rollcall--2020-08-14--Smaller airports may see schedule cuts after Sept. 30

At least two major U.S. airlines are considering scaling back or stopping scheduled service to small and medium-sized cities when @ @ @ @ @ $ 2 trillion coronavirus law expires Sept. 30 .
That law , which included $ @ @ @ @ @ to keep commercial passenger airline employees on payroll through the same date , also included @ @ @ @ @ those dollars to maintain a minimum level of service in the communities where they flew @ @ @ @ @ some cases , that provision resulted in airlines running virtually empty aircraft to communities around @ @ @ @ @ with air travel rebounding but still significantly lower than last year , labor unions and @ @ @ @ @ Congress to extend that aid through March 31 , 2021 .
But as the deadline @ @ @ @ @ airlines have begun issuing furlough notices to some 100,000 employees and on Thursday , American @ @ @ @ @ determining which routes it will fly after Sept. 30 .

At least two major U.S. airlines are considering scaling back or stopping scheduled service to small and medium-sized cities when a provision in the roughly $2 trillion coronavirus law expires Sept. 30.
That law, which included $25 billion in federal dollars to keep commercial passenger airline employees on payroll through the same date, also included a provision requiring airlines accepting those dollars to maintain a minimum level of service in the communities where they flew before the pandemic.
In some cases, that provision resulted in airlines running virtually empty aircraft to communities around the country.
Now, with air travel rebounding but still significantly lower than last year, labor unions and airlines alike are fighting for Congress to extend that aid through March 31, 2021.
But as the deadline approaches with no deal, airlines have begun issuing furlough notices to some 100,000 employees and on Thursday, American Airlines confirmed that it is determining which routes it will fly after Sept. 30.


rollcall--2020-08-14--The 2020 fight over the Postal Service underscores its long-unaddressed challenges

The current standoff between President Donald Trump and Congress over the U.S .
Postal Service is rekindling a long-standing debate over how to overhaul an agency delivering more packages from online shoppers , but not enough letters to overcome a mounting revenue decline and growing retirement costs .
Bipartisan calls from lawmakers to cut a big check for the service — as much as $ 25 billion — are playing out as a Trump ally now serving as postmaster general makes big changes to its leadership .
Trump , who has referred to the Postal Service as Amazon ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he wants to starve the agency of more funding to prevent people from voting by mail .
Those comments escalated the demands for funds to increase election security , even as prospects for deal on a broader coronavirus relief package are murky .
Letters from Postal Service leaders recently sent to election officials in most states warned that ballots cast by mail might not be delivered in time to be counted by Election Day .
And Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins sent a letter Thursday to U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy warning that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harm constituents and “ ultimately harm its long-term financial viability.
” She also told Portland CBS affiliate WGME she disagreed “ very strongly ” with Trump on his comments , saying the service was “ absolutely essential .
”

The current standoff between President Donald Trump and Congress over the U.S. Postal Service is rekindling a long-standing debate over how to overhaul an agency delivering more packages from online shoppers, but not enough letters to overcome a mounting revenue decline and growing retirement costs.
Bipartisan calls from lawmakers to cut a big check for the service — as much as $25 billion — are playing out as a Trump ally now serving as postmaster general makes big changes to its leadership.
Trump, who has referred to the Postal Service as Amazon’s “delivery boy,” said Thursday he wants to starve the agency of more funding to prevent people from voting by mail. Those comments escalated the demands for funds to increase election security, even as prospects for deal on a broader coronavirus relief package are murky.
Letters from Postal Service leaders recently sent to election officials in most states warned that ballots cast by mail might not be delivered in time to be counted by Election Day.
And Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins sent a letter Thursday to U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy warning that recent changes and reported service issues could harm constituents and “ultimately harm its long-term financial viability.” She also told Portland CBS affiliate WGME she disagreed “very strongly” with Trump on his comments, saying the service was “absolutely essential.”


rollcall--2020-08-14--Judiciary seeks funding and laws to protect federal judges

The federal courts will press Congress for legislation and funding for additional safety measures after a gunman attacked the family @ @ @ @ @ Salas last month in New Jersey , killing her son and wounding her husband .
@ @ @ @ @ , the policymaking body for the federal court system , approved five security-related moves , @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. Courts said in a news release that the judicial branch will aggressively advocate @ @ @ @ @ conference wants legislation to protect judges ' personally identifiable information , particularly on the internet @ @ @ @ @ .
Marshals Service program to monitor whether that information is available and react .
The @ @ @ @ @ to bolster a home intrusion detection system , add deputy marshals to protect judges , @ @ @ @ @ Protective Service security camera systems at federal courthouses .
[ Federal courts seek more money @ @ @ @ @ bill ]

The federal courts will press Congress for legislation and funding for additional safety measures after a gunman attacked the family of U.S. District Judge Esther Salas last month in New Jersey, killing her son and wounding her husband.
The U.S. Judicial Conference, the policymaking body for the federal court system, approved five security-related moves, and the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts said in a news release that the judicial branch will aggressively advocate for the changes.
The conference wants legislation to protect judges' personally identifiable information, particularly on the internet, and develop a U.S. Marshals Service program to monitor whether that information is available and react.
The additional funding requests will be to bolster a home intrusion detection system, add deputy marshals to protect judges, and upgrade and maintain Federal Protective Service security camera systems at federal courthouses.
[Federal courts seek more money and judges in next COVID-19 bill]


rollcall--2020-08-14--Senate backlash on pandemic aid sets up September stopgap fight

If coronavirus relief talks are at a stalemate , as top administration officials and Democrats said this week , it may be a divided Senate GOP that set the first dominoes tumbling .
And it may take the threat of a partial government shutdown next month to get things back on track .
The next deadline to force action is Sept. 30 , when Congress has to pass a continuing resolution to keep federal agencies operating at least through the November elections .
Combining stopgap funds and pandemic relief into one bill could be a less painful vote for Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think it would be better for Republicans , instead of taking two expensive votes , to take one expensive vote and make it a little more convoluted with the [ continuing resolution ] , '' said a GOP lobbyist who asked for anonymity in order to speak candidly .
`` Do a bunch of COVID stuff on a CR and call it a day . ''
Senate Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Chairman Roy Blunt , R-Mo.
, who helped write a major piece of the Senate GOP ’ s $ 1 trillion series of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was likely that negotiations bleed into the stopgap funding talks after Labor Day .

If coronavirus relief talks are at a stalemate, as top administration officials and Democrats said this week, it may be a divided Senate GOP that set the first dominoes tumbling.
And it may take the threat of a partial government shutdown next month to get things back on track.
The next deadline to force action is Sept. 30, when Congress has to pass a continuing resolution to keep federal agencies operating at least through the November elections. Combining stopgap funds and pandemic relief into one bill could be a less painful vote for Republicans than separate votes on each.
"I think it would be better for Republicans, instead of taking two expensive votes, to take one expensive vote and make it a little more convoluted with the [continuing resolution]," said a GOP lobbyist who asked for anonymity in order to speak candidly. "Do a bunch of COVID stuff on a CR and call it a day."
Senate Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Chairman Roy Blunt, R-Mo., who helped write a major piece of the Senate GOP’s $1 trillion series of relief measures, told reporters Wednesday it was likely that negotiations bleed into the stopgap funding talks after Labor Day.


rollcall--2020-08-14--GAO says Wolf, Cuccinelli appointments at DHS invalid

The appointments of acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf and his aide , Ken Cuccinelli , were invalid , the @ @ @ @ @ .
The GAO said the Department of Homeland Security did n't follow the proper succession @ @ @ @ @ acting secretary and in making Cuccinelli the senior official performing the duties of deputy secretary @ @ @ @ @ ineligible for their positions .
The GAO report came at the request of the heads @ @ @ @ @ `` Messrs. Wolf and Cuccinelli were named to their respective positions of Acting Secretary and @ @ @ @ @ of Deputy Secretary by reference to an invalid order of succession , '' the GAO @ @ @ @ @ had not reviewed the legality of their actions .
Nor did the agency comment on @ @ @ @ @ as the head of U.S .
Citizenship and Immigration Services .
The GAO referred the @ @ @ @ @ to the Homeland Security Inspector General for further review .

The appointments of acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf and his aide, Ken Cuccinelli, were invalid, the Government Accountability Office said Friday.
The GAO said the Department of Homeland Security didn't follow the proper succession rules in making Wolf the acting secretary and in making Cuccinelli the senior official performing the duties of deputy secretary, and they were thus ineligible for their positions. The GAO report came at the request of the heads of two House committees.
"Messrs. Wolf and Cuccinelli were named to their respective positions of Acting Secretary and Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Secretary by reference to an invalid order of succession," the GAO said. It said it had not reviewed the legality of their actions.
Nor did the agency comment on Cuccinelli’s prior appointment as the head of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The GAO referred the appointments of Wolf and Cuccinelli to the Homeland Security Inspector General for further review.


rollcall--2020-08-16--House interrupting recess to act on Postal Service ‘sabotage’

Speaker Nancy Pelosi is calling House lawmakers back to Washington this coming week to vote on legislation to bar the U.S .
Postal Service from implementing changes to “ operations or level of service.
” A vote could come as soon as Saturday , Aug. 22 , according to a senior Democratic aide .
That would mean a rare weekend session that would interrupt the traditional summer recess .
The House wasn ’ t originally scheduled to return flor floor votes until Sept. 14 , barring the need to vote on a coronavirus relief bill before then .
In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Pelosi said that the House ’ s return is in response to “ devastating effects ” of what she called President Donald Trump ’ s “ campaign to sabotage the election by manipulating the Postal Service to disenfranchise voters.
” Trump said Thursday he opposed emergency funding for election operations and the Postal Service because it could allow more people to vote by mail .
House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer is expected to announce full details of the return schedule and legislative agenda on a Monday morning call with the Democratic @ @

