit these communities harder than during the Great Recession. In April, unemployment hit 16 percent among African Americans and 18 percent among Hispanics. The rate was 14.5 percent for Asian Americans. The Bureau of Labor Statistics will release May unemployment numbers on Friday.
University of California economics professor Robert Fairlie said the longer the crisis goes on, the more damage it will wreak on minority households and their wealth.
The unemployment numbers for the current crisis are already as bad as the last recession, which started in 2007. African American unemployment peaked at more than 16 percent in 2010. For Hispanics, unemployment hit a high of 13 percent in 2009. The unemployment rate among both groups did not return to pre-recession levels until late 2016.
The economic blow comes at the same time minorities are getting hit disproportionately hard by coronavirus infections. African Americans, in particular, are dying of COVID-19 at higher rates than whites, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The jobless numbers only deepen the community’s vulnerability, said Congressional Black Caucus chairwoman Rep. Karen Bass, D-Calif.


rollcall--2020-06-04--As protests continue, lawmakers don’t want to be caught on the sidelines

As people across the country keep filling the streets to protest George Floyd ’ s killing at the hands of police , members of Congress are weighing whether to get in on the action .
For some , it ’ s personal .
Rep. André Carson was arrested outside a mosque at age 17 .
“ I know what it ’ s like to be profiled , not only racially , but religiously , ” says the Indiana Democrat .
“ I was being charged with battery on a police officer and resisting arrest.
” The charges were later dropped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be elected to Congress , calls the incident a defining moment in his life .
He would go on to serve as a police officer and work in counterintelligence .
The arrest made him aware that “ as a black male , I was essentially a target , ” he says .
All of that was on his mind when he decided to attend a protest in downtown Indianapolis this week .
He found it moving to be among “ young Americans expressing dissent , ” joining cries of “ Black lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t shoot !
” Carson is part of a growing group of Democrats who are walking the talk , choosing the risk of turning up at protests that have at times been unpredictable over the appearance of doing nothing .
Sen. Kamala Harris was among the first to share a video of herself chanting in front of the White House over the weekend , wearing a mask and a baseball cap pulled down over her eyes .
“ People are in pain .
We must listen , ” she tweeted .

As people across the country keep filling the streets to protest George Floyd’s killing at the hands of police, members of Congress are weighing whether to get in on the action. For some, it’s personal.
Rep. André Carson was arrested outside a mosque at age 17. “I know what it’s like to be profiled, not only racially, but religiously,” says the Indiana Democrat. “I was being charged with battery on a police officer and resisting arrest.”
The charges were later dropped, but Carson, the second Muslim to be elected to Congress, calls the incident a defining moment in his life. He would go on to serve as a police officer and work in counterintelligence. The arrest made him aware that “as a black male, I was essentially a target,” he says.
All of that was on his mind when he decided to attend a protest in downtown Indianapolis this week. He found it moving to be among “young Americans expressing dissent,” joining cries of “Black lives matter” and “Hands up, don’t shoot!”
Carson is part of a growing group of Democrats who are walking the talk, choosing the risk of turning up at protests that have at times been unpredictable over the appearance of doing nothing. Sen. Kamala Harris was among the first to share a video of herself chanting in front of the White House over the weekend, wearing a mask and a baseball cap pulled down over her eyes. “People are in pain. We must listen,” she tweeted.


rollcall--2020-06-04--Coronavirus dominates early 2020 franking, with blackout lifted

Total requests to the Franking Commission jumped nearly threefold in March and April , from 651 in January and 559 in February to 1,577 in March and 1,529 in April .
Data through May 18 was on track to continue the increased volume .
Davis ’ office sent out a survey to constituents about coronavirus impacts , emails about food security resources offered by the state and detailed information about accessing the direct payments to taxpayers that were part of the third package of relief legislation passed by Congress .
Davis said the Franking Commission has encouraged members and their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus communications , mixing empathy with essential information .
“ I always felt that in addition to sending the information to people I always wanted to say something to them , to just acknowledge that , you know , we feel for you and we ’ re thinking about you .
I hear from a lot of constituents that they ’ ve really appreciated that , ” Davis said in an interview .
A “ Coronavirus Relief Guide for Iowa Families ” put out by Democratic Rep. Cindy Axne takes just the @ @ @ @

