rollcall--2020-05-28--What if social media was run like a bar?

“ Do you think Mark Zuckerberg went to a lot of bars when he was in college ?
” That question is more relevant than you would think , when you ’ re talking about someone in charge of the way people communicate .
Social media was going to connect people by bringing them into a common shared space to exchange views , jokes and news .
But it has become a dominant force that enhances political and cultural divides , and that is largely a result of its founders being people who never learned how to get along with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says podcaster and author Brandon Wetherbee .
If social media was run like a bar , a place where people gathered and where everyone has to respect each other or get thrown out , things might be very different .
That may be a pipe dream , but it is one worth considering .
Because the only way to survive , whether it ’ s an election , a war , a plague or a relationship , is to be able to understand where someone else is coming from .
Bars are one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one another .
Note : This isn ’ t to say effective politicians , or people in general , have to drink to be OK .
But they should know how to get along with others .

“Do you think Mark Zuckerberg went to a lot of bars when he was in college?” That question is more relevant than you would think, when you’re talking about someone in charge of the way people communicate.
Social media was going to connect people by bringing them into a common shared space to exchange views, jokes and news. But it has become a dominant force that enhances political and cultural divides, and that is largely a result of its founders being people who never learned how to get along with others, like in a bar, says podcaster and author Brandon Wetherbee.
If social media was run like a bar, a place where people gathered and where everyone has to respect each other or get thrown out, things might be very different.
That may be a pipe dream, but it is one worth considering. Because the only way to survive, whether it’s an election, a war, a plague or a relationship, is to be able to understand where someone else is coming from. Bars are one of the places people learn to understand one another. Note: This isn’t to say effective politicians, or people in general, have to drink to be OK. But they should know how to get along with others.


rollcall--2020-05-28--VA secretary grilled on Nazi grave markers

Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie on Thursday would n't commit to removing three headstones containing swastikas and messages honoring Adolf Hitler from the graves of German prisoners of war , frustrating House lawmakers .
Wilkie said he wanted to work with members of Congress to put such anti-Semitic and racist imagery in the proper `` historical context . ''
`` I happen to think that making sure that when people visit our cemeteries they are educated and informed of the horror is an incredibly important thing to do , '' Wilkie said during testimony before the House Military Construction-VA Appropriations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them from memory and as we continue to study the Holocaust , the last thing any Holocaust scholar wants to do is erase that memory . ''
Subcommittee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz , D-Fla. , was not satisfied with Wilkie 's answer .
She said the presence of such imagery in cemeteries that are home to World War II veterans , who died fighting Nazis and the ideology they represented , is unacceptable .
`` The Nazi swastika is prohibited in Germany from being displayed because it is not seen as a reminder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; it is seen as something to be snuffed out , '' she said .
Wasserman-Schultz was referencing a German law that prevents public displays of `` symbols of unconstitutional organizations '' such as the Nazi salute and swastikas , although some images are allowed in video games .

Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie on Thursday wouldn't commit to removing three headstones containing swastikas and messages honoring Adolf Hitler from the graves of German prisoners of war, frustrating House lawmakers.
Wilkie said he wanted to work with members of Congress to put such anti-Semitic and racist imagery in the proper "historical context."
"I happen to think that making sure that when people visit our cemeteries they are educated and informed of the horror is an incredibly important thing to do," Wilkie said during testimony before the House Military Construction-VA Appropriations subcommittee. "Erasing these headstones removes them from memory and as we continue to study the Holocaust, the last thing any Holocaust scholar wants to do is erase that memory."
Subcommittee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., was not satisfied with Wilkie's answer. She said the presence of such imagery in cemeteries that are home to World War II veterans, who died fighting Nazis and the ideology they represented, is unacceptable.
"The Nazi swastika is prohibited in Germany from being displayed because it is not seen as a reminder to prevent the hatred that it spawned; it is seen as something to be snuffed out," she said. Wasserman-Schultz was referencing a German law that prevents public displays of "symbols of unconstitutional organizations" such as the Nazi salute and swastikas, although some images are allowed in video games.


rollcall--2020-05-28--At the Races: Will health or wealth motivate voters?

Welcome to At the Races !
Each week we ’ ll bring you news and analysis from the CQ Roll Call team that will keep you informed about the 2020 election .
Know someone who ’ d like to get this newsletter ?
They can subscribe here .
More than 100,000 Americans have died of COVID-19 , as of this week , and more than 40 million have filed for unemployment .
With 159 days until the November elections , it ’ s impossible to know how the coronavirus crisis will factor into voters ’ decisions .
But already we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and House candidates are approaching the twin calamities of the virus itself and the economic tailspin .
Democrats ( as we noted last week ) plan to focus on health care , while Republicans want to talk about jobs .
Take Sen. Thom Tillis ’ new TV ad , in which the North Carolina Republican touts his “ humble ” roots : “ My job is fighting for your job .
We will build this economy back , and I ’ ll remember who needs it the most.
” North Carolina ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vulnerable incumbent for working against a Medicaid expansion plan when he was speaker of the state House in 2013 .
Tillis faces Democrat Cal Cunningham in November .
The status of the economic recovery may prove pivotal in swing states .
“ The more Americans focus on the economy , the more it benefits Republicans up and down ballot , ” Republican strategist Matt Mackowiak told At the Races .
“ By the fall , the health care piece is probably going to look better relative to how it is now , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better as well .
… If you ’ re in a position where you need America to fail to benefit politically , it becomes a messaging challenge .
”

Bridget Bowman, Kate Ackley, and Stephanie Akin

Welcome to At the Races! Each week we’ll bring you news and analysis from the CQ Roll Call team that will keep you informed about the 2020 election. Know someone who’d like to get this newsletter? They can subscribe here.
More than 100,000 Americans have died of COVID-19, as of this week, and more than 40 million have filed for unemployment. With 159 days until the November elections, it’s impossible to know how the coronavirus crisis will factor into voters’ decisions. But already we’re seeing signs of how Senate and House candidates are approaching the twin calamities of the virus itself and the economic tailspin.
Democrats (as we noted last week) plan to focus on health care, while Republicans want to talk about jobs. Take Sen. Thom Tillis’ new TV ad, in which the North Carolina Republican touts his “humble” roots: “My job is fighting for your job. We will build this economy back, and I’ll remember who needs it the most.” North Carolina’s Democratic Party shot back, attacking the vulnerable incumbent for working against a Medicaid expansion plan when he was speaker of the state House in 2013. Tillis faces Democrat Cal Cunningham in November.
The status of the economic recovery may prove pivotal in swing states.
“The more Americans focus on the economy, the more it benefits Republicans up and down ballot,” Republican strategist Matt Mackowiak told At the Races. “By the fall, the health care piece is probably going to look better relative to how it is now, and the economic picture is likely to look better as well. … If you’re in a position where you need America to fail to benefit politically, it becomes a messaging challenge.”


rollcall--2020-05-28--House passes bill giving small businesses leeway on COVID-19 loans

The House passed by an overwhelming margin Thursday a bill to cut small businesses more slack in how they use @ @ @ @ @ bill would amend the Small Business Administration ’ s so-called Paycheck Protection Program , which @ @ @ @ @ affected by COVID-19 that need not be repaid if the money is used for payroll @ @ @ @ @ like rent .
The measure would lower the amount of a loan that must be @ @ @ @ @ borrowers more time to use them .
Members filed into the chamber one by one @ @ @ @ @ some also wearing gloves , to vote 417-1 for the measure co-sponsored by Reps. Dean @ @ @ @ @ Chip Roy , R-Texas .
The usual chatty din of congressional hobnobbing and cajoling was @ @ @ @ @ delivering proxy votes on behalf of colleagues staying at home .
The bill would lengthen @ @ @ @ @ to use the loans in order to have them forgiven from eight weeks to 24 @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus countermeasures .

The House passed by an overwhelming margin Thursday a bill to cut small businesses more slack in how they use coronavirus lifeline loans.
The bill would amend the Small Business Administration’s so-called Paycheck Protection Program, which provides forgivable loans to companies affected by COVID-19 that need not be repaid if the money is used for payroll and some fixed costs, like rent. The measure would lower the amount of a loan that must be used for payrolls and give borrowers more time to use them.
Members filed into the chamber one by one, all sporting masks and some also wearing gloves, to vote 417-1 for the measure co-sponsored by Reps. Dean Phillips, D-Minn., and Chip Roy, R-Texas. The usual chatty din of congressional hobnobbing and cajoling was replaced by the occasional Democrat delivering proxy votes on behalf of colleagues staying at home.
The bill would lengthen the time small businesses have to use the loans in order to have them forgiven from eight weeks to 24, reflecting the longer-than-expected length of the coronavirus countermeasures.


rollcall--2020-05-28--Outside money pours into Iowa Senate primary, with more to come

Greenfield ’ s opponents have criticized the outside involvement .
Franken pressed her in a recent debate to renounce outside spending in the race .
Greenfield responded : “ I can ’ t control at this point in time what dark money groups do.
” She noted that she supports overhauling campaign finance laws and does not accept corporate PAC money .
Despite the criticism from her opponents , the early spending from outside groups could help Greenfield if she wins the primary by boosting her name recognition and approval ratings before Republicans go on the attack .
Democratic groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic primary to bolster the DSCC ’ s pick , former state Sen. Cal Cunningham , in the race to take on GOP Sen. Thom Tillis .
While Republicans cheered that Democrats were spending money that could have been used in the general election , some Democrats believe the early spending helped increase Cunningham ’ s name recognition .
Recent polls have shown the North Carolina race is close , and some Democrats say early spending in Iowa could have the same impact on Greenfield .
Senate Majority PAC , a super PAC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and spend unlimited amounts as long as it does not coordinate efforts with campaigns , has spent nearly $ 6.7 million supporting Greenfield , mostly airing positive spots to highlight her background , which could dovetail to a general election message .
Greenfield has often stressed protecting Medicare and Social Security , saying Social Security helped her family survive when her first husband , a phone lineman , was killed on the job .
“ I think it speaks more to the fact that Iowa is a relatively inexpensive state for advertising , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is not working with any of the candidates , said of the outside spending .
“ And when you can define yourself first , it ’ s a huge competitive advantage .
I think that ’ s what ’ s driving it more than anything else .
”

