rollcall--2020-05-19--With schools shut, Democrats seek funds to close ‘homework gap’

With millions of students stranded at home for the duration of the academic year and questions persisting about whether the COVID-19 pandemic will allow schools to reopen in the fall , lawmakers and federal agencies are weighing the best ways to help a particularly vulnerable population of students — those without a home internet connection .
At a Senate Commerce Committee hearing last week , Sen. Amy Klobuchar , D-Minn. , described a scene from one of her state ’ s tribal areas : only one house in a neighborhood in which the occupants could afford internet service and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawn to do their homework .
“ We just can ’ t have that continue into the summer and into the rest of the year , ” Klobuchar said .
About 12 million children in the United States don ’ t have access to high-speed internet at home , according to a 2018 estimate by the Joint Economic Committee .
That places them on one side of what has become known as the homework gap , the divide between students who can take their studies home with them and those who must find @ @ @ @

With millions of students stranded at home for the duration of the academic year and questions persisting about whether the COVID-19 pandemic will allow schools to reopen in the fall, lawmakers and federal agencies are weighing the best ways to help a particularly vulnerable population of students — those without a home internet connection.
At a Senate Commerce Committee hearing last week, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., described a scene from one of her state’s tribal areas: only one house in a neighborhood in which the occupants could afford internet service and a group of children gathered on its front lawn to do their homework.
“We just can’t have that continue into the summer and into the rest of the year,” Klobuchar said.
[Broadband push gains traction for next virus aid package]
About 12 million children in the United States don’t have access to high-speed internet at home, according to a 2018 estimate by the Joint Economic Committee. That places them on one side of what has become known as the homework gap, the divide between students who can take their studies home with them and those who must find another signal elsewhere.


rollcall--2020-05-19--Amid the pandemic, Senate floor still all about the nominations: Road Ahead

Though the coronavirus pandemic dominates the headlines , the Senate is back to the nominations grindstone this week as the @ @ @ @ @ people tapped to serve on federal courts and in the Trump administration .
Senate Majority @ @ @ @ @ indication of making further virus relief an immediate priority .
The Kentucky Republican called last @ @ @ @ @ 3 trillion coronavirus bill a “ 1,800-page doorstop , ” and when the GOP-led chamber @ @ @ @ @ , though some talks continue in the background .
In the meantime , as the @ @ @ @ @ tough partisan talk during hearings conducted by members of both chambers and appearances of key @ @ @ @ @ some of the already allocated coronavirus relief funds .
The House is expected to remain @ @ @ @ @ after Memorial Day , when it will return to vote on legislation to renew surveillance @ @ @ @ @ last week .

Though the coronavirus pandemic dominates the headlines, the Senate is back to the nominations grindstone this week as the chamber considers a slew of people tapped to serve on federal courts and in the Trump administration.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell shows no indication of making further virus relief an immediate priority. The Kentucky Republican called last week’s House-passed $3 trillion coronavirus bill a “1,800-page doorstop,” and when the GOP-led chamber will respond is not clear, though some talks continue in the background.
[Ideological fault lines of economic reopening emerge]
In the meantime, as the country begins reopening, expect tough partisan talk during hearings conducted by members of both chambers and appearances of key figures overseeing the distribution of some of the already allocated coronavirus relief funds.
The House is expected to remain away from the Capitol until after Memorial Day, when it will return to vote on legislation to renew surveillance authorities that the Senate passed last week.


rollcall--2020-05-19--The futures of Ether

The futures of Ether

ErisX CEO Tom Chippas discusses his firm ’ s historic , first-ever launch of ether futures contracts in America — @ @ @ @ @ derivatives can serve very different purposes .
• Could a CBDC topple the US dollar @ @ @ @ @ fintech in Hong Kong and China

ErisX CEO Tom Chippas discusses his firm’s historic, first-ever launch of ether futures contracts in America — and how ether and bitcoin derivatives can serve very different purposes.
More podcast content
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-05-19--To boost hobbled economy, Trump orders agencies to ease rules

President Donald Trump ordered federal agencies to pinpoint regulations “ that may inhibit economic recovery ” and alter or eliminate @ @ @ @ @ the economy hobbled by the COVID-19 pandemic .
The executive order issued Wednesday does not @ @ @ @ @ officials with specific instructions but is a blanket message across the U.S. government to roll @ @ @ @ @ the face of the health crisis that has killed more than 90,000 Americans and sent @ @ @ @ @ unemployment .
“ Agencies should address this economic emergency by rescinding , modifying , waiving @ @ @ @ @ regulations and other requirements that may inhibit economic recovery , ” the order says in @ @ @ @ @ order at a Cabinet meeting , touting his efforts to eliminate federal rules .
“ @ @ @ @ @ out of work by the virus , it ’ s more important than ever to @ @ @ @ @ jobs , ” Trump said .
“ Regulations , we ’ ve done more regulation @ @ @ @ @ history .
”

President Donald Trump ordered federal agencies to pinpoint regulations “that may inhibit economic recovery” and alter or eliminate them in order to boost the economy hobbled by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The executive order issued Tuesday does not provide agencies, departments or officials with specific instructions but is a blanket message across the U.S. government to roll back or change regulations in the face of the health crisis that has killed more than 90,000 Americans and sent more than 35 million into unemployment.
“Agencies should address this economic emergency by rescinding, modifying, waiving, or providing exemptions from regulations and other requirements that may inhibit economic recovery,” the order says in part.
Trump unveiled the order at a Cabinet meeting, touting his efforts to eliminate federal rules.
“With millions of Americans forced out of work by the virus, it’s more important than ever to remove burdens that destroy American jobs,” Trump said. “Regulations, we’ve done more regulation cutting than any president in history.”


rollcall--2020-05-19--Democrats raise ruckus over demoted Transportation watchdog

Three high-ranking House Democrats on Tuesday demanded to know why an acting inspector general at the Department of Transportation was abruptly removed in favor of a political appointee .
House Oversight and Reform Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney , D-N.Y. , House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter A. DeFazio , D-Ore. , and Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on Government Operations Chairman Gerald E. Connolly , D-Va. , demanded in a letter to Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao that acting Inspector General Mitch Behm , who was stripped of his duties May 15 , be reinstated immediately .
Behm will continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general , according to the department .
“ Mr .
Behm ’ s removal is the latest in a series of politically motivated firings of Inspectors General by President Trump , ” they wrote .
“ This assault on the integrity and independence of Inspectors General appears to be an intentional campaign to undermine their ability to expose corruption and protect taxpayer dollars from waste , fraud , and abuse.
” Behm , a 17-year veteran of the DOT ’ s Office of Inspector General who most recently served as deputy inspector general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ predecessor , Calvin L. Scovel III , retired in January after being diagnosed with prostate cancer .

Three high-ranking House Democrats on Tuesday demanded to know why an acting inspector general at the Department of Transportation was abruptly removed in favor of a political appointee.
House Oversight and Reform Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney, D-N.Y., House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter A. DeFazio, D-Ore., and Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on Government Operations Chairman Gerald E. Connolly, D-Va., demanded in a letter to Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao that acting Inspector General Mitch Behm, who was stripped of his duties May 15, be reinstated immediately.
Behm will continue in his previous role as deputy inspector general, according to the department.
“Mr. Behm’s removal is the latest in a series of politically motivated firings of Inspectors General by President Trump,” they wrote. “This assault on the integrity and independence of Inspectors General appears to be an intentional campaign to undermine their ability to expose corruption and protect taxpayer dollars from waste, fraud, and abuse.”
Behm, a 17-year veteran of the DOT’s Office of Inspector General who most recently served as deputy inspector general, assumed the acting role when his predecessor, Calvin L. Scovel III, retired in January after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.


rollcall--2020-05-19--Coronavirus Special Report: Breaking down the fiscal policy czars’ testimony

In tonight 's episode , we examine the political motivations behind President Donald Trump ’ s visit to Congress .
@ @ @ @ @ what the Treasury secretary and Federal Reserve chairman had to say about fiscal policy and @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
• No tests , no masks , no problem !
Trump visits Senate @ @ @ @ @ expected to be slow , CBO says • Ocasio-Cortez bill would award stock in companies @ @

In tonight's episode, we examine the political motivations behind President Donald Trump’s visit to Congress. Then, we look at what the Treasury secretary and Federal Reserve chairman had to say about fiscal policy and the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-05-19--Administration releases details of COVID-19 aid to farmers

The Trump administration unveiled the ground rules Tuesday for distributing $ 16 billion in direct payments to farmers and ranchers feeling financial pain from COVID-19 , but several agriculture groups say producers may need more federal aid in the future .
The Agriculture Department will use $ 9.5 billion provided by Congress to pay farmers and ranchers facing price declines and $ 6.5 billion from the Commodity Credit Corporation to make direct payments to farmers hurt by market disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic .
The department also adjusted the limits for payments to individual recipients .
The details come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broadly outlined a total aid package of up to $ 16 billion in payments and up to $ 3 billion in commodity purchases for food banks and other nonprofit organizations .
The department has moved ahead with awarding $ 1.2 billion in contracts for the Farmers to Families Food Box purchase program .
President Donald Trump hosted Perdue , several farmers and American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall as he announced that signup at local Farm Service Agency offices for payments will start May 26 .
The USDA provided more details in @ @ @

