rollcall--2020-10-09--Why is Pelosi suddenly talking about the 25th Amendment?

Why would Speaker Nancy Pelosi unveil legislation less than one month before Election Day to establish a commission under the 25th Amendment to determine the president ’ s fitness for holding office ?
That ’ s the question many in Washington are asking Friday after Pelosi held a news conference with Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin , a constitutional scholar and member of the House Democratic leadership team , to back his bill setting up a Commission on Presidential Capacity to Discharge the Powers and Duties of the Office .
Democrats say they ’ re simply setting up a process authorized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been codified long ago but is especially needed now because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Republicans think Pelosi is continuing the effort she started with impeachment to try to oust President Donald Trump .
And others suggest Pelosi is signaling that Trump , who tested positive for COVID-19 last week , is unfit to hold office .
The 25th Amendment of the Constitution provides authority for the vice president to take over for the president if the commander in chief is “ unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the 25th Amendment that allows the vice president and a majority of the presidential Cabinet to determine if the president is unfit to serve , but it also delegates such authority to “ such other body as Congress may by law provide.
” Raskin ’ s legislation , an updated version of a bill he first introduced in 2017 , would establish such a body : a 17-member commission composed of four physicians , four psychiatrists and eight former high-ranking executive branch officers appointed by congressional leadership from both parties .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other 16 to serve as chair of the commission .

Why would Speaker Nancy Pelosi unveil legislation less than one month before Election Day to establish a commission under the 25th Amendment to determine the president’s fitness for holding office?
That’s the question many in Washington are asking Friday after Pelosi held a news conference with Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin, a constitutional scholar and member of the House Democratic leadership team, to back his bill setting up a Commission on Presidential Capacity to Discharge the Powers and Duties of the Office.
Democrats say they’re simply setting up a process authorized by the Constitution that should’ve been codified long ago but is especially needed now because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Republicans think Pelosi is continuing the effort she started with impeachment to try to oust President Donald Trump. And others suggest Pelosi is signaling that Trump, who tested positive for COVID-19 last week, is unfit to hold office.
The 25th Amendment of the Constitution provides authority for the vice president to take over for the president if the commander in chief is “unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.” Most people are familiar with the part of the 25th Amendment that allows the vice president and a majority of the presidential Cabinet to determine if the president is unfit to serve, but it also delegates such authority to “such other body as Congress may by law provide.”
Raskin’s legislation, an updated version of a bill he first introduced in 2017, would establish such a body: a 17-member commission composed of four physicians, four psychiatrists and eight former high-ranking executive branch officers appointed by congressional leadership from both parties. The final member would be selected by the other 16 to serve as chair of the commission.


rollcall--2020-10-09--Photos of the week ending Oct. 9, 2020

Photos of the week ending Oct. 9, 2020

Just because Congress is on recess does n't mean it was a quiet week on and around the Hill .
@ @ @ @ @ 2020 .
President Donald Trump was treated for COVID-19 at Walter Reed National Medical Center @ @ @ @ @ DC , Speaker Nancy Pelosi brought up the 25th Amendment and the Senate Judiciary Committee @ @ @ @ @ Supreme Court confirmation hearing .

Bill Clark, Caroline Brehman, and Tom Williams

Just because Congress is on recess doesn't mean it was a quiet week on and around the Hill. After all, it is 2020. President Donald Trump was treated for COVID-19 at Walter Reed National Medical Center, mail-in voting began in DC, Speaker Nancy Pelosi brought up the 25th Amendment and the Senate Judiciary Committee prepared for next week's Supreme Court confirmation hearing.
Voters use the District of Columbia Board of Elections mail-in-ballot drop box at Union Market in Washington on Monday, the first day the boxes were open. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
A supporter of President Donald Trump wears a Trump 2020 pin at the rally outside Walter Reed National Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., where Trump was being treated for COVID-19 on Monday. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
A car with anti-Trump demonstrators drives by a crowd of pro-Trump supporters gathered outside of Walter Reed National Medical Center. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Marine One lands at Walter Reed National Medical Center on Monday to transport President Donald Trump back to the White House. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Artist Ravi Raman works on his "Love in Six Lines" series of images outside of the Dupont Circle Metro station on Tuesday. The work is commissioned by the Dupont Circle Business Improvement District and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig arrives for the House Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on Government Operations hearing on the IRS in the Pandemic, on Wednesday. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
A Washington DC Urban Adventures tour group passes in front of the U.S. Capitol on 3rd Street, NW, on Wednesday. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Barbie dolls dressed up as Democratic candidates Joe Biden and Kamala Harris wave as part of the election-themed "Barbie Pond on Avenue Q" on Q Street NW in Washington on Wednesday. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Demonstrators from Moveon.org Political Action wear hazmat suits on the south side of the White House on Thursday to highlight the Trump Administration's recent COVID-19 outbreak. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)


rollcall--2020-10-09--SBA, Treasury simplify forgiveness process on small PPP loans

The Treasury Department and the Small Business Administration released a simplified forgiveness application for Paycheck Protection Program loans under $ 50,000 .
The simplified form released late Thursday cuts the application ’ s size down from five pages to two , and removes most of the questions aimed at ensuring that the loans were used for the program ’ s intended purposes of supporting payrolls and covering other fixed costs .
The PPP was established as part of the $ 2 trillion economic rescue package enacted in March to speed loans to small businesses hurt by the coronavirus pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial institutions to process and fund the loans , using a simplified SBA application form that skipped the usual due diligence lenders perform before lending .
The PPP instead delayed most of the paperwork until the forgiveness application , ensuring that the money got out quickly to the small businesses that needed it , but still making sure borrowers weren ’ t cheating the system .
But small business groups and lenders complained that detailing how the emergency funds were spent would distract the smallest entrepreneurs from running their businesses or force them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afford .
Thursday ’ s announcement was met with mixed reviews from lenders , who say more should be done to cut down the program ’ s paperwork for smaller borrowers .

The Treasury Department and the Small Business Administration released a simplified forgiveness application for Paycheck Protection Program loans under $50,000.
The simplified form released late Thursday cuts the application’s size down from five pages to two, and removes most of the questions aimed at ensuring that the loans were used for the program’s intended purposes of supporting payrolls and covering other fixed costs.
The PPP was established as part of the $2 trillion economic rescue package enacted in March to speed loans to small businesses hurt by the coronavirus pandemic. The program relied on banks and other financial institutions to process and fund the loans, using a simplified SBA application form that skipped the usual due diligence lenders perform before lending.
The PPP instead delayed most of the paperwork until the forgiveness application, ensuring that the money got out quickly to the small businesses that needed it, but still making sure borrowers weren’t cheating the system. But small business groups and lenders complained that detailing how the emergency funds were spent would distract the smallest entrepreneurs from running their businesses or force them to hire accountants they can’t afford.
Thursday’s announcement was met with mixed reviews from lenders, who say more should be done to cut down the program’s paperwork for smaller borrowers.


rollcall--2020-10-09--Feds say it’s time for former Rep. Collins to report to prison

Former Rep. Chris Collins wants to delay his prison report date for a fifth time because of COVID-19 concerns , but prosecutors say it ’ s time he gets behind bars at FPC Pensacola .
It has been over a year since Collins pleaded guilty and nearly nine months since he was sentenced to 26 months in prison for insider trading and lying to the FBI .
Lawyers for the New York Republican argued , in an Oct. 1 emergency motion , to delay his report date because the coronavirus pandemic continues to rage .
They say Collins should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Dec. 8 , instead of the scheduled Oct. 13 report date , or alternatively serve his sentence in home confinement .
Collins ’ lawyer , Jonathan New , cited health experts , including Anthony Fauci , the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , who has warned the United States will face challenges as flu season approaches .
On Jan. 17 , Collins was sentenced to two years and two months in prison and initially was scheduled to report to FPC Pensacola on March 17 .
The surrender @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then the pandemic allowed Collins , now 70 years old and as such at higher risk as a senior citizen , to receive further delays .

Former Rep. Chris Collins wants to delay his prison report date for a fifth time because of COVID-19 concerns, but prosecutors say it’s time he gets behind bars at FPC Pensacola.
It has been over a year since Collins pleaded guilty and nearly nine months since he was sentenced to 26 months in prison for insider trading and lying to the FBI.
Lawyers for the New York Republican argued, in an Oct. 1 emergency motion, to delay his report date because the coronavirus pandemic continues to rage. They say Collins should be able to delay his prison start date to Dec. 8, instead of the scheduled Oct. 13 report date, or alternatively serve his sentence in home confinement.
Collins’ lawyer, Jonathan New, cited health experts, including Anthony Fauci, the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, who has warned the United States will face challenges as flu season approaches.
On Jan. 17, Collins was sentenced to two years and two months in prison and initially was scheduled to report to FPC Pensacola on March 17. The surrender date was pushed back to April and then the pandemic allowed Collins, now 70 years old and as such at higher risk as a senior citizen, to receive further delays.


rollcall--2020-10-12--Blue wave survivors: After narrow 2018 victory, will GOP’s Rodney Davis keep his seat this year?

This is the first installment of “ Blue Wave Survivors , ” a series analyzing whether House Republicans who survived @ @ @ @ @ swept Democrats into control can win against the same opponents in 2020 .
Brian Gaines @ @ @ @ @ at the University of Illinois , made a prediction just after the 2018 elections : @ @ @ @ @ Rep. Rodney Davis , could survive that year ’ s Democratic wave , then the @ @ @ @ @ 2020 .
Now Gaines has lost confidence in his prognosis .
“ I still think @ @ @ @ @ but I ’ m a little more inclined to think he could lose this election @ @ @ @ @ a professor at the Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the university , who @ @ @ @ @ and into the district ’ s more rural parts .
“ I was surprised how @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .

This is the first installment of “Blue Wave Survivors,” a series analyzing whether House Republicans who survived the 2018 blue wave that swept Democrats into control can win against the same opponents in 2020.
Brian Gaines, a political science professor at the University of Illinois, made a prediction just after the 2018 elections: If the local congressman, Rep. Rodney Davis, could survive that year’s Democratic wave, then the Republican would be safe through 2020.
Now Gaines has lost confidence in his prognosis.
“I still think that’s true, but I’m a little more inclined to think he could lose this election,” said Gaines, a professor at the Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the university, who recently ventured out of Urbana-Champaign and into the district’s more rural parts.
“I was surprised how few Trump signs I saw,” he said.


rollcall--2020-10-12--Barrett hearings become platform for COVID-19 risk debate

The Senate Judiciary Committee hosted not just Amy Coney Barrett on Monday , but a debate about Capitol Hill ’ s strategy for testing and containing COVID-19 .
It all came into focus as the panel ’ s hearings on Barrett ’ s Supreme Court nomination got underway , particularly with the sight of one committee member , Utah Republican Mike Lee , attending Monday ’ s session in person less than two weeks after testing positive for the disease .
Democrats and at least one Republican Judiciary member raised concerns about the lack of a testing regimen and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus , after Lee ended his isolation .
Sen. Thom Tillis , R-N.C. , who also tested positive , and Sen. Ted Cruz , R-Texas , who is isolating because he was in contact with Lee , participated in the hearing remotely , but could attend in person later this week .
Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham said the spacious room in the Hart Building was outfitted to ensure six feet of separation between people and to take other precautions to limit the risk of transmitting the virus .
“ I doubt if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country that ’ s been given more attention and detail to make sure it ’ s [ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ] compliant , ” the South Carolina Republican said as he opened the hearing .
“ The Architect of the Capitol , working with the attending physician , has set up the room in a fashion that we can safely do our business .
”

The Senate Judiciary Committee hosted not just Amy Coney Barrett on Monday, but a debate about Capitol Hill’s strategy for testing and containing COVID-19.
It all came into focus as the panel’s hearings on Barrett’s Supreme Court nomination got underway, particularly with the sight of one committee member, Utah Republican Mike Lee, attending Monday’s session in person less than two weeks after testing positive for the disease.
Democrats and at least one Republican Judiciary member raised concerns about the lack of a testing regimen and the chance for someone to be infected with the coronavirus, after Lee ended his isolation. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., who also tested positive, and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who is isolating because he was in contact with Lee, participated in the hearing remotely, but could attend in person later this week.
Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham said the spacious room in the Hart Building was outfitted to ensure six feet of separation between people and to take other precautions to limit the risk of transmitting the virus.
“I doubt if there’s any room in the country that’s been given more attention and detail to make sure it’s [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] compliant,” the South Carolina Republican said as he opened the hearing. “The Architect of the Capitol, working with the attending physician, has set up the room in a fashion that we can safely do our business.”


rollcall--2020-10-12--Pelosi stays firm on coronavirus relief as a few Democrats urge compromise

Speaker Nancy Pelosi is trying to keep her caucus together as she holds out for a better coronavirus relief package than the Trump administration ’ s latest $ 1.8 trillion proposal , but some Democrats are growing impatient as the window to enact a law before the Nov. 3 election closes .
“ We ’ re in a place that we should be able to cut a deal , ” Rep. Ro Khanna , D-Calif. , told CQ Roll Call in an interview .
Khanna said Democrats should be able to accept most of what ’ s in the $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made to Pelosi on Friday because it provides at least some relief in all the key areas they have been pushing .
The offer includes $ 300 billion for state and local governments , $ 400 per week in federal unemployment benefits into January , $ 60 billion for rental and mortgage assistance , $ 28 billion in student loan relief and $ 15 billion in food assistance .
“ We have a moral obligation to do something , ” Khanna , a leader of the Congressional Progressive Caucus , said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the working poor.
” Pelosi , however , is still unhappy with the administration ’ s offer on state and local aid and unemployment assistance , as well as other aspects of the $ 1.8 trillion proposal .
She 's been pushing provisions from Democrats ' $ 2.2 trillion bill the House passed Oct. 1 .

Speaker Nancy Pelosi is trying to keep her caucus together as she holds out for a better coronavirus relief package than the Trump administration’s latest $1.8 trillion proposal, but some Democrats are growing impatient as the window to enact a law before the Nov. 3 election closes.
“We’re in a place that we should be able to cut a deal,” Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., told CQ Roll Call in an interview.
Khanna said Democrats should be able to accept most of what’s in the $1.8 trillion offer Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin made to Pelosi on Friday because it provides at least some relief in all the key areas they have been pushing. The offer includes $300 billion for state and local governments, $400 per week in federal unemployment benefits into January, $60 billion for rental and mortgage assistance, $28 billion in student loan relief and $15 billion in food assistance.
“We have a moral obligation to do something,” Khanna, a leader of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said. “We are the party that stands for the working poor.”
Pelosi, however, is still unhappy with the administration’s offer on state and local aid and unemployment assistance, as well as other aspects of the $1.8 trillion proposal. She's been pushing provisions from Democrats' $2.2 trillion bill the House passed Oct. 1.


rollcall--2020-10-12--Lots of partisan sniping, but not a lot of mystery, at Supreme Court confirmation hearing

Senate Judiciary members sharply criticized each other during the opening day Monday of the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee @ @ @ @ @ now faces a long day of questions on her legal views and previous judicial decisions @ @ @ @ @ to make a statement on President Donald Trump ’ s consequential pick who would further @ @ @ @ @ s conservative tilt , Democrats and Republicans firmly established their main strategies for a week @ @ @ @ @ to collapse into partisan sniping .
Democrats used their time to focus relentlessly on the @ @ @ @ @ s appointment , particularly the potential for the Supreme Court to wipe out the 2010 @ @ @ @ @ case backed by the Trump administration and set for argument Nov. 10 .
And Senate @ @ @ @ @ other Republicans criticized Democrats for focusing not on Barrett ’ s qualifications , but on @ @ @ @ @ might vote to deliver .
At times , both sides got unusually personal .

Senate Judiciary members sharply criticized each other during the opening day Monday of the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett, who now faces a long day of questions on her legal views and previous judicial decisions.
With 10 minutes each to make a statement on President Donald Trump’s consequential pick who would further solidify the Supreme Court’s conservative tilt, Democrats and Republicans firmly established their main strategies for a week of hearings that appeared poised to collapse into partisan sniping.
Democrats used their time to focus relentlessly on the policy implications of Barrett’s appointment, particularly the potential for the Supreme Court to wipe out the 2010 health care law in a case backed by the Trump administration and set for argument Nov. 10.
And Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham and other Republicans criticized Democrats for focusing not on Barrett’s qualifications, but on the decisions they fear she might vote to deliver.
At times, both sides got unusually personal.


rollcall--2020-10-12--Roberta McCain, mother of the late Sen. John McCain, has died at age 108

Roberta McCain , mother of the late Sen. John McCain of Arizona , has died at the age of 108 , according to her daughter-in-law , Cindy McCain .
She was a fixture on Capitol Hill and a large presence on the trail during her son ’ s 2008 bid for the presidency .
During that campaign , the senator faced questions about his age and fitness for office , since he would have been the oldest person sworn in as a first-term U.S. president .
Whenever pressed on the matter , he would point to his energetic mother , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ genetic longevity .
“ From both my parents , I learned to persevere , ” John McCain wrote in “ Faith of My Fathers , ” his 1999 memoir .
“ But my mother ’ s extraordinary resilience made her the stronger of the two.
” In the acknowledgements , he called her a “ natural storyteller ” and thanked her for helping him dredge up memories for the book “ despite her initial suspicion that I was ‘ just trying to show off.
’ ” She was “ extroverted and irrepressible , @ @ @ @

Roberta McCain, mother of the late Sen. John McCain of Arizona, has died at the age of 108, according to her daughter-in-law, Cindy McCain.
She was a fixture on Capitol Hill and a large presence on the trail during her son’s 2008 bid for the presidency. During that campaign, the senator faced questions about his age and fitness for office, since he would have been the oldest person sworn in as a first-term U.S. president. Whenever pressed on the matter, he would point to his energetic mother, then 96, as an example of genetic longevity.
“From both my parents, I learned to persevere,” John McCain wrote in “Faith of My Fathers,” his 1999 memoir. “But my mother’s extraordinary resilience made her the stronger of the two.”
In the acknowledgements, he called her a “natural storyteller” and thanked her for helping him dredge up memories for the book “despite her initial suspicion that I was ‘just trying to show off.’”
She was “extroverted and irrepressible,” he wrote.


rollcall--2020-10-12--Watch Amy Coney Barrett’s full opening statement

The Senate Judiciary Committee began its confirmation hearings this week for Judge Amy Coney Barrett ’ s nomination to the @ @ @ @ @ video for Barrett ’ s full opening statement Monday afternoon .
[ Read more : @ @ @ @ @ as Amy Coney Barrett hearings get underway ]

The Senate Judiciary Committee began its confirmation hearings this week for Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination to the Supreme Court. See the video for Barrett’s full opening statement Monday afternoon.
[ Read more: Senators stake out their positions as Amy Coney Barrett hearings get underway ]


rollcall--2020-10-12--A big question on Day One of the Amy Coney Barrett hearings: Where’s lunch?

