rollcall--2020-03-10--Where the money is: What  fundraising in Phoenix and Tucson area says about the Arizona Senate race

Only five people running for Senate this year have raised more money than Sen. Martha McSally .
That would normally make the Arizona Republican ’ s 2020 election prospects seem rosy , except for one thing — her opponent is No .
1 .
Democrat Mark Kelly raised about $ 2 million more than McSally in the final three months of 2019 , and his $ 20.2 million total for the year is $ 7.6 million more than McSally ’ s haul .
As a former astronaut who spent more than 54 days in space , and as the husband @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can tap a vein of donors nationwide that many other first-time candidates can not .
But a review by CQ Roll Call shows the Democrat also has commanding fundraising leads both in Arizona statewide and in some of its largest cities and suburbs , including areas that backed President Donald Trump in 2016 .
Some say that advantage could signal increased support at the ballot box .
“ It ’ s a little dangerous to predict from money to actual outcomes , but there is a pattern there , ” said former Tucson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political science professor at the University of Arizona .
Individual donations from the Grand Canyon State directly to Kelly ’ s main campaign account totaled about $ 2.8 million , while McSally , the first female fighter pilot to fly in combat , raised roughly $ 1.9 million .

Only five people running for Senate this year have raised more money than Sen. Martha McSally. That would normally make the Arizona Republican’s 2020 election prospects seem rosy, except for one thing — her opponent is No. 1.
Democrat Mark Kelly raised about $2 million more than McSally in the final three months of 2019, and his $20.2 million total for the year is $7.6 million more than McSally’s haul. As a former astronaut who spent more than 54 days in space, and as the husband of former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, Kelly can tap a vein of donors nationwide that many other first-time candidates cannot.
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But a review by CQ Roll Call shows the Democrat also has commanding fundraising leads both in Arizona statewide and in some of its largest cities and suburbs, including areas that backed President Donald Trump in 2016. Some say that advantage could signal increased support at the ballot box.
“It’s a little dangerous to predict from money to actual outcomes, but there is a pattern there,” said former Tucson Mayor Thomas J. Volgy, now a political science professor at the University of Arizona.
Individual donations from the Grand Canyon State directly to Kelly’s main campaign account totaled about $2.8 million, while McSally, the first female fighter pilot to fly in combat, raised roughly $1.9 million.


rollcall--2020-03-10--‘Force multiplier’: House Republicans reflect on aiding Trump impeachment defense

Eight House Republicans working on President Donald Trump ’ s impeachment defense gathered in the vice president ’ s suite off the Senate floor to watch the trial , taking notes and feeding suggested arguments to the president ’ s counsel .
Four of them had expected to be among the team delivering those arguments on the floor .
Judiciary ranking member Doug Collins and members Jim Jordan , Mike Johnson and John Ratcliffe regularly met with White House Counsel Pat Cipollone late last year to prepare defense arguments .
The gatherings sometimes included Trump , White House acting Chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senior adviser Jared Kushner , according to Johnson .
“ Once it became inevitable that the impeachment would go to trial in the Senate , we began working on framing up the defense and assisting Cipollone ’ s team , ” the Louisiana Republican said .
“ And then at one point before Christmas , we had preliminary assignments for the oral arguments and each of us were going to do a part.
” [ Linked for life : Impeachment managers reflect on ‘ joys and pains ’ of Trump trial ] Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defense , but ultimately Harvard Law School professor Alan Dershowitz was asked to present that argument after Republican senators objected to House members serving on the legal team .

Johnson had been assigned to argue the constitutional defense, but ultimately Harvard Law School professor Alan Dershowitz was asked to present that argument after Republican senators objected to House members serving on the legal team.
“In their words they thought it would turn into a circus — as if it could have been more than a circus than it was,” Johnson said. “We’re serious lawyers. We’re experienced litigators. And we were going to treat it that way. But at the end of the day they decided to go another route, and I’m fine with that.”
For Trump’s team, there was still value in having the House Republicans involved. The members sat through witness depositions and hearings run by House Democrats, so they were intimately familiar with the evidence the impeachment managers would use in their case.
“We were the ones who carried the institutional knowledge,” Collins said. “We knew the ins and outs of the details of the case.”
Forming another team
While that institutional knowledge would have been useful if the four lawmakers had participated in defense arguments on the floor, Trump found another way to make use of them. The White House announced on Jan. 20 that eight House Republicans would serve on Trump’s “impeachment team” — a separate but complementary group to his team of defense lawyers.


rollcall--2020-03-10--Fintech in the UK after Brexit

Fintech in the UK after Brexit

Fintech Beat sits down with Barnabas Reynolds , the highly influential — and pro-Brexit — lawyer and regulatory adviser to @ @ @ @ @ in the United Kingdom and which kinds of firms are poised to win , lose @ @ @ @ @ Fintech Beat : On location in the Caribbean

Fintech Beat sits down with Barnabas Reynolds, the highly influential — and pro-Brexit — lawyer and regulatory adviser to discuss the future of fintech in the United Kingdom and which kinds of firms are poised to win, lose and escape unaffected.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-03-10--Unsettling day provides little coronavirus guidance for Congress

On Monday , as Congress returned to the Capitol with a rapidly growing roster of members exposed to the new coronavirus , leaders and high-ranking officials could not agree on who has the ultimate authority to change security and health protocols on the Hill , where thousands of lawmakers , staffers and visitors interact every day .
At the end of a remarkably unsettling day , Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Monday that despite several lawmakers being under self-quarantine after coming in contact with people infected with the coronavirus , there will not be changes to the House schedule and legislative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least for now .
“ At the present time , there is no reason for us not to continue with our vital legislative work in the Capitol , ” Pelosi wrote in a Monday evening “ Dear Colleague ” letter .
The House Democratic Caucus will hear from the chamber ’ s sergeant-at-arms , attending physician and the chief administrative officer Tuesday morning for an update on protocols to continue operation of the Capitol and to prepare offices for new developments or further spread of the coronavirus .
One House Democrat , California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that an individual whom she met with in Washington tested positive for COVID-19 , the disease caused by the new coronavirus .
“ Out of an abundance of absolute caution , my DC staff and I are self-monitoring and maintaining social distancing practices , ” she said in a statement .
“ Neither I , nor my staff , are experiencing any symptoms at this time .
”

On Monday, as Congress returned to the Capitol with a rapidly growing roster of members exposed to the new coronavirus, leaders and high-ranking officials could not agree on who has the ultimate authority to change security and health protocols on the Hill, where thousands of lawmakers, staffers and visitors interact every day.
At the end of a remarkably unsettling day, Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Monday that despite several lawmakers being under self-quarantine after coming in contact with people infected with the coronavirus, there will not be changes to the House schedule and legislative work will continue as planned — at least for now.
“At the present time, there is no reason for us not to continue with our vital legislative work in the Capitol,” Pelosi wrote in a Monday evening “Dear Colleague” letter.
The House Democratic Caucus will hear from the chamber’s sergeant-at-arms, attending physician and the chief administrative officer Tuesday morning for an update on protocols to continue operation of the Capitol and to prepare offices for new developments or further spread of the coronavirus.
One House Democrat, California’s Julia Brownley, announced Monday that an individual whom she met with in Washington tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. “Out of an abundance of absolute caution, my DC staff and I are self-monitoring and maintaining social distancing practices,” she said in a statement. “Neither I, nor my staff, are experiencing any symptoms at this time.”


rollcall--2020-03-10--White House, lawmakers mulling quick coronavirus economic fixes

Top economic policymakers from both sides of the aisle batted around options to stanch the bleeding Monday amid the worst one-day rout in two major U.S. stock market indexes since 2008 and increased chatter about a potential recession later this year .
President Donald Trump said he 'd be asking Congress to pass payroll tax cuts or other tax relief with a price tag involving a `` big number , '' as well as assistance for hourly workers with missed paychecks because they got sick , faced quarantines or otherwise were `` penalized for something that is not their fault @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announcement was at odds with recent comments from National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow , who on Friday cautioned against broad-based macroeconomic measures in favor of `` targeted '' relief .
But as stock markets swooned and fear of the COVID-19 illness grew , pressure was clearly mounting to do something big .
`` We will be taking care of the American public , '' Trump said , adding that he 'd discuss more details Tuesday after a briefing for Senate Republicans by administration economic officials .
Story Photo Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the economy that are going to be impacted , especially workers who need to be at home under quarantine or taking care of their family . ''

Top economic policymakers from both sides of the aisle batted around options to stanch the bleeding Monday amid the worst one-day rout in two major U.S. stock market indexes since 2008 and increased chatter about a potential recession later this year.
President Donald Trump said he'd be asking Congress to pass payroll tax cuts or other tax relief with a price tag involving a "big number," as well as assistance for hourly workers with missed paychecks because they got sick, faced quarantines or otherwise were "penalized for something that is not their fault."
The president's tax cut announcement was at odds with recent comments from National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow, who on Friday cautioned against broad-based macroeconomic measures in favor of "targeted" relief. But as stock markets swooned and fear of the COVID-19 illness grew, pressure was clearly mounting to do something big.
"We will be taking care of the American public," Trump said, adding that he'd discuss more details Tuesday after a briefing for Senate Republicans by administration economic officials.
Story Photo


rollcall--2020-03-10--Campaigns grapple with uncertainty amid new coronavirus concerns

Former Vice President Joe Biden and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders ’ decisions to cancel campaign rallies in Ohio Tuesday were @ @ @ @ @ of how concerns about the new coronavirus could disrupt campaigns .
While some who had @ @ @ @ @ have the virus announced plans to self-quarantine , lawmakers running for reelection so far say @ @ @ @ @ from public health officials before deciding their next steps .
But one thing is clear @ @ @ @ @ campaign staffs huddled in war rooms and candidates out glad-handing and kissing babies , this @ @ @ @ @ There is a heightened sense of urgency in terms of management of campaign staff that @ @ @ @ @ ” said Alex Slater , a Democratic donor and fundraiser who founded the consulting and @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Having staff working remotely can often be a real challenge for campaigns where @ @ @ @ @ the corporate world , ” Slater said .
“ The very definition of war rooms @ @ @ @ @ the same place .
”