The Trump administration unveiled the ground rules Tuesday for distributing $16 billion in direct payments to farmers and ranchers feeling financial pain from COVID-19, but several agriculture groups say producers may need more federal aid in the future.
The Agriculture Department will use $9.5 billion provided by Congress to pay farmers and ranchers facing price declines and $6.5 billion from the Commodity Credit Corporation to make direct payments to farmers hurt by market disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The department also adjusted the limits for payments to individual recipients.
The details come a month after Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue broadly outlined a total aid package of up to $16 billion in payments and up to $3 billion in commodity purchases for food banks and other nonprofit organizations. The department has moved ahead with awarding $1.2 billion in contracts for the Farmers to Families Food Box purchase program.
President Donald Trump hosted Perdue, several farmers and American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall as he announced that signup at local Farm Service Agency offices for payments will start May 26.
The USDA provided more details in an announcement.


rollcall--2020-05-19--This GOP member defends sleeping in his office, says it isn’t a health hazard

North Carolina GOP Rep. Ted Budd says he should be able to sleep wherever he wants , including his office @ @ @ @ @ Budd sent a letter Tuesday to Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton and Congress @ @ @ @ @ defending the safety of sleeping in his office and not renting a place in Washington @ @ @ @ @ an earlier letter sent by California Democratic Rep. Jackie Speier , who urged a ban @ @ @ @ @ Capitol ’ s House office buildings amid the coronavirus pandemic .
“ When I ’ @ @ @ @ @ I sleep in my office because I think this job is a public service , @ @ @ @ @ Budd wrote in a tweet sharing his letter .
[ It ’ s moving day @ @ @ @ @ Budds and a Brat ] Budd said he understands the California Democrat ’ s position @ @ @ @ @ not putting themselves or their staff at more risk of contracting COVID-19 if they sleep @ @ @ @

North Carolina GOP Rep. Ted Budd says he should be able to sleep wherever he wants, including his office in the Capitol complex.
Budd sent a letter Tuesday to Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton and Congress’ attending physician Brian Monahan defending the safety of sleeping in his office and not renting a place in Washington. His letter responds to an earlier letter sent by California Democratic Rep. Jackie Speier, who urged a ban on members sleeping in the Capitol’s House office buildings amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“When I’m up in Washington, I sleep in my office because I think this job is a public service, not a lifestyle,” Budd wrote in a tweet sharing his letter.
[It’s moving day at Liberty University for two Budds and a Brat]
Budd said he understands the California Democrat’s position but he believes members are not putting themselves or their staff at more risk of contracting COVID-19 if they sleep in their offices.


rollcall--2020-05-19--FEC, hamstrung for months, can start meeting again

Corrected 7:07 p.m. | The Senate confirmation of Texas lawyer James “ Trey ” Trainor III to the Federal Election Commission means the beleaguered campaign finance agency now will have a quorum to hold meetings and conduct official business .
But even so , don ’ t expect a whirlwind of enforcement action .
The Senate voted 49-43 Tuesday to put the Republican attorney on the commission , which has been down to just three members since September .
The agency , which is designed to have three Democrats and three Republicans , requires four commissioners for a quorum .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ an equal number of Republican and Democratic appointees , so it likely will still be deadlocked on major action — as it often had been before an insufficient number of commissioners forced into virtual lockdown .
Four votes is the minimum for the commission to take enforcement action , so even with Trainor , the commissioners would need to be unanimous to act .
Routine actions , including the collection and publication of campaign finance disclosures , continued to be performed by staff .
But any effort to investigate or punish violations required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not meet .
“ I ’ m looking forward to having a quorum , that would be a good thing , ” said Ellen Weintraub , a Democrat on the commission .
“ That ’ s the bare minimum requirement .
How functional we will be , that remains to be seen .
I ’ m not going to make any predictions on that .
”

Corrected 7:07 p.m. | The Senate confirmation of Texas lawyer James “Trey” Trainor III to the Federal Election Commission means the beleaguered campaign finance agency now will have a quorum to hold meetings and conduct official business. But even so, don’t expect a whirlwind of enforcement action.
The Senate voted 49-43 Tuesday to put the Republican attorney on the commission, which has been down to just three members since September. The agency, which is designed to have three Democrats and three Republicans, requires four commissioners for a quorum.
With Trainor, the FEC will have an equal number of Republican and Democratic appointees, so it likely will still be deadlocked on major action — as it often had been before an insufficient number of commissioners forced into virtual lockdown. Four votes is the minimum for the commission to take enforcement action, so even with Trainor, the commissioners would need to be unanimous to act.
Routine actions, including the collection and publication of campaign finance disclosures, continued to be performed by staff. But any effort to investigate or punish violations required action by the commission, which could not meet.
“I’m looking forward to having a quorum, that would be a good thing,” said Ellen Weintraub, a Democrat on the commission. “That’s the bare minimum requirement. How functional we will be, that remains to be seen. I’m not going to make any predictions on that.”


rollcall--2020-05-19--No tests, no masks, no problem! Trump visits Senate Republicans

At the White House , most of those in contact with President Donald Trump are tested for the coronavirus and wear masks .
When he visits Capitol Hill , as he did Tuesday ?
Apparently self-proclaimed “ disease vectors ” were not close enough to prompt tests , and not everyone wore masks .
And while a number of Senate Republicans have claimed to be concerned about last week ’ s removal of State Department Inspector General Steve Linick , multiple GOP senators said no one brought it up during the president ’ s lunchtime discussion , which they said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ socially distanced and generally sitting three-to-a-table in a cavernous hearing room in the Hart Senate Office Building , said afterward the session had regular features of a Trump campaign speech , including touting positive polling .
“ There was a little bit of talk of poll numbers , ” Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn told reporters , saying the president was “ pretty proud ” of the results of the surveys he was sharing .
Both Cornyn and Sen. Kevin Cramer , R-N.D. , said Trump was eager to return to the campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been halted by the COVID-19 pandemic .

At the White House, most of those in contact with President Donald Trump are tested for the coronavirus and wear masks. When he visits Capitol Hill, as he did Tuesday? Apparently self-proclaimed “disease vectors” were not close enough to prompt tests, and not everyone wore masks.
And while a number of Senate Republicans have claimed to be concerned about last week’s removal of State Department Inspector General Steve Linick, multiple GOP senators said no one brought it up during the president’s lunchtime discussion, which they said was generally upbeat.
Republican senators, socially distanced and generally sitting three-to-a-table in a cavernous hearing room in the Hart Senate Office Building, said afterward the session had regular features of a Trump campaign speech, including touting positive polling.
“There was a little bit of talk of poll numbers,” Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn told reporters, saying the president was “pretty proud” of the results of the surveys he was sharing.
Both Cornyn and Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., said Trump was eager to return to the campaign trail and hold rallies, which have been halted by the COVID-19 pandemic.


rollcall--2020-05-19--Post-COVID economic recovery expected to be slow, CBO says

The Congressional Budget Office said in updated projections that the U.S. economy will contract at an annualized rate of almost 38 percent in the second quarter of this year , part of a precipitous fall in economic activity that has ended the longest expansion since World War II .
Almost 26 million fewer people will be employed in the second quarter , compared to the fourth quarter of 2019 , resulting in an unemployment rate of 15 percent and marking the “ steepest deterioration in the labor market since the 1930s , ” the agency said Tuesday .
While the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the worst from an economic perspective , it said the economy will recover only slowly from the coronavirus pandemic and associated disruptions , and the damage will be lasting .
Even though the economy is expected to begin growing again later this year , the CBO said that by the fourth quarter of 2021 , real gross domestic product and employment are projected to be lower than they were in the fourth quarter of 2019 .
The CBO ’ s second-quarter economic projection is slightly better than it was in late April , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at an annualized rate of 40 percent .

The Congressional Budget Office said in updated projections that the U.S. economy will contract at an annualized rate of almost 38 percent in the second quarter of this year, part of a precipitous fall in economic activity that has ended the longest expansion since World War II.
Almost 26 million fewer people will be employed in the second quarter, compared to the fourth quarter of 2019, resulting in an unemployment rate of 15 percent and marking the “steepest deterioration in the labor market since the 1930s,” the agency said Tuesday.
While the CBO expects the second quarter to be the worst from an economic perspective, it said the economy will recover only slowly from the coronavirus pandemic and associated disruptions, and the damage will be lasting.
Even though the economy is expected to begin growing again later this year, the CBO said that by the fourth quarter of 2021, real gross domestic product and employment are projected to be lower than they were in the fourth quarter of 2019.
The CBO’s second-quarter economic projection is slightly better than it was in late April, when the agency estimated GDP would fall at an annualized rate of 40 percent.


rollcall--2020-05-19--Ocasio-Cortez bill would award stock in companies getting aid

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is proposing a mandate that corporations receiving federal aid related to COVID-19 distribute shares in the company @ @ @ @ @ repay the government .
The New York Democrat ’ s bill would require certain companies @ @ @ @ @ annual stock grants to employees , according to text of the legislation provided by spokeswoman @ @ @ @ @ proposal follows enactment of a roughly $ 2 trillion rescue package in March that included @ @ @ @ @ and loan guarantees for mid- or large-sized companies to address the pandemic ’ s impact @ @ @ @ @ earmarked for direct loans to the aviation industry .
Some Democrats had called for the @ @ @ @ @ companies receiving bailouts , and the final version included limits on stock buybacks , an @ @ @ @ @ said he supported , and on executive pay .
Democrats and Republicans are largely at @ @ @ @ @ of relief .
House Democrats passed a bill on May 15 that Senate Republicans say @ @ @ @ @ .