Greenfield’s opponents have criticized the outside involvement. Franken pressed her in a recent debate to renounce outside spending in the race. Greenfield responded: “I can’t control at this point in time what dark money groups do.” She noted that she supports overhauling campaign finance laws and does not accept corporate PAC money.
Despite the criticism from her opponents, the early spending from outside groups could help Greenfield if she wins the primary by boosting her name recognition and approval ratings before Republicans go on the attack.
Democratic groups similarly spent early in the North Carolina Democratic primary to bolster the DSCC’s pick, former state Sen. Cal Cunningham, in the race to take on GOP Sen. Thom Tillis. While Republicans cheered that Democrats were spending money that could have been used in the general election, some Democrats believe the early spending helped increase Cunningham’s name recognition. Recent polls have shown the North Carolina race is close, and some Democrats say early spending in Iowa could have the same impact on Greenfield.
Senate Majority PAC, a super PAC aligned with the DSCC that can accept and spend unlimited amounts as long as it does not coordinate efforts with campaigns, has spent nearly $6.7 million supporting Greenfield, mostly airing positive spots to highlight her background, which could dovetail to a general election message. Greenfield has often stressed protecting Medicare and Social Security, saying Social Security helped her family survive when her first husband, a phone lineman, was killed on the job.
“I think it speaks more to the fact that Iowa is a relatively inexpensive state for advertising,” Iowa Democratic consultant Jeff Link, who is not working with any of the candidates, said of the outside spending. “And when you can define yourself first, it’s a huge competitive advantage. I think that’s what’s driving it more than anything else.”


rollcall--2020-05-28--Pennsylvania primaries to set matchups in House battlegrounds

Pennsylvania will be a crucial battleground in the presidential race , and it will also host a handful of competitive House races this year , including some Republicans consider critical to them winning back the House .
Republicans need a net gain of 17 seats to retake the chamber and they ’ re hoping to get some of them in the Keystone State , where Democrats are defending two districts that President Donald Trump won and one that he narrowly lost in 2016 .
But Republicans are also on defense , with Democrats targeting three GOP seats .
Since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday due to the coronavirus pandemic , the contests have been fairly quiet .
The House primaries haven ’ t attracted much outside spending or involvement , aside from Trump endorsing two candidates over the weekend .
But the races could pick up once the matchups are set .
Outside groups involved in House races have already reserved more than $ 18 million in airtime for the fall in Pennsylvania ’ s media markets , with the bulk of those reservations in the Philadelphia market , which also covers competitive races in New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeted support for two Pennsylvania Republicans taking on Democratic incumbents : Army veteran Sean Parnell , who is challenging Rep. Conor Lamb in the 17th District ; and former Lehigh County Commissioner Lisa Scheller , who is challenging Rep. Susan Wild in the 7th .

Pennsylvania will be a crucial battleground in the presidential race, and it will also host a handful of competitive House races this year, including some Republicans consider critical to them winning back the House.
Republicans need a net gain of 17 seats to retake the chamber and they’re hoping to get some of them in the Keystone State, where Democrats are defending two districts that President Donald Trump won and one that he narrowly lost in 2016. But Republicans are also on defense, with Democrats targeting three GOP seats.
Since the primaries were postponed from April 28 to Tuesday due to the coronavirus pandemic, the contests have been fairly quiet. The House primaries haven’t attracted much outside spending or involvement, aside from Trump endorsing two candidates over the weekend.
But the races could pick up once the matchups are set. Outside groups involved in House races have already reserved more than $18 million in airtime for the fall in Pennsylvania’s media markets, with the bulk of those reservations in the Philadelphia market, which also covers competitive races in New Jersey.
Trump's picks
Over the weekend, Trump tweeted support for two Pennsylvania Republicans taking on Democratic incumbents: Army veteran Sean Parnell, who is challenging Rep. Conor Lamb in the 17th District; and former Lehigh County Commissioner Lisa Scheller, who is challenging Rep. Susan Wild in the 7th.


rollcall--2020-05-29--Trump’s order on social media meets swift resistance

Even before it was signed Thursday , President Donald Trump ’ s executive order encouraging federal regulators to reconsider legal immunity for social media companies was pilloried by a diverse coalition of opponents who questioned the order ’ s legality and Trump ’ s motivations .
The order , signed by Trump on the heels of a multiday online tirade aimed at Twitter after the company fact-checked a pair of the president ’ s tweets about mail-in voting , would direct federal agencies to reexamine Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act .
Section 230 , which prevents online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Facebook — from being sued over third-party content posted on their websites , is a prized liability shield for Silicon Valley that experts have credited with playing a crucial role in fostering the growth of the internet as a bastion of free speech and expression .
But Trump and his allies , who have accused Big Tech platforms of censoring conservative viewpoints on their sites , have long considered changes to Section 230 as a way of exerting pressure on the companies .
“ A small handful of powerful social media monopolies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and private communications in the United States , ” Trump said before signing the order .
“ They ’ ve had unchecked power to censor , restrict , edit , shape , hide , alter virtually any form of communication between private citizens and public audiences .
”

Even before it was signed Thursday, President Donald Trump’s executive order encouraging federal regulators to reconsider legal immunity for social media companies was pilloried by a diverse coalition of opponents who questioned the order’s legality and Trump’s motivations.
The order, signed by Trump on the heels of a multiday online tirade aimed at Twitter after the company fact-checked a pair of the president’s tweets about mail-in voting, would direct federal agencies to reexamine Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act.
Section 230, which prevents online publishers — including companies such as Twitter and Facebook — from being sued over third-party content posted on their websites, is a prized liability shield for Silicon Valley that experts have credited with playing a crucial role in fostering the growth of the internet as a bastion of free speech and expression.
But Trump and his allies, who have accused Big Tech platforms of censoring conservative viewpoints on their sites, have long considered changes to Section 230 as a way of exerting pressure on the companies.
“A small handful of powerful social media monopolies controls a vast portion of all public and private communications in the United States,” Trump said before signing the order. “They’ve had unchecked power to censor, restrict, edit, shape, hide, alter virtually any form of communication between private citizens and public audiences.”


rollcall--2020-05-29--FDA asks packing facilities to report on COVID-19 problems

The Food and Drug Administration is asking farms and facilities it oversees for food safety to let the agency know @ @ @ @ @ close temporarily or slow production .
The FDA ’ s Center for Food Safety and @ @ @ @ @ for facilities that handle food for human consumption and farms on challenges they face during @ @ @ @ @ gained oversight of farms for the safe growing , harvesting , packing and holding of @ @ @ @ @ 2011 law .
Reporting is voluntary , and restaurants and retail food establishments are excluded @ @ @ @ @ notice comes a little more than a week after the FDA and the Agriculture Department @ @ @ @ @ to keep the nation ’ s food chain intact by making food facilities regulated by @ @ @ @ @ the USDA ’ s use of a 1950 law known as the Defense Production Act @ @ @ @ @ supply flowing .

The Food and Drug Administration is asking farms and facilities it oversees for food safety to let the agency know if COVID-19 forced them to close temporarily or slow production.
The FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition issued guidance Wednesday for facilities that handle food for human consumption and farms on challenges they face during the pandemic. The FDA gained oversight of farms for the safe growing, harvesting, packing and holding of fruits and vegetables under a 2011 law.
Reporting is voluntary, and restaurants and retail food establishments are excluded from the guidance.
Memorandum of understanding
The notice comes a little more than a week after the FDA and the Agriculture Department announced a memorandum of understanding to keep the nation’s food chain intact by making food facilities regulated by the FDA potentially subject to the USDA’s use of a 1950 law known as the Defense Production Act to keep the U.S. food supply flowing.


rollcall--2020-05-29--COVID-19 clouds early health insurance premium requests

Health insurance premium requests are beginning to trickle in from states with early filing deadlines , but the potential impacts from the coronavirus pandemic are still largely speculative .
Some health insurers in early deadline states like Vermont , Oregon and the District of Columbia are attributing portions of their proposed rate hikes for individual and small group plans to the pandemic , according to health department submissions , while most are opting to wait .
But all of the companies caution that data on the pandemic ’ s effects have yet to materialize , indicating that final premiums could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that nobody knows , ” said Margaret Murray , CEO of the Association for Community Affiliated Plans , adding that “ countervailing winds ” of things like a decline in routine care and the increase in COVID-19 treatment are clouding the crystal ball .
Proposed rate requests for 2021 will begin to pour in over the next couple weeks , with final rates approved in September .
Early signs indicate that more plans will be offered on the exchanges created by the 2010 health care law than last year , in spite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include the costs of tests and a vaccine , and how the dramatic spike in unemployment will shuffle people out of the small employer market and into the individual market and Medicaid .
It ’ s also unclear how quickly routine medical visits will resume , and what the long-term effects of the national shutdown will be — particularly for patients with chronic disease .