Katherine Tully-McManus and Niels Lesniewski

Speaker Nancy Pelosi is calling House lawmakers back to Washington this coming week to vote on legislation to bar the U.S. Postal Service from implementing changes to “operations or level of service.”
A vote could come as soon as Saturday, Aug. 22, according to a senior Democratic aide. That would mean a rare weekend session that would interrupt the traditional summer recess. The House wasn’t originally scheduled to return for floor votes until Sept. 14, barring the need to take up a coronavirus relief bill before then.
In a “Dear Colleague” letter Sunday evening, Pelosi said that the House’s return is in response to “devastating effects” of what she called President Donald Trump’s “campaign to sabotage the election by manipulating the Postal Service to disenfranchise voters.”
Trump said Thursday he opposed emergency funding for election operations and the Postal Service because it could allow more people to vote by mail.
House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer is expected to announce full details of the return schedule and legislative agenda on a Monday morning call with the Democratic Caucus.


rollcall--2020-08-17--Battle for Congress seeks a slice of the spotlight as Democrats ‘convene’ to anoint Biden, Harris

The presidential race will take center stage during this week ’ s Democratic National Convention , but the battle for Congress will also seek some of the spotlight as Democrats gather virtually .
The party will formally nominate former Vice President Joe Biden and California Sen. Kamala Harris as its presidential and vice presidential nominees , kicking off an 11-week sprint until Election Day .
The convention will seek to cast a unifying vision for the country , and highlight the stakes of the upcoming election .
Since the early days of the presidential primary , Biden has emphasized the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just the White House .
Biden served in both the majority and the minority during his 36 years as a senator , and he saw how presidential candidates helped and hurt colleagues running on the same ballot .
This year , he tried to get Democratic voters to keep that in mind as they picked a nominee .
“ It ’ s not going to be enough just to be able to beat the president , ” Biden said at an Iowa campaign event in January .
“ Who is going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States Senate and keep the House ?
”

The presidential race will take center stage during this week’s Democratic National Convention, but the battle for Congress will also seek some of the spotlight as Democrats gather virtually.
The party will formally nominate former Vice President Joe Biden and California Sen. Kamala Harris as its presidential and vice presidential nominees, kicking off an 11-week sprint until Election Day.
The convention will seek to cast a unifying vision for the country, and highlight the stakes of the upcoming election. Since the early days of the presidential primary, Biden has emphasized the importance of Democrats controlling Congress, not just the White House.
Biden served in both the majority and the minority during his 36 years as a senator, and he saw how presidential candidates helped and hurt colleagues running on the same ballot. This year, he tried to get Democratic voters to keep that in mind as they picked a nominee.
“It’s not going to be enough just to be able to beat the president,” Biden said at an Iowa campaign event in January. “Who is going to be most helpful in helping us win back the United States Senate and keep the House?”


rollcall--2020-08-17--What to watch in Alaska, Florida and Wyoming primaries Tuesday

Some of the last competitive primaries of this cycle take place Tuesday , as three states — Wyoming , Florida and Alaska — choose nominees for fall matchups .
Two Senate races will be on the ballot , with both parties in Wyoming picking their favorites to replace retiring Republican Michael B. Enzi and four candidates vying for the Democatic nomination to take on Republican Dan Sullivan in Alaska .
But the majority of the attention will be on Florida , where both parties are targeting a handful of House seats in the perennial swing state .
Outside spending is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two open seats , and embattled freshman GOP Rep. Ross Spano faces a primary challenge .
The election will also serve as one of the last tests of mail-in ballots before November .
Again , the focus will be on Florida , where as of Friday , 1.9 million votes had been cast by mail but 2.4 million of the ballots that have been requested had yet to be returned , according to the Miami Herald .
To be valid , ballots in Florida and Wyoming must be received by 7 p.m. Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amid surges of absentee ballot requests and reports of widespread mail delivery delays .

Some of the last competitive primaries of this cycle take place Tuesday, as three states — Wyoming, Florida and Alaska — choose nominees for fall matchups.
Two Senate races will be on the ballot, with both parties in Wyoming picking their favorites to replace retiring Republican Michael B. Enzi and four candidates vying for the Democratic nomination to take on Republican Dan Sullivan in Alaska.
But the majority of the attention will be on Florida, where both parties are targeting a handful of House seats in the perennial swing state. Outside spending is also flowing into crowded Republican primaries for two open seats, and embattled freshman GOP Rep. Ross Spano faces a primary challenge.
The election will also serve as one of the last tests of mail-in ballots before November. Again, the focus will be on Florida, where as of Friday, 1.9 million votes had been cast by mail but 2.4 million of the ballots that have been requested had yet to be returned, according to the Miami Herald.
To be valid, ballots in Florida and Wyoming must be received by 7 p.m. Tuesday, a requirement that has been questioned amid surges of absentee ballot requests and reports of widespread mail delivery delays.


rollcall--2020-08-17--Crawford plays legislative whack-a-mole with China-made buses, railcars

Hours into the second day of an agonizingly lengthy markup of the House surface transportation bill , Rep. Rick Crawford @ @ @ @ @ on the Cisco WebEx livestream and began introducing a series of amendments with a singular @ @ @ @ @ of U.S. transit systems .
For close to 15 minutes , the ranking member of @ @ @ @ @ Subcommittee on Railroads , Pipelines and Hazardous Materials introduced amendments that quickly advanced by voice @ @ @ @ @ later , Crawford was back at it , submitting an amendment to a transportation spending @ @ @ @ @ albeit with less success .
Crawford , 54 , is an Army veteran whose even-keeled @ @ @ @ @ as a news anchor and , briefly , a country music singer .
( His @ @ @ @ @ “ Crackin ’ Out , '' is framed and displayed on the wall in his @ @ @ @ @ plays guitar in a band called Triple Nickel . )

Hours into the second day of an agonizingly lengthy markup of the House surface transportation bill, Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Ark., popped up on the Cisco WebEx livestream and began introducing a series of amendments with a singular purpose: Keeping China out of U.S. transit systems.
For close to 15 minutes, the ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials introduced amendments that quickly advanced by voice vote.
“You’ve had a pretty good run,” observed Rep. Stephen F. Lynch, D-Mass.
A few weeks later, Crawford was back at it, submitting an amendment to a transportation spending bill on China again, albeit with less success.
Crawford, 54, is an Army veteran whose even-keeled demeanor belies his prior career as a news anchor and, briefly, a country music singer. (His first and only album, “Crackin’ Out," is framed and displayed on the wall in his Rayburn office; he still plays guitar in a band called Triple Nickel.)


rollcall--2020-08-17--Harris laid groundwork for VP nod with tough committee questions

California Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris used pointed questions during high-profile Senate hearings and events in the past two years to raise her political profile , in moments that led presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden to pick her as a running mate and President Donald Trump to call her a “ mad woman ” and “ angry.
” Biden , in an event to introduce the former California state attorney general as his pick to be vice president last week , noted how Harris has been “ asking tough questions that needed to be asked and not stopping until she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was forthcoming , it was obvious what the answer was.
” That alluded to a series of exchanges with Trump officials that became made-for-social-media videos , which featured judicial nominees , former Attorney General Jeff Sessions , current Attorney General William Barr and Trump ’ s appointment of Supreme Court Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh .
Trump told Fox Business last week that Harris is “ sort of a mad woman , I call her , because she was so angry and so — such hatred with Justice Kavanaugh.
” That shows how well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ litigation experience , leveraged her time in the Senate just as Biden used the Senate Judiciary Committee as a steppingstone for larger political ambitions — albeit in different ways .

California Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris used pointed questions during high-profile Senate hearings and events in the past two years to raise her political profile, in moments that led presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden to pick her as a running mate and President Donald Trump to call her a “mad woman” and “angry.”
Biden, in an event to introduce the former California state attorney general as his pick to be vice president last week, noted how Harris has been “asking tough questions that needed to be asked and not stopping until she got an answer. And when none was forthcoming, it was obvious what the answer was.”
That alluded to a series of exchanges with Trump officials that became made-for-social-media videos, which featured judicial nominees, former Attorney General Jeff Sessions, current Attorney General William Barr and Trump’s appointment of Supreme Court Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh.
Trump told Fox Business last week that Harris is “sort of a mad woman, I call her, because she was so angry and so — such hatred with Justice Kavanaugh.”
That shows how well Harris, an attorney with plenty of litigation experience, leveraged her time in the Senate just as Biden used the Senate Judiciary Committee as a steppingstone for larger political ambitions — albeit in different ways.


rollcall--2020-08-17--Kasich speech to Democratic convention follows years of building conservative credentials

As a House member and initially as the Republican governor of the Ohio , John Kasich was known for his @ @ @ @ @ Speaker Newt Gingrich 's loyal lieutenants , an architect of the 1997 balanced budget agreement @ @ @ @ @ abortion in the Buckeye State .
But Monday night , Kasich , 68 , who @ @ @ @ @ Republican , will speak at the Democratic National Convention in a speech already prerecorded .
@ @ @ @ @ come as no surprise to people who have paid attention to his career .
“ @ @ @ @ @ a different swim lane , ” he said in an interview earlier Monday .
“ @ @ @ @ @ ve been all my lifetime.
” Kasich is one of four Republicans on the schedule @ @ @ @ @ former EPA Administrator Christine Todd Whitman , a onetime New Jersey governor ; Meg Whitman @ @ @ @ @ the 2010 GOP nominee for California governor ; and former Rep. Susan Molinari of New @ @

As a House member and initially as the Republican governor of the Ohio, John Kasich was known for his ardent conservatism — one of Speaker Newt Gingrich's loyal lieutenants, an architect of the 1997 balanced budget agreement who later fought unions and abortion in the Buckeye State.
But Monday night, the lifelong Republican told the Democratic National Convention that all Americans should vote for former Vice President Joe Biden.
“I know the measure of the man,” said Kasich, noting that he has known the longtime Delaware politician for 30 years. “He’s reasonable, faithful, respectful, and you know, no one pushes Joe around.”
Kasich, 68, said his attachment to his political party “holds second place to my responsibility to my country.”
“Joe Biden is a man for our times,” he said. “Times that call for all of us to take off our partisan hats and put our nation first, for ourselves and, of course, for our children.”


