rollcall--2020-08-28--March on Washington draws thousands demanding change

Members of Congress demanded an end to the legislative impasse over bills to revamp policing and make voting easier Friday as they rallied with thousands of people at the Lincoln Memorial to commemorate the 1963 March on Washington .
“ Yes , it is possible to write budgets that actually value Black lives .
If it feels unfamiliar , that ’ s because it has never been done in America , ” said Rep. Ayanna S. Pressley .
“ We will meet the moment we will work towards healing , justice and collective liberation like our lives depend on it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrat was joined by several other Democratic lawmakers including , Reps. Joyce Beatty of Ohio , Sheila Jackson Lee and Al Green of Texas and New York ’ s Adriano Espaillat .
Several speakers urged passage of aHouse-passed policing bill and an update to the Voting Rights Act that was renamed for civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis , who died in July .
Both bills are pending in the Senate .
The event was held on the 57th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. ’ s “ I have a Dream ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Commitment March : Get Your Knee Off Our Necks ” event sparked by recent police violence against Black Americans .
The event , which included a march to the Martin Luther King , Jr. Memorial , was organized by the National Action Network group founded by the Rev .
Al Sharpton .

Members of Congress demanded an end to the legislative impasse over bills to revamp policing and make voting easier Friday as they rallied with thousands of people at the Lincoln Memorial to commemorate the 1963 March on Washington.
“Yes, it is possible to write budgets that actually value Black lives. If it feels unfamiliar, that’s because it has never been done in America,” said Rep. Ayanna S. Pressley. “We will meet the moment we will work towards healing, justice and collective liberation like our lives depend on it — because they do.”
The Massachusetts Democrat was joined by several other Democratic lawmakers including, Reps. Joyce Beatty of Ohio, Sheila Jackson Lee and Al Green of Texas and New York’s Adriano Espaillat.
Several speakers urged passage of aHouse-passed policing bill and an update to the Voting Rights Act that was renamed for civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis, who died in July. Both bills are pending in the Senate.
The event was held on the 57th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a Dream” speech, and is part of the “Commitment March: Get Your Knee Off Our Necks” event sparked by recent police violence against Black Americans. The event, which included a march to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, was organized by the National Action Network group founded by the Rev. Al Sharpton.


rollcall--2020-08-28--Trump focuses on law and order, but will other Republicans follow?

As protests against racism and police brutality continue to rock the country , President Donald Trump made preserving “ law @ @ @ @ @ his reelection campaign at this week ’ s Republican convention , arguing that a Joe @ @ @ @ @ socialism and anarchy .
“ The most dangerous aspect of the Biden platform is the @ @ @ @ @ ” Trump said as he accepted the GOP nomination for president at the White House @ @ @ @ @ one will be safe in Biden ’ s America , ” Trump later added .
@ @ @ @ @ to pop up in House and Senate races , as Republicans look to hold onto @ @ @ @ @ the House by winning districts Trump carried four years ago .
“ Today , Washington @ @ @ @ @ trying to abolish the police , radicals trying to tear down our country And career @ @ @ @ @ fingers and play games , ” Iowa GOP state Rep. Ashley Hinson said in her @ @ @ @ @ .

As protests against racism and police brutality continue to rock the country, President Donald Trump made preserving “law and order” central to his reelection campaign at this week’s Republican convention, arguing that a Joe Biden presidency will result in socialism and anarchy.
“The most dangerous aspect of the Biden platform is the attack on public safety,” Trump said as he accepted the GOP nomination for president at the White House Thursday night.
“No one will be safe in Biden’s America,” Trump later added.
That message has slowly started to pop up in House and Senate races, as Republicans look to hold onto their Senate majority and flip the House by winning districts Trump carried four years ago.
“Today, Washington is failing us: socialists trying to abolish the police, radicals trying to tear down our country And career politicians, they just point fingers and play games,” Iowa GOP state Rep. Ashley Hinson said in her latest TV ad launched Thursday.


rollcall--2020-08-28--Congressional Hits and Misses: Republican convention edition

With all the “ spicy votes ” cast for “ Donald John President , ” the GOP hosted the Republican @ @ @ @ @ an empty auditorium , shot with the most epic camera pans you ’ d see @ @ @ @ @ .
And while Sen. Tim Scott joked about failing civics in high school , President @ @ @ @ @ ’ s nomination in his backyard at the White House .

With all the “spicy votes” cast for “Donald John President,” the GOP hosted the Republican National Convention this week in an empty auditorium, shot with the most epic camera pans you’d see in any Michael Bay movie.
And while Sen. Tim Scott joked about failing civics in high school, President Donald Trump accepted his party’s nomination in his backyard at the White House.
[ Also watch: Congressional Hits and Misses: Democratic convention edition ]
(Thumbnail photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)


rollcall--2020-08-28--PPP loans helped out congressional spouses’ workplaces

“ Thus , Members or businesses in which Members or certain individuals in their immediate family have an ownership interest may be able to apply for assistance under other parts of the CARES Act , such as the Paycheck Protection Program , ” the House Ethics Committee said in April .
The Paycheck Protection Program , which closed Aug. 8 and is no longer accepting applications , was established early on during the coronavirus pandemic to help businesses keep their workers employed during a time of dire financial strain .
Companies don ’ t have to pay the loan back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payroll .
The program applies to companies with 500 or fewer employees with some exceptions .
It is also intended to help businesses pay interest on mortgages , rent and utilities .
FiscalNote , parent company of CQ Roll Call , has received a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program .
Representatives for Roby did not respond to a request for comment .
Neither Riley Roby nor his law firm responded to a request for comment .
“ This is the kind of thing that is concerning when you ’ re talking about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money out the door as fast as possible , ” said Jennifer Ahearn , policy director at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington ( CREW ) .
“ These are the kinds of things that are likely to come up , particularly where you have a program where a lot of the decision making about who is going to get the money has been in some sense outsourced to your local bank or to a series of banks .
Those are the kinds of situations where you want to keep an eye @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Roby who co-sponsored the CARES Act , explained in a statement on her House website how the PPP has benefited her constituents , but didn ’ t mention that her husband ’ s law firm was a beneficiary of the program :

“Thus, Members or businesses in which Members or certain individuals in their immediate family have an ownership interest may be able to apply for assistance under other parts of the CARES Act, such as the Paycheck Protection Program,” the House Ethics Committee said in April.
The Paycheck Protection Program, which closed Aug. 8 and is no longer accepting applications, was established early on during the coronavirus pandemic to help businesses keep their workers employed during a time of dire financial strain. Companies don’t have to pay the loan back if they use the vast majority on payroll. The program applies to companies with 500 or fewer employees with some exceptions. It is also intended to help businesses pay interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. FiscalNote, parent company of CQ Roll Call, has received a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program.
Representatives for Roby did not respond to a request for comment. Neither Riley Roby nor his law firm responded to a request for comment.
“This is the kind of thing that is concerning when you’re talking about a program that is designed to get money out the door as fast as possible,” said Jennifer Ahearn, policy director at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW). “These are the kinds of things that are likely to come up, particularly where you have a program where a lot of the decision making about who is going to get the money has been in some sense outsourced to your local bank or to a series of banks. Those are the kinds of situations where you want to keep an eye out for potential influence.”
In June, Roby who co-sponsored the CARES Act, explained in a statement on her House website how the PPP has benefited her constituents, but didn’t mention that her husband’s law firm was a beneficiary of the program:


rollcall--2020-08-28--McConnell’s mask message doesn’t match White House scene

If you looked at the South Lawn of the White House Thursday night , you might have thought that the @ @ @ @ @ A crowd estimated at up to 1,500 gathered for President Donald Trump ’ s speech @ @ @ @ @ another term — most without masks and with no social distancing .
There were a @ @ @ @ @ and senators in attendance and some , like Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina , @ @ @ @ @ Other members of Congress and members of the Trump administration were not , including Sen. @ @ @ @ @ who apparently removed his mask during the event .
Tillis put out a statement bordering @ @ @ @

If you looked at the South Lawn of the White House Thursday night, you might have thought that the coronavirus pandemic was over.
A crowd estimated at up to 1,500 gathered for President Donald Trump’s speech accepting the Republican nomination for another term — most without masks and with no social distancing.
There were a number of GOP House members and senators in attendance and some, like Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, were spotted wearing masks.
Other members of Congress and members of the Trump administration were not, including Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., who apparently removed his mask during the event.
Tillis put out a statement bordering on an apology.


rollcall--2020-08-28--Campus Notebook: Capitol Hill COVID-19 cases now top 100

There are now more than 100 Legislative Branch employees or contractors who have tested positive — or are presumed positive @ @ @ @ @ Hill , a workplace that doesn ’ t require testing for members of Congress or @ @ @ @ @ workers include 39 members of the Capitol Police , 31 Architect of the Capitol workers @ @ @ @ @ the Cannon House Office Building renovation project , according to Ashley Phelps , a spokeswoman @ @ @ @ @ .
The number of cases have increased by 22 since July 24 .
The Capitol @ @ @ @ @ to 632 employees for COVID-19-related leave requests ; 63 of those employees are still on @ @ @ @ @ Aug. 24 , according to Phelps .