Health insurance premium requests are beginning to trickle in from states with early filing deadlines, but the potential impacts from the coronavirus pandemic are still largely speculative.
Some health insurers in early deadline states like Vermont, Oregon and the District of Columbia are attributing portions of their proposed rate hikes for individual and small group plans to the pandemic, according to health department submissions, while most are opting to wait. But all of the companies caution that data on the pandemic’s effects have yet to materialize, indicating that final premiums could be higher.
“The short answer is that nobody knows,” said Margaret Murray, CEO of the Association for Community Affiliated Plans, adding that “countervailing winds” of things like a decline in routine care and the increase in COVID-19 treatment are clouding the crystal ball.
Proposed rate requests for 2021 will begin to pour in over the next couple weeks, with final rates approved in September. Early signs indicate that more plans will be offered on the exchanges created by the 2010 health care law than last year, in spite of the pandemic.
Other unknown factors include the costs of tests and a vaccine, and how the dramatic spike in unemployment will shuffle people out of the small employer market and into the individual market and Medicaid. It’s also unclear how quickly routine medical visits will resume, and what the long-term effects of the national shutdown will be — particularly for patients with chronic disease.


rollcall--2020-05-29--Trump going ahead with pulling the US back from the World Health Organization

President Donald Trump said Friday that the U.S. government would be directing money away from the World Health Organization .
@ @ @ @ @ to make the requested and greatly needed reforms , we will be today terminating our @ @ @ @ @ Organization and redirecting those funds to other worldwide and deserving urgent global public health needs @ @ @ @ @ the Rose Garden .
The president and other Republicans have largely blamed WHO leadership for @ @ @ @ @ about the coronavirus as the pandemic began in China .
The announcement , which came @ @ @ @ @ as a news conference but featured no opportunity to ask the president questions , followed @ @ @ @ @ top administration officials .
“ China has total control over the World Health Organization , @ @ @ @ @ million per year , compared to what the United States has been paying , which @ @ @ @ @ a year , ” Trump asserted Friday during an event largely about U.S. policy toward @ @ @

President Donald Trump said Friday that the U.S. government would be directing money away from the World Health Organization.
“Because they have failed to make the requested and greatly needed reforms, we will be today terminating our relationship with the World Health Organization and redirecting those funds to other worldwide and deserving urgent global public health needs,” he said in the Rose Garden.
The president and other Republicans have largely blamed WHO leadership for providing incomplete and inaccurate information about the coronavirus as the pandemic began in China.
The announcement, which came during what had been billed as a news conference but featured no opportunity to ask the president questions, followed previous threats from Trump and top administration officials.
“China has total control over the World Health Organization, despite only paying $40 million per year, compared to what the United States has been paying, which is approximately $450 million a year,” Trump asserted Friday during an event largely about U.S. policy toward Hong Kong.


rollcall--2020-05-29--Trump says he’ll begin removal of Hong Kong’s preferred status

President Donald Trump announced sanctions against China for its actions to assert greater political control over Hong Kong on Friday , but he also took the opportunity to attack Beijing for its alleged role in covering up the outbreak of coronavirus and for its unfair trade policies .
And he threatened a broad range of sanctions , not all of them linked specifically to Hong Kong ’ s special status under international law .
They range from greater restrictions on Chinese nationals studying at U.S. universities to a review of whether Chinese companies listed on U.S. financial markets pose a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protecting national security , but the truth is that Hong Kong was secure and prosperous as a free society , ” Trump said in the White House Rose Garden .
“ Beijing ’ s decision reverses all of that .
It extends the reach of China ’ s invasive state security apparatus into what was formerly a bastion of liberty.
” Among the Hong Kong-focused sanctions that the president promised were an administration review of special exceptions in U.S. laws and special agreements with Hong Kong , covering issues ranging from export control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the administration would take action to revoke Hong Kong ’ s status as a special customs and travel territory under U.S. law .
And Chinese officials involved in actions to suppress Hong Kong ’ s autonomy will be targeted for visa restrictions , he said .

President Donald Trump announced sanctions against China for its actions to assert greater political control over Hong Kong on Friday, but he also took the opportunity to attack Beijing for its alleged role in covering up the outbreak of coronavirus and for its unfair trade policies.
And he threatened a broad range of sanctions, not all of them linked specifically to Hong Kong’s special status under international law. They range from greater restrictions on Chinese nationals studying at U.S. universities to a review of whether Chinese companies listed on U.S. financial markets pose a risk.
“China claims it is protecting national security, but the truth is that Hong Kong was secure and prosperous as a free society,” Trump said in the White House Rose Garden. “Beijing’s decision reverses all of that. It extends the reach of China’s invasive state security apparatus into what was formerly a bastion of liberty.”
Among the Hong Kong-focused sanctions that the president promised were an administration review of special exceptions in U.S. laws and special agreements with Hong Kong, covering issues ranging from export control to extradition.
Trump also said that the administration would take action to revoke Hong Kong’s status as a special customs and travel territory under U.S. law. And Chinese officials involved in actions to suppress Hong Kong’s autonomy will be targeted for visa restrictions, he said.


rollcall--2020-05-29--Hoyer: Appropriations markups to start in late June

The House plans to pass its fiscal 2021 appropriations bills before leaving town for the August recess , according to Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer — even if it means that recess is delayed .
In order to meet that timeline , the Maryland Democrat wrote in a `` Dear Colleague '' letter Friday he expects the House Appropriations Committee will start marking up the 12 bills in subcommittee and full committee `` at the end of June and beginning of July . ''
Hoyer wrote that floor debate is expected to begin early and last late into the night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distance while debating spending bills and other `` must-pass '' items .
Those include the defense authorization bill , a water projects bill , an infrastructure package , legislation to `` strengthen and expand '' the 2010 health care law , and possibly additional COVID-19 response bills .
[ Updated House calendar has only one voting day in June , 12 in July ] The updated House calendar Hoyer released Friday has the August recess scheduled to begin after votes July 31 , and run through Labor Day .
That 's despite speculation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more coveted in election years like this one — would be curtailed because of how much time lawmakers have spent home in their districts due to the pandemic .

The House plans to pass its fiscal 2021 appropriations bills before leaving town for the August recess, according to Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer — even if it means that recess is delayed.
In order to meet that timeline, the Maryland Democrat wrote in a "Dear Colleague" letter Friday he expects the House Appropriations Committee will start marking up the 12 bills in subcommittee and full committee "at the end of June and beginning of July."
Hoyer wrote that floor debate is expected to begin early and last late into the night so lawmakers can ensure they keep their distance while debating spending bills and other "must-pass" items. Those include the defense authorization bill, a water projects bill, an infrastructure package, legislation to "strengthen and expand" the 2010 health care law, and possibly additional COVID-19 response bills.
[Updated House calendar has only one voting day in June, 12 in July]
The updated House calendar Hoyer released Friday has the August recess scheduled to begin after votes July 31, and run through Labor Day. That's despite speculation that the annual August break — even more coveted in election years like this one — would be curtailed because of how much time lawmakers have spent home in their districts due to the pandemic.


rollcall--2020-05-29--Updated House calendar has only one voting day in June, 12 in July

An updated House legislative calendar for 2020 has only one scheduled voting day in June , 12 in July and none in August .
The calendar House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer released Friday retains the previously scheduled monthlong August recess and the October break for members to campaign ahead of the November general election .
However , in a “ Dear Colleague ” letter the Maryland Democrat sent about the updated schedule , he left open the possibility of further changes , depending on whether the House is able to complete work on a number of priority bills in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House is able to complete its work on these items by the end of July , no changes will be made to the August district work period , barring , of course , any additional measures that need to be taken to address the COVID-19 pandemic , ” Hoyer wrote .
“ Information on the fall schedule will be provided at a later date.
” Hoyer specifically mentioned plans for the House to take up the fiscal 2021 appropriations bills , annual defense authorization bill , an infrastructure package , the water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expand the 2010 health care law , among other unnamed items .

An updated House legislative calendar for 2020 has only one scheduled voting day in June, 12 in July and none in August.
The calendar House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer released Friday retains the previously scheduled monthlong August recess and the October break for members to campaign ahead of the November general election.
However, in a “Dear Colleague” letter the Maryland Democrat sent about the updated schedule, he left open the possibility of further changes, depending on whether the House is able to complete work on a number of priority bills in late June and July.
“If the House is able to complete its work on these items by the end of July, no changes will be made to the August district work period, barring, of course, any additional measures that need to be taken to address the COVID-19 pandemic,” Hoyer wrote. “Information on the fall schedule will be provided at a later date.”
Hoyer specifically mentioned plans for the House to take up the fiscal 2021 appropriations bills, annual defense authorization bill, an infrastructure package, the water resources bill and legislation to strengthen and expand the 2010 health care law, among other unnamed items.


rollcall--2020-05-29--Interior watchdog: Senior official misused post to aid family

A senior Interior Department official used his position to get a family member a job at the EPA , a violation of federal ethics rules and an abuse of office , the department ’ s inspector general said in a report released Friday .
The investigation found Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs Douglas Domenech contacted an EPA official in person and via email in 2017 on behalf of a family member pursuing a job at the agency .
Domenech also promoted a different family member ’ s wedding business to the same EPA official , according to investigators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an email the contacts occurred before the department stepped up its ethical compliance training .
He did not dispute the IG 's findings .
“ The underlying events regarding Mr. Domenech occurred in 2017 , '' he wrote , `` before the Department initiated an unprecedented effort to invest in building a culture of ethical compliance and dramatically expanding the Department of the Interior ’ s Ethics Office Program , which has resulted in tripling the number of career ethics officials within the Department.
” In a separate inquiry in December , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alumnus of the George W. Bush administration , broke ethics rules by meeting with a former employer .
At the time , Domenech said he had misunderstood his ethics briefings .

