rollcall--2020-04-16--Massive coronavirus aid bill to cost a little less than sticker price

The mammoth coronavirus relief package enacted late last month will cost less than most lawmakers anticipated , the Congressional Budget Office said Thursday .
The sweeping legislation , which offered business loans , cash to families , an expanded social safety net and more , will cost $ 1.8 trillion over the coming decade , the CBO said in a preliminary cost estimate .
Lawmakers and independent analysts had previously pegged the price tag at about $ 2.3 trillion .
But a portion of that aid came in the form of loan guarantees , including $ 454 billion to support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funding is not likely to increase the deficit because “ income and costs stemming from that lending are expected to roughly offset each other , ” the CBO said in its analysis .
The lower-than-expected price tag softens the budget blow slightly with lawmakers already pushing for another round of coronavirus relief .
Lawmakers and the White House are haggling over another measure that could cost in the $ 250 billion to $ 500 billion range , with additional aid to small businesses , hospitals and state and local governments in the mix @ @ @ @ @ @ @ add that much and more , Speaker Nancy Pelosi has suggested .

The mammoth coronavirus relief package enacted late last month will cost less than most lawmakers anticipated, the Congressional Budget Office said Thursday.
The sweeping legislation, which offered business loans, cash to families, an expanded social safety net and more, will cost $1.8 trillion over the coming decade, the CBO said in a preliminary cost estimate. Lawmakers and independent analysts had previously pegged the price tag at about $2.3 trillion.
But a portion of that aid came in the form of loan guarantees, including $454 billion to support lending by the Federal Reserve. That funding is not likely to increase the deficit because “income and costs stemming from that lending are expected to roughly offset each other,” the CBO said in its analysis.
The lower-than-expected price tag softens the budget blow slightly with lawmakers already pushing for another round of coronavirus relief.
Lawmakers and the White House are haggling over another measure that could cost in the $250 billion to $500 billion range, with additional aid to small businesses, hospitals and state and local governments in the mix. And a subsequent package could easily add that much and more, Speaker Nancy Pelosi has suggested.


rollcall--2020-04-16--Coronavirus Special Report: Evening update, 4/16

Tonight , we ’ re breaking down the president ’ s “ Opening Up America Again ” plan ; we @ @ @ @ @ could be next for small businesses that still need funds to keep from going under @ @ @ @ @ McGahn case could stop congressional oversight ‘ as we know it ’

Tonight, we’re breaking down the president’s “Opening Up America Again” plan; we’ll also discuss what could be next for small businesses that still need funds to keep from going under.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-04-16--Some state officials skeptical of push to quickly open economy

While Trump suggested that some people in some parts of the country could start to return to some normalcy even before the administration ’ s guidance to limit movements lifts on May 1 , most state health officials and governors are not eyeing a concrete timeline for any changes .
“ We ’ re always pleased to have national leadership , but I think that this can ’ t be a national opening .
That would be very disadvantageous in terms of national health .
It would have to be regional and state-run , ” said Rachel Levine , secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health and president-elect of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials .
Multiple public health officials said certain milestones should be met before restrictions can be modified , pointing to increased levels of testing and contact tracing for confirmed cases , even as officials take into consideration economic and social concerns .
Officials in several states are still determining which metrics to consider when planning for a resumption of activities .
“ Each state is going to need to do what they do for their state , but [ we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ principles and approaches that we want to take into account and the overall strategy , ” said John Wiesman , secretary of health at the Washington State Department of Health .
“ We are identifying those measures that we want to look at that give us some indication for appropriate timing.
” Deborah Birx , the White House coronavirus response coordinator , said Wednesday that while some states like California and Washington never had a true peak and cases are plateauing , other areas where cases are rising like Providence , R.I. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that have not seen many cases are the ones that would be more likely to reopen soon , she said .

While Trump suggested that some people in some parts of the country could start to return to some normalcy even before the administration’s guidance to limit movements lifts on May 1, most state health officials and governors are not eyeing a concrete timeline for any changes.
“We’re always pleased to have national leadership, but I think that this can’t be a national opening. That would be very disadvantageous in terms of national health. It would have to be regional and state-run,” said Rachel Levine, secretary of health at the Pennsylvania Department of Health and president-elect of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.
Multiple public health officials said certain milestones should be met before restrictions can be modified, pointing to increased levels of testing and contact tracing for confirmed cases, even as officials take into consideration economic and social concerns. Officials in several states are still determining which metrics to consider when planning for a resumption of activities.
“Each state is going to need to do what they do for their state, but [we’re] looking at some of these common principles and approaches that we want to take into account and the overall strategy,” said John Wiesman, secretary of health at the Washington State Department of Health. “We are identifying those measures that we want to look at that give us some indication for appropriate timing.”
Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, said Wednesday that while some states like California and Washington never had a true peak and cases are plateauing, other areas where cases are rising like Providence, R.I., are concerning. The handful of states that have not seen many cases are the ones that would be more likely to reopen soon, she said.


rollcall--2020-04-16--Could Trump force Congress to adjourn to allow for recess appointments?

President Donald Trump on Wednesday suggested he might take the extraordinary step of forcing an adjournment of Congress in order @ @ @ @ @ The president called the use of pro forma sessions — gaveling the chambers in and @ @ @ @ @ fulfill the constitutional requirement for convening — a “ scam.
” Effectively , the sessions @ @ @ @ @ president to make recess appointments to Senate-confirmed positions .
Chief Washington correspondent Niels Lesniewski breaks @ @ @ @ @ of this untested move .
[ Also watch : Can Congress or the president institute @ @ @ @ @

President Donald Trump on Wednesday suggested he might take the extraordinary step of forcing an adjournment of Congress in order to make recess appointments.
The president called the use of pro forma sessions — gaveling the chambers in and out every three days to fulfill the constitutional requirement for convening — a “scam.” Effectively, the sessions block the ability of a president to make recess appointments to Senate-confirmed positions.
Chief Washington correspondent Niels Lesniewski breaks down the nuts and bolts of this untested move.
[ Also watch: Can Congress or the president institute a national quarantine? ]


rollcall--2020-04-16--House Judiciary: McGahn case could stop congressional oversight ‘as we know it’

The House Judiciary Committee warned a federal appeals court Thursday that the wrong decision in a separation-of-powers showdown with the Trump administration over the enforcement of subpoenas could “ effectively eliminate Congressional oversight as we know it.
” Committee lawyers filed the brief as part of the House effort to force former White House counsel Don McGahn to testify about events detailed in the Mueller report .
The Trump administration has argued the close presidential adviser enjoys “ absolute immunity ” from such testimony .
The full U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit is set to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committee ’ s McGahn subpoena , as well as the House ’ s effort to stop the construction of a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico .
In both lawsuits , the full D.C .
Circuit will focus on whether the House has the legal right to bring each of the suits in the first place .
Some House Democrats point to the McGahn case as the test case for enforcing more subpoenas in their oversight investigations into the Trump administration , which culminated in December with the House impeachment of President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obstruction of Congress .

The House Judiciary Committee warned a federal appeals court Thursday that the wrong decision in a separation-of-powers showdown with the Trump administration over the enforcement of subpoenas could “effectively eliminate Congressional oversight as we know it.”
Committee lawyers filed the brief as part of the House effort to force former White House counsel Don McGahn to testify about events detailed in the Mueller report. The Trump administration has argued the close presidential adviser enjoys “absolute immunity” from such testimony.
The full U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit is set to hear oral arguments April 28 on the committee’s McGahn subpoena, as well as the House’s effort to stop the construction of a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico.
In both lawsuits, the full D.C. Circuit will focus on whether the House has the legal right to bring each of the suits in the first place.
Some House Democrats point to the McGahn case as the test case for enforcing more subpoenas in their oversight investigations into the Trump administration, which culminated in December with the House impeachment of President Donald Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.


rollcall--2020-04-16--Pelosi teases plans for coronavirus relief, select committee votes

Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday other than passage of an interim bill to boost aid to small businesses , states and hospitals she does not expect Congress to pass additional coronavirus relief this month .
Before the need for an interim bill emerged , the California Democrat had set a goal of passing a large follow-up bill to the $ 2.3 trillion economic relief package by the end of the month .
“ When I said that , we had an earlier return , ” Pelosi said Thursday .
“ So we obviously won ’ t have it by [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been anticipated returning as early as April 20 but had not finalized plans for its next legislative session .
Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer announced earlier this week that the House will not return before May 4 , unless needed to pass emergency legislation like the interim funding bill .
“ If we have an interim package we may have that on the floor before the end of the month , but the CARES bill will probably be , will be beyond that , ” Pelosi said , using a shorthand name for @ @ @ @ @

Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday other than passage of an interim bill to boost aid to small businesses, states and hospitals she does not expect Congress to pass additional coronavirus relief this month.
Before the need for an interim bill emerged, the California Democrat had set a goal of passing a large follow-up bill to the $2.3 trillion economic relief package by the end of the month.
“When I said that, we had an earlier return,” Pelosi said Thursday. “So we obviously won’t have it by [then].”
The House had been anticipated returning as early as April 20 but had not finalized plans for its next legislative session. Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer announced earlier this week that the House will not return before May 4, unless needed to pass emergency legislation like the interim funding bill.
“If we have an interim package we may have that on the floor before the end of the month, but the CARES bill will probably be, will be beyond that,” Pelosi said, using a shorthand name for the larger economic package.


rollcall--2020-04-16--House inches toward low-tech remote voting with proxy vote proposal

The House is inching toward “ temporary , low-tech remote voting , ” according to recommendations that House Rules Chairman Jim McGovern made on a conference call with House Democrats on Thursday .
The Massachusetts Democrat recommended proxy voting , which would allow an absent member to designate a colleague to vote on their behalf , and unlike proposals floated previously , there would be no “ general proxy ” to allow minority and majority leaders to serve as proxies for members of their respective parties for a verbal roll call vote .
“ Members would have to direct each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a statement issued after Thursday ’ s call .
Members able and willing to vote in person on their own behalf could still do so .
Members physically present would be eligible to cast votes on behalf of their colleagues .
House members who remained in their district would send a letter , electronically , to the clerk to authorize another member to vote on their behalf and provide exact instruction .
The authorization could be updated as procedural or other unexpected votes arise during the session .
Rank-and-file members have put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a way for the House to continue urgent legislative business during the COVID-19 pandemic , which has limited travel and made gathering in large groups especially dangerous .
While digital solutions have been proposed , there are concerns about testing , cybersecurity and access .