There are now more than 100 Legislative Branch employees or contractors who have tested positive — or are presumed positive — for COVID-19 on Capitol Hill, a workplace that doesn’t require testing for members of Congress or staff.
The 103 front-line workers include 39 members of the Capitol Police, 31 Architect of the Capitol workers and 33 contractors assigned to the Cannon House Office Building renovation project, according to Ashley Phelps, a spokeswoman for House Administration Committee Republicans. The number of cases have increased by 22 since July 24.
The Capitol Police have granted administrative leave to 632 employees for COVID-19-related leave requests; 63 of those employees are still on paid administrative leave as of Aug. 24, according to Phelps.


rollcall--2020-08-28--RNC fact check: Trump speech filled with falsehoods

Biden on Osama bin Laden mission : Trump said that Biden “ voted for the Iraq War ” and “ opposed the mission to take out Osama bin Laden.
” Biden ’ s position on going to war with Iraq was complex and nuanced , though Biden did vote in favor of an authorization of military force , a vote he later said was a mistake .
As for the mission to target bin Laden , Biden said he opposed the timing of the operation , and suggested that the raid should be delayed in order to take further steps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compound in Pakistan .
As chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee , Biden voted in 2002 to authorize the use of military force against Iraq .
As FactCheck.org wrote when Biden wrongly claimed in September 2019 that he opposed the Iraq war from “ the moment ” it began , Biden was a consistent critic of the way the Bush administration handled the war .
Some of his comments proved to be quite prescient , including his warnings about the likely higher-than-expected cost and length of the war , and the complexity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein ’ s regime was toppled .
In the days and weeks before and after the war started , Biden said that while the hope was that the use of force resolution could be used to leverage further inspections , he also acknowledged it was a vote for the possibility of war .
It should be noted that while Trump has repeatedly claimed that he publicly opposed the Iraq War before the March 19 , 2003 , invasion , FactCheck.org could find no evidence that he ever did .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Trump said “ I guess so ” when asked if he supported going to war .
As for Trump ’ s Osama bin Laden claim , as FactCheck.org wrote when Vice President Mike Pence made the same claim , Biden said he suggested that the raid should be delayed , not scrapped altogether .

Biden on Osama bin Laden mission: Trump said that Biden “voted for the Iraq War” and “opposed the mission to take out Osama bin Laden.” Biden’s position on going to war with Iraq was complex and nuanced, though Biden did vote in favor of an authorization of military force, a vote he later said was a mistake. As for the mission to target bin Laden, Biden said he opposed the timing of the operation, and suggested that the raid should be delayed in order to take further steps to confirm bin Laden was at the compound in Pakistan.
As chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Biden voted in 2002 to authorize the use of military force against Iraq. As FactCheck.org wrote when Biden wrongly claimed in September 2019 that he opposed the Iraq war from “the moment” it began, Biden was a consistent critic of the way the Bush administration handled the war. Some of his comments proved to be quite prescient, including his warnings about the likely higher-than-expected cost and length of the war, and the complexity of “winning the peace” once Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein’s regime was toppled.
In the days and weeks before and after the war started, Biden said that while the hope was that the use of force resolution could be used to leverage further inspections, he also acknowledged it was a vote for the possibility of war.
It should be noted that while Trump has repeatedly claimed that he publicly opposed the Iraq War before the March 19, 2003, invasion, FactCheck.org could find no evidence that he ever did. In a 2002 radio interview with Howard Stern, Trump said “I guess so” when asked if he supported going to war.
As for Trump’s Osama bin Laden claim, as FactCheck.org wrote when Vice President Mike Pence made the same claim, Biden said he suggested that the raid should be delayed, not scrapped altogether.


rollcall--2020-08-31--Critical deadlines loom for highways, airlines and transit

With just weeks left in the legislative year , Congress faces two big transportation deadlines on Sept. 30 , a @ @ @ @ @ dire consequences if it does not act .
Without congressional involvement , airlines have signaled @ @ @ @ @ of workers this fall .
State highway departments could grind projects to a halt , @ @ @ @ @ services .
With the economy already teetering , analysts fear inaction on these crises , @ @ @ @ @ by the COVID-19 pandemic , could hinder eventual recovery .
“ There is absolutely an @ @ @ @ @ slowing down if we can ’ t maintain our transportation system to the degree that @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Adie Tomer , head of the Metropolitan Infrastructure Initiative at the Brookings @ @

With just weeks left in the legislative year, Congress faces two big transportation deadlines on Sept. 30, a transportation to-do list and potentially dire consequences if it does not act.
Without congressional involvement, airlines have signaled they will lay off thousands of workers this fall. State highway departments could grind projects to a halt, and transit agencies could slash services.
With the economy already teetering, analysts fear inaction on these crises, all caused or made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic, could hinder eventual recovery.
“There is absolutely an impact of the national economy slowing down if we can’t maintain our transportation system to the degree that we have in the past,” said Adie Tomer, head of the Metropolitan Infrastructure Initiative at the Brookings Institution.
Among the deadlines lawmakers face:


rollcall--2020-08-31--4 things to watch in Massachusetts Senate, House primaries

Democratic voters in Massachusetts will decide the futures of Sen. Edward J. Markey , Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy III and House Ways and Means Chairman Richard E. Neal in the Bay State ’ s congressional primaries Tuesday .
Big donors , outside groups and high-profile endorsements have fueled the much-anticipated contests , which in deep-blue Massachusetts prove more pivotal than the general election and essentially will determine who will head to Capitol Hill for the 117th Congress .
The main spotlight has been on Kennedy ’ s challenge of Markey , who is seeking a second full term in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Neal , who is in his 16th term , faces Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse in the closely watched 1st District race that has drawn spending from outside influences including industry-aligned groups for Neal and progressive organizations boosting Morse .
Rep. Stephen Lynch , who is seeking his 10th full term in Massachusetts ’ 8th District , also has a primary challenge from physician Robbie Goldstein , though political observers in the state believe Lynch is less at risk than Neal or Markey .
So far this cycle , eight incumbents , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Democratic voters in Massachusetts will decide the futures of Sen. Edward J. Markey, Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy III and House Ways and Means Chairman Richard E. Neal in the Bay State’s congressional primaries Tuesday.
Big donors, outside groups and high-profile endorsements have fueled the much-anticipated contests, which in deep-blue Massachusetts prove more pivotal than the general election and essentially will determine who will head to Capitol Hill for the 117th Congress.
The main spotlight has been on Kennedy’s challenge of Markey, who is seeking a second full term in the Senate after serving decades in the House. Neal, who is in his 16th term, faces Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse in the closely watched 1st District race that has drawn spending from outside influences including industry-aligned groups for Neal and progressive organizations boosting Morse.
Rep. Stephen Lynch, who is seeking his 10th full term in Massachusetts’ 8th District, also has a primary challenge from physician Robbie Goldstein, though political observers in the state believe Lynch is less at risk than Neal or Markey.
So far this cycle, eight incumbents, including three Democrats, have lost renomination.


rollcall--2020-08-31--Coronavirus Special Report: Should COVID-19 vaccines be free?

In today ’ s episode we delve into the pricing of coronavirus vaccines .
We also examine how first responders @ @ @ @ @ — fires in California , a hurricane in Louisiana — amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ to compel Don McGahn to answer House questions on Mueller probe

In today’s episode we delve into the pricing of coronavirus vaccines. We also examine how first responders have to battle natural disasters — fires in California, a hurricane in Louisiana — amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-08-31--GOP governors ignored mask mandate advice from task force

The House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis released eight weekly reports from the White House Coronavirus Task Force this summer that showed concerns about the coronavirus ’ s spread , the same time period when the administration prematurely declared victory over the pandemic .
The previously undisclosed reports provide state-by-state updates on the number of confirmed cases , diagnostic tests conducted , the test positivity rate and confirmed deaths from COVID-19 , as well as policy recommendations .
“ The Task Force reports released today show the White House has known since June that coronavirus cases were surging across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dangerous ‘ red zones ’ where the virus was spreading fast , ” said Select Committee Chairman James E. Clyburn , D-S.C , in a statement Monday .
“ Rather than being straight with the American people and creating a national plan to fix the problem , the President and his enablers kept these alarming reports private while publicly downplaying the threat to millions of Americans .
As a result of the President ’ s failures , more than 58,000 additional Americans have died since the Task Force first started issuing private warnings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s recommendations still have not been implemented , ” he said .
Republicans on the subcommittee accused Democrats of concocting “ another phony scandal , ” saying that the reports ’ data was widely available .
But the task force ’ s recommendations , which at times sharply contradicted public statements from the White House , had not been released until Monday .

The House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis released eight weekly reports from the White House Coronavirus Task Force this summer that showed concerns about the coronavirus’s spread, the same time period when the administration prematurely declared victory over the pandemic.
The previously undisclosed reports provide state-by-state updates on the number of confirmed cases, diagnostic tests conducted, the test positivity rate and confirmed deaths from COVID-19, as well as policy recommendations.
“The Task Force reports released today show the White House has known since June that coronavirus cases were surging across the country and many states were becoming dangerous ‘red zones’ where the virus was spreading fast,” said Select Committee Chairman James E. Clyburn, D-S.C, in a statement Monday.
“Rather than being straight with the American people and creating a national plan to fix the problem, the President and his enablers kept these alarming reports private while publicly downplaying the threat to millions of Americans. As a result of the President’s failures, more than 58,000 additional Americans have died since the Task Force first started issuing private warnings, and many of the Task Force’s recommendations still have not been implemented,” he said.
Republicans on the subcommittee accused Democrats of concocting “another phony scandal,” saying that the reports’ data was widely available. But the task force’s recommendations, which at times sharply contradicted public statements from the White House, had not been released until Monday.


rollcall--2020-08-31--After missing document deadline, postmaster general faces subpoena by House Oversight

House Oversight and Reform Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney announced Monday she will subpoena Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to get documents @ @ @ @ @ last week regarding a slowdown in mail delivery .
The announcement came a week after @ @ @ @ @ that delivery times were improving after disruptions caused by temporary restructuring .
That hearing got @ @ @ @ @ demanded answers from DeJoy , a Trump megadonor and logistics executive .
Maloney gave him @ @ @ @ @ she would issue subpoenas if no documents were produced by Wednesday , Aug. 26 .
@ @ @ @ @ , DeJoy sent a letter Friday saying his staff is `` working with the oversight @ @ @ @ @ materials requested during the hearing . ''
The letter did not say when the documents @ @ @ @ @ DeJoy has not produced a single additional document since the House and Senate hearings were @ @ @ @ @ said in a news release Monday .