A senior Interior Department official used his position to get a family member a job at the EPA, a violation of federal ethics rules and an abuse of office, the department’s inspector general said in a report released Friday.
The investigation found Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs Douglas Domenech contacted an EPA official in person and via email in 2017 on behalf of a family member pursuing a job at the agency. Domenech also promoted a different family member’s wedding business to the same EPA official, according to investigators.
Interior spokesman Nicholas Goodwin said in an email the contacts occurred before the department stepped up its ethical compliance training. He did not dispute the IG's findings.
“The underlying events regarding Mr. Domenech occurred in 2017," he wrote, "before the Department initiated an unprecedented effort to invest in building a culture of ethical compliance and dramatically expanding the Department of the Interior’s Ethics Office Program, which has resulted in tripling the number of career ethics officials within the Department.”
In a separate inquiry in December, the DOI inspector general said Domenech, an alumnus of the George W. Bush administration, broke ethics rules by meeting with a former employer. At the time, Domenech said he had misunderstood his ethics briefings.


rollcall--2020-05-29--Campus Notebook: Shalala finishes selling unrestricted stock

Rep. Donna Shalala , who has been scrutinized for failing to report hundreds of stock transactions , sold off more equities this month , according to her periodic transaction report filed May 15 .
Shalala was appointed in April by Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the Congressional Oversight Commission , a position in which she is tasked with overseeing hundreds of billions in coronavirus relief funds .
She failed to disclose her 2019 stock trades , a requirement under the STOCK Act for all members of Congress .
“ After her appointment to the commission , it became even more urgent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stocks , ” Carlos Condarco , a spokesman for the Florida Democrat , said .
“ The congresswoman has now finished her divestment of unrestricted stock .
She looks forward to her responsibilities in overseeing CARES Act funding.
” In April , Shalala came under scrutiny for failing to report hundreds of stock transactions .
Shalala ’ s most recent periodic transaction report shows she continued selling off stock into May .
She sold between $ 15,000 and $ 50,000 in TEGNA Inc and between $ 15,000 and $ 50,000 Watsco , Inc @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between $ 1,000 and $ 15,000 in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited American Depositary Shares .
She sold between $ 351,000 and $ 765,000 in Lennar Corporation stock .

Rep. Donna Shalala, who has been scrutinized for failing to report hundreds of stock transactions, sold off more equities this month, according to her periodic transaction report filed May 15.
Shalala was appointed in April by Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the Congressional Oversight Commission, a position in which she is tasked with overseeing hundreds of billions in coronavirus relief funds. She failed to disclose her 2019 stock trades, a requirement under the STOCK Act for all members of Congress.
“After her appointment to the commission, it became even more urgent to accelerate her divestment of any individual stocks,” Carlos Condarco, a spokesman for the Florida Democrat, said. “The congresswoman has now finished her divestment of unrestricted stock. She looks forward to her responsibilities in overseeing CARES Act funding.”
In April, Shalala came under scrutiny for failing to report hundreds of stock transactions.
Shalala’s most recent periodic transaction report shows she continued selling off stock into May. She sold between $15,000 and $50,000 in TEGNA Inc and between $15,000 and $50,000 Watsco, Inc on May 7. She also sold between $1,000 and $15,000 in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited American Depositary Shares. She sold between $351,000 and $765,000 in Lennar Corporation stock.


rollcall--2020-05-29--Republicans miss that personal touch: Congressional Hits and Misses

As lawmakers continued to struggle with the mute button , Republicans begged Democrats to do away with Zoom meetings and @ @ @ @ @ person again .
Rep. Morgan Griffith even looked up the word “ meet ” in @ @ @ @ @ Rep. Jackie Walorski joined a Ways and Means hearing from her car and Rep. Louie @ @ @ @ @ fun of proxy voting .
[ Also watch : The voice of the House loves @ @ @ @

As lawmakers continued to struggle with the mute button, Republicans begged Democrats to do away with Zoom meetings and make House members meet in person again. Rep. Morgan Griffith even looked up the word “meet” in the dictionary.
Meanwhile, Rep. Jackie Walorski joined a Ways and Means hearing from her car and Rep. Louie Gohmert got in on the fun of proxy voting.
[ Also watch: The voice of the House loves D.C. punk rock ]


rollcall--2020-05-29--Coronavirus Special Report: Sen. Marsha Blackburn on China

Already-strained relations between China and the U.S. have become even tenser during the coronavirus pandemic .
CQ Roll Call 's @ @ @ @ @ Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee to discuss what is at stake .

Already-strained relations between China and the U.S. have become even tenser during the coronavirus pandemic. CQ Roll Call's Niels Lesniewski sits down with Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee to discuss what is at stake.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-05-29--Photos of the week ending May 29, 2020

Photos of the week ending May 29, 2020

The traditional unofficial opening of summer over the Memorial Day weekend also signaled the cautious reopening of the Washington metro @ @ @ @ @ out this week documenting what the Capitol , the city and the surrounding region looked @ @

Bill Clark, Tom Williams, and Caroline Brehman

The traditional unofficial opening of summer over the Memorial Day weekend also signaled the cautious reopening of the Washington metro area. Our photojournalists were out this week documenting what the Capitol, the city and the surrounding region looked like.
An employee at Flashback Old Time Photos wears a mask Sunday as she waits for customers on the Ocean City, Md., boardwalk for the Memorial Day weekend. Maryland recently lifted its stay-at-home order as it enters Phase 1 of reopening the state. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Nuns wearing face masks walk by the Memorial Day wreaths at the World War II Memorial in Washington on Monday. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
A woman casts her vote Tuesday during early voting for the D.C. primary at McKinley Technology High School. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)


rollcall--2020-05-29--Nasty primary nearly over in New Mexico district GOP wants to recapture

Republicans hoping to take back the House this year see New Mexico ’ s 2nd District as one of their best pickup opportunities .
But the winner of Tuesday ’ s primary will have to move past what has been a nasty and personal intraparty fight before she can focus on taking back the seat Democrat Xochitl Torres Small narrowly won two years ago .
In addition to the GOP rivalry between 2018 nominee Yvette Herrell and oil industry executive Claire Chase in the 2nd District , New Mexico ’ s primaries also feature a crowded Democratic contest for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is vacating to run for the Senate .
Luján is unopposed , but there ’ s a three-way battle for the Republican Senate nomination .
And there ’ s a GOP primary to take on freshman Democrat Deb Haaland in the Albuquerque-based 1st District .
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates both races Solid Democratic .
With women in strong positions in all three of the state ’ s congressional districts , there ’ s a good chance Tuesday ’ s races will decide whether the state will send its first all-female @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the races to watch :

Republicans hoping to take back the House this year see New Mexico’s 2nd District as one of their best pickup opportunities. But the winner of Tuesday’s primary will have to move past what has been a nasty and personal intraparty fight before she can focus on taking back the seat Democrat Xochitl Torres Small narrowly won two years ago.
In addition to the GOP rivalry between 2018 nominee Yvette Herrell and oil industry executive Claire Chase in the 2nd District, New Mexico’s primaries also feature a crowded Democratic contest for the 3rd District seat Rep. Ben Ray Luján is vacating to run for the Senate.
Luján is unopposed, but there’s a three-way battle for the Republican Senate nomination. And there’s a GOP primary to take on freshman Democrat Deb Haaland in the Albuquerque-based 1st District. Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates both races Solid Democratic.
With women in strong positions in all three of the state’s congressional districts, there’s a good chance Tuesday’s races will decide whether the state will send its first all-female delegation to the House.
Here are the races to watch:


rollcall--2020-06-01--Old law could leave 2020 presidential race in stalemate

The nation ’ s 133-year-old law for picking a president has a provision that has never been needed to settle @ @ @ @ @ it deals with a situation that would only happen after a cascade of seemingly improbable @ @ @ @ @ this is 2020 , a year that feels cursed with historic worsts .
And election @ @ @ @ @ would be wise to clarify the provision before the country potentially faces this worst-case scenario @ @ @ @ @ if there is no clear Electoral College winner on Inauguration Day on Jan. 20 .
@ @ @ @ @ asking the question what should Congress do to prepare for November , that would be @ @ @ @ @ list , ” said Edward Foley , a constitutional law professor and director of Ohio @ @ @ @ @ law program , who has written on the provision and hosted a recent online expert @ @ @ @ @ The situation calls more for a dose of procedural preparation than panic .
The odds @ @ @ @ @ incredibly low .

The nation’s 133-year-old law for picking a president has a provision that has never been needed to settle a disputed election, since it deals with a situation that would only happen after a cascade of seemingly improbable events.
Then again, this is 2020, a year that feels cursed with historic worsts.
And election law experts warn that Congress would be wise to clarify the provision before the country potentially faces this worst-case scenario: A full-fledged constitutional crisis if there is no clear Electoral College winner on Inauguration Day on Jan. 20.
“If you’re asking the question what should Congress do to prepare for November, that would be on the top of the list,” said Edward Foley, a constitutional law professor and director of Ohio State University’s election law program, who has written on the provision and hosted a recent online expert roundtable discussion on it.
The situation calls more for a dose of procedural preparation than panic. The odds of that worst-case scenario seem incredibly low.


rollcall--2020-06-01--6 things to watch in Tuesday’s primaries

Eight states will hold primaries Tuesday , with several featuring critical contests in the battle for Congress .
Four of @ @ @ @ @ have held their primaries in April , but the elections were postponed due to the @ @ @ @ @ will hold its presidential primary only , but Tuesday ’ s congressional races to watch @ @ @ @ @ , Iowa , Montana , New Mexico and Pennsylvania .
Maryland and South Dakota will @ @ @ @ @ and Idaho ’ s extension of the time to return ballots from its May 19 @ @ @ @ @ , but there are no competitive congressional races on the ballot .
The District of @ @ @ @ @ for president and its nonvoting House delegate .
Here are six things to watch Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ early test of whether the states that postponed primaries originally set for April or May @ @ @ @ @ were scheduled for June 2 all along , have had enough time to adjust to @ @ @

Bridget Bowman, Stephanie Akin, Kate Ackley, and Jessica Wehrman

Eight states will hold primaries Tuesday, with several featuring critical contests in the battle for Congress.
Four of the states were supposed to have held their primaries in April, but the elections were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Rhode Island will hold its presidential primary only, but Tuesday’s congressional races to watch Tuesday will be in Indiana, Iowa, Montana, New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
Maryland and South Dakota will also have primaries Tuesday, and Idaho’s extension of the time to return ballots from its May 19 primary ends the same day, but there are no competitive congressional races on the ballot. The District of Columbia is also holding primaries for president and its nonvoting House delegate.
Here are six things to watch Tuesday:
1. Voting in a pandemic
Tuesday will be an early test of whether the states that postponed primaries originally set for April or May, and those whose elections were scheduled for June 2 all along, have had enough time to adjust to the pandemic.


rollcall--2020-06-01--Joyce Beatty talks George Floyd, being pepper sprayed and where we go from here

As protesters poured into streets around the country this weekend and police used chemical agents to break up crowds , a member of Congress was among those sprayed .
Rep. Joyce Beatty joined others in her home state of Ohio on Saturday morning to protest the May 25 killing of African American man George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police .
She ’ d been there almost two hours before the pepper spray hit .
“ I had been out there from the very beginning , ” Beatty said .
“ We get down to the last 20 minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there were young protesters who were exercising their freedom to speak very vocally and very loud , I ’ ll be very transparent .
But they were not in the middle of the street .
They weren ’ t throwing things .
They were angry and frustrated and scared and hurting.
” What happened next left her eyes burning and convinced her that officers were cracking down with unnecessary force .
It ’ s an experience that will stay with her as she talks with colleagues this week about how they should respond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seemed to start when police threw a man to the ground , according to a video obtained by NBC4 Columbus .
Next an officer “ body slammed ” a young woman , Beatty said , and her instinct was to protect her .
As people surged forward , officers took out their pepper spray and aimed it at the crowd .