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is proposing a mandate that corporations receiving federal aid related to COVID-19 distribute shares in the company to rank-and-file workers until they repay the government.
The New York Democrat’s bill would require certain companies receiving relief funds to make annual stock grants to employees, according to text of the legislation provided by spokeswoman Lauren Hitt.
Ocasio-Cortez' proposal follows enactment of a roughly $2 trillion rescue package in March that included $500 billion in loans and loan guarantees for mid- or large-sized companies to address the pandemic’s impact, including $46 billion earmarked for direct loans to the aviation industry.
Some Democrats had called for the law to include restrictions on companies receiving bailouts, and the final version included limits on stock buybacks, an idea that President Donald Trump said he supported, and on executive pay.
Democrats and Republicans are largely at odds over a next round of relief. House Democrats passed a bill on May 15 that Senate Republicans say won't pass their chamber.


rollcall--2020-05-19--Federal Reserve chairman disappoints Democrats hoping for fiscal backing

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell , nudged by Senate Banking Committee Democrats on Tuesday to endorse more fiscal action , shied away from taking sides in a congressional battle over another economic rescue package , including aid to state and local governments .
In joint testimony with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , Powell disappointed Democrats who sought to push him to back spending in addition to the nearly $ 3 trillion that Congress has already provided in four economic relief bills .
The two appeared remotely .
In recent weeks , Powell has tried to walk a fine line by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without overstepping the nominally apolitical central bank ’ s bounds .
He ’ s repeatedly warned about the long-term economic consequences from an anemic federal response , saying now is not the time to worry about deficits or inflation .
[ Fed ’ s Powell to Congress : Economy needs more fiscal relief ] “ The recovery may take some time to gather momentum , and the passage of time can turn liquidity problems into solvency problems , ” Powell said in a May 13 interview with the Peterson Institute for International Economics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costly , but worth it if it helps avoid long-term damage and leaves us with a stronger recovery .
”

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, nudged by Senate Banking Committee Democrats on Tuesday to endorse more fiscal action, shied away from taking sides in a congressional battle over another economic rescue package, including aid to state and local governments.
In joint testimony with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Powell disappointed Democrats who sought to push him to back spending in addition to the nearly $3 trillion that Congress has already provided in four economic relief bills. The two appeared remotely.
In recent weeks, Powell has tried to walk a fine line by encouraging Congress to pass additional fiscal relief without overstepping the nominally apolitical central bank’s bounds. He’s repeatedly warned about the long-term economic consequences from an anemic federal response, saying now is not the time to worry about deficits or inflation.
[Fed’s Powell to Congress: Economy needs more fiscal relief]
“The recovery may take some time to gather momentum, and the passage of time can turn liquidity problems into solvency problems,” Powell said in a May 13 interview with the Peterson Institute for International Economics. “Additional fiscal support could be costly, but worth it if it helps avoid long-term damage and leaves us with a stronger recovery.”


rollcall--2020-05-20--EPA chief faces panel amid criticism of regulatory rollbacks

Members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will question EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler on Wednesday as his agency faces legal challenges and mounting criticism for easing enforcement during the COVID-19 pandemic .
The EPA is among federal agencies that have issued a flurry of regulations and rules during the pandemic , a pattern legal experts have said may be intended to avoid the reach of a law that allows Congress to strike down regulations shortly after they are finalized .
Last week , nine state attorneys general sued the EPA for issuing what they called a “ broad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the agency ’ s March 26 decision to allow companies to determine for themselves if they can meet reporting requirements for air and water pollution during the crisis .
Wheeler told Congress on April 2 that the agency will “ not seek penalties for noncompliance with routine monitoring and reporting requirements ” for violations of standard compliance and monitoring rules for federal air and water protections during the pandemic .
Since the pandemic swept across the U.S. in mid-March , the EPA has moved to weaken fuel-efficiency standards and mercury emission rules , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standards more stringent .

Members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will question EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler on Wednesday as his agency faces legal challenges and mounting criticism for easing enforcement during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The EPA is among federal agencies that have issued a flurry of regulations and rules during the pandemic, a pattern legal experts have said may be intended to avoid the reach of a law that allows Congress to strike down regulations shortly after they are finalized.
Last week, nine state attorneys general sued the EPA for issuing what they called a “broad, open-ended policy,” referring to the agency’s March 26 decision to allow companies to determine for themselves if they can meet reporting requirements for air and water pollution during the crisis.
Wheeler told Congress on April 2 that the agency will “not seek penalties for noncompliance with routine monitoring and reporting requirements” for violations of standard compliance and monitoring rules for federal air and water protections during the pandemic.
Since the pandemic swept across the U.S. in mid-March, the EPA has moved to weaken fuel-efficiency standards and mercury emission rules, and decided not to make soot pollution standards more stringent.


rollcall--2020-05-20--Coronavirus wallops disaster agencies as storms, fires approach

State and federal emergency managers , already stretched thin by an unprecedented pandemic response effort , now face a potentially @ @ @ @ @ .
Tropical Storm Arthur formed this week in the Atlantic , well before the official @ @ @ @ @ season .
Colorado State University researchers are already predicting a season of “ above average @ @ @ @ @ of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ’ s official forecast Thursday .
Several Western @ @ @ @ @ .
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection sees “ above normal ” potential @ @ @ @ @ California this spring , with climate change driving an earlier start and later end to @ @ @ @ @ [ Pentagon using artificial intelligence to track wildfires , study chaos of combat ] State @ @ @ @ @ to deal with such challenges is strained by pandemic-driven budget shortfalls , which are forcing @ @ @ @ @ thousands .

State and federal emergency managers, already stretched thin by an unprecedented pandemic response effort, now face a potentially devastating hurricane and wildfire season.
Tropical Storm Arthur formed this week in the Atlantic, well before the official June 1 start of hurricane season. Colorado State University researchers are already predicting a season of “above average” intensity, in advance of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s official forecast Thursday.
Several Western states are already battling wildfires. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection sees “above normal” potential for large fires across Southern California this spring, with climate change driving an earlier start and later end to the season each year.
[Pentagon using artificial intelligence to track wildfires, study chaos of combat]
State and local agencies’ capacity to deal with such challenges is strained by pandemic-driven budget shortfalls, which are forcing layoffs and furloughs by the thousands.


rollcall--2020-05-20--Energy nominee likely to face questions on Yucca

A Senate panel on Wednesday will consider the promotion of an Energy Department official who publicly contradicted the president over @ @ @ @ @ waste depository in Nevada , to the No .
2 job at the department .
@ @ @ @ @ W. Menezes told lawmakers in February that the Trump administration planned to store nuclear waste @ @ @ @ @ remarks that directly contradicted what the White House proposed in its 2021 fiscal budget days @ @ @ @ @ questions will emerge at Menezes ’ hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee @ @ @ @ @ includes Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto , D-Nev. , a strong opponent of Yucca .
In @ @ @ @ @ budget , President Donald Trump did not propose funding to license the facility .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ storage every other year he ’ s been in office .
Menezes is scheduled to @ @ @ @ @ and Natural Resources Committee Wednesday afternoon for his confirmation hearing to be deputy secretary , @ @ @ @ @ has held in weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic .

A Senate panel on Wednesday will consider the promotion of an Energy Department official who publicly contradicted the president over Yucca Mountain, the nuclear waste depository in Nevada, to the No. 2 job at the department.
Under Secretary of Energy Mark W. Menezes told lawmakers in February that the Trump administration planned to store nuclear waste at the Yucca site, remarks that directly contradicted what the White House proposed in its 2021 fiscal budget days before.
That nuclear waste questions will emerge at Menezes’ hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee seems likely. The panel includes Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., a strong opponent of Yucca.
In the administration's proposed DOE budget, President Donald Trump did not propose funding to license the facility. Trump proposed licensing Yucca for nuclear storage every other year he’s been in office.
Menezes is scheduled to appear before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Wednesday afternoon for his confirmation hearing to be deputy secretary, the first hearing the panel has held in weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.


rollcall--2020-05-20--Ex-aide dishes to investigators about Guam delegate’s alleged affair with staffer

The former campaign chairman for Guam Democratic Del .
Michael F.Q .
San Nicolas told congressional investigators — subject to prosecution if he lied to them— that the lawmaker accepted $ 10,000 in unreported cash from a local businessman during his bid for Congress and that he engaged in a sexual relationship with a subordinate on his staff .
John Paul Manuel said his former boss had an affair with Jennifer Winn , the lawmaker ’ s acting chief of staff , and accepted a donation in excess of federal limits from Andrew Park , a local businessman and president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Manuel divulged this in late 2019 during an interview with the Office of Congressional Ethics , an independent , nonpartisan investigative entity of the House .
“ He just operates like he can get away [ with it ] and so far he has gotten away with it , ” Manuel said in an interview with CQ Roll Call of San Nicolas ’ alleged relationship with Winn .
“ They ’ ve been very good at trying to cover their tracks.
” Manuel ’ s comments about his interview with OCE are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has taken steps to investigate San Nicolas .
People have been charged by the Department of Justice for lying to OCE , a charge Manuel would be subject to if anything he told investigators was proved false .