House Oversight and Reform Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney announced Monday she will subpoena Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to get documents that were to be provided last week regarding a slowdown in mail delivery.
The announcement came a week after DeJoy testified before the committee that delivery times were improving after disruptions caused by temporary restructuring.
That hearing got heated at times as Democrats demanded answers from DeJoy, a Trump megadonor and logistics executive. Maloney gave him an ultimatum, saying that she would issue subpoenas if no documents were produced by Wednesday, Aug. 26.
Two days after that deadline, DeJoy sent a letter Friday saying his staff is "working with the oversight committee to identify and provide materials requested during the hearing." The letter did not say when the documents would be released.
"DeJoy has not produced a single additional document since the House and Senate hearings were held," the committee said in a news release Monday.


rollcall--2020-08-31--Appeals court tosses suit to compel Don McGahn to answer House questions on Mueller probe

A federal appeals court in Washington for a second time threw out a House Judiciary Committee lawsuit seeking to force former White House counsel Don McGahn to testify about episodes on Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election .
A three-judge panel of the U.S Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit , in a 2-1 decision Monday , ruled that Congress first needs to pass a law to authorize the committee to file such a lawsuit .
The decision is the latest in an up-and-down path through the courts for House Democrats and their effort to use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as part of probes into episodes from former special counsel Robert S. Mueller III ’ s report and President Donald Trump ’ s moves to try to stymie that investigation .
In February , a three-judge panel found that federal courts had no role to play in such a clash between the political branches , and Congress can instead use “ a series of political tools to bring the Executive Branch to heel.
” But earlier this month , the full D.C .
Circuit revived the committee 's effort , ruling that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to court to enforce the McGahn subpoena .
On Monday , the three-judge panel ruled that although Congress had the right to go to court , Congress had not passed a law that authorized such lawsuits .
So the panel ruled the House Judiciary Committee ’ s suit , again , must be dismissed .

A federal appeals court in Washington for a second time threw out a House Judiciary Committee lawsuit seeking to force former White House counsel Don McGahn to testify about episodes on Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
A three-judge panel of the U.S Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, in a 2-1 decision Monday, ruled that Congress first needs to pass a law to authorize the committee to file such a lawsuit.
The decision is the latest in an up-and-down path through the courts for House Democrats and their effort to use the federal courts to enforce congressional subpoenas as part of probes into episodes from former special counsel Robert S. Mueller III’s report and President Donald Trump’s moves to try to stymie that investigation.
In February, a three-judge panel found that federal courts had no role to play in such a clash between the political branches, and Congress can instead use “a series of political tools to bring the Executive Branch to heel.” But earlier this month, the full D.C. Circuit revived the committee's effort, ruling that the committee did have a right to go to court to enforce the McGahn subpoena.
On Monday, the three-judge panel ruled that although Congress had the right to go to court, Congress had not passed a law that authorized such lawsuits. So the panel ruled the House Judiciary Committee’s suit, again, must be dismissed.


rollcall--2020-08-31--Marijuana, discrimination bills on House’s September agenda, CR expected to avert shutdown

House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer laid out the chamber ’ s agenda for September , including marijuana legislation and @ @ @ @ @ a letter to colleagues Monday he acknowledged that there is no appropriations deal in sight @ @ @ @ @ fiscal year approaches .
Committees will take the lead the week of Sept. 8 , @ @ @ @ @ resume the following week .
The House will vote on three bills focused on discrimination @ @ @ @ @ , including a bill that would outline workplace protections and accommodations for workers whose ability @ @ @ @ @ limited by pregnancy , childbirth , or a related medical condition .
It cleared the @ @ @ @ @ bipartisan , but not unanimous support .
The other measures are focused on diversity and @ @ @ @ @ House will also vote on a resolution from New York Democrat Grace Meng that would @ @ @ @ @ related to the COVID-19 pandemic .
The following week , the House will vote on @ @ @ @ @ marijuana and expunge nonviolent federal cannabis convictions .

House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer laid out the chamber’s agenda for September, including marijuana legislation and anti-discrimination bills, but in a letter to colleagues Monday he acknowledged that there is no appropriations deal in sight as the end of the fiscal year approaches.
Committees will take the lead the week of Sept. 8, with floor action expected to resume the following week.
The House will vote on three bills focused on discrimination protections in workplaces and education, including a bill that would outline workplace protections and accommodations for workers whose ability to perform a job is limited by pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition. It cleared the Education and Labor Committee with bipartisan, but not unanimous support. The other measures are focused on diversity and equity in schools.
The House will also vote on a resolution from New York Democrat Grace Meng that would condemn anti-Asian bias and bigotry related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The following week, the House will vote on a bill that would decriminalize marijuana and expunge nonviolent federal cannabis convictions.


rollcall--2020-08-31--Three candidates shape vigorous contest for House Foreign Affairs gavel

In the race to be the next chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee , the three candidates vary in their policy expertise , seniority , diversity and popularity within the Democratic caucus .
However , no one lawmaker seems at this point to have checked all of the boxes to win decisively .
The Foreign Affairs competition is one of at least two Democratic caucus leadership contests set to take place after the November elections if Democrats maintain control of the House as expected .
The outcome will determine who will replace chairmen who are either retiring or lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case with current Foreign Affairs Chairman Eliot L. Engel of New York .
[ Eliot Engel loses to Jamaal Bowman in New York primary ] Reps. Brad Sherman of California , Gregory W. Meeks of New York and Joaquin Castro of Texas have all declared their candidacies .
The party elders in the race are Sherman , who has the most seniority , followed by Meeks .
Castro , a four-term lawmaker , is the relative newcomer in the race and is pushing to open up the normally opaque committee chair selection process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to succeed Engel , a soft-spoken sixteen-term member known for his preference for working cross-aisle and his unyielding support for Israel , one thing is certain — the 117th Congress will bring about notable changes for the committee .

In the race to be the next chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, the three candidates vary in their policy expertise, seniority, diversity and popularity within the Democratic caucus. However, no one lawmaker seems at this point to have checked all of the boxes to win decisively.
The Foreign Affairs competition is one of at least two Democratic caucus leadership contests set to take place after the November elections if Democrats maintain control of the House as expected. The outcome will determine who will replace chairmen who are either retiring or lost their primary election, as is the case with current Foreign Affairs Chairman Eliot L. Engel of New York.
[Eliot Engel loses to Jamaal Bowman in New York primary]
Reps. Brad Sherman of California, Gregory W. Meeks of New York and Joaquin Castro of Texas have all declared their candidacies. The party elders in the race are Sherman, who has the most seniority, followed by Meeks. Castro, a four-term lawmaker, is the relative newcomer in the race and is pushing to open up the normally opaque committee chair selection process.
Regardless of who wins the race to succeed Engel, a soft-spoken sixteen-term member known for his preference for working cross-aisle and his unyielding support for Israel, one thing is certain — the 117th Congress will bring about notable changes for the committee.


rollcall--2020-09-01--‘Subtly terrifying’: How coronavirus changed disaster response

Is that the typical cough ?
Or do I have the coronavirus ?
It ’ s a thought running through firefighters ’ minds this year , Jim Whittington , a wildland fire expert based in Medford , Ore. , said in an interview .
“ Smoke affects your respiratory system and affects the immune system .
Firefighters get sick throughout the fire season , ” Whittington said .
So it ’ s natural for firefighters as they work during the COVID-19 pandemic to wonder if they caught the virus , he said .
“ Are you coming down with just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everybody gets every year , or is this COVID ?
” said Whittington .
“ Then the rumors start.
” When firefighters see their colleagues get tested for the virus , the fear that one of their own may be positive can disturb an entire crew , he said .
Half a year after it clamped down on America and upended daily life , the coronavirus , which has killed more than 180,000 Americans , has transformed how first responders fight natural disasters , like wildfires , hurricanes and floods , and changed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Those changes were on display last week as Hurricane Laura battered the Gulf Coast and fires surged on the West Coast and in the Rocky Mountain region .