As protesters poured into streets around the country this weekend and police used chemical agents to break up crowds, a member of Congress was among those sprayed.
Rep. Joyce Beatty joined others in her home state of Ohio on Saturday morning to protest the May 25 killing of African American man George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. She’d been there almost two hours before the pepper spray hit.
“I had been out there from the very beginning,” Beatty said. “We get down to the last 20 minutes or so of the protest, and there were young protesters who were exercising their freedom to speak very vocally and very loud, I’ll be very transparent. But they were not in the middle of the street. They weren’t throwing things. They were angry and frustrated and scared and hurting.”
What happened next left her eyes burning and convinced her that officers were cracking down with unnecessary force. It’s an experience that will stay with her as she talks with colleagues this week about how they should respond to the national unrest.
The trouble seemed to start when police threw a man to the ground, according to a video obtained by NBC4 Columbus. Next an officer “body slammed” a young woman, Beatty said, and her instinct was to protect her. As people surged forward, officers took out their pepper spray and aimed it at the crowd.


rollcall--2020-06-01--Trump floats invoking 1807 Insurrection Act to ‘dominate’ protests

President Donald Trump on Monday night threatened to use the full power of the federal government , including the military through the use of the more than 200-year old Insurrection Act , to quell protests that have erupted in dozens of cities across the country in the last week .
Trump ’ s comments from the Rose Garden , his first addressing the nation on the escalating racial unrest in the wake of the May 25 death of George Floyd at the hand of a Minneapolis police officer , came as a battalion of active duty troops were reportedly en @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide support to local law enforcement .
Trump did not address the reports of deploying Army soldiers from Ft. Bragg within the District of Columbia but said he believed governors and mayors were not responding aggressively enough to the protests .
“ These are not acts of peaceful protest .
These are acts of domestic terror , ” the president said .
“ We are putting everybody on warning , our 7 o ’ clock curfew will be strictly enforced , ” Trump said , as federal law enforcement officials were deployed across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced earlier in the day by Mayor Muriel Bowser .
More than 1,000 members of the District of Columbia National Guard have also been deployed within Washington .

President Donald Trump on Monday night threatened to use the full power of the federal government, including the military through the use of the more than 200-year-old Insurrection Act, to quell protests that have erupted in dozens of cities across the country in the last week.
Trump’s comments from the Rose Garden, his first addressing the nation on the escalating racial unrest in the wake of the May 25 death of George Floyd at the hand of a Minneapolis police officer, came as a battalion of active duty troops were reportedly en route to Washington from North Carolina to provide support to local law enforcement.
Trump did not address the reports of deploying Army soldiers from Fort Bragg within the District of Columbia but said he believed governors and mayors were not responding aggressively enough to the protests.
“These are not acts of peaceful protest. These are acts of domestic terror,” the president said.
“We are putting everybody on warning, our 7 o’clock curfew will be strictly enforced,” Trump said, as federal law enforcement officials were deployed across Washington to assist in enforcing a curfew announced earlier in the day by Mayor Muriel Bowser. More than 1,000 members of the District of Columbia National Guard have also been deployed within Washington.


rollcall--2020-06-01--Reversing course, VA will start process to remove Nazi grave markings

The Department of Veterans Affairs will begin a legal process that could remove three headstones containing swastikas and messages honoring @ @ @ @ @ of German prisoners of war .
Monday 's announcement follows a week of tense back-and-forth @ @ @ @ @ bipartisan group of senior lawmakers , who released a letter one week ago calling on @ @ @ @ @ gravestones from veterans ' cemeteries in Texas and Utah .
“ It is understandably upsetting @ @ @ @ @ families to see Nazi inscriptions near those who gave their lives for this nation .
@ @ @ @ @ will initiate the process required to replace these POW headstones , '' Veterans Affairs Secretary @ @ @ @ @ statement Monday .
Wilkie said at a congressional hearing last week that he thought the @ @ @ @ @ first erected in the 1940s , should remain but with the addition of `` historical @ @ @

The Department of Veterans Affairs will begin a legal process that could remove three headstones containing swastikas and messages honoring Adolf Hitler from the graves of German prisoners of war.
Monday's announcement follows a week of tense back-and-forth between the VA and a bipartisan group of senior lawmakers, who released a letter one week ago calling on the department to remove the gravestones from veterans' cemeteries in Texas and Utah.
“It is understandably upsetting to our Veterans and their families to see Nazi inscriptions near those who gave their lives for this nation. That’s why VA will initiate the process required to replace these POW headstones," Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie said in a statement Monday.
[VA secretary grilled on Nazi grave markers]
Wilkie said at a congressional hearing last week that he thought the gravestones with their markings, first erected in the 1940s, should remain but with the addition of "historical context."


rollcall--2020-06-01--Road ahead: Senate schedule so far unaffected by protests, DC curfews

Senators returned to the Capitol on Monday to heightened security as demonstrators gathered peacefully outside the building , but there was little effect on the Senate schedule , even as District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser has imposed citywide curfews .
The more visible police presence is expected to continue , but with House members away , the only real floor activity will be in the Senate , where the expected focus remains on confirming more of President Donald Trump ’ s nominees .
The Senate ’ s schedule for the week was set before the weekend of protests over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This week ’ s list of nominees for floor consideration include several tapped for judgeships and Brian D. Miller , who was nominated for the job of special inspector general and tasked with oversight of some of the Treasury Department ’ s spending in response to the COVID-19 pandemic .
When senators left for the Memorial Day recess , the coronavirus was still the most pressing national emergency , and the hearing schedule for the week reflects that reality .
The Judiciary Committee is scheduled to meet Tuesday for an oversight hearing of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to spread in prisons and jails .

Senators returned to the Capitol on Monday to heightened security as demonstrators gathered peacefully outside the building, but there was little effect on the Senate schedule, even as District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser has imposed citywide curfews.
The more visible police presence is expected to continue, but with House members away, the only real floor activity will be in the Senate, where the expected focus remains on confirming more of President Donald Trump’s nominees.
The Senate’s schedule for the week was set before the weekend of protests over the police killing of George Floyd.
This week’s list of nominees for floor consideration include several tapped for judgeships and Brian D. Miller, who was nominated for the job of special inspector general and tasked with oversight of some of the Treasury Department’s spending in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
When senators left for the Memorial Day recess, the coronavirus was still the most pressing national emergency, and the hearing schedule for the week reflects that reality. The Judiciary Committee is scheduled to meet Tuesday for an oversight hearing of incarceration practices, with the virus continuing to spread in prisons and jails.


rollcall--2020-06-01--Coronavirus Special Report: Protests erupt across the country during a pandemic

Tonight , we have an interview from reporter Clyde McGrady with Rep. Joyce Beatty , a Democrat from Ohio who @ @ @ @ @ in Columbus over the death of George Floyd .
Then , we examine how campuses @ @ @ @ @ the fall amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
• McConnell says Senate to take up House @ @ @ @ @ • Photos : A weekend of reopening in DC ends in chaos • Bipartisan group @ @ @ @ @ virus aid bill • Old law could leave 2020 presidential race in stalemate

Tonight, we have an interview from reporter Clyde McGrady with Rep. Joyce Beatty, a Democrat from Ohio who was pepper-sprayed during a protest in Columbus over the death of George Floyd. Then, we examine how campuses are preparing to reopen in the fall amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-06-01--CBO: Democrats’ latest virus aid bill to cost nearly $3.5 trillion

House Democrats ' massive pandemic relief bill would cost nearly $ 3.5 trillion , according to an official estimate , dwarfing the previous record-setting March package aimed at preserving the coronavirus-battered U.S. economy .
That 's in line with preliminary estimates from congressional aides who had put the tally at over $ 3 trillion , but the new figures from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office could give skeptical Republicans another talking point .
The White House has already threatened to veto the measure , which the House passed 208-199 on a mostly party-line vote last month .
Senate Republicans wasted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take up the bill , which some described as a partisan `` wish list . ''
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , has said further legislation might be necessary , but has not set a definitive timeline .
According to the CBO , roughly half the cost of the House bill , or just over $ 1.7 trillion , would occur in the remaining months before the new fiscal year begins Oct. 1 .
That would bring the deficit for the current year to an astronomical $ 5.4 trillion , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. economy .
Much of the rest of the borrowed funds , or $ 1.4 trillion , would be tacked onto the fiscal 2021 deficit , which would clock in at a still-sizable $ 3.5 trillion .