The House is inching toward “temporary, low-tech remote voting,” according to recommendations that House Rules Chairman Jim McGovern made on a conference call with House Democrats on Thursday.
The Massachusetts Democrat recommended proxy voting, which would allow an absent member to designate a colleague to vote on their behalf, and unlike proposals floated previously, there would be no “general proxy” to allow minority and majority leaders to serve as proxies for members of their respective parties for a verbal roll call vote.
“Members would have to direct each and every vote,” McGovern said in a statement issued after Thursday’s call.
Members able and willing to vote in person on their own behalf could still do so. Members physically present would be eligible to cast votes on behalf of their colleagues. House members who remained in their district would send a letter, electronically, to the clerk to authorize another member to vote on their behalf and provide exact instruction. The authorization could be updated as procedural or other unexpected votes arise during the session.
Rank-and-file members have put pressure on leadership to come up with a way for the House to continue urgent legislative business during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has limited travel and made gathering in large groups especially dangerous. While digital solutions have been proposed, there are concerns about testing, cybersecurity and access.


rollcall--2020-04-16--EPA finalizes eased mercury emissions rule

The EPA finalized a rule that will eventually make it easier for oil and coal-fired power plants to release mercury @ @ @ @ @ , despite bipartisan objection and some industry pushback .
While the rule set in place @ @ @ @ @ Obama administration standards outright , it alters their legal justification by recalculating the costs and @ @ @ @ @ and Air Toxics Standard , or MATS .
“ Under this action , no more @ @ @ @ @ the air than before , ” EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said .
But that could @ @ @ @ @ the agency was acting in response to a 2015 Supreme Court ruling that the EPA @ @ @ @ @ costs of the rule .
The court did not strike down the rule , but @ @ @ @ @ its cost-benefit analysis .
By that time , companies had already invested in the technology @ @ @ @ @ rule .

The EPA finalized a rule that will eventually make it easier for oil and coal-fired power plants to release mercury and other toxic air pollutants, despite bipartisan objection and some industry pushback.
While the rule set in place Thursday does not eliminate the Obama administration standards outright, it alters their legal justification by recalculating the costs and benefits of the so-called Mercury and Air Toxics Standard, or MATS.
“Under this action, no more mercury will be emitted into the air than before,” EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said.
But that could happen eventually.
He said the agency was acting in response to a 2015 Supreme Court ruling that the EPA had not adequately considered the costs of the rule. The court did not strike down the rule, but directed the EPA to review its cost-benefit analysis. By that time, companies had already invested in the technology needed to comply with the rule.


rollcall--2020-04-16--Restaurant owners: Small biz program not enough to save industry

Independent restaurant owners say the small-business loan program Congress created to protect jobs won ’ t be enough to save their industry from the coronavirus pandemic .
With many restaurants unlikely to reopen anytime soon , owners say the two-month loans available through the Paycheck Protection Program would do them little good .
The Independent Restaurant Coalition , which represents 500,000 restaurants , called for longer-term relief .
“ Most restaurateurs I talk to , they don ’ t believe they ’ ll survive this , ” said Tom Colicchio , a renowned chef and lead judge on Bravo ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We need to save this industry .
PPP is not going to do it , ” he said , referring to the Paycheck Protection Program that is part of the latest economic relief package enacted last month .
Colicchio and other chefs told reporters in a conference call Thursday that any new loans should come with a date of origin coinciding with when it ’ s safe for a restaurant to reopen , not the date that a loan was made .
“ My restaurant will not be open in two months @ @ @ @ @

Independent restaurant owners say the small-business loan program Congress created to protect jobs won’t be enough to save their industry from the coronavirus pandemic.
With many restaurants unlikely to reopen anytime soon, owners say the two-month loans available through the Paycheck Protection Program would do them little good.
The Independent Restaurant Coalition, which represents 500,000 restaurants, called for longer-term relief.
“Most restaurateurs I talk to, they don’t believe they’ll survive this,” said Tom Colicchio, a renowned chef and lead judge on Bravo’s “Top Chef” series. “We need to save this industry. PPP is not going to do it,” he said, referring to the Paycheck Protection Program that is part of the latest economic relief package enacted last month.
Colicchio and other chefs told reporters in a conference call Thursday that any new loans should come with a date of origin coinciding with when it’s safe for a restaurant to reopen, not the date that a loan was made. “My restaurant will not be open in two months,” he said.


rollcall--2020-04-17--Chaplains remain socially distant but spiritually connected

“ I thank God for the technology , ” Barry Black said over Zoom .
The 62nd chaplain of the Senate is working from home in his self-proclaimed “ man cave , ” and so is his bow tie .
It ’ s not exactly quarantine attire , but he has more than 100 in his collection , and that counts for something right now .
At first , when the crisis was intensifying , it was pretty much business as usual for him .
“ As they battle this coronavirus pandemic , may they not forget the marginalized , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 23 , as he delivered the opening prayer that is one of the chaplain ’ s regular duties .
He ’ s never had to preach quite like this .
So the bow tie stays because it ’ s familiar , even if the video chats are not .
“ I wouldn ’ t be surprised if a great spiritual awakening is the harvest that comes out of this challenging season , ” he told me , after we both adjusted our cameras and exchanged phrases like , “ OK , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first Seventh-day Adventist and the first African American to hold the job .
He ’ s prayed through an impeachment trial , government shutdowns and the Great Recession .
For 17 years , he ’ s had the ear of the powerful , speaking of moral clarity in a deep ringing voice .

“I thank God for the technology,” Barry Black said over Zoom.
The 62nd chaplain of the Senate is working from home in his self-proclaimed “man cave,” and so is his bow tie. It’s not exactly quarantine attire, but he has more than 100 in his collection, and that counts for something right now.
At first, when the crisis was intensifying, it was pretty much business as usual for him. “As they battle this coronavirus pandemic, may they not forget the marginalized,” he said on the Senate floor March 23, as he delivered the opening prayer that is one of the chaplain’s regular duties.
He’s never had to preach quite like this. So the bow tie stays because it’s familiar, even if the video chats are not. “I wouldn’t be surprised if a great spiritual awakening is the harvest that comes out of this challenging season,” he told me, after we both adjusted our cameras and exchanged phrases like, “OK, is this working?”
Black is the first Seventh-day Adventist and the first African American to hold the job. He’s prayed through an impeachment trial, government shutdowns and the Great Recession. For 17 years, he’s had the ear of the powerful, speaking of moral clarity in a deep ringing voice.


rollcall--2020-04-17--Unions, employers want pension relief included in coronavirus aid talks

A rescue plan for union pension plans nearing insolvency , exacerbated by plunging stock markets and skyrocketing unemployment , didn @ @ @ @ @ last month ’ s massive COVID-19 aid package .
But together with high-level Democratic support @ @ @ @ @ sorts with large employers that have their own pension problems , the issue is back @ @ @ @ @ White House and lawmakers start discussions on another pandemic relief plan .
Unions and affected @ @ @ @ @ akin to a 30-page draft bill circulated last month by Senate Democrats , which melds @ @ @ @ @ aspects of competing union rescue plans pushed by House Democrats and Senate Republicans over the @ @ @ @ @ Pelosi included a version of multi-employer plan legislation that passed the House last year in @ @ @ @ @ 2.5 trillion coronavirus aid proposal last month .
She also included several employer-backed pension provisions @ @ @ @ @ plan measures made it into the law signed by President Donald Trump — language allowing @ @ @ @ @ and suspend benefit restrictions until next year .

Two of the employer plan measures made it into the law signed by President Donald Trump — language allowing companies to defer pension contributions and suspend benefit restrictions until next year.
But none of the multi-employer plan provisions made it into the final package, with the White House and Senate Republicans staunchly opposed to what they deemed a “bailout” for unions without putting in place structural changes aimed at preventing insolvency down the road.
The draft circulated by Senate Democrats during those talks had backing from numerous unions, as well as employers like Bechtel Corp. and trade groups representing engineering and construction-related industries. The coalition sent a letter to congressional leaders April 9 advocating for the hybrid plan with 48 signatories. An updated letter with more supporters is expected soon.
Unless the government picks up the tab for failing plans, the group argues, companies that remain on the hook for paying into the funds could go under and have no way to preserve benefits promised to millions of retirees as well as their current workforce.
“The existing crisis in multi-employer pensions has been deeply exacerbated by the COVID-19 market collapse and the government-mandated shutdown of the economy,” last week’s letter said.


rollcall--2020-04-17--As workers face virus risks, employers seek liability limits

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and conservative groups are lobbying lawmakers to give companies legal immunity if front-line workers believe @ @ @ @ @ job , or if families say their loved one died after catching COVID-19 at work @ @ @ @ @ were exposed to COVID-19 are “ perhaps the largest area of concern for the overall @ @ @ @ @ the economy reopening , a chamber memo to its members this week states .
The @ @ @ @ @ number of lawsuits could overwhelm businesses .
Businesses say they keep their workplaces safe , @ @ @ @ @ major corporations privately acknowledge that many so-called essential employees will get sick or die .
@ @ @ @ @ Prosperity , the nonprofit founded with funding from businessmen Charles and David Koch , made @ @ @ @ @ of Congress in a letter this week .