Is that the typical cough? Or do I have the coronavirus?
It’s a thought running through firefighters’ minds this year, Jim Whittington, a wildland fire expert based in Medford, Ore., said in an interview. “Smoke affects your respiratory system and affects the immune system. Firefighters get sick throughout the fire season,” Whittington said. So it’s natural for firefighters as they work during the COVID-19 pandemic to wonder if they caught the virus, he said.
“Are you coming down with just a regular wildland fire hacking cough that everybody gets every year, or is this COVID?” said Whittington. “Then the rumors start.” When firefighters see their colleagues get tested for the virus, the fear that one of their own may be positive can disturb an entire crew, he said.
Half a year after it clamped down on America and upended daily life, the coronavirus, which has killed more than 180,000 Americans, has transformed how first responders fight natural disasters, like wildfires, hurricanes and floods, and changed how the public evacuates during a crisis.
Those changes were on display last week as Hurricane Laura battered the Gulf Coast and fires surged on the West Coast and in the Rocky Mountain region.


rollcall--2020-09-01--GOP women’s group launches negative ad against Iowa Rep. Abby Finkenauer

Winning for Women , a group supporting GOP women candidates , is launching a new attack against Iowa Democratic Rep. @ @ @ @ @ who flipped a Republican district two years ago .
The 30-second spot is part of @ @ @ @ @ buy on broadcast networks in the Cedar Rapids media market from the group ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Action Fund , according to information shared first with CQ Roll Call .
The ad @ @ @ @ @ Speaker Nancy Pelosi and supporting proxy voting , which was implemented due to the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ ’ t even have to show up to work anymore , ” the ad ’ @ @ @ @ @ of Pelosi showing the ice cream in her fridge .
The ad also features footage @ @ @ @ @ for Congress to get things done , accusing Finkenauer of getting things “ done for @ @ @ @ @ House races and competitive Senate race will attract plenty of outside spending , but Winning @ @ @ @ @ is the first negative spending against Finkenauer .

A super PAC linked to Winning for Women, a group supporting GOP women candidates, is launching a new attack against Iowa Democratic Rep. Abby Finkenauer, a freshman who flipped a Republican district two years ago.
The 30-second spot is part of a “six-figure” ad buy on broadcast networks in the Cedar Rapids media market from WFW Action Fund, according to information shared first with CQ Roll Call.
The ad knocks Finkenauer for voting for Speaker Nancy Pelosi and supporting proxy voting, which was implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“They don’t even have to show up to work anymore,” the ad’s narrators says over footage of Pelosi showing the ice cream in her fridge. The ad also features footage of Finkenauer saying she ran for Congress to get things done, accusing Finkenauer of getting things “done for Pelosi.”
Iowa’s House races and competitive Senate race will attract plenty of outside spending, but Winning for Women’s ad is the first negative spending against Finkenauer.


rollcall--2020-09-01--Cognitive diversity and the smart team

Cognitive diversity and the smart team

Uri Ort and Reece Akhtar , co-founders of the AI psychometrics tool Deeper Signals , walk listeners through how differences @ @ @ @ @ interpret the world impact how companies innovate .
• What do the US sanctions of @ @ @ @ @ fintech ?

Uri Ort and Reece Akhtar, co-founders of the AI psychometrics tool Deeper Signals, walk listeners through how differences in how people think and interpret the world impact how companies innovate.
More podcast content
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-09-01--With ballots about to go out in North Carolina, veterans super PAC drops $2.7M against Tillis

As the North Carolina Senate race hits a pivotal stretch , the VoteVets super PAC is launching a $ 2.7 million ad campaign to boost Democratic challenger Cal Cunningham ’ s bid to unseat Sen. Thom Tillis .
Cunningham , who served active duty tours in Iraq and Afghanistan with the Army Reserve , has led Tillis in recent polls .
The new ad buy is the latest effort by outside groups that have already flooded the state with nearly $ 40 million in independent expenditures .
The race , rated a Toss-up by Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Senate next year .
The VoteVets ads won ’ t be the only new paid message North Carolina voters will get this week .
The conservative group Americans for Prosperity is also launching a digital ad buy beginning Tuesday supporting Tillis , part of a larger effort the organization will run in other Senate battlegrounds , including Montana , Georgia and Texas .
The dueling organizations say they have no plans to let up .
And as North Carolina elections officials prepare to mail ballots on Sept. 4 to voters who requested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups say they plan to keep up the push to sway voters all the way until the end .
“ We ’ re going to continue to spend , ” said VoteVets ’ Jon Soltz .
“ This is the launch of the final stretch , and we continue to make Cal one of our top priorities .
”

As the North Carolina Senate race hits a pivotal stretch, the VoteVets super PAC is launching a $2.7 million ad campaign to boost Democratic challenger Cal Cunningham’s bid to unseat Sen. Thom Tillis.
Cunningham, who served active duty tours in Iraq and Afghanistan with the Army Reserve, has led Tillis in recent polls. The new ad buy is the latest effort by outside groups that have already flooded the state with nearly $40 million in independent expenditures. The race, rated a Toss-up by Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales, will help determine which party controls the Senate next year.
The VoteVets ads won’t be the only new paid message North Carolina voters will get this week. The conservative group Americans for Prosperity is also launching a digital ad buy beginning Tuesday supporting Tillis, part of a larger effort the organization will run in other Senate battlegrounds, including Montana, Georgia and Texas.


rollcall--2020-09-01--With relief talks stalled, White House orders eviction ban

The White House announced on Tuesday a blanket eviction ban through the end of the year covering nearly all residential renters , asserting the authority to do so through public health authorities provided to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent further spread of the coronavirus .
Renters who ca n't pay their lease due to COVID-19 will be able to go onto the CDC website to fill out a form seeking eviction protection .
According to senior administration officials on a background press briefing , that CDC-granted order would bar residential landlords from pursuing eviction against tenants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the pandemic .
“ Today 's announcement from [ the Trump ] administration means that people struggling to pay rent due to the coronavirus will not have to worry about being evicted and risk further spread of , or exposure to , the disease due to economic hardship , ” Deputy White House Press Secretary Brian Morgenstern told reporters .
“ The administration has also made federal funds available to alleviate any economic impacts to tenants , landlords and property owners.
” No additional funds were made available on Tuesday , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that this referred to funds given to states and localities in March as part of the $ 2 trillion economic relief package and earlier appropriations .
Landlords , who have joined renter-advocate groups in calling for an additional $ 100 billion in direct aid , may face an uptick in unpaid rents , which could disrupt the mortgage bond market .

The White House announced on Tuesday a blanket eviction ban through the end of the year covering nearly all residential renters, asserting the authority to do so through public health authorities provided to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent further spread of the coronavirus.
Renters who can't pay their lease due to COVID-19 will be able to go onto the CDC website to fill out a form seeking eviction protection. According to senior administration officials on a background press briefing, that CDC-granted order would bar residential landlords from pursuing eviction against tenants for failing to pay the rent because of the pandemic.
“Today's announcement from [the Trump] administration means that people struggling to pay rent due to the coronavirus will not have to worry about being evicted and risk further spread of, or exposure to, the disease due to economic hardship,” Deputy White House Press Secretary Brian Morgenstern told reporters. “The administration has also made federal funds available to alleviate any economic impacts to tenants, landlords and property owners.”
No additional funds were made available on Tuesday, and the senior White House officials later clarified that this referred to funds given to states and localities in March as part of the $2 trillion economic relief package and earlier appropriations. Landlords, who have joined renter-advocate groups in calling for an additional $100 billion in direct aid, may face an uptick in unpaid rents, which could disrupt the mortgage bond market.
[Trump signs COVID-19 economic relief actions]


rollcall--2020-09-01--Clyburn to Mnuchin: This is a ‘call to action’

House Democrats overseeing pandemic relief called on Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to resume negotiations on a new aid package , saying more help was needed quickly to shore up a faltering economy .
The Democratic majority of the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis used a hearing Tuesday to press Mnuchin on aid talks , which have stalled for months over the size and shape of a new relief package .
A phone call last week between White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California yielded no progress .
“ Today ’ s hearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the subcommittee ’ s chairman , James E. Clyburn , a South Carolina Democrat .
“ Secretary Mnuchin , I hope you will return to the negotiating table prepared to find common cause on legislation that meets the pressing needs of American families and communities that are hurting from this crisis.
” Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters of California asked Mnuchin whether he would support Pelosi ’ s revised bottom line of a $ 2.2 trillion package — down from the $ 3.4 trillion House Democrats sought in the package they passed on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said over the weekend that the White House was prepared to support only $ 1.3 trillion .

House Democrats overseeing pandemic relief called on Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to resume negotiations on a new aid package, saying more help was needed quickly to shore up a faltering economy.
The Democratic majority of the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis used a hearing Tuesday to press Mnuchin on aid talks, which have stalled for months over the size and shape of a new relief package. A phone call last week between White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California yielded no progress.
“Today’s hearing is a call to action,” said the subcommittee’s chairman, James E. Clyburn, a South Carolina Democrat. “Secretary Mnuchin, I hope you will return to the negotiating table prepared to find common cause on legislation that meets the pressing needs of American families and communities that are hurting from this crisis.”
Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters of California asked Mnuchin whether he would support Pelosi’s revised bottom line of a $2.2 trillion package — down from the $3.4 trillion House Democrats sought in the package they passed on a party-line vote in May. Meadows said over the weekend that the White House was prepared to support only $1.3 trillion.


rollcall--2020-09-02--Doctors’ fees may mean a ‘free’ COVID-19 vaccine isn’t free

Millions of uninsured Americans seeking a COVID-19 vaccine could be on the hook for a fee if health care providers @ @ @ @ @ So even while the federal government has purchased millions of doses of vaccine in deals @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s not clear everyone will be able to get one for free .
@ @ @ @ @ don ’ t charge for a vaccine itself , they can charge an “ administrative @ @ @ @ @ a financial incentive to provide the vaccine , and covers costs associated with storage and @ @ @ @ @ time , but it also imposes another barrier to vaccination , according to Claire Hannan @ @ @ @ @ Association of Immunization Managers , which works with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention @ @ @ @ @ .
Though the fees are likely to be capped by federal officials , any fee @ @ @ @ @ reduce vaccination rates among some of the same people most exposed to infection .