House Democrats' massive pandemic relief bill would cost nearly $3.5 trillion, according to an official estimate, dwarfing the previous record-setting March package aimed at preserving the coronavirus-battered U.S. economy.
That's in line with preliminary estimates from congressional aides who had put the tally at over $3 trillion, but the new figures from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office could give skeptical Republicans another talking point.
The White House has already threatened to veto the measure, which the House passed 208-199 on a mostly party-line vote last month. Senate Republicans wasted no time in saying they would not take up the bill, which some described as a partisan "wish list." Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has said further legislation might be necessary, but has not set a definitive timeline.
According to the CBO, roughly half the cost of the House bill, or just over $1.7 trillion, would occur in the remaining months before the new fiscal year begins Oct. 1. That would bring the deficit for the current year to an astronomical $5.4 trillion, or 26 percent of the size of the U.S. economy.
Much of the rest of the borrowed funds, or $1.4 trillion, would be tacked onto the fiscal 2021 deficit, which would clock in at a still-sizable $3.5 trillion.


rollcall--2020-06-01--Immigration agencies to assist law enforcement amid unrest

The two biggest immigration enforcement agencies at the Homeland Security Department confirmed Monday they will deploy personnel and resources to support local , state and federal law enforcement in U.S. cities where civil unrest over police brutality continues to simmer .
Immigration and Customs Enforcement , the DHS agency that deports undocumented people from inside the United States , confirmed to CQ Roll Call that it would add to the boots on the ground nationwide .
ICE “ fully respects the rights of all people to peacefully express their opinions , ” Danielle Bennett , an agency spokeswoman , told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In light of civil unrest taking place across the country , ICE personnel and Special Response Teams have been deployed to protect agency facilities and assets in support of the Federal Protective Service and assist local , state and federal law enforcement partners , as needed , ” Bennett said .
The announcement comes after the death of George Floyd , a 46-year-old black man who died May 25 , as he was being pinned down by Minneapolis police officers .
The main officer involved now faces charges of third-degree murder and manslaughter @

The two biggest immigration enforcement agencies at the Homeland Security Department confirmed Monday they will deploy personnel and resources to support local, state and federal law enforcement in U.S. cities where civil unrest over police brutality continues to simmer.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the DHS agency that deports undocumented people from inside the United States, confirmed to CQ Roll Call that it would add to the boots on the ground nationwide.
ICE “fully respects the rights of all people to peacefully express their opinions,” Danielle Bennett, an agency spokeswoman, told CQ Roll Call via email.
“In light of civil unrest taking place across the country, ICE personnel and Special Response Teams have been deployed to protect agency facilities and assets in support of the Federal Protective Service and assist local, state and federal law enforcement partners, as needed,” Bennett said.
The announcement comes after the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who died May 25, as he was being pinned down by Minneapolis police officers. The main officer involved now faces charges of third-degree murder and manslaughter.


rollcall--2020-06-01--Workplace infection rule could backfire, Labor Department says

Forcing the Labor Department to adopt an emergency temporary standard to protect workers against COVID-19 infections could result in an “ ineffective or counterproductive ” regulation that would be difficult to modify if necessary , the department said in court documents .
And ordering the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to issue such a standard not only would trespass on agency discretion , it also would involve the courts in an active controversy subject to negotiations between the executive branch and Congress , department lawyers said in the documents filed Friday .
“ Rather , the virus is a problem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one that implicates good-faith but contested political , economic , and scientific premises ; it should remain with ‘ the political branches ’ to decide whether to issue an ETS [ emergency temporary standard ] , ” agency lawyers said in asking the Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to reject a complaint from the AFL-CIO .
The court ordered the AFL-CIO to file its reply to the Labor Department response on Tuesday , after which the court will decide whether to schedule oral arguments .
The AFL-CIO , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for speedy consideration because of the “ grave danger ” COVID-19 poses to workers .
`` Grave danger '' is the key trigger for Labor Department action under 1970 law .

Forcing the Labor Department to adopt an emergency temporary standard to protect workers against COVID-19 infections could result in an “ineffective or counterproductive” regulation that would be difficult to modify if necessary, the department said in court documents.
And ordering the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to issue such a standard not only would trespass on agency discretion, it also would involve the courts in an active controversy subject to negotiations between the executive branch and Congress, department lawyers said in the documents filed Friday.
“Rather, the virus is a problem of extraordinary magnitude and complexity, and one that implicates good-faith but contested political, economic, and scientific premises; it should remain with ‘the political branches’ to decide whether to issue an ETS [emergency temporary standard],” agency lawyers said in asking the Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to reject a complaint from the AFL-CIO.
The court ordered the AFL-CIO to file its reply to the Labor Department response on Tuesday, after which the court will decide whether to schedule oral arguments.
The AFL-CIO, in a complaint filed May 18, pleaded for speedy consideration because of the “grave danger” COVID-19 poses to workers. "Grave danger" is the key trigger for Labor Department action under 1970 law.


rollcall--2020-06-01--McConnell says Senate to take up House’s PPP flexibility bill

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said his chamber would “ soon ” vote on a House bill passed last week that would add flexibility to a loan program helping small businesses survive the economic crisis caused by the novel coronavirus .
“ I hope and anticipate the Senate will soon take up and pass legislation that just passed the House by an overwhelming vote of 417-1 to further strengthen the Paycheck Protection Program so it continues working for small businesses that need our help , ” McConnell said Monday .
The House passed a bill last week that would make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Administration ’ s Paycheck Protection Program , which offers companies forgivable loans that act like grants so long as the money is used mostly to pay employees .
The legislation would give small businesses more time to use the PPP funds and allow them to use more money for nonpayroll expenses .
The program , created as part of the roughly $ 2 trillion economic relief package passed in March , currently requires small businesses to spend the loans within eight weeks in order to have the debts forgiven .
The House bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , reflecting the longer-than-expected duration of the coronavirus stay-at-home orders .

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said his chamber would “soon” vote on a House bill passed last week that would add flexibility to a loan program helping small businesses survive the economic crisis caused by the novel coronavirus.
“I hope and anticipate the Senate will soon take up and pass legislation that just passed the House by an overwhelming vote of 417-1 to further strengthen the Paycheck Protection Program so it continues working for small businesses that need our help,” McConnell said Monday.
The House passed a bill last week that would make a few tweaks to the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program, which offers companies forgivable loans that act like grants so long as the money is used mostly to pay employees.
The legislation would give small businesses more time to use the PPP funds and allow them to use more money for nonpayroll expenses.
The program, created as part of the roughly $2 trillion economic relief package passed in March, currently requires small businesses to spend the loans within eight weeks in order to have the debts forgiven. The House bill would lengthen that time to 24 weeks, reflecting the longer-than-expected duration of the coronavirus stay-at-home orders.


rollcall--2020-06-01--Delta: Aid means it can’t fire workers, but it can cut hours

Delta is defending itself against Democratic accusations that it ’ s violating a $ 2 trillion coronavirus relief law by cutting workers ’ hours , saying it is “ in full compliance ” with the law .
Delta CEO Edward H. Bastian defended the airline in a letter to Sen. Elizabeth Warren last week , saying the company is attempting to preserve jobs after money from the law dries up at the end of September .
`` Even after September , my goal is to keep furloughs to a minimum and avoid them entirely if possible , '' Bastian wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To achieve this goal , we are working across all divisions of the company to spread the reduced work available among as many people as possible , thereby protecting jobs . ''
The company has been criticized for cutting hours after receiving $ 5.4 billion in assistance from the law , out of $ 25 billion given to airlines , to keep carriers from laying off workers because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Delta argues that cutting hours is different from cutting pay , but Democrats aren ’ t buying it : On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 12 other Democratic senators argued in a letter to Bastian that the two actions are equivalent .

Delta is defending itself against Democratic accusations that it’s violating a $2 trillion coronavirus relief law by cutting workers’ hours, saying it is “in full compliance” with the law.
Delta CEO Edward H. Bastian defended the airline in a letter to Sen. Elizabeth Warren last week, saying the company is attempting to preserve jobs after money from the law dries up at the end of September.
"Even after September, my goal is to keep furloughs to a minimum and avoid them entirely if possible," Bastian wrote in the May 29 letter. "To achieve this goal, we are working across all divisions of the company to spread the reduced work available among as many people as possible, thereby protecting jobs."
The company has been criticized for cutting hours after receiving $5.4 billion in assistance from the law, out of $25 billion given to airlines, to keep carriers from laying off workers because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Delta argues that cutting hours is different from cutting pay, but Democrats aren’t buying it: On May 20, Warren, D-Mass., and 12 other Democratic senators argued in a letter to Bastian that the two actions are equivalent.


rollcall--2020-06-01--States lose some Clean Water Act authority under new EPA rule

States have less say in issuing Clean Water Act permits under an EPA rule finalized Monday as the Trump administration @ @ @ @ @ speed energy projects .
The rule limits the scope of environmental reviews that states conduct @ @ @ @ @ such as pipelines and hydropower plants .
It directs states to narrow their reviews to @ @ @ @ @ a one-year deadline for states to make decisions .
EPA proposed the rule in August @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s “ Promoting Energy Infrastructure and Economic Growth ” executive order .
It @ @ @ @ @ that have repeatedly rejected energy projects such as pipelines .
EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler , @ @ @ @ @ Gov .
Andrew M. Cuomo ’ s recent vetoing of a planned natural gas pipeline @ @ @ @ @ their Clean Water Act authority to “ inappropriately ” trap infrastructure projects “ in a @ @ @ @ @ that investors would get frustrated and abandon the ventures .
“ Today ’ s action @ @ @ @ @ the Clean Water Act , ” Wheeler told reporters .

