rollcall--2020-02-29--Coronavirus response efforts ramp up as first U.S. death confirmed

House and Senate negotiators working through the weekend on a COVID-19 aid package are now trying to agree on a @ @ @ @ @ and $ 8 billion , people familiar with the talks said , in advance of @ @ @ @ @ .
Lawmakers and aides were hashing out the final details as public health officials confirmed @ @ @ @ @ caused by the novel coronavirus that originated in China last year — including the first @ @ @ @ @ a press conference Saturday , President Donald Trump warned `` additional cases in the United @ @ @ @ @ but healthy individuals `` should be able to recover should they contract the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ cases , 15 individuals have recovered or are `` well on their way , '' @ @ @ @ @ officials said the patient who died was a man in his late 50s .
In @ @ @ @ @ officials confirmed two additional cases at a nursing home in Washington state , including one @ @ @ @ @ 40s , the first U.S. health provider to have a known infection .

House and Senate negotiators working through the weekend on a COVID-19 aid package are now trying to agree on a figure between $7 billion and $8 billion, people familiar with the talks said, in advance of likely floor action the week of March 1.
Lawmakers and aides were hashing out the final details as public health officials confirmed more cases of the disease caused by the novel coronavirus that originated in China last year — including the first reported U.S. death.
At a press conference Saturday, President Donald Trump warned "additional cases in the United States are likely," but healthy individuals "should be able to recover should they contract the virus."
Of 22 confirmed U.S. cases, 15 individuals have recovered or are "well on their way," Trump said. Seattle-area health officials said the patient who died was a man in his late 50s.
In addition to the death, officials confirmed two additional cases at a nursing home in Washington state, including one health care worker in her 40s, the first U.S. health provider to have a known infection.


rollcall--2020-02-28--Federal appeals court blocks, then stays, Trump’s ‘Remain in Mexico’ program

A federal appeals court on Friday reinstated an injunction against Trump administration ’ s “ Remain in Mexico ” program – but then hours later put the decision on hold to give the U.S. government time to appeal .
The actions by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals affect the program formally known as Migrant Protection Protocols , or MPP , which has forced nearly 60,000 migrants to wait in Mexico as their cases slowly wind through the U.S. immigration court system .
The pair of decisions created uncertainty late Friday at U.S. ports of entries , where migrants , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The California-based court initially ruled that MPP was “ invalid in its entirety ” because of its inconsistency with U.S. statutory law and “ should be enjoined in its entirety.
” The court also ruled the government was violating international legal obligations by sending migrants back to harm .
But the court hours later stayed that ruling , which effectively halted MPP .
The lawyers involved in the case now have until Monday to respond to the stay .
Mark Morgan , the acting Customs and Border Protection commissioner , said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would “ immediately reinstate the policy .
”

A federal appeals court on Friday reinstated an injunction against Trump administration’s “Remain in Mexico” program – but then hours later put the decision on hold to give the U.S. government time to appeal.
The actions by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals affect the program formally known as Migrant Protection Protocols, or MPP, which has forced nearly 60,000 migrants to wait in Mexico as their cases slowly wind through the U.S. immigration court system. The pair of decisions created uncertainty late Friday at U.S. ports of entries, where migrants, advocates and attorneys had lined up.
The California-based court initially ruled that MPP was “invalid in its entirety” because of its inconsistency with U.S. statutory law and “should be enjoined in its entirety.” The court also ruled the government was violating international legal obligations by sending migrants back to harm.
But the court hours later stayed that ruling, which effectively halted MPP. The lawyers involved in the case now have until Monday to respond to the stay.
Mark Morgan, the acting Customs and Border Protection commissioner, said in a late Friday night tweet that his agency would “immediately reinstate the policy.”


rollcall--2020-03-02--A virus watch by land, sea and air

A virus watch by land, sea and air

A month before the U.S. entered a full-grade panic over the coronavirus , a truck driver on a freight industry @ @ @ @ @ fears .
“ I am more concerned as to what comes in to the USA @ @ @ @ @ else , ” the driver wrote .
That driver now seems prescient .
While much @ @ @ @ @ on airline travel , a hearing involving the Department of Transportation last week made it @ @ @ @ @ have to engage multiple travel modes as the virus spreads .
When Transportation Secretary Elaine @ @ @ @ @ House Appropriations Committee ’ s Subcommittee on Transportation , Housing and Urban Development and Related @ @ @ @ @ a list of responses to the virus that were overwhelmingly related to air traffic .

A month before the U.S. entered a full-grade panic over the coronavirus, a truck driver on a freight industry message board anonymously posted his fears.
“I am more concerned as to what comes in to the USA via freight transportation than anything else,” the driver wrote.
That driver now seems prescient. While much of the focus has been on airline travel, a hearing involving the Department of Transportation last week made it clear that the department will have to engage multiple travel modes as the virus spreads.
When Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao testified Thursday before the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies, she rattled off a list of responses to the virus that were overwhelmingly related to air traffic.
[Trump administration sees swift action on coronavirus package]


rollcall--2020-03-02--Vaping unboxed: Flavored products on the market despite FDA bans

Are you an old millennial who ’ s totally clueless about vapes ?
Well , in the wake of some @ @ @ @ @ , former Rep. Duncan Hunter and Gen Z alike may have to forgo fruity flavored @ @ @ @ @ passed a bill last week limiting the sale of flavored vape products , and all @ @ @ @ @ to the FDA by May for a chance to stay in operation .
The Trump @ @ @ @ @ on certain types of flavored vape products , but CQ Roll Call reporter Andrew Siddons @ @ @ @ @ e-cigs that are still on the market ( at least for now ) .

Are you an old millennial who’s totally clueless about vapes? Well, in the wake of some recent and upcoming federal moves, former Rep. Duncan Hunter and Gen Z alike may have to forgo fruity flavored e-cigarettes forever.
The House passed a bill last week limiting the sale of flavored vape products, and all e-cigarette companies must submit applications to the FDA by May for a chance to stay in operation.
The Trump administration has been cracking down on certain types of flavored vape products, but CQ Roll Call reporter Andrew Siddons has a box full of e-cigs that are still on the market (at least for now).


rollcall--2020-03-02--Union pension funds trigger congressional rescue efforts

The Teamsters union ’ s largest pension fund is famous for appearing as a cash cow for mobsters in movies @ @ @ @ @ Irishman , '' but the reality is the fund is running out of money .
@ @ @ @ @ Sword joins the podcast to explain why the shrinking fund and its federal backstop 's @ @ @ @ @ both sides of the aisle working to find a solution .

The Teamsters union’s largest pension fund is famous for appearing as a cash cow for mobsters in movies, most recently "The Irishman," but the reality is the fund is running out of money. CQ Roll Call reporter Doug Sword joins the podcast to explain why the shrinking fund and its federal backstop's projected insolvency have lawmakers on both sides of the aisle working to find a solution.
Show notes:


rollcall--2020-02-29--Coronavirus response efforts ramp up as first US death confirmed

House and Senate negotiators working through the weekend on a COVID-19 aid package are now trying to agree on a figure between $ 7 billion and $ 8 billion , people familiar with the talks said , in advance of likely floor action the week of March 1 .
Lawmakers and aides were hashing out the final details as public health officials confirmed more cases of the disease caused by the novel coronavirus that originated in China last year — including the first reported U.S. death .
At a press conference Saturday , President Donald Trump warned `` additional cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' but healthy individuals `` should be able to recover should they contract the virus . ''
Of 22 confirmed U.S. cases , 15 individuals have recovered or are `` well on their way , '' Trump said .
Seattle-area health officials said the patient who died was a man in his late 50s .
In addition to the death , officials confirmed two additional cases at a nursing home in Washington state , including one health care worker in her 40s , the first U.S. health provider to have a known infection @


rollcall--2020-03-02--VA Committee Republicans eye top spot as Roe heads for exit

At least three House Republicans are considering bids to succeed Tennessee ’ s Phil Roe as the top Republican on the Veterans ’ Affairs Committee when he retires at the end of the year .
Party rules don ’ t require the steering committee to make chairman and ranking member appointments based on seniority , which widens the field for Roe ’ s replacement .
But the rules do prevent lawmakers from wielding two gavels at the same time .
Another unwritten rule also prohibits members from chairing a full committee while also serving on a separate “ A ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's most powerful panels such as Appropriations , Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means .
That places Florida ’ s Gus Bilirakis , the committee ’ s most senior GOP member whom Roe jumped over for the chairmanship in 2017 , in a tough spot .
Bilirakis , who is ranking member of the Veterans ' Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee , declined to seek the chairmanship back then due to his work on the Energy and Commerce Committee .
He would face the same decision this time for the ranking member title @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet come to a decision .

Corrected Tuesday 5:03 p.m. | At least three House Republicans are considering bids to succeed Tennessee’s Phil Roe as the top Republican on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee when he retires at the end of the year.
Party rules don’t require the steering committee to make chairman and ranking member appointments based on seniority, which widens the field for Roe’s replacement. But the rules do prevent lawmakers from wielding two gavels at the same time.
Another unwritten rule also prohibits members from chairing a full committee while also serving on a separate “A” committee — a designation for the chamber's most powerful panels such as Appropriations, Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means.
That places Florida’s Gus Bilirakis, the committee’s most senior GOP member whom Roe jumped over for the chairmanship in 2017, in a tough spot. Bilirakis, who is ranking member of the Veterans' Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, declined to seek the chairmanship back then due to his work on the Energy and Commerce Committee.
He would face the same decision this time for the ranking member title, and said he hasn’t yet come to a decision.


rollcall--2020-03-02--Coronavirus funding talks held up over drug price language

Disagreement over provisions intended to ensure affordability of vaccines and other medications is holding up agreement on an emergency funding package to fight the novel coronavirus-caused illness that has killed more than 3,000 people worldwide , sources with knowledge of the talks said .
Democrats and Republicans are at odds over how to make sure that any vaccine and treatments developed for the virus are affordable and available .
Republicans are raising concerns that Democrats ’ proposals would chill research and development and interfere with the development of a vaccine , according to sources who spoke without being identified so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they share the goal of making sure a vaccine is affordable but do not want to suppress its development .
But senior Democratic aides said they are not advocating price controls .
“ Democrats want the supplemental to include significant funding for the federal government to purchase large quantities of coronavirus diagnostics , treatments and vaccine [ when it becomes available ] , which will then be made available to the public without cost , ” said an aide speaking on background to share the information freely .
Another aide pointed to what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak .
During the swine flu outbreak in 2009 , Congress provided $ 7.65 billion in a supplemental appropriation , part of which could be used to support the purchase of vaccine and the cost of planning and carrying out a nationwide vaccination campaign .