Total requests to the Franking Commission jumped nearly threefold in March and April, from 651 in January and 559 in February to 1,577 in March and 1,529 in April. Data through May 18 was on track to continue the increased volume.
Davis’ office sent out a survey to constituents about coronavirus impacts, emails about food security resources offered by the state and detailed information about accessing the direct payments to taxpayers that were part of the third package of relief legislation passed by Congress.
Davis said the Franking Commission has encouraged members and their offices to put a human touch on the coronavirus communications, mixing empathy with essential information.
“I always felt that in addition to sending the information to people I always wanted to say something to them, to just acknowledge that, you know, we feel for you and we’re thinking about you. I hear from a lot of constituents that they’ve really appreciated that,” Davis said in an interview.
A “Coronavirus Relief Guide for Iowa Families” put out by Democratic Rep. Cindy Axne takes just the tone Davis prescribed.


rollcall--2020-06-04--What’s in a House quorum? GOP wants the courts to rule on that

Republicans have gone to court to overturn recent coronavirus-related rule changes adopted by the Democratic-controlled House .
But just 15 years ago , when the Republicans were in control , they also changed rules in response to a potential crisis .
In 2005 , the GOP-led House voted , 220-195 , to adopt a rule paving a pathway to establishing a provisional quorum if catastrophic circumstances left the House without the majority of members needed .
A quorum has long been defined as a majority of the whole number of the House , according a Congressional Research Service report .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenged , as has been done with the latest rule change .
When the House adopted that rule 15 years ago as a response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks , the Republican majority did not question the constitutionality of using a “ provisional quorum ” in the face of crisis .
Now , House Republicans are suing Speaker Nancy Pelosi and asking a federal court to stop proxy voting — a rule approved by a majority of the chamber — that establishes a quorum counting members who vote by proxy .
Norman Ornstein @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Institute who helped create the Continuity of Government Commission in the wake of 9/11 , is among those pointing to the dissonant position .
Republicans , he said , showed no opposition to adopting a rule that could end up allowing two members to constitute a quorum if for instance , more than 218 members of the House were incapacitated or killed in a terrorist attack .

Republicans have gone to court to overturn recent coronavirus-related rule changes adopted by the Democratic-controlled House. But just 15 years ago, when the Republicans were in control, they also changed rules in response to a potential crisis.
In 2005, the GOP-led House voted, 220-195, to adopt a rule paving a pathway to establishing a provisional quorum if catastrophic circumstances left the House without the majority of members needed. A quorum has long been defined as a majority of the whole number of the House, according a Congressional Research Service report. The provision has never been triggered nor challenged, as has been done with the latest rule change.
When the House adopted that rule 15 years ago as a response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Republican majority did not question the constitutionality of using a “provisional quorum” in the face of crisis. Now, House Republicans are suing Speaker Nancy Pelosi and asking a federal court to stop proxy voting — a rule approved by a majority of the chamber — that establishes a quorum counting members who vote by proxy.
Norman Ornstein, a resident scholar at American Enterprise Institute who helped create the Continuity of Government Commission in the wake of 9/11, is among those pointing to the dissonant position.
Republicans, he said, showed no opposition to adopting a rule that could end up allowing two members to constitute a quorum if for instance, more than 218 members of the House were incapacitated or killed in a terrorist attack.


rollcall--2020-06-04--GOP senators: Sunset all rules waived during the pandemic

Five Republican senators urged the Trump administration to “ sunset all ” federal rules waived during the coronavirus pandemic and @ @ @ @ @ beginning of the federal rulemaking process .
In a two-page letter to sent Wednesday to @ @ @ @ @ head of the White House budget office , the GOP senators criticize regulations broadly as @ @ @ @ @ that the pandemic has made clear the financial damage of federal rules .
The members @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump issued a sweeping executive order that directed federal agencies to find regulations @ @ @ @ @ recovery ” and cut , waive or change them .
Both Trump and the senators @ @ @ @ @ cutting or weakening regulations to boost the economy .

Five Republican senators urged the Trump administration to “sunset all” federal rules waived during the coronavirus pandemic and bump them back to the beginning of the federal rulemaking process.
In a two-page letter to sent Wednesday to Russell Vought, the acting head of the White House budget office, the GOP senators criticize regulations broadly as “burdens,” arguing that the pandemic has made clear the financial damage of federal rules.
Sens. Mike Lee, R-Utah; David Perdue, R-Ga.; Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga.; Thom Tillis, R-N.C.; and Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., signed the letter.
Trump's order
The members’ appeal comes weeks after President Donald Trump issued a sweeping executive order that directed federal agencies to find regulations that “may inhibit economic recovery” and cut, waive or change them.
Both Trump and the senators seized on the idea of cutting or weakening regulations to boost the economy.