Bridget Bowman, Kate Ackley, and Stephanie Akin

Former Vice President Joe Biden and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders’ decisions to cancel campaign rallies in Ohio on Tuesday were the highest-profile examples yet of how concerns about the new coronavirus could disrupt campaigns.
While some who had contact with people known to have the virus announced plans to self-quarantine, lawmakers running for reelection so far say they’re monitoring advice from public health officials before deciding their next steps.
But one thing is clear: In the world of campaign staffs huddled in war rooms and candidates out glad-handing and kissing babies, this is uncharted territory.
“There is a heightened sense of urgency in terms of management of campaign staff that I have never seen,” said Alex Slater, a Democratic donor and fundraiser who founded the consulting and PR firm the Clyde Group.


rollcall--2020-03-10--With oil prices plummeting, US delays a sale from strategic reserve

The Energy Department said Tuesday it had suspended a planned sale of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve , a day after global oil markets suffered their biggest loss since the 1991 Gulf War .
Price declines of up to 30 percent were precipitated by concerns the new coronavirus would tamp down demand and after Saudi Arabia and Russia failed to reach a deal to cut their oil production .
“ In light of the recent fluctuations in global oil markets , the U.S. Department of Energy is suspending the recently announced sale of crude oil from the Strategic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a DOE spokeswoman , said in a statement .
“ The sale was designed to raise revenue for SPR facility maintenance and upgrades .
Given current oil markets , this is not the optimal time for the sale.
” Congress has at least four times since 2015 tapped the reserve to pay for legislation , including the 21st Century Cures Act , the 2017 tax overhaul , the 2015 bipartisan budget agreement and the 2015 highway infrastructure bill .
Some of those sales have already occurred , others are mandated as late as @ @

The Energy Department said Tuesday it had suspended a planned sale of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, a day after global oil markets suffered their biggest loss since the 1991 Gulf War.
Price declines of up to 30 percent were precipitated by concerns the new coronavirus would tamp down demand and after Saudi Arabia and Russia failed to reach a deal to cut their oil production.
“In light of the recent fluctuations in global oil markets, the U.S. Department of Energy is suspending the recently announced sale of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve,” Jess Szymanski, a DOE spokeswoman, said in a statement. “The sale was designed to raise revenue for SPR facility maintenance and upgrades. Given current oil markets, this is not the optimal time for the sale.”
Congress has at least four times since 2015 tapped the reserve to pay for legislation, including the 21st Century Cures Act, the 2017 tax overhaul, the 2015 bipartisan budget agreement and the 2015 highway infrastructure bill.
Some of those sales have already occurred, others are mandated as late as 2027.


rollcall--2020-03-10--Is the GOP warming to climate action? Trillion trees plan hopes for growth

While Democrats advocate for sweeping climate action , Republicans hope to plant a seed of their own — literally .
@ @ @ @ @ sponsored by Rep. Bruce Westerman , proposes planting one trillion trees by 2050 as a @ @ @ @ @ .
The Arkansas Republican was joined by House Minority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy and a @ @ @ @ @ for the rollout .

While Democrats advocate for sweeping climate action, Republicans hope to plant a seed of their own — literally.
The Trillion Trees Act, sponsored by Rep. Bruce Westerman, proposes planting one trillion trees by 2050 as a way to curb climate change.
The Arkansas Republican was joined by House Minority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy and a host of other GOP lawmakers for the rollout.


rollcall--2020-03-10--Intern shortage looms for Congress as California school suspends program

The University of California Washington Program ( UCDC ) is calling off its upcoming spring quarter , effective March 20 , amid growing fears of the coronavirus epidemic .
Many of the program ’ s more than 200 students intern on Capitol Hill for members of the California congressional delegation .
“ Semester students will need to make plans to return to California no later than March 20 , ” UCDC Executive Director Helen Shapiro said in a letter to students posted on the program ’ s website .
“ And sadly , we must cancel the spring term.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intern , called the decision “ heartbreaking , ” and said his office will try to work with any affected students back in his district to “ salvage the experience , ” as much he can .
“ It ’ s a big deal to get hired as an intern on the Hill .
For a lot of people , especially those who , frankly , don ’ t have connections to anyone important , they worked hard to get an internship like this , [ which ] is a foot in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added that he has not been in touch with anyone from the program but has been working closely with his intern coordinator .
UCDC isn ’ t the only program recalling its interns .
The Notre Dame Washington Program , which shares buildings and classes with UCDC , informed students Tuesday morning that they “ should return to their home campus immediately , ” according to Shapiro .
Other schools , including UC Berkeley and UC San Diego , are moving their classes online and asking students not to return from spring break @

The University of California Washington Program (UCDC) is calling off its upcoming spring quarter, effective March 20, amid growing fears of the coronavirus epidemic. Many of the program’s more than 200 students intern on Capitol Hill for members of California’s congressional delegation.
“Semester students will need to make plans to return to California no later than March 20,” UCDC Executive Director Helen Shapiro said in a letter to students posted on the program’s website. “And sadly, we must cancel the spring term.”
California Rep. Eric Swalwell, a former intern, called the decision “heartbreaking,” and said his office will try to work with any affected students back in his district to “salvage the experience,” as much he can.
“It’s a big deal to get hired as an intern on the Hill. For a lot of people, especially those who, frankly, don’t have connections to anyone important, they worked hard to get an internship like this, [which] is a foot in the door,” the Democrat said. Swalwell added that he has not been in touch with anyone from the program but has been working closely with his intern coordinator.
UCDC isn’t the only program recalling its interns. The Notre Dame Washington Program, which shares buildings and classes with UCDC, informed students Tuesday morning that they “should return to their home campus immediately,” according to Shapiro. Other schools, including UC Berkeley and UC San Diego, are moving their classes online and asking students not to return from spring break.


rollcall--2020-03-10--Gridiron Dinner canceled over coronavirus concerns in D.C.

Corrected , 7:36 p.m. | The Gridiron Club and Foundation has called off its dinner this year due to coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We canceled the dinner because we didn ’ t want to put people @ @ @ @ @ the group ’ s president , Craig Gilbert of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel .
The @ @ @ @ @ .
Hosted by an invitation-only club of the Washington journalism establishment , the annual dinner @ @ @ @ @ and administration officials .
It ’ s been a sought-after ticket on the D.C. social @ @ @ @ @ .
Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York was supposed to speak this year on the @ @ @ @ @ Michael Bennet of Colorado representing Democrats .
From the White House , National Security Adviser @ @ @ @ @ due to speak , according to Gilbert .
“ We took into account the concerns @ @ @ @ @ and the guidance of health experts about avoiding large social gatherings , ” Gilbert told @ @ @ @ @ an email .

Corrected, 7:36 p.m. | The Gridiron Club and Foundation has called off its dinner this year due to coronavirus concerns, organizers announced Tuesday.
“We canceled the dinner because we didn’t want to put people at risk,” said the group’s president, Craig Gilbert of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
The event was set for Saturday. Hosted by an invitation-only club of the Washington journalism establishment, the annual dinner attracts media executives, lawmakers and administration officials. It’s been a sought-after ticket on the D.C. social circuit for over 130 years.
Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York was supposed to speak this year on the Republican side, with Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado representing Democrats. From the White House, National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien was due to speak, according to Gilbert.
“We took into account the concerns of members and guests, and the guidance of health experts about avoiding large social gatherings,” Gilbert told Heard on the Hill in an email.


rollcall--2020-03-10--House negotiators reach FISA deal as expiry nears

House negotiators have reached an agreement on overhauling surveillance authorities and reauthorizing some expiring provisions .
Senior House Democratic and @ @ @ @ @ measure ( HR 6172 ) posted Tuesday to reauthorize the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court was @ @ @ @ @ leadership and members of the Judiciary and Intelligence committees .
Negotiators had hoped for a @ @ @ @ @ surveillance powers before the end of the week , with the focus on bipartisan discussions @ @ @ @ @ question of what to do about the court does not split nicely along party lines @ @ @ @ @ the expiration of authorities that were previously extended through March 15 .
“ We had @ @ @ @ @ with the Democrats and Republicans .
I had a microcosm of our conference in today @ @ @ @ @ Kevin McCarthy said Tuesday morning .

House negotiators have reached an agreement on overhauling surveillance authorities and reauthorizing some expiring provisions.
Senior House Democratic and Republican aides confirmed that the measure (HR 6172) posted Tuesday to reauthorize the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court was the bipartisan work-product of House leadership and members of the Judiciary and Intelligence committees.
Negotiators had hoped for a breakthrough to reauthorize the expiring surveillance powers before the end of the week, with the focus on bipartisan discussions in the House.
The question of what to do about the court does not split nicely along party lines, and those fissures risked the expiration of authorities that were previously extended through March 15.
“We had good negotiations over the weekends with the Democrats and Republicans. I had a microcosm of our conference in today," House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said Tuesday morning.


rollcall--2020-03-10--This little-known education program just lost its champion

John William “ Jack ” Buechner ’ s time in Congress may have been short , but he spent nearly three decades as a former member — and that ’ s where he made his mark .
The former Missouri congressman and ex-president of the Association of Former Members of Congress died this month at 79 .
During his time with FMC , he is credited with reviving the group ’ s primary domestic program : Congress to Campus .
“ First , and most importantly , Jack Buechner was a friend and a mentor to me , ” FMC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hill in a statement .
“ His passion was always for encouraging the next generation of leaders.
” Buechner served as FMC president from 2004 to 2006 but stayed active in the group by co-chairing Congress to Campus , which aims to educate students about the government by getting former lawmakers to share their firsthand knowledge of the legislative process .
While traveling to college , university and community college campuses for two-day visits , a bipartisan pair of former members conduct classes and hold community forums .
They also meet informally with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and civic organizations , and do interviews and talk show appearances with local press and media .
The goal is to give students a more personal side of democracy , the group says .