Disagreement over provisions intended to ensure affordability of vaccines and other medications is holding up agreement on an emergency funding package to fight the novel coronavirus-caused illness that has killed over 3,000 worldwide, sources familiar with the talks said.
Republicans are raising concerns that Democrats’ proposals would chill research and development and interfere with the development of a vaccine, according to sources who spoke without being identified so they could talk freely. Republicans say they share the goal of making sure a vaccine is affordable, but do not want to suppress its development.
But senior Democratic aides said they are not advocating price controls. “Democrats want the supplemental to include significant funding for the federal government to purchase large quantities of coronavirus diagnostics, treatments and vaccine [when it becomes available], which will then be made available to the public without cost,” one aide said.
Another aide pointed to what was done during the 2009 swine flu outbreak. Congress provided $7.65 billion in a supplemental appropriation, part of which was for government vaccine purchases and the cost of planning and implementing a nationwide vaccination campaign.
Democratic negotiators were also pushing to ensure “fair and reasonable price” standards in existing contracting regulations are adhered to for new purchases of vaccines and other medications to treat COVID-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus. An aide said that would prevent drugmakers from charging above-market rates.


rollcall--2020-03-02--Klobuchar ends presidential campaign, plans to endorse Biden

Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar is ending her presidential campaign and flying to Texas to endorse former Vice President Joe Biden at a rally Monday night , a campaign spokesman said The Minnesota senator pitched herself as a moderate who could win in red states and earned praise from pundits .
But after a third-place finish in New Hampshire gave her a brief turn in the spotlight , she decided to end her campaign a day before the spate of Super Tuesday primaries that included her home state 's .
Klobuchar 's exit came a day after former Mayor Pete Buttigieg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Biden in the more moderate lane of the party as Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders , who won New Hampshire and Nevada and got the most votes ( but came in second ) in the Iowa caucuses , continued to roll up votes from the left .
Klobuchar launched her campaign in the middle of a snowstorm last winter and defined herself as a gritty pragmatist who had proven experience focusing on moderate goals .
She said , for example , she would improve on the Affordable Care Act , not enact `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called for enacting clean power rules , not the more sweeping Green New Deal .
In short , she offered an alternative to the idealism sweeping through the Democratic Party and embodied by Sanders .
But she struggled to provide a sense of uplift and was often criticized for sounding more like a senatorial candidate than a president .

Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar is ending her presidential campaign and flying to Texas to endorse former Vice President Joe Biden at a rally Monday night, a campaign spokesman said
The Minnesota senator pitched herself as a moderate who could win in red states and earned praise from pundits. But after a third-place finish in New Hampshire gave her a brief turn in the spotlight, she decided to end her campaign a day before the spate of Super Tuesday primaries that included her home state’s.
Klobuchar's exit came a day after former Mayor Pete Buttigieg called it quits, removing two opponents to Biden in the more moderate lane of the party as Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who won New Hampshire and Nevada and got the most votes (but came in second) in the Iowa caucuses, continued to roll up votes from the left.
Klobuchar launched her campaign in the middle of a snowstorm last winter and defined herself as a gritty pragmatist who had proven experience focusing on moderate goals. She said, for example, she would improve on the Affordable Care Act, not enact "Medicare for All." She also called for enacting clean power rules, not the more sweeping Green New Deal.
In short, she offered an alternative to the idealism sweeping through the Democratic Party and embodied by Sanders. But she struggled to provide a sense of uplift and was often criticized for sounding more like a senatorial candidate than a president.


rollcall--2020-03-02--Supreme Court could leave consumer protection mess for Congress

The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Tuesday in a case about the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that could leave @ @ @ @ @ to clean up with the agency that was a key response to the 2008 financial @ @ @ @ @ Congress might have to do depends not only on whether the Supreme Court rules that @ @ @ @ @ is unconstitutional but also how far the justices go with such a ruling .
The @ @ @ @ @ , Seila Law v. CFPB , is whether Congress violated the separation of powers when @ @ @ @ @ in charge of enforcing consumer protection laws while the president could only fire that director @ @ @ @ @ that the CFPB seeks to investigate , Seila Law , filed the lawsuit to challenge @ @ @ @ @ Congress implemented that for-cause , single-director structure , and gave up a powerful oversight tool @ @ @ @ @ the appropriations process , to make sure the CFPB would be independent .

The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Tuesday in a case about the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that could leave Congress with a big mess to clean up with the agency that was a key response to the 2008 financial crisis.
Just how much Congress might have to do depends not only on whether the Supreme Court rules that the structure of the CFPB is unconstitutional but also how far the justices go with such a ruling.
The basic question in the case, Seila Law v. CFPB, is whether Congress violated the separation of powers when it put a single director in charge of enforcing consumer protection laws while the president could only fire that director for cause. A company that the CFPB seeks to investigate, Seila Law, filed the lawsuit to challenge a civil investigative demand.
[Democrats pan, Republicans applaud Kraninger’s tenure at CFPB]
Congress implemented that for-cause, single-director structure, and gave up a powerful oversight tool by putting the agency outside the appropriations process, to make sure the CFPB would be independent.


rollcall--2020-03-02--Road ahead: Emergency funding deal for coronavirus expected

Congress is aiming to strike a deal this week on an emergency spending package that could provide between $ 7 billion and $ 8 billion in funding to combat the spreading coronavirus .
The COVID-19 illness has killed two people in the U.S. so far and with expanded testing capabilities , the number of cases is expected to grow this week .
House and Senate appropriations staff worked through the weekend to put together a measure that would fund the departments of Health and Human Services , State , Homeland Security and Defense and possibly other agencies to fight the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supplemental through … I 've told the team we will spend whatever amount of money Congress gives us to rapidly speed along the development of the bedside diagnostic , but once we get this fully out to public health labs as well as CLIA labs , that 's going to give us tremendous , tremendous capacity out there in the United States , '' Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar said .
Lawmakers are hopeful that the measure could see House floor action before the end of the week .
Speaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal that House Democrats are pushing for , including guardrails to prevent the Trump administration from using the coronavirus funding for anything other than infectious diseases .

Congress is aiming to strike a deal this week on an emergency spending package that could provide between $7 billion and $8 billion in funding to combat the spreading coronavirus. The COVID-19 illness has killed two people in the U.S. so far and with expanded testing capabilities, the number of cases is expected to grow this week.
House and Senate appropriations staff worked through the weekend to put together a measure that would fund the departments of Health and Human Services, State, Homeland Security and Defense and possibly other agencies to fight the disease.
"When we get the supplemental through … I've told the team we will spend whatever amount of money Congress gives us to rapidly speed along the development of the bedside diagnostic, but once we get this fully out to public health labs as well as CLIA labs, that's going to give us tremendous, tremendous capacity out there in the United States," Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar said.
Lawmakers are hopeful that the measure could see House floor action before the end of the week.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi outlined parameters of the funding deal that House Democrats are pushing for, including guardrails to prevent the Trump administration from using the coronavirus funding for anything other than infectious diseases.


rollcall--2020-03-02--High court decision to hear case could solidify health care as key campaign issue

The Supreme Court said Monday it would take up an appeal of a legal challenge to the 2010 health care law , teeing up a high-profile hearing on one of Democrats ’ signature issues .
The court did not say when it would hear oral arguments .
Health and legal experts following the case say they expect that the court could hear the case sometime in the fall , possibly in October when the new term begins , but is unlikely to rule on it before Election Day .
The experts expect the parties in the case to file briefs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision to hear the case underscores the uncertainty surrounding the status of the health care law heading into the 2020 election and could help solidify health care as a key campaign issue .
It will be the third major challenge to the law before the Supreme Court .
“ It gives one more reason to be focused on the ACA , ” said University of Pennsylvania law professor Allison Hoffman , an expert on health care policy , using the acronym for the law .
The decision comes after the justices said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and hear the challenge , Texas v. California , this term , as the House and state officials defending the law had requested .