As media , staff and lawmakers descended on the Hart Senate Office Building for the first day of confirmation hearings for Amy Coney Barrett ’ s nomination to the Supreme Court , there was a slow realization that coffee and lunch would be hard to come by .
“ I found coffee , ” a photographer announced with pride just before the hearing began .
Many of the dining options in the Capitol complex have been running either limited hours or have closed completely during the COVID-19 pandemic .
But the federal Columbus Day holiday and the District of Columbia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that any usual business was suspended .
That left just one option available for hungry Capitol Police officers , reporters and staffers .
Inside Scoop , a frozen yogurt joint tucked in the Dirksen basement , offered pre-made sandwiches , coffee and chips all for self-checkout .
No frozen yogurt was available .
Capitol Police officers stationed around the corner had already directed a few confused and caffeine-starved people in the right direction by 11 a.m .
They appreciated a warning from Heard on the Hill that the hearing would break shortly for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parade of hungry people looking for the only option on campus .

As media, staff and lawmakers descended on the Hart Senate Office Building for the first day of confirmation hearings for Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination to the Supreme Court, there was a slow realization that coffee and lunch would be hard to come by.
“I found coffee,” a photographer announced with pride just before the hearing began.
Many of the dining options in the Capitol complex have been running either limited hours or have closed completely during the COVID-19 pandemic. But the federal Columbus Day holiday and the District of Columbia’s Indigenous Peoples Day holiday meant that any usual business was suspended. That left just one option available for hungry Capitol Police officers, reporters and staffers.
Inside Scoop, a frozen yogurt joint tucked in the Dirksen basement, offered pre-made sandwiches, coffee and chips all for self-checkout. No frozen yogurt was available.
Capitol Police officers stationed around the corner had already directed a few confused and caffeine-starved people in the right direction by 11 a.m. They appreciated a warning from Heard on the Hill that the hearing would break shortly for lunch and that there might be a parade of hungry people looking for the only option on campus.


rollcall--2020-10-12--Is the Trump-Biden cake baked yet?

Is the Trump-Biden cake baked yet?

ANALYSIS — Four years ago , at about this point in the election cycle , national polls showed Donald Trump in a deep political hole .
An Oct. 10-13 , 2016 , NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll found Hillary Clinton with a 10-point lead , 51 percent to 41 percent .
An Oct. 10-12 , 2016 , Fox News poll showed Clinton leading by 8 points , 49 percent to 41 percent .
And an Oct. 10-13 , 2016 , ABC News/Washington Post poll showed Clinton holding a much narrower lead of 4 points , 50 percent to 46 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win the presidency even while losing the popular vote by 2.1 points .
The national polls were right .
They ( and we ) simply missed the obvious possibility that someone could win the popular vote handily and still not reach 270 electoral votes .
Trump is in a similar , though deeper , hole now .
Can he come back again ?
The most recent NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll ( conducted Sept. 30-Oct. 1 ) showed former Vice President Joe Biden leading by 14 points , 53 percent to 39 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( conducted Oct. 3-6 ) showed Biden leading by 10 points , 53 percent to 43 percent .
And a new ABC News/Washington Post poll ( conducted Oct. 6-9 ) showed Biden up by a dozen points , 55 percent to 43 percent .

ANALYSIS — Four years ago, at about this point in the election cycle, national polls showed Donald Trump in a deep political hole.
An Oct. 10-13, 2016, NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll found Hillary Clinton with a 10-point lead, 51 percent to 41 percent. An Oct. 10-12, 2016, Fox News poll showed Clinton leading by 8 points, 49 percent to 41 percent. And an Oct. 10-13, 2016, ABC News/Washington Post poll showed Clinton holding a much narrower lead of 4 points, 50 percent to 46 percent.
Obviously, Trump came back to win the presidency even while losing the popular vote by 2.1 points. The national polls were right. They (and we) simply missed the obvious possibility that someone could win the popular vote handily and still not reach 270 electoral votes.
Trump is in a similar, though deeper, hole now. Can he come back again?
The most recent NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll (conducted Sept. 30-Oct. 1) showed former Vice President Joe Biden leading by 14 points, 53 percent to 39 percent. The most recent Fox News poll (conducted Oct. 3-6) showed Biden leading by 10 points, 53 percent to 43 percent. And a new ABC News/Washington Post poll (conducted Oct. 6-9) showed Biden up by a dozen points, 55 percent to 43 percent.


rollcall--2020-10-12--Photos of the day: Amy Coney Barrett’s hearing

Monday is the first day of confirmation hearings for Amy Coney Barrett 's appointment to the Supreme Court to fill @ @ @ @ @ seat following her death last month .
The hearing in the Senate 's Judiciary Committee @ @ @ @ @ as both parties seem to have accepted that she will eventually be confirmed down party @ @ @ @ @ day on the Hill in photos :

Tom Williams, Caroline Brehman, and Bill Clark

Monday is the first day of confirmation hearings for Amy Coney Barrett's appointment to the Supreme Court to fill Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's seat following her death last month. The hearing in the Senate's Judiciary Committee is largely a formality, as both parties seem to have accepted that she will eventually be confirmed down party lines.
Here's the day on the Hill in photos:
Barrett arrives for her Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing in the Hart Building in Washington on Monday. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Protesters against the confirmation of Barrett as the next Supreme Court Justice block the entrance to the Dirksen Senate Office Building Monday morning. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Protesters supporting the confirmation of Barrett wave signs outside the Dirksen Senate Office Building. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Mark Meadows, center, White House chief of staff, arrives at the Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Barrett's children arrive at her Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing Monday. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Senate Judiciary Committee ranking member Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., drives through protesters as she arrives for Monday's hearing. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Protesters against the confirmation of Barrett as the next Supreme Court justice march in hazmat suits to the Dirksen Senate Office Building. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)


rollcall--2020-10-12--Senators stake out their positions as Amy Coney Barrett hearings get underway

Familiar partisan battle lines spilled out during the first day of Amy Coney Barrett ’ s Supreme Court confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday , with an aura of inevitability hanging over what both parties expect is her ultimate elevation to the high court .
Republicans argued for Barrett ’ s qualifications — the American Bar Association rated her “ well qualified ” for the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg ’ s seat — and tied Democratic opposition to animus against her Catholic faith .
Democrats criticized the committee for holding the hearing at all before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for health care , abortion and other issues .
Outside the hearing room , which was closed to the public because of the COVID-19 pandemic , scores of protesters — with 21 arrested by Capitol Police , according to a spokesperson — withstood persistent drizzle to make their positions heard .
Protesters sat outside of a key entrance to the Dirksen Senate Office Building .
“ No Covid Test , No Hearing , ” read one sign .
Other protesters , wearing head-to-toe paper jumpsuits and yellow gloves , held signs demanding , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least three protesters wore rainbow-colored vests emblazoned with “ clinic escort , ” volunteers who escort patients at clinics past anti-abortion access protesters and into the building for care .
Supporters of Barrett were also out in force , with pink “ Women for Amy ” and “ Confirm Amy ” signs , outnumbering the anti-Barrett contingent at more than one doorway where demonstrators were gathered .

Michael Macagnone and Katherine Tully-McManus

Familiar partisan battle lines spilled out during the first day of Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday, with an aura of inevitability hanging over what both parties expect is her ultimate elevation to the high court.
Republicans argued for Barrett’s qualifications — the American Bar Association rated her “well qualified” for the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s seat — and tied Democratic opposition to animus against her Catholic faith. Democrats criticized the committee for holding the hearing at all before the election and the implications of her confirmation for health care, abortion and other issues.
Outside the hearing room, which was closed to the public because of the COVID-19 pandemic, scores of protesters — with 21 arrested by Capitol Police, according to a spokesperson — withstood persistent drizzle to make their positions heard.
Protesters sat outside of a key entrance to the Dirksen Senate Office Building. “No Covid Test, No Hearing,” read one sign. Other protesters, wearing head-to-toe paper jumpsuits and yellow gloves, held signs demanding, “Trump/Pence Out Now.” And at least three protesters wore rainbow-colored vests emblazoned with “clinic escort,” volunteers who escort patients at clinics past anti-abortion access protesters and into the building for care.
Supporters of Barrett were also out in force, with pink “Women for Amy” and “Confirm Amy” signs, outnumbering the anti-Barrett contingent at more than one doorway where demonstrators were gathered.


rollcall--2020-10-13--Rep. Kenny Marchant spent over $1,300 in campaign money at posh London hotel

The top Republican on the House Ethics Committee spent more than $ 1,300 in campaign funds at a five-star hotel in London , according to Federal Election Commission records examined by CQ Roll Call .
From 2018-2019 , Texas Rep. Kenny Marchant ’ s campaign committee — Kenny Marchant for Congress — expended funds at The Royal Horseguards Hotel , a luxury hotel overlooking the River Thames positioned within walking distance to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament .
The hotel offers “ Victorian grandeur combined with elegant , first class contemporary comfort , ” and is “ one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” according to the hotel ’ s website .
Luke Bunting , a spokesperson for Marchant , said the lawmaker has regularly participated in congressional delegation travel ( CODEL ) .
A CODEL is considered official travel , which is paid for or authorized by the House .
Members and staff travel abroad in these CODELs .
“ That figure reflects four separate transactions that occurred over a period of two years , with only one taking place during this Congress , ” Bunting said in an email .
Two of the four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ lodging ” and the remaining two as “ travel expense .
”

The top Republican on the House Ethics Committee spent more than $1,300 in campaign funds at a five-star hotel in London, according to Federal Election Commission records examined by CQ Roll Call.
From 2018-2019, Texas Rep. Kenny Marchant’s campaign committee — Kenny Marchant for Congress — expended funds at The Royal Horseguards Hotel, a luxury hotel overlooking the River Thames positioned within walking distance to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. The hotel offers “Victorian grandeur combined with elegant, first class contemporary comfort,” and is “one of the finest hotels near Westminster,” according to the hotel’s website.
Luke Bunting, a spokesperson for Marchant, said the lawmaker has regularly participated in congressional delegation travel (CODEL). A CODEL is considered official travel, which is paid for or authorized by the House. Members and staff travel abroad in these CODELs.
“That figure reflects four separate transactions that occurred over a period of two years, with only one taking place during this Congress,” Bunting said in an email.
Two of the four expenditures at the hotel were described as “lodging” and the remaining two as “travel expense.”