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and conservative groups are lobbying lawmakers to give companies legal immunity if front-line workers believe they got sick on the job, or if families say their loved one died after catching COVID-19 at work.
Lawsuits from workers who were exposed to COVID-19 are “perhaps the largest area of concern for the overall business community” ahead of the economy reopening, a chamber memo to its members this week states.
The powerful lobby argues the sheer number of lawsuits could overwhelm businesses.
Businesses say they keep their workplaces safe, but the memo indicates that major corporations privately acknowledge that many so-called essential employees will get sick or die.
Conservative groups including Americans for Prosperity, the nonprofit founded with funding from businessmen Charles and David Koch, made a similar appeal to members of Congress in a letter this week.


rollcall--2020-04-17--Farm lenders want a retooled Paycheck Protection Program

Agricultural lenders see potential to ease growing financial pressures in farm country if Congress is willing to retool a now depleted forgivable loan program .
Todd Van Hoose , CEO of the Farm Credit Council , said the Small Business Administration worked diligently to get financial institutions that are part of the Farm Credit System approved to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program .
The program is designed to help small businesses meet payroll expenses while workers are idled in the effort to fight the COVID-19 pandemic .
Van Hoose said the Farm Credit System , encompassing four banks and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participate in SBA programs .
The council represents the national system of lending institutions that are owned by their farmer-rancher customers and overseen by the Farm Credit Administration , an independent federal agency .
“ Fundamentally , the SBA system is built for a much smaller universe and they had to add thousands of new lenders , including Farm Credit , ” he said in a phone interview with CQ Roll Call .
`` We feel like the rules were set up in a way , not intentionally by anybody , that disadvantaged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 1 percent of all loans in the program , according to SBA records .

Agricultural lenders see potential to ease growing financial pressures in farm country if Congress is willing to retool a now depleted forgivable loan program.
Todd Van Hoose, CEO of the Farm Credit Council, said the Small Business Administration worked diligently to get financial institutions that are part of the Farm Credit System approved to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program. The program is designed to help small businesses meet payroll expenses while workers are idled in the effort to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
Van Hoose said the Farm Credit System, encompassing four banks and 69 associations, generally doesn’t participate in SBA programs. The council represents the national system of lending institutions that are owned by their farmer-rancher customers and overseen by the Farm Credit Administration, an independent federal agency.
“Fundamentally, the SBA system is built for a much smaller universe and they had to add thousands of new lenders, including Farm Credit,” he said in a phone interview with CQ Roll Call. "We feel like the rules were set up in a way, not intentionally by anybody, that disadvantaged agriculture.”
Agricultural-related loans accounted for just over 1 percent of all loans in the program, according to SBA records.


rollcall--2020-04-17--Pelosi, McConnell name oversight board members

Republican and Democratic leaders on Friday filled out most of the five-member panel to oversee coronavirus-related federal spending , leaving only the chairperson role that has yet to been announced .
Speaker Nancy Pelosi late Friday announced she 'd selected Rep. Donna E. Shalala , D-Fla. , to serve as House Democrats ' representative on the Congressional Oversight Commission , established under the roughly $ 2 trillion COVID-19 rescue package enacted last month .
Shalala was elected in the 2018 midterms , but her government service goes way back .
She served as Health and Human Services secretary under Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his administration .
Shalala was also an assistant secretary in the Department of Housing and Urban Development under President Jimmy Carter , also a Democrat .
Pelosi praised Shalala in a statement as someone who `` has for decades led the fight to defend the health and economic security of the American people at the highest levels of government . ''
Shalala joins Sen. Patrick J. Toomey , R-Pa. , who was named by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to the commission earlier Friday .
Toomey was elected to the Senate in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for three terms until 2005 .

Republican and Democratic leaders on Friday filled out most of the five-member panel to oversee coronavirus-related federal spending, leaving only the chairperson role that has yet to been announced.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi late Friday announced she'd selected Rep. Donna E. Shalala, D-Fla., to serve as House Democrats' representative on the Congressional Oversight Commission, established under the roughly $2 trillion COVID-19 rescue package enacted last month.
Shalala was elected in the 2018 midterms, but her government service goes way back. She served as Health and Human Services secretary under Democratic President Bill Clinton for all eight years of his administration. Shalala was also an assistant secretary in the Department of Housing and Urban Development under President Jimmy Carter, also a Democrat.
Pelosi praised Shalala in a statement as someone who "has for decades led the fight to defend the health and economic security of the American people at the highest levels of government."
Shalala joins Sen. Patrick J. Toomey, R-Pa., who was named by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to the commission earlier Friday. Toomey was elected to the Senate in 2010 and previously served in the House for three terms until 2005.


rollcall--2020-04-17--ICE’s COVID-19 test figures hint at health crisis in detention

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has tested more than 300 detainees for the COVID-19 virus and 124 of them were positive , or more than one-third , CQ Roll Call learned Friday , raising concern among immigration advocates that the actual number of ill detainees held by the agency is far greater .
ICE , which currently has 32,000 people in custody , confirmed that tests have been given to more than 300 detainees .
However , at least two other sources briefed on the agency ’ s COVID-19 operations quoted a range from 191 to 372 when asked by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ICE ’ s public tally on its website Friday said the total number of COVID-19 positive detainees was 105 , and that 25 detention staff and 81 employees not assigned to detention facilities have also tested positive .
But on Friday evening , ICE informed congressional staff that 19 additional detainees had tested positive .
Once a detainee tests positive , everyone in contact with the person is isolated together in their living spaces and on lockdown for most of the day , ICE has previously said .
Aaron Reichlin-Melnick , a policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council , said the number of tests was shockingly low and noted that more than three weeks have passed since the first person in ICE detention tested positive .
`` Testing barely 1 percent of people in the weeks since then demonstrates a shocking level of negligence on the part of ICE , and a near-total disregard for the health and safety of the people it is detaining , ” he said .
“ If almost a third of people tested have been infected with COVID-19 , that suggests that the real numbers @ @ @ @ @ @

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has tested more than 300 detainees for the COVID-19 virus and 124 of them were positive, or more than one-third, CQ Roll Call learned Friday, raising concern among immigration advocates that the actual number of ill detainees held by the agency is far greater.
ICE, which currently has 32,000 people in custody, confirmed that tests have been given to more than 300 detainees. However, at least two other sources briefed on the agency’s COVID-19 operations quoted a range from around 200 to nearly 400 when asked by CQ Roll Call about test numbers.
Late Friday night, the House Oversight and Reform Committee released its notes from a briefing with Matthew Albence, the acting director of ICE, in which Albence said 400 people had so far been tested, but noted the agency did not always test people before deporting them back to their home countries.
Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., who chairs the panel's civil rights and civil liberties subcommittee, on Friday said the briefing left him troubled: "It confirmed that its testing of detainees and staff is as sporadic and flawed as the federal government’s overall approach to public testing."
ICE’s public tally on its website Friday said the total number of COVID-19 positive detainees was 105, and that 25 detention staff and 81 employees not assigned to detention facilities have also tested positive. But on Friday evening, ICE informed congressional staff that 19 additional detainees had tested positive. Once a detainee tests positive, everyone in contact with the person is isolated together in their living spaces and on lockdown for most of the day, ICE has previously said.


rollcall--2020-04-17--USDA unveils $19 billion aid plan for farmers, food industry

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue rolled out a $ 19 billion rescue plan Friday for a long list of agriculture sectors that say the ripple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic through supply chains and markets will force many farmers out of business .
Perdue is likely to come under scrutiny over fairness in distributing billions of dollars in direct payments to a cross section of farmers and ranchers , just as he was regarding distribution of trade aid to compensate farmers for lost foreign markets during trade disputes .
However , few in agriculture are likely to question the need for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement , the secretary said he is pulling together funding and authorities provided in two economic relief packages and using $ 873 million of existing USDA funding for food purchases .
The department ’ s umbrella name for the aid package is the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program .
Of the $ 19 billion , $ 16 billion in direct payments to farmers and ranchers will be “ based on actual losses for agricultural producers where prices and market supply chains have been impacted and will assist producers with additional adjustment and marketing costs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the 2020 marketing year caused by COVID-19 , ” Perdue said in the statement .