The Supreme Court said Monday it would take up an appeal of a legal challenge to the 2010 health care law, teeing up a high-profile hearing on one of Democrats’ signature issues.
The court did not say when it would hear oral arguments. Health and legal experts following the case say they expect that the court could hear the case sometime in the fall, possibly in October when the new term begins, but is unlikely to rule on it before Election Day. The experts expect the parties in the case to file briefs throughout the summer.
The justices’ decision to hear the case underscores the uncertainty surrounding the status of the health care law heading into the 2020 election and could help solidify health care as a key campaign issue. It will be the third major challenge to the law before the Supreme Court.
“It gives one more reason to be focused on the ACA,” said University of Pennsylvania law professor Allison Hoffman, an expert on health care policy, using the acronym for the law.
The decision comes after the justices said in January they would not expedite the case and hear the challenge, Texas v. California, this term, as the House and state officials defending the law had requested.


rollcall--2020-03-02--House OKs constituent mailings on coronavirus despite blackout period

The House has eased the strict ban on franked mass mailings ahead of elections to allow lawmakers to communicate with @ @ @ @ @ A Dear Colleague Letter from the House Administration Committee , referenced by Speaker Nancy Pelosi @ @ @ @ @ that coronavirus is a significant enough threat to trigger an exception to the mailing standards @ @ @ @ @ day “ blackout period ” for government funding mailings ahead of any primary or general @ @ @ @ @ federal , state , or local election in which the member is a candidate , @ @ @ @ @ could use the mailings or communications to gain an advantage in re-election battles .
But @ @ @ @ @ Mailing Standards specifically allows for communications in this period “ regarding threats to life safety @ @

The House has eased the strict ban on franked mass mailings ahead of elections to allow lawmakers to communicate with constituents about the coronavirus.
A Dear Colleague Letter from the House Administration Committee, referenced by Speaker Nancy Pelosi over the weekend, specified that coronavirus is a significant enough threat to trigger an exception to the mailing standards.
There is a 90 day “blackout period” for government funding mailings ahead of any primary or general election or caucus for any federal, state, or local election in which the member is a candidate, rooted in concerns that members could use the mailings or communications to gain an advantage in re-election battles.
But the House Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards specifically allows for communications in this period “regarding threats to life safety.”


rollcall--2020-03-02--7 things to watch on Super Tuesday in the battle for Congress

Super Tuesday contests will be critical in the race for the the Democratic presidential nomination .
But there are also plenty of primaries further down the ballot that will provide clues about the battle for Congress in 2020 .
Voters will head to the polls in 14 states and one territory Tuesday , and five of those states will be holding congressional primaries : Alabama , Arkansas , California , North Carolina and Texas .
All but Arkansas are House and Senate battlegrounds in 2020 .
Many of the congressional primaries may not be resolved Tuesday , however .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are fully counted in California because mail-in ballots can be postmarked on Election Day .
The state has a unique top-two primary system where all candidates compete on the same ballot and the top two vote-getters , regardless of party , advance to November .
Primaries may also be unresolved in Texas and Alabama , both of which have provisions where the top two candidates advance to a primary runoff if no one wins a majority of the vote .
Runoffs in Alabama would take place March 31 , while Texas contests would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dynamics to watch as the results roll in :

Super Tuesday contests will be critical in the race for the the Democratic presidential nomination. But there are also plenty of primaries further down the ballot that will provide clues about the battle for Congress in 2020.
Voters will head to the polls in 14 states and one territory Tuesday, and five of those states will be holding congressional primaries: Alabama, Arkansas, California, North Carolina and Texas. All but Arkansas are House and Senate battlegrounds in 2020.
Many of the congressional primaries may not be resolved Tuesday, however. It could be days or weeks before votes are fully counted in California because mail-in ballots can be postmarked on Election Day. The state has a unique top-two primary system where all candidates compete on the same ballot and the top two vote-getters, regardless of party, advance to November. Primaries may also be unresolved in Texas and Alabama, both of which have provisions where the top two candidates advance to a primary runoff if no one wins a majority of the vote. Runoffs in Alabama would take place March 31, while Texas contests would be May 26.
Here are seven dynamics to watch as the results roll in:
1. Incumbents in trouble?
Two House members from Texas are facing competitive primaries: Democrat Henry Cuellar and Republican Kay Granger.


rollcall--2020-03-02--Is Bernie Sanders winning or losing?

Is Bernie Sanders winning or losing?

ANALYSIS — A week ago , after CBS News and NBC News/Marist polls showed former Vice President Joe Biden ’ s lead in South Carolina shrinking to the mid-single digits , it appeared that Sen. Bernie Sanders was about to get another boost in his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination .
Yes , others might still be vying for the pragmatist banner , but an imploding Biden campaign had to be good news for the Vermont independent .
Most of the TV chatter wasn ’ t about who would win the party ’ s nomination but rather whether anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ brokered convention ” that might give anti-Sanders forces a fighting chance .
But after Saturday ’ s results propelled Biden very much back into the Democratic race , supporters of Sanders must feel less comfortable than they were .
And if they don ’ t , they should .
Their revolution might have gotten a little ahead of itself .
Even with former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg ’ s exit from the race , there are too many “ establishment ” contenders in the race , which gives Sanders an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But , with the help of Rep. James E. Clyburn , Biden proved his strength with black voters and older voters in South Carolina , and the rest of the South , as well as non-Southern states with a considerable African American population , offers Biden a potential source of support on which he must capitalize .

ANALYSIS — A week ago, after CBS News and NBC News/Marist polls showed former Vice President Joe Biden’s lead in South Carolina shrinking to the mid-single digits, it appeared that Sen. Bernie Sanders was about to get another boost in his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Yes, others might still be vying for the pragmatist banner, but an imploding Biden campaign had to be good news for the Vermont independent. Most of the TV chatter wasn’t about who would win the party’s nomination but rather whether anyone or anything could slow Sanders — producing a “brokered convention” that might give anti-Sanders forces a fighting chance.
[Republican women face early test on Super Tuesday]
But after Saturday’s results propelled Biden very much back into the Democratic race, supporters of Sanders must feel less comfortable than they were. And if they don’t, they should. Their revolution might have gotten a little ahead of itself.
Even with former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg’s exit from the race, there are too many “establishment” contenders in the race, which gives Sanders an advantage on March 3rd, Super Tuesday. But, with the help of Rep. James E. Clyburn, Biden proved his strength with black voters and older voters in South Carolina, and the rest of the South, as well as non-Southern states with a considerable African American population, offers Biden a potential source of support on which he must capitalize.


rollcall--2020-03-02--Super Tuesday’s super storylines

Super Tuesday’s super storylines

ANALYSIS — If members of Congress seem a little preoccupied as of late , it ’ s not just the @ @ @ @ @ is upon us , and although the Democratic presidential primary sucks the oxygen out of @ @ @ @ @ also is the day for scores of House and Senate primaries and one special election @ @ @ @ @ , American Samoa and Democrats Abroad presidential contests , five states host congressional primaries , @ @ @ @ @ and Texas , as well as Alabama , where that most sentimental of stories , @ @ @ @ @ out .
Not all that many of these congressional primaries are competitive .
But March @ @ @ @ @ rite of spring : the first set of congressional contests in this general election year @ @ @ @ @ catchers report for Major League Baseball ’ s spring training in Arizona and Florida .

ANALYSIS — If members of Congress seem a little preoccupied as of late, it’s not just the coronavirus. For Super Tuesday is upon us, and although the Democratic presidential primary sucks the oxygen out of any room, March 3 also is the day for scores of House and Senate primaries and one special election.
Among the 14 states, American Samoa and Democrats Abroad presidential contests, five states host congressional primaries, including mammoth states like California and Texas, as well as Alabama, where that most sentimental of stories, the comeback, is playing out.
Not all that many of these congressional primaries are competitive.
But March 3 represents a kind of rite of spring: the first set of congressional contests in this general election year — like when pitchers and catchers report for Major League Baseball’s spring training in Arizona and Florida.


rollcall--2020-03-03--How fake audio, like deepfakes, could plague business, politics

Fake voices generated by artificial intelligence tools may be the next frontier in scams that could trick companies into forking @ @ @ @ @ into believing a politician said something he or she didn ’ t .
Computer-synthesized voices @ @ @ @ @ familiar with Amazon ’ s Echo and Google ’ s Home devices , or Apple @ @ @ @ @ knows the soothing female voice that answers queries .
But that same technology can be @ @ @ @ @ said Vijay Balasubramaniyan , co-founder and CEO of Pindrop , a technology company that uses @ @ @ @ @ fraud .
Criminals can use publicly available video and audio of top corporate executives to @ @ @ @ @ voice of a CEO and use that in combination with an email hack to trick @ @ @ @ @ into sending money .
Or they can apply similar tactics to make politicians appear to @ @ @ @ @ .

Fake voices generated by artificial intelligence tools may be the next frontier in scams that could trick companies into forking over cash or fool voters into believing a politician said something he or she didn’t.
Computer-synthesized voices are not new. Anyone familiar with Amazon’s Echo and Google’s Home devices, or Apple’s Siri, already knows the soothing female voice that answers queries.
But that same technology can be adapted for devious means, said Vijay Balasubramaniyan, co-founder and CEO of Pindrop, a technology company that uses machine-learning techniques to identify voice fraud.
Criminals can use publicly available video and audio of top corporate executives to analyze and create a fake voice of a CEO and use that in combination with an email hack to trick the company’s executives into sending money. Or they can apply similar tactics to make politicians appear to say something they never did.


rollcall--2020-03-03--Getting to the bottom of the missing youth vote

Young Americans vote at half the rate of older Americans , a gap that is twice as large as in other advanced democracies .
In their new book “ Making Young Voters : Converting Civic Attitudes into Civic Actions , ” University of Virginia professor John B. Holbein and Duke University professor D. Sunshine Hillygus examine both the reasons for low youth turnout and the changes that may make them more likely to vote .
Holbein spoke with CQ Roll Call ’ s David Jordan .
An edited transcript : Q .
What makes it difficult for a young person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The U.S. is unique in some of the barriers that it places on young people in terms of how , when and where they can cast their ballot .
The United States has some of the most restrictive voter registration rules in the world , and we show in our book that in states where those rules have been relaxed , rates of youth voter participation increased .
Q .
Is this low youth turnout something that has remained consistent across generations ?
A .
It has always been the case that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to vote , but it looks like millennials are aging into voting at a lower and slower rate than previous generations .