The former campaign chairman for Guam Democratic Del. Michael F.Q. San Nicolas told congressional investigators — subject to prosecution if he lied to them — that the lawmaker accepted $10,000 in unreported cash from a local businessman during his bid for Congress and that he engaged in a sexual relationship with a subordinate on his staff.
John Paul Manuel said his former boss had an affair with Jennifer Winn, the lawmaker’s acting chief of staff, and accepted a donation in excess of federal limits from Andrew Park, a local businessman and president of the Guam Korean Chamber of Commerce.
Manuel divulged this in late 2019 during an interview with the Office of Congressional Ethics, an independent, nonpartisan investigative entity of the House.
“He just operates like he can get away [with it] and so far he has gotten away with it,” Manuel said in an interview with CQ Roll Call of San Nicolas’ alleged relationship with Winn. “They’ve been very good at trying to cover their tracks.”
Manuel’s comments about his interview with OCE are the first public revelation that the office has taken steps to investigate San Nicolas. People have been charged by the Department of Justice for lying to OCE, a charge Manuel would be subject to if anything he told investigators was proved false.


rollcall--2020-05-19--Oregon Republicans pick Walden successor, DeFazio challenger

Republican primary voters in Oregon chose a former soldier who starred as himself in a Clint Eastwood movie and a farmer who fled the state when he served in the Legislature as their nominees for two House seats Tuesday , while a moderate Democratic incumbent survived a challenge from the left .
Former state Sen. Cliff Bentz won the GOP primary in Oregon ’ s 2nd District on Tuesday in the race to replace Rep. Greg Walden , the only Republican in the Beaver State ’ s congressional delegation , who is retiring after 11 terms .
With 70 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a crowded 11-candidate field with 32 percent of the vote when The Associated Press called the race .
Bentz will be the heavy favorite in the deep-red , rural district that backed President Donald Trump by 20 points in 2016 .
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates the general election Solid Republican .
The GOP primary attracted more than $ 1 million in outside spending , with some of it spent to bolster Bentz , who resigned from the state Senate to run for Congress .
The political arm of the Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the governing wing of the GOP , spent $ 225,000 backing Bentz .
A television ad from the group featured a narrator saying Bentz would stand with Trump “ to take on the liberals who put our future in China ’ s hands .
”

A television ad from the group featured a narrator saying Bentz would stand with Trump “to take on the liberals who put our future in China’s hands.”
Bentz, a lawyer and farmer, was among the group of Republican state senators who staged a walkout at the Legislature last year to prevent action on climate change legislation. Bentz went to Idaho to be outside the jurisdiction of the Oregon State Police, as did other GOP colleagues. “We’re not just going to get steamrolled,” he told The Oregonian.
DeFazio to face famous veteran
Republicans in the 4th District chose Alek Skarlatos, an Afghanistan veteran who gained fame for thwarting a terrorist attack, to take on 17-term Democratic Rep. Peter A. DeFazio.
The National Republican Congressional Committee listed DeFazio as one of its initial 2020 targets, although he has easily won reelection since his first race in 1986. Trump narrowly lost the 4th District in the southwest corner of the state by less than two-tenths of a percentage point in 2016.
Skarlatos, who served with the Oregon National Guard, became famous in 2015 when he and two friends helped disarm a terrorist on a Paris-bound train. He went on to star in an Eastwood-directed film about the ordeal and also appeared on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.” He lost a close race for Douglas County commissioner in 2018.


rollcall--2020-05-20--Coronavirus Special Report: Artificial intelligence, the Pentagon and the pandemic

Tonight , we have an interview with Lt. Gen. John Shanahan , director of the Pentagon 's Joint Artificial Intelligence @ @ @ @ @ AI is critical and how it can help fight the pandemic .
He also reflects @ @ @ @ @ across the military and his tenure as he gets ready to retire this summer .
@ @ @ @ @ of households lost income since March

Tonight, we have an interview with Lt. Gen. John Shanahan, director of the Pentagon's Joint Artificial Intelligence Center. He discusses why AI is critical and how it can help fight the pandemic. He also reflects on the role of AI across the military and his tenure as he gets ready to retire this summer.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-05-20--GOP senator: No recess without coronavirus aid package

Gardner , considered one of the most at-risk Republicans as he will likely face off against popular former Democratic Gov .
John Hickenlooper in November , unleashed a tweetstorm earlier Thursday calling on the Senate to stay in session .
“ Anyone who thinks now is the time to go on recess hasn ’ t been listening .
Coloradans and Americans alike have sacrificed and are hurting , ” wrote Gardner , who reeled off a list of proposals he said were critical to act on , from $ 500 billion in additional state and local government aid to loosening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with cannabis businesses .
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales moved Gardner ’ s race rating to Tilt Democratic last month , making his the only GOP seat currently projected to flip in November .
The Senate has been in Washington for nearly three weeks processing nominations and passing legislation to reauthorize lapsed Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act authorities .
During that time , Senate committees held hearings on various aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic , but leaders opted not to begin talks with Democrats on a new aid package to address the ongoing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , R-Ky. , has said repeatedly he wants to `` pause '' to assess the effectiveness of previous relief packages , which the Congressional Budget Office estimates will inject $ 2.8 trillion into the U.S. economy this year and next .
`` We still believe with regard to the coronavirus , we need to assess what we 've already done , take a look at what worked and what did n't , and we 'll discuss the way forward in the next couple weeks , '' McConnell said Tuesday following a lunch with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawmakers .
House Democratic leaders decided not to wait , instead passing a $ 3 trillion bill last week , mostly along party lines .
And Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , announced Wednesday that Democrats will vote on a standalone bill next week that would make changes to the so-called Payroll Protection Program for small businesses sought by restaurants , hotels and others .
That measure would , among other things , waive a requirement that businesses spend 75 percent of loan funds on payroll in order to get their debts forgiven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would help businesses that haven ’ t been able to reopen or rehire staff , but still have fixed costs like rent and utility bills .
FiscalNote , parent company of CQ Roll Call , has received a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program .
Maine ’ s Susan Collins , whom Inside Elections moved to a Tossup race rating last month , said Wednesday she agrees with Gardner about remaining in session to work on aid legislation .

Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., says he’ll block the chamber from recessing for next week’s Memorial Day break to protest inaction on another round of coronavirus relief legislation.
“This is no time to go home,” Gardner told reporters Wednesday. “I’m going to do everything I can to make sure we get this job done.”
That includes objecting to a unanimous consent agreement to close up shop for recess after votes Thursday, Gardner said.
However, even if Gardner digs in, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., still controls the floor schedule. Any such objection may have little effect beyond forcing a skeleton crew of senators and aides to remain at the Capitol next week, conducting little legislative business.
Still, such open rebellion in the GOP ranks is unusual and demonstrates the pain senators are hearing from their constituents. Colorado’s legislature will be in session next week debating how to close a $3.3 billion budget shortfall, for instance.


rollcall--2020-05-20--EPA’s Wheeler defends pandemic moves as Markey demands apology

A Democratic senator demanded that EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler apologize for regulatory actions and rollbacks in recent weeks that the lawmaker said make the coronavirus pandemic worse , especially for low-income and communities of color .
Wheeler was appearing before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Wednesday , where he touted the administration ’ s deregulatory actions and defended a decision to ease clean water and clean air enforcement during the public health crisis .
The EPA ’ s decision in April to not penalize companies that fail to meet clean air and water pollution standards prompted backlash from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawsuit from nine state attorneys general who describe it as a “ broad , open-ended policy.
” A newly bearded Wheeler appeared in person at the committee ’ s Capitol Hill hearing room .
Still , most committee members joined through often-choppy remote connections to reduce crowding and minimize the risk of coronavirus spread .
He touted what he described as an “ impressive ” list of more than 60 deregulatory actions the agency has taken under President Donald Trump , including since March , such as writing less-stringent vehicle emissions standards , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States rule and not updating national air quality standards .

A Democratic senator demanded that EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler apologize for regulatory actions and rollbacks in recent weeks that the lawmaker said make the coronavirus pandemic worse, especially for low-income and communities of color.
Wheeler was appearing before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Wednesday, where he touted the administration’s deregulatory actions and defended a decision to ease clean water and clean air enforcement during the public health crisis.
The EPA’s decision in April to not penalize companies that fail to meet clean air and water pollution standards prompted backlash from public health advocates, Democrats and a lawsuit from nine state attorneys general who describe it as a “broad, open-ended policy.”
A newly bearded Wheeler appeared in person at the committee’s Capitol Hill hearing room. Still, most committee members joined through often-choppy remote connections to reduce crowding and minimize the risk of coronavirus spread.
He touted what he described as an “impressive” list of more than 60 deregulatory actions the agency has taken under President Donald Trump, including since March, such as writing less-stringent vehicle emissions standards, finalizing the rollback of the Waters of the United States rule and not updating national air quality standards.


rollcall--2020-05-20--Asylum seekers could ‘Remain in Mexico’ for years amid pandemic

The indefinite extension of travel restrictions across U.S. borders could also extend the monthslong wait most asylum seekers affected by the Trump administration ’ s “ Remain in Mexico ” program face for a court hearing into one that lasts for years , immigration attorneys say .
The White House on Tuesday extended a public health order by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that allowed the swift removal of migrants apprehended at the border to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus .
That has wreaked further confusion among nearly 60,000 asylum seekers sent to Mexico under the program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or MPP .
The program forces migrants to wait out their U.S. court cases in Mexico , often in dangerous border communities .
“ It was a disaster before a pandemic and now it 's even worse .
Every day is essentially crisis mode , ” Nicolas Palazzo , an El Paso-based immigration attorney , told CQ Roll Call .
Last week , the Justice and Homeland Security departments announced the pandemic had led to a fourth postponement of all MPP hearings , this time until June 19 at the earliest .
Palazzo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delays are stretching a wait that averages between three to six months , depending on where along the border the migrants are located , to a year or more .