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue rolled out a $19 billion rescue plan Friday for a long list of agriculture sectors that say the ripple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic through supply chains and markets will force many farmers out of business.
Perdue is likely to come under scrutiny over fairness in distributing billions of dollars in direct payments to a cross section of farmers and ranchers, just as he was regarding distribution of trade aid to compensate farmers for lost foreign markets during trade disputes. However, few in agriculture are likely to question the need for help during the pandemic.
In a statement, the secretary said he is pulling together funding and authorities provided in two economic relief packages and using $873 million of existing USDA funding for food purchases. The department’s umbrella name for the aid package is the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program.
[Lawmakers prod USDA to aid local food growers hit by pandemic]
Of the $19 billion, $16 billion in direct payments to farmers and ranchers will be “based on actual losses for agricultural producers where prices and market supply chains have been impacted and will assist producers with additional adjustment and marketing costs resulting from lost demand and short-term oversupply for the 2020 marketing year caused by COVID-19,” Perdue said in the statement.


rollcall--2020-04-17--Ice cream didn’t ask for any of this

Ice cream didn’t ask for any of this

It didn ’ t take long for the innocent frozen treat to unwittingly become a political weapon .
( Maybe it ’ s more threatening when frozen . )
“ We ’ ve got the speaker being on late night TV … showcasing her gourmet ice cream [ instead of ] securing the funding , ” Republican House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy told Fox News .
He was referencing the ongoing fight in Congress over small-business relief during the COVID-19 pandemic .
But the ice cream didn ’ t ask for any of it .
“ I only have one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quipped on Twitter .
“ I will give you all the ice cream I have , Madam Speaker , if you fund small business and stop holding it hostage.
” Rubio offered up what appeared to be a pack of “ M & M ’ s Fun Cups , ” which , honestly , who could refuse ?
The National Republican Congressional Committee went even further , promoting swag inspired by something Marie Antionette , the extravagant queen beheaded in the French Revolution , probably never said .
“ Let them eat ice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

It didn’t take long for the innocent frozen treat to unwittingly become a political weapon. (Maybe it’s more threatening when frozen.) “We’ve got the speaker being on late night TV … showcasing her gourmet ice cream [instead of] securing the funding,” Republican House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy told Fox News.
He was referencing the ongoing fight in Congress over small-business relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. But the ice cream didn’t ask for any of it.
“I only have one refrigerator,” Republican Sen. Marco Rubio quipped on Twitter. “I will give you all the ice cream I have, Madam Speaker, if you fund small business and stop holding it hostage.”
Rubio offered up what appeared to be a pack of “M&M’s Fun Cups,” which, honestly, who could refuse?
The National Republican Congressional Committee went even further, promoting swag inspired by something Marie Antionette, the extravagant queen beheaded in the French Revolution, probably never said. “Let them eat ice cream,” reads the limited-edition T-shirt.


rollcall--2020-04-17--Treasury seeks to clarify legal humanitarian trade with Iran

The Treasury Department ’ s sanctions office on Friday said it was prioritizing requests to send food , medicine and medical devices to Iran during the coronavirus pandemic .
The move came a day after Treasury published new guidance sought by the private sector about humanitarian exemptions to U.S. sanctions against Iran , Venezuela , North Korea and other countries in light of the COVID-19 emergency .
“ It ’ s one of my primary objections to make sure that sanctions do not impede humanitarian relief efforts related to the COVID-19 crisis , ” Andrea Gacki , the director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Control , said during a virtual panel discussion organized by the Center for a New American Security .
Requests for licenses to provide humanitarian items to Iran are being treated with “ the utmost priority and urgency ” and expedited to the extent possible , she said .
Iran is experiencing the world ’ s eighth highest COVID-19 outbreak with 79,494 confirmed cases of the virus and 4,958 deaths as of Friday , according to Johns Hopkins University ’ s coronavirus dashboard .
The 10-page OFAC fact sheet published Thursday did not announce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as liberal lawmakers including Sens .
Christopher S. Murphy , D-Conn. , and Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. , have urged .
Rather , it consolidated existing guidance and clarified what the existing exemptions could be used for .

The Treasury Department’s sanctions office on Friday said it was prioritizing requests to send food, medicine and medical devices to Iran during the coronavirus pandemic. The move came a day after Treasury published new guidance sought by the private sector about humanitarian exemptions to U.S. sanctions against Iran, Venezuela, North Korea and other countries in light of the COVID-19 emergency.
“It’s one of my primary objections to make sure that sanctions do not impede humanitarian relief efforts related to the COVID-19 crisis,” Andrea Gacki, the director of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, said during a virtual panel discussion organized by the Center for a New American Security.
Requests for licenses to provide humanitarian items to Iran are being treated with “the utmost priority and urgency” and expedited to the extent possible, she said.
Iran is experiencing the world’s eighth highest COVID-19 outbreak with 79,494 confirmed cases of the virus and 4,958 deaths as of Friday, according to Johns Hopkins University’s coronavirus dashboard.
The 10-page OFAC fact sheet published Thursday did not announce any new exemptions from Iran sanctions, as liberal lawmakers including Sens. Christopher S. Murphy, D-Conn., and Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., have urged. Rather, it consolidated existing guidance and clarified what the existing exemptions could be used for.


rollcall--2020-04-17--Shell is latest to pledge net-zero greenhouse emissions by 2050

Royal Dutch Shell PLC has become the latest global corporation to commit to a plan to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 , even as the global pandemic saps demand and President Donald Trump rolls back environmental regulations in the U.S .
The Netherlands-based , U.K.-incorporated company raised goals for reducing the carbon footprint of the products it sells such as gasoline and jet fuel by 30 percent by 2035 and 65 percent by 2050 .
The targets align with the Paris climate agreement ’ s goal of limiting global average temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius , Shell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 pandemic having a serious impact on people ’ s health and our economies , these are extraordinary times , ” said Shell CEO Ben van Beurden in a statement .
“ Yet even at this time of immediate challenge , we must also maintain the focus on the long term.
” Shell ’ s plan is the latest in a series that companies to release such plans since Larry Fink , CEO of the world ’ s largest asset manager , BlackRock Inc. , focused his annual letter to corporate leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chase & Co. , oil and gas company BP PLC , air carrier Delta Air Lines Inc. , and software maker Microsoft Corp. were among large companies that released plans to reduce or offset emissions in the wake of Fink ’ s Jan. 14 letter .
[ Top money manager has companies scrambling to act on climate ]

Royal Dutch Shell PLC has become the latest global corporation to commit to a plan to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, even as the global pandemic saps demand and President Donald Trump rolls back environmental regulations in the U.S.
The Netherlands-based, U.K.-incorporated company raised goals for reducing the carbon footprint of the products it sells such as gasoline and jet fuel by 30 percent by 2035 and 65 percent by 2050. The targets align with the Paris climate agreement’s goal of limiting global average temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, Shell said in a statement.
“With the COVID-19 pandemic having a serious impact on people’s health and our economies, these are extraordinary times,” said Shell CEO Ben van Beurden in a statement. “Yet even at this time of immediate challenge, we must also maintain the focus on the long term.”
Shell’s plan is the latest in a series that companies to release such plans since Larry Fink, CEO of the world’s largest asset manager, BlackRock Inc., focused his annual letter to corporate leaders on addressing climate change. Bank JPMorgan Chase & Co., oil and gas company BP PLC, air carrier Delta Air Lines Inc., and software maker Microsoft Corp. were among large companies that released plans to reduce or offset emissions in the wake of Fink’s Jan. 14 letter.
[Top money manager has companies scrambling to act on climate]


rollcall--2020-04-17--Your Skype background sucks: Twitter account eviscerates lawmakers’ home decor

Since quarantine began about a month ago , cable news guests , including numerous members of Congress , have been conducting their interviews through at-home video chats , giving viewers a glimpse inside their palatial homes or small apartments .
And admit it , you ’ ve been judging the artwork , movie posters and ( especially ) book collections floating in the background .
Well , you ’ re not alone : There ’ s a new Twitter account dedicated to handing out background ratings ranging from innocuous to downright scathing .
But a quick perusal through @ ratemyskyperoom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based solely on whether someone ’ s curtains are clashing with a Britney Spears album poster .
The rating is also colored by the guest ’ s political leanings and whether they clash with those of Claude Taylor , the account ’ s creator .
For instance , the account wasn ’ t too impressed with Sen. Lindsey Graham and his gold-toned , plant-like statue , giving the background a “ 0/10 ” before commenting , “ Bad art , sh -- -y room , sh -- -y human.
” ( Ouch .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ familiar , it ’ s because he rose to the highest echelons of Twitter fame running the anti-Trump account @ TrueFactsStated during the most heated days of Robert Mueller ’ s Russian collusion investigation .
The former Clinton White House official and self-described “ partisan bomb thrower ” used his account to tweet out damaging “ scoops ” of questionable accuracy about the Trump administration .
Now , like many of us , he ’ s got a lot more time on his hands .

Since quarantine began about a month ago, cable news guests, including numerous members of Congress, have been conducting their interviews through at-home video chats, giving viewers a glimpse inside their palatial homes or small apartments. And admit it, you’ve been judging the artwork, movie posters and (especially) book collections floating in the background. Well, you’re not alone: There’s a new Twitter account dedicated to handing out background ratings ranging from innocuous to downright scathing.
But a quick perusal through @ratemyskyperoom reveals that the scores might not be based solely on whether someone’s curtains are clashing with a Britney Spears album poster. The rating is also colored by the guest’s political leanings and whether they clash with those of Claude Taylor, the account’s creator.
For instance, the account wasn’t too impressed with Sen. Lindsey Graham and his gold-toned, plant-like statue, giving the background a “0/10” before commenting, “Bad art, sh---y room, sh---y human.” (Ouch.)
If Taylor’s name sounds familiar, it’s because he rose to the highest echelons of Twitter fame running the anti-Trump account @TrueFactsStated during the most heated days of Robert Mueller’s Russian collusion investigation. The former Clinton White House official and self-described “partisan bomb thrower” used his account to tweet out damaging “scoops” of questionable accuracy about the Trump administration.
Now, like many of us, he’s got a lot more time on his hands.


rollcall--2020-04-17--Coronavirus Special Report: Evening update, 4/17

Tonight , we take you inside the Capitol to learn about what ’ s on lawmakers ’ minds as the @ @ @ @ @ look at the struggle to get more money to desperate hospitals , and a potential @ @ @ @ @ contact tracing , a necessary step to reopening society .
• Judge Justin Walker is @ @ @ @ @ s sway on federal courts • Coronavirus aid talks set to drag into weekend , @ @