States have less say in issuing Clean Water Act permits under an EPA rule finalized Monday as the Trump administration and conservative lawmakers seek to speed energy projects.
The rule limits the scope of environmental reviews that states conduct before issuing permits for projects such as pipelines and hydropower plants. It directs states to narrow their reviews to water quality issues and creates a one-year deadline for states to make decisions.
EPA proposed the rule in August following directions from President Donald Trump’s “Promoting Energy Infrastructure and Economic Growth” executive order. It appears to target blue states that have repeatedly rejected energy projects such as pipelines.
EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler, who singled out New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s recent vetoing of a planned natural gas pipeline, said many states use their Clean Water Act authority to “inappropriately” trap infrastructure projects “in a bureaucratic groundhog day” hoping that investors would get frustrated and abandon the ventures.
“Today’s action will end this abuse of the Clean Water Act,” Wheeler told reporters.


rollcall--2020-06-02--Lawmakers eye NDAA to limit military gear transfers to police

The eruptions of violence at protests of police brutality in recent days have rekindled congressional efforts to end the practice of giving surplus military gear to law enforcement agencies .
The program , which is run through the Defense Logistics Agency , dates back to the 1990s , with the goal of finding additional uses for equipment the Defense Department no longer needs , from guns , trucks and armored vehicles to tents , pants and hand-warmers .
Over the past three decades , the Defense Department has transferred over $ 6 billion worth of equipment to various law enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , images of heavily armed police officers in riot gear riding in Humvees dominated coverage of protests in Ferguson , Mo.
, after Michael Brown was shot and killed by a police officer .
Since then , lawmakers have tried to rein in the program , with Rep. Hank Johnson , D-Ga. , leading the charge .
Rep. Ruben Gallego , D-Ariz. , a member of the Armed Services Committee , said Monday he hopes to have a provision ending the practice included in the fiscal 2021 annual defense policy bill .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ draft of the bill from House Armed Services Chairman Adam Smith , D-Wash. , or voted on as an amendment during the panel 's markup next month .
Gallego , who served in combat in Iraq as a Marine , credited Johnson , a former member of the Armed Services panel who now sits on Judiciary , and the Congressional Black Caucus with driving the conversation .

The eruptions of violence at protests of police brutality in recent days have rekindled congressional efforts to end the practice of giving surplus military gear to law enforcement agencies.
The program, which is run through the Defense Logistics Agency, dates back to the 1990s, with the goal of finding additional uses for equipment the Defense Department no longer needs, from guns, trucks and armored vehicles to tents, pants and hand-warmers. Over the past three decades, the Defense Department has transferred over $6 billion worth of equipment to various law enforcement departments across the country.
In 2014, images of heavily armed police officers in riot gear riding in Humvees dominated coverage of protests in Ferguson, Mo., after Michael Brown was shot and killed by a police officer. Since then, lawmakers have tried to rein in the program, with Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga., leading the charge.
Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., a member of the Armed Services Committee, said Monday he hopes to have a provision ending the practice included in the fiscal 2021 annual defense policy bill. The language could either be included in the draft of the bill from House Armed Services Chairman Adam Smith, D-Wash., or voted on as an amendment during the panel's markup next month.
Gallego, who served in combat in Iraq as a Marine, credited Johnson, a former member of the Armed Services panel who now sits on Judiciary, and the Congressional Black Caucus with driving the conversation.


rollcall--2020-06-02--As COVID-19 spurs cashless purchases, Congress mulls a limit

Like other businesses , Southland Beer decided to go cashless when COVID-19 struck .
The owner of the craft beer bar and bottle shop in Los Angeles ’ Koreatown neighborhood , Timothy Sturm , said the change was “ mostly just for sanitary reasons — not wanting to touch money , not wanting to have things exchanged between customers and employees.
” As thousands of businesses took steps like Sturm ’ s to slow the spread of the disease , some members of Congress seek to block their path and simultaneously reverse a trend of companies refusing to accept physical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the urgency to help poorer , unbanked consumers retain choices as consumers .
Rep. Donald M. Payne Jr. , D-N.J. , has a bill that would ban cashless stores .
His bill was introduced before the pandemic upended daily life , but Payne says COVID-19 has only drawn more attention to the issue .
“ Unfortunately , because of the pandemic , it ’ s gained a bit more interest , ” he said .
Payne ’ s bill has attracted a cross section of support — 10 of the 41 co-sponsors are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ohio , a member of the House Freedom Caucus and one of Congress ’ loudest supporters of cryptocurrencies .
“ The U.S. dollar is rightly recognized as legal tender in the United States , ” he said .
“ It is the U.S. currency , and I think that means you have to accept U.S. dollars everywhere — that ’ s the point of a sovereign currency .
”

Like other businesses, Southland Beer decided to go cashless when COVID-19 struck.
The owner of the craft beer bar and bottle shop in Los Angeles’ Koreatown neighborhood, Timothy Sturm, said the change was “mostly just for sanitary reasons — not wanting to touch money, not wanting to have things exchanged between customers and employees.”
As thousands of businesses took steps like Sturm’s to slow the spread of the disease, some members of Congress seek to block their path and simultaneously reverse a trend of companies refusing to accept physical cash. They say the pandemic heightens the urgency to help poorer, unbanked consumers retain choices as consumers.
Rep. Donald M. Payne Jr., D-N.J., has a bill that would ban cashless stores. His bill was introduced before the pandemic upended daily life, but Payne says COVID-19 has only drawn more attention to the issue. “Unfortunately, because of the pandemic, it’s gained a bit more interest,” he said.
Payne’s bill has attracted a cross section of support — 10 of the 41 co-sponsors are Republicans, including Rep. Warren Davidson of Ohio, a member of the House Freedom Caucus and one of Congress’ loudest supporters of cryptocurrencies. “The U.S. dollar is rightly recognized as legal tender in the United States,” he said. “It is the U.S. currency, and I think that means you have to accept U.S. dollars everywhere — that’s the point of a sovereign currency.”


rollcall--2020-06-02--Report: Deforestation, linked to pandemics, increased in 2019

Deforestation of tropical old-growth forests increased last year , according to new satellite data set to be unveiled Tuesday , wiping out acreage roughly the size of Switzerland in a period when experts are raising alarms about the transmission of a variety of diseases , including the novel coronavirus , that jump between animals and humans .
Earth in 2019 lost 9.3 million acres of primary tropical forests — swathes of pristine ecosystems that humans had left largely untouched .
Brazil , the Democratic Republic of Congo and Indonesia saw the largest losses , while Bolivia and Australia experienced record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wildfires .
The groups that released the figures , Global Forest Watch and World Resources Institute , said the losses worldwide last year were the third-highest annual total for primary forests this century .
“ We seem to be going in the wrong direction , ” Frances Seymour , distinguished senior fellow at WRI , told reporters .
“ The 2019 data corroborates what we already know .
If governments put into place good policies and enforce the law , forest loss goes down , ” Seymour said .
[ Climate ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 parallels ]

Deforestation of tropical old-growth forests increased last year, according to new satellite data set to be unveiled Tuesday, wiping out acreage roughly the size of Switzerland in a period when experts are raising alarms about the transmission of a variety of diseases, including the novel coronavirus, that jump between animals and humans.
Earth in 2019 lost 9.3 million acres of primary tropical forests — swathes of pristine ecosystems that humans had left largely untouched. Brazil, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Indonesia saw the largest losses, while Bolivia and Australia experienced record tree losses for those countries due to wildfires.
The groups that released the figures, Global Forest Watch and World Resources Institute, said the losses worldwide last year were the third-highest annual total for primary forests this century.
“We seem to be going in the wrong direction,” Frances Seymour, distinguished senior fellow at WRI, told reporters. “The 2019 data corroborates what we already know. If governments put into place good policies and enforce the law, forest loss goes down,” Seymour said.
[Climate’s on back burner, but advocates see COVID-19 parallels]


rollcall--2020-06-02--Trump’s budget chief pick prepares to run confirmation gantlet

Russell Vought , President Donald Trump ’ s nominee for Office of Management and Budget director , was confirmed for that agency ’ s No .
2 slot in early 2018 after his former boss , Vice President Mike Pence , cast the tiebreaking vote .
Having run the agency as acting director since January 2019 when his predecessor , Mick Mulvaney , became acting White House chief of staff , Vought now gets his shot to drop the “ acting ” moniker from his title .
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and Budget committees , which share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday and Wednesday , respectively .
Two years ago no Democrats supported Vought , a behind-the-scenes but forceful conservative voice during a dozen years as a congressional aide and then at Heritage Action , the grassroots arm of the Heritage Foundation , the Washington think tank that has helped shape Trump ’ s budget and regulatory policies .
On paper , the math for the 44-year-old Vought is easier than it was in 2018 : There are now two more Republicans in the Senate , holding a 53-47 margin .
In practice , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a gantlet through two committees where just one GOP defection could sink him , as no Democratic support is expected .