The indefinite extension of travel restrictions across U.S. borders could also extend the monthslong wait most asylum seekers affected by the Trump administration’s “Remain in Mexico” program face for a court hearing into one that lasts for years, immigration attorneys say.
The White House on Tuesday extended a public health order by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that allowed the swift removal of migrants apprehended at the border to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.
That has wreaked further confusion among nearly 60,000 asylum seekers sent to Mexico under the program formally known as Migrant Protection Protocols, or MPP. The program forces migrants to wait out their U.S. court cases in Mexico, often in dangerous border communities.
“It was a disaster before a pandemic and now it's even worse. Every day is essentially crisis mode,” Nicolas Palazzo, an El Paso-based immigration attorney, told CQ Roll Call.
Last week, the Justice and Homeland Security departments announced the pandemic had led to a fourth postponement of all MPP hearings, this time until June 19 at the earliest. Palazzo and other immigration attorneys say the collective delays are stretching a wait that averages between three to six months, depending on where along the border the migrants are located, to a year or more.


rollcall--2020-05-20--Supreme Court halts disclosure of Mueller grand jury materials to House

The Supreme Court on Wednesday temporarily blocked the House Judiciary Committee from getting the normally secret grand jury materials from Robert S. Mueller III ’ s probe of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election .
In an order Wednesday with no noted dissents and no reasons for the move , the Supreme Court granted the Justice Department ’ s request to put a hold on a lower court ruling to give the committee the materials from the former special counsel .
The justices gave the Justice Department until June 1 to file an appeal .
Without such an intervention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have had to turn over the information before the Supreme Court had a chance to review its appeal — and that would erase the secrecy of those documents .
The House Judiciary Committee had encouraged the Supreme Court to require the Justice Department to turn over the documents right away , arguing that the committee could protect the confidentiality of the grand jury materials in the meantime .
The Justice Department will appeal a March 10 ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit that the House ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a “ judicial proceeding , ” which qualifies the committee for an exemption to rules that typically keep grand jury information secret .

The Supreme Court on Wednesday temporarily blocked the House Judiciary Committee from getting the normally secret grand jury materials from Robert S. Mueller III’s probe of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
In an order Wednesday with no noted dissents and no reasons for the move, the Supreme Court granted the Justice Department’s request to put a hold on a lower court ruling to give the committee the materials from the former special counsel. The justices gave the Justice Department until June 1 to file an appeal.
Without such an intervention, the Justice Department argued it would have had to turn over the information before the Supreme Court had a chance to review its appeal — and that would erase the secrecy of those documents.
The House Judiciary Committee had encouraged the Supreme Court to require the Justice Department to turn over the documents right away, arguing that the committee could protect the confidentiality of the grand jury materials in the meantime.
The Justice Department will appeal a March 10 ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit that the House’s impeachment of President Donald Trump counted as a “judicial proceeding,” which qualifies the committee for an exemption to rules that typically keep grand jury information secret.


rollcall--2020-05-20--DHS indefinitely extends, expands border asylum ban

The latest extension of a Trump administration order barring entry of unauthorized migrants at the southern and northern border will remain in place indefinitely and includes an expansion that also bans entry from coastal ports .
The extension of border restrictions originally announced in March stem from a public health order by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
The order will remain in place until the CDC “ determines the serious danger from COVID-19 has ceased , '' acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf said in a statement late Tuesday .
“ This order has been one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has used to prevent the further spread of the virus and to protect the American people , DHS frontline officers , and those in their care and custody from COVID-19 , ” Wolf said .
The order , signed by CDC Director Robert R. Redfield , amends the original ban to clarify it also applies to migrants coming to coastal ports of entry near the U.S. border with Canada and Mexico .
That means it applies to individuals who may have crossed into the country via boat , not just those who approached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the circumstances resulting from the coronavirus pandemic would be reviewed every 30 days , but gives no other details on what changes might result in the administration lifting the order .

The latest extension of a Trump administration order barring entry of unauthorized migrants at the southern and northern border will remain in place indefinitely and includes an expansion that also bans entry from coastal ports.
The extension of border restrictions originally announced in March stem from a public health order by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The order will remain in place until the CDC “determines the serious danger from COVID-19 has ceased," acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf said in a statement late Tuesday.
“This order has been one of the most critical tools the Department has used to prevent the further spread of the virus and to protect the American people, DHS frontline officers, and those in their care and custody from COVID-19,” Wolf said.
The order, signed by CDC Director Robert R. Redfield, amends the original ban to clarify it also applies to migrants coming to coastal ports of entry near the U.S. border with Canada and Mexico. That means it applies to individuals who may have crossed into the country via boat, not just those who approached by land.
The order mentions that the circumstances resulting from the coronavirus pandemic would be reviewed every 30 days, but gives no other details on what changes might result in the administration lifting the order.


rollcall--2020-05-20--‘You expected to die of diseases’ — Lessons from past pandemics

This isn ’ t the first time Congress has dealt with a pandemic , but the way the institution deals with it is similar to the ways it dealt with previous ones .
Our ability to eliminate much of the risk of disease to public health is one big change in the last century , particularly compared to the 1918 flu pandemic that killed up to 50 million people , including at least 675,000 Americans .
Back then , as now , the House found some novel ways to consider legislation to respond to the pandemic and struggled at times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it could not get a quorum .
Congress has also found its own members far from exempt from these nasty bugs .
In 1918 , the speaker of the House , Champ Clark , caught the flu but recovered .
Three members of the House died of complications from the flu : Jacob Meeker and William Borland of Missouri , and Edward Robbins of Pennsylvania .
In 1957 , during an another deadly flu pandemic , Vice President Richard Nixon was hospitalized .
He recovered .
And in 1969 , amid another flu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House , Robert Everett of Tennessee , died from flu complications .
So far , a handful of members have either tested positive for the coronavirus or contracted the COVID-19 disease , including a previous Political Theater guest , Florida Republican Mario Diaz-Balart , who recounted his experience .

This isn’t the first time Congress has dealt with a pandemic, but the way the institution deals with it is similar to the ways it dealt with previous ones.
Our ability to eliminate much of the risk of disease to public health is one big change in the last century, particularly compared to the 1918 flu pandemic that killed up to 50 million people, including at least 675,000 Americans. Back then, as now, the House found some novel ways to consider legislation to respond to the pandemic and struggled at times to figure out what to do when it could not get a quorum.
Congress has also found its own members far from exempt from these nasty bugs. In 1918, the speaker of the House, Champ Clark, caught the flu but recovered. Three members of the House died of complications from the flu: Jacob Meeker and William Borland of Missouri, and Edward Robbins of Pennsylvania.
In 1957, during an another deadly flu pandemic, Vice President Richard Nixon was hospitalized. He recovered. And in 1969, amid another flu pandemic, at least one member of the House, Robert Everett of Tennessee, died from flu complications. So far, a handful of members have either tested positive for the coronavirus or contracted the COVID-19 disease, including a previous Political Theater guest, Florida Republican Mario Diaz-Balart, who recounted his experience.


rollcall--2020-05-20--Apple, Google release template for COVID-19 contact tracing apps

Apple and Google on Wednesday released the first phase of a template that would allow software developers to build apps to assist public health authorities in tracking the spread of COVID-19 .
Apple and Google executives told reporters that they had refined several features of the template after extensive consultations with public health authorities , privacy advocates , academics and government agencies from around the world .
More refinements could be added in later phases through updates , they said .
The Bluetooth-based design would depend not only on voluntary download of the apps by users around the world but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report a positive diagnosis for COVID-19 through the app .
The design also would only allow those apps that have been built by or on behalf of public health authorities , the companies said .
The template , called Exposure Notification API , is being rolled out to iPhone and Android users in the form of a software update , both companies said .
Several U.S. states and as many as 22 countries across five continents have expressed interest in using the technology to conduct contact tracing , Apple and Google executives told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condition that they not be named .
The executives also declined to name the states or countries that have expressed interest in the technology .

Apple and Google on Wednesday released the first phase of a template that would allow software developers to build apps to assist public health authorities in tracking the spread of COVID-19.
Apple and Google executives told reporters that they had refined several features of the template after extensive consultations with public health authorities, privacy advocates, academics and government agencies from around the world. More refinements could be added in later phases through updates, they said.
The Bluetooth-based design would depend not only on voluntary download of the apps by users around the world but also require express consent from users to report a positive diagnosis for COVID-19 through the app. The design also would only allow those apps that have been built by or on behalf of public health authorities, the companies said.
The template, called Exposure Notification API, is being rolled out to iPhone and Android users in the form of a software update, both companies said.
Several U.S. states and as many as 22 countries across five continents have expressed interest in using the technology to conduct contact tracing, Apple and Google executives told reporters on a conference call on the condition that they not be named. The executives also declined to name the states or countries that have expressed interest in the technology.


rollcall--2020-05-20--Census: Nearly half of households lost income since March

Nearly half of U.S. households lost some of their income since widespread coronavirus social distancing measures went into place in @ @ @ @ @ first results of an ongoing Census Bureau survey examining the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ of U.S. households reported lost income and 37 percent said they expect to feel a @ @ @ @ @ future , according to the results released Wednesday .
The survey also measured housing and @ @ @ @ @ as disruptions in education .
The agency launched the survey last month , intending to @ @ @ @ @ the effects of the coronavirus pandemic .
The Census Bureau surveyed more than 74,000 households @ @ @ @ @ 5 for the results released Wednesday .
The agency plans to release results weekly through @ @ @ @ @ A handful of states in the survey showed an outsize impact from the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ in California , Hawaii , Louisiana , New York , New Jersey , Michigan , @ @ @ @ @ loss in household income .