John William “Jack” Buechner’s time in Congress may have been short, but he spent nearly three decades as a former member — and that’s where he made his mark.
The former Missouri congressman and ex-president of the Association of Former Members of Congress died this month at 79. During his time with FMC, he is credited with reviving the group’s primary domestic program: Congress to Campus.
“First, and most importantly, Jack Buechner was a friend and a mentor to me,” FMC CEO Pete Weichlein told Heard on the Hill in a statement. “His passion was always for encouraging the next generation of leaders.”
Buechner served as FMC president from 2004 to 2006 but stayed active in the group by co-chairing Congress to Campus, which aims to educate students about the government by getting former lawmakers to share their firsthand knowledge of the legislative process.
While traveling to college, university and community college campuses for two-day visits, a bipartisan pair of former members conduct classes and hold community forums. They also meet informally with students and faculty, visit high schools and civic organizations, and do interviews and talk show appearances with local press and media. The goal is to give students a more personal side of democracy, the group says.


rollcall--2020-03-10--Trump urges calm amid coronavirus concerns

The president was on Capitol Hill to speak to Senate Republicans as he and lawmakers mulled over ways to mitigate @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 disease and its spread .

A day after a massive stock market dip, President Donald Trump told Americans to “be calm.”
The president was on Capitol Hill to speak to Senate Republicans as he and lawmakers mulled over ways to mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 disease and its spread.


rollcall--2020-03-10--Democratic senators grill FEC nominee, who represented Trump campaign

James “ Trey ” Trainor III , a lawyer who represented Donald Trump ’ s successful 2016 presidential campaign , told senators Tuesday that he would not commit to a “ blanket recusal ” from matters involving the president if he is confirmed to the Federal Election Commission .
The Senate Rules and Administration panel held its confirmation hearing for the GOP election lawyer , whom the White House first nominated in 2017 .
Senators are likely to vote on his nomination in the coming weeks .
Democrats have objected to the nomination , citing Trainor ’ s past work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the beginning of the last decade , as well as his previous comments expressing skepticism about the merits of political disclosures .
The panel ’ s ranking member , Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota , and others said they not only opposed his nomination but also were unhappy that Republicans were moving forward with it without also considering a Democrat at the same time .
Traditionally , FEC nominees have moved in bipartisan pairs .
If Trainor were confirmed , though , the FEC would have two Republicans and two Democrats and would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quorum .
Currently down to three commissioners out of what should be six , the agency can not even conduct meetings .
It is , however , carrying on with public disclosures .

James “Trey” Trainor III, a lawyer who represented Donald Trump’s successful 2016 presidential campaign, told senators Tuesday that he would not commit to a “blanket recusal” from matters involving the president if he is confirmed to the Federal Election Commission.
The Senate Rules and Administration panel held its confirmation hearing for the GOP election lawyer, whom the White House first nominated in 2017. Senators are likely to vote on his nomination in the coming weeks.
Democrats have objected to the nomination, citing Trainor’s past work for Trump and on Texas redistricting at the beginning of the last decade, as well as his previous comments expressing skepticism about the merits of political disclosures.
The panel’s ranking member, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, and others said they not only opposed his nomination but also were unhappy that Republicans were moving forward with it without also considering a Democrat at the same time. Traditionally, FEC nominees have moved in bipartisan pairs.
If Trainor were confirmed, though, the FEC would have two Republicans and two Democrats and would have a sufficient number of commissioners for a quorum. Currently down to three commissioners out of what should be six, the agency cannot even conduct meetings. It is, however, carrying on with public disclosures.


rollcall--2020-03-10--Lawmakers criticize cruise lines over coronavirus refunds

Any stimulus bill passed by Congress in the wake of coronavirus should include relief for would-be cruise ship passengers who have not received refunds for cruises bought before the crisis , a House Ways and Means subcommittee chairman said Tuesday .
“ You ’ ve got people , just working class people who have saved for years to take their family on a cruise and this happens and they ’ re either out the money or run the risk of exposure , ” said Rep. Mike Thompson , D-Calif. , chairman of the Select Revenue Measures Subcommittee .
“ That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal with that .
These cruise ship lines can not hold passengers and their money hostage because of a disease or an outbreak that ’ s out of everyone ’ s control.
” While many cruise ship companies have changed or loosened their traditionally strict cancellation policies , many have opted to give credits to passengers for a future cruise rather than cash refunds .
Carnival Cruise Line customers , for example , can postpone any trip scheduled between now and May 31 without penalty and receive a future cruise credit .
Norwegian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for passengers booked to travel through Sept. 30 who cancel up to 48 hours before departure .
They , too , receive a cruise credit for future use .
Royal Caribbean has similar policies .
And Princess Cruises , which saw cruises in Japan and California quarantined after outbreaks on their ships , also offers credit for future cruises as well as a $ 100 credit for those on three- and four- day cruises who choose to keep their booking as currently scheduled .

Any stimulus bill passed by Congress in the wake of coronavirus should include relief for would-be cruise ship passengers who have not received refunds for cruises bought before the crisis, a House Ways and Means subcommittee chairman said Tuesday.
“You’ve got people, just working class people who have saved for years to take their family on a cruise and this happens and they’re either out the money or run the risk of exposure,” said Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., chairman of the Select Revenue Measures Subcommittee. “That’s wrong. We need to deal with that. These cruise ship lines cannot hold passengers and their money hostage because of a disease or an outbreak that’s out of everyone’s control.”
While many cruise ship companies have changed or loosened their traditionally strict cancellation policies, many have opted to give credits to passengers for a future cruise rather than cash refunds.
Carnival Cruise Line customers, for example, can postpone any trip scheduled between now and May 31 without penalty and receive a future cruise credit. Norwegian Cruise Line is also waiving cancellation penalties for passengers booked to travel through Sept. 30 who cancel up to 48 hours before departure. They, too, receive a cruise credit for future use. Royal Caribbean has similar policies.
And Princess Cruises, which saw cruises in Japan and California quarantined after outbreaks on their ships, also offers credit for future cruises as well as a $100 credit for those on three- and four- day cruises who choose to keep their booking as currently scheduled.


rollcall--2020-03-12--How lawmakers are spending their coronavirus self-quarantines

“ You can only imagine my sinking feeling when , as Air Force One was taking off , the last message I get is from my chief of staff telling me they went through this guy ’ s phone and they found where I had taken a picture with him , ” he told The Spectator .
“ And that really concerned me because in the picture I was holding the guy ’ s phone .
I might as well have licked his toilet seat.
” Gaetz was taken to Walter Reed Hospital and tested .
Since he normally sleeps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to drive 15 hours to his Florida condo , sleeping in a Walmart parking lot along the way .
He ended up testing negative for the coronavirus , he said .
He spent part of his self-quarantine defending himself against charges that it was insensitive for him to wear a gas mask on the House floor on March 4 .
But mostly he passed the time by talking to staff , giving radio interviews and “ doing all the things I would normally do , just from my house , ” he told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarantine period ended Thursday afternoon .
Meanwhile , Sen. Ted Cruz was alone in his living room .
“ It made sense to be prudent , ” the Texas Republican said on his podcast , taping “ live from the self-quarantine studio , ” as co-host Michael Knowles put it .
Cruz also found time to tweet about Fox reality competition “ The Masked Singer , ” vowing never to pull a Sarah Palin .

Politicians are by nature social animals. After all, they win their jobs by meeting with thousands of people. That’s a lot of handshakes, hugs, daps and conversations. So what happens when they have to enter isolation?
Musings on life and death, for one thing, plus discussions of toilet seats. As more members of Congress announced they would self-quarantine after potential exposure to the coronavirus (at least nine as of Thursday), they searched for ways to keep in touch with their constituents while trying not to look stir-crazy.
For five Republican lawmakers, the triggering event was the Conservative Political Action Conference in late February, attended by someone who later tested positive for the virus.
After leaving CPAC, Rep. Matt Gaetz flew to Mar-a-Lago in his home state of Florida with President Donald Trump. But on the way back to D.C, Gaetz learned he had come close to the affected person.
“You can only imagine my sinking feeling when, as Air Force One was taking off, the last message I get is from my chief of staff telling me they went through this guy’s phone and they found where I had taken a picture with him,” he told The Spectator. “And that really concerned me because in the picture I was holding the guy’s phone. I might as well have licked his toilet seat.”


rollcall--2020-03-12--Don’t post ‘biohazard’ signs on your coworker’s desk, AOC requests

The Architect of the Capitol sent out a memo Thursday with stuff we ’ ve heard all week : wash @ @ @ @ @ your workspace , and practice “ social distancing.
” But the notice to the “ @ @ @ @ @ members ( of said community ) to refrain “ from jokes.
” “ We ask @ @ @ @ @ those who are working hard to clean and disinfect such a large and open campus @ @ @ @ @ , signed by J. Brett Blanton .
“ We respectfully request refraining from posting joking @ @ @ @ @ ) on cubicles of colleagues , ” the letter concludes .