Russell Vought, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Office of Management and Budget director, was confirmed for that agency’s No. 2 slot in early 2018 after his former boss, Vice President Mike Pence, cast the tiebreaking vote.
Having run the agency as acting director since January 2019 when his predecessor, Mick Mulvaney, became acting White House chief of staff, Vought now gets his shot to drop the “acting” moniker from his title.
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and Budget committees, which share jurisdiction, will hold confirmation hearings on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.
Two years ago no Democrats supported Vought, a behind-the-scenes but forceful conservative voice during a dozen years as a congressional aide and then at Heritage Action, the grassroots arm of the Heritage Foundation, the Washington think tank that has helped shape Trump’s budget and regulatory policies.
On paper, the math for the 44-year-old Vought is easier than it was in 2018: There are now two more Republicans in the Senate, holding a 53-47 margin. In practice, Vought’s confirmation has to run a gantlet through two committees where just one GOP defection could sink him, as no Democratic support is expected.


rollcall--2020-06-02--Congress plotting action against police brutality, racial injustices in response to Floyd death

Members of Congress say they plan to take legislative action to respond to the killing of George Floyd and other instances of police targeting black Americans , but there ’ s not yet consensus on what form that action should take .
Lawmakers have floated a variety of proposals from symbolic , nonbinding measures to more substantive policy changes , but many of the latter are recycled proposals that have failed to advance in the past .
Floyd died on May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer pinned him down , holding his knee against Floyd ’ s neck for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couldn ’ t breath .
His death was captured on video and spurred protests across the country , some of which have devolved into violence , vandalism and looting .
Lawmakers have expressed outrage and pledged to translate their words into action .
But the closest thing to a consensus proposal that ’ s emerged is a resolution from Rep. Ayanna Pressley that “ condemns all acts of brutality , racial profiling , and the use of excessive force by law enforcement officers and calls for the end of militarized policing practices.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the resolution on social media .
Although it is a nonbinding measure that simply expresses the sense of the House , Pressley argued in an MSNBC interview Monday that it ’ s important for Congress to “ act as the conscience for our nation .
”

Members of Congress say they plan to take legislative action to respond to the killing of George Floyd and other instances of police targeting black Americans, but there’s not yet consensus on what form that action should take.
Lawmakers have floated a variety of proposals from symbolic, nonbinding measures to more substantive policy changes, but many of the latter are recycled proposals that have failed to advance in the past.
Floyd died on May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer pinned him down, holding his knee against Floyd’s neck for several minutes while Floyd repeatedly said he couldn’t breathe. His death was captured on video and spurred protests across the country, some of which have devolved into violence, vandalism and looting.
Lawmakers have expressed outrage and pledged to translate their words into action. But the closest thing to a consensus proposal that’s emerged is a resolution from Rep. Ayanna Pressley that “condemns all acts of brutality, racial profiling, and the use of excessive force by law enforcement officers and calls for the end of militarized policing practices.”
Dozens of House Democrats expressed support for the resolution on social media. Although it is a nonbinding measure that simply expresses the sense of the House, Pressley argued in an MSNBC interview Monday that it’s important for Congress to “act as the conscience for our nation.”


rollcall--2020-06-02--Banking on women and the underserved during COVID-19

Mary Ellen Iskenderian , the CEO of Women 's World Banking , joins Fintech Beat to discuss the ins and @ @ @ @ @ sector , what happens when microfinance firms become banks , and how COVID-19 could end @ @ @ @ @ access capital .
• Could a CBDC topple the US dollar ?
• Comparing COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ and China

Mary Ellen Iskenderian, the CEO of Women's World Banking, joins Fintech Beat to discuss the ins and outs of the multibillion-dollar microfinance sector, what happens when microfinance firms become banks, and how COVID-19 could end up revolutionizing how low-income women access capital.
More podcast content
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-06-02--Budget nominee looks set to clear at least one Senate hurdle

The House impeachment charges grew from accusations that the president withheld foreign aid to Ukraine in return for a political favor .
OMB was instrumental in temporarily withholding aid to Ukraine while Vought served as acting director .
Given the 8-6 ratio of Republicans to Democrats on the panel , if Romney were to vote against the nomination and all Democrats on the panel also voted 'no , ' there would be a tie and Vought 's nomination would not be reported to the full Senate .
Romney did offer some advice , in the form of a question about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress in trying to accomplish some of Trump ’ s goals .
He cited the way Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin brokered deals with Democrats and Republicans alike over pandemic-related legislation .
“ I wonder whether it ’ s not possible for OMB and the administration to play a much more active role in the process … so that we end up with some of the reforms that the administration is looking for , ” Romney said .
Earlier in the exchange , Vought said the White House has tried to make its views @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the process by sending letters to the Appropriations Committees and other panels “ so that there ’ s a more robust view about what we actually find problematic and what we don ’ t .
”

The House impeachment charges grew from accusations that the president withheld foreign aid to Ukraine in return for a political favor. OMB was instrumental in temporarily withholding aid to Ukraine while Vought served as acting director.
Given the 8-6 ratio of Republicans to Democrats on the panel, if Romney were to vote against the nomination and all Democrats on the panel also voted 'no,' there would be a tie and Vought's nomination would not be reported to the full Senate.
Romney did offer some advice, in the form of a question about whether OMB could work more closely with Congress in trying to accomplish some of Trump’s goals. He cited the way Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin brokered deals with Democrats and Republicans alike over pandemic-related legislation.
“I wonder whether it’s not possible for OMB and the administration to play a much more active role in the process … so that we end up with some of the reforms that the administration is looking for,” Romney said.
Earlier in the exchange, Vought said the White House has tried to make its views on legislation known to Congress earlier in the process by sending letters to the Appropriations Committees and other panels “so that there’s a more robust view about what we actually find problematic and what we don’t.”


rollcall--2020-06-02--Vulnerable senators offer mixed reviews of Trump in crisis

Senators with the toughest reelection fights offered varying levels of criticism Tuesday for President Donald Trump ’ s hard-line approach @ @ @ @ @ tightrope that Republicans especially walk when it comes to the commander in chief .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ law-and-order president and said he would use the military against citizens to combat violence and @ @ @ @ @ his fellow Republicans praised his leadership .
But others defended the right to protest , @ @ @ @ @ rather than inflame tensions , or urged systemic change following the May 25 killing of @ @ @ @ @ Minneapolis .
Democrats running in states that Trump won in 2016 , meanwhile , said @ @ @ @ @ far and said matters should be left in the hands of civilian authorities .
The @ @ @ @ @ returned to Washington for votes on nominations and possible changes to pandemic relief measures .
@ @ @ @ @ Maine Republican whose longtime reputation as an independent-minded lawmaker has ebbed during the Trump era @ @ @ @ @ against the president .

Senators with the toughest reelection fights offered varying levels of criticism Tuesday for President Donald Trump’s hard-line approach to demonstrators, reflecting the tightrope that Republicans especially walk when it comes to the commander in chief.
Trump on Monday declared himself the law-and-order president and said he would use the military against citizens to combat violence and looting, and some of his fellow Republicans praised his leadership. But others defended the right to protest, called for efforts to calm rather than inflame tensions, or urged systemic change following the May 25 killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis.
Democrats running in states that Trump won in 2016, meanwhile, said the president had gone too far and said matters should be left in the hands of civilian authorities.
The senators spoke as the chamber returned to Washington for votes on nominations and possible changes to pandemic relief measures.
Sen. Susan Collins, a Maine Republican whose longtime reputation as an independent-minded lawmaker has ebbed during the Trump era, took a sharp tone against the president.


rollcall--2020-06-02--Coronavirus Special Report: Will protests spike rates of COVID-19?

Tonight , we examine how protests across the country might bring about a spike in coronavirus infections .
Then , @ @ @ @ @ have held up the Paycheck Protection Program bill .
• Senate panel provides preview for @ @ @ @ @ House may return early to consider policing overhaul

Tonight, we examine how protests across the country might bring about a spike in coronavirus infections. Then, we discuss why two senators have held up the Paycheck Protection Program bill.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-06-02--Senate confirms Miller to be pandemic inspector general

Corrected , 8:46 p.m. | The Senate confirmed President Donald Trump ’ s controversial pick to oversee a $ 500 @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday .
The chamber voted 51-40 to make Brian Miller the special inspector general @ @ @ @ @ with a budget of $ 25 million and a staff of more than 100 , @ @ @ @ @ Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve deploy $ 454 billion to create upwards of $ @ @ @ @ @ aimed at keeping financial markets operational and offering larger businesses enough bridge lending to make @ @ @ @ @ caused by COVID-19 .
The inspector general will also track another $ 46 billion provided @ @ @ @ @ companies considered “ critical to maintaining national security.
” Miller , a former inspector general @ @ @ @ @ , will assume his new position after defending Trump during his impeachment as a member @ @ @ @ @ ’ s office .
At his confirmation hearing , Democrats sharply questioned his ability to @ @ @ @ @ House and hold the administration accountable .

Corrected, 8:46 p.m. | The Senate confirmed President Donald Trump’s controversial pick to oversee a $500 billion coronavirus economic bailout fund on Tuesday.
The chamber voted 51-40 to make Brian Miller the special inspector general for pandemic recovery.
Along with a budget of $25 million and a staff of more than 100, Miller will oversee how the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve deploy $454 billion to create upwards of $4 trillion in lending facilities aimed at keeping financial markets operational and offering larger businesses enough bridge lending to make it through the sharp recession caused by COVID-19.
The inspector general will also track another $46 billion provided to the airline industry and companies considered “critical to maintaining national security.”
Miller, a former inspector general at the General Services Administration, will assume his new position after defending Trump during his impeachment as a member of the White House counsel’s office. At his confirmation hearing, Democrats sharply questioned his ability to remain independent from the White House and hold the administration accountable.


rollcall--2020-06-02--Sens. Lee, Johnson slow bill tweaking SBA COVID-19 loan program

Two Republican holdouts are threatening to prevent speedy passage of a bill that would modify a popular coronavirus loan program @ @ @ @ @ temporary initiative ’ s end date .
Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Chairman Marco Rubio @ @ @ @ @ Sens .
Mike Lee of Utah and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin are holding up the @ @ @ @ @ Paycheck Protection Program to expire in August rather than December .
By preventing quick passage @ @ @ @ @ and Johnson would force Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to spend valuable floor time on the @ @ @ @ @ is loath to do .
Conn Carroll , Lee ’ s spokesman , confirmed his @ @ @ @ @ Lee does believe that PPP was intended to be a short-term solution and that loan @ @ @ @ @ Aug. 15.
” [ McConnell says Senate to take up House ’ s PPP flexibility @ @

Two Republican holdouts are threatening to prevent speedy passage of a bill that would modify a popular coronavirus loan program for small businesses over the temporary initiative’s end date.
Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Chairman Marco Rubio, R-Fla., said GOP Sens. Mike Lee of Utah and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin are holding up the bill because they want the Paycheck Protection Program to expire in August rather than December.
By preventing quick passage via unanimous consent, Lee and Johnson would force Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to spend valuable floor time on the measure, something he traditionally is loath to do.
Conn Carroll, Lee’s spokesman, confirmed his position: “Sen. Lee does believe that PPP was intended to be a short-term solution and that loan applications should be limited to Aug. 15.”
[McConnell says Senate to take up House’s PPP flexibility bill]