Tonight, we take you inside the Capitol to learn about what’s on lawmakers’ minds as the pandemic continues. We also look at the struggle to get more money to desperate hospitals, and a potential app that may help with contact tracing, a necessary step to reopening society.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-04-17--Campus Notebook: Gaetz, Omar attract attention over spending

Rep. Matt Gaetz may be subject to even more scrutiny by the House Ethics Committee after a Politico report disclosed that he has paid over $ 184,000 in office rent to a friend , who is also a donor , legal client and adviser , a revelation that could trigger an ethics investigation .
An investigative subcommittee of the House Ethics panel is currently looking into a tweet the Florida Republican directed at Michael Cohen last year that appeared to threaten the former Trump lawyer in relation to his congressional testimony against the president .
Although it ’ s rare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead to a hearing and a House floor vote on the matter .
Gaetz and his friend Collier Merrill , a real estate developer and restaurateur , both told Politico the congressman paid Merrill ’ s Empire Partners LLC below market rent for the office space in downtown Pensacola , Florida .
Gaetz later said the rent was “ at or below market rate , ” Politico reported .
District office leases must be entered into at fair market value .
House Rules make it clear that the Members ’ Representational Allowance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office rents and salaries , can not be used for the direct benefit of someone who has a professional or legal relationship with the member .
“ Unless specifically authorized by an applicable provision of federal law , House Rules , or Committee Regulations , no Member , relative of the Member , or anyone with whom the Member has a professional or legal relationship may directly benefit from the expenditure of the MRA , ” the rules state .

Rep. Matt Gaetz may be subject to even more scrutiny by the House Ethics Committee after a Politico report disclosed that he has paid over $184,000 in office rent to a friend, who is also a donor, legal client and adviser, a revelation that could trigger an ethics investigation.
An investigative subcommittee of the House Ethics panel is currently looking into a tweet the Florida Republican directed at Michael Cohen last year that appeared to threaten the former Trump lawyer in relation to his congressional testimony against the president. Although it’s rare, the subcommittee’s inquiry could lead to a hearing and a House floor vote on the matter.
Gaetz and his friend Collier Merrill, a real estate developer and restaurateur, both told Politico the congressman paid Merrill’s Empire Partners LLC below market rent for the office space in downtown Pensacola, Florida. Gaetz later said the rent was “at or below market rate,” Politico reported. District office leases must be entered into at fair market value.
House Rules make it clear that the Members’ Representational Allowance, which pays for expenses such as district office rents and salaries, cannot be used for the direct benefit of someone who has a professional or legal relationship with the member.
“Unless specifically authorized by an applicable provision of federal law, House Rules, or Committee Regulations, no Member, relative of the Member, or anyone with whom the Member has a professional or legal relationship may directly benefit from the expenditure of the MRA,” the rules state.


rollcall--2020-04-17--Lawmakers’ inaction on loans adds uncertainty to small business

The coronavirus has plunged the U.S. economy into its darkest period since the Great Depression , and community bankers say Congress ’ decision to allow a major response program to run out of money will leave small businesses without essential funds .
The Small Business Administration ’ s Paycheck Protection Program ran through its $ 349 billion allocation Thursday , less than two weeks after it started .
The PPP , part of the roughly $ 2 trillion relief package passed by Congress in March , offers forgivable , federally guaranteed loans through private lenders to small businesses capped at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the debt is used to cover payroll and other fixed costs for eight weeks , it will essentially convert to a grant and borrowers won ’ t have to pay it back .
With the PPP well at least temporarily dry , some banks have stopped taking applications , while others expect Congress to soon appropriate more funds .
But for small businesses drowning in unpayable bills , community banks say the pause in the bailout has made an already challenging time worse .
“ These are the people who so desperately need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president of Bank of the West in Grapevine , Texas .
Negotiations to refill the PPP purse are set to continue over the weekend .
Republican have pushed for a clean bill to add $ 251 billion to the program , while Democrats have pushed to set aside a portion of the additional PPP funds for lenders that work with underserved communities , and also provide $ 150 billion for states , $ 100 billion for hospitals and an increase to food stamp allocations .

The coronavirus has plunged the U.S. economy into its darkest period since the Great Depression, and community bankers say Congress’ decision to allow a major response program to run out of money will leave small businesses without essential funds.
The Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program ran through its $349 billion allocation Thursday, less than two weeks after it started. The PPP, part of the roughly $2 trillion relief package passed by Congress in March, offers forgivable, federally guaranteed loans through private lenders to small businesses capped at 2.5 times their monthly payroll. If the debt is used to cover payroll and other fixed costs for eight weeks, it will essentially convert to a grant and borrowers won’t have to pay it back.
With the PPP well at least temporarily dry, some banks have stopped taking applications, while others expect Congress to soon appropriate more funds. But for small businesses drowning in unpayable bills, community banks say the pause in the bailout has made an already challenging time worse.
“These are the people who so desperately need it,” said Cynthia Blankenship, president of Bank of the West in Grapevine, Texas.
Negotiations to refill the PPP purse are set to continue over the weekend. Republican have pushed for a clean bill to add $251 billion to the program, while Democrats have pushed to set aside a portion of the additional PPP funds for lenders that work with underserved communities, and also provide $150 billion for states, $100 billion for hospitals and an increase to food stamp allocations.


rollcall--2020-04-18--Deal ‘very close’ on more coronavirus aid

Congressional leaders and the White House moved toward agreement late Saturday on a potential $ 500 billion package of funding for additional small-business loans and money for hospitals and virus testing , sources familiar with the talks said .
Negotiators were still going back and forth and had n't yet locked down an agreement , in part because Democrats continued to press for up to $ 150 billion in additional aid to state and local governments experiencing steep budget shortfalls as a result of the economic shutdown .
Republicans strongly resisted more for states and localities on top of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month 's roughly $ 2 trillion aid package , however , according to sources who were n't authorized to discuss ongoing negotiations .
Nonetheless , Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , said in a pre-taped interview set to air Sunday on ABC 's `` This Week '' that a deal was near .
`` We 're close ... we have common ground , '' she said , without going into specifics .
`` I think we 're very close to agreement . ''
Even absent the state and local aid , the package @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 251 billion in additional funding for a small-business loan program , aimed at avoiding layoffs , that the White House requested earlier this month .

Congressional leaders and the White House moved toward agreement late Saturday on a potential $500 billion package of funding for additional small-business loans and money for hospitals and virus testing, sources familiar with the talks said.
Negotiators were still going back and forth and hadn't yet locked down an agreement, in part because Democrats continued to press for up to $150 billion in additional aid to state and local governments experiencing steep budget shortfalls as a result of the economic shutdown.
Republicans strongly resisted more for states and localities on top of the $150 billion already included in last month's roughly $2 trillion aid package, however, according to sources who weren't authorized to discuss ongoing negotiations.
Nonetheless, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said in a pre-taped interview set to air Sunday on ABC's "This Week" that a deal was near. "We're close ... we have common ground," she said, without going into specifics. "I think we're very close to agreement."
Even absent the state and local aid, the package under consideration could be roughly double the $251 billion in additional funding for a small-business loan program, aimed at avoiding layoffs, that the White House requested earlier this month.


rollcall--2020-04-19--Top negotiators see coronavirus aid deal as early as Sunday

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Democratic leaders said Sunday they were “ very close ” to a coronavirus relief deal @ @ @ @ @ for small-business loans , hospitals and testing .
Details of the legislation 's COVID-19 testing @ @ @ @ @ .
But negotiators were nearing agreement on a plan to replenish a depleted small-business loan @ @ @ @ @ 300 billion , along with $ 50 billion more for emergency disaster loans , Mnuchin @ @ @ @ @ “ State of the Union.
” [ Obama small-business chief says Democrats should act now @ @ @ @ @ emerging deal could also include an additional $ 75 billion for hospitals and $ 25 @ @ @ @ @ for a pandemic that had killed more than 40,000 Americans as of Sunday afternoon , @ @ @ @ @ Johns Hopkins University .
“ I think we ’ re very close to a deal @ @ @ @ @ hopeful that we can get that done , ” said Mnuchin , who has served @ @ @ @ @ s point man on spending deals .

Negotiations were sputtering late Sunday on a package of nearly $500 billion in aid to small businesses and health care providers while expanding COVID-19 testing capacity, with some haggling left to be done over the measure's finer points.
Discussions were seen continuing into early Monday on a few remaining issues, such as whether the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or National Institutes of Health should administer a new $25 billion virus testing program.
Multiple sources familiar with the talks, who weren't authorized to speak publicly, said beyond the testing provisions there were other open items and it wasn't clear how quickly a deal might come together.
[Obama small-business chief says Democrats should act now on loan funds]
By late Sunday momentum had slowed considerably from earlier in the day. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, the administration's point man for the talks, and top Democratic leaders fanned out across the Sunday morning talk shows exuding optimism that they were on the cusp of a deal.


rollcall--2020-04-20--Trump’s pick for Pentagon watchdog prompts questions

President Donald Trump moved swiftly this month to replace inspectors general across the government .
Now Trump ’ s nominees for these watchdog jobs face questions about whether they will bark when needed , especially if Trump wants silence .
Arguably the most important IG organization in the country is the Pentagon ’ s , which comprises some 1,500 people in dozens of offices around the globe who do audits and criminal probes in search of waste , fraud or abuse in a nearly $ 700 billion annual enterprise .
Earlier this month , Trump pushed aside the Defense Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — the most experienced IG in history and one who was widely well-regarded — and moved him to the No .
2 Pentagon IG job .
To replace Fine in the top job and to oversee Fine , Trump nominated Jason Abend , a senior policy adviser at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency and a former federal investigator .
Abend has no experience running a large organization , unlike many previous Pentagon IGs , and no military background , according to his LinkedIn resume .
What drew Trump ’ s team @ @ @ @ @ @