The Architect of the Capitol sent out a memo Thursday with stuff we’ve heard all week: wash your hands, wipe down your workspace, and practice “social distancing.”
But the notice to the “congressional community” also asks members (of said community) to refrain “from jokes.”
[Coronavirus upends This Town’s spring rituals as cancellations mount]
“We ask that you consider all of those who are working hard to clean and disinfect such a large and open campus,” says the letter, signed by J. Brett Blanton.
“We respectfully request refraining from posting joking signs (such as biohazard) on cubicles of colleagues,” the letter concludes.


rollcall--2020-03-12--The vote must go on: States prep for primaries as virus looms

Despite widespread cancellations of campaign events and everyday activities across the nation amid the new coronavirus pandemic , four states with primaries next week are sending the message : Voting will go on , but with an extra dose of hand sanitizer .
Arizona , Florida , Illinois and Ohio , while encouraging early voting or voting by mail , have not canceled primary contests scheduled for Tuesday .
“ You will probably see lots of sanitizing wipes being used on touch screens and on pens that are used by voters , ” said Matt Dietrich , public information officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ There will be sterilizing wipes and facilities to wash hands before and after voting.
” Illinois elections officials are working to move all voting precincts out of nursing homes , and more people have requested vote-by-mail ballots than four years ago , Dietrich said .
Local election authorities had sent out about 150,000 vote-by-mail ballots in 2016 .
That total was more than 240,000 this year , he said , and more voters had also voted early in-person .
One of them was Republican Rep. Rodney Davis , who does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ District in Central Illinois but who said he and his family voted last weekend as part of the state ’ s in-person early voting program .

Kate Ackley, Bridget Bowman, and Stephanie Akin

Despite widespread cancellations of campaign events and everyday activities across the nation amid the new coronavirus pandemic, four states with primaries next week are sending the message: Voting will go on, but with an extra dose of hand sanitizer.
Arizona, Florida, Illinois and Ohio, while encouraging early voting or voting by mail, have not canceled primary contests scheduled for Tuesday.
“You will probably see lots of sanitizing wipes being used on touch screens and on pens that are used by voters,” said Matt Dietrich, public information officer for the Illinois State Board of Elections. “There will be sterilizing wipes and facilities to wash hands before and after voting.”
Prepping for Tuesday
Illinois elections officials are working to move all voting precincts out of nursing homes, and more people have requested vote-by-mail ballots than four years ago, Dietrich said. Local election authorities had sent out about 150,000 vote-by-mail ballots in 2016. That total was more than 240,000 this year, he said, and more voters had also voted early in-person.
One of them was Republican Rep. Rodney Davis, who does not have a primary challenger in the 13th District in Central Illinois but who said he and his family voted last weekend as part of the state’s in-person early voting program.


rollcall--2020-03-12--‘They aren’t American’ — Democrats aim to block aid to struggling cruise companies

“ I think they have to earn any sort of economic assistance , and there ’ s no reason to focus on one industry .
It ought be an economywide approach , ” Blumenthal said .
And Rep. Tulsi Gabbard , D-Hawaii , sent a letter to Trump on Thursday calling for a temporary suspension of all cruise line operations nationwide until all people on board could be tested for the virus .
“ It is imperative that the cruise ship industry in the United States halt all service to prevent community spread for the foreseeable future , ” she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to let cruise passengers risk infections in our country , causing mass exposures in our communities or risking another cruise ship being quarantined at sea.
” Most cruise lines are still sailing , although business plummeted last week when the State Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention took the rare step of urging U.S. citizens , particularly those with underlying health conditions , to avoid travel by cruise ship .
But on Thursday , Princess Cruises , which saw two ships quarantined in Japan and California since the beginning of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pause global operations of its 18 vessels for two months , impacting voyages departing March 12 to May 10 .
Those currently on board a cruise that will end in the next five days will finish up their cruise .

“I think they have to earn any sort of economic assistance, and there’s no reason to focus on one industry. It ought be an economywide approach,” Blumenthal said.
And Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, sent a letter to Trump on Thursday calling for a temporary suspension of all cruise line operations nationwide until all people on board could be tested for the virus.
“It is imperative that the cruise ship industry in the United States halt all service to prevent community spread for the foreseeable future,” she wrote. “We cannot afford to let cruise passengers risk infections in our country, causing mass exposures in our communities or risking another cruise ship being quarantined at sea.”
Most cruise lines are still sailing, although business plummeted last week when the State Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention took the rare step of urging U.S. citizens, particularly those with underlying health conditions, to avoid travel by cruise ship.
But on Thursday, Princess Cruises, which saw two ships quarantined in Japan and California since the beginning of the year, announced that it would voluntarily pause global operations of its 18 vessels for two months, impacting voyages departing March 12 to May 10. Those currently on board a cruise that will end in the next five days will finish up their cruise.


rollcall--2020-03-12--Senators remind colleagues about Capitol contractors  amid coronavirus

Three lawmakers are urging protections for contract workers who serve the Capitol in food service , custodial and other roles from burdens the coronavirus epidemic may pose , as Congress takes steps to protect themselves and their salaried staff .
Democratic Sens .
Mark Warner of Virginia , Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Richard J. Durbin of Illinois wrote to the Senate Rules and Administration and the House Administration committees to ask them to consider the impact of changes to congressional operations for the contract workers and policies that could be implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19 .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reliance on contract workers for a range of functions , including food service and janitorial work , we write to urge that you attempt to address the potential financial hardship for these workers if they have to self-quarantine due to COVID-19 or in the event the Congress adjourns for a prolonged state work period as a social distancing measure , ” wrote the lawmakers .
Warner , Brown and Durbin wrote that the contract workers may not be able to follow basic public health recommendations like staying home when ill , working remotely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of financial hardship from lost wages or high health care costs .

Three lawmakers are urging protections for contract workers who serve the Capitol in food service, custodial and other roles from burdens the coronavirus epidemic may pose, as Congress takes steps to protect themselves and their salaried staff.
Democratic Sens. Mark Warner of Virginia, Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Richard J. Durbin of Illinois wrote to the Senate Rules and Administration and the House Administration committees to ask them to consider the impact of changes to congressional operations for the contract workers and policies that could be implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
[Courts mull closures and risks amid coronavirus pandemic]
“Given the Legislative Branch’s extensive reliance on contract workers for a range of functions, including food service and janitorial work, we write to urge that you attempt to address the potential financial hardship for these workers if they have to self-quarantine due to COVID-19 or in the event the Congress adjourns for a prolonged state work period as a social distancing measure,” wrote the lawmakers.
Warner, Brown and Durbin wrote that the contract workers may not be able to follow basic public health recommendations like staying home when ill, working remotely and seeking medical care if infected, because of financial hardship from lost wages or high health care costs.


rollcall--2020-03-12--Presidential candidates argue over coronavirus response

The two leading Democratic presidential candidates and President Donald Trump traded barbs Thursday over the administration 's handling of the @ @ @ @ @ election-year fight over a public health issue with deep economic and personal consequences for American @ @ @ @ @ former Vice President Joe Biden and Vermont Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders canceled campaign events as @ @ @ @ @ nomination , both criticized the Trump administration 's response .
[ With top of ticket @ @ @ @ @ s how 2020 elections look ] Biden called the Trump administration 's failure to make @ @ @ @ @ '' and called for free testing at drive-through testing centers .
And he said travel @ @ @ @ @ but wo n't stop it , especially restrictions based on political favoritism rather than science @

Biden said the Defense Department should be planning to set up medical facilities and providing logistical support for cities hit by outbreaks because hospitals will be overwhelmed.
"We have to help the world to drive coordinated global strategy, not shut ourselves off from the world," Biden said. "Unfortunately, this virus laid bare the severe shortcomings of the current administration."
In a separate speech, Sanders called for “emergency unemployment assistance to anyone in this country who loses their job through no fault of their own” because of the virus. He said the benefit should be 100 percent of salary up to $1,150 a week, or $60,000 a year, and singled out people in restaurants who work for tips and those in the gig economy, independent contractors and domestic help as deserving assistance.
The government’s response to the pandemic should focus on the elderly and disabled who may be isolated and especially vulnerable, he said. Sanders called on Americans to recognize they all must work together to combat the virus, which he said could lead to more casualties than United States forces experienced in World War II.
“In other words, we have a major, major crisis, and we must act,” he said. He called on Congress in a bipartisan way to “take responsibility for addressing this unparalleled crisis,” and urged the creation of state and national hotlines staffed with people with accurate information.


rollcall--2020-03-12--Top health official calls dearth of US coronavirus tests a ‘failing’

A top U.S. health official told lawmakers Thursday that the U.S. health care system ’ s inability to test every @ @ @ @ @ is a “ failing.
” “ The idea of anybody getting it easily the way @ @ @ @ @ doing it , we 're not set up for that , ” Anthony Fauci , @ @ @ @ @ of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , told the House Committee on Oversight and Reform .
@ @ @ @ @ should be ?
Yes , but we ’ re not.
” The acknowledgment came as @ @ @ @ @ of available testing compared with foreign countries .

A top U.S. health official told lawmakers Thursday that the U.S. health care system’s inability to test every potentially infected American for COVID-19 is a “failing.”
“The idea of anybody getting it easily the way people in other countries are doing it, we're not set up for that,” Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told the House Committee on Oversight and Reform. “Do I think we should be? Yes, but we’re not.”
The acknowledgment came as lawmakers bristled at the lack of available testing compared with foreign countries.


rollcall--2020-03-12--‘I hope we don’t have an attack this weekend’ — FISA tools to expire before Senate takes up renewal

Three intelligence surveillance tools are set to expire on Sunday with the Senate leaving for the weekend without acting on @ @ @ @ @ House on Wednesday passed an overhaul measure that would reauthorize through Dec. 1 , 2023 @ @ @ @ @ the USA FREEDOM Act and the underlying Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act .
[ FISA deal @ @ @ @ @ conservatives want Trump to veto it ] Before the Senate adjourned Thursday , Sen. Lisa @ @ @ @ @ up a procedural vote on the House-passed measure at 5:30 p.m. Monday .
“ There @ @ @ @ @ we ’ ll deal with next week , and one is the extension of the @ @ @ @ @ House has extended .
We weren ’ t going to be able to get that @ @ @ @ @ ” Senate Republican Policy Chairman Roy Blunt , R-Mo.
, said .