Nearly half of U.S. households lost some of their income since widespread coronavirus social distancing measures went into place in March, according to the first results of an ongoing Census Bureau survey examining the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
More than 47 percent of U.S. households reported lost income and 37 percent said they expect to feel a paycheck pinch in the near future, according to the results released Wednesday. The survey also measured housing and food insecurity, as well as disruptions in education.
The agency launched the survey last month, intending to provide policymakers real-time information about the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Census Bureau surveyed more than 74,000 households between April 23 and May 5 for the results released Wednesday. The agency plans to release results weekly through the middle of July.
A handful of states in the survey showed an outsize impact from the virus. More than half of households in California, Hawaii, Louisiana, New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Nevada and Oregon reported a loss in household income.


rollcall--2020-05-20--Senators propose job-training tax credit for those left unemployed by pandemic

A bipartisan Senate bill would create a refundable tax credit to help those unemployed because of the coronavirus pay for needed training as the economy recovers .
According to a summary provided ahead of release to CQ Roll Call , the refundable credit of up to $ 4,000 would be available for a wide range of job training programs , including apprenticeships and technical training , as well as tuition toward two- and four-year college degrees .
Democrats Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Cory Booker of New Jersey are sponsoring the bill with Republicans Ben Sasse of Nebraska and Tim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action is required to help newly unemployed Americans find their footing and begin preparing for life after the pandemic , ” Klobuchar said in a statement .
“ This new legislation will help Americans gain skills that will be in demand for years to come and position them to rapidly reenter the workforce with increased earning potential as soon as businesses begin hiring again.
” Because of the broad definition of unemployment insurance eligibility under existing COVID-19 response law , the credit could be available to a diverse array of workers .
Gig @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for instance .

A bipartisan Senate bill would create a refundable tax credit to help those unemployed because of the coronavirus pay for needed training as the economy recovers.
According to a summary provided ahead of release to CQ Roll Call, the refundable credit of up to $4,000 would be available for a wide range of job training programs, including apprenticeships and technical training, as well as tuition toward two- and four-year college degrees.
Democrats Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Cory Booker of New Jersey are sponsoring the bill with Republicans Ben Sasse of Nebraska and Tim Scott of South Carolina.
“Bold action is required to help newly unemployed Americans find their footing and begin preparing for life after the pandemic,” Klobuchar said in a statement. “This new legislation will help Americans gain skills that will be in demand for years to come and position them to rapidly reenter the workforce with increased earning potential as soon as businesses begin hiring again.”
Because of the broad definition of unemployment insurance eligibility under existing COVID-19 response law, the credit could be available to a diverse array of workers. Gig economy workers and other independent contractors qualify, for instance.


rollcall--2020-05-21--National Parks reopen without release of plan or infection data

The Interior Department is reopening national parks across the country even as the agency withholds data on COVID-19 cases among its employees .
Last week , some of the most visited national parks , including Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona , became the latest among dozens of parks reopening .
Parks had been mostly closed since March after being inundated with guests who were not observing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus .
A spokesperson for Interior didn ’ t elaborate on how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether the agency was tracking coronavirus cases among Park Service staff .
The spokesperson referred CQ Roll Call to a prior statement that the “ health and safety ” of visitors , employees , volunteers and partners continues to be the agency ’ s “ highest ” priority .
In contrast , other agencies are readily disclosing the number of coronavirus infections among their staff .
The EPA on Tuesday said it ’ s aware of 39 employees who have been infected by the virus and one who has died .
The Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 200 current and recovered cases among the agency ’ s roughly 100,000 employees .
Four current cases have been confirmed at DOE ’ s headquarters in Washington , and 14 others have since recovered .

The Interior Department is reopening national parks across the country even as the agency withholds data on COVID-19 cases among its employees.
Last week, some of the most visited national parks, including Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, became the latest among dozens of parks reopening. Parks had been mostly closed since March after being inundated with guests who were not observing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus.
A spokesperson for Interior didn’t elaborate on how decisions to reopen were being made or whether the agency was tracking coronavirus cases among Park Service staff. The spokesperson referred CQ Roll Call to a prior statement that the “health and safety” of visitors, employees, volunteers and partners continues to be the agency’s “highest” priority.
In contrast, other agencies are readily disclosing the number of coronavirus infections among their staff.
The EPA on Tuesday said it’s aware of 39 employees who have been infected by the virus and one who has died.
The Department of Energy said there have been about 200 current and recovered cases among the agency’s roughly 100,000 employees. Four current cases have been confirmed at DOE’s headquarters in Washington, and 14 others have since recovered.


rollcall--2020-05-21--Senators anxious for football to start, but maybe not as anxious as Trump

It ’ s been more than two months since a major American sport has held a contest .
March 11 was the day the NBA suspended play indefinitely after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus .
The NHL followed suit , as did Major League Baseball , postponing opening day while it works on a plan to start the season , possibly without fans in the stands .
But professional and college football are perhaps in the best position of all the leagues , having ended their seasons just before the COVID-19 pandemic ramped up in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation ’ s No .
1 sport , is as close as it gets to a money printing machine .
The NFL generates billions in revenue from ticket sales , television broadcast deals and advertisers who are eager to partner with the league because of the eyeballs it draws .
Meanwhile , college football conferences rake in millions with television deals .
It ’ s hard to overstate how important the sport is , particularly in the South and Midwest .
It ’ s an economic engine for schools , a recruiting tool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life for many of its fans .
Anyone who ’ s ever seen University of Georgia fans greet each other by barking and yelling , “ Go Dawgs ” knows this .
The political implications surely aren ’ t lost on President Donald Trump , who has attended several college games while in office .
The return of football could restore some semblance of normalcy on weekend afternoons and boost the national mood , particularly among constituencies crucial to his reelection this fall .

It’s been more than two months since a major American sport has held a contest. March 11 was the day the NBA suspended play indefinitely after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus. The NHL followed suit, as did Major League Baseball, postponing opening day while it works on a plan to start the season, possibly without fans in the stands.
But professional and college football are perhaps in the best position of all the leagues, having ended their seasons just before the COVID-19 pandemic ramped up in the United States.
Football, the nation’s No. 1 sport, is as close as it gets to a money printing machine. The NFL generates billions in revenue from ticket sales, television broadcast deals and advertisers who are eager to partner with the league because of the eyeballs it draws.
Meanwhile, college football conferences rake in millions with television deals. It’s hard to overstate how important the sport is, particularly in the South and Midwest. It’s an economic engine for schools, a recruiting tool and the center of identity and social life for many of its fans. Anyone who’s ever seen University of Georgia fans greet each other by barking and yelling, “Go Dawgs” knows this.
The political implications surely aren’t lost on President Donald Trump, who has attended several college games while in office. The return of football could restore some semblance of normalcy on weekend afternoons and boost the national mood, particularly among constituencies crucial to his reelection this fall.


rollcall--2020-05-21--Corporations and consumer groups battle over COVID-19 liability

Businesses say they need protection from the uncertainty of `` frivolous '' lawsuits as they seek to help revive the economy , but consumer groups allege corporations pushing for new limits on the legal rights of people who get sick with COVID-19 are exploiting the pandemic .
The proposal for a coronavirus liability limit in the next pandemic relief bill has revived a long-standing Beltway battle between advocates for workers and employers about so-called tort reform — business groups ' campaign to limit certain legal rights .
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers are pushing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people who get sick or die or are otherwise harmed after exposure to the novel coronavirus .
Nearly 95,000 Americans have died from COVID-19 , according to Johns Hopkins University .
President Donald Trump said Tuesday he supports “ curbs on frivolous litigation … a thing I know something about .
There ’ s a lot of frivolous litigation.
” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called a new liability limit an imperative `` red line '' priority for Republicans in an upcoming relief package .
McConnell said the flood of lawsuits could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that he wo n't accept Democratic demands such as state and local government aid without liability protections .