President Donald Trump moved swiftly this month to replace inspectors general across the government. Now Trump’s nominees for these watchdog jobs face questions about whether they will bark when needed, especially if Trump wants silence.
Arguably the most important IG organization in the country is the Pentagon’s, which comprises some 1,500 people in dozens of offices around the globe who do audits and criminal probes in search of waste, fraud or abuse in a nearly $700 billion annual enterprise.
Earlier this month, Trump pushed aside the Defense Department’s acting IG, Glenn Fine — the most experienced IG in history and one who was widely well-regarded — and moved him to the No. 2 Pentagon IG job.
To replace Fine in the top job and to oversee Fine, Trump nominated Jason Abend, a senior policy adviser at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency and a former federal investigator.
Abend has no experience running a large organization, unlike many previous Pentagon IGs, and no military background, according to his LinkedIn resume. What drew Trump’s team to him remains a mystery.


rollcall--2020-04-20--EPA and Interior ease rules amid pandemic as repeal window nears

In the weeks since the coronavirus pandemic engulfed the White House , Congress and the presidential campaign , federal agencies have responded in temporary and health-focused ways .
They canceled meetings , delayed deadlines for the public to comment on pending rules , rescheduled hearings and directed employees to work remotely .
Fearing the spread of COVID-19 , the disease the virus causes , the Patent and Trademark Office even waived a requirement that applicants submit original documents , allowing copies instead .
But top political officials at agencies that regulate energy issues and the environment have been particularly active @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policies with repercussions that will likely stretch for years , in addition to short-term , virus-specific rules .
Political and policy experts say the flurry of rollbacks could reflect a White House strategy to have new rules in place before they might be subject to the Congressional Review Act , which allows Congress to strike down regulations and which Democrats could employ if they win the White House and both congressional chambers in November .
“ It ’ s something that the Trump administration has to be thinking about , ” said Sean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the UCLA School of Law .

Benjamin J. Hulac, Caroline Tanner, and Elvina Nawaguna

In the weeks since the coronavirus pandemic engulfed the White House, Congress and the presidential campaign, federal agencies have responded in temporary and health-focused ways.
They canceled meetings, delayed deadlines for the public to comment on pending rules, rescheduled hearings and directed employees to work remotely. Fearing the spread of COVID-19, the disease the virus causes, the Patent and Trademark Office even waived a requirement that applicants submit original documents, allowing copies instead.
But top political officials at agencies that regulate energy issues and the environment have been particularly active during the period in pursuing slates of policies with repercussions that will likely stretch for years, in addition to short-term, virus-specific rules.
Political and policy experts say the flurry of rollbacks could reflect a White House strategy to have new rules in place before they might be subject to the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress to strike down regulations and which Democrats could employ if they win the White House and both congressional chambers in November.
“It’s something that the Trump administration has to be thinking about,” said Sean Hecht, co-executive director of the Emmett Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the UCLA School of Law.


rollcall--2020-04-19--Coronavirus aid talks bleed into Monday as deal momentum slows

Negotiations were sputtering late Sunday on a package of nearly $ 500 billion in aid to small businesses and health @ @ @ @ @ testing capacity , with some haggling left to be done over the measure 's finer @ @ @ @ @ continuing into early Monday on a few remaining issues , such as whether the Centers @ @ @ @ @ or National Institutes of Health should administer a new $ 25 billion virus testing program @ @ @ @ @ the talks , who were n't authorized to speak publicly , said beyond the testing @ @ @ @ @ items and it was n't clear how quickly a deal might come together .
[ @ @ @ @ @ should act now on loan funds ] By late Sunday momentum had slowed considerably from @ @ @ @ @ Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , the administration 's point man for the talks , and @ @ @ @ @ across the Sunday morning talk shows exuding optimism that they were on the cusp of @ @ @

David Lerman, Jennifer Shutt, and Paul M. Krawzak


rollcall--2020-04-20--Coronavirus Special Report: Rep. Meeks on how small-business funds are missing minority communities

Tonight , we speak to New York Democratic Rep. Gregory W. Meeks of South Queens — the epicenter of the @ @ @ @ @ .
He talks about the pending COVID-19 relief bill for small businesses and says not @ @ @ @ @ previous relief measure got to businesses in his community .
We also cover the latest @ @ @ @ @ for the day .
• Truckers took a pass in first recovery bill , but @ @ @ @ @ odd couple push $ 500B for local governments to cope with coronavirus revenue losses

Tonight, we speak to New York Democratic Rep. Gregory W. Meeks of South Queens — the epicenter of the epicenter of the U.S. outbreak. He talks about the pending COVID-19 relief bill for small businesses and says not a single dollar from a previous relief measure got to businesses in his community. We also cover the latest from Congress and health policy for the day.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-04-20--The fight for the Senate: A pinkie on the scale for Democrats?

ANALYSIS — Last September , I wrote in this space that small developments had given Democrats “ some reason for @ @ @ @ @ s fight for the Senate.
” But I also noted that the party would “ @ @ @ @ @ to win control of the chamber next November.
” More than seven months later , @ @ @ @ @ no longer need an “ upset or two ” to win control of the Senate @ @ @ @ @ fact , while the fight for Senate control in November is a toss-up , I @ @ @ @ @ pinkie on the scale for Democrats right now .
It ’ s not that Democrats @ @ @ @ @ field , though they have .
Those “ extra ” races on the board , @ @ @ @ @ Georgia , aren ’ t the greatest of opportunities for them .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ initial top prospects have succeeded in proving their fundraising mettle and have taken advantage of @ @ @ @ @ .

ANALYSIS — Last September, I wrote in this space that small developments had given Democrats “some reason for optimism about next year’s fight for the Senate.” But I also noted that the party would “need an upset or two to win control of the chamber next November.”
More than seven months later, circumstances have changed.
Democrats no longer need an “upset or two” to win control of the Senate later this year. In fact, while the fight for Senate control in November is a toss-up, I’d probably put a pinkie on the scale for Democrats right now.
It’s not that Democrats have really widened the playing field, though they have. Those “extra” races on the board, in places like Montana and Georgia, aren’t the greatest of opportunities for them.
It’s simply that the Democrats’ initial top prospects have succeeded in proving their fundraising mettle and have taken advantage of Donald Trump’s GOP.


rollcall--2020-04-20--Oil prices fall below zero as oil-state lawmakers scramble

Oil prices plummeted well below zero Monday as industry advocates and oil state lawmakers continue to scramble over how to @ @ @ @ @ up the industry .
Prices fell sharply to levels never seen before , closing at @ @ @ @ @ , down $ 55.9 from Monday ’ s opening price .
The continuing oil market @ @ @ @ @ calls from oil state lawmakers for Congress to move legislation to aid the industry .
@ @ @ @ @ fall for several weeks as the coronavirus pandemic slowed global demand , exacerbating market problems @ @ @ @ @ glut and a stalemate between Russia and Saudi Arabia .
Lawmakers from oil states , @ @ @ @ @ Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan , and Sen. Kevin Cramer , R-N.D. , have continued @ @ @ @ @ make available $ 3 billion for the Energy Department to buy crude at low prices @ @ @ @ @ and fill federal stockpiles to the brim .
The lawmakers have introduced a draft bill @ @ @ @ @ a coming coronavirus economic relief package .

After oil prices plummeted well below zero Monday, President Donald Trump said Congress should approve the purchase of as much as 75 million barrels for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
“This is a great time to buy oil and we’d like to have Congress approve it,” Trump said Monday evening during the White House coronavirus briefing. “If we can buy it for nothing, we’re going to take everything we can get.”
Prices fell sharply to levels never seen before, closing at negative $37.63 per barrel Monday after opening at $55.90. The Department of Energy said on April 14 that it was negotiating with oil companies that want to lease space in Strategic Petroleum Reserve facilities to store excess oil they could not immediately sell.
The continuing oil market woes are likely to amplify calls from oil state lawmakers for Congress to move legislation to aid the industry, including by buying up some of the excess product.
[DOE negotiating with oil companies to store excess supplies]


rollcall--2020-04-20--Trump’s deferral of a few duties falls short for some importers

The long-awaited administration decision to defer some tariffs for some importers drew a lukewarm response from business groups , in @ @ @ @ @ is so limited .
The decision , announced Sunday , will allow importers who can @ @ @ @ @ to defer payment of duties , tariffs and fees for 90 days , but it @ @ @ @ @ March 1 and April 30 .
The president cited the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason @ @ @ @ @ The National Retail Federation welcomed the action but also said that it had hoped for @ @ @ @ @ pressed for duty deferral for all duties , including those for trade remedies , ” @ @ @ @ @ for communications , said in an e-mail .
“ While we appreciate this limited duty @ @ @ @ @ Administration will continue to evaluate and expand all options to help companies that are facing @ @ @ @ @ time.
” Technology importers also are looking for greater relief .