Young Americans vote at half the rate of older Americans, a gap that is twice as large as in other advanced democracies. In their new book “Making Young Voters: Converting Civic Attitudes into Civic Actions,” University of Virginia professor John B. Holbein and Duke University professor D. Sunshine Hillygus examine both the reasons for low youth turnout and the changes that may make them more likely to vote. Holbein spoke with CQ Roll Call’s David Jordan. An edited transcript:
Q. What makes it difficult for a young person to vote in the U.S.?
A. The U.S. is unique in some of the barriers that it places on young people in terms of how, when and where they can cast their ballot. The United States has some of the most restrictive voter registration rules in the world, and we show in our book that in states where those rules have been relaxed, rates of youth voter participation increased.
Q. Is this low youth turnout something that has remained consistent across generations?
A. It has always been the case that as an individual ages they are more likely to vote, but it looks like millennials are aging into voting at a lower and slower rate than previous generations.


rollcall--2020-03-03--Bloomberg thrills fintech world with cryptocurrency shoutout

It ’ s just three sentences and five bullet points , not even 100 words , but Mike Bloomberg ’ s platform for cryptocurrencies has the nascent technology ’ s boosters cheering and champing at the bit for more .
“ We really like it .
We think it ’ s great that he ’ s thinking about these issues , ” said Kristin Smith , executive director of the Blockchain Association , an industry trade group .
“ Hopefully , that ’ ll spur some others [ candidates ] to get involved.
” “ Bloomberg ’ s policy positions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air compared to what we ’ ve got right now , ” said Daniel Gouldman , the CEO and founder of Ternio , a blockchain-based payments startup based in Atlanta .
Bloomberg released a nine-page policy memo on financial regulations just before the Nevada debate last month .
Pundits saw it as an attempt by the billionaire , whose name is virtually synonymous with finance thanks to his eponymous trading terminals , to distance himself from Wall Street .
Besides proposing a financial transaction tax and postal banking — both ideas fiercely opposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts — Bloomberg ’ s platform mostly promised the Democratic policy minimum : reversing Trump ’ s deregulatory changes and returning to the Obama-administration ’ s rule regime .

It’s just three sentences and five bullet points, not even 100 words, but Mike Bloomberg’s platform for cryptocurrencies has the nascent technology’s boosters cheering and champing at the bit for more.
“We really like it. We think it’s great that he’s thinking about these issues,” said Kristin Smith, executive director of the Blockchain Association, an industry trade group. “Hopefully, that’ll spur some others [candidates] to get involved.”
“Bloomberg’s policy positions on cryptocurrency are a breath of fresh air compared to what we’ve got right now,” said Daniel Gouldman, the CEO and founder of Ternio, a blockchain-based payments startup based in Atlanta.
Bloomberg released a nine-page policy memo on financial regulations just before the Nevada debate last month. Pundits saw it as an attempt by the billionaire, whose name is virtually synonymous with finance thanks to his eponymous trading terminals, to distance himself from Wall Street.
Besides proposing a financial transaction tax and postal banking — both ideas fiercely opposed by banks and backed by Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts — Bloomberg’s platform mostly promised the Democratic policy minimum: reversing Trump’s deregulatory changes and returning to the Obama-administration’s rule regime.


rollcall--2020-03-03--Cashing in on justice

Cashing in on justice

Before they put on their robes , dozens of federal judges appointed during the Trump and Obama administrations made significant campaign contributions to Senate Judiciary Committee members and their home-state senators — the very people who could make or break their nominations .
And three Republican senators — Ted Cruz and John Cornyn of Texas and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina — got more money than the rest of the Judiciary Committee combined .
Virtually all of those contributions came from judicial nominees they ultimately backed .
Home-state senators who haven ’ t served on the panel also wield considerable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They ’ ve received significant contributions from donors who ended up on the bench .
A Democrat — Bob Casey of Pennsylvania — tops that list .
A CQ Roll Call investigation documented thousands of individual contributions to lawmakers by President Donald Trump and Barack Obama ’ s judicial appointees in the years leading up to their nominations .
Several , both Democrats and Republicans , were major political players before their lifetime appointments .
And two Obama nominees appeared to make contributions after they were confirmed despite ethical canons that prohibit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vastly outraised their Democratic colleagues on the Senate Judiciary Committee .
Of the six current members who got more than $ 10,000 from future judges , five were Republicans .

Joshua Eaton, Ilana Marcus, and Ed Timms

Before they put on their robes, dozens of federal judges appointed during the Trump and Obama administrations made significant campaign contributions to Senate Judiciary Committee members and their home-state senators — the very people who could make or break their nominations.
And three Republican senators — Ted Cruz and John Cornyn of Texas and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina — got more money than the rest of the Judiciary Committee combined. Virtually all of those contributions came from judicial nominees they ultimately backed.
Home-state senators who haven’t served on the panel also wield considerable influence on who becomes a federal judge. They’ve received significant contributions from donors who ended up on the bench. A Democrat — Bob Casey of Pennsylvania — tops that list.
A CQ Roll Call investigation documented thousands of individual contributions to lawmakers by President Donald Trump and Barack Obama’s judicial appointees in the years leading up to their nominations. Several, both Democrats and Republicans, were major political players before their lifetime appointments. And two Obama nominees appeared to make contributions after they were confirmed despite ethical canons that prohibit such gifts by sitting judges.
Republicans vastly outraised their Democratic colleagues on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Of the six current members who got more than $10,000 from future judges, five were Republicans.


rollcall--2020-03-03--Crypto, correlation and the coronavirus

Crypto, correlation and the coronavirus

Fintech Beat sits down with Nic Carter , the founding partner of Castle Island Ventures , to discuss the impact @ @ @ @ @ assets , and the lessons the epidemic holds for investors interested in the space .
@ @ @ @ @ location in the Caribbean

Fintech Beat sits down with Nic Carter, the founding partner of Castle Island Ventures, to discuss the impact of the coronavirus on digital assets, and the lessons the epidemic holds for investors interested in the space.
Show notes:


rollcall--2020-03-03--Jayapal warns against mixing coronavirus aid and surveillance extension

How difficult could the vote counting be for an emergency spending bill to respond to the coronavirus if leadership tries to attach an extension of expiring surveillance powers ?
Just ask one of the lawmakers whose constituents have been near the epicenter of a coronavirus outbreak in Washington state .
Seattle-area Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal told reporters at the Capitol on Monday that the question of whether to tie up the expected $ 7 billion to $ 8 billion supplemental spending package for the COVID-19 response with the debate over extending Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act authorities “ really just drives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ die today and over the last couple of days from coronavirus.
” “ So any politicization of coronavirus funding is absolutely unacceptable and it should shame everybody in this body to try and do that .
FISA has to be separate , '' Jayapal said .
“ Coronavirus funding has to be separate .
We need to get help to people who are infected across my district , across our state , now increasingly across the country .
But we ’ re facing the brunt of that right now .
“ I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make that clear to .
This can not be combined , ” Jayapal said .

Niels Lesniewski and Katherine Tully-McManus

How difficult could the vote counting be for an emergency spending bill to respond to the coronavirus if leadership tries to attach an extension of expiring surveillance powers?
Just ask one of the lawmakers whose constituents have been near the epicenter of a coronavirus outbreak in Washington state.
Seattle-area Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal told reporters at the Capitol on Monday that the question of whether to tie up the expected $7 billion to $8 billion supplemental spending package for the COVID-19 response with the debate over extending Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act authorities “really just drives me nuts because I had six people die today and over the last couple of days from coronavirus.”
“So any politicization of coronavirus funding is absolutely unacceptable and it should shame everybody in this body to try and do that. FISA has to be separate," Jayapal said. “Coronavirus funding has to be separate. We need to get help to people who are infected across my district, across our state, now increasingly across the country. But we’re facing the brunt of that right now.
“I have made that clear to anybody I can make that clear to. This cannot be combined,” Jayapal said.


rollcall--2020-03-03--Congress looking for guidance on coronavirus

Sen. Lindsey Graham fist-bumped a young man on the Senate subway Tuesday instead of offering a handshake and Sen. Bill Cassidy offered squirts of hand sanitizer to reporters peppering him with questions , two signs of how Congress is adjusting to the potential threat of coronavirus spreading on the Capitol Hill campus .
As lawmakers continue to negotiate a deal to fund a multibillion-dollar response to the coronavirus , they ’ re also thinking about the health and safety of themselves and their staff if a coronavirus outbreak were to emerge in Washington , D.C. Speaker Nancy Pelosi has invited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders Mitch McConnell and Charles E. Schumer to a joint operational briefing Wednesday on the response to the virus in the Capitol community .
The meeting will be focused on “ keeping the Congress open for the People ’ s business , ” according to staff .
McCarthy told reporters Tuesday that the Capitol is susceptible to the spread of the virus and COVID-19 because the building attracts so many people from all over the world .
“ Similar to a lot of places in the country , there are people from all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day .
This is a contagious disease .
This is something that can multiply and go rapidly .
You have interaction [ on Capitol Hill ] , ” McCarthy said .

Sen. Lindsey Graham fist-bumped a young man on the Senate subway Tuesday instead of offering a handshake and Sen. Bill Cassidy offered squirts of hand sanitizer to reporters peppering him with questions, two signs of how Congress is adjusting to the potential threat of the coronavirus disease COVID-19 spreading on the Capitol Hill campus.
As lawmakers continue to negotiate a deal to fund a multibillion-dollar response to the coronavirus disease, they’re also thinking about the health and safety of themselves and their staff if a coronavirus outbreak were to emerge in Washington, D.C.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi has invited House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Senate leaders Mitch McConnell and Charles E. Schumer to a joint operational briefing Wednesday on the response to the virus in the Capitol community. The meeting will be focused on “keeping the Congress open for the People’s business,” according to staff.
McCarthy told reporters Tuesday that the Capitol is susceptible to the spread of the virus and COVID-19 because the building attracts so many people from all over the world.
“Similar to a lot of places in the country, there are people from all around the country coming here every single day. This is a contagious disease. This is something that can multiply and go rapidly. You have interaction [on Capitol Hill],” McCarthy said.


rollcall--2020-03-03--Trump calls for full funding of conservation fund

President Donald Trump on Tuesday requested legislation to provide full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund .
`` @ @ @ @ @ to send me a Bill that fully and permanently funds the LWCF and restores our @ @ @ @ @ sign it into law , it will be HISTORIC for our beautiful public lands , @ @ @ @ @ president 's 2021 budget includes proposed cuts to research and to programs that work with @ @ @ @ @ , which raised the ire of some lawmakers .
Sens .
Joe Manchin III , @ @ @ @ @ , R-Mont.
, objected to a budget proposal to cut the fund , a program @ @ @ @ @ fishing , conservation and recreation on public lands , including national forests .
The program @ @ @ @ @ at fair-market value .
Funding comes from fees from offshore oil and gas drilling and @ @ @ @ @ property and taxes on motorboat fuel .