Three intelligence surveillance tools are set to expire on Sunday with the Senate leaving for the weekend without acting on a stopgap extension.
The House on Wednesday passed an overhaul measure that would reauthorize through Dec. 1, 2023, various surveillance authorities of the USA FREEDOM Act and the underlying Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
[FISA deal passes House, but some conservatives want Trump to veto it]
Before the Senate adjourned Thursday, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, set up a procedural vote on the House-passed measure at 5:30 p.m. Monday.
“There are two principal things legislatively we’ll deal with next week, and one is the extension of the three FISA elements that the House has extended. We weren’t going to be able to get that done before we left,” Senate Republican Policy Chairman Roy Blunt, R-Mo., said.


rollcall--2020-03-12--Remember foster youth, urge Reps. Karen Bass, Danny Davis

Shay House once relied “ heavily ” on dorm housing and meal plans while growing up in the foster care @ @ @ @ @ currently a graduate student and foster youth advocate , but had the coronavirus pandemic happened @ @ @ @ @ I would ’ ve been greatly impacted , ” she said Thursday .
House joined @ @ @ @ @ K. Davis at the Capitol to urge colleges and communities to remember foster youth as @ @ @ @ @ virus .
“ When schools close , the needs of foster youth and parents need @ @ @ @ @ , ” Bass told Heard on the Hill .
More than 400,000 young people are @ @ @ @ @ , according to the California Democrat , who co-chairs the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth @

Shay House once relied “heavily” on dorm housing and meal plans while growing up in the foster care system.
She’s currently a graduate student and foster youth advocate, but had the coronavirus pandemic happened just months ago, “I would’ve been greatly impacted,” she said Thursday.
House joined Reps. Karen Bass and Danny K. Davis at the Capitol to urge colleges and communities to remember foster youth as they scramble to contain the virus.
“When schools close, the needs of foster youth and parents need to be kept in mind,” Bass told Heard on the Hill.
More than 400,000 young people are in the child welfare system, according to the California Democrat, who co-chairs the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth.


rollcall--2020-03-12--‘Slay the Dragon’ filmmakers take fight to gerrymandering

Arnold Schwarzenegger has a small role in the new documentary “ Slay the Dragon ” about gerrymandering , but the @ @ @ @ @ California governor has nothing on the citizen activists , lawyers , politicians and voters who @ @ @ @ @ political thriller .
Gerrymandering has been around almost as long as the republic itself .
@ @ @ @ @ congressional and legislative districts to the advantage of one political party has really taken off @ @ @ @ @ and the effects on U.S. politics has been far-reaching .
Veteran journalists and filmmakers Chris @ @ @ @ @ a who ’ s who of the gerrymandering world , including those practiced in its @ @ @ @ @ Majority Project , or REDMAP , guru Chris Jankowski , as well as those fighting @ @ @ @ @ redistricting commissions , like Katie Fahey of Voters Not Politicians .
The documentary traces the @ @ @ @ @ the aftermath of the 2008 election to GOP sweeps in 2010 and citizen and activist @ @ @ @ @ 2018 .

Arnold Schwarzenegger has a small role in the new documentary “Slay the Dragon” about gerrymandering, but the action adventure star and former California governor has nothing on the citizen activists, lawyers, politicians and voters who are the heroes of this political thriller.
Gerrymandering has been around almost as long as the republic itself. But the practice of drawing congressional and legislative districts to the advantage of one political party has really taken off in the last decade, and the effects on U.S. politics has been far-reaching.
Veteran journalists and filmmakers Chris Durrance and Barak Goodman compile a who’s who of the gerrymandering world, including those practiced in its dark arts, like Redistricting Majority Project, or REDMAP, guru Chris Jankowski, as well as those fighting for efforts such as independent redistricting commissions, like Katie Fahey of Voters Not Politicians.
The documentary traces the roots of REDMAP, from the aftermath of the 2008 election to GOP sweeps in 2010 and citizen and activist attempts to address gerrymandering through 2018.


rollcall--2020-03-13--Big talk, little walk from Sanders in the Senate

Senators , including those known for writing legislation , don ’ t have the best record winning their campaigns for @ @ @ @ @ Democrats opposing independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders ’ bid for their party ’ s presidential @ @ @ @ @ that Sanders won ’ t make a good president because he hasn ’ t been @ @ @ @ @ Bernie , in fact , hasn ’ t passed much of anything , ” former @ @ @ @ @ at the Democratic debate in Charleston , S.C. , on Feb. 25 , of Sanders @ @ @ @ @ Congress : 16 years in the House and 13 in the Senate .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ his supporters have taken pains to rebut , but the record shows that Sanders is @ @ @ @ @ craftsmen of his generation .
And notably for a candidate running , in part , @ @ @ @ @ Democratic establishment , Sanders is no maverick .
If he hasn ’ t written many @ @ @ @ @ crossed his party to stop them .

Senators, including those known for writing legislation, don’t have the best record winning their campaigns for president.
Still, the Democrats opposing independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders’ bid for their party’s presidential nomination have made the case that Sanders won’t make a good president because he hasn’t been a good senator.
[Campaigns grapple with uncertainty amid new coronavirus concerns]
“Bernie, in fact, hasn’t passed much of anything,” former Vice President Joe Biden said at the Democratic debate in Charleston, S.C., on Feb. 25, of Sanders’ nearly three decades in Congress: 16 years in the House and 13 in the Senate.
It’s a charge Sanders and his supporters have taken pains to rebut, but the record shows that Sanders is not among the noted legislative craftsmen of his generation. And notably for a candidate running, in part, as a scourge of the Democratic establishment, Sanders is no maverick. If he hasn’t written many bills, neither has he crossed his party to stop them.


rollcall--2020-03-13--Deal on coronavirus aid package hangs by a thread

House Republicans were still combing through the details and were n't quite ready to give it their blessing , however .
`` We just have n't finished it , '' Appropriations ranking member Kay Granger , R-Texas , said as she emerged from a GOP meeting .
`` It 's not done 'til it 's done .
It 's always that way . ''
The measure was expected to also provide food assistance for seniors , low-income food stamp beneficiaries and children dependent on free and reduced-price school lunches .
Work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would increase , helping states alleviate budget shortfalls expected in an economic downturn , though the exact amount was n't yet clear .
Pelosi spent hours on the phone with Mnuchin over the past couple of days trying to hammer out an agreement after Republicans raised objections to Democrats ' initial legislation .
Republicans did n't like that the paid leave was required , arguing it would be too costly for small businesses , and ultimately , in subsequent iterations , provisions were softened with generous tax credits to offset employers ' added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still under review in the Senate .
The measure was n't expected to include Trump 's top priority : a broad payroll tax cut for all workers .
He tweeted earlier in the day that such a move would be `` something that is really meaningful .
Only that will make a big difference ! ''

In the biggest change to the Democrats’ original bill, the compromise measure narrows the scope of paid sick leave and emergency leave and includes new refundable tax credits to compensate employers for the financial burden.
The initial Democratic bill would have created a new federal emergency paid leave program under the Social Security Act, requiring workers to be paid for up to three months if they take time off due to being sick with coronavirus, quarantined or caring for others. The benefit would be two-thirds of average monthly earnings.
Under the scaled down version in the House-passed bill, instead of a new federal benefit, the existing Family and Medical Leave Act would be amended to provide up to 12 weeks of paid leave to employees who go into quarantine, care for a family member in quarantine or child whose school is closed. The provision would apply to employers with fewer than 500 employees. The mandated benefit would be no less than two-thirds of pay.
The paid sick leave in the original bill was more sweeping than in the compromise. It would have required all employers to provide 14 days of paid sick leave in the event of any public health emergency, not just the current coronavirus pandemic. Sick leave would have covered days when a worker’s child’s school was closed or when the worker’s employer was closed, as well as when the worker or family member is quarantined.
Under the compromise bill, paid sick leave could still last two weeks, but it would be limited to employers with fewer than 500 employees and government employers. The provision limits pay to two-thirds the employee’s regular rate when caring for a family member or child; the pay would be at the employee’s regular rate to quarantine or seek treatment.


rollcall--2020-03-13--Market surges, but Trump’s coronavirus news conference takes a turn after the closing bell

“ We were given a , a set of circumstances , and we were given rules , regulations and specifications from a different time , ” Trump said .
“ We ’ re now in very , very strong shape.
” Trump said there would be millions of tests coming .
If government and private labs are able to get testing up to speed , Friday ’ s line might be an afterthought .
If not , it could be a line that resonates in Democratic campaign advertising for much of 2020 .
The president didn ’ t start taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it was in responding to the first question that he first mentioned the ongoing disagreement between House Democrats and his administration about the contours of an emergency aid package that Speaker Nancy Pelosi intends to have on the House floor before leaving Friday .
The president also said there was still no agreement with the House .
“ We don ’ t think the Democrats are giving enough .
We ’ re negotiating .
We thought we had something , but all of a sudden they didn ’ t agree to certain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump said without offering specifics .
“ We could have something , but we don ’ t think they ’ re giving enough .
They ’ re not doing what ’ s right for the country .
”