Corrected 10:40 a.m. | Businesses say they need protection from the uncertainty of "frivolous" lawsuits as they seek to help revive the economy, but consumer groups allege corporations pushing for new limits on the legal rights of people who get sick with COVID-19 are exploiting the pandemic.
The proposal for a coronavirus liability limit in the next pandemic relief bill has revived a long-standing Beltway battle between advocates for workers and employers about so-called tort reform — business groups' campaign to limit certain legal rights.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers are pushing lawmakers to restrict lawsuits brought on behalf of people who get sick or die or are otherwise harmed after exposure to the novel coronavirus. Nearly 95,000 Americans have died from COVID-19, according to Johns Hopkins University.


rollcall--2020-05-21--AFL-CIO, Labor Department spar over workplace safety amid COVID-19

A tense debate over worker protection under the threat of coronavirus has been taking place between the administration and labor despite the shutdown of many institutions .
The Labor Department released written testimony from the head of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration on Wednesday even though the House hearing it would have been delivered at was postponed .
And it came one day after the department issued a new enforcement policy on COVID-19 safety in the workplace .
The undelivered testimony by Loren Sweatt , the principal deputy assistant secretary for occupational safety and health , said the department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for nursing homes , ride share services , meat packers and other sectors was sufficient in combination with the department 's existing enforcement authority .
The testimony was intended for the House Education and Labor Committee .
The department 's flurry of activity followed another attack on the administration ’ s worker safety stance by the AFL-CIO , which filed a lawsuit on Monday in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia asking for a court order forcing OSHA to issue a new emergency temporary standard for infectious diseases .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka and Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia , in which Trumka in an April 28 letter accused the department of a COVID-19 response that was “ delinquent , delayed , disorganized , chaotic and totally inadequate .
”

A tense debate over worker protection under the threat of coronavirus has been taking place between the administration and labor despite the shutdown of many institutions.
The Labor Department released written testimony from the head of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration on Wednesday even though the House hearing it would have been delivered at was postponed. And it came one day after the department issued a new enforcement policy on COVID-19 safety in the workplace.
The undelivered testimony by Loren Sweatt, the principal deputy assistant secretary for occupational safety and health, said the department's informal guidance setting out best practices for nursing homes, ride share services, meat packers and other sectors was sufficient in combination with the department's existing enforcement authority. The testimony was intended for the House Education and Labor Committee.
The department's flurry of activity followed another attack on the administration’s worker safety stance by the AFL-CIO, which filed a lawsuit on Monday in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia asking for a court order forcing OSHA to issue a new emergency temporary standard for infectious diseases.
The lawsuit follows a tough exchange between AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka and Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia, in which Trumka in an April 28 letter accused the department of a COVID-19 response that was “delinquent, delayed, disorganized, chaotic and totally inadequate.”


rollcall--2020-05-21--‘A game-changer’: Pandemic forces shift in black voter outreach

Alicia Reece had organized “ Souls to the Polls ” events before , but , in the age of COVID-19 , this year had to be different .
Instead of shepherding voters from African American churches to polling places in the Ohio ’ s hastily rescheduled primary last month , Reece and volunteers for her campaign for county commissioner guided voters through church parking lots to fill out applications to vote by mail , something black voters in particular are not used to doing .
“ We ’ re talking about a culture shift , ” Reece said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now facing the same dilemma .
Success in November may depend on turning out black voters , but a history of facing voter suppression has fueled skepticism among African Americans about voting by mail and a preference to vote in person .
Strategies to ensure black turnout are being redrawn as Democratic groups and grassroots organizations test messages in real time to determine how best to educate African American voters reluctant about casting mail-in ballots and reassure them that it is safe and secure .
It ’ s a three-front battle , playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and state legislatures , and on the campaign trail .

Alicia Reece had organized “Souls to the Polls” events before, but, in the age of COVID-19, this year had to be different.
Instead of shepherding voters from African American churches to polling places in the Ohio’s hastily rescheduled primary last month, Reece and volunteers for her campaign for county commissioner guided voters through church parking lots to fill out applications to vote by mail, something black voters in particular are not used to doing.
“We’re talking about a culture shift,” Reece said in a recent phone interview.
Democrats nationally are now facing the same dilemma. Success in November may depend on turning out black voters, but a history of facing voter suppression has fueled skepticism among African Americans about voting by mail and a preference to vote in person.
Strategies to ensure black turnout are being redrawn as Democratic groups and grassroots organizations test messages in real time to determine how best to educate African American voters reluctant about casting mail-in ballots and reassure them that it is safe and secure. It’s a three-front battle, playing out in the courts, in federal and state legislatures, and on the campaign trail.


rollcall--2020-05-21--Coronavirus Special Report: What’s next for the Paycheck Protection Program?

In tonight 's episode , we examine the latest on the Paycheck Protection Program .
Then , we look at @ @ @ @ @ to prevent companies from being held liable if their employees contract the coronavirus on the @ @ @ @ @ on small-business loan fixes on hold , for now • DOT says House letter on @ @ @ @ @ errors ’ • US Chamber expects another COVID-19 relief bill before July 4

In tonight's episode, we examine the latest on the Paycheck Protection Program. Then, we look at how some lawmakers are trying to prevent companies from being held liable if their employees contract the coronavirus on the job.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-05-21--‘I was drugged and raped’ at Marine Corps ball, Virginia candidate says in new TV ad

Claire Russo was attending the Marine Corps ball in 2004 when she was drugged and raped by a superior .
And that ’ s the first thing many voters in Virginia ’ s 5th District will learn about her , because the Democratic candidate talks about it in a 30-second television ad released Thursday .
“ I refused to let him stop me from serving my country in Iraq and Afghanistan , ” Russo says in the ad , which describes her efforts to get the rapist jailed after the military declined to prosecute him .
Russo , a former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the assault before , including at an Air Force base during Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month .
She also mentions it in the biography on her campaign website .
But it is among the first times such an ordeal has played a prominent role in a campaign ad , indicating the strides that female candidates have made in recent years to turn personal experiences once considered inappropriate or unimportant into central issues of their campaigns .
Russo , who is running in a crowded primary in a Republican-held district her party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lays out the disturbing details over a piano soundtrack and a picture from the night in question .
In it she is smiling , surrounded by female friends in formal clothes whose faces have been obscured .
“ I was determined to find justice , ” Russo says to the camera , over a newspaper clipping with the headline : “ They thought it would go away .
”

“I was determined to find justice,” Russo says to the camera, over a newspaper clipping with the headline: “They thought it would go away.”
She goes on to say that she would bring the same fighting spirit to Congress.
“When I reported my assault 16 years ago, I faced a military system that was broken and unresponsive,” Russo said in a statement. “And when I look at Washington now, I see a system that is unresponsive to the concerns of the people of my district.”
She said she was running “to fight for affordable health care, to make sure women are in charge of their own health care decisions, and so that everyone feels safe from gun violence."
Russo is one of four Democrats competing in the June 23 primary in the GOP-leaning 5th District, where Rep. Denver Riggelman is battling to keep his seat against a fellow Republican who is challenging him at a June 13 convention.


rollcall--2020-05-21--Senate leaves for Memorial Day break; full June agenda awaits on return

The Senate will be away for the Memorial Day recess as scheduled , but Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has set up a full schedule for when lawmakers return in June .
Before wrapping up the chamber ’ s business for the week on Thursday , the Kentucky Republican said that next month , the Senate will work on the fiscal 2021 defense authorization bill and is expected to take up a public lands package .
That measure would permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund and establish a fund for maintenance of national parks and other public lands .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ sides of the aisle .
McConnell highlighted the work of Sens .
Cory Gardner of Colorado and Steve Daines of Montana during floor remarks Thursday .
Both are Republican incumbents facing serious reelection challenges in 2020 .
“ Our mountain towns were hit hard by COVID-19 .
The ski season ended early , restaurants closed , and hotels emptied .
Now is the time to pass this bill that will provide billions of dollars in funding for new jobs across Colorado and the country while protecting our public lands , ” Gardner said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time for bold , bipartisan action to create immediate job opportunities , and the President has already called for this legislation to be sent to his desk for his signature.
” The National Park Service maintenance backlog legislation has been led by Sens .
Rob Portman , R-Ohio , and Mark Warner , D-Va .

The Senate will be away for the Memorial Day recess as scheduled, but Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has set up a full schedule for when lawmakers return in June.
Before wrapping up the chamber’s business for the week on Thursday, the Kentucky Republican said that next month, the Senate will work on the fiscal 2021 defense authorization bill and is expected to take up a public lands package. That measure would permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund and establish a fund for maintenance of national parks and other public lands.
The legislation has many champions on both sides of the aisle. McConnell highlighted the work of Sens. Cory Gardner of Colorado and Steve Daines of Montana during floor remarks Thursday. Both are Republican incumbents facing serious reelection challenges in 2020.
“Our mountain towns were hit hard by COVID-19. The ski season ended early, restaurants closed, and hotels emptied. Now is the time to pass this bill that will provide billions of dollars in funding for new jobs across Colorado and the country while protecting our public lands,” Gardner said in a statement. “Now is the time for bold, bipartisan action to create immediate job opportunities, and the President has already called for this legislation to be sent to his desk for his signature.”
The National Park Service maintenance backlog legislation has been led by Sens. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, and Mark Warner, D-Va.


rollcall--2020-05-21--DOE says supercomputers handling COVID-19 data are hacker targets

Energy Department officials said they have noticed a spike in cyberattacks on national laboratories and that foreign nations are interested in U.S. coronavirus research .
“ We are seeing some increased activities around our national laboratories in particular , with regard to cyber activity .
Slight increases in the number of hits that we see to our computing facilities there , ” Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette said Thursday at a meeting with an advisory board .
“ We have not had any problems ” with cyberattacks , said Paul Dabbar , the DOE 's under secretary for science who oversees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ But , as the secretary pointed out , we ’ ve had some increase.
” Government agencies and private experts say cyberattacks have increased during the pandemic as the number of people working remotely — a larger pool of targets for hackers — has surged worldwide during stay-at-home restrictions .
Brouillette said foreign powers want to crack open American research on the virus .
“ We know that there are nation-states around the world who are interested in some of the research that ’ s being done in the laboratories , some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the laboratories , '' he said .