While his budget proposal would cut nearly all funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he wants the program fully funded by Congress.
"I am calling on Congress to send me a Bill that fully and permanently funds the LWCF and restores our National Parks," Trump tweeted Tuesday evening. "When I sign it into law, it will be HISTORIC for our beautiful public lands."
His request comes hours before Interior Secretary David Bernhardt is expected to appear before Senate Appropriators on Wednesday morning to defend the White House’s request to cut the agency’s funding by 13 percent to $12.7 billion from the $14.7 billion in fiscal 2020.
The fiscal 2021 budget request, which the White House released on Feb. 10, proposed cutting funding for the LWCF by nearly 97 percent. The program, which collects money private sector oil and gas profits on federal lands, helps to pay for maintenance of public parks, wildlife refuges and other outdoor amenities.
Bipartisan support
The program is popular among lawmakers from both parties. Last year, after Congress let the program's authority expire, lawmakers passed legislation (PL 116-9) to permanently reauthorize the program.


rollcall--2020-03-03--Doubts remain about timetable for new coronavirus tests

Trump administration scientists told senators Tuesday a replacement for a malfunctioning COVID-19 test will be available by the end of @ @ @ @ @ supplies for every state public health lab and commercial lab kits that could administer up @ @ @ @ @ But some lawmakers at a Senate Committee on Health , Education , Labor , and @ @ @ @ @ ranking member Patty Murray , D-Wash. — were skeptical .
“ Frankly , I ’ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s unrealistic , ” said Murray , who represents Washington state , the site @ @ @ @ @ a facility that treats the elderly .
Nine Washington residents have died , according to @ @ @ @ @ Health .
The flawed diagnostic test developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention @ @ @ @ @ professionals to accurately detect and contain the virus for nearly the entire month of February @

Trump administration scientists told senators Tuesday a replacement for a malfunctioning COVID-19 test will be available by the end of this week, with new supplies for every state public health lab and commercial lab kits that could administer up to one million tests.
But some lawmakers at a Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions hearing — such as ranking member Patty Murray, D-Wash. — were skeptical.
[Coronavirus deal expected soon, Dems say]
“Frankly, I’m hearing from professionals that’s unrealistic,” said Murray, who represents Washington state, the site of a coronavirus cluster at a facility that treats the elderly. Nine Washington residents have died, according to the Washington State Department of Health.
The flawed diagnostic test developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention delayed the ability of health professionals to accurately detect and contain the virus for nearly the entire month of February.


rollcall--2020-03-03--Pay-to-play in the judiciary

Pay-to-play in the judiciary

A CQ Roll Call investigation has found that people appointed to federal judgeships gave thousands of individual contributions over the @ @ @ @ @ — and in some cases after — their confirmations .
An outsized proportion of the @ @ @ @ @ the Senate Judiciary Committee , the panel that must approve all nominees before they get @ @ @ @ @ floor .
This practice could contribute to further politicization of the courts and raise questions @ @ @ @ @ interest .
CQ Roll Call 's investigative team comes on the show to discuss their @ @ @ @ @ does Senator Bernie Sanders ’ style in Congress tell us about him ?
Plus : @ @

A CQ Roll Call investigation has found that people appointed to federal judgeships gave thousands of individual contributions over the last decade to lawmakers before — and in some cases after — their confirmations. An outsized proportion of the money went to members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the panel that must approve all nominees before they get a vote on the Senate floor. This practice could contribute to further politicization of the courts and raise questions about judges' conflicts of interest. CQ Roll Call's investigative team comes on the show to discuss their latest project.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-03-03--Mnuchin, Neal tout infrastructure plan as economic stimulus

There exists a “ grand opportunity ” for Congress and the administration to come together and pass a $ 1 @ @ @ @ @ the economic impacts of the coronavirus disease that has killed several people in the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ Chairman Richard E. Neal said Tuesday .
Neal and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin appeared to @ @ @ @ @ issue as Mnuchin told the Ways and Means panel an infrastructure package remains “ a @ @ @ @ @ Trump , particularly “ if there is a need to stimulate the economy ” due @ @ @ @ @ illness known as COVID-19 .
Neal said infrastructure spending would be more effective in boosting @ @ @ @ @ cuts , which the White House has been contemplating for months but has n't offered @ @ @ @ @ on Monday night tweeted that House Democrats should get behind a one-year cut in payroll @ @ @ @ @ employees and employers pay 6.2 percent Social Security tax on wages up to $ 137,700 @ @ @ @ @ Medicare tax on all wages .

There exists a “grand opportunity” for Congress and the administration to come together and pass a $1 trillion-plus infrastructure package to counter the economic impacts of the coronavirus disease that has killed several people in the U.S., House Ways and Means Chairman Richard E. Neal said Tuesday.
Neal and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin appeared to be in agreement on the issue as Mnuchin told the Ways and Means panel an infrastructure package remains “a priority" of President Donald Trump, particularly “if there is a need to stimulate the economy” due to impacts from the coronavirus-caused illness known as COVID-19.
[House Democrats tout five-year, $760 billion infrastructure plan]
Neal said infrastructure spending would be more effective in boosting the economy than additional tax cuts, which the White House has been contemplating for months but hasn't offered a concrete plan.
Trump on Monday night tweeted that House Democrats should get behind a one-year cut in payroll taxes. Currently, both employees and employers pay 6.2 percent Social Security tax on wages up to $137,700, plus another 1.45 percent Medicare tax on all wages.


rollcall--2020-03-03--DHS says ‘all systems look green’ for Super Tuesday election security

As millions of voters go to polling stations in 14 states and one territory in presidential primary contests , a large group of federal , state , and local officials monitoring for any interference or anomalies has not seen anything unusual yet .
“ All systems look green right now across the country , ” a senior official of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency or CISA told reporters around noon on primary day , which is also known as Super Tuesday .
“ We have been in touch with a number of states ” to deal with various situations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he added that “ everything has been resolved.
” The states voting today are Alabama , Arkansas , California , Colorado , Massachusetts , Maine , Minnesota , North Carolina , Oklahoma , Tennessee , Texas , Utah , Vermont , and Virginia .
American Samoa and Democrats Abroad also hold contests today to choose the candidates for the November 2020 election .
CISA , which is part of the Department of Homeland Security , along with officials the FBI , the National Security Agency , the U.S. Cyber Command , the Defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. Election Assistance Commission , are monitoring the elections from a command center in Arlington , Va. “ We are better prepared for this single election than any other election in American history , ” the official said , speaking on the condition of anonymity .
“ All aspects of the federal government are working together .
”

As millions of voters go to polling stations in 14 states and one territory in presidential primary contests, a large group of federal, state, and local officials monitoring for any interference or anomalies has not seen anything unusual yet.
“All systems look green right now across the country,” a senior official of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency or CISA told reporters around noon on primary day, which is also known as Super Tuesday. “We have been in touch with a number of states” to deal with various situations including “some technical glitches.” But he added that “everything has been resolved.”
The states voting today are Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Maine, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Virginia. American Samoa and Democrats Abroad also hold contests today to choose the candidates for the November 2020 election.
CISA, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security, along with officials the FBI, the National Security Agency, the U.S. Cyber Command, the Defense Department, the Secret Service, and the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, are monitoring the elections from a command center in Arlington, Va.
“We are better prepared for this single election than any other election in American history,” the official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity. “All aspects of the federal government are working together.”


rollcall--2020-03-03--Coronavirus deal expected soon, Dems say

Top Democrats said they expect appropriators will reach agreement as early as Tuesday on an emergency supplemental to provide resources @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 illness , which has so far killed nine individuals in the U.S. That 's @ @ @ @ @ provisions intended to ensure the federal government will be able to negotiate reasonable prices for @ @ @ @ @ and eventually vaccines to provide to state and local health officials .
`` That 's @ @ @ @ @ is holding up the bill right now .
Our Republican friends do n't want to @ @ @ @ @ that we want to see , '' Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer , D-N.Y. @ @ @ @ @ allowed that a bill could still be sent to President Donald Trump 's desk as @ @ @ @ @ however .
House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer , D-Md.
, told CQ Roll Call @ @ @ @ @ floor vote on the unreleased COVID-19 aid bill Wednesday .
He said that if negotiators @ @ @ @ @ on drug affordability provisions , they should put that issue aside for now .

The drug and vaccine pricing issue centered around federal procurement regulations stipulating that the contracting officers negotiate "fair and reasonable" prices. Democrats charged Republicans were seeking to undermine the existing rules to let drugmakers negotiate above-market rates, while Republicans said Democrats wanted additional restrictions that could hinder investment in new treatments and vaccine development.
"That's one of the disputes that is holding up the bill right now. Our Republican friends don't want to see the kind of limitations that we want to see," Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., said Tuesday. He allowed that a bill could still be sent to President Donald Trump's desk as early as this week, however.
House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, D-Md., told CQ Roll Call earlier Tuesday he hopes to hold a floor vote on the unreleased COVID-19 aid bill Wednesday. A schedule update released Tuesday evening said consideration was still “possible.” Hoyer said that if negotiators can't quickly reach consensus on drug and vaccine affordability provisions, they should put that issue aside for now.
Potential treatments won't be ready for a few months at minimum anyway, pharmaceutical executives told Trump on Monday. And government health officials reminded Trump that approval on a vaccine was at least a year away.
"We need to get resources quickly and if that cannot be worked out, my thought … would be that we would make resources available and then continue to work on that issue because it's a longer term issue," Hoyer said. "I think they are proceeding and hopefully we will have a bill on the floor tomorrow. What I've told the caucus is I don't expect us to leave here this week without passing a supplemental through the House."


rollcall--2020-03-03--Judge’s ruling on Cuccinelli’s job may upend USCIS policies

A federal judge ruling that the installment last year of Ken Cuccinelli as head of U.S .
Citizenship and Immigration Services was unlawful has thrown into flux two directives rolled out in the five months he held that position .
It also has the potential to upend more .
Cuccinelli was appointed in June 2019 to a newly created position of “ principal deputy director ” of USCIS after the resignation of the agency 's previous head , Lee Francis Cissna .
But Cuccinelli “ lacked authority ” to perform that role , wrote U.S. District Court Judge Randolph Moss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Cuccinelli also has been serving as acting deputy secretary of Homeland Security , another position that did not previously exist .
Moss ' ruling comes in a lawsuit that specifically challenged three of Cuccinelli ’ s asylum policies , two of which the judge said were “ invalid and without legal force or effect ” because Cuccinelli 's appointment , itself , was invalid .
One of the policies cut in half the time that asylum seekers held in detention at the border had to consult with attorneys about their case .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeking continuances that would provide them additional time to prepare for interviews establishing they had `` credible fear '' to flee their country of origin .
Both policies were implemented in a July directive .
The court did not rule on the third policy , regarding the termination of in-person legal training at a family detention center in Dilley , Texas , because there was no apparent written directive making that change .