“We were given a, a set of circumstances, and we were given rules, regulations and specifications from a different time,” Trump said. “We’re now in very, very strong shape.”
Trump said there would be millions of tests coming. If government and private labs are able to get testing up to speed, Friday’s line might be an afterthought. If not, it could be a line that resonates in Democratic campaign advertising for much of 2020.
The president didn’t start taking questions until the markets were closing, and it was in responding to the first question that he first mentioned the ongoing disagreement between House Democrats and his administration about the contours of an emergency aid package that Speaker Nancy Pelosi intends to have on the House floor before leaving Friday.
The president also said there was still no agreement with the House.
“We don’t think the Democrats are giving enough. We’re negotiating. We thought we had something, but all of a sudden they didn’t agree to certain things that they agreed to,” Trump said without offering specifics. “We could have something, but we don’t think they’re giving enough. They’re not doing what’s right for the country.”


rollcall--2020-03-13--House gets new chance at court challenge of Trump’s wall construction, McGahn subpoena

The House will get new chances to press congressional authority next month in two of the biggest lawsuits against the @ @ @ @ @ enforce a subpoena against former White House Counsel Don McGahn and stop the construction of @ @ @ @ @ border with Mexico .
The full U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia @ @ @ @ @ hear oral arguments on both separation-of-powers cases on April 28 .
The focus will be @ @ @ @ @ the legal right to bring each of the suits in the first place .
[ @ @ @ @ @ Supreme Court streams proceedings ? ]
The decision to rehear the McGahn case gives new @ @ @ @ @ Committee 's lawsuit to have him testify about episodes from former special counsel Robert S. @ @ @ @ @ on Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and President Donald Trump ’ s moves @ @ @ @ @ investigation .
It vacates a Feb. 28 decision from a three-judge panel of the D.C @ @ @ @ @ the committee ’ s lawsuit .

The House will get new chances to press congressional authority next month in two of the biggest lawsuits against the Trump administration — efforts to enforce a subpoena against former White House Counsel Don McGahn and stop the construction of a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico.
The full U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on Friday agreed to hear oral arguments on both separation-of-powers cases on April 28. The focus will be on whether the House has the legal right to bring each of the suits in the first place.
[Could coronavirus change whether the Supreme Court streams proceedings?]
The decision to rehear the McGahn case gives new life to the House Judiciary Committee's lawsuit to have him testify about episodes from former special counsel Robert S. Mueller III’s report on Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and President Donald Trump’s moves to try to stymie that investigation.
It vacates a Feb. 28 decision from a three-judge panel of the D.C. Circuit that threw out the committee’s lawsuit.


rollcall--2020-03-13--Introducing Coronavirus Special Report: Evening update, 3/13

Today we 're launching a special report with the latest policy news on coronavirus .
This episode delves into the @ @ @ @ @ Senate next week , the president 's declaration of a national emergency and more news @ @ @ @ @ 'll be back with more reports on Monday — stay tuned .
• Hospitals want @ @ @ @ @ nurses from COVID-19 because there aren ’ t enough masks • Lawmakers keep finding out @ @ @ @ @ with foreign officials

Today we're launching a special report with the latest policy news on coronavirus. This episode delves into the stimulus package headed for the Senate next week, the president's declaration of a national emergency and more news from Capitol Hill. We'll be back with more reports on Monday — stay tuned.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-03-13--‘No availability’ of coronavirus tests for troops in Afghanistan

The statement also indicated that “ precautionary quarantine or isolation care procedures are in place at each of our Military @ @ @ @ @ ” The committee has asked Defense Department officials similar coronavirus questions about U.S. troops stationed @ @ @ @ @ other risk countries in addition to Afghanistan .
The committee is still waiting for replies @ @ @ @ @ Members of Congress are particularly concerned about the nearly 13,000 troops in Afghanistan because many @ @ @ @ @ Iran .
Iran has more than 11,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus , the third most @ @ @ @ @ ’ s 80,000-plus cases and Italy ’ s more than 15,000 , according to the @ @ @ @ @ Engineering at Johns Hopkins University .
Many U.S. troops are stationed in Italy .
South @ @ @ @ @ a substantial U.S. military presence , has nearly 8,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 — the @ @ @ @ @ .

The statement also indicated that “precautionary quarantine or isolation care procedures are in place at each of our Military Medical Treatment Facilities in Afghanistan.”
The committee has asked Defense Department officials similar coronavirus questions about U.S. troops stationed or deployed in or near other risk countries in addition to Afghanistan. The committee is still waiting for replies, an aide said.
Troops deployed near Iran
Members of Congress are particularly concerned about the nearly 13,000 troops in Afghanistan because many of them are deployed near Iran.
Iran has more than 11,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus, the third most in the world behind China’s 80,000-plus cases and Italy’s more than 15,000, according to the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. Many U.S. troops are stationed in Italy.
South Korea, another nation with a substantial U.S. military presence, has nearly 8,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 — the fourth most in the world.


rollcall--2020-03-13--Campus Notebook: A rundown of Duncan Hunter’s transgressions

Ahead of the March 17 sentencing of former Rep. Duncan Hunter , federal prosecutors have outlined their argument for why the California Republican — who pleaded guilty last year to misusing campaign funds — should serve one year and two months in prison .
The sentencing memorandum , filed earlier this week in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California , outlines a multitude of transgressions by Hunter that includes him blaming his family for his legal issues , extramarital affairs , drinking before a top secret congressional briefing and spending over $ 150,000 of campaign funds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and activities for his own enjoyment .
Including improper spending by Hunter ’ s wife , Margaret , they converted $ 250,000 in campaign funds for their personal use .
Prosecutors also noted how — despite ultimately pleading guilty — Hunter mounted a staunch defense since he was indicted in August 2018 , in which he denigrated the Justice Department and singled out prosecutors as being driven by partisan ambitions .
He resigned from office in January .
“ Rather than admit his guilt and resign his seat in April 2016 when originally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when originally charged , Hunter chose to mislead the more than 700,000 people who reside in the 50th congressional district , ” prosecutors wrote .
“ As we now know , Hunter lied to the people about his guilt .
Not once , but countless times .
In doing so , he conned voters into electing a soon-to-be-convict .
As a result of his duplicity , the voters were duped of their right to representation in Congress — representation they are denied to this day.
” “ Our very democracy is at risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election by weaponizing the tropes of fake news and the deep state , ” the government said .

Ahead of the March 17 sentencing of former Rep. Duncan Hunter, federal prosecutors have outlined their argument for why the California Republican — who pleaded guilty last year to misusing campaign funds — should serve one year and two months in prison.
The sentencing memorandum, filed earlier this week in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, outlines a multitude of transgressions by Hunter that includes him blaming his family for his legal issues, extramarital affairs, drinking before a top secret congressional briefing and spending over $150,000 of campaign funds on copious amounts of alcohol, tobacco and activities for his own enjoyment. Including improper spending by Hunter’s wife, Margaret, they converted $250,000 in campaign funds for their personal use.
Prosecutors also noted how — despite ultimately pleading guilty — Hunter mounted a staunch defense since he was indicted in August 2018, in which he denigrated the Justice Department and singled out prosecutors as being driven by partisan ambitions. He resigned from office in January.
“Rather than admit his guilt and resign his seat in April 2016 when originally questioned, or even in August 2018 when originally charged, Hunter chose to mislead the more than 700,000 people who reside in the 50th congressional district,” prosecutors wrote. “As we now know, Hunter lied to the people about his guilt. Not once, but countless times. In doing so, he conned voters into electing a soon-to-be-convict. As a result of his duplicity, the voters were duped of their right to representation in Congress — representation they are denied to this day.”
“Our very democracy is at risk when a criminal like Hunter wins an election by weaponizing the tropes of fake news and the deep state,” the government said.


rollcall--2020-03-13--States reopen insurance enrollment as coronavirus spreads

At least three states are reopening their health insurance exchanges amid the coronavirus outbreak in an effort to boost coverage @ @ @ @ @ uninsured .
Maryland , Massachusetts and Washington state all announced special enrollment periods for uninsured @ @ @ @ @ outbreak worsens and governors declare emergencies .
The World Health Organization officially labeled the virus @ @ @ @ @ and President Donald Trump declared a nationwide emergency Friday .
[ Hospitals want to kill @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 because there aren ’ t enough masks ] Twelve states and the District of @ @ @ @ @ insurance exchanges , which give local leaders the authority to reopen enrollment on their own @ @ @ @ @ emergency like the coronavirus .
Maryland ’ s enrollment window will run from March 16 @ @ @ @ @ ’ sign-up period will run for 45 days from March 11 through April 25 .
@ @ @ @ @ from March 10 through April 8 .

At least three states are reopening their health insurance exchanges amid the coronavirus outbreak in an effort to boost coverage and expand treatment for the uninsured.
Maryland, Massachusetts and Washington state all announced special enrollment periods for uninsured individuals this week as the outbreak worsens and governors declare emergencies. The World Health Organization officially labeled the virus a pandemic on Wednesday, and President Donald Trump declared a nationwide emergency Friday.
[Hospitals want to kill a policy shielding nurses from COVID-19 because there aren’t enough masks]
Twelve states and the District of Columbia operate their own health insurance exchanges, which give local leaders the authority to reopen enrollment on their own in the face of an emergency like the coronavirus.
Maryland’s enrollment window will run from March 16 through April 15. Massachusetts’ sign-up period will run for 45 days from March 11 through April 25. Washington’s will run from March 10 through April 8.


rollcall--2020-03-13--Pelosi announces coronavirus-response bill

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , announced Friday afternoon that the House would seek to advance a bill aimed @ @ @ @ @ mitigating the economic impact of the coronavirus .