rollcall--2020-06-04--Energy-efficiency industry group presses for tax credits

Congress should expand tax credits for energy efficiency projects to “ help speed the recovery ” in the industry , @ @ @ @ @ looming recession have hit hard , hundreds of heating , cooling , insulation and energy @ @ @ @ @ a letter to Republican and Democratic leaders , nearly 800 companies called for Congress to @ @ @ @ @ use to make energy-efficient improvements to their homes by raising it for the next two @ @ @ @ @ $ 500 and doubling the percentage of expenses that the credit would cover .
Authors @ @ @ @ @ the nonpartisan advocacy group Alliance to Save Energy organized , said the so-called 25C credit @ @ @ @ @ to make upgrades .
They also said boosting the credit could help bring back jobs @ @ @ @ @

Congress should expand tax credits for energy efficiency projects to “help speed the recovery” in the industry, which the coronavirus pandemic and looming recession have hit hard, hundreds of heating, cooling, insulation and energy companies said Thursday.
In a letter to Republican and Democratic leaders, nearly 800 companies called for Congress to expand a credit people can use to make energy-efficient improvements to their homes by raising it for the next two years to $2,400 from $500 and doubling the percentage of expenses that the credit would cover.
Authors of the letter, which the nonpartisan advocacy group Alliance to Save Energy organized, said the so-called 25C credit is insufficient to prompt homeowners to make upgrades.
They also said boosting the credit could help bring back jobs lost in the pandemic.
[Renewable energy projects get a pandemic break from IRS]


rollcall--2020-06-04--College presidents outline how campuses plan to reopen

A panel of college presidents described to a Senate committee Thursday the challenges of reopening campuses later this year and how they plan to adapt to changes such as social distancing in the COVID-19 era .
Most colleges and universities say they want to reopen their campuses later this year after shutting down because of the COVID-19 pandemic in March .
But the presidents said their classrooms , dormitories and dining halls , among other things , will look different this upcoming semester and that those changes could be costly .
The presidents also warned of the challenges for smaller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more employees or close permanently if they can not reopen for the fall .
“ The question for administrators of 6,000 colleges and universities is not whether to reopen in August , but how to do it safely , ” Health , Education , Labor and Pensions Chairman Lamar Alexander , R-Tenn. , said in his opening remarks .
College officials say they are making plans to test students on campus for COVID-19 , set up Plexiglas between professors and students , transition dining halls to “ grab-and-go ” setups and restructure residence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more space between them while sleeping .

A panel of college presidents described to a Senate committee Thursday the challenges of reopening campuses later this year and how they plan to adapt to changes such as social distancing in the COVID-19 era.
Most colleges and universities say they want to reopen their campuses later this year after shutting down because of the COVID-19 pandemic in March. But the presidents said their classrooms, dormitories and dining halls, among other things, will look different this upcoming semester and that those changes could be costly.
The presidents also warned of the challenges for smaller institutions that might have to lay off more employees or close permanently if they cannot reopen for the fall.
“The question for administrators of 6,000 colleges and universities is not whether to reopen in August, but how to do it safely,” Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Chairman Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., said in his opening remarks.
College officials say they are making plans to test students on campus for COVID-19, set up Plexiglas between professors and students, transition dining halls to “grab-and-go” setups and restructure residence halls so students who share rooms have more space between them while sleeping.


rollcall--2020-06-04--New acting DOT watchdog says he’ll keep his other agency job

The U.S. Department of Transportation ’ s acting Inspector General told three key House Democrats Thursday that he will remain head of a key sub-agency while he performs his duty as the overall agency ’ s watchdog .
Instead , Howard “ Skip ” Elliott , who was abruptly put in charge as acting inspector general of the department on May 15 , said he would recuse himself from any audit or investigation relating to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration , as well as CSX , where he was previously an executive .
“ On these matters , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Behm , who will continue to maintain the high standards of oversight that accountability work requires , ” he wrote , saying he has not asked for any modification of a current investigation since taking on the role .
Elliott was referring to Mitch Behm , a 17-year veteran of the office who served as acting inspector general from January through May 15 when he was abruptly returned to his prior position and Elliott was elevated to acting inspector general .
Behm had not been formally designated as acting inspector general but assumed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In a separate letter Thursday , Behm said he was working closely with Elliott .
[ Transportation Department says House letter on watchdog demotion contains ‘ numerous errors ’ ]