A federal judge ruling that the installment last year of Ken Cuccinelli as head of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services was unlawful has thrown into flux two directives rolled out in the five months he held that position. It also has the potential to upend more.
Cuccinelli was appointed in June 2019 to a newly created position of “principal deputy director” of USCIS after the resignation of the agency's previous head, Lee Francis Cissna. But Cuccinelli “lacked authority” to perform that role, wrote U.S. District Court Judge Randolph Moss in his ruling Sunday.
Since November, Cuccinelli also has been serving as acting deputy secretary of Homeland Security, another position that did not previously exist.
Moss' ruling comes in a lawsuit that specifically challenged three of Cuccinelli’s asylum policies, two of which the judge said were “invalid and without legal force or effect” because Cuccinelli's appointment, itself, was invalid. One of the policies cut in half the time that asylum seekers held in detention at the border had to consult with attorneys about their case. The second policy stopped asylum seekers from seeking continuances that would provide them additional time to prepare for interviews establishing they had "credible fear" to flee their country of origin. Both policies were implemented in a July directive.
The court did not rule on the third policy, regarding the termination of in-person legal training at a family detention center in Dilley, Texas, because there was no apparent written directive making that change.


rollcall--2020-03-03--Supreme Court revisits abortion issue over Louisiana law

The Supreme Court hears arguments Wednesday over the fate of a Louisiana abortion law , but what happens in the courtroom could signal much more about the future of abortion rights across the country .
The challenge to Louisiana ’ s Act 620 , a 2014 law that required doctors who perform abortions to hold admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of the clinic , is the latest inflection point for the cultural , political and legal currents on the contentious issue of abortion .
The case could determine not only access to abortion for Louisiana residents , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be when enacting similar laws that regulate abortion clinics , and the court ’ s trajectory for possibly curtailing abortion access more broadly .
It is the first major abortion case at the Supreme Court since the departure of Justice Anthony M. Kennedy — who was central in previous cases that upheld abortion rights — and the arrival of President Donald Trump 's newest appointee , Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh .
Louisiana based its law on a nearly identical Texas law , which the Supreme Court struck down when Kennedy sided with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whole Woman ’ s Health v. Hellerstedt in 2016 .

The Supreme Court hears arguments Wednesday over the fate of a Louisiana abortion law, but what happens in the courtroom could signal much more about the future of abortion rights across the country.
The challenge to Louisiana’s Act 620, a 2014 law that required doctors who perform abortions to hold admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of the clinic, is the latest inflection point for the cultural, political and legal currents on the contentious issue of abortion.
The case could determine not only access to abortion for Louisiana residents, but also how successful other states can be when enacting similar laws that regulate abortion clinics, and the court’s trajectory for possibly curtailing abortion access more broadly.
It is the first major abortion case at the Supreme Court since the departure of Justice Anthony M. Kennedy — who was central in previous cases that upheld abortion rights — and the arrival of President Donald Trump's newest appointee, Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh.
Louisiana based its law on a nearly identical Texas law, which the Supreme Court struck down when Kennedy sided with the four justices on the liberal wing in Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt in 2016.


rollcall--2020-03-03--Gas taxes: Could a tax-by-mile system go from zero to 50?

The Highway Trust Fund , which helps repair roads , bridges and mass transit , has hit a bump in @ @ @ @ @ fuel tax is n't generating enough revenue to keep the fund solvent .
Some lawmakers @ @ @ @ @ would switch to a fee per vehicle miles traveled , a system that 's already @ @ @ @ @ Utah , with Washington state close behind .
But how does a tax-by-mile system work @ @ @ @ @ Call 's transportation and infrastructure reporter Jessica Wehrman explains the approach .

The Highway Trust Fund, which helps repair roads, bridges and mass transit, has hit a bump in the road.
The federal fuel tax isn't generating enough revenue to keep the fund solvent. Some lawmakers have a novel alternative that would switch to a fee per vehicle miles traveled, a system that's already being tested in Oregon and Utah, with Washington state close behind.
But how does a tax-by-mile system work? Watch as CQ Roll Call's transportation and infrastructure reporter Jessica Wehrman explains the approach.


rollcall--2020-03-04--2019 vote studies: Pelosi sets record holding caucus in line

House Democrats set a record in 2019 for party unity , a testament to Speaker Nancy Pelosi ’ s ability to manage a caucus marked by a large progressive wing alongside 31 Democrats in districts won by President Donald Trump in 2016 .
The average Democratic representative voted with the party on 95 percent of the votes that split a majority of Democrats from a majority of Republicans , higher than at any time since CQ Roll Call began studying partisan voting in 1956 .
This was a testament to Pelosi ’ s skills as a manager .
Marc Sandalow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who ’ s written a Pelosi biography , explains : “ Pelosi is among the most liberal members and represents a liberal district , but her leadership style is pragmatic.
” Democrats ’ extraordinary unity in 2019 is also the continuation of a trend in which representatives willing to cross party lines are fewer , and the parties more clearly sorted .
In an era when congressional races reflect the national partisan divide , fewer lawmakers in competitive districts are even attempting to distinguish themselves as moderates .
That ’ s a testament @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that campaigns are won by energizing base voters , not by winning independent ones .
It ’ s also a calculation that partisan voting will spur campaign contributions from activist partisans across the country .
To some representatives in competitive seats , it ’ s more important to have a big campaign war chest that enables an election-year advertising blitz than a voting record that reflects a community ’ s views .

House Democrats set a record in 2019 for party unity, a testament to Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s ability to manage a caucus marked by a large progressive wing alongside 31 Democrats in districts won by President Donald Trump in 2016.
The average Democratic representative voted with the party on 95 percent of the votes that split a majority of Democrats from a majority of Republicans, higher than at any time since CQ Roll Call began studying partisan voting in 1956.
This was a testament to Pelosi’s skills as a manager. Marc Sandalow, a former San Francisco Chronicle reporter who’s written a Pelosi biography, explains: “Pelosi is among the most liberal members and represents a liberal district, but her leadership style is pragmatic.”
Democrats’ extraordinary unity in 2019 is also the continuation of a trend in which representatives willing to cross party lines are fewer, and the parties more clearly sorted.
In an era when congressional races reflect the national partisan divide, fewer lawmakers in competitive districts are even attempting to distinguish themselves as moderates. That’s a testament to their personal beliefs and the view that campaigns are won by energizing base voters, not by winning independent ones. It’s also a calculation that partisan voting will spur campaign contributions from activist partisans across the country. To some representatives in competitive seats, it’s more important to have a big campaign war chest that enables an election-year advertising blitz than a voting record that reflects a community’s views.


rollcall--2020-03-04--They’re doctors. They’re politicians. They were using hand sanitizer before it was cool

Running for office is a germfest , and being an expert doesn ’ t always help .
“ You can not live germ free , ” Sen. Bill Cassidy reminded me .
He would know — the Republican from Louisiana was a gastroenterologist before coming to the Hill .
“ We do the crawfish boil handshake , ” Cassidy said of his strategy on the campaign trail .
“ You bump elbows.
” The joke is that at a real sauce-drenched Louisiana feast , your fingers would get too messy to shake hands anyway .
But elbow-bumping is also a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World Health Organization during previous outbreaks , from swine flu to ebola .
It ’ s advice that ’ s popped up once again now that a novel coronavirus is spreading around the globe .
The latest outbreak is coming in an election year , as candidates prepare to do what candidates do .
Personal space is hard to come by on the campaign trail , where shaking hands and kissing babies is the proverbial routine .
Throw in some meet-and-greets and the occasional close-talker ( it ’ s not just a bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elbow-bumping , however dorky , starts to look pretty appealing .

Running for office is a germfest, and being an expert doesn’t always help.
“You cannot live germ free,” Sen. Bill Cassidy reminded me. He would know — the Republican from Louisiana was a gastroenterologist before coming to the Hill.
“We do the crawfish boil handshake,” Cassidy said of his strategy on the campaign trail. “You bump elbows.”
The joke is that at a real sauce-drenched Louisiana feast, your fingers would get too messy to shake hands anyway. But elbow-bumping is also a medically sound technique, recommended by the World Health Organization during previous outbreaks, from swine flu to ebola. It’s advice that’s popped up once again now that a novel coronavirus is spreading around the globe.
The latest outbreak is coming in an election year, as candidates prepare to do what candidates do. Personal space is hard to come by on the campaign trail, where shaking hands and kissing babies is the proverbial routine. Throw in some meet-and-greets and the occasional close-talker (it’s not just a bit from “Seinfeld”), and elbow-bumping, however dorky, starts to look pretty appealing.


rollcall--2020-03-04--Biden beat the odds in South Carolina. His party and pundits can learn from his win

“ As long as Biden maintains his strength with African American voters , who make up somewhere in the neighborhood of 25 percent of the Democratic primary vote , he has the opportunity to go the distance but only if he steps up his game.
” That ’ s what I wrote in this column in July , just after the first Democratic primary debate — the one where Kamala Harris harshly attacked Joe Biden on his busing stance and the issue of race .
That debate gave Harris her moment as the media ’ s “ bright shiny object @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the polls .
But Harris never really connected with older African American voters , a crucial element of the Democratic coalition , one that consistently turns out in higher numbers than their younger counterparts .
Biden clearly understands both the community and the important role they play in picking presidential candidates .
He , no doubt , remembered Hillary Clinton ’ s 73-26 percent win over Bernie Sanders in the 2016 South Carolina primary .
According to exit polls , Clinton won 86 percent of the African American vote in that race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t been kind to the gaffe-prone Biden .
But he has plodded along with his eye on one prize , South Carolina and its African American vote , while making the argument , which few in the media believed , that when the primary turnout reflected a more diverse makeup , he would win .
And win he did — big .