rollcall--2020-08-17--House to take up $25B for Postal Service, other fixes amid election uproar

The House will vote Saturday morning on a bill that would include $ 25 billion in new funding for the U.S .
Postal Service and reverse changes implemented in recent weeks to mail delivery and operations .
House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer informed Democrats about the schedule update in a private caucus call Monday , adding that the bill text was still being finalized .
The $ 25 billion funding boost for the Postal Service will be added to a bill introduced by Oversight and Reform Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney , D-N.Y. , according to a senior Democratic aide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return for votes until Sept. 14 , but growing alarm over significant mail service and operational changes ahead of an election that is expected to see record use of mail-in voting prompted Speaker Nancy Pelosi to interrupt the August recess to take action .
Changes enacted under Louis DeJoy , the U.S. postmaster general and a Trump megadonor , have resulted in delays in delivery and curtailed service .
Post offices have been ordered to keep mail until the next day if postal distribution centers are running late , and overtime was eliminated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

The House will vote Saturday morning on a bill that would include $25 billion in new funding for the U.S. Postal Service and reverse changes implemented in recent weeks to mail delivery and operations.
House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer informed Democrats about the schedule update in a private caucus call Monday, adding that the bill text was still being finalized. The $25 billion funding boost for the Postal Service will be added to a bill introduced by Oversight and Reform Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney, D-N.Y., according to a senior Democratic aide.
The House was not scheduled to return for votes until Sept. 14, but growing alarm over significant mail service and operational changes ahead of an election that is expected to see record use of mail-in voting prompted Speaker Nancy Pelosi to interrupt the August recess to take action.
[House interrupting recess to vote on Postal Service ‘sabotage’]
Changes enacted under Louis DeJoy, the U.S. postmaster general and a Trump megadonor, have resulted in delays in delivery and curtailed service. Post offices have been ordered to keep mail until the next day if postal distribution centers are running late, and overtime was eliminated for hundreds of thousands of postal workers.


rollcall--2020-08-17--Progressives eye ‘sea change’ at powerful House committee

There ’ s more than just another upset on the line in the expensive primary fight between Rep. Richard E. Neal , D-Mass.
, who ’ s represented the 1st Congressional District of Massachusetts since 1989 , and Alex Morse , the 31-year-old mayor of Holyoke .
A Morse victory would arguably be the most significant primary dethroning of a powerful House lawmaker since Majority Leader Eric Cantor , R-Va. , was toppled in 2014 .
Neal , who as chairman of Ways and Means has jurisdiction over tax , trade and health care policy , could have to hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the left .
Progressives ’ appetite to knock out Neal has been stoked by their desire to see Rep. Lloyd Doggett , D-Texas , become the next Ways and Means chairman , according to lobbyists .
If former Vice President Joe Biden defeats President Donald Trump on Nov. 3 , whoever wields that gavel will play a lead role in shepherding Biden ’ s agenda through the House .
Doggett , a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus , is currently chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee and second in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Doggett , neither Biden nor Neal have endorsed a Green New Deal for climate policy , or “ Medicare for All ” legislation that would gut private health insurance .
Doggett could chart a more progressive course when it comes to expanding the 2010 health care law , and the Texan is a fierce pharmaceutical industry critic , likely to push more aggressive drug pricing action .

There’s more than just another upset on the line in the expensive primary fight between Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Mass., who’s represented the 1st Congressional District of Massachusetts since 1989, and Alex Morse, the 31-year-old mayor of Holyoke.
A Morse victory would arguably be the most significant primary dethroning of a powerful House lawmaker since Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., was toppled in 2014. Neal, who as chairman of Ways and Means has jurisdiction over tax, trade and health care policy, could have to hand the gavel to someone viewed more favorably on the left.
Progressives’ appetite to knock out Neal has been stoked by their desire to see Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, become the next Ways and Means chairman, according to lobbyists. If former Vice President Joe Biden defeats President Donald Trump on Nov. 3, whoever wields that gavel will play a lead role in shepherding Biden’s agenda through the House.
Doggett, a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, is currently chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee and second in seniority on the full committee.
Unlike Doggett, neither Biden nor Neal have endorsed a Green New Deal for climate policy, or “Medicare for All” legislation that would gut private health insurance. Doggett could chart a more progressive course when it comes to expanding the 2010 health care law, and the Texan is a fierce pharmaceutical industry critic, likely to push more aggressive drug pricing action.


rollcall--2020-08-17--House prefers new vehicles over quick fix to military rollovers

The House has denied most of the Pentagon 's proposal for a quick fix to deadly rollover accidents in the military 's fleet of older Humvees , instead opting to buy new vehicles produced in Indiana , the home state of Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Peter J. Visclosky .
The Pentagon requested $ 93.75 million in its fiscal 2021 budget to address “ rollover and loss of control incidents resulting in fatalities and serious injury , ” according to budget documents .
The department described the requested kits , which include anti-lock braking and electronic stability control systems , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a growing problem than buying new Humvees .
Both the House and Senate versions of the fiscal 2021 Pentagon policy bill authorize the funding .
The House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee , however , removed the money for the 5,421 safety kits specifically needed to equip the entire fleet of legacy Humvees .
During floor debate on the spending bill last month , the House approved an amendment from Republican Rep. Paul Mitchell of Michigan that would restore $ 17.1 million in funding for the kits .
But that is enough for fewer than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ older Humvees without new protections .
“ Rollover accidents are a lingering problem for the Army .
I offered my amendment to help ensure preventable — and too often deadly — rollover accidents are properly mitigated , ” Mitchell said in a statement to CQ Roll Call .

The House has denied most of the Pentagon's proposal for a quick fix to deadly rollover accidents in the military's fleet of older Humvees, instead opting to buy new vehicles produced in Indiana, the home state of Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Peter J. Visclosky.
The Pentagon requested $93.75 million in its fiscal 2021 budget to address “rollover and loss of control incidents resulting in fatalities and serious injury,” according to budget documents. The department described the requested kits, which include anti-lock braking and electronic stability control systems, as a more affordable and faster solution to a growing problem than buying new Humvees.
Both the House and Senate versions of the fiscal 2021 Pentagon policy bill authorize the funding. The House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, however, removed the money for the 5,421 safety kits specifically needed to equip the entire fleet of legacy Humvees.
During floor debate on the spending bill last month, the House approved an amendment from Republican Rep. Paul Mitchell of Michigan that would restore $17.1 million in funding for the kits. But that is enough for fewer than 1,000 kits, leaving 4,400 of the older Humvees without new protections.
“Rollover accidents are a lingering problem for the Army. I offered my amendment to help ensure preventable — and too often deadly — rollover accidents are properly mitigated,” Mitchell said in a statement to CQ Roll Call.


rollcall--2020-08-18--Hospitals eye permanent telehealth expansion with FCC funds

Hundreds of hospitals and health care centers from Washington state to Louisiana are expanding telehealth infrastructure thanks to $ 200 million that Congress appropriated for the Federal Communications Commission in emergency legislation .
In some cases , hospitals are supplementing the federal funds from the $ 2 trillion coronavirus relief law enacted in March with their own money to expand health care delivery through remote devices , cameras and software with patients remaining at home during the pandemic .
The combined government and private investment could make it incumbent upon Congress to permanently remove barriers to widespread use of telehealth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislation introduced in the House and the Senate already promises to do that and also provide more federal funding to boost infrastructure connecting patients and doctors .
In March , the Department of Health and Human Services waived restrictions as an emergency measure so that Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries could consult with doctors remotely without having to travel to designated sites .
Before that waiver , Medicare would pay for telehealth only when the person receiving the service was in a designated rural area and went to a designated location to get a @ @ @

Hundreds of hospitals and health care centers from Washington state to Louisiana are expanding telehealth infrastructure thanks to $200 million that Congress appropriated for the Federal Communications Commission in emergency legislation.
In some cases, hospitals are supplementing the federal funds from the $2 trillion coronavirus relief law enacted in March with their own money to expand health care delivery through remote devices, cameras and software with patients remaining at home during the pandemic.
The combined government and private investment could make it incumbent upon Congress to permanently remove barriers to widespread use of telehealth even when the pandemic ends. Bipartisan legislation introduced in the House and the Senate already promises to do that and also provide more federal funding to boost infrastructure connecting patients and doctors.
In March, the Department of Health and Human Services waived restrictions as an emergency measure so that Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries could consult with doctors remotely without having to travel to designated sites. Before that waiver, Medicare would pay for telehealth only when the person receiving the service was in a designated rural area and went to a designated location to get a telehealth consultation.


rollcall--2020-08-18--Doug Jones stresses unity at Democratic convention, with tough campaign ahead

For two minutes and fifteen seconds Monday night , Sen. Doug Jones addressed Democrats gathered virtually for their party ’ s convention .
He chose to focus on unity , a message reminiscent of his Senate campaign slogan , “ One Alabama.
” “ I believe that Americans have more in common than what divides us , ” the Alabama Democrat said .
Jones isn ’ t just any rank-and-file senator .
He ’ s a longtime friend of former Vice President Joe Biden , whom Democrats will nominate for president later this week .
He ’ s also the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeking a full term in a state President Donald Trump carried by 28 points in 2016 .
To win in Alabama , Jones needs Republicans — including Trump supporters — to vote for him over the GOP nominee , former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville .
So what was Jones doing on Monday night , so openly tying himself to the national party ?
Republicans said Jones ’ appearance was an “ audition ” for a role in a Biden administration , and a sign the senator recognizes he can ’ t @ @

For two minutes and fifteen seconds Monday night, Sen. Doug Jones addressed Democrats gathered virtually for their party’s convention. He chose to focus on unity, a message reminiscent of his Senate campaign slogan, “One Alabama.”
“I believe that Americans have more in common than what divides us,” the Alabama Democrat said.
Jones isn’t just any rank-and-file senator. He’s a longtime friend of former Vice President Joe Biden, whom Democrats will nominate for president later this week. He’s also the most vulnerable senator running for reelection, seeking a full term in a state President Donald Trump carried by 28 points in 2016.
To win in Alabama, Jones needs Republicans — including Trump supporters — to vote for him over the GOP nominee, former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville. So what was Jones doing on Monday night, so openly tying himself to the national party?
Republicans said Jones’ appearance was an “audition” for a role in a Biden administration, and a sign the senator recognizes he can’t win.