Energy Department officials said they have noticed a spike in cyberattacks on national laboratories and that foreign nations are interested in U.S. coronavirus research.
“We are seeing some increased activities around our national laboratories in particular, with regard to cyber activity. Slight increases in the number of hits that we see to our computing facilities there,” Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette said Thursday at a meeting with an advisory board.
“We have not had any problems” with cyberattacks, said Paul Dabbar, the DOE's under secretary for science who oversees the network of 17 national labs. “But, as the secretary pointed out, we’ve had some increase.”
Government agencies and private experts say cyberattacks have increased during the pandemic as the number of people working remotely — a larger pool of targets for hackers — has surged worldwide during stay-at-home restrictions.
Brouillette said foreign powers want to crack open American research on the virus. “We know that there are nation-states around the world who are interested in some of the research that’s being done in the laboratories, some of the data sets that exist within the laboratories," he said.


rollcall--2020-05-21--DOT says House letter on IG demotion contains ‘numerous errors’

The Department of Transportation told House Democrats their allegations that the department 's acting inspector general was wrongly terminated “ contains numerous errors of fact and law.
” In a letter sent Thursday afternoon , Steven G. Bradbury , the DOT ’ s general counsel who is also performing the duties of deputy secretary , took umbrage at a Tuesday letter from House Oversight and Reform Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney , D-N.Y. , House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter A. DeFazio , D-Ore. , and Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on Government Operations Chairman Gerald E. Connolly , D-Va. , saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Skip ” Elliott is unqualified for the position .
The Democrats ’ letter , Bradbury wrote , “ wholly mischaracterizes Skip Elliott ’ s background and experience.
” And he said Mitch Behm , the prior acting inspector general , was not removed from office but instead “ has long served and continues to serve in his position as Deputy Inspector General.
” In an emailed statement later Thursday , Maloney and DeFazio , said Bradbury 's letter ignored a clear conflict of interest in Elliott 's new role .
“ The response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seems to be trying to defend the idea that someone can serve both as a political appointee reporting directly to the Secretary and as an independent Inspector General charged with overseeing the Secretary ’ s actions , '' the Democrats wrote .
Our Committees will continue investigating this attack on the independence of Inspectors General .
”

The Department of Transportation told House Democrats their allegations that the department's acting inspector general was wrongly terminated “contains numerous errors of fact and law.”
In a letter sent Thursday afternoon, Steven G. Bradbury, the DOT’s general counsel who is also performing the duties of deputy secretary, took umbrage at a Tuesday letter from House Oversight and Reform Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney, D-N.Y., House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter A. DeFazio, D-Ore., and Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on Government Operations Chairman Gerald E. Connolly, D-Va., saying new acting Inspector General Howard R. “Skip” Elliott is unqualified for the position.
The Democrats’ letter, Bradbury wrote, “wholly mischaracterizes Skip Elliott’s background and experience.” And he said Mitch Behm, the prior acting inspector general, was not removed from office but instead “has long served and continues to serve in his position as Deputy Inspector General.”
In an emailed statement later Thursday, Maloney and DeFazio, said Bradbury's letter ignored a clear conflict of interest in Elliott's new role.
“The response today from the Department of Transportation actually seems to be trying to defend the idea that someone can serve both as a political appointee reporting directly to the Secretary and as an independent Inspector General charged with overseeing the Secretary’s actions," the Democrats wrote. Our Committees will continue investigating this attack on the independence of Inspectors General.”


rollcall--2020-05-21--Pentagon AI chief says the technology could help spot future pandemics earlier

The Pentagon ’ s top official overseeing the military ’ s artificial intelligence efforts sees a significant role for the @ @ @ @ @ pandemics in the future like COVID-19 , a disease that has caused large-scale destruction of @ @ @ @ @ to wars .
“ I do believe there ’ s great potential to bring in @ @ @ @ @ warning of future problems ” such as disease outbreaks , Air Force Lt. Gen. John @ @ @ @ @ Shanahan , director of the Pentagon ’ s Joint Artificial Intelligence Center , said in @ @ @ @ @ and technologists ought to be thinking about what such a “ national warning network would @ @ @ @ @ how to assemble the right sources of data and build predictive models , he said @ @ @ @ @ to the podcast of our interview with Gen. Shanahan here ] A few private companies @ @ @ @ @ intelligence tools to provide early warning of the pandemic , Shanahan said , adding that @ @ @ @ @ to yield more accurate results .

The Pentagon’s top official overseeing the military’s artificial intelligence efforts sees a significant role for the technology to track and spot pandemics in the future like COVID-19, a disease that has caused large-scale destruction of lives and economic distress similar to wars.
“I do believe there’s great potential to bring in artificial intelligence to provide early warning of future problems” such as disease outbreaks, Air Force Lt. Gen. John N.T. “Jack” Shanahan, director of the Pentagon’s Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, said in an interview.
Defense officials and technologists ought to be thinking about what such a “national warning network would look like” to understand how to assemble the right sources of data and build predictive models, he said.
[Related: Listen to the podcast of our interview with Gen. Shanahan here]
A few private companies did in fact use artificial intelligence tools to provide early warning of the pandemic, Shanahan said, adding that predictive models should be refined to yield more accurate results.


rollcall--2020-05-21--US Chamber expects another COVID-19 relief bill before July 4

One of the nation 's most powerful trade groups expects Congress to pass another coronavirus relief bill , one including its legislative priorities , before the Fourth of July recess .
“ There are a lot of differences , but the differences are not insurmountable between the House and the Senate , between the Republicans and Democrats , ” said Neil Bradley , the U.S. Chamber of Commerce 's chief policy officer , on a conference call with reporters Thursday .
Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner threatened on Wednesday to keep the Senate in session by opposing the unanimous consent to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying the Senate has to work on coronavirus relief legislation .
The embattled Republican faces a tough reelection fight against former Gov .
John Hickenlooper , a race that Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates as “ tilt Democratic.
” The chamber ’ s top legislative goal is a broad safe harbor from COVID-19-related lawsuits for businesses tied to guidelines set out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state health authorities .
Basically , if companies follow the government suggestions , they shouldn ’ t face lawsuits , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be timely , it needs to be targeted , and it needs to be temporary , ” said Bradley .

One of the nation's most powerful trade groups expects Congress to pass another coronavirus relief bill, one including its legislative priorities, before the Fourth of July recess.
“There are a lot of differences, but the differences are not insurmountable between the House and the Senate, between the Republicans and Democrats,” said Neil Bradley, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's chief policy officer, on a conference call with reporters Thursday.
Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner threatened on Wednesday to keep the Senate in session by opposing the unanimous consent to recess the week following Memorial Day, saying the Senate has to work on coronavirus relief legislation. The embattled Republican faces a tough reelection fight against former Gov. John Hickenlooper, a race that Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates as “tilt Democratic.”
The chamber’s top legislative goal is a broad safe harbor from COVID-19-related lawsuits for businesses tied to guidelines set out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state health authorities. Basically, if companies follow the government suggestions, they shouldn’t face lawsuits, the chamber says.
“The approach needs to be timely, it needs to be targeted, and it needs to be temporary,” said Bradley.


rollcall--2020-05-21--NOAA sees busy hurricane season colliding with COVID-19

The U.S. could experience up to 19 named Atlantic storms this year , in a hurricane season that comes as communities across the country are in the throes of the coronavirus pandemic that promises to complicate emergency responses , including conditions at evacuation centers .
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in a report Thursday it expects an “ above normal ” hurricane season from June 1 to Nov. 30 .
The agency predicted 13 to 19 named storms , which have speeds of at least 39 miles per hour .
Federal officials warned that communities and families need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic .
For coastal communities , some of which are still recovering from previous hurricane damage and dealing with a global pandemic , that means going from one crisis to another .
“ We 're heading into a really major challenge this year , ” Stephen Klineberg , founding director of Rice University ’ s Kinder Institute for Urban Research , said of the forecast .
“ We are still under the threat of a pandemic that comes when you 're interacting in close quarters with someone you do n't know.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ storms such as hurricanes Michael , Harvey and Maria are still recovering from the damage .
Maria pummeled Puerto Rico in 2017 , killing around 3,000 people , and the island is still facing a slow recovery from the estimated $ 90 billion damage there .

The U.S. could experience up to 19 named Atlantic storms this year, in a hurricane season that comes as communities across the country are in the throes of the coronavirus pandemic that promises to complicate emergency responses, including conditions at evacuation centers.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in a report Thursday it expects an “above normal” hurricane season from June 1 to Nov. 30. The agency predicted 13 to 19 named storms, which have speeds of at least 39 miles per hour. Federal officials warned that communities and families need to start preparing earlier because of the coronavirus pandemic.
For coastal communities, some of which are still recovering from previous hurricane damage and dealing with a global pandemic, that means going from one crisis to another.
“We're heading into a really major challenge this year,” Stephen Klineberg, founding director of Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research, said of the forecast. “We are still under the threat of a pandemic that comes when you're interacting in close quarters with someone you don't know.”
Parts of the country hit by recent storms such as hurricanes Michael, Harvey and Maria are still recovering from the damage. Maria pummeled Puerto Rico in 2017, killing around 3,000 people, and the island is still facing a slow recovery from the estimated $90 billion damage there.