Millions of uninsured Americans seeking a COVID-19 vaccine could be on the hook for a fee if health care providers charge to administer it.
So even while the federal government has purchased millions of doses of vaccine in deals worth billions of dollars, it’s not clear everyone will be able to get one for free.
Even if pharmacists and doctors don’t charge for a vaccine itself, they can charge an “administrative fee.”
This fee offers a financial incentive to provide the vaccine, and covers costs associated with storage and the health care providers’ time, but it also imposes another barrier to vaccination, according to Claire Hannan, executive director of the Association of Immunization Managers, which works with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and states to implement immunization.
Though the fees are likely to be capped by federal officials, any fee will frustrate uninsured Americans and reduce vaccination rates among some of the same people most exposed to infection.


rollcall--2020-09-02--Republican women could add to House ranks, but Senate outlook uncertain

Republican women in Congress sounded the alarm over their dwindling ranks after the 2018 midterms .
Now , with most 2020 primaries in the rear view , they appear poised to boost their numbers in the House next year , but only slightly — while the Senate could see fewer Republican women .
A record number of GOP women ran for federal office this cycle , a promising sign for those in the party who want to boost Republican female representation from the current 13 in the House and nine in the Senate .
But primaries and fundraising still proved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican women who filed to run for the House , 90 were nominated .
That ’ s a record , and nearly 70 percent above the previous the high of 53 in 2004 , according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University .
But not all of them are in winnable seats .
Even in some of the best-case scenarios for Republicans , women would make up just 10 percent of GOP lawmakers in the House and the Senate next year .
“ We ’ re going to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Indiana GOP Rep. Susan W. Brooks said in a Tuesday phone interview .

Republican women in Congress sounded the alarm over their dwindling ranks after the 2018 midterms. Now, with most 2020 primaries in the rear view, they appear poised to boost their numbers in the House next year, but only slightly — while the Senate could see fewer Republican women.
A record number of GOP women ran for federal office this cycle, a promising sign for those in the party who want to boost Republican female representation from the current 13 in the House and nine in the Senate. But primaries and fundraising still proved to be obstacles.
Of the 227 Republican women who filed to run for the House, 90 were nominated. That’s a record, and nearly 70 percent above the previous the high of 53 in 2004, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University.
But not all of them are in winnable seats. Even in some of the best-case scenarios for Republicans, women would make up just 10 percent of GOP lawmakers in the House and the Senate next year.
“We’re going to have to rebuild, and we know that,” Indiana GOP Rep. Susan W. Brooks said in a Tuesday phone interview.


rollcall--2020-09-01--A Massachusetts first: Kennedy loses Senate primary to Markey

Sen. Edward J. Markey triumphed in the toughest fight of his near 44-year Capitol Hill career Tuesday , making Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy III the first member of the Kennedy dynasty to lose a Massachusetts election .
Markey , 74 , won the Democratic Senate primary by rallying progressive Democrats to his cause and contrasting his own working-class roots with those of an opponent whose namesake and great-grandfather , Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. , groomed his son John F. Kennedy to be president and sons Edward M. and Robert F. — the 39-year-old candidate ’ s grandfather — to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ double digits in early polls , was leading Kennedy 55 percent to 45 percent when The Associated Press called the race at 10:30 p.m. Eastern time .
“ Tonight is more than just a celebration of a movement , it is a reaffirmation of the need to have a progressive movement of young people demanding radical change , ” Markey said in his victory speech Tuesday night .
“ Today is just the beginning.
” Prominent endorsements from liberal stars such as New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and fellow Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his fundraising — as he portrayed himself as the true progressive in the race .
Markey , whose father was a milkman and union member , also took aim at Kennedy ’ s patrician lineage .

Sen. Edward J. Markey triumphed in the toughest fight of his near 44-year Capitol Hill career Tuesday, making Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy III the first member of the Kennedy dynasty to lose a Massachusetts election.
Markey, 74, won the Democratic Senate primary by rallying progressive Democrats to his cause and contrasting his own working-class roots with those of an opponent whose namesake and great-grandfather, Joseph P. Kennedy Sr., groomed his son John F. Kennedy to be president and sons Edward M. and Robert F. — the 39-year-old candidate’s grandfather — to be senators.
Markey, who trailed by double digits in early polls, was leading Kennedy 55 percent to 45 percent when The Associated Press called the race at 10:30 p.m. Eastern time.
“Tonight is more than just a celebration of a movement, it is a reaffirmation of the need to have a progressive movement of young people demanding radical change,” Markey said in his victory speech Tuesday night. “Today is just the beginning.”
Prominent endorsements from liberal stars such as New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and fellow Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren helped fuel Markey’s comeback — and his fundraising — as he portrayed himself as the true progressive in the race. Markey, whose father was a milkman and union member, also took aim at Kennedy’s patrician lineage.


rollcall--2020-09-01--Massachusetts primary: Neal fends off challenge from Morse

Massachusetts Rep. Richard E. Neal , who over his 16 terms in Congress has risen to the top of one of the House ’ s most seminal committees , overcame a Democratic primary challenge from his left Tuesday by defeating Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse , who had criticized him for a cozy rapport with corporate interests .
Neal was leading Morse 61 percent to 39 percent when The Associated Press called the primary for the 1st District in Western Massachusetts at 9:42 p.m. Eastern time .
Neal , who holds the gavel of the tax-writing and health care-focused Ways and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House in 1988 , just months before Morse was born .
In other contested Democratic primaries , Reps. Steven F. Lynch and Seth Moulton both comfortably won renomination .
A there was a nine-way battle in the 4th District for the seat Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy III vacated to what turned out to be an unsuccessful run for the Senate against Democratic incumbent Edward J. Markey .
The Neal-Morse race followed a similar pattern to other recent challenges to Democratic incumbents , some successful , in which younger , more liberal upstarts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party to the left from their safe Democratic seats — something akin to the right ’ s tea party movement .

Massachusetts Rep. Richard E. Neal, who over his 16 terms in Congress has risen to the top of one of the House’s most seminal committees, overcame a Democratic primary challenge from his left Tuesday by defeating Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse, who had criticized him for a cozy rapport with corporate interests.
Neal was leading Morse 61 percent to 39 percent when The Associated Press called the primary for the 1st District in Western Massachusetts at 9:42 p.m. Eastern time.
Neal, who holds the gavel of the tax-writing and health care-focused Ways and Means panel, was first elected to the House in 1988, just months before Morse was born.
In other contested Democratic primaries, Reps. Steven F. Lynch and Seth Moulton both comfortably won renomination. A there was a nine-way battle in the 4th District for the seat Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy III vacated to what turned out to be an unsuccessful run for the Senate against Democratic incumbent Edward J. Markey.
‘Our own little tea party thing’
The Neal-Morse race followed a similar pattern to other recent challenges to Democratic incumbents, some successful, in which younger, more liberal upstarts argued that they’d move the party to the left from their safe Democratic seats — something akin to the right’s tea party movement.


rollcall--2020-09-02--Trump administration requests funds for agencies hurt by the pandemic

The White House is asking Congress to include half a dozen pandemic-related fixes in the next stopgap funding measure if they are not put into any future COVID-19 relief legislation first .
In a 23-page “ anomalies ” document obtained by CQ Roll Call , the Office of Management and Budget on Wednesday requested dozens more adjustments in spending in a continuing resolution that would extend fiscal 2020 spending levels into the next fiscal year that begins Oct. 1 .
The request would cover adjustments in appropriations laws funding agriculture programs , defense , homeland security and other federal programs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December .
Without adjustments , the stopgap would generally continue spending at current year levels until Congress passes and the president signs fiscal 2021 appropriations bills .
A stopgap is needed because with only weeks until the next fiscal year begins , none of the 12 fiscal 2021 appropriations bills has been signed into law .
The House and Senate Appropriations committees have been working on a stopgap measure that Congress will seek to pass later this month before funding expires Sept. 30 in order to avoid a partial government shutdown .
Congressional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been trying to reach agreement on another package to provide $ 1 trillion or more in aid to individuals , businesses and state and local governments hurt by the pandemic and economic shutdowns .
In many cases the adjustments requested by the administration would allow federal agencies to access alternate sources of funds because the economic shutdowns across the country have caused regular funding sources to dry up .