The long-awaited administration decision to defer some tariffs for some importers drew a lukewarm response from business groups, in part because the action itself is so limited.
The decision, announced Sunday, will allow importers who can document a significant financial hardship to defer payment of duties, tariffs and fees for 90 days, but it covers only products imported between March 1 and April 30. The president cited the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason for the executive order.
The National Retail Federation welcomed the action but also said that it had hoped for more.
“NRF has pressed for duty deferral for all duties, including those for trade remedies,” Mary McGinty, vice president for communications, said in an e-mail. “While we appreciate this limited duty deferral, we hope the Administration will continue to evaluate and expand all options to help companies that are facing serious liquidity issues at this time.”
Technology importers also are looking for greater relief.


rollcall--2020-04-20--Truckers took a pass in first recovery bill, but not this time

As Congress worked last month to craft a federal response to the coronavirus pandemic , the asks came in fast @ @ @ @ @ $ 58 billion to offset the steep decline in demand .
Transit wanted $ 25 @ @ @ @ @ $ 1 billion .
The $ 800 billion trucking industry , meanwhile , didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ , though advocates said they were hopeful members could have some access to the $ @ @ @ @ @ loans in the bill .
“ We did n't have enough of a sense of @ @ @ @ @ point , other than we probably at that moment didn ’ t need a handout @ @ @ @ @ , executive vice president of advocacy for the American Trucking Associations .
That may change @ @ @ @ @

As Congress worked last month to craft a federal response to the coronavirus pandemic, the asks came in fast and furious.
Airlines wanted $58 billion to offset the steep decline in demand. Transit wanted $25 billion. Amtrak asked for $1 billion.
The $800 billion trucking industry, meanwhile, didn’t ask for a dime, though advocates said they were hopeful members could have some access to the $350 billion in small business loans in the bill.
“We didn't have enough of a sense of the economic impact at that point, other than we probably at that moment didn’t need a handout,” said Bill Sullivan, executive vice president of advocacy for the American Trucking Associations.
That may change in the weeks ahead.


rollcall--2020-04-20--Medicare chief says COVID-19 patient ethnicity data coming next month

Data on the ethnicity of COVID-19 Medicare patients will likely be released in early May after federal officials analyze claims from the first month of cases , the head of Medicare and Medicaid told reporters Monday .
National attention on racial disparities in the coronavirus outbreak has intensified as states report increased infection rates among African Americans and other minorities .
Public health advocates have called for better data and prevention strategies to slow the spread in vulnerable communities .
In early April , Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma said the department would be releasing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told reporters Monday that because the Medicare billing code for COVID-19 only went live on April 1 , the department is just now beginning to aggregate data that are sufficient to evaluate and publish .
CMS plans to release findings early next month after determining that earlier preliminary data could be misleading .
Verma cautioned that because many medical providers have up to a year to report claims , the data will still likely be incomplete .
“ And as providers have been in some of these areas where we know that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them have told us they have had some delays in submitting claims data as well , ” she said .

Data on the ethnicity of COVID-19 Medicare patients will likely be released in early May after federal officials analyze claims from the first month of cases, the head of Medicare and Medicaid told reporters Monday.
National attention on racial disparities in the coronavirus outbreak has intensified as states report increased infection rates among African Americans and other minorities. Public health advocates have called for better data and prevention strategies to slow the spread in vulnerable communities.
In early April, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma said the department would be releasing the data “very shortly.” But she told reporters Monday that because the Medicare billing code for COVID-19 only went live on April 1, the department is just now beginning to aggregate data that are sufficient to evaluate and publish.
CMS plans to release findings early next month after determining that earlier preliminary data could be misleading. Verma cautioned that because many medical providers have up to a year to report claims, the data will still likely be incomplete.
“And as providers have been in some of these areas where we know that they've been hit hard, some of them have told us they have had some delays in submitting claims data as well,” she said.


rollcall--2020-04-20--Pandemic threatens to delay Pentagon weapons production

The Defense Department expects the global coronavirus outbreak will delay its major weapons programs by about three months , the @ @ @ @ @ buyer said Monday .
Ellen Lord , the Defense undersecretary for acquisitions and sustainment , @ @ @ @ @ or companies but suggested the delays would be widespread .
“ Domestically , we are @ @ @ @ @ the aviation supply chain , shipbuilding and small space launch , ” Lord said .
@ @ @ @ @ its industrial base solvent and working during the pandemic , including increasing reimbursements for work @ @ @ @ @ .
That change , Lord said , will start this week and provide $ 3 @ @ @ @ @ to the industry .
Lord praised defense giants Lockheed Martin Corp. and Boeing Co. for @ @ @ @ @ funds out to their smaller suppliers and said she hoped other major primes would follow @ @

The Defense Department expects the global coronavirus outbreak will delay its major weapons programs by about three months, the Pentagon’s top weapons buyer said Monday.
Ellen Lord, the Defense undersecretary for acquisitions and sustainment, did not name specific programs or companies but suggested the delays would be widespread.
“Domestically, we are seeing the greatest impacts in the aviation supply chain, shipbuilding and small space launch,” Lord said.
The Pentagon has tried keeping its industrial base solvent and working during the pandemic, including increasing reimbursements for work that is not yet complete.
That change, Lord said, will start this week and provide $3 billion in increased cash flow to the industry. Lord praised defense giants Lockheed Martin Corp. and Boeing Co. for committing to push those extra funds out to their smaller suppliers and said she hoped other major primes would follow suit.


rollcall--2020-04-20--Senate odd couple push $500B for local governments to cope with coronavirus revenue losses

They come from different coasts and ends of the political spectrum , but Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey @ @ @ @ @ of Louisiana are teaming up to push for $ 500 billion to help local governments @ @ @ @ @ revenue losses .
The bipartisan proposal , unveiled Monday , seeks to bridge funding shortfalls @ @ @ @ @ in less money from everything from parking meter fees to taxes .
“ Cities and @ @ @ @ @ full flexibility in using the funds , including making up for lost revenue , ” @ @ @ @ @ call .
Cassidy has worked with Democrats previously on items like flood insurance but is @ @ @ @ @ .
He has an average party unity score of over 95 percent since being elected @ @ @ @ @ , according to CQ Roll Call data .
For his part , Menendez ’ s @ @ @ @ @ dipped below 92 percent since coming to the Senate in 2006 .

They come from different coasts and ends of the political spectrum, but Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey and GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana are teaming up to push for $500 billion to help local governments reeling from coronavirus-related costs and revenue losses.
The bipartisan proposal, unveiled Monday, seeks to bridge funding shortfalls as cities and towns bring in less money from everything from parking meter fees to taxes.
[McCarthy says Democrats holding up coronavirus aid deal]
“Cities and state governments will be given full flexibility in using the funds, including making up for lost revenue,” Cassidy said on a press call.
Cassidy has worked with Democrats previously on items like flood insurance but is an extremely reliable Republican vote. He has an average party unity score of over 95 percent since being elected to the Senate in 2014, according to CQ Roll Call data. For his part, Menendez’s party unity score has never dipped below 92 percent since coming to the Senate in 2006.


rollcall--2020-04-20--US border restrictions extended for another month

The Trump administration announced Monday that it is extending travel and asylum restrictions along the U.S. border for at least one more month , citing the ongoing health emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Chad Wolf , the acting secretary of Homeland Security , announced that Mexico and Canada have agreed to keep the suspension on nonessential travel in place for at least another 30 days .
`` As President [ Donald ] Trump stated last week , border control , travel restrictions and other limitations remain critical to slowing the spread and allowing the phased opening of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press statement .
In addition , a notice previewed Monday in the Federal Register extends a March 20 order by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention allowing the administration to turn back all migrants who arrive at the border without papers — including asylum seekers and unaccompanied children .
Since the order was issued , more than 11,000 migrants have been summarily expelled without going through the typical legal processes that let them file for asylum or other protections , according to acting Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Mark A. Morgan .

The Trump administration announced Monday that it is extending travel and asylum restrictions along the U.S. border for at least one more month, citing the ongoing health emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chad Wolf, the acting secretary of Homeland Security, announced that Mexico and Canada have agreed to keep the suspension on nonessential travel in place for at least another 30 days.
"As President [Donald] Trump stated last week, border control, travel restrictions and other limitations remain critical to slowing the spread and allowing the phased opening of the country," he said in a press statement.
In addition, a notice previewed Monday in the Federal Register extends a March 20 order by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention allowing the administration to turn back all migrants who arrive at the border without papers — including asylum seekers and unaccompanied children.
Since the order was issued, more than 11,000 migrants have been summarily expelled without going through the typical legal processes that let them file for asylum or other protections, according to acting Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Mark A. Morgan.


rollcall--2020-04-20--Organizations push for remote floor and committee debate, not just voting

Ahead of a week where voting logistics could be tested in real time , a dozen organizations are urging Congress to enable remote deliberations for House floor and committee action and for Congress to invest in its own technology to make remote governing more feasible .
Last week , House leaders proposed a temporary rules change to allow proxy voting , which would allow an absent member to designate a colleague to vote on their behalf .
But organizations across the political spectrum are saying that remote voting may not go far enough , when it is unclear when Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the coronavirus pandemic continues .
“ We understand the reluctance of some Members of the House to amend or temporarily suspend particular rules , but we believe it is preferable to have a remote Congress than no Congress , ” reads a letter the group sent to congressional leaders Monday .
Signatories to the letter include the conservative R Street Institute and Norman Ornstein of the American Enterprise Institute , alongside former Democratic Rep .
Brain Baird and the liberal-leaning Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington .
Government transparency advocates at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of PopVox joined the progressive Courage Campaign to sign onto the letter , among others .
The organizations would like to see the House adopt rules and procedures to allow for full deliberations , not just votes , in a remote capacity .