rollcall--2020-10-13--Fintech boom prompts Justice to revisit bank merger guidance

The Department of Justice ’ s antitrust division is contemplating whether it should revisit 25-year-old bank merger guidelines as new financial technologies reshape the banking industry and the market share data that the government uses to determine whether to allow mergers to proceed .
It is asking the public whether it should include “ nontraditional banks , ” such as online lenders , when considering the competitive effects of a proposed bank merger .
The responses could shape a policy allowing more rural banks to combine , a move that might not impact competition as much as in the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At least one trade group is telling it that the old rules don ’ t fit the modern landscape .
The purpose of an antitrust competitive effects analysis is to determine whether a proposed merger is likely to decrease competition in a market in a way that makes it more likely for the post-merger firm to gain monopoly power and harm consumers .
If this analysis doesn ’ t include all of a bank ’ s relevant competitors , including online banks , the analysis could be skewed and prevent mergers that should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support changing the rules .
[ Mergers and acquisitions on hold as pandemic disrupts markets ]

The Department of Justice’s antitrust division is contemplating whether it should revisit 25-year-old bank merger guidelines as new financial technologies reshape the banking industry and the market share data that the government uses to determine whether to allow mergers to proceed.
It is asking the public whether it should include “nontraditional banks,” such as online lenders, when considering the competitive effects of a proposed bank merger. The responses could shape a policy allowing more rural banks to combine, a move that might not impact competition as much as in the past, given consumers’ increasing options.
At least one trade group is telling it that the old rules don’t fit the modern landscape.
The purpose of an antitrust competitive effects analysis is to determine whether a proposed merger is likely to decrease competition in a market in a way that makes it more likely for the post-merger firm to gain monopoly power and harm consumers. If this analysis doesn’t include all of a bank’s relevant competitors, including online banks, the analysis could be skewed and prevent mergers that should be allowed, according to those who support changing the rules.
[Mergers and acquisitions on hold as pandemic disrupts markets]


rollcall--2020-10-13--Blue wave survivors: Can John Katko defy gravity again?

This is the second installment of “ Blue wave survivors , ” a series analyzing whether House Republicans who survived the 2018 blue wave can win against the same opponents in 2020 .
The first installment looked at Illinois Rep. Rodney Davis .
If anyone can survive a blue wave , it ’ s probably Rep. John Katko .
The New York Republican has done it before , but this year could be different .
Katko ’ s bid for a fourth term will be a test of whether a lawmaker can leverage his own personal brand and defy political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were swept out of office in 2018 .
Two years ago , 22 of the 25 House Republicans representing districts Hillary Clinton won in 2016 lost reelection .
Katko was one of three such Republicans to survive .
This year , he is among the most vulnerable lawmakers in the country as the political environment once again favors Democrats .
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates Katko ’ s race against former college professor Dana Balter Tilt Republican .
Strategists in both parties attributed Katko ’ s 2018 win to his strong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Balter ’ s more liberal profile .
But the Democrat sees one key difference from 2018 : Trump is on the ballot this year , and Katko has pledged to support him .

This is the second installment of “Blue wave survivors,” a series analyzing whether House Republicans who survived the 2018 blue wave that swept Democrats into control can win against the same opponents in 2020. The first installment looked at Illinois Rep. Rodney Davis.
If anyone can survive a blue wave, it’s probably Rep. John Katko. The New York Republican has done it before, but this year could be different.
Katko’s bid for a fourth term will be a test of whether a lawmaker can leverage his own personal brand and defy political gravity, after Republicans with similar profiles were swept out of office in 2018.
Two years ago, 22 of the 25 House Republicans representing districts Hillary Clinton won in 2016 lost reelection. Katko was one of three such Republicans to survive. This year, he is among the most vulnerable lawmakers in the country as the political environment once again favors Democrats. Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates Katko’s race against former college professor Dana Balter Tilt Republican.
Strategists in both parties attributed Katko’s 2018 win to his strong brand as a moderate former prosecutor and to Balter’s more liberal profile. But the Democrat sees one key difference from 2018: Trump is on the ballot this year, and Katko has pledged to support him.


rollcall--2020-10-13--Experts: Disinformation poses greatest threat to the election

With less than one month to go before one of the most consequential elections in American history , experts are watching to see how well the complex and sometimes unwieldy U.S. election machinery performs across three areas : cybersecurity , physical constraints necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the danger posed by disinformation .
While federal and state officials have taken significant steps since 2016 to address cybersecurity and physical security , the absence of a strong federal effort to combat disinformation about elections remains the biggest concern , experts said .
Cybersecurity emerged as one of the main weaknesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tried to penetrate election systems in all 50 states .
Since then , several federal agencies have beefed up countermeasures to stop a repeat of similar attempts .
Physical voting in person is being reduced by the threat of COVID-19 infection to voters and election workers .
In the past nine months , states and local jurisdictions responsible for conducting federal elections have ramped up efforts to support a surge in voting by mail , despite Congress not providing any additional funding , as poll workers and voters seek to avoid crowded physical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaves the danger of disinformation and misinformation about many aspects of the election that experts say has not been adequately addressed and therefore worries them the most .
And unlike cybersecurity threats or difficulties posed by the pandemic , disinformation is both a foreign threat and , it appears , a key part of President Donald Trump ’ s campaign strategy .

With less than one month to go before one of the most consequential elections in American history, experts are watching to see how well the complex and sometimes unwieldy U.S. election machinery performs across three areas: cybersecurity, physical constraints necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the danger posed by disinformation.
While federal and state officials have taken significant steps since 2016 to address cybersecurity and physical security, the absence of a strong federal effort to combat disinformation about elections remains the biggest concern, experts said.
Cybersecurity emerged as one of the main weaknesses in the 2016 election when Russian spies tried to penetrate election systems in all 50 states. Since then, several federal agencies have beefed up countermeasures to stop a repeat of similar attempts.
Physical voting in person is being reduced by the threat of COVID-19 infection to voters and election workers. In the past nine months, states and local jurisdictions responsible for conducting federal elections have ramped up efforts to support a surge in voting by mail, despite Congress not providing any additional funding, as poll workers and voters seek to avoid crowded physical spaces because of the pandemic.
That leaves the danger of disinformation and misinformation about many aspects of the election that experts say has not been adequately addressed and therefore worries them the most. And unlike cybersecurity threats or difficulties posed by the pandemic, disinformation is both a foreign threat and, it appears, a key part of President Donald Trump’s campaign strategy.


rollcall--2020-10-13--Expiring breaks for brewers, airlines driving tax extenders push

Lawmakers have not renewed the collection of disparate tax breaks known as “ extenders ” on time since the 1990s @ @ @ @ @ collapse , along with big-time political support on both sides of the aisle for industries @ @ @ @ @ airlines , is driving potentially timely completion of an extenders package after the elections .
@ @ @ @ @ two-year extension , retroactive to the start of 2019 , in a spending bill enacted @ @ @ @ @ more were added in March as part of a big coronavirus relief package ; the @ @ @ @ @ provisions are likely to be revisited as well .
Typically , lawmakers don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ the extenders on time because average taxpayers won ’ t be affected by their expiration @ @ @ @ @ year .
If a provision expires on Dec. 31 , 2020 , taxpayers usually can @ @ @ @ @ their tax returns due April 15 , 2021 .
It ’ s not until the @ @ @ @ @ ’ absence starts to pinch .

Lawmakers have not renewed the collection of disparate tax breaks known as “extenders” on time since the 1990s.
But the pandemic-driven economic collapse, along with big-time political support on both sides of the aisle for industries ranging from craft breweries to airlines, is driving potentially timely completion of an extenders package after the elections.
Thirty-three tax breaks got a two-year extension, retroactive to the start of 2019, in a spending bill enacted last December. A handful more were added in March as part of a big coronavirus relief package; the shaky economic recovery means those provisions are likely to be revisited as well.
Typically, lawmakers don’t trip over themselves to renew the extenders on time because average taxpayers won’t be affected by their expiration until filing season the following year. If a provision expires on Dec. 31, 2020, taxpayers usually can still claim the break on their tax returns due April 15, 2021. It’s not until the following tax season that extenders’ absence starts to pinch.
[Craft distillers, retailers wait anxiously for tax extenders]


rollcall--2020-10-13--The Fed, fintech and corporate bond markets

Chris White , the CEO of Bondcliq , explains why the Fed 's attempts to save the economy through corporate @ @ @ @ @ , starting with the bond market itself .
• Blue wave survivors : After narrow @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Rodney Davis keep his seat this year ?
• Why is Pelosi suddenly @ @ @ @ @ ?
• Vote back on in Minnesota as Rep. Angie Craig wins challenge over delay @ @ @ @ @ regimen , despite lawmaker pressure

Chris White, the CEO of Bondcliq, explains why the Fed's attempts to save the economy through corporate debt purchases needs an upgrade, starting with the bond market itself.
More podcast content
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-10-13--5 takeaways from Day Two of Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation hearing

It was a very 2020 Supreme Court confirmation hearing Tuesday , as Amy Coney Barrett fielded her first round of questions on socially divisive issues from socially distanced members of the Senate Judiciary Committee .
Senate Republicans have said they want to hold a floor vote on Barrett ’ s nomination by the end of the month , likely just days before the Nov. 3 election and in the midst of a global pandemic that has turned Washington , and the country , on its head .
Across hours of Tuesday ’ s hearing , neither COVID-19 nor the election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , making this confirmation different from any before .
Abortion , health care and race dominated the day , and the nominee did her best to sidestep most questions .
Barrett resisted delving into the issue of systemic racism in American life or possible solutions .
But she gave a raw and candid response to questions from Illinois Democrat Richard J. Durbin about the killing of George Floyd at the hands of police , which sparked nationwide protests and activism over racial justice .
Barrett said she had seen the video of Floyd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a serious and deeply personal issue for her multiracial family , which includes two Black children adopted from Haiti .