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., announced Friday afternoon that the House would seek to advance a bill aimed at quelling the spread and mitigating the economic impact of the coronavirus.


rollcall--2020-03-13--Hospitals want to kill a policy shielding nurses from COVID-19 because there aren’t enough masks

Hospitals are working to spike a provision in the COVID-19 pandemic response bill that would require them to shield nurses @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus because of what it describes as a “ severe lack ” of protective equipment @ @ @ @ @ called on its supporters in an alert Thursday to urge Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. @ @ @ @ @ withdraw workplace safety standards from a second package in response to the coronavirus pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ copy of the alert .
[ Senate staffer tests positive for COVID-19 , first coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ tussle pits the hospital lobby against nurses ' unions that are raising alarms about a @ @ @ @ @ and the possibility that some nurses could become severely ill and die without it .
@ @ @ @ @ say protecting frontline health staff is vital for keeping hospitals running and effectively slowing the @ @ @ @ @

Hospitals are working to spike a provision in the COVID-19 pandemic response bill that would require them to shield nurses from exposure to the novel coronavirus because of what it describes as a “severe lack” of protective equipment.
The American Hospital Association called on its supporters in an alert Thursday to urge Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and other Democrats to withdraw workplace safety standards from a second package in response to the coronavirus pandemic. CQ Roll Call obtained a copy of the alert.
[Senate staffer tests positive for COVID-19, first coronavirus case on Hill]
The tussle pits the hospital lobby against nurses' unions that are raising alarms about a diminishing stock of protective equipment and the possibility that some nurses could become severely ill and die without it.
The nurses cite epidemiologists who say protecting frontline health staff is vital for keeping hospitals running and effectively slowing the epidemic’s spread.


rollcall--2020-03-13--Lab capacity increasing but barriers remain for COVID-19 tests

Updated 5:24 p.m. | The Trump administration says diagnostic testing for the COVID-19 virus in the United States will soon @ @ @ @ @ manage the increasing number of cases here , but achieving that goal will depend a @ @ @ @ @ labs and the broader health care system function .
On Friday , President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ testing locations would soon be available in the parking lots of major retailers like Walmart @ @ @ @ @ Walgreens .
Starting Sunday night , Google will be offering a web form to assess @ @ @ @ @ them to a testing location site .
Vice President Mike Pence acknowledged during a White @ @ @ @ @ doctors can order tests for any patient , not all Americans might have access to @ @ @ @ @ with the worst symptoms and those in contact with other patients .
The drive-thru tests @ @ @ @ @ , he said in response to questions over whether everybody in the U.S. can now @ @ @

Updated 5:24 p.m. | The Trump administration says diagnostic testing for the COVID-19 virus in the United States will soon reach the levels needed to manage the increasing number of cases here, but achieving that goal will depend a lot on how well private labs and the broader health care system function.
On Friday, President Donald Trump announced that “drive-thru” testing locations would soon be available in the parking lots of major retailers like Walmart, Target, CVS and Walgreens. Starting Sunday night, Google will be offering a web form to assess people for symptoms and direct them to a testing location site.
Vice President Mike Pence acknowledged during a White House news conference that while doctors can order tests for any patient, not all Americans might have access to tests as labs prioritize those with the worst symptoms and those in contact with other patients. The drive-thru tests are meant to rectify that, he said in response to questions over whether everybody in the U.S. can now be tested.


rollcall--2020-03-13--Coronavirus aid deal passed, delivered to Senate; Trump to sign

The House passed a financial relief measure that would provide paid sick leave , free diagnostic testing and expanded food aid to help families and businesses cope with the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic .
The 363-40 vote came in the wee hours of Saturday morning after a protracted day and night of negotiating that produced a bipartisan compromise .
President Donald Trump tweeted his support for the package ( HR 6201 ) Friday evening , allowing Republican lawmakers to support a deal negotiated between House Democrats and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin .
[ Market surges , but Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn after the closing bell ] The Republican-controlled Senate planned to take up the measure early next week , and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy , R-Calif. , said he expected the Senate would pass it .
The deal reached Friday night capped a nearly weeklong battle as Democrats pushed for paid sick leave and Trump sought a payroll tax cut .
As late as Friday morning , Trump made a public pitch for his tax cut on Twitter .
But by nightfall , he declared his support for the brokered compromise .

Paul M. Krawzak, David Lerman, and Lindsey McPherson


rollcall--2020-03-14--Stimulus bill temporarily expands safety net for poor

The House-passed stimulus package would protect jobless food stamp recipients from losing their benefits if they live in an area under a public health emergency declaration by the Department of Health and Human Services .
The provision in the bill would exempt Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ( SNAP ) beneficiaries from work and training requirements they might not be able to meet in those areas .
This would be especially important to a segment of SNAP participants known as single able-bodied adults without dependents who are aged 18 to 49 .
Under a 1996 law , this group can only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of every 36 months if they do not meet a 20-hour a week requirement for work or training .
SNAP was formerly known as the food stamp program .
Any extension of food stamp benefits for them would not count against their statutory time limit .
An Agriculture Department rule set to take effect in April would restrict the ability of states to use waivers to exempt this group from work requirements and time limits , ending benefits for an estimated 700,000 people .
Hours before the House voted on the stimulus package @ @ @ @ @ @ @ District of Columbia issued a nationwide preliminary injunction and stay pending judicial review of the regulation 's language on how the USDA determines the criteria for issuing state waivers that allow the exemptions .
Nineteen states , the District of Columbia and New York City filed the lawsuit .

The House-passed stimulus package would protect jobless food stamp recipients from losing their benefits if they live in an area under a public health emergency declaration by the Department of Health and Human Services.
The provision in the bill would exempt Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries from work and training requirements they might not be able to meet in those areas.
This would be especially important to a segment of SNAP participants known as single able-bodied adults without dependents who are aged 18 to 49. Under a 1996 law, this group can only receive food stamps for three months out of every 36 months if they do not meet a 20-hour a week requirement for work or training. SNAP was formerly known as the food stamp program. Any extension of food stamp benefits for them would not count against their statutory time limit.
An Agriculture Department rule set to take effect in April would restrict the ability of states to use waivers to exempt this group from work requirements and time limits, ending benefits for an estimated 700,000 people.
Hours before the House voted on the stimulus package, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued a nationwide preliminary injunction and stay pending judicial review of the regulation's language on how the USDA determines the criteria for issuing state waivers that allow the exemptions. Nineteen states, the District of Columbia and New York City filed the lawsuit.


rollcall--2020-03-15--Georgia postpones presidential primary, citing coronavirus

Georgia has become the second state to postpone its presidential primary amid concerns about the new coronavirus .
The election set to take place on March 24 has now been moved to May 19 , the date the Peach State ’ s congressional primaries were scheduled , Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced Saturday .
“ Events are moving rapidly and my highest priority is protecting the health of our poll workers , their families , and the community at large , ” Raffensperger said in a statement , noting that the average poll worker is over 70 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cast in person or via absentee ballot will be counted if people do not vote again on May 19 .
Otherwise , they can vote again on the new ballots , which will include presidential candidates .
A significant number of voters have not yet participated in the Georgia presidential primary , according to Raffensperger ’ s office .
Of the 2 million Georgians the state expected to vote , roughly 300,000 had already cast their votes .
The main concern about the upcoming primary was the health and safety of poll workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are more vulnerable to the virus .
Moving the date of the primary also allows for more time for voters to apply for absentee ballots and for election officials to train workers and move polling places from locations such as senior citizen developments .
Georgia follows Louisiana , which on Friday postponed its April 4 presidential primary until June 20 .
A spokesman for the Louisiana secretary of state said the state was struggling to find enough supplies , such as sanitizer , gloves and masks , to ensure polling places were clean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also announced Thursday it would cancel the in-person portion of its April 4 presidential caucus , as well as county conventions .
Four states — Illinois , Ohio , Arizona and Florida — are scheduled to hold primaries Tuesday .
Election officials in those states issued a joint statement Friday , saying they were “ working closely with our state health officials to ensure that our poll workers and voters can be confident that voting is safe .
”

Georgia has become the second state to postpone its presidential primary amid concerns about the new coronavirus. The election set to take place on March 24 has now been moved to May 19, the date the Peach State’s congressional primaries were scheduled, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced Saturday.
“Events are moving rapidly and my highest priority is protecting the health of our poll workers, their families, and the community at large,” Raffensperger said in a statement, noting that the average poll worker is over 70 years old. Votes that have already been cast in person or via absentee ballot will be counted if people do not vote again on May 19. Otherwise, they can vote again on the new ballots, which will include presidential candidates.
A significant number of voters have not yet participated in the Georgia presidential primary, according to Raffensperger’s office. Of the 2 million Georgians the state expected to vote, roughly 300,000 had already cast their votes. The main concern about the upcoming primary was the health and safety of poll workers, who tend to be older and are more vulnerable to the virus. Moving the date of the primary also allows for more time for voters to apply for absentee ballots and for election officials to train workers and move polling places from locations such as senior citizen developments.
Georgia follows Louisiana, which on Friday postponed its April 4 presidential primary until June 20. A spokesman for the Louisiana secretary of state said the state was struggling to find enough supplies, such as sanitizer, gloves and masks, to ensure polling places were clean and safe. The Wyoming Democratic Party also announced Thursday it would cancel the in-person portion of its April 4 presidential caucus, as well as county conventions.
Four states — Illinois, Ohio, Arizona and Florida — are scheduled to hold primaries Tuesday. Election officials in those states issued a joint statement Friday, saying they were “working closely with our state health officials to ensure that our poll workers and voters can be confident that voting is safe.”


rollcall--2020-03-15--Coronavirus bill needs a do-over while small businesses chafe