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s acting Inspector General told three key House Democrats Thursday that he will remain head of a key sub-agency while he performs his duty as the overall agency’s watchdog.
Instead, Howard “Skip” Elliott, who was abruptly put in charge as acting inspector general of the department on May 15, said he would recuse himself from any audit or investigation relating to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, as well as CSX, where he was previously an executive.
“On these matters, I will defer to Deputy Inspector General Behm, who will continue to maintain the high standards of oversight that accountability work requires,” he wrote, saying he has not asked for any modification of a current investigation since taking on the role.
Elliott was referring to Mitch Behm, a 17-year veteran of the office who served as acting inspector general from January through May 15 when he was abruptly returned to his prior position and Elliott was elevated to acting inspector general. Behm had not been formally designated as acting inspector general but assumed those responsibilities when his predecessor retired. In a separate letter Thursday, Behm said he was working closely with Elliott.
[Transportation Department says House letter on watchdog demotion contains ‘numerous errors’]


rollcall--2020-06-04--Trump executive order aims to speed permits for infrastructure

President Donald Trump signed an executive order that would expedite permitting for infrastructure projects , building on earlier orders to @ @ @ @ @ The White House contends the move will help speed the nation ’ s recovery after @ @ @ @ @ order directs federal agencies , including Interior , Agriculture and Defense departments and the Army @ @ @ @ @ hasten the permitting processes required under the National Environmental Policy Act , the Endangered Species @ @ @ @ @ .
[ GOP senators : Sunset all rules waived during the pandemic ] Trump signed @ @ @ @ @ the Oval Office , a day after House Democrats released a $ 494 billion infrastructure @ @ @ @ @ provisions .
Such an executive order is certain to amplify criticism of the Trump administration @ @ @ @ @ already angered by other steps they say the White House has taken at the behest @ @ @

President Donald Trump signed an executive order that would expedite permitting for infrastructure projects, building on earlier orders to ease regulations for industry. The White House contends the move will help speed the nation’s recovery after the coronavirus pandemic.
The order directs federal agencies, including Interior, Agriculture and Defense departments and the Army Corps of Engineers, to hasten the permitting processes required under the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act and Clean Water Act.
[GOP senators: Sunset all rules waived during the pandemic]
Trump signed the order Thursday afternoon at the Oval Office, a day after House Democrats released a $494 billion infrastructure bill that includes climate change provisions.
Such an executive order is certain to amplify criticism of the Trump administration by environmental groups and Democrats already angered by other steps they say the White House has taken at the behest of industry.


rollcall--2020-06-04--Coronavirus Special Report: Disinformation spreading about COVID-19

Tonight , we explore how disinformation about COVID-19 is spreading across social media and what Congress and the tech companies @ @ @ @ @ doing to mitigate it .
Then , we explore the uptick in coronavirus-related franked mail @ @ @ @ @ care policy news .
• Murkowski ‘ struggling ’ over Trump support ; other GOP @ @ @ @ @ • Democrats to unveil plan Monday to end police racial profiling , use of force

Tonight, we explore how disinformation about COVID-19 is spreading across social media and what Congress and the tech companies that own these platforms are doing to mitigate it. Then, we explore the uptick in coronavirus-related franked mail and the latest in health care policy news.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-06-04--Senators crafting a tax break for SBA’s forgivable loan program

After passing legislation to amend a forgivable loan program for coronavirus-stricken small businesses on Wednesday , the Senate was working on a related bill Thursday that would give borrowers another tax break on their loans .
Sen. John Cornyn , R-Texas , who introduced the bill in early May , told reporters that leadership was trying to pass the bipartisan measure , but said it still faced obstacles .
The bill would give borrowers a second tax benefit , a practice sometimes described as double-dipping .
The borrowers already do n't have to treat forgiven loans as income and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business expense deduction .
“ If I ’ m not mistaken , we did hotline it — got a couple of holds and we ’ re working through those one at a time , ” he said Thursday afternoon .
But Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , wrapped up later in the afternoon , deferring any action until at least next week .
[ Senate clears PPP bill in second try Wednesday ] Senate hotlining involves leadership quickly polling members to see if any have issues with passing it by unanimous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pass uncontroversial measures without hours of floor debate .