Katherine Tully-McManus and Michael Macagnone

It was a very 2020 Supreme Court confirmation hearing Tuesday, as Amy Coney Barrett fielded her first round of questions on socially divisive issues from socially distanced members of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Senate Republicans have said they want to hold a floor vote on Barrett’s nomination by the end of the month, likely just days before the Nov. 3 election and in the midst of a global pandemic that has turned Washington, and the country, on its head.
Across hours of Tuesday’s hearing, neither COVID-19 nor the election was ever far from anyone's mind, making this confirmation different from any before. Abortion, health care and race dominated the day, and the nominee did her best to sidestep most questions.
Floyd video moment
Barrett resisted delving into the issue of systemic racism in American life or possible solutions. But she gave a raw and candid response to questions from Illinois Democrat Richard J. Durbin about the killing of George Floyd at the hands of police, which sparked nationwide protests and activism over racial justice.
Barrett said she had seen the video of Floyd’s death and described it as a serious and deeply personal issue for her multiracial family, which includes two Black children adopted from Haiti.


rollcall--2020-10-13--Amy Coney Barrett shies from her mentor’s positions in Supreme Court confirmation hearing

Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett told the country that her approach to the law mirrored that of late conservative legal idol Justice Antonin Scalia , but she had a different message at her confirmation hearing Tuesday when confronted with his past opinions on abortion , health care and more .
“ If I were confirmed , you would be getting Justice Barrett , not Justice Scalia , ” she told the Senate Judiciary Committee under questioning from California Democrat Dianne Feinstein about LGBT rights .
“ So I don ’ t think that anybody should assume that just because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I would too.
” Barrett also did not detail how or in what cases that shared legal approach would lead to a different conclusion than Scalia ’ s , in exchanges that showed how Supreme Court nominees can avoid saying much and still sail through the Senate ’ s confirmation process .
President Donald Trump ’ s appointee clerked for Scalia , and said at the Rose Garden ceremony announcing her pick that his judicial philosophy was hers too .
It is centered on the straightforward idea that “ a judge must apply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she warned the committee that the approach is “ not a mechanical exercise.
” But over and over on major topics , Barrett told the committee that different judges can use the approach and arrive at different conclusions .
Democrats weren ’ t buying it , while Republicans gave no whiff that they doubted the solidly conservative pick .

Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett told the country that her approach to the law mirrored that of late conservative legal idol Justice Antonin Scalia, but she had a different message at her confirmation hearing Tuesday when confronted with his past opinions on abortion, health care and more.
“If I were confirmed, you would be getting Justice Barrett, not Justice Scalia,” she told the Senate Judiciary Committee under questioning from California Democrat Dianne Feinstein about LGBT rights. “So I don’t think that anybody should assume that just because Justice Scalia decided a certain way that I would too.”
Barrett also did not detail how or in what cases that shared legal approach would lead to a different conclusion than Scalia’s, in exchanges that showed how Supreme Court nominees can avoid saying much and still sail through the Senate’s confirmation process.
President Donald Trump’s appointee clerked for Scalia, and said at the Rose Garden ceremony announcing her pick that his judicial philosophy was hers too. It is centered on the straightforward idea that “a judge must apply the law as written,” though she warned the committee that the approach is “not a mechanical exercise.”
But over and over on major topics, Barrett told the committee that different judges can use the approach and arrive at different conclusions. Democrats weren’t buying it, while Republicans gave no whiff that they doubted the solidly conservative pick.


rollcall--2020-10-13--Photo of the day: Masks aplenty

Photo of the day: Masks aplenty

The daughters and family members of Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett attend the second day of her Senate Judiciary @ @ @ @ @ Senate Office Building on Tuesday .
The hearing for Barrett looks a lot different than @ @ @ @ @ From masks to the extremely limited attendance of audience members and media , this image @ @ @ @ @ .

(Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
The daughters and family members of Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett attend the second day of her Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing in Hart Senate Office Building on Tuesday.
The hearing for Barrett looks a lot different than most Supreme Court nominations. From masks to the extremely limited attendance of audience members and media, this image captures this moment in time.


rollcall--2020-10-13--Bill Johnson seeks top GOP slot on House Budget panel

Rep. Bill Johnson of Ohio is officially in the running to succeed Steve Womack of Arkansas as the top Republican @ @ @ @ @ in the 117th Congress .
Johnson , an Air Force veteran and former information technology @ @ @ @ @ 2010 , currently serves in the unofficial position of “ vice ranking member ” on @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement that he ’ s talked with Womack about taking over the @ @ @ @ @ chairmanship , if Republicans retake the House .
Johnson claimed he ’ s secured support @ @ @ @ @ other “ influential House Republicans.
” “ I do plan to make my case to @ @ @ @ @ Steering Committee to be the next top Republican on the Budget Committee in January , @ @ @ @ @ statement .
Johnson could have some competition for the slot , however , as Rep. @ @ @ @ @ ’ t ruling out a bid .
Smith is next in seniority on the panel @ @ @

Rep. Bill Johnson of Ohio is officially in the running to succeed Steve Womack of Arkansas as the top Republican on the House Budget Committee in the 117th Congress.
Johnson, an Air Force veteran and former information technology business executive first elected in 2010, currently serves in the unofficial position of “vice ranking member” on the Budget Committee.
Johnson said in a statement that he’s talked with Womack about taking over the ranking member position — or chairmanship, if Republicans retake the House. Johnson claimed he’s secured support from Womack as well as other “influential House Republicans.”
“I do plan to make my case to House Republican Leadership and our Steering Committee to be the next top Republican on the Budget Committee in January,” Johnson said in a statement.
Johnson could have some competition for the slot, however, as Rep. Jason Smith of Missouri isn’t ruling out a bid. Smith is next in seniority on the panel after Johnson.


rollcall--2020-10-13--Republicans and Trump at odds over coronavirus relief

President Donald Trump and Republican leaders are at odds over spending levels for another round of COVID-19 aid , with @ @ @ @ @ to “ go big ” while Senate Republicans pursue a smaller bill .
• Another @ @ @ @ @ bill on tap in Senate • Election issues loom large in Senate questioning of Amy @ @ @ @ @ seat • Deep freezers and dry ice for Pfizer vaccine may face shortages

David Lerman, Jennifer Shutt, and Evan Campbell

President Donald Trump and Republican leaders are at odds over spending levels for another round of COVID-19 aid, with Trump saying he wants negotiators to “go big” while Senate Republicans pursue a smaller bill.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-10-13--Phone a friend: Democrats look beyond campaign volunteers to boost turnout

An average voter might not listen to a campaign volunteer calling to say that this is the most important election of their lifetime .
Voters have heard that line before .
But that voter might be more inclined to listen to that same message , and actually vote , if they hear it from a friend who isn ’ t usually involved in politics .
That ’ s the theory behind Vote Tripling , an organization working to boost Democratic turnout .
Robert Reynolds , a behavioral scientist , founded the group after President Donald Trump ’ s election in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is teaming up with 10 Democratic Senate campaigns , including those of incumbents Tina Smith of Minnesota and Doug Jones of Alabama ; 13 state parties , including Colorado and Florida ; a handful of House campaigns ; and several national groups , including Voto Latino and Swing Left .
“ This organization recognizes that oftentimes , the best people to talk to undecided/infrequent voters are their friends and loved ones , ” Smith campaign spokeswoman Jennah Rivera said in a statement to CQ Roll Call .
The goal is to get voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote as well .
Reynolds acknowledges this “ friend-to-friend ” relational organizing isn ’ t new .
But he said his group addresses a “ gaping hole ” in Democratic turnout efforts : Most “ friend-to-friend ” organizing has been centered on campaign volunteers .

An average voter might not listen to a campaign volunteer calling to say that this is the most important election of their lifetime. Voters have heard that line before. But that voter might be more inclined to listen to that same message, and actually vote, if they hear it from a friend who isn’t usually involved in politics.
That’s the theory behind Vote Tripling, an organization working to boost Democratic turnout. Robert Reynolds, a behavioral scientist, founded the group after President Donald Trump’s election in 2016.
This year, Vote Tripling is teaming up with 10 Democratic Senate campaigns, including those of incumbents Tina Smith of Minnesota and Doug Jones of Alabama; 13 state parties, including Colorado and Florida; a handful of House campaigns; and several national groups, including Voto Latino and Swing Left.
“This organization recognizes that oftentimes, the best people to talk to undecided/infrequent voters are their friends and loved ones,” Smith campaign spokeswoman Jennah Rivera said in a statement to CQ Roll Call.
The goal is to get voters to encourage three of their friends to vote as well. Reynolds acknowledges this “friend-to-friend” relational organizing isn’t new. But he said his group addresses a “gaping hole” in Democratic turnout efforts: Most “friend-to-friend” organizing has been centered on campaign volunteers.


rollcall--2020-10-13--Another ‘skinny’ coronavirus relief bill on tap in Senate

The Senate will vote next week on a roughly $ 500 billion COVID-19 relief package that mirrors an earlier Republican @ @ @ @ @ McConnell announced Tuesday .
The decision to push another “ skinny ” relief bill marked @ @ @ @ @ negotiations that have been stalled for months over the size and shape of the next @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic .
A $ 1.8 trillion relief offer last week from the Trump administration @ @ @ @ @ Capitol Hill , as House Democrats said it was too small and Senate Republicans said @ @ @ @ @ But there was little reason to think that the upcoming legislation pushed by McConnell , @ @ @ @ @ any real chance of becoming law .
And the strategy of going narrow and “ @ @ @ @ @ put it , appeared to contradict President Donald Trump ’ s own intentions .
`` @ @ @ @ @ go home !
!
!
” the president tweeted , within minutes of McConnell ’ @ @ @