The White House is asking Congress to include half a dozen pandemic-related fixes in the next stopgap funding measure if they are not put into any future COVID-19 relief legislation first.
In a 23-page “anomalies” document obtained by CQ Roll Call, the Office of Management and Budget on Wednesday requested dozens more adjustments in spending in a continuing resolution that would extend fiscal 2020 spending levels into the next fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. The request would cover adjustments in appropriations laws funding agriculture programs, defense, homeland security and other federal programs needed through the middle or end of December.
Without adjustments, the stopgap would generally continue spending at current year levels until Congress passes and the president signs fiscal 2021 appropriations bills. A stopgap is needed because with only weeks until the next fiscal year begins, none of the 12 fiscal 2021 appropriations bills has been signed into law.
The House and Senate Appropriations committees have been working on a stopgap measure that Congress will seek to pass later this month before funding expires Sept. 30 in order to avoid a partial government shutdown. Congressional leaders and the White House also have been trying to reach agreement on another package to provide $1 trillion or more in aid to individuals, businesses and state and local governments hurt by the pandemic and economic shutdowns.


rollcall--2020-09-02--Internal Census document:  Shorter count risks ‘serious errors’

Census Bureau officials concluded the shortened timeframe for the 2020 count could lead to “ serious errors ” in the data used to apportion congressional seats and more , according to an internal agency document released Wednesday by congressional Democrats .
The document , which appears to be part of an Aug. 3 presentation marked “ not for public distribution , ” outlines several risks presented by the current plan to end in-person counting on Sept. 30 .
Previously , administration officials said they were confident the agency could complete the count in the abbreviated timeframe and deliver accurate data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 1.5 trillion in federal spending each year .
However , the Census Bureau document released by House Oversight and Reform Committee said the fast-tracked timeline not only threatens the accuracy of the headcount but the time needed afterward to review the information , which “ creates risk for serious errors not being discovered in the data — thereby significantly decreasing data quality.
” Committee Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney , D-N.Y. , cited the internal agency document in a letter to congressional leaders urging them to pass legislation to extend the current mandated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of April 2021 .
The House of Representatives passed a deadline extension as part of a coronavirus relief bill earlier this year , and bipartisan members of both chambers have called for the Senate to act on the extension .
“ The Census Bureau professionals said that ’ s not enough time to get an accurate count , ” Maloney told reporters during a press conference Wednesday .
“ This is an outrage , this is wrong .
”

Census Bureau officials concluded the shortened timeframe for the 2020 count could lead to “serious errors” in the data used to apportion congressional seats and more, according to an internal agency document released Wednesday by congressional Democrats.
The document, which appears to be part of an Aug. 3 presentation marked “not for public distribution,” outlines several risks presented by the current plan to end in-person counting on Sept. 30. Previously, administration officials said they were confident the agency could complete the count in the abbreviated timeframe and deliver accurate data used to apportion the House and guide $1.5 trillion in federal spending each year.
However, the Census Bureau document released by House Oversight and Reform Committee said the fast-tracked timeline not only threatens the accuracy of the headcount but the time needed afterward to review the information, which “creates risk for serious errors not being discovered in the data — thereby significantly decreasing data quality.”
Committee Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney, D-N.Y., cited the internal agency document in a letter to congressional leaders urging them to pass legislation to extend the current mandated Dec. 31 deadline to finish operations until the end of April 2021. The House of Representatives passed a deadline extension as part of a coronavirus relief bill earlier this year, and bipartisan members of both chambers have called for the Senate to act on the extension.
“The Census Bureau professionals said that’s not enough time to get an accurate count,” Maloney told reporters during a press conference Wednesday. “This is an outrage, this is wrong.”


CQ Future: Travel

As Labor Day approaches , it got us wondering about the lasting impact the COVID-19 pandemic will have on travel @ @ @ @ @ Emerson Barnes , executive vice president of public affairs and policy at the U.S. Travel @ @ @ @ @ .
• Republican women could add to House ranks , but Senate outlook uncertain • @ @ @ @ @ is a ‘ call to action ’

Shawn Zeller, Evan Campbell, and Joanne Levine

As Labor Day approaches, it got us wondering about the lasting impact the COVID-19 pandemic will have on travel. We turned to Tori Emerson Barnes, executive vice president of public affairs and policy at the U.S. Travel Association, for some answers.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-09-03--Pelosi, Mnuchin plan ‘clean’ CR, but length, other details unclear

An agreement between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to pursue a “ clean ” stopgap spending measure significantly reduces the chances of a government shutdown at month 's end but leaves most other funding questions unanswered .
Tuesday 's accord , days before Congress prepares to return from summer recess , shows that neither President Donald Trump nor Republican or Democratic lawmakers see a political advantage in risking a partial shutdown just ahead of the elections .
The agreement on a “ clean ” stopgap may be shorthand for avoiding “ poison pills ” or other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measure 's enactment .
Nevertheless , the door is open to potentially dozens of tweaks to spending provisions and temporary extensions of expiring programs , which often ride on a stopgap , Republican and Democratic aides familiar with the process said .
The White House requested three dozen adjustments or “ anomalies ” to current fiscal 2020 spending laws that would be extended into the next fiscal year in a stopgap , and another 51 extensions of , or legislative tweaks to , federal programs set to expire before the end of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committees have compiled their own lists of adjustments after conversations with agency officials .
One looming question is the stopgap 's length , something Mnuchin and Pelosi , D-Calif. , did not discuss , aides familiar with their phone conversation Tuesday said .

An agreement between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to pursue a “clean” stopgap spending measure significantly reduces the chances of a government shutdown at month's end but leaves most other funding questions unanswered.
Tuesday's accord, days before Congress prepares to return from summer recess, shows that neither President Donald Trump nor Republican or Democratic lawmakers see a political advantage in risking a partial shutdown just ahead of the elections.
The agreement on a “clean” stopgap may be shorthand for avoiding “poison pills” or other controversial provisions that could hamper such a measure's enactment. Nevertheless, the door is open to potentially dozens of tweaks to spending provisions and temporary extensions of expiring programs, which often ride on a stopgap, Republican and Democratic aides familiar with the process said.
The White House requested three dozen adjustments or “anomalies” to current fiscal 2020 spending laws that would be extended into the next fiscal year in a stopgap, and another 51 extensions of, or legislative tweaks to, federal programs set to expire before the end of the year. The House and Senate Appropriations committees have compiled their own lists of adjustments after conversations with agency officials.


rollcall--2020-09-03--At the Races: Land of Kennedy? Louisiana

Welcome to At the Races !
Each week we ’ ll bring you news and analysis from the CQ Roll @ @ @ @ @ you informed about the 2020 election .
Know someone who ’ d like to get @ @ @ @ @ subscribe here .
Joe Biden ’ s campaign stop in Wisconsin today has renewed attention @ @ @ @ @ Midwestern battleground states could play in the presidential election .
But even as presidential campaigns @ @ @ @ @ it will be tough for Republicans to pick up House seats there .
Five of @ @ @ @ @ held by Democrats are in Wisconsin , Minnesota and Michigan — states where both presidential @ @ @ @ @ considerable amounts of time and money in the fall .
The NRCC put all of @ @ @ @ @ list at the beginning of the 2020 cycle .
But the odds of flipping them @ @ @ @ @ struggle to match Democrats ’ fundraising advantages and defend a widening map .

Stephanie Akin, Bridget Bowman, and Kate Ackley

Welcome to At the Races! Each week we’ll bring you news and analysis from the CQ Roll Call team that will keep you informed about the 2020 election. Know someone who’d like to get this newsletter? They can subscribe here.
Joe Biden’s campaign stop in Wisconsin today has renewed attention to the outsize role Upper Midwestern battleground states could play in the presidential election.
But even as presidential campaigns compete in the region, it will be tough for Republicans to pick up House seats there.
Five of the 30 Trump House seats held by Democrats are in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan — states where both presidential campaigns have committed to spending considerable amounts of time and money in the fall.
The NRCC put all of those seats on its target list at the beginning of the 2020 cycle. But the odds of flipping them have gotten worse as Republicans struggle to match Democrats’ fundraising advantages and defend a widening map.


rollcall--2020-09-03--Capitol Police chief directed weaker look into sexual discrimination claim, attorney says

“ We do not comment on ongoing litigation , ” Eva Malecki , a spokesperson for the department , wrote in an email to CQ Roll Call .
The Office of Professional Responsibility has oversight of investigations into the conduct of Capitol Police officers .
It “ records and investigates allegations of misconduct by Department employees generated from within the Department or outside sources , ” according to the Capitol Police website .
A 2012 Capitol Police directive says employees who believe they have been victims of discrimination can seek assistance from a management official with whom they are comfortable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discrimination are also advised they can contact the Office of Professional Responsibility .
That directive was produced as part of another sex discrimination case against the department .
Alderman noted that because VanMeter went to Sund with her claim , the matter should have been referred to OPR by Sund .
“ This is how employers do it when they don ’ t want to hold their people accountable , ” Alderman said .
“ OPR is the part of the Capitol Police that is used to investigate its own members and hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there ’ s a good reason why the policies assign this kind of thing to OPR.
” VanMeter is suing the Capitol Police alleging she was dismissed from the canine unit ’ s training program on the basis of her sex and disability .
Additionally , the lawsuit is proceeding with a retaliation claim .
The veteran officer alleges that her training supervisor , Phelps , told her in the third week of a 14-week program that he planned to fail her , a comment he did not make to the male officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meter also alleges Phelps assigned her a dog whose chance of successfully completing training was in doubt and that Phelps “ belittled ” her after she told him she had anxiety .