After passing legislation to amend a forgivable loan program for coronavirus-stricken small businesses on Wednesday, the Senate was working on a related bill Thursday that would give borrowers another tax break on their loans.
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, who introduced the bill in early May, told reporters that leadership was trying to pass the bipartisan measure, but said it still faced obstacles. The bill would give borrowers a second tax benefit, a practice sometimes described as double-dipping. The borrowers already don't have to treat forgiven loans as income and the bill would allow them to get a business expense deduction.
“If I’m not mistaken, we did hotline it — got a couple of holds and we’re working through those one at a time,” he said Thursday afternoon. But Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., wrapped up later in the afternoon, deferring any action until at least next week.
[Senate clears PPP bill in second try Wednesday]
Senate hotlining involves leadership quickly polling members to see if any have issues with passing it by unanimous consent. It’s a way to pass uncontroversial measures without hours of floor debate.


rollcall--2020-06-04--CBO: Extending higher jobless benefits would increase unemployment

Five out of six workers would receive more in expanded unemployment benefits than they would earn on the job if Congress extends those benefits through January , the Congressional Budget Office said in a report Thursday .
That would translate into lower employment both in the second half of this year and next year , according to the CBO , than if lawmakers let the added $ 600 weekly benefit expire July 31 as scheduled .
The analysis said that in the second half of this year , economic output would probably be greater than it would be without an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March .
That 's because jobless workers would have more money to spend on needed goods and services .
But in 2021 , the CBO said , economic output would be lower than it otherwise would be , since there would be fewer people working .
That conclusion , contained in a letter from the nonpartisan agency to Senate Finance Chairman Charles E. Grassley , R-Iowa , is likely to provide fresh ammunition to Republicans who oppose a benefits extension on the grounds that it provides a disincentive to work .
As unemployment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 pandemic , Congress provided an extra $ 600 per week for jobless workers , on top of regular state unemployment benefits , as part of a major coronavirus relief package in March .
Those benefits are set to expire at the end of July , but Democrats are seeking to extend them , including in a massive $ 3.5 trillion relief bill the House passed last month .

Five out of six workers would receive more in expanded unemployment benefits than they would earn on the job if Congress extends those benefits through January, the Congressional Budget Office said in a report Thursday.
That would translate into lower employment both in the second half of this year and next year, according to the CBO, than if lawmakers let the added $600 weekly benefit expire July 31 as scheduled.
The analysis said that in the second half of this year, economic output would probably be greater than it would be without an extension of extra unemployment benefits enacted in March. That's because jobless workers would have more money to spend on needed goods and services. But in 2021, the CBO said, economic output would be lower than it otherwise would be, since there would be fewer people working.
That conclusion, contained in a letter from the nonpartisan agency to Senate Finance Chairman Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa, is likely to provide fresh ammunition to Republicans who oppose a benefits extension on the grounds that it provides a disincentive to work.
As unemployment rolls swelled in an economy cratering from the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress provided an extra $600 per week for jobless workers, on top of regular state unemployment benefits, as part of a major coronavirus relief package in March. Those benefits are set to expire at the end of July, but Democrats are seeking to extend them, including in a massive $3.5 trillion relief bill the House passed last month.


rollcall--2020-06-04--Lawmakers, tech companies struggle to curb coronavirus disinformation

While public health and government officials scramble to contain the spread of COVID-19 around the United States , some lawmakers are seeking to address another scourge : online disinformation about the virus that could pose health risks and sow division among Americans .
False information about the virus has spread quickly across the internet in recent months , taking the form of misinformation — inaccurate information spread unwittingly by social media users , such as those about supposed vaccines for the virus — and more malicious disinformation , which can be spread by “ bots ” deployed by Russia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Google , Facebook and Twitter have each taken steps to curb the spread of misinformation and disinformation on their platforms , but it ’ s nearly impossible to stop it completely .
Recently , lawmakers on Capitol Hill who have already called on Silicon Valley to do more are beginning to shape legislative action , although it ’ s unclear what could become law .
“ The spread of false and potentially dangerous claims during a lethal pandemic clearly poses a threat to our national security , ” said Rep. Lauren Underwood , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disinformation hosted by the House Homeland Security Committee last month .
“ When it comes to vital public health information , the stakes are life and death.
” Underwood said she planned to introduce legislation in the coming weeks to “ address the impact and the threat of disinformation to public health and safety .
”