rollcall--2020-08-18--Innovating informal economies through COVID-19

Sabine Mensah , the United Nations Capital Development Fund ’ s lead for digitalization in West and Central Africa , @ @ @ @ @ account of the region 's innovation curve and how mobile payments , digital identities and @ @ @ @ @ it means to have an “ informal ” economy .
• Trump forced through some @ @ @ @ @ ?
• Coronavirus Special Report : Public health experts fear a surge in COVID-19 in @ @ @ @ @ ’ s just history ’ : Kamala Harris as the VP nominee

Sabine Mensah, the United Nations Capital Development Fund’s lead for digitalization in West and Central Africa, provides an insider’s account of the region's innovation curve and how mobile payments, digital identities and e-commerce solutions are transforming what it means to have an “informal” economy.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-08-18--A tale of two districts: Lamb, Allred in convention spotlight highlights Democrats’ dual strategies

Updated , 9:45 p.m. | Freshman Democratic Reps. Conor Lamb and Colin Allred were in the national spotlight Tuesday as two of 17 “ rising stars ” featured in the Democratic National Convention ’ s keynote address .
And both are facing competitive races in November that represent different opportunities for Democrats .
In Lamb ’ s district in Western Pennsylvania , Democrats are looking to win back voters they lost in 2016 .
Allred ’ s district in North Texas is emblematic of changing suburbs where Democrats see new opportunities in 2020 .
Lawmakers like Allred and Lamb believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats up and down the ballot do both .
`` I worked very hard for Joe Biden to become the Democratic nominee because I thought that he would have an appeal in my district and across the state of Texas , '' Allred told CQ Roll Call on Tuesday , ahead of his appearance .
`` And that is certainly bearing out . ''
Allred and Lamb were interspersed between other elected leaders giving Tuesday ’ s keynote address , their cameras slightly shaking as they recorded themselves on their phones .
Lamb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy , while Allred highlighted Biden ’ s pledge to `` protect and expand '' the 2010 health care law .

Freshman Democratic Reps. Conor Lamb and Colin Allred were in the national spotlight Tuesday as two of 17 “rising stars” featured in the Democratic National Convention’s keynote address. And both are facing competitive races in November that represent different opportunities for their party.
In Lamb’s district in Western Pennsylvania, Democrats are looking to win back voters they lost in 2016. Allred’s district in North Texas is emblematic of changing suburbs where Democrats see new opportunities in 2020.
Lawmakers like Allred and Lamb believe former Vice President Joe Biden can help Democrats up and down the ballot do both.
“I worked very hard for Joe Biden to become the Democratic nominee because I thought that he would have an appeal in my district and across the state of Texas,” Allred told CQ Roll Call on Tuesday, ahead of his appearance. “And that is certainly bearing out.”
Allred and Lamb were interspersed between other elected leaders giving Tuesday’s keynote address, their cameras slightly shaking as they recorded themselves on their phones. Lamb stressed Biden’s work rebuilding the economy, while Allred highlighted Biden’s pledge to “protect and expand” the 2010 health care law.


rollcall--2020-08-18--Coronavirus Special Report: Why the GOP is offering money to help the ailing Postal Service

In this episode of Coronavirus Special Report we delve into the U.S .
Postal Service .
We discuss why the @ @ @ @ @ to bolster the Postal Service and why the postmaster general did an about-face on his @ @ @ @ @ before the presidential election in November .
• Postal Service postponing changes until after election @ @ @ @ @ in 2020 : Georgia ’ s Perdue joins list , Michigan ’ s Peters drops @

In this episode of Coronavirus Special Report we delve into the U.S. Postal Service.
We discuss why the GOP is now proposing funds to bolster the Postal Service and why the postmaster general did an about-face on his intent to make drastic cuts before the presidential election in November.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-08-18--Postal Service postponing changes until after election

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy , under intense scrutiny over recent changes to service and operations at the U.S .
Postal @ @ @ @ @ he would be suspending changes until after the November election .
More mail-in votes are @ @ @ @ @ ever before because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
The Postal Service had warned multiple states @ @ @ @ @ slowed by the service changes implemented in recent weeks .
“ To avoid even the @ @ @ @ @ election mail , I am suspending these initiatives until after the election is concluded , @ @ @ @ @ statement Tuesday afternoon .
He promised that retail hours at post offices and mail processing @ @ @ @ @ that processing equipment and the iconic blue collection boxes on streets across the country will @ @ @ @ @ time being .
“ The Postal Service is ready today to handle whatever volume of @ @ @ @ @ fall , ” DeJoy said .

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, under intense scrutiny over recent changes to service and operations at the U.S. Postal Service, announced Tuesday that he would be suspending changes until after the November election.
More mail-in votes are expected to be cast than ever before because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Postal Service had warned multiple states that election mail could be slowed by the service changes implemented in recent weeks.
“To avoid even the appearance of any impact on election mail, I am suspending these initiatives until after the election is concluded,” DeJoy said in a statement Tuesday afternoon.
He promised that retail hours at post offices and mail processing facilities will not change and that processing equipment and the iconic blue collection boxes on streets across the country will remain in place for the time being.
“The Postal Service is ready today to handle whatever volume of election mail it receives this fall,” DeJoy said.


rollcall--2020-08-18--GOP-aligned group to spend $4.5 million in Michigan Senate race

One Nation , an outside group that boosts GOP candidates , is placing its first advertising buy this cycle in Michigan ’ s Senate race , which pits incumbent Democrat Gary Peters against Republican challenger John James .
One Nation , a nonprofit organization affiliated with the GOP super PAC Senate Leadership Fund , has reserved $ 4.5 million in television , cable and radio time to begin running Wednesday .
“ One Nation is going on offense to promote conservative policies in Michigan that will accelerate our economic recovery and provide opportunities to thousands of Michiganders , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a statement .
The ads come during a week when Peters ’ profile will be on the rise both at the Democratic National Convention and in a Friday hearing of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee .
The committee , where Peters is ranking Democrat , is probing the U.S .
Postal Service ’ s finances and operations during the pandemic and in the upcoming elections .
At the convention , Peters was slated to join an auto worker in casting the Michigan delegation 's votes to nominate former Vice President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Thursday , he 's due to join a convention event with the group VoteVets .
He will also speak on Thursday at a virtual Michigan for Biden event , according to an advisory sent by his campaign .

One Nation, an outside group that boosts GOP candidates, is placing its first advertising buy this cycle in Michigan’s Senate race, which pits incumbent Democrat Gary Peters against Republican challenger John James.
One Nation, a nonprofit organization affiliated with the GOP super PAC Senate Leadership Fund, has reserved $4.5 million in television, cable and radio time to begin running Wednesday.
“One Nation is going on offense to promote conservative policies in Michigan that will accelerate our economic recovery and provide opportunities to thousands of Michiganders,” said the group’s president Steven Law in a statement.
The ads come during a week when Peters’ profile will be on the rise both at the Democratic National Convention and in a Friday hearing of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. The committee, where Peters is ranking Democrat, is probing the U.S. Postal Service’s finances and operations during the pandemic and in the upcoming elections.
At the convention, Peters was slated to join an auto worker in casting the Michigan delegation's votes to nominate former Vice President Joe Biden for president on Tuesday. On Thursday, he's due to join a convention event with the group VoteVets. He will also speak on Thursday at a virtual Michigan for Biden event, according to an advisory sent by his campaign.


rollcall--2020-08-18--Senate report outlines ‘grave’ Russian threat in 2016 election interference probe

The Senate Intelligence Committee on Tuesday released the final report on its investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election , finding numerous contacts between the Trump campaign and Moscow posed a `` grave '' counterintelligence threat .
`` We found irrefutable evidence of Russian meddling , '' Sen. Marco Rubio , R-Fla. , acting chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee , said in a statement , directly refuting President Donald Trump 's repeated assertions that Russian interference was a `` hoax '' perpetrated by Democrats .
The committee , however , did not find any evidence of a coordinated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Rubio said .
The nearly 1,000-page report outlines the `` breathtaking level of contacts between Trump officials and Russian government operatives that is a very real counterintelligence threat to our elections , '' Sen. Mark Warner , D-Va. , the committee ’ s top Democrat , said in a statement .
The bipartisan congressional report closes the panel 's three-year probe into the Kremlin-led operation to influence and interfere in the 2016 presidential election .
The fifth and final report involved interviewing 200 witnesses and examining more than 1 million documents , @ @ @ @

The Senate Intelligence Committee on Tuesday released the final report on its investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, finding numerous contacts between the Trump campaign and Moscow posed a "grave" counterintelligence threat.
"We found irrefutable evidence of Russian meddling," Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., acting chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said in a statement, directly refuting President Donald Trump's repeated assertions that Russian interference was a "hoax" perpetrated by Democrats.
The committee, however, did not find any evidence of a coordinated scheme between the Trump campaign and Moscow, Rubio said.
The nearly 1,000-page report outlines the "breathtaking level of contacts between Trump officials and Russian government operatives that is a very real counterintelligence threat to our elections," Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., the committee’s top Democrat, said in a statement.
The bipartisan congressional report closes the panel's three-year probe into the Kremlin-led operation to influence and interfere in the 2016 presidential election. The fifth and final report involved interviewing 200 witnesses and examining more than 1 million documents, the committee said.


rollcall--2020-08-18--Scaled-back GOP aid package would write off $10 billion postal loan

A “ skinny ” version of coronavirus relief legislation that Senate Republicans are planning to roll out this week would turn a prior $ 10 billion loan to the U.S .
Postal Service into a grant if the agency ’ s financial condition deteriorates .
The provision is part of a broader 169-page draft bill that GOP leaders could introduce as early as Tuesday .
It ’ s intended as a counter to House Democrats ’ bill to give the Postal Service $ 25 billion more to cover revenue losses , which they expect to vote on this Saturday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 300 in weekly unemployment insurance benefits through Dec. 27 and pump an estimated $ 158 billion more into the popular small-business loan program that lapsed Aug. 8 .
It would also : • Extend liability protections to businesses , schools and health care professionals , similar to legislation introduced last month by Sen. John Cornyn , R-Texas .
• Provide $ 105 billion for K-12 schools and colleges and universities ; $ 29 billion for COVID-19 vaccine and drug development and distribution ; and $ 16 billion for testing and contact tracing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ package introduced last month .
The measure obtained by CQ Roll Call was subject to change , but as written it would cancel the postal debt as provided in the March relief package if the agency dips below $ 8 billion in cash on hand .
The Postal Service currently has around $ 15 billion in cash on hand , Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told CNBC on Tuesday morning .