“As long as Biden maintains his strength with African American voters, who make up somewhere in the neighborhood of 25 percent of the Democratic primary vote, he has the opportunity to go the distance but only if he steps up his game.”
That’s what I wrote in this column in July, just after the first Democratic primary debate — the one where Kamala Harris harshly attacked Joe Biden on his busing stance and the issue of race.
That debate gave Harris her moment as the media’s “bright shiny object du jour” and a short-lived bounce in the polls. But Harris never really connected with older African American voters, a crucial element of the Democratic coalition, one that consistently turns out in higher numbers than their younger counterparts. Biden clearly understands both the community and the important role they play in picking presidential candidates.
He, no doubt, remembered Hillary Clinton’s 73-26 percent win over Bernie Sanders in the 2016 South Carolina primary. According to exit polls, Clinton won 86 percent of the African American vote in that race.
The last eight months haven’t been kind to the gaffe-prone Biden. But he has plodded along with his eye on one prize, South Carolina and its African American vote, while making the argument, which few in the media believed, that when the primary turnout reflected a more diverse makeup, he would win. And win he did — big.


rollcall--2020-03-04--States turn to unenforced federal law to slow medical marijuana legalization

Since 2014 , Congress has protected patients and cannabis programs from federal marijuana prosecutions in states that allow it for @ @ @ @ @ ’ s unique legal status involves a little-known provision called the Rohrabacher-Farr amendment that Congress @ @ @ @ @ laws .
It says the Justice Department can not use federal funds to prevent states @ @ @ @ @ marijuana laws .
Yet marijuana ’ s continued status as a Schedule I substance — @ @ @ @ @ — remains fodder for those opposed to legalizing medical marijuana in other parts of the @ @ @ @ @ states permit medical cannabis programs and the number of estimated patients has tripled , exceeding @ @ @ @ @ acted , advocates say .
Polling shows voters broadly support allowing patients to use marijuana @ @ @ @ @ , post-traumatic stress disorder and HIV , even in states that trend conservative on other @ @

Since 2014, Congress has protected patients and cannabis programs from federal marijuana prosecutions in states that allow it for medical use.
Medical marijuana’s unique legal status involves a little-known provision called the Rohrabacher-Farr amendment that Congress renews every year in spending laws. It says the Justice Department cannot use federal funds to prevent states from implementing their own medical marijuana laws.
Yet marijuana’s continued status as a Schedule I substance — the most severe drug category — remains fodder for those opposed to legalizing medical marijuana in other parts of the country.
Today, 33 states permit medical cannabis programs and the number of estimated patients has tripled, exceeding 3 million, since Congress acted, advocates say.
Polling shows voters broadly support allowing patients to use marijuana to treat conditions like cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder and HIV, even in states that trend conservative on other issues.


rollcall--2020-03-04--4 Super Tuesday takeaways in the battle for Congress

After winning a slew of Super Tuesday states , former Vice President Joe Biden told his supporters that Democrats need @ @ @ @ @ the party keep the House and win the Senate this fall .
But several of @ @ @ @ @ that voted Tuesday night remain in flux .
Five of the Super Tuesday states hosted @ @ @ @ @ Alabama , Arkansas , California , North Carolina and Texas .
All but Arkansas are @ @ @ @ @ competitive congressional races in November .
Votes are still being counted in a number of @ @ @ @ @ which will be critical in the battle for Congress in 2020 .
But here are @ @ @ @ @ reported so far : 1 .
It ’ s good to be an incumbent

After winning a slew of Super Tuesday states, former Vice President Joe Biden told his supporters that Democrats need a nominee who can help the party keep the House and win the Senate this fall.
But several of those down-ballot contests in states that voted Tuesday night remain in flux.
Five of the Super Tuesday states hosted primaries for congressional seats: Alabama, Arkansas, California, North Carolina and Texas. All but Arkansas are expected to play host to competitive congressional races in November.
Votes are still being counted in some of those races, some of which will be critical in the battle for Congress in 2020. But here are four takeaways from the results reported so far:
1. It’s good to be an incumbent
Two Texas lawmakers fended off primary challenges. Longtime Republican Rep. Kay Granger defeated former tech executive Chris Putnam in the 12th District, which includes Fort Worth. While in South Texas, Democrat Henry Cuellar survived a challenge from his left, defeating immigration lawyer and his onetime intern Jessica Cisneros.


rollcall--2020-03-04--Smooth sailing: No partisan Super Tuesday battles for these candidates

More than a dozen House and Senate incumbents sailed through Super Tuesday without a primary challenger and will be almost guaranteed to keep their seats in the next Congress , in spite of a competitive election year when billions of dollars could be spent to influence voters .
For some , winning their parties ’ nominations Tuesday was all it took , and even that was a formality since they had no challenger from within their party .
A handful of them do not face a challengers from the opposite party in November either .
The rest won uncontested primaries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a strong partisan lean — meaning President Donald Trump won or lost it by 30 or more points in 2016 — that it would take something seismic to keep them from wining their reelection bids in November , according to a CQ Roll Call analysis .
Although the battle for the Democratic presidential nomination got the most attention , five states also had primaries Tuesday for House and Senate seats : Alabama , Arkansas , California , North Carolina and Texas .
Here ’ s a rundown of the incumbents who are looking @ @ @ @ @

More than a dozen House and Senate incumbents sailed through Super Tuesday without a primary challenger and will be almost guaranteed to keep their seats in the next Congress, in spite of a competitive election year when billions of dollars could be spent to influence voters.
For some, winning their parties’ nominations Tuesday was all it took, and even that was a formality since they had no challenger from within their party. A handful of them do not face a challengers from the opposite party in November either.
The rest won uncontested primaries Tuesday and serve in districts with such a strong partisan lean — meaning President Donald Trump won or lost it by 30 or more points in 2016 — that it would take something seismic to keep them from wining their reelection bids in November, according to a CQ Roll Call analysis.
“After Trump’s win in 2016, there’s a temptation to declare that no seat is safe and all the rules of politics are broken,” Roll Call elections analyst Nathan L. Gonzales said. “But some fundamentals of campaigns remain: You can’t beat somebody with nobody and not every district is at risk of flipping to the other party.”
While anti-establishment sentiment may still exist, “the vast majority of incumbents are going to get renominated and reelected,” Gonzales added.


rollcall--2020-03-04--Texas battleground takes shape ahead of 2020

Texas will be a House and Senate battleground this year , and while some general election races are already taking @ @ @ @ @ decided in May .
Democrats are targeting seven GOP-held House seats in the Lone Star @ @ @ @ @ Republicans are eyeing two Democratic freshmen in traditionally red suburban territory .
The state could @ @ @ @ @ competitive Senate race , and a dozen Democrats competed Tuesday to take on three-term GOP @ @ @ @ @ some of the top races won ’ t be decided for more than two months @ @ @ @ @ runoff provision when no candidate wins a majority of the vote .
In those cases @ @ @ @ @ will advance to a May 26 runoff .
As expected , the Democratic primary to @ @ @ @ @ to a runoff .
Air Force veteran MJ Hegar secured a spot , but early @ @ @ @ @ not yet clear who she will face .

Texas will be a House and Senate battleground this year, and while some general election races are already taking shape, others will be decided in May.
Democrats are targeting seven GOP-held House seats in the Lone Star State this fall, while Republicans are eyeing two Democratic freshmen in traditionally red suburban territory. The state could also play host to a competitive Senate race, and a dozen Democrats competed Tuesday to take on three-term GOP Sen. John Cornyn.
But some of the top races won’t be decided for more than two months. Texas has a primary runoff provision when no candidate wins a majority of the vote. In those cases, the top two vote-getters will advance to a May 26 runoff.
Senate race
As expected, the Democratic primary to take on Cornyn is heading to a runoff. Air Force veteran MJ Hegar secured a spot, but early Wednesday, it’s not yet clear who she will face.
Hegar, who topped the Democratic field in fundraising, was leading with 25 percent of the vote with 35 percent of precincts reporting when The Associated Press determined she would make the runoff.


rollcall--2020-03-04--Texas Rep. Kay Granger wins primary after tea party-style attack

Texas Rep. Kay Granger , the most senior Republican woman in the House , fended off a competitive primary challenge Tuesday , defeating former tech executive Chris Putnam .
Granger was one of two Texans fighting for survival in Tuesday ’ s primaries .
The other was Democrat Henry Cuellar in the 28th District , who faced a challenge from an immigration lawyer who once interned for him .
That race had not been called by The Associated Press as of 5 a.m. Eastern time early Wednesday .
Granger was leading Putnam 59 percent to 41 percent when the AP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 84 percent of precincts reporting .
She had the endorsement of President Donald Trump in her bid for a 13th term , which likely helped her given that Trump carried her district by 30 points four years ago .
A former mayor of Fort Worth , Granger is also well-known to her constituents and has built a reputation for delivering government spending to the district and supporting major employers , including defense and aerospace giant Lockheed Martin .
Putnam , who served on the Colleyville City Council , which is outside the 12th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenge to Granger .
He centered much of his criticism on her role in government spending .
She is the top Republican on the influential House Appropriations Committee .