While public health and government officials scramble to contain the spread of COVID-19 around the United States, some lawmakers are seeking to address another scourge: online disinformation about the virus that could pose health risks and sow division among Americans.
False information about the virus has spread quickly across the internet in recent months, taking the form of misinformation — inaccurate information spread unwittingly by social media users, such as those about supposed vaccines for the virus — and more malicious disinformation, which can be spread by “bots” deployed by Russia, China or other adversaries.
Technology companies Google, Facebook and Twitter have each taken steps to curb the spread of misinformation and disinformation on their platforms, but it’s nearly impossible to stop it completely. Recently, lawmakers on Capitol Hill who have already called on Silicon Valley to do more are beginning to shape legislative action, although it’s unclear what could become law.
“The spread of false and potentially dangerous claims during a lethal pandemic clearly poses a threat to our national security,” said Rep. Lauren Underwood, D-Ill., at a virtual forum on disinformation hosted by the House Homeland Security Committee last month. “When it comes to vital public health information, the stakes are life and death.”
Underwood said she planned to introduce legislation in the coming weeks to “address the impact and the threat of disinformation to public health and safety.”


rollcall--2020-06-04--A good time for a film about ‘Good Trouble’

Filmmaker Dawn Porter ’ s new documentary “ John Lewis : Good Trouble ” arrives at a time when racial @ @ @ @ @ s mind .
Protests over the death of George Floyd have broken out in major @ @ @ @ @ Lewis ’ life has been all about , in his words , getting into the @ @ @ @ @ good trouble , protesting for civil rights , the right to vote and justice for @ @ @ @ @ Political Theater podcast , Porter discusses how her previous project , the documentary miniseries “ @ @ @ @ @ ” made for an easy segue to a film about Lewis , a friend and @ @ @ @ @ in the civil rights era ; Lewis ’ recent comments about the Floyd protests ; @ @ @ @ @ , another time of political uncertainty and violence , and 2020 .

Filmmaker Dawn Porter’s new documentary “John Lewis: Good Trouble” arrives at a time when racial justice is on everyone’s mind.
Protests over the death of George Floyd have broken out in major U.S. cities. Rep. John Lewis’ life has been all about, in his words, getting into the right kind of trouble, good trouble, protesting for civil rights, the right to vote and justice for all.
On the latest Political Theater podcast, Porter discusses how her previous project, the documentary miniseries “Bobby Kennedy for President,” made for an easy segue to a film about Lewis, a friend and contemporary of Kennedy’s in the civil rights era; Lewis’ recent comments about the Floyd protests; and the parallels between 1968, another time of political uncertainty and violence, and 2020.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-06-04--Murkowski ‘struggling’ over Trump support; other GOP senators not swayed by Mattis

Sen. Lisa Murkowski told reporters Thursday she thought comments by former Defense Secretary James Mattis that President Donald Trump “ tries to divide ” the American people were “ true and honest and necessary and overdue , ” adding that she is “ struggling ” over whether to vote for the president .
The Alaska Republican said she was pleased to see people `` have the courage and our own conviction to speak up ” with views they might hold internally .
Asked whether she was struggling with support for Trump , she said she was and had been for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think you know that — I didn ’ t support the president in the initial election and I work hard to try and make sure that I 'm able to represent my state well , that I 'm able to work with any administration and with any president , ” she said .
She vowed to continue working with him , and his administration , but said questions about who she will vote for are “ are distracting to the moment.
” Mattis has broad support among Senate Republicans for his long military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in The Atlantic that Trump 's presidency has lacked `` mature leadership '' and criticized his holding a photo-op at St. John ’ s Church across from the White House .
He said troops were ordered to `` violate the Constitutional rights of their fellow citizens '' who were protesting , but were cleared out by force and tear gas to make way for the president 's walk across Lafayette Square .

Chris Cioffi and Katherine Tully-McManus

Sen. Lisa Murkowski told reporters Thursday she thought comments by former Defense Secretary James Mattis that President Donald Trump “tries to divide” the American people were “true and honest and necessary and overdue,” adding that she is “struggling” over whether to vote for the president.
The Alaska Republican said she was pleased to see people "have the courage and our own conviction to speak up” with views they might hold internally. Asked whether she was struggling with support for Trump, she said she was and had been for a “long time.”
“I think you know that — I didn’t support the president in the initial election and I work hard to try and make sure that I'm able to represent my state well, that I'm able to work with any administration and with any president,” she said. She vowed to continue working with him, and his administration, but said questions about who she will vote for are “are distracting to the moment.”
Mattis has broad support among Senate Republicans for his long military service. On Wednesday, he wrote in The Atlantic that Trump's presidency has lacked "mature leadership" and criticized his holding a photo-op at St. John’s Church across from the White House. He said troops were ordered to "violate the Constitutional rights of their fellow citizens" who were protesting, but were cleared out by force and tear gas to make way for the president's walk across Lafayette Square.