A “skinny” version of coronavirus relief legislation that Senate Republicans are planning to roll out this week would turn a prior $10 billion loan to the U.S. Postal Service into a grant if the agency’s financial condition deteriorates.
The provision is part of a broader 169-page draft bill that GOP leaders could introduce as early as Tuesday. It’s intended as a counter to House Democrats’ bill to give the Postal Service $25 billion more to cover revenue losses, which they expect to vote on this Saturday.
The draft Republican bill would also provide $300 in weekly unemployment insurance benefits through Dec. 27 and pump an estimated $158 billion more into the popular small-business loan program that lapsed Aug. 8.
It would also:
Extend liability protections to businesses, schools and health care professionals, similar to legislation introduced last month by Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.
Provide $105 billion for K-12 schools and colleges and universities; $29 billion for COVID-19 vaccine and drug development and distribution; and $16 billion for testing and contact tracing. Those appropriations were included in a package introduced last month.
The measure obtained by CQ Roll Call was subject to change, but as written it would cancel the postal debt as provided in the March relief package if the agency dips below $8 billion in cash on hand. The Postal Service currently has around $15 billion in cash on hand, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told CNBC on Tuesday morning.


rollcall--2020-08-18--Fact-checking the Democratic convention’s first night

Actress Eva Longoria Bastón , who served as a master of ceremonies for the night , left out some context when she said the Trump administration “ disbanded the pandemic response team that was given to them.
” In May 2018 , the Trump administration eliminated the National Security Council ’ s Office of Global Health Security and Biodefense , which had been set up by the Obama administration in 2016 following an Ebola outbreak in West Africa .
But as FactCheck.org has written , the dissolution of the office does not necessarily mean that the entire team was let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ceased .
At the time , the Washington Post reported that Rear Adm. Timothy Ziemer , who had led the unit , abruptly departed under a reorganization effort orchestrated by former National Security Adviser John Bolton .
An NSC spokesman told the Post that the administration “ remains committed to global health , global health security and biodefense , and will continue to address these issues with the same resolve under the new structure.
” Writing in the Post earlier this year , Tim Morrison , former senior director for counterproliferation and biodefense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office had not been “ dissolved.
” Instead , it was one of three units consolidated into the counterproliferation and biodefense directorate , “ given the obvious overlap between arms control and nonproliferation , weapons of mass destruction terrorism , and global health and biodefense.
” Other ex-officials and experts believe the lack of a point person for a pandemic-specific response hinders the ability of the government to respond to such events .
In a competing op-ed , Beth Cameron , the former senior director for the global health security and biodefense office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that directorate “ left an unclear structure and strategy for coordinating pandemic preparedness and response .
”

Actress Eva Longoria Bastón, who served as a master of ceremonies for the night, left out some context when she said the Trump administration “disbanded the pandemic response team that was given to them.”
In May 2018, the Trump administration eliminated the National Security Council’s Office of Global Health Security and Biodefense, which had been set up by the Obama administration in 2016 following an Ebola outbreak in West Africa. But as FactCheck.org has written, the dissolution of the office does not necessarily mean that the entire team was let go or that all of its functions ceased.
At the time, the Washington Post reported that Rear Adm. Timothy Ziemer, who had led the unit, abruptly departed under a reorganization effort orchestrated by former National Security Adviser John Bolton. An NSC spokesman told the Post that the administration “remains committed to global health, global health security and biodefense, and will continue to address these issues with the same resolve under the new structure.”
Writing in the Post earlier this year, Tim Morrison, former senior director for counterproliferation and biodefense for the NSC, argued that the office had not been “dissolved.” Instead, it was one of three units consolidated into the counterproliferation and biodefense directorate, “given the obvious overlap between arms control and nonproliferation, weapons of mass destruction terrorism, and global health and biodefense.”
Other ex-officials and experts believe the lack of a point person for a pandemic-specific response hinders the ability of the government to respond to such events. In a competing op-ed, Beth Cameron, the former senior director for the global health security and biodefense office, wrote in the Post that disbanding that directorate “left an unclear structure and strategy for coordinating pandemic preparedness and response.”


rollcall--2020-08-19--Even with one-party rule, Biden health care plan is no slam dunk

Democrats won control of the House in 2018 by pounding the issue of health care , and there is no sign they plan to change course this year as they try to build that majority and capture the Senate and White House .
The party adopted a platform Tuesday at the Democratic National Convention that lays out presidential nominee Joe Biden ’ s plan to allow people to enroll in government-run Medicare coverage at 60 years old , down from 65 , while younger people could buy that coverage through a “ Medicare-like public option.
” But even if Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face the hurdles of Senate rules that require supermajorities to pass legislation , an insurance industry already mobilizing to stop them , and the most liberal wing of the party that wants to go further .
Already , a coalition of the insurance and pharmaceutical industries , the Partnership for America ’ s Health Care Future , has released two ads opposing the policy to run during both parties ’ conventions , part of a seven-figure ad campaign .
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce also launched a campaign , Protecting Americans ’ Coverage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buy-in or public option .
“ A Medicare buy-in or public option is bad for business , ” said Suzanne Clark , president of the U.S. Chamber .
“ It would inject uncertainty and pose direct threats to the nation ’ s health care system .
”

Democrats won control of the House in 2018 by pounding the issue of health care, and there is no sign they plan to change course this year as they try to build that majority and capture the Senate and White House.
The party adopted a platform Tuesday at the Democratic National Convention that lays out presidential nominee Joe Biden’s plan to allow people to enroll in government-run Medicare coverage at 60 years old, down from 65, while younger people could buy that coverage through a “Medicare-like public option.”
But even if Democrats do get one-party control, Biden would face the hurdles of Senate rules that require supermajorities to pass legislation, an insurance industry already mobilizing to stop them, and the most liberal wing of the party that wants to go further.
Already, a coalition of the insurance and pharmaceutical industries, the Partnership for America’s Health Care Future, has released two ads opposing the policy to run during both parties’ conventions, part of a seven-figure ad campaign. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce also launched a campaign, Protecting Americans’ Coverage Together, last week against a Medicare buy-in or public option.
“A Medicare buy-in or public option is bad for business,” said Suzanne Clark, president of the U.S. Chamber. “It would inject uncertainty and pose direct threats to the nation’s health care system.”


rollcall--2020-08-18--Florida primary roundup:  GOP gets preferred challenger to Mucarsel-Powell, Posey survives

Florida voters can expect a marquee presidential battle between President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden this fall .
But both parties are also targeting House seats in the perennial swing state , and Tuesday night ’ s primaries set the matchups in a handful of races expected to be competitive .
Republicans are most bullish about their prospects in the 26th District in South Florida , where Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez won his primary to take on freshman Democrat Debbie Mucarsel-Powell .
GOP efforts to increase their female ranks in the House got another boost Tuesday , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Democratic-held 13th and 27th districts .
In the open 3rd District , former Capitol Hill aide Kat Cammack is likely coming to Congress after winning a crowded GOP primary to succeed her onetime boss , Rep. Ted Yoho .
Cammack ’ s win continues a recent streak of sorts for the GOP after female candidates won competitive open-seat primaries in Michigan and Tennessee earlier this month .
Democrats picked Navy veteran Pam Keith to take on two-term Republican Brian Mast in the 18th District .
The party is also targeting the 15th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was upset in a GOP primary Tuesday night .
Meanwhile , the GOP race to succeed retiring Republican Francis Rooney in the deep-red 19th District remained uncalled at press time , though state Rep. Byron Donalds , who was narrowly leading a nine-way field , had declared victory .
If elected , Donalds is likely to be the only Black Republican in Florida ’ s congressional delegation .

Florida voters can expect a marquee presidential battle between President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden this fall. But both parties are also targeting House seats in the perennial swing state, and Tuesday night’s primaries set the matchups in a handful of races expected to be competitive.
Republicans are most bullish about their prospects in the 26th District in South Florida, where Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez won his primary to take on freshman Democrat Debbie Mucarsel-Powell.
GOP efforts to increase their female ranks in the House got another boost Tuesday, with voters picking women as their nominees in the Democratic-held 13th and 27th districts. In the open 3rd District, former Capitol Hill aide Kat Cammack is likely coming to Congress after winning a crowded GOP primary to succeed her onetime boss, Rep. Ted Yoho. Cammack’s win continues a recent streak of sorts for the GOP after female candidates won competitive open-seat primaries in Michigan and Tennessee earlier this month.
Democrats picked Navy veteran Pam Keith to take on two-term Republican Brian Mast in the 18th District. The party is also targeting the 15th District, where freshman incumbent Ross Spano was upset in a GOP primary Tuesday night.
Meanwhile, the GOP race to succeed retiring Republican Francis Rooney in the deep-red 19th District remained uncalled at press time, though state Rep. Byron Donalds, who was narrowly leading a nine-way field, had declared victory. If elected, Donalds is likely to be the only Black Republican in Florida’s congressional delegation.


rollcall--2020-08-18--Lummis likely returning to Congress after winning GOP Senate nod in Wyoming

Former Rep. Cynthia M. Lummis is on a path back to Washington after winning the Republican nomination for the open Senate seat in deep-red Wyoming .
Lummis , who served as the state ’ s lone representative in the House from 2009 to 2017 , was leading a 10-way GOP primary to succeed retiring Republican Michael B. Enzi with 50 percent of the vote when The Associated Press called the race at 8:22 p.m. Mountain time .
Converse County Commissioner Robert Short was in second place with 22 percent .
During a debate last month , Lummis pledged to “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald ] Trump and his America First agenda.
” In her campaign , she has advocated increased U.S. manufacturing and backed a proposal from Sen. Bill Cassidy , R-La.
, intended to allow more competition in health care markets .
Lummis will next meet University of Wyoming professor Merav Ben-David , who won a six-way Democratic primary Tuesday .
Either would be Wyoming ’ s first female senator .
But Lummis will be the overwhelming favorite in a state that hasn ’ t elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1970 .
Inside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general election Solid Republican .
As a congresswoman , Lummis pushed for an overhaul of the Endangered Species Act and cuts to federal spending .
She served on the Appropriations , Oversight and Reform , and Natural Resources committees .
She also blazed a trail in the hard-line conservative House Freedom Caucus , serving as its only female member .