“We do not comment on ongoing litigation,” Eva Malecki, a spokesperson for the department, wrote in an email to CQ Roll Call.
The Office of Professional Responsibility has oversight of investigations into the conduct of Capitol Police officers. It “records and investigates allegations of misconduct by Department employees generated from within the Department or outside sources,” according to the Capitol Police website.
A 2012 Capitol Police directive says employees who believe they have been victims of discrimination can seek assistance from a management official with whom they are comfortable discussing the matter. Employees facing possible discrimination are also advised they can contact the Office of Professional Responsibility. That directive was produced as part of another sex discrimination case against the department. Alderman noted that because VanMeter went to Sund with her claim, the matter should have been referred to OPR by Sund.
“This is how employers do it when they don’t want to hold their people accountable,” Alderman said. “OPR is the part of the Capitol Police that is used to investigate its own members and hold them accountable when they do wrong and there’s a good reason why the policies assign this kind of thing to OPR.”
VanMeter is suing the Capitol Police alleging she was dismissed from the canine unit’s training program on the basis of her sex and disability. Additionally, the lawsuit is proceeding with a retaliation claim. The veteran officer alleges that her training supervisor, Phelps, told her in the third week of a 14-week program that he planned to fail her, a comment he did not make to the male officers, according to the lawsuit. Van Meter also alleges Phelps assigned her a dog whose chance of successfully completing training was in doubt and that Phelps “belittled” her after she told him she had anxiety.


rollcall--2020-09-03--Behind the scenes: ‘Surge’ follows 2018 wave of women candidates

In the final days of her 2018 campaign , Lauren Underwood was sitting in a car , looking on her phone at a 1957 picture of a white woman angrily screaming at a young Black woman as she went to class at Little Rock Central High School .
“ It just hit me , that that is what yesterday was .
And it ’ s painful and difficult and unpleasant , ” Underwood said , referring to how her opponent in Illinois ’ 14th District , GOP Rep. Randy Hultgren , questioned her roots in the district and her credentials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were saying is that I am not who I claim to be , ” Underwood said at the time .
“ And it had nothing to do with the qualifications to be a member of Congress .
Nothing.
” The scene unfolds in the new film “ Surge , ” a documentary that followed Underwood and two other Democratic women as they tried to unseat Republican House members in 2018 , and who were part of a wave of women candidates running for office .
“ Surge ” premieres on Showtime next week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who directed and produced the film , said in an interview Wednesday that they wanted to capture what appeared to be history in the making .
Following President Donald Trump ’ s election in 2016 and the historic Women ’ s March the day after his 2017 inauguration , a record number of women became candidates for office .

In the final days of her 2018 campaign, Lauren Underwood was sitting in a car, looking on her phone at a 1957 picture of a white woman angrily screaming at a young Black woman as she went to class at Little Rock Central High School.
“It just hit me, that that is what yesterday was. And it’s painful and difficult and unpleasant,” Underwood said, referring to how her opponent in Illinois’ 14th District, Republican Rep. Randy Hultgren, questioned her roots in the district and her credentials as a nurse.
“What they were saying is that I am not who I claim to be,” Underwood said at the time. “And it had nothing to do with the qualifications to be a member of Congress. Nothing.”
The scene unfolds in the new film “Surge,” a documentary that followed Underwood and two other Democratic women as they tried to unseat House GOP members in 2018, and who were part of a wave of female candidates running for office. “Surge” premieres on Showtime next week.
Capturing history
Wendy Sachs and Hannah Rosenzweig, who directed and produced the film, said in an interview Wednesday that they wanted to capture what appeared to be history in the making. Following President Donald Trump’s election in 2016 and the historic Women’s March the day after his 2017 inauguration, a record number of women became candidates for office.


rollcall--2020-09-04--Auchincloss wins primary in Massachusetts’ 4th District

Jake Auchincloss narrowly edged out Jesse Mermell and a crowded field of fellow Democrats to win Tuesday ’ s primary in Massachusetts ’ 4th District to pick Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy III ’ s successor .
Auchincloss , a Newton City Council member who had the backing of a super PAC that collected political money from his family members , is poised to go to Congress next year from the deeply Democratic district that Kennedy ditched in favor of running for Senate .
Kennedy lost his primary challenge Tuesday to incumbent Sen. Edward J. Markey .
Republicans nominated Julie Hall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got 63 percent of the vote in a primary against David Rosa .
Auchincloss , also a veteran , served in the U.S. Marines .
In the Democratic primary , Mermell came in a close second in the nine-candidate race , and the race was too close to call until Friday .
Auchincloss took 22.4 percent of the vote to Mermell ’ s 21.1 percent after the vote-counting stretched through the week .
Mermell , a former aide to the state ’ s then-Gov .
Deval Patrick and a one-time vice president for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Massachusetts , is viewed as a more progressive candidate than Auchincloss .

Jake Auchincloss narrowly edged out Jesse Mermell and a crowded field of fellow Democrats to win Tuesday’s primary in Massachusetts’ 4th District to pick Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy III’s successor.
Auchincloss, a Newton City Council member who had the backing of a super PAC that collected political money from his family members, is poised to go to Congress next year from the deeply Democratic district that Kennedy ditched in favor of running for Senate. Kennedy lost his primary challenge Tuesday to incumbent Sen. Edward J. Markey.
Republicans nominated Julie Hall, an Air Force veteran, who got 63 percent of the vote in a primary against David Rosa. Auchincloss, also a veteran, served in the U.S. Marines.
In the Democratic primary, Mermell came in a close second in the nine-candidate race, and the race was too close to call until Friday. Auchincloss took 22.4 percent of the vote to Mermell’s 21.1 percent after the vote-counting stretched through the week.
Mermell, a former aide to the state’s then-Gov. Deval Patrick and a one-time vice president for external affairs at Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, is viewed as a more progressive candidate than Auchincloss.


rollcall--2020-09-07--What to watch in New Hampshire, Rhode Island primaries this week

Two of the nation ’ s final primary contests of the cycle will be decided Tuesday , in New Hampshire @ @ @ @ @ one of the most interesting tests will be over the power of someone who ’ @ @ @ @ @ : President Donald Trump .
Republicans in the Granite State will pick their nominees to @ @ @ @ @ Shaheen and freshman Rep. Chris Pappas in the 1st District .
Trump has endorsed candidates @ @ @ @ @ each faces a contest for the nomination .
Pappas is on the GOP ’ s @ @ @ @ @ carried his seat by less than 2 points in 2016 while barely losing statewide .
@ @ @ @ @ Tuesday but is not seen as vulnerable .
“ She doesn ’ t have any @ @ @ @ @ , a political science professor and polling director at the University of New Hampshire , @ @ @ @ @ Here ’ s what to watch in Tuesday ’ s races .

Two of the nation’s final primary contests of the cycle will be decided Tuesday, in New Hampshire and Rhode Island, but one of the most interesting tests will be over the power of someone who’s not on the ballot: President Donald Trump.
Republicans in the Granite State will pick their nominees to face two-term Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and freshman Rep. Chris Pappas in the 1st District. Trump has endorsed candidates in those primaries, but each faces a contest for the nomination.
Pappas is on the GOP’s radar this year because Trump carried his seat by less than 2 points in 2016 while barely losing statewide. Shaheen faces a Democratic challenger Tuesday but is not seen as vulnerable.
“She doesn’t have any contest,” Andrew Smith, a political science professor and polling director at the University of New Hampshire, said of the senator.
Here’s what to watch in Tuesday’s races.


rollcall--2020-09-08--Debt levels set to break records

Debt levels set to break records

A dire outlook for a ballooning deficit is the latest hit to the U.S. economy , according to a new @ @ @ @ @ CQ Roll Call ’ s David Lerman and Paul Krawzak break down how the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ and examine the bleak future for the Social Security and Medicare trust funds .
• @ @ @ @ @ agencies hurt by the pandemic • No ground given in coronavirus aid talks after Pelosi @ @ @ @ @ Mnuchin : This is a ‘ call to action ’

David Lerman, Paul M. Krawzak, and Evan Campbell

A dire outlook for a ballooning deficit is the latest hit to the U.S. economy, according to a new Congressional Budget Office report. CQ Roll Call’s David Lerman and Paul Krawzak break down how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the deficit and examine the bleak future for the Social Security and Medicare trust funds.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-09-08--Isolated from constituents and colleagues, lawmakers seek bearings

ANALYSIS — During a typical August recess , Rep. Tom Cole travels his district , from Oklahoma City to its southern suburbs all the way to the Texas border .
He holds town hall meetings .
He tries to get a sense for where his constituents stand on the issues facing Congress in its fall session .
That didn ’ t happen this year because of the coronavirus .
“ I feel more out of touch with my own district than I ever have during my congressional career , ” says Cole , who in his 9th term is now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It isn ’ t the only way Cole says he ’ s struggling to keep grounded .
In the Capitol , during the pandemic , hearings are conducted over the internet .
Scores of House members don ’ t come to the floor to vote , casting their ballots by proxy instead .
In a district that went overwhelmingly for President Donald Trump in 2016 — Trump beat Democrat Hillary Clinton by more than 37 points there — and in which Cole hasn ’ t had a tough race since his first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s easy to forget how diverse American views are .
“ The districts on both sides are very homogeneous these days , politically , so a lot of members do n't really get exposed to the other point of view until they 're in a committee meeting or there on the floor , ” Cole says .
Add one more cost to the pandemic ’ s growing pile : It ’ s making an already polarized Congress even more so .