The House will have to vote once more on the COVID-19 aid package the chamber passed in the wee hours of Saturday morning due to agreed-upon `` technical '' changes that did n't make it into the version that eventually hit the floor .
The do-over gives small businesses , unhappy with provisions requiring them to offer up to 12 weeks of paid leave to their workers , time to lobby for additional changes when the measure reaches the Senate .
The influential National Federation of Independent Business said it may consider the matter a `` key vote '' on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how worthy congressional candidates are of support in the upcoming elections .
Appearing on Fox News Sunday , Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin acknowledged the concerns small businesses had with the legislation and hedged on whether it could pass the Senate in its current form .
`` We are hearing feedback that certain small businesses are very concerned about the burden of this , '' Mnuchin said Sunday , adding he 's been in contact with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , and other senators .
`` I ’ m speaking to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to predict , OK , I think there ’ s a lot of bipartisan support , I hope they pass this bill , '' the Treasury chief said .
`` If not we ’ ll work with the Senate on whatever minor changes we need . ''

The House will have to vote once more on the COVID-19 aid package the chamber passed in the wee hours of Saturday morning due to agreed-upon "technical" changes that didn't make it into the version that eventually hit the floor.
The do-over gives small businesses, unhappy with provisions requiring them to offer up to 12 weeks of paid leave to their workers, time to lobby for additional changes when the measure reaches the Senate. The influential National Federation of Independent Business said it may consider the matter a "key vote" on its legislative scorecard, a gauge of how worthy congressional candidates are of support in the upcoming elections.
Appearing on Fox News Sunday, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin acknowledged the concerns small businesses had with the legislation and hedged on whether it could pass the Senate in its current form.
"We are hearing feedback that certain small businesses are very concerned about the burden of this," Mnuchin said Sunday, adding he's been in contact with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and other senators.
"I’m speaking to senators, I don’t want to predict, OK, I think there’s a lot of bipartisan support, I hope they pass this bill," the Treasury chief said. "If not we’ll work with the Senate on whatever minor changes we need."


rollcall--2020-03-16--Coronavirus Special Report: Morning minute, 3/16

CQ Roll Call brings you the latest roundup of policy news on coronavirus to start your day .
First up @ @ @ @ @ House revote and Senate expectations .
Plus , more on the interest rates and travel @ @ @ @ @ back later today with more policy news — stay tuned .
• CDC urges canceling @ @ @ @ @ people to stem virus • Fed cuts interest rate to near zero to support markets

CQ Roll Call brings you the latest roundup of policy news on coronavirus to start your day. First up, the stimulus: A House revote and Senate expectations. Plus, more on the interest rates and travel restrictions. We'll be back later today with more policy news — stay tuned.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-03-16--Fed cuts interest rate to near zero to support markets

The Federal Reserve on Sunday said it would cut its key interest rate nearly to zero , buy hundreds of billions of dollars in bonds to provide more liquidity to the financial market , ease reserve requirements on banks , and lower the cost of borrowing from the central bank in a series of efforts to ward off the economic dangers of the COVID-19 pandemic .
The announcements , which came as Asian markets prepared to open Monday , are an indication of the Fed 's worry about the economy as COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had previously cut its benchmark federal funds rate by half a percentage point less than two weeks ago .
Both rate moves came outside of a scheduled Fed monetary policy meeting .
The next scheduled one is Tuesday and Wednesday .
The Fed 's actions , which were partly coordinated with other central banks , also follow Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin 's comment Friday on CNBC that he would be asking Congress to give the central bank authorities taken away by the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial overhaul that followed the 2008 financial crisis and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going back to Congress for authorities that they took away that we think we need , '' Mnuchin said .
He reiterated that point in interviews on Sunday , but was n't more specific .

The Federal Reserve on Sunday said it would cut its key interest rate nearly to zero, buy hundreds of billions of dollars in bonds to provide more liquidity to the financial market, ease reserve requirements on banks, and lower the cost of borrowing from the central bank in a series of efforts to ward off the economic dangers of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The announcements, which came as Asian markets prepared to open Monday, are an indication of the Fed's worry about the economy as COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, leads to widespread disruption. The Fed had previously cut its benchmark federal funds rate by half a percentage point less than two weeks ago. Both rate moves came outside of a scheduled Fed monetary policy meeting. The next scheduled one is Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Fed's actions, which were partly coordinated with other central banks, also follow Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin's comment Friday on CNBC that he would be asking Congress to give the central bank authorities taken away by the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial overhaul that followed the 2008 financial crisis and subsequent recession. "We'll be going back to Congress for authorities that they took away that we think we need," Mnuchin said.
[GOP senators skeptical of Fed nominee Shelton after hearing]
He reiterated that point in interviews on Sunday, but wasn't more specific.


rollcall--2020-03-16--CDC urges canceling events with 50 or more people to stem virus

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Sunday night recommended canceling or postponing events with 50 or more attendees @ @ @ @ @ , signaling a more aggressive federal position on the steps people should take to contain @ @ @ @ @ agency said gatherings that should be postponed include weddings , festivals , parades , concerts @ @ @ @ @ types of meetups organized by groups or individuals .
The recommendation comes after the governors @ @ @ @ @ bars and restaurants in their states , and ahead of the Senate 's scheduled return @ @ @ @ @ CDC said the guidance did not apply to the day-to-day operations of schools , colleges @ @ @ @ @ although many schools have already decided to close temporarily .
The CDC did not immediately @ @ @ @ @ the reasoning behind the distinction .

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Sunday night recommended canceling or postponing events with 50 or more attendees for the next eight weeks, signaling a more aggressive federal position on the steps people should take to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.
The agency said gatherings that should be postponed include weddings, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events and other types of meetups organized by groups or individuals.
The recommendation comes after the governors of Ohio and Illinois closed bars and restaurants in their states, and ahead of the Senate's scheduled return on Monday afternoon.
The CDC said the guidance did not apply to the day-to-day operations of schools, colleges and universities or businesses, although many schools have already decided to close temporarily. The CDC did not immediately respond to a query on the reasoning behind the distinction.
[Coronavirus bill needs a do-over while small businesses chafe]


rollcall--2020-03-16--Senate passes 77-day FISA surveillance stopgap

Senators passed Monday a 77-day extension of surveillance authorities that lapsed over the weekend .
The passage of a bill @ @ @ @ @ revive and extend surveillance powers — including those under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act — @ @ @ @ @ gives lawmakers breathing room to debate surveillance and privacy issues after the immediate threat of @ @ @ @ @ .
The House will need to act on the extension measure ; it could do @ @ @ @ @ session .
As part of the agreement to pass the extension , Senate Majority Leader @ @ @ @ @ announced an agreement for a limited debate on three amendments , at a time to @ @ @ @ @ House-passed intelligence surveillance overhaul legislation .
The extension bill revives the availability of Section 215 @ @ @ @ @ collection of business and other records of individuals through the FISA court and a roving @ @ @ @ @ government to get orders targeting people who frequently change phone lines or use burner devices @ @ @ @ @ individual lines .

Senators passed Monday a 77-day extension of surveillance authorities that lapsed over the weekend.
The passage of a bill by voice vote that would revive and extend surveillance powers — including those under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act — until the end of May gives lawmakers breathing room to debate surveillance and privacy issues after the immediate threat of the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided.
The House will need to act on the extension measure; it could do so during a pro forma session.
As part of the agreement to pass the extension, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., announced an agreement for a limited debate on three amendments, at a time to be determined later, on House-passed intelligence surveillance overhaul legislation.
The extension bill revives the availability of Section 215 orders that allow for the collection of business and other records of individuals through the FISA court and a roving wiretap provision that permits the government to get orders targeting people who frequently change phone lines or use burner devices to avoid traditional wiretaps on individual lines.


rollcall--2020-03-16--ACLU asks for humanitarian release of vulnerable ICE detainees

The American Civil Liberties Union has asked a federal court to release a group of immigrants at a Seattle-area detention center because of their vulnerability to contracting COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
On Monday , the civil liberties group filed a habeas corpus petition on behalf of nine detainees at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in Tacoma , Washington , an area with some of the highest number of coronavirus cases in the United States .
All nine have preexisting conditions — such as lung disease , heart disease , diabetes , epilepsy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and hypertension .
The ACLU cites several medical experts in its argument that these detainees should be released because of their age , illnesses and high likelihood of contracting COVID-19 in a “ congregate environment ” like the detention center .
It also notes that ICE detention centers lack the medical resources required to treat patients who develop serious symptoms .
“ Immigrant detention centers are institutions that uniquely heighten the danger of disease transmission , ” Eunice Cho , a senior staff attorney at the ACLU ’ s National Prison Project , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normal circumstances , ICE has proven time and again that it is unable to protect the health and safety of detained people .
These are not normal circumstances , and the heightened risk of serious harm to people in detention from COVID-19 is clear.
” ICE said in a statement that no detainees had tested positive for COVID-19 as of Friday but that at least four had met the government requirements for testing .
It added that it would preemptively isolate new detainees or those who become sick .

The American Civil Liberties Union has asked a federal court to release a group of immigrants at a Seattle-area detention center because of their vulnerability to contracting COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
On Monday, the civil liberties group filed a habeas corpus petition on behalf of nine detainees at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in Tacoma, Washington, an area with some of the highest number of coronavirus cases in the United States. All nine have preexisting conditions — such as lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, epilepsy, kidney disease, autoimmune disorders, asthma and hypertension.
The ACLU cites several medical experts in its argument that these detainees should be released because of their age, illnesses and high likelihood of contracting COVID-19 in a “congregate environment” like the detention center. It also notes that ICE detention centers lack the medical resources required to treat patients who develop serious symptoms.
“Immigrant detention centers are institutions that uniquely heighten the danger of disease transmission,” Eunice Cho, a senior staff attorney at the ACLU’s National Prison Project, said in a statement. “In normal circumstances, ICE has proven time and again that it is unable to protect the health and safety of detained people. These are not normal circumstances, and the heightened risk of serious harm to people in detention from COVID-19 is clear.”
ICE said in a statement that no detainees had tested positive for COVID-19 as of Friday but that at least four had met the government requirements for testing. It added that it would preemptively isolate new detainees or those who become sick.