Former Rep. Cynthia M. Lummis is on a path back to Washington after winning the Republican nomination for the open Senate seat in deep-red Wyoming.
Lummis, who served as the state’s lone representative in the House from 2009 to 2017, was leading a 10-way GOP primary to succeed retiring Republican Michael B. Enzi with 50 percent of the vote when The Associated Press called the race at 8:22 p.m. Mountain time. Converse County Commissioner Robert Short was in second place with 22 percent.
During a debate last month, Lummis pledged to “be a staunch supporter of President [Donald] Trump and his America First agenda.” In her campaign, she has advocated increased U.S. manufacturing and backed a proposal from Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., intended to allow more competition in health care markets.
Lummis will next meet University of Wyoming professor Merav Ben-David, who won a six-way Democratic primary Tuesday. Either would be Wyoming’s first female senator. But Lummis will be the overwhelming favorite in a state that hasn’t elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1970. Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates the general election Solid Republican.
As a congresswoman, Lummis pushed for an overhaul of the Endangered Species Act and cuts to federal spending. She served on the Appropriations, Oversight and Reform, and Natural Resources committees. She also blazed a trail in the hard-line conservative House Freedom Caucus, serving as its only female member.


rollcall--2020-08-18--Florida GOP Rep. Ross Spano loses primary to Scott Franklin

Embattled Florida Republican Rep. Ross Spano lost his primary Tuesday night , becoming the latest lawmaker to be rejected by his party in a cycle that has been unusually treacherous for incumbents .
Navy veteran Scott Franklin was leading Spano 51 percent to 49 percent in the 15th District when The Associated Press called the race just after 9:30 p.m. Eastern time .
Franklin will next face former TV anchor Alan Cohn , who was leading a three-way Democratic primary with 41 percent of the vote when the AP made its call .
Spano was already considered one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he faced a federal investigation and the possibility of losing his law license for alleged campaign finance violations over loans the freshman lawmaker made to his 2018 campaign .
Spano acknowledged that he had likely broken the law , but insisted that it was a mistake .
Franklin , a Lakeland city commissioner , pummeled him in ads that called him a criminal .
The two men shared views on core GOP issues , such as immigration , guns and support for President Donald Trump .
But Franklin warned voters that the scandal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Democrats , who are targeting the district , which stretches from the Tampa suburbs to Lakeland .
That argument was advanced in the days leading up to the election by Rep. Matt Gaetz , whose proximity to the Trump White House has made him a powerful force in the Florida Republican Party .
In his endorsement , Gaetz called Franklin “ the right person to ensure that President Trump has the strongest possible campaign ” in the state .

Embattled Florida Republican Rep. Ross Spano lost his primary Tuesday night, becoming the latest lawmaker to be rejected by his party in a cycle that has been unusually treacherous for incumbents.
Navy veteran Scott Franklin was leading Spano 51 percent to 49 percent in the 15th District when The Associated Press called the race just after 9:30 p.m. Eastern time. Franklin will next face former TV anchor Alan Cohn, who was leading a three-way Democratic primary with 41 percent of the vote when the AP made its call.
Spano was already considered one of the most vulnerable Republicans in the state as he faced a federal investigation and the possibility of losing his law license for alleged campaign finance violations over loans the freshman lawmaker made to his 2018 campaign. Spano acknowledged that he had likely broken the law, but insisted that it was a mistake.
Franklin, a Lakeland city commissioner, pummeled him in ads that called him a criminal. The two men shared views on core GOP issues, such as immigration, guns and support for President Donald Trump. But Franklin warned voters that the scandal hanging over Spano would create an opening for Democrats, who are targeting the district, which stretches from the Tampa suburbs to Lakeland.
That argument was advanced in the days leading up to the election by Rep. Matt Gaetz, whose proximity to the Trump White House has made him a powerful force in the Florida Republican Party. In his endorsement, Gaetz called Franklin “the right person to ensure that President Trump has the strongest possible campaign” in the state.


rollcall--2020-08-19--Virtually the same? This year’s unconventional Democratic National Convention

We don ’ t need hindsight to see that 2020 is a year unlike any other in recent memory .
The coronavirus pandemic has touched every fiber of our lives and woven itself inextricably into the fold of presidential politics , including the national conventions blanketing the airwaves this week and next .
Usually , the Republican and Democratic parties live up to their collective nouns and really get down at these weeklong rallies , but that ’ s a no-go with a pandemic raging .
Instead of convening in person , the conventions are going virtual .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year that still somehow feels inevitable and even downright sensible .
The conventions haven ’ t served their original purpose — actually picking a presidential candidate — since 1952 .
Both parties shifted to letting primaries and caucuses select their electoral champions — a move begun during the Progressive Era that accelerated in 1968 following the chaos that unfurled outside the Democratic National Convention in Chicago when several nights of protests led to a clash between police and demonstrators .
The last time there was even a specter of doubt about who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1980 , when Ted Kennedy made a late push to replace President Jimmy Carter on the Democratic ticket .
So perhaps it makes sense to finally drop the pretenses and hold an eight-hour infomercial over four nights .
In a way , it ’ s a callback to an earlier time — campaigns used to regularly buy up prime-time , hourlong blocks on the networks to make televised appeals to the electorate .
The pandemic has brought the parties full circle .

We don’t need hindsight to see that 2020 is a year unlike any other in recent memory. The coronavirus pandemic has touched every fiber of our lives and woven itself inextricably into the fold of presidential politics, including the national conventions blanketing the airwaves this week and next.
Usually, the Republican and Democratic parties live up to their collective nouns and really get down at these weeklong rallies, but that’s a no-go with a pandemic raging. Instead of convening in person, the conventions are going virtual. It’s yet another wholly unconventional move made this year that still somehow feels inevitable and even downright sensible.
The conventions haven’t served their original purpose — actually picking a presidential candidate — since 1952. Both parties shifted to letting primaries and caucuses select their electoral champions — a move begun during the Progressive Era that accelerated in 1968 following the chaos that unfurled outside the Democratic National Convention in Chicago when several nights of protests led to a clash between police and demonstrators. The last time there was even a specter of doubt about who’d be the nominee was in 1980, when Ted Kennedy made a late push to replace President Jimmy Carter on the Democratic ticket. So perhaps it makes sense to finally drop the pretenses and hold an eight-hour infomercial over four nights.
In a way, it’s a callback to an earlier time — campaigns used to regularly buy up prime-time, hourlong blocks on the networks to make televised appeals to the electorate. The pandemic has brought the parties full circle.


rollcall--2020-08-19--Byron Donalds leading in Florida GOP primary, raising party’s diversity hopes

Byron Donalds was leading a crowded Republican primary field in Florida ’ s 19th District , as signs pointed Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ besting eight other contenders in the race to replace retiring GOP Rep. Francis Rooney .
@ @ @ @ @ Donalds had 23 percent of the vote , just 774 votes ahead of Dane Eagle @ @ @ @ @ Florida Statehouse , who was in second place with 22 percent .
Fast food mogul @ @ @ @ @ , with 20 percent .
The Associated Press had not called the race by Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ unknown number of absentee ballots left to be counted.
” The House GOP ’ s @ @ @ @ @ issued a news release touting Donalds , as they often do for primary winners .
@ @ @ @ @ on Facebook that he had conceded .

Byron Donalds was leading a crowded Republican primary field in Florida’s 19th District, as signs pointed Wednesday to the Black state lawmaker besting eight other contenders in the race to replace retiring GOP Rep. Francis Rooney.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Donalds had 23 percent of the vote, just 774 votes ahead of Dane Eagle, his colleague in the Florida Statehouse, who was in second place with 22 percent. Fast food mogul Casey Askar was in third, with 20 percent.
The Associated Press had not called the race by Wednesday afternoon, citing “an unknown number of absentee ballots left to be counted.” The House GOP’s campaign arm has also not issued a news release touting Donalds, as they often do for primary winners.
But Eagle posted Wednesday afternoon on Facebook that he had conceded.
Donalds declared victory at a crowded indoor watch party after polls closed Tuesday night.


rollcall--2020-08-19--In strange reversal, sports journalists are now using political metaphors

We ’ re in the second inning of negotiations .
The campaign is hitting crunch time .
Politics is played @ @ @ @ @ At some point we ’ ve all come across these overworked cliches while reading political @ @ @ @ @ s because politicos absolutely love to deploy sports metaphors .
Much rarer is the case @ @ @ @ @ using a political metaphor to describe a game .
But that ’ s what happened @ @ @ @ @ commentator Shannon Sharpe wanted to express his dismay over the Los Angeles Lakers ’ opening-round @ @ @ @ @ .