ANALYSIS — During a typical August recess, Rep. Tom Cole travels his district, from Oklahoma City to its southern suburbs all the way to the Texas border. He holds town hall meetings. He tries to get a sense for where his constituents stand on the issues facing Congress in its fall session.
That didn’t happen this year because of the coronavirus. “I feel more out of touch with my own district than I ever have during my congressional career,” said Cole, who in his ninth term is now the top Republican on the Rules Committee.
It isn’t the only way Cole says he’s struggling to keep grounded. In the Capitol, during the pandemic, hearings are conducted over the internet. Scores of House members don’t come to the floor to vote, casting their ballots by proxy instead. In a district that went overwhelmingly for President Donald Trump in 2016 — Trump beat Democrat Hillary Clinton by more than 37 points there — and in which Cole hasn’t had a tough race since his first one, in 2002, it’s easy to forget how diverse American views are.
“The districts on both sides are very homogeneous these days, politically, so a lot of members don’t really get exposed to the other point of view until they’re in a committee meeting or there on the floor,” Cole said.
Add one more cost to the pandemic’s growing pile: It’s making an already polarized Congress even more so.


rollcall--2020-09-08--Jobs recovery is slowing, but congressional CPR not expected

The August jobs report showed America ’ s economic recovery slowing down , but Washington analysts doubt the figures will be enough to jostle Congress out of its deadlock over additional stimulus .
The economy added 1.4 million nonfarm jobs in August , bringing the unemployment rate down to 8.4 percent , the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday .
That ’ s less than the revised 1.7 million nonfarm jobs added in July , and the 4.8 million added in June .
Economists worry that the slowing pace of job creation may smother hopes for the economy ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus .
“ The labor market recovery has slowed down a fair bit and while things are improving for some people , the hopes of a quick and complete recovery are gone , ” said Nick Bunker , director of research at Indeed Hiring Lab .
“ Unless there is some big reversal in terms of public policy or the virus itself , we ’ re not going to see a sharp return to where we were before the virus.
” But congressional observers don ’ t expect the weak jobs numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s taken hold of Capitol Hill since June .
“ I think a lot of people will still argue we ’ re making progress , even if it 's insufficient , ” said Brian Riedl , a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and former staffer for Sen .
Rob Portman , R-Ohio .
“ In order to shake Congress , you ’ d need a disastrous job report — one where the unemployment rate is rising , or the number of jobs created is extremely low .
I don ’ t think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ break the logjam in Congress . ''

The August jobs report showed America’s economic recovery slowing down, but Washington analysts doubt the figures will be enough to jostle Congress out of its deadlock over additional stimulus.
The economy added 1.4 million nonfarm jobs in August, bringing the unemployment rate down to 8.4 percent, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday. That’s less than the revised 1.7 million nonfarm jobs added in July, and the 4.8 million added in June. Economists worry that the slowing pace of job creation may smother hopes for the economy’s quick convalesce from the havoc wreaked by the coronavirus.
“The labor market recovery has slowed down a fair bit and while things are improving for some people, the hopes of a quick and complete recovery are gone,” said Nick Bunker, director of research at Indeed Hiring Lab. “Unless there is some big reversal in terms of public policy or the virus itself, we’re not going to see a sharp return to where we were before the virus.”
But congressional observers don’t expect the weak jobs numbers to break the legislative impasse that’s taken hold of Capitol Hill since June.
“I think a lot of people will still argue we’re making progress, even if it's insufficient,” said Brian Riedl, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and former staffer for Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio. “In order to shake Congress, you’d need a disastrous job report — one where the unemployment rate is rising, or the number of jobs created is extremely low. I don’t think anything short of that is going to break the logjam in Congress."


rollcall--2020-09-08--Schools unprepared for likely rash of cyberattacks, warn security experts

School districts reliant on online learning because of COVID-19 may soon find students and teachers locked out of computer networks for days or weeks because of cyberattacks that could set kids further back and endanger their privacy .
Districts around the country are woefully unprepared to manage the heightened risks of online learning , say cybersecurity and education experts who predict a rise in ransomware attacks as millions of children begin a new school year in a pandemic .
Ransomware attacks , in which hackers disable network systems and collect sensitive user data before demanding payment for its safe return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have increased in recent years .
School districts often lack large cybersecurity budgets and struggle to convince teachers and students to take proper precautions .
Some of the country ’ s largest school districts , including Los Angeles and Atlanta , recently started the year fully online .
Others are offering hybrid learning options that have some students working remotely .
Both scenarios could result in an already target-rich environment becoming more exposed than ever before .
“ There is a very high likelihood this is going to be a very rocky fall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Doug Levin , president of EdTech Strategies , which tracks ransomware attacks , data breaches and other cyberattacks on K-12 schools .

School districts reliant on online learning because of COVID-19 may soon find students and teachers locked out of computer networks for days or weeks because of cyberattacks that could set kids further back and endanger their privacy.
Districts around the country are woefully unprepared to manage the heightened risks of online learning, say cybersecurity and education experts who predict a rise in ransomware attacks as millions of children begin a new school year in a pandemic.
Ransomware attacks, in which hackers disable network systems and collect sensitive user data before demanding payment for its safe return, and other cyber intrusions targeting schools have increased in recent years. School districts often lack large cybersecurity budgets and struggle to convince teachers and students to take proper precautions.
Some of the country’s largest school districts, including Los Angeles and Atlanta, recently started the year fully online. Others are offering hybrid learning options that have some students working remotely. Both scenarios could result in an already target-rich environment becoming more exposed than ever before.
“There is a very high likelihood this is going to be a very rocky fall for school districts with respect to cybersecurity,” said Doug Levin, president of EdTech Strategies, which tracks ransomware attacks, data breaches and other cyberattacks on K-12 schools.


rollcall--2020-09-08--Road Ahead: Coronavirus aid, spending deadline loom, but slow start expected for Congress’ return

Congress returns , partially , to Washington this week , with a slow acceleration following the August recess .
Coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ funding deadline are top of mind , along with police overhaul legislation , but no @ @ @ @ @ of these issues until later in the month .
The House will focus on committee @ @ @ @ @ floor action until next week .
The Senate is expected back in session Tuesday afternoon @ @ @ @ @ s less clarity on when a vote will take place on a possible coronavirus relief @ @ @ @ @ take up an ongoing priority for Majority Leader Mitch McConnell — judicial confirmations .
The @ @ @ @ @ a 5:30 p.m. cloture vote on the nomination of Brett Ludwig to be U.S. district @ @ @ @ @ District of Wisconsin .
McConnell teed up four more judges on Aug. 13 , before @ @ @ @ @ recess .
The Senate ’ s return begins a mad dash to find a compromise @ @ @ @ @ a possible coronavirus aid package and avoiding a government shutdown .

Katherine Tully-McManus, Chris Cioffi, and Lindsey McPherson

Congress returns, partially, to Washington this week, with a slow acceleration following the August recess. Coronavirus relief negotiations and the government funding deadline are top of mind, along with police overhaul legislation, but no action is expected on any of these issues until later in the month.
The House will focus on committee business, holding off on floor action until next week.
The Senate is expected back in session Tuesday afternoon, and while there’s less clarity on when a vote will take place on a possible coronavirus relief package, the chamber will take up an ongoing priority for Majority Leader Mitch McConnell — judicial confirmations.
The Senate is scheduled to take a 5:30 p.m. cloture vote on the nomination of Brett Ludwig to be U.S. district court judge for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. McConnell teed up four more judges on Aug. 13, before the chamber officially broke for recess.
The Senate’s return begins a mad dash to find a compromise on high-profile issues that include a possible coronavirus aid package and avoiding a government shutdown.


The ethical algorithm

For Labor Day , we 're revisiting a conversation on if , and how , an algorithm can be ethical @ @ @ @ @ powerful engines of financial technology .
But they don ’ t always live up to @ @ @ @ @ models fail to take account of basic societal concerns like fairness , privacy and bias @ @ @ @ @ with Michael Kearns to find out what can be done to make algorithms “ ethical.
@ @ @ @ @ in New Hampshire , Rhode Island primaries this week • Capitol Police chief directed weaker @ @ @ @ @ , attorney says • Trump administration requests funds for agencies hurt by the pandemic

For Labor Day, we're revisiting a conversation on if, and how, an algorithm can be ethical. Algorithms have evolved into powerful engines of financial technology. But they don’t always live up to the hype, as algorithmic models fail to take account of basic societal concerns like fairness, privacy and bias. Fintech Beat sits down with Michael Kearns to find out what can be done to make algorithms “ethical.”
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-09-08--As election looms, Trump alters course on offshore drilling

President Donald Trump on Tuesday backed a federal freeze on oil and gas drilling off the coasts of Florida , South Carolina and Georgia , marking an election year departure from his administration ’ s previous efforts to significantly expand offshore fossil fuel extraction in the region and nationally .
The announcement in Jupiter , Fla. , north of Palm Beach , appears to be an expansion of what already exists : a moratorium on oil and gas leasing , the precursor to drilling , in the eastern Gulf of Mexico and a smaller portion of the central Gulf through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House said the withdrawal extends that moratorium until the same date in 2032 and “ does not apply to leasing for environmental conservation purposes , including the purposes of shore protection , beach nourishment and restoration , wetlands restoration , and habitat protection . ''
In a roughly 20-minute speech , Trump touted the work of Republican allies and signed an executive order that he said expanded the ban to the three states and the Atlantic coast of Florida , which is not included under enacted law .
Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the signing ceremony to members of the crowd who were largely unmasked and not social distancing .

President Donald Trump on Tuesday backed a federal freeze on oil and gas drilling off the coasts of Florida, South Carolina and Georgia, marking an election year departure from his administration’s previous efforts to significantly expand offshore fossil fuel extraction in the region and nationally.
The announcement in Jupiter, Fla., north of Palm Beach, appears to be an expansion of what already exists: a moratorium on oil and gas