The Senate will vote next week on a roughly $500 billion COVID-19 relief package that mirrors an earlier Republican proposal, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced Tuesday.
The decision to push another “skinny” relief bill marked a new attempt to jump-start negotiations that have been stalled for months over the size and shape of the next round of economic aid for the pandemic.
A $1.8 trillion relief offer last week from the Trump administration landed with a thud on Capitol Hill, as House Democrats said it was too small and Senate Republicans said it was too big.
But there was little reason to think that the upcoming legislation pushed by McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, stands any real chance of becoming law. And the strategy of going narrow and “targeted,” as McConnell put it, appeared to contradict President Donald Trump’s own intentions.
"STIMULUS! Go big or go home!!!” the president tweeted, within minutes of McConnell’s announcement.


rollcall--2020-10-13--Election issues loom large in Senate questioning of Amy Coney Barrett for Supreme Court seat

Health care and abortion dominated the Senate Judiciary Committee ’ s confirmation hearing Tuesday for Amy Coney Barrett , President Donald Trump ’ s third pick for the Supreme Court , as senators jockeyed to score political points in the weeks before Election Day .
Barrett , whose nomination to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is expected to come to the Senate floor for a vote later this month , spent much of the morning dodging questions on contentious issues like gun rights and racial discrimination .
Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California , the top Democrat on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with former Justice Antonin Scalia that the 1973 landmark decision Roe v. Wade establishing a constitutional right to abortion was wrongly decided and should be overruled .
Barrett , who once clerked for Scalia , said she wanted to be forthright and answer questions , but repeatedly declined to do so for Feinstein ’ s question .
Barrett said she would not grade precedents or weigh in on an area where there is active litigation that might be before the Supreme Court .
“ It would actually be wrong and a violation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a sitting judge , ” Barrett said .
“ So if I express a view on a precedent one way or another , whether I say I love it or hate it , it signals to litigants that I might tilt one way or another in a pending case .
”

Health care and abortion dominated the Senate Judiciary Committee’s confirmation hearing Tuesday for Amy Coney Barrett, President Donald Trump’s third pick for the Supreme Court, as senators jockeyed to score political points in the weeks before Election Day.
Barrett, whose nomination to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is expected to come to the Senate floor for a vote later this month, spent much of the morning dodging questions on contentious issues like gun rights and racial discrimination.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, the top Democrat on the panel, asked Barrett whether she agreed with former Justice Antonin Scalia that the 1973 landmark decision Roe v. Wade establishing a constitutional right to abortion was wrongly decided and should be overruled. Barrett, who once clerked for Scalia, said she wanted to be forthright and answer questions, but repeatedly declined to do so for Feinstein’s question.
Barrett said she would not grade precedents or weigh in on an area where there is active litigation that might be before the Supreme Court.
“It would actually be wrong and a violation of the canons for me to do that as a sitting judge,” Barrett said. “So if I express a view on a precedent one way or another, whether I say I love it or hate it, it signals to litigants that I might tilt one way or another in a pending case.”


rollcall--2020-10-13--Former Rep. Chris Collins begins prison sentence

Former Rep. Chris Collins began serving his 26-month prison term Tuesday at FPC Pensacola , a minimum security federal prison camp in Florida .
Collins ’ arrival at the camp comes after four delays and just under nine months since he was sentenced in January for conspiring to commit securities fraud and making false statements to the FBI .
Collins , a New York Republican , was originally scheduled to report to prison on March 17 , but that date was delayed in April and further pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Lawyers for the 70-year old Collins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to push the date back yet again , citing health concerns , but the government pushed back .
Prosecutors said it was safe for Collins to enter the prison and time for him to begin serving his time .
“ In the absence of a decision on his motion for an extension of the reporting date , Mr. Collins has reported as initially directed to FPC Pensacola .
Although he is greatly concerned about the serious risks to his health from Covid 19 by reporting , he looks forward to putting this chapter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from his attorneys , Jon Barr and Jon New , said .

Former Rep. Chris Collins began serving his 26-month prison term Tuesday at FPC Pensacola, a minimum security federal prison camp in Florida.
Collins’ arrival at the camp comes after four delays and just under nine months since he was sentenced in January for conspiring to commit securities fraud and making false statements to the FBI.
Collins, a New York Republican, was originally scheduled to report to prison on March 17, but that date was delayed in April and further pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lawyers for the 70-year old Collins argued in an Oct. 1 emergency motion to push the date back yet again, citing health concerns, but the government pushed back. Prosecutors said it was safe for Collins to enter the prison and time for him to begin serving his time.
“In the absence of a decision on his motion for an extension of the reporting date, Mr. Collins has reported as initially directed to FPC Pensacola. Although he is greatly concerned about the serious risks to his health from Covid 19 by reporting, he looks forward to putting this chapter behind him,” and emailed statement from his attorneys, Jon Barr and Jon New, said.


rollcall--2020-10-13--Deep freezers and dry ice for Pfizer vaccine may face shortages

States are getting little federal assistance as they scramble to find medical-grade deep freezers or dry ice for one of @ @ @ @ @ in development , which requires storage at much colder temperatures than found on an average @ @ @ @ @ Pole .
The Trump administration has earmarked billions in taxpayer dollars to vaccines by Moderna @ @ @ @ @ vaccines require ultra-low temperatures — particularly Pfizer ’ s , housed at an average of @ @ @ @ @ .
Nancy Messonnier , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director of immunization and respiratory @ @ @ @ @ challenge on a late September call with industry .
“ If you were looking at @ @ @ @ @ all the time in the world because you weren ’ t in the middle of @ @ @ @ @ say , ‘ Well , gee , that particular vaccine is not optimized for delivery @ @ @ @ @ .
The number of medical grade ultra-cold deep freezers in the United States is unknown @ @ @ @ @ up to states to locate them .

States are getting little federal assistance as they scramble to find medical-grade deep freezers or dry ice for one of the COVID-19 vaccines furthest along in development, which requires storage at much colder temperatures than found on an average winter day on the South Pole.
The Trump administration has earmarked billions in taxpayer dollars to vaccines by Moderna and Pfizer, but these vaccines require ultra-low temperatures — particularly Pfizer’s, housed at an average of 103 degrees below zero Fahrenheit.
Nancy Messonnier, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director of immunization and respiratory diseases, candidly acknowledged the challenge on a late September call with industry.
“If you were looking at these vaccines and you had all the time in the world because you weren’t in the middle of the pandemic, you might say, ‘Well, gee, that particular vaccine is not optimized for delivery,’” she said.
The number of medical grade ultra-cold deep freezers in the United States is unknown. And it’s up to states to locate them.


rollcall--2020-10-14--GOP attack ads and ‘Nebraska Nice’ fuel Don Bacon rematch with Kara Eastman

This is the third installment of “ Blue wave survivors , ” a series analyzing whether House Republicans who survived the 2018 blue wave that swept Democrats into control can win against the same opponents in 2020 .
Earlier installments looked at Illinois Rep. Rodney Davis and New York Rep. John Katko .
As Republican Don Bacon seeks to defend his suburban House seat in Nebraska , national GOP groups have stepped in with a barrage of ads branding his Democratic opponent , Kara Eastman , a “ radical socialist , ” who “ stands with violent rioters ” and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Those are the kinds of attacks that stuck in 2018 , when Eastman , a nonprofit business consultant , first challenge Bacon for the Omaha-area seat and lost by 2 points , even amid historic gains by Democrats in suburbs across the country .
Bacon , a retired Army brigadier general , says his argument that Eastman is too liberal for the district will work again .
“ I have been blessed to have a far-left opponent two times in a row , ” he told CQ Roll Call in a recent @ @

This is the third installment of “Blue wave survivors,” a series analyzing whether House Republicans who survived the 2018 blue wave that swept Democrats into control can win against the same opponents in 2020. Earlier installments looked at Illinois Rep. Rodney Davis and New York Rep. John Katko.
Corrected, Oct. 16 | As Republican Don Bacon seeks to defend his suburban House seat in Nebraska, national GOP groups have stepped in with a barrage of ads branding his Democratic opponent, Kara Eastman, a “radical socialist,” who “stands with violent rioters” and supports an “extreme health care plan.”
Those are the kinds of attacks that stuck in 2018, when Eastman, a nonprofit business consultant, first challenge Bacon for the Omaha-area seat and lost by 2 points, even amid historic gains by Democrats in suburbs across the country.
Bacon, a retired Air Force brigadier general, says his argument that Eastman is too liberal for the district will work again.
“I have been blessed to have a far-left opponent two times in a row,” he told CQ Roll Call in a recent interview.


rollcall--2020-10-14--Texas trash talk, cameras in the court and other takeaways from Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation hea

Texas trash talk, cameras in the court and other takeaways from Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation hearing

Senate Judiciary Committee members loosened up a bit on the third day of Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Amy Coney @ @ @ @ @ were mostly of the good-natured sort .
Questions spanned everything from health care to the @ @ @ @ @ least one lawmaker sought advice from Barrett for her own daughter .
As for the @ @ @ @ @ Barrett ’ s last day before the panel — and nevertheless , she evaded , @ @ @ @ @ confirmation appeared smooth and certain .
Barrett answered , or sidestepped , perhaps the last @ @ @ @ @ as even Democrats acknowledged that her confirmation was all but certain .
On Monday , @ @ @ @ @ hope that Democrats could sway a vote or two .