We’re in the second inning of negotiations.
The campaign is hitting crunch time.
Politics is played between the 40-yard lines.
At some point we’ve all come across these overworked cliches while reading political news coverage. That’s because politicos absolutely love to deploy sports metaphors.
Much rarer is the case of someone in sports media using a political metaphor to describe a game. But that’s what happened Wednesday morning when Fox Sports commentator Shannon Sharpe wanted to express his dismay over the Los Angeles Lakers’ opening-round loss in the NBA playoffs.


rollcall--2020-08-19--Democrats push to revamp political money system that’s boosting their campaigns

Democrats officially adopted a platform at their convention this week that calls for a sweeping overhaul of campaign finance laws , including forcing the disclosure of covert sources of political spending — money that right now is helping to boost the party ’ s candidates for the House , Senate and White House .
Big donors , super PACs and nonprofit organizations that may shield their donors ’ identities are going all in for the 2020 campaigns , funding ads and other efforts for candidates in both parties .
Yet if Democrats hold the House and win control of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they plan to step up the pressure on the party to revamp the nation ’ s political-money system , even though it would be that system that helped put them in charge .
That still will be no simple task : Getting such legislation through the Senate would almost certainly require an elimination of the filibuster , since Democrats are unlikely to hold the 60 seats necessary .
“ We think we ’ re on the verge of a historic opportunity to enact unprecedented democracy reforms , including small-donor public matching funds , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Fred Wertheimer , who runs the campaign finance overhaul group Democracy 21 .
Super PACs and nonprofit organizations are investing millions of dollars to benefit the Democratic presidential ticket of former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris of California , whose campaign has said it supports campaign finance overhauls .
Ditto for Democratic Senate and House candidates .
But Wertheimer and others say they don ’ t see another way to get what they want .

Democrats officially adopted a platform at their convention this week that calls for a sweeping overhaul of campaign finance laws, including forcing the disclosure of covert sources of political spending — money that right now is helping to boost the party’s candidates for the House, Senate and White House.
Big donors, super PACs and nonprofit organizations that may shield their donors’ identities are going all in for the 2020 campaigns, funding ads and other efforts for candidates in both parties.
Yet if Democrats hold the House and win control of the Senate and White House, activists say they plan to step up the pressure on the party to revamp the nation’s political-money system, even though it would be that system that helped put them in charge. That still will be no simple task: Getting such legislation through the Senate would almost certainly require an elimination of the filibuster, since Democrats are unlikely to hold the 60 seats necessary.
“We think we’re on the verge of a historic opportunity to enact unprecedented democracy reforms, including small-donor public matching funds, depending on the outcome of the election,” said Fred Wertheimer, who runs the campaign finance overhaul group Democracy 21.
Judging Democrats
Super PACs and nonprofit organizations are investing millions of dollars to benefit the Democratic presidential ticket of former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris of California, whose campaign has said it supports campaign finance overhauls. Ditto for Democratic Senate and House candidates. But Wertheimer and others say they don’t see another way to get what they want.


rollcall--2020-08-19--Furloughs loom for 13,400 federal immigration employees

Senate Appropriations ranking member Patrick J. Leahy called for the U.S .
Citizenship and Immigration Services to call off plans to furlough more than 13,000 of its employees at the end of this month .
The fee-funded Homeland Security agency has said it could begin the furloughs on Aug. 30 because of a projected budget shortfall .
But in a letter Leahy sent Tuesday to the agency , the Vermont Democrat noted that USCIS recently projected it had enough funding to pay all of its staff through the end of the current fiscal year and still have “ a sizeable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ To put it more plainly , USCIS could pay all of its staff through the end of the fiscal year , avoid furloughs entirely , and still end the fiscal year with a sizeable carryover balance , ” Leahy told USCIS Deputy Director for Policy Joseph Edlow and acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf .
In May , USCIS , the agency responsible for allocating immigration visas and conducting naturalization ceremonies , asked Congress for $ 1.2 billion in emergency funding , saying it otherwise would have to furlough about 13,400 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Last month , however , the agency announced it would postpone furloughs until Aug. 30 after receiving assurances from lawmakers that they would support the emergency funding request .

Senate Appropriations ranking member Patrick J. Leahy called for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to call off plans to furlough more than 13,000 of its employees at the end of this month.
The fee-funded Homeland Security agency has said it could begin the furloughs on Aug. 30 because of a projected budget shortfall. But in a letter Leahy sent Tuesday to the agency, the Vermont Democrat noted that USCIS recently projected it had enough funding to pay all of its staff through the end of the current fiscal year and still have “a sizeable” balance to start the new year.
“To put it more plainly, USCIS could pay all of its staff through the end of the fiscal year, avoid furloughs entirely, and still end the fiscal year with a sizeable carryover balance,” Leahy told USCIS Deputy Director for Policy Joseph Edlow and acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf.
In May, USCIS, the agency responsible for allocating immigration visas and conducting naturalization ceremonies, asked Congress for $1.2 billion in emergency funding, saying it otherwise would have to furlough about 13,400 employees by the beginning of August.
Last month, however, the agency announced it would postpone furloughs until Aug. 30 after receiving assurances from lawmakers that they would support the emergency funding request.


rollcall--2020-08-19--Postal Service bill unveiled in House as Democrats ponder sweeteners

House leaders posted revised text of legislation the chamber plans to take up on Saturday that would provide the Postal @ @ @ @ @ to cover revenue losses , reverse service and operational changes implemented earlier this year , @ @ @ @ @ mail , including ballots , be treated as first-class mail to ensure priority delivery .
@ @ @ @ @ Tuesday he would postpone until after the November elections several changes intended to cut costs @ @ @ @ @ overtime pay and reduced post office hours .
Democrats want to ensure that full service @ @ @ @ @ up the cash-strapped agency ’ s finances , but Senate Republicans say they ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ Postal Service relief if additional coronavirus-related aid is attached .
Some Democrats are pushing for @ @ @ @ @ more than just the Postal Service measure when they interrupt their recess and return to @ @ @ @ @ have been calls to vote on unemployment insurance and other economic relief measures to help @ @ @ @ @ closures .

House leaders posted revised text of legislation the chamber plans to take up on Saturday that would provide the Postal Service with $25 billion to cover revenue losses, reverse service and operational changes implemented earlier this year, and require that all election-related mail, including ballots, be treated as first-class mail to ensure priority delivery.
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said Tuesday he would postpone until after the November elections several changes intended to cut costs, such as restrictions on overtime pay and reduced post office hours.
Democrats want to ensure that full service is restored and also shore up the cash-strapped agency’s finances, but Senate Republicans say they’ll only agree to take up Postal Service relief if additional coronavirus-related aid is attached.
[Scaled-back GOP aid package would write off $10 billion postal loan]
Some Democrats are pushing for the House to vote on more than just the Postal Service measure when they interrupt their recess and return to work this weekend. There have been calls to vote on unemployment insurance and other economic relief measures to help individuals affected by coronavirus business closures.


rollcall--2020-08-19--DNC fact check: Clinton misleads on unemployment; Biden shares credit for auto bailout

The report credited both the Bush and Obama administrations .
“ Two consecutive executive administrations in Washington decided in late 2008 and early 2009 that the consequences of the potential losses and outcomes to the U.S. economy and people described above were worth avoiding through a federal intervention , ” the report said .
“ CAR is confident that in the years ahead , this peacetime intervention in the private sector by the U.S. government will be seen as one of the most successful in U.S. economic history.
” Trump and the new hoax In welcoming viewers to the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tom Barrett said of the Democrats , “ Unlike the president , we ’ ve never called COVID-19 a hoax.
” As FactCheck.org has written , it is true that Trump said the novel coronavirus was the Democrats ’ “ new hoax.
” But the president has said he was talking about the Democrats ’ criticism of how he had handled the pandemic , not the disease itself .
At a political rally on Feb. 28 in South Carolina , Trump said , “ Now the Democrats are politicizing the coronavirus , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ re politicizing it .
We did one of the great jobs .
You say , ‘ How ’ s President Trump doing ?
’ They go , ‘ Oh , not good , not good.
’ They have no clue.
” Then the president , who often dismissed special counsel Robert S. Mueller III ’ s Russia investigation as a hoax , made his “ new hoax ” remark : “ One of my people came up to me and said , 'Mr .
President , they tried to beat you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' That didn ’ t work out too well .
They couldn ’ t do it .
They tried the impeachment hoax .
That was on a perfect conversation .
They tried anything .
They tried it over and over .
They ’ d been doing it since you got in .
It ’ s all turning .
They lost .
It ’ s all turning .
Think of it .
Think of it .
And this is their new hoax .
”

The report credited both the Bush and Obama administrations.
“Two consecutive executive administrations in Washington decided in late 2008 and early 2009 that the consequences of the potential losses and outcomes to the U.S. economy and people described above were worth avoiding through a federal intervention,” the report said. “CAR is confident that in the years ahead, this peacetime intervention in the private sector by the U.S. government will be seen as one of the most successful in U.S. economic history.”
Trump and the new hoax
In welcoming viewers to the second night of the convention, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said of the Democrats, “Unlike the president, we’ve never called COVID-19 a hoax.” As FactCheck.org has written, it is true that Trump said the novel coronavirus was the Democrats’ “new hoax.” But the president has said he was talking about the Democrats’ criticism of how he had handled the pandemic, not the disease itself.
At a political rally on Feb. 28 in South Carolina, Trump said, “Now the Democrats are politicizing the coronavirus, you know that, right? Coronavirus, they’re politicizing it. We did one of the great jobs. You say, ‘How’s President Trump doing?’ They go, ‘Oh, not good, not good.’ They have no clue.”
Then the president, who often dismissed special counsel Robert S. Mueller III’s Russia investigation as a hoax, made his “new hoax” remark: “One of my people came up to me and said, 'Mr. President, they tried to beat you on Russia, Russia, Russia.' That didn’t work out too well. They couldn’t do it. They tried the impeachment hoax. That was on a perfect conversation. They tried anything. They tried it over and over. They’d been doing it since you got in. It’s all turning. They lost. It’s all turning. Think of it. Think of it. And this is their new hoax.”


rollcall--2020-08-20--Vulnerable Democrats zoom in and out of the party’s convention

With her mother ’ s painting of a chicken visible over her left shoulder , Rep. Haley Stevens joked , @ @ @ @ @ to get some posters up behind me.
” The freshman Democrat appeared at a virtual @ @ @ @ @ rallying other Michiganders before the third night of the Democratic National Convention .
In another @ @ @ @ @ have been surprising to see Stevens , who represents a suburban Detroit district that President @ @ @ @ @ percentage points in 2016 , at an event affiliated with the national party .
“ @ @ @ @ @ you , I ’ m fired up !
I ’ m ready for Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ for Kamala Harris , ” Stevens said .
Stevens is in a less tenuous position @ @ @ @ @ 29 Democrats in districts that backed Trump four years ago , thanks to her strong @ @ @ @ @ to recruit a top-tier challenger , and a national environment shifting toward the Democrats .
@ @ @ @ @ Gonzales rates her 11th District race Solid Democratic .