Texas Rep. Kay Granger, the most senior Republican woman in the House, fended off a competitive primary challenge Tuesday, defeating former tech executive Chris Putnam.
Granger was one of two Texans who had to survive a challenge from a well-funded opponent on Tuesday. The other was Democrat Henry Cuellar in the 28th District, who beat an immigration lawyer who once interned for him. That race was called Wednesday morning, with Cuellar getting 51.8 percent to opponent Jessica Cisneros’ 48.2 percent.
Granger was leading Putnam 59 percent to 41 percent when the AP called the 12th District GOP primary with 84 percent of precincts reporting.
She had the endorsement of President Donald Trump in her bid for a 13th term, which likely helped her given that Trump carried her district by 30 points four years ago. A former mayor of Fort Worth, Granger is also well-known to her constituents and has built a reputation for delivering government spending to the district and supporting major employers, including defense and aerospace giant Lockheed Martin.
Putnam, who served on the Colleyville City Council, which is outside the 12th District, had launched a tea party-style challenge to Granger. He centered much of his criticism on her role in government spending. She is the top Republican on the influential House Appropriations Committee.


rollcall--2020-03-04--Sessions heads to Alabama Senate runoff against Tuberville

Alabama Democratic Sen. Doug Jones is one step closer to learning who he will face in November after Tuesday ’ @ @ @ @ @ field to two candidates .
Former GOP Sen. Jeff Sessions and former Auburn University football @ @ @ @ @ a March 31 runoff to take on Jones , who is considered the most vulnerable @ @ @ @ @ year .
But Sessions could face a tough battle in the runoff for his old @ @ @ @ @ not leading the primary field when the race was called Tuesday night .
Tuberville was @ @ @ @ @ percent to 31 percent , when The Associated Press made its call with 76 percent @ @ @ @ @ other Republicans were on the primary ballot Tuesday , and the crowded field helped make @ @ @ @ @ emerges from the runoff will have to consolidate Republican support in the deep-red state , @ @ @ @ @ by 28 points in 2016 .
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates the race @ @ @

Alabama Democratic Sen. Doug Jones is one step closer to learning who he will face in November after Tuesday’s primary narrowed the Republican field to two candidates.
Former GOP Sen. Jeff Sessions and former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville advanced to a March 31 runoff to take on Jones, who is considered the most vulnerable senator up for reelection this year.
But Sessions could face a tough battle in the runoff for his old seat, since he was not leading the primary field when the race was called Tuesday night. Tuberville was ahead of Sessions, 33 percent to 31 percent, when The Associated Press made its call with 76 percent of precincts reporting.
Five other Republicans were on the primary ballot Tuesday, and the crowded field helped make a runoff unavoidable.
Whoever emerges from the runoff will have to consolidate Republican support in the deep-red state, which President Donald Trump carried by 28 points in 2016. Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates the race Leans Republican.


rollcall--2020-03-04--Democrat Cunningham wins Senate primary to take on Tillis in North Carolina

Army veteran and former state Sen. Cal Cunningham sailed through the North Carolina Democratic Senate primary Tuesday , setting up what is certain to be a closely watched race in November against vulnerable Republican incumbent Thom Tillis .
Cunningham , who led in fundraising and had the endorsement of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee , was leading state Sen. Erica Smith , 58 percent to 34 percent , with 91 percent of precincts reporting .
Smith , a former school board member , received an unwanted boost from national Republicans in the last weeks of the race .
The Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ associated with Majority Leader Mitch McConnell — admitted in February it was behind a group that bought more than $ 3 million in ads touting Smith ’ s progressive credentials .
The tactic was meant to force Cunningham to spend money on the primary that could have been spent in the fall against Tillis .
Tillis started off the campaign as one of the most vulnerable Republicans in the Senate .
His position improved in December when retired businessman Garland Tucker , who had been largely funding his own challenge , dropped out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump beat Hillary Clinton in North Carolina by less than 4 points in 2016 .
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates this year ’ s Senate race a Toss-up .
Tillis had a financial advantage over Cunningham heading into the primary , with more than $ 5.4 million cash in his bank account on Feb. 12 to less than $ 1.5 million for the Democrat .
But outside groups will likely spend heavily on both sides in what is expected to be an expensive race .

Army veteran and former state Sen. Cal Cunningham sailed through the North Carolina Democratic Senate primary Tuesday, setting up what is certain to be a closely watched race in November against vulnerable Republican incumbent Thom Tillis.
Cunningham, who led in fundraising and had the endorsement of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, was leading state Sen. Erica Smith, 58 percent to 34 percent, with 91 percent of precincts reporting.
Smith, a former school board member, received an unwanted boost from national Republicans in the last weeks of the race. The Senate Leadership Fund — a GOP super PAC associated with Majority Leader Mitch McConnell — admitted in February it was behind a group that bought more than $3 million in ads touting Smith’s progressive credentials. The tactic was meant to force Cunningham to spend money on the primary that could have been spent in the fall against Tillis.
Tillis started off the campaign as one of the most vulnerable Republicans in the Senate. His position improved in December when retired businessman Garland Tucker, who had been largely funding his own challenge, dropped out of the Republican primary. President Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton in North Carolina by less than 4 points in 2016. Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates this year’s Senate race a Toss-up.
Tillis had a financial advantage over Cunningham heading into the primary, with more than $5.4 million cash in his bank account on Feb. 12 to less than $1.5 million for the Democrat. But outside groups will likely spend heavily on both sides in what is expected to be an expensive race.


rollcall--2020-03-04--Mike Bloomberg helped Democrats win the House in 2018. Will he still spend in 2020 too?

The Democratic presidential primary remained in flux after Super Tuesday , but one thing was certain : The field is even smaller now , with former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg out of the race .
Bloomberg ’ s allies in Congress believe he ’ ll remain engaged in 2020 , particularly in down-ballot races where he can make a substantial impact .
In 2018 , Bloomberg spent an estimated $ 112 million on House and Senate races through super PACs and direct contributions to candidates and other groups , according to The New York Times .
He spent roughly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential bid , which lasted just three and a half months .
In a speech endorsing former Vice President Joe Biden on Wednesday , Bloomberg pledged not to “ walk away from the most important political fight of my life , ” but he didn ’ t elaborate on his future plans .
A source with his campaign told CQ Roll Call that the campaign maintains that it will keep offices open and field organizers on the ground in “ key battleground states.
” Bloomberg ’ s supporters in Congress said they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resources to help Democrats up and down the ballot .

The Democratic presidential primary remained in flux after Super Tuesday, but one thing was certain: The field is even smaller now, with former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg out of the race.
Bloomberg’s allies in Congress believe he’ll remain engaged in 2020, particularly in down-ballot races where he can make a substantial impact.
In 2018, Bloomberg spent an estimated $112 million on House and Senate races through super PACs and direct contributions to candidates and other groups, according to The New York Times. He spent roughly five times that amount on his 2020 presidential bid, which lasted just three and a half months.
In a speech endorsing former Vice President Joe Biden on Wednesday, Bloomberg pledged not to “walk away from the most important political fight of my life,” but he didn’t elaborate on his future plans. A source with his campaign told CQ Roll Call that the campaign maintains that it will keep offices open and field organizers on the ground in “key battleground states.”
Bloomberg’s supporters in Congress said they were hopeful he would leverage his seemingly endless resources to help Democrats up and down the ballot.


rollcall--2020-03-04--Fast-moving Senate energy bill draws dozens of amendments

Senate staffers were optimistic last week the sprawling energy bill from Sens .
Lisa Murkowski , R-Alaska , and Joe Manchin III , D-W.Va. , could move fast .
Zooming past the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee , they expected it could get a quick floor vote , then wing its way to the House .
But as the Senate took up the bill Wednesday and senators offered dozens of amendments , the measure was dragged in myriad directions and its path grew muddled .
Many of the amendments are ambitious , including provisions to extend an offshore oil-drilling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for electric vehicle buyers , extend renewable energy incentives , revive an Obama-era methane regulation , raise royalty fees on mining companies and halt any changes the White House is pursuing to the National Environmental Policy Act , a 1970s bedrock federal law .
`` I know folks are looking at [ this bill ] for the first time , as they 're not on the committee , and they have ideas that are good and worthy , '' Murkowski said Wednesday morning .
`` I want to have votes .
The leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this open amendment process , ” she said of Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. Murkowski said more than 150 amendments to the bill had been submitted by Wednesday morning , adding that she was working on a managers ’ package — a group of amendments to be voted on in a block — of “ noncontroversial ” measures .

Senate staffers were optimistic last week the sprawling energy bill from Republican Lisa Murkowski and Democrat Joe Manchin III could move fast. With the measure zooming past the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, they expected it could get a quick floor vote, then wing its way to the House.
But as the Senate took up the bill Wednesday and senators offered dozens of amendments, the measure was dragged in myriad directions and its path grew muddled.
And prospects for the bill's quick passage only dimmed late Wednesday after Sen. John Kennedy, a Louisiana Republican, threatened to object to every amendment until the Senate votes on his bipartisan, industry-supported measure to reduce the emission of highly potent greenhouse gases called HFCs, for hydrorflourocarbons. Such a move would delay the package and could upend it entirely.
Kennedy told reporters he didn’t have any other option but to object to all proposed amendments. He and Sen. Thomas R. Carper, Democrat of Delaware, spoke on the chamber floor about their bill, urging a roll call vote on it. A similar House bill has bipartisan support, too. A version of the legislation is among the energy bill's proposed amendments.
Many of those proposed amendments are ambitious, including provisions to extend an offshore oil-drilling moratorium in Florida, cap tax credits for electric vehicle buyers, extend renewable energy incentives, revive an Obama-era methane regulation, raise royalty fees on mining companies and halt any changes the White House is pursuing to the National Environmental Policy Act, a 1970s bedrock federal law.