Senate Judiciary Committee members loosened up a bit on the third day of Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Amy Coney Barrett, trading barbs that were mostly of the good-natured sort.
Questions spanned everything from health care to the Houston Astros, and at least one lawmaker sought advice from Barrett for her own daughter.
As for the nominee herself, it was Barrett’s last day before the panel — and nevertheless, she evaded, even as her path to confirmation appeared smooth and certain.
‘If’ becomes ‘when’ for Democrats
Barrett answered, or sidestepped, perhaps the last congressional questions of her life as even Democrats acknowledged that her confirmation was all but certain.
On Monday, Sen. Cory Booker held out hope that Democrats could sway a vote or two.


rollcall--2020-10-14--Amy Coney Barrett evades answers on hot-button political issues at Supreme Court hearing

Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee rarely strayed from their focus on what Amy Coney Barrett ’ s appointment to the Supreme Court would mean for health care and abortion — although it became clear they wouldn ’ t get many illuminating answers from her anyway .
The Democrats ’ strategy in the hearing , mainly aimed at voters in the ongoing presidential and Senate races , meant that Barrett ’ s views on a swath of legal issues went unexamined or unchallenged during the most widely watched part of the confirmation process .
There were a few quick questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but none on major executive actions about so-called Dreamers , who immigrated to the country illegally as children .
That issue has reached the high court twice in the past four years and could again in the next presidential administration no matter who is elected .
When New Jersey Democratic Sen. Cory Booker asked if Barrett thought it was wrong to separate children from parents to deter immigrants from coming to the United States , she replied : “ That ’ s been a matter of policy debate and obviously that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which I can ’ t express a view or be drawn into as a judge.
” When Booker asked again , she said : “ I ’ m not expressing assent or dissent with the morality of that position ; I just can ’ t be drawn into a debate about the administration ’ s immigration policy .
”

Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee rarely strayed from their focus on what Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation to the Supreme Court would mean for health care and abortion — although it became clear they wouldn’t get many illuminating answers from her anyway.
The Democrats’ strategy in the hearing, mainly aimed at voters in the ongoing presidential and Senate races, meant that Barrett’s views on a swath of legal issues went unexamined or unchallenged during the most widely watched part of the confirmation process.
There were a few quick questions Tuesday about her views on immigration policy, but none on major executive actions about so-called Dreamers, who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children. That issue has reached the high court twice in the past four years and could again in the next presidential administration no matter who is elected.
When New Jersey Democratic Sen. Cory Booker asked if Barrett thought it was wrong to separate children from parents to deter immigrants from coming to the United States, she replied: “That’s been a matter of policy debate and obviously that’s a matter of hot political debate in which I can’t express a view or be drawn into as a judge.”
When Booker asked again, she said: “I’m not expressing assent or dissent with the morality of that position; I just can’t be drawn into a debate about the administration’s immigration policy.”


rollcall--2020-10-14--‘This is embarrassing’: Cold mic moments interrupt Amy Coney Barrett hearings

Shortly before the snafu , Barrett had signaled how she thought the week was going .
“ [ Last night @ @ @ @ @ glass of wine .
I ’ ll tell you that I needed that at the @ @ @ @ @ ” the Supreme Court nominee joked as she addressed the panel .
“ Let me @ @ @ @ @ kind of point , you have a right to remain silent , ” Sen. Richard @ @ @ @ @ minutes , the panel was back up and running , but soon the problem struck @ @ @ @ @ and his mic was dead .
He shook his head in disbelief .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ Are we not paying the bills ?
” asked the chairman .

Shortly before the snafu, Barrett had signaled how she thought the week was going.
“[Last night] I did have a glass of wine. I’ll tell you that I needed that at the end of the day,” the Supreme Court nominee joked as she addressed the panel.
“Let me just say, on that kind of point, you have a right to remain silent,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal quipped.
After 40 minutes, the panel was back up and running, but soon the problem struck again. Graham began speaking and his mic was dead.
He shook his head in disbelief. “I think it happened again. Are we not paying the bills?” asked the chairman.


rollcall--2020-10-14--Photo of the day: A young RBG fan

Photo of the day: A young RBG fan

Harriet , age 7 , of Boston , wears a Ruth Bader Ginsburg costume as she stands near protests for @ @ @ @ @ Amy Coney Barrett at the Supreme Court .
The Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing continued @ @ @

(Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Harriet, age 7, of Boston, wears a Ruth Bader Ginsburg costume as she stands near protests for and against the confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett at the Supreme Court. The Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing continued on Wednesday.


rollcall--2020-10-14--Standoff over GOP ballot drop boxes hits House races in California

Both parties in California are in a standoff over the state GOP ’ s decision to place ballot drop boxes in some of the most competitive House districts , with Democrats accusing Republicans of breaking the law .
“ My opponent and the GOP are clearly engaging in heinous and illegal acts of election fraud , ” freshman Democrat Harley Rouda told reporters Wednesday .
Rouda faces Orange County Supervisor Michelle Steel in the 48th District along the Orange County coast .
The state GOP has reportedly placed 50 boxes labeled as “ official ” drop boxes for ballots , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead of the November election .
Republicans say this practice complies with state law that allows for a third party to collect ballots , also known as ballot harvesting .
But Democrats , including top state officials , say the move violates state law , which stipulates that voters must acknowledge who specifically is handling their ballots and that ballot drop boxes must be administered by county election officials .
California Secretary of State Alex Padilla and Attorney General Xavier Becerra issued a cease-and-desist letter Monday to the state and county-level Republican parties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the drop boxes .
Hector Barajas , a spokesman for the state GOP , told NPR on Tuesday that the boxes will remain in place , though the “ official ” label would be removed from some of them .

Both parties in California are in a standoff over the state GOP’s decision to place ballot drop boxes in some of the most competitive House districts, with Democrats accusing Republicans of breaking the law.
“My opponent and the GOP are clearly engaging in heinous and illegal acts of election fraud,” freshman Democrat Harley Rouda told reporters Wednesday. Rouda faces Orange County Supervisor Michelle Steel in the 48th District along the Orange County coast.
The state GOP has reportedly placed 50 boxes labeled as “official” drop boxes for ballots, which have been mailed to California voters ahead of the November election. Republicans say this practice complies with state law that allows for a third party to collect ballots, also known as ballot harvesting. But Democrats, including top state officials, say the move violates state law, which stipulates that voters must acknowledge who specifically is handling their ballots and that ballot drop boxes must be administered by county election officials.
California Secretary of State Alex Padilla and Attorney General Xavier Becerra issued a cease-and-desist letter Monday to the state and county-level Republican parties, giving them until Thursday to remove the drop boxes.
Hector Barajas, a spokesman for the state GOP, told NPR on Tuesday that the boxes will remain in place, though the “official” label would be removed from some of them.


rollcall--2020-10-14--Immigrants punished for not cleaning detention center, court papers suggest

Newly released documents suggest staff at a privately-run immigrant detention center in Colorado punished detainees with solitary confinement for failing @ @ @ @ @ the facility without pay .
Critics , including plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the facility @ @ @ @ @ revelations show potential violations of government detention standards , and contradict testimony of the company @ @ @ @ @ this year .
The unsealed court documents are part of a class action lawsuit filed @ @ @ @ @ against GEO Group Inc. , which runs the Aurora Detention Center in Colorado and other @ @ @ @ @ Immigration and Customs Enforcement .
The previously confidential incidents suggest that staff at the Aurora @ @ @ @ @ areas without pay , and punished those who refused .
According to ICE rules , @ @ @ @ @ the detainee ’ s bed is mandatory .
Specifically , detainees are required to make @ @ @ @ @ any items hanging over it , and keep the surrounding floor clean of papers and @ @

Newly released documents suggest staff at a privately-run immigrant detention center in Colorado punished detainees with solitary confinement for failing to obey orders to clean the facility without pay.
Critics, including plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the facility's operator, say the revelations show potential violations of government detention standards, and contradict testimony of the company's executives to Congress earlier this year.
The unsealed court documents are part of a class action lawsuit filed by current and former detainees against GEO Group Inc., which runs the Aurora Detention Center in Colorado and other facilities under contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The previously confidential incidents suggest that staff at the Aurora center coerced detainees to clean areas without pay, and punished those who refused.
According to ICE rules, cleaning the immediate area around the detainee’s bed is mandatory. Specifically, detainees are required to make their beds, take down any items hanging over it, and keep the surrounding floor clean of papers and debris.


rollcall--2020-10-14--Coronavirus relief bill talks snagged over testing, liability, other issues

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin expressed doubts Wednesday about a COVID-19 aid package becoming law before the Nov. 3 elections .
After a morning phone call with Speaker Nancy Pelosi , Mnuchin said the myriad disputes over funding and policy questions that have yet to be resolved make an imminent agreement on a long-stalled relief package unlikely .
“ I 'd say at this point getting something done before the election and executing on that would be difficult , just given where we are in the level of details , ” Mnuchin said at a Milken Institute conference .
“ But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work through these issues.
” He again stressed the need for liability protection from pandemic-related lawsuits for small businesses and schools that reopen .
Democrats have stressed the need to protect workers who risk their health by returning to job sites .
`` Having that immunity from prosecution or for taking responsibility , if that 's a deal breaker for them , not having it in there , I think that it should be a deal breaker for us to leave it in there , '' Rep. Jan Schakowsky , D-Ill. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We have to make sure that there is some ability for safety of workers .
And right now , that 's not where they are .
”

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin expressed doubts Wednesday about a COVID-19 aid package becoming law before the Nov. 3 elections.
After a morning phone call with Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Mnuchin said the myriad disputes over funding and policy questions that have yet to be resolved make an imminent agreement on a long-stalled relief package unlikely.
“I'd say at this point getting something done before the election and executing on that would be difficult, just given where we are in the level of details,” Mnuchin said at a Milken Institute conference. “But we are going to try to continue to work through these issues.”
He again stressed the need for liability protection from pandemic-related lawsuits for small businesses and schools that reopen. Democrats have stressed the need to protect workers who risk their health by returning to job sites.
"Having that immunity from prosecution or for taking responsibility, if that's a deal breaker for them, not having it in there, I think that it should be a deal breaker for us to leave it in there," Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., said on a press call Wednesday. "We have to make sure that there is some ability for safety of workers. And right now, that's not where they are.”


rollcall--2020-10-14--Democrats again hammer on health care in third day of Amy Coney Barrett’s hearings

Democrats zeroed in on key issues surrounding health care Wednesday on the third day of Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett ’ s confirmation hearings , as Republicans argued members of the other party have overblown their criticisms of a qualified judge .
Barrett , whom President Donald Trump nominated to her current post on the 7th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals , would replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , a liberal legal icon .
Illinois Democratic Sen. Richard J. Durbin said there ’ s an “ orange cloud ” over her nomination because of Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health care law and selecting Supreme Court justices who would do so .
The current health care law case before the high court bears a resemblance to previous Supreme Court cases in which Barrett criticized the majority opinion ’ s reasoning .
But it hinges largely on the legal concept of `` severability , '' or whether a smaller part of the law that is found unconstitutional can be wiped out while leaving the rest of the law intact .
Trump and the challengers in that case say that the individual mandate is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2010 law that if the Supreme Court finds it unconstitutional , it would mean the remainder of the 2,000-page law “ must also fall .
”

Democrats zeroed in on key issues surrounding health care Wednesday on the third day of Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation hearings, as Republicans argued members of the other party have overblown their criticisms of a qualified judge.
Barrett, whom President Donald Trump nominated to her current post on the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, would replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a liberal legal icon.
Illinois Democratic Sen. Richard J. Durbin said there’s an “orange cloud” over her nomination because of Trump’s stated goal of overturning the 2010 health care law and selecting Supreme Court justices who would do so.
The current health care law case before the high court bears a resemblance to previous Supreme Court cases in which Barrett criticized the majority opinion’s reasoning. But it hinges largely on the legal concept of "severability," or whether a smaller part of the law that is found unconstitutional can be wiped out while leaving the rest of the law intact.
Trump and the challengers in that case say that the individual mandate is such a central provision to the whole 2010 law that if the Supreme Court finds it unconstitutional, it would mean the remainder of the 2,000-page law “must also fall.”


rollcall--2020-10-14--Census Bureau to end 2020 count on Thursday

The Census Bureau will wrap up the 2020 count on Thursday , it said in a statement hours after the Supreme Court approved its request to suspend a lower court order to keep counting through the end of the month .
The agency said late Tuesday it would accept responses online through Oct. 15 `` until 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time , '' or 6 a.m. EDT on Oct. 16 .
The agency also set Oct. 15 as the postmark deadline for paper forms , as well the deadline for collecting phone responses and ending the door knocking phase at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Trump administration ’ s request to wrap up the count early , in part because its effort to exclude undocumented immigrants from apportionment results .
The administration was challenged by plaintiffs who pointed to internal Census Bureau warnings that shortening the count would tank its accuracy .
The justices did not note the reasons for granting the stay .
Justice Sonia Sotomayor , in a dissent , argued that granting the stay risked an inaccurate census “ The harms caused by rushing this year ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respondents will suffer their lasting impact for at least the next 10 years , ” Sotomayor wrote .

The Census Bureau will wrap up the 2020 count on Thursday, it said in a statement hours after the Supreme Court approved its request to suspend a lower court order to keep counting through the end of the month.
The agency said late Tuesday it would accept responses online through Oct. 15 "until 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time," or 6 a.m. EDT on Oct. 16. The agency also set Oct. 15 as the postmark deadline for paper forms, as well the deadline for collecting phone responses and ending the door knocking phase at unresponsive households.
The details came after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Trump administration’s request to wrap up the count early, in part because its effort to exclude undocumented immigrants from apportionment results. The administration was challenged by plaintiffs who pointed to internal Census Bureau warnings that shortening the count would tank its accuracy.
The justices did not note the reasons for granting the stay. Justice Sonia Sotomayor, in a dissent, argued that granting the stay risked an inaccurate census
“The harms caused by rushing this year’s census count are irreparable. And respondents will suffer their lasting impact for at least the next 10 years,” Sotomayor wrote.


rollcall--2020-10-14--‘Oscars for Congress’ catches some delighted staffers unaware

And the winner is … democracy .
Or , at least the offices of eight democratically elected members of Congress who demonstrate “ that Congress can work.
” The Congressional Management Foundation announced its “ Democracy Award ” winners this month for work on improving government transparency and fostering innovation on Capitol Hill .
Those awards — which the foundation dubs the “ Oscars for Congress ” — recognize members and staff who aim to make Congress more effective in behind-the-scenes areas like constituent service .
The nonpartisan group has been around since 1977 , but the awards are in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chosen by a selection committee comprised mostly of former members of Congress .
“ It ’ s no secret that a lot of Americans are losing some faith in government , this year because of how America is responding to the coronavirus crisis , ” said Bradford Fitch , president and CEO of the foundation .
“ The Democracy Awards represents a little oasis of effectiveness and of good government in a sea surrounded by , on some levels , dysfunction.
” In years past , the awards were revealed at an in-person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic , the red carpet was rolled up and organizers held a series of virtual ceremonies for each of the winners .
A video of all the reveals was released earlier this month .

And the winner is … democracy. Or, at least the offices of eight democratically elected members of Congress who demonstrate “that Congress can work.”
The Congressional Management Foundation announced its “Democracy Award” winners this month for work on improving government transparency and fostering innovation on Capitol Hill. Those awards — which the foundation dubs the “Oscars for Congress” — recognize members and staff who aim to make Congress more effective in behind-the-scenes areas like constituent service.
The nonpartisan group has been around since 1977, but the awards are in their third year. The winners are chosen by a selection committee comprised mostly of former members of Congress.
“It’s no secret that a lot of Americans are losing some faith in government, this year because of how America is responding to the coronavirus crisis,” said Bradford Fitch, president and CEO of the foundation. “The Democracy Awards represents a little oasis of effectiveness and of good government in a sea surrounded by, on some levels, dysfunction.”
In years past, the awards were revealed at an in-person soiree with about 150 attendees. During the pandemic, the red carpet was rolled up and organizers held a series of virtual ceremonies for each of the winners. A video of all the reveals was released earlier this month.


rollcall--2020-10-15--States seek more federal funds as Medicaid enrollment grows

The number of Americans on Medicaid continues to rise as people lose their insurance during the economic downturn , but @ @ @ @ @ much additional funding states facing higher costs may need .
National enrollment in Medicaid and @ @ @ @ @ Insurance Program jumped by 4 million between February and June , an increase of almost @ @ @ @ @ Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services data released recently .
Record unemployment levels have shifted @ @ @ @ @ coverage to Medicaid , the nation ’ s program for low-income individuals .
States that @ @ @ @ @ funds earlier this year in the first COVID-19 relief package are forbidden from disenrolling individuals @ @ @ @ @ health emergency , which Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar recently renewed for 90 @ @ @ @ @ While this ensures that more individuals have medical coverage during a pandemic that has claimed @ @ @ @ @ 210,000 Americans , it also further strains states that have struggled this year .

The number of Americans on Medicaid continues to rise as people lose their insurance during the economic downturn, but policy experts disagree on how much additional funding states facing higher costs may need.
National enrollment in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program jumped by 4 million between February and June, an increase of almost 6 percent, according to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services data released recently.
Record unemployment levels have shifted individuals from employer-sponsored or other coverage to Medicaid, the nation’s program for low-income individuals.
States that accepted a boost in federal funds earlier this year in the first COVID-19 relief package are forbidden from disenrolling individuals from Medicaid during the public health emergency, which Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar recently renewed for 90 days starting Oct. 23.
While this ensures that more individuals have medical coverage during a pandemic that has claimed the lives of more than 210,000 Americans, it also further strains states that have struggled this year.


rollcall--2020-10-15--Blue wave survivors: Democrats eyeing Texas gains take aim at Michael McCaul

This is the fourth installment of “ Blue wave survivors , ” a series analyzing whether House Republicans who survived the 2018 blue wave that swept Democrats into control can win against the same opponents in 2020 .
Earlier installments looked at Illinois Rep. Rodney Davis , New York Rep. John Katko , and Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon .
Democrats have called Texas “ ground zero ” in the battle for the House .
They ’ re targeting 10 House districts that saw surprisingly close margins in 2018 , including Texas ’ 10th , which stretches from Austin to Houston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After 2018 , a number of Texas Republicans faced with suddenly competitive races opted not to run for reelection .
But not Michael McCaul , who has represented the 10th District since 2005 .
“ I felt like my time wasn ’ t done yet , ” McCaul , the top Republican on the Foreign Affairs Committee , said in an interview Wednesday .
This race will test just how far Democrats can make inroads in the once reliably Republican state , which has become more competitive amid a growing and diversifying population @

This is the fourth installment of “Blue wave survivors,” a series analyzing whether House Republicans who survived the 2018 blue wave that swept Democrats into control can win against the same opponents in 2020. Earlier installments looked at Illinois Rep. Rodney Davis , New York Rep. John Katko, and Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon.
Democrats have called Texas “ground zero” in the battle for the House. They’re targeting 10 House districts that saw surprisingly close margins in 2018, including Texas’ 10th, which stretches from Austin to Houston and includes suburbs of both cities.
After 2018, a number of Texas Republicans faced with suddenly competitive races opted not to run for reelection. But not Michael McCaul, who has represented the 10th District since 2005.
“I felt like my time wasn’t done yet,” McCaul, the top Republican on the Foreign Affairs Committee, said in an interview Wednesday.
This race will test just how far Democrats can make inroads in the once reliably Republican state, which has become more competitive amid a growing and diversifying population.