Stevens is in a less tenuous position than some of the other 29 Democrats in districts that backed Trump four years ago, thanks to her strong fundraising, Republicans’ failure to recruit a top-tier challenger, and a national environment shifting toward the Democrats. Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates her 11th District race Solid Democratic.
Lawmakers in competitive districts often avoid their party’s conventions, and plenty of Democrats have this week. But this year’s virtual convention has allowed some of them to participate in policy panels or state-focused watch parties without the risky optics of leaving their districts to attend a four-day event that demonstrates both meanings of the word “party.”
Stevens was one of nearly a dozen members of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s Frontline program for vulnerable incumbents who participated in their states’ virtual watch parties, which were organized by the Biden presidential campaign. Democratic House and Senate candidates also took part in virtual events, stressing the importance of electing Biden and defeating Trump.
On Tuesday, a handful of Democratic candidates in competitive races participated in an event with Elect Democratic Women, including Senate hopefuls MJ Hegar of Texas and Amy McGrath of Kentucky, and House candidates Gina Ortiz Jones of Texas, Hiral Tipirneni of Arizona, Jackie Gordon of New York and Alyse Galvin of Alaska, who is running as an independent who would caucus with the Democrats. They discussed their policy priorities, ranging from campaign finance to health care.
While the Elect Democratic Women event was underway Tuesday evening, two Democratic women were participating in a candidate forum not affiliated with the convention, underscoring how some candidates still avoided the party events.


rollcall--2020-08-20--Green advocates hope Harris sparks young, disadvantaged voters

Environmental advocates say they are optimistic Sen. Kamala Harris , officially nominated by Democrats as their candidate for vice president Wednesday night , can drive turnout among younger voters and people who live in low-income communities threatened by pollution to support the ticket in November , just as they turned out for Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012 .
As a California prosecutor , Harris carved out a record on environmental justice cases .
She focused on the overlap of climate and racial issues in the Senate and is an original co-sponsor of the Green New Deal resolution ( S @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an overhaul of the U.S. energy system and has some bipartisan support , according to a survey from Yale and George Mason researchers .
Harris also has a higher lifetime score ( 91 versus 83 ) from the League of Conservation Voters , which ranks members of Congress based on their environmental protection credentials , than Joe Biden the former vice president and longtime senator at the top of the ticket .
And her political rise mirrors a period in which voters have grown increasingly alarmed about climate change .
Yet Harris ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environmental justice record are unlikely to invigorate or sway a broad swath of environmentally focused voters because the public does not evaluate vice presidential candidates on single issues , experts note .
And , they say , voters who care about climate change were already likely to align with Democrats , and swing voters have nearly vanished from the electorate .
“ True independents are this tiny , tiny set of unicorns , ” said Anthony Leiserowitz , director of the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication .
Hillary Clinton lost the election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats in the Midwest who previously voted for Obama stayed home on Election Day , he noted .
So Biden had to develop a more muscular stance on climate to appease the Democratic base , including young and climate-minded voters who supported left-leaning candidates like Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. , Leiserowitz said .

Environmental advocates say they are optimistic Sen. Kamala Harris, officially nominated by Democrats as their candidate for vice president Wednesday night, can drive turnout among younger voters and people who live in low-income communities threatened by pollution to support the ticket in November, just as they turned out for Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012.
As a California prosecutor, Harris carved out a record on environmental justice cases. She focused on the overlap of climate and racial issues in the Senate and is an original co-sponsor of the Green New Deal resolution (S Res 59), which calls for an overhaul of the U.S. energy system and has some bipartisan support, according to a survey from Yale and George Mason researchers.
Harris also has a higher lifetime score (91 versus 83) from the League of Conservation Voters, which ranks members of Congress based on their environmental protection credentials, than Joe Biden the former vice president and longtime senator at the top of the ticket. And her political rise mirrors a period in which voters have grown increasingly alarmed about climate change.
Yet Harris’ presence on the Democratic ticket and her environmental justice record are unlikely to invigorate or sway a broad swath of environmentally focused voters because the public does not evaluate vice presidential candidates on single issues, experts note. And, they say, voters who care about climate change were already likely to align with Democrats, and swing voters have nearly vanished from the electorate.
“True independents are this tiny, tiny set of unicorns,” said Anthony Leiserowitz, director of the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication. Hillary Clinton lost the election four years ago by 80,000 votes after Democrats in the Midwest who previously voted for Obama stayed home on Election Day, he noted. So Biden had to develop a more muscular stance on climate to appease the Democratic base, including young and climate-minded voters who supported left-leaning candidates like Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Leiserowitz said.


rollcall--2020-08-20--Joe Biden will tower over this decrepit parking lot on the closing night of the convention

A towering version of Joe Biden will appear Thursday night in the parking lot of a crumbling stadium in Washington , thanks to a high-definition LED movie screen that stands at 45 feet .
As attendees watch from the relative comfort of their cars , the presidential hopeful will virtually accept his party ’ s nomination , and a political convention like no other will come to an end .
The drive-in watch party , hosted by the DC Democratic Party and held in the shadow of RFK Stadium , is meant to add some in-person interaction to an election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic .
“ If anyone wants to join me in my Kamala bumper stickered Toyota Prius , [ hit me up ] !
!
!
” tweeted Claire Goldberg , one of the organizers .
While the invitation has some ideas about how to get into the convention spirit ( “ Decorate your car ” ) , it also lays out rules for social distancing : no tailgating , no buses , no lawn chairs .
Those are roughly the same guidelines in place for other nights at this pop-up drive-in theater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movies like “ Sonic the Hedgehog ” and “ Jurassic Park ” throughout the summer .
The movie series is run by Broccoli City and Events DC .

A towering version of Joe Biden will appear Thursday night in the parking lot of a crumbling stadium in Washington, thanks to a high-definition LED movie screen that stands at 45 feet.
As attendees watch from the relative comfort of their cars, the presidential hopeful will virtually accept his party’s nomination, and a political convention like no other will come to an end.
The drive-in watch party, hosted by the DC Democratic Party and held in the shadow of RFK Stadium, is meant to add some in-person interaction to an election season that has been transformed by the coronavirus pandemic.
“If anyone wants to join me in my Kamala bumper stickered Toyota Prius, [hit me up]!!!” tweeted Claire Goldberg, one of the organizers.
While the invitation has some ideas about how to get into the convention spirit (“Decorate your car”), it also lays out rules for social distancing: no tailgating, no buses, no lawn chairs. Those are roughly the same guidelines in place for other nights at this pop-up drive-in theater in Southeast Washington, which has shown movies like “Sonic the Hedgehog” and “Jurassic Park” throughout the summer. The movie series is run by Broccoli City and Events DC.


rollcall--2020-08-20--House Democrats’ agenda barely mentioned at convention as Pelosi forced to talk about Trump

Speaker Nancy Pelosi doesn ’ t often like to talk about President Donald Trump .
She finds it a distraction from whatever policy message House Democrats are pushing on any given day .
But the Democratic National Convention is not the speaker ’ s show , and the party wanted her to dig into the president when she appeared Wednesday night .
“ I had a kind of a nice presentation , but they said that , ‘ No , we want you to tell more about what it 's like dealing with Donald Trump , ’ ” Pelosi said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members and candidates hosted by Elect Democratic Women , the political arm of the Democratic Women ’ s Caucus .
“ So what I said was , as speaker I know firsthand how disrespectful he is to women , whether it 's our rights , whatever it happens to be.
” [ Even with one-party rule , Biden health care plan is no slam dunk ] Indeed , Pelosi ’ s convention speech was more about Trump ’ s failures than about House Democrats ’ accomplishments — the opposite of the typical message @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appearances .
“ As speaker , I ’ ve seen firsthand Donald Trump ’ s disrespect for facts , for working families and for women in particular — disrespect written into his policies , toward our health and our rights , not just his conduct , ” the California Democrat said in her speech .
“ But we know what he doesn ’ t : that when women succeed , America succeeds .
”

Speaker Nancy Pelosi doesn’t often like to talk about President Donald Trump. She finds it a distraction from whatever policy message House Democrats are pushing on any given day. But the Democratic National Convention is not the speaker’s show, and the party wanted her to dig into the president when she appeared Wednesday night.
“I had a kind of a nice presentation, but they said that, ‘No, we want you to tell more about what it's like dealing with Donald Trump,’” Pelosi said Tuesday on a Zoom event with House members and candidates hosted by Elect Democratic Women, the political arm of the Democratic Women’s Caucus. “So what I said was, as speaker I know firsthand how disrespectful he is to women, whether it's our rights, whatever it happens to be.”
[Even with one-party rule, Biden health care plan is no slam dunk]
Indeed, Pelosi’s convention speech was more about Trump’s failures than about House Democrats’ accomplishments — the opposite of the typical message she delivers in near-daily media and campaign appearances.
“As speaker, I’ve seen firsthand Donald Trump’s disrespect for facts, for working families and for women in particular — disrespect written into his policies, toward our health and our rights, not just his conduct,” the California Democrat said in her speech. “But we know what he doesn’t: that when women succeed, America succeeds.”