Ahead of a week where voting logistics could be tested in real time, a dozen organizations are urging Congress to enable remote deliberations for House floor and committee action and for Congress to invest in its own technology to make remote governing more feasible.
Last week, House leaders proposed a temporary rules change to allow proxy voting, which would allow an absent member to designate a colleague to vote on their behalf. But organizations across the political spectrum are saying that remote voting may not go far enough, when it is unclear when Congress will be able to safely convene regularly as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
“We understand the reluctance of some Members of the House to amend or temporarily suspend particular rules, but we believe it is preferable to have a remote Congress than no Congress,” reads a letter the group sent to congressional leaders Monday.
Signatories to the letter include the conservative R Street Institute and Norman Ornstein of the American Enterprise Institute, alongside former Democratic Rep. Brain Baird and the liberal-leaning Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. Government transparency advocates at Demand Progress, GovTrack and Marci Harris of PopVox joined the progressive Courage Campaign to sign onto the letter, among others.
The organizations would like to see the House adopt rules and procedures to allow for full deliberations, not just votes, in a remote capacity.


rollcall--2020-04-21--House to vote on remote proxy voting as soon as Thursday

The House is expected to vote as soon as Thursday on a major , but temporary , change to the chamber 's voting rules to allow for proxy voting as travel and large gatherings continue to pose public health risks during the coronavirus pandemic .
Lawmakers are expected to have to return to Washington this week to vote on an update to coronavirus pandemic aid for small businesses , and House leaders plan to use the session to also approve an emergency proxy-voting procedure in response to the health crisis .
The change would allow an absent lawmaker to designate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matters on their behalf .
House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer , D-Md.
, announced late Monday night that if the Senate passes the small-business aid in their Tuesday pro forma session , the House could meet as soon as Thursday at 10 a.m. , when a proxy-voting resolution may be brought for a vote .
House Rules Chairman Jim McGovern , D-Mass.
, floated the proxy-voting and rule change proposal last week , in response to calls from within his caucus for leadership to establish a system for remote voting to allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the COVID-19 crisis .

The House is expected to vote as soon as Thursday on a major, but temporary, change to the chamber's voting rules to allow for proxy voting as travel and large gatherings continue to pose public health risks during the coronavirus pandemic.
Lawmakers are expected to have to return to Washington this week to vote on an update to coronavirus pandemic aid for small businesses, and House leaders plan to use the session to also approve an emergency proxy-voting procedure in response to the health crisis. The change would allow an absent lawmaker to designate a colleague to vote on House floor matters on their behalf.
House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, D-Md., announced late Monday night that if the Senate passes the small-business aid in their Tuesday pro forma session, the House could meet as soon as Thursday at 10 a.m., when a proxy-voting resolution may be brought for a vote.
House Rules Chairman Jim McGovern, D-Mass., floated the proxy-voting and rule change proposal last week, in response to calls from within his caucus for leadership to establish a system for remote voting to allow the House to continue pressing legislative business during the COVID-19 crisis.
[House inches toward low-tech remote voting with proxy vote proposal]


rollcall--2020-04-21--Pentagon falls short on its cyber hygiene goals, GAO says

The Pentagon is falling short on implementing its own promised cybersecurity safeguards , according to a new government watchdog report , even as officials undertake a massive transformation to telework policies for millions of Defense Department employees because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The report , issued by the Government Accountability Office last week , found the Defense Department has not completed tasks associated with a trio of “ cyber hygiene ” training initiatives dating back to 2015 , including some that were supposed to be completed in 2016 and 2018 .
“ Overall , until DOD completes its cyber @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are implemented , the department will face an enhanced risk of successful attack , ” the report said .
The incomplete tasks included developing cybersecurity training briefs for Pentagon employees in leadership positions .
Officials from U.S. Cyber Command provided the Defense Department with a pair of manuals to be used in leadership training , but those briefings had not been shared as of last October , the GAO report said .
Had the briefs been incorporated into Pentagon leadership training , the report said , Pentagon officials “ would have been better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ may have learned , among other things , how to understand , assess , and interpret cyber-reportable events and incidents and how they affect military operations .
”

The Pentagon is falling short on implementing its own promised cybersecurity safeguards, according to a new government watchdog report, even as officials undertake a massive transformation to telework policies for millions of Defense Department employees because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The report, issued by the Government Accountability Office last week, found the Defense Department has not completed tasks associated with a trio of “cyber hygiene” training initiatives dating back to 2015, including some that were supposed to be completed in 2016 and 2018.
“Overall, until DOD completes its cyber hygiene initiatives and ensures that cyber practices are implemented, the department will face an enhanced risk of successful attack,” the report said.
The incomplete tasks included developing cybersecurity training briefs for Pentagon employees in leadership positions. Officials from U.S. Cyber Command provided the Defense Department with a pair of manuals to be used in leadership training, but those briefings had not been shared as of last October, the GAO report said.
Had the briefs been incorporated into Pentagon leadership training, the report said, Pentagon officials “would have been better positioned to address cybersecurity risks” and “may have learned, among other things, how to understand, assess, and interpret cyber-reportable events and incidents and how they affect military operations.”


rollcall--2020-04-21--Paycheck relief loans give fintech a chance to showcase strengths

The financial technology industry was handed a rare opportunity to demonstrate its capabilities when the federal government authorized nonbank companies @ @ @ @ @ Square Inc. to help distribute $ 349 billion in economic relief to small businesses reeling @ @ @ @ @ The Small Business Administration , which manages the so-called Paycheck Protection Program , approved the @ @ @ @ @ automated online lender Kabbage Inc. and Intuit Inc. subsidiary Quickbooks Capital to work alongside traditional @ @ @ @ @ the loans .
The program is a portion of the rougly $ 2 trillion economic @ @ @ @ @ 27 .
Fintech industry trade groups succeeded in convincing policymakers that their members are uniquely @ @ @ @ @ and potentially other federal relief payments .

The financial technology industry was handed a rare opportunity to demonstrate its capabilities when the federal government authorized nonbank companies like PayPal Holdings Inc. and Square Inc. to help distribute $349 billion in economic relief to small businesses reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Small Business Administration, which manages the so-called Paycheck Protection Program, approved the two financial institutions along with automated online lender Kabbage Inc. and Intuit Inc. subsidiary Quickbooks Capital to work alongside traditional banks to underwrite and disburse the loans.
[Lawmakers’ inaction on loans adds uncertainty to small business]
The program is a portion of the rougly $2 trillion economic stimulus package enacted on March 27.
Fintech industry trade groups succeeded in convincing policymakers that their members are uniquely suited to administer these loans and potentially other federal relief payments.


rollcall--2020-04-21--Comparing COVID-19 and fintech in Hong Kong and China

Fintech Beat talks to internationally renowned Hong Kong University professor Douglas Arner to understand differences in Big Tech , fintech @ @ @ @ @ , mainland China and the wider Asia region as countries face the COVID-19 pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ a new financial crisis ?
• Fintech in the UK after Brexit

Fintech Beat talks to internationally renowned University of Hong Kong professor Douglas Arner to understand differences in Big Tech, fintech and digitization in Hong Kong, mainland China and the wider Asia region as countries face the COVID-19 pandemic.
More podcast content
Show Notes:
Correction: An earlier version of this report misstated the name of the university where Douglas Arner works.


rollcall--2020-04-20--Oil prices fall below zero and Trump sees a buying opportunity

After oil prices plummeted well below zero Monday , President Donald Trump said Congress should approve the purchase of as @ @ @ @ @ for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve .
“ This is a great time to buy oil @ @ @ @ @ to have Congress approve it , ” Trump said Monday evening during the White House @ @ @ @ @ we can buy it for nothing , we ’ re going to take everything we @ @ @ @ @ sharply to levels never seen before , closing at negative $ 37.63 per barrel Monday @ @ @ @ @ .
The Department of Energy said on April 14 that it was negotiating with oil @ @ @ @ @ space in Strategic Petroleum Reserve facilities to store excess oil they could not immediately sell @ @ @ @ @ woes are likely to amplify calls from oil state lawmakers for Congress to move legislation @ @ @ @ @ including by buying up some of the excess product .


rollcall--2020-04-21--Partisanship crowds into House’s proxy and remote voting debate

The House continued to grapple Tuesday with how to conduct urgent legislative business amid the coronavirus pandemic , moving ahead with a Democratic effort to change the rules to allow remote proxy voting , despite no lack of concern among members .
The House Rules Committee will convene Wednesday to consider a resolution to temporarily allow an absent lawmaker to designate a colleague to vote on floor matters on his or her behalf .
The chamber is expected to consider a $ 483.4 billion coronavirus relief package Thursday , and Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer announced that a proxy voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the session .
Speaker Nancy Pelosi told the “ PBS NewsHour ” that while the House may vote on both the same day , proxy voting will not be used during the vote on the aid package .
Hoyer said Tuesday that proxy voting is only an initial step toward remote operations for the House .
In a letter , the Maryland Democrat urged the chamber ’ s Rules and Administration committees to explore the use of videoconferencing during emergencies to allow remote voting and remote committee action .
He also asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conduct business in Washington in compliance with social distancing guidelines .

The House continued to grapple Tuesday with how to conduct urgent legislative business amid the coronavirus pandemic, moving ahead with a Democratic effort to change the rules to allow remote proxy voting, despite no lack of concern among members.
The House Rules Committee will convene Wednesday to consider a resolution to temporarily allow an absent lawmaker to designate a colleague to vote on floor matters on his or her behalf.
The chamber is expected to consider a $483.4 billion coronavirus relief package Thursday, and Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer announced that a proxy voting resolution may be brought for a vote during the session.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi told the “PBS NewsHour” that while the House may vote on both the same day, proxy voting will not be used during the vote on the aid package.
Hoyer said Tuesday that proxy voting is only an initial step toward remote operations for the House. In a letter, the Maryland Democrat urged the chamber’s Rules and Administration committees to explore the use of videoconferencing during emergencies to allow remote voting and remote committee action. He also asked that they focus on how Congress can conduct business in Washington in compliance with social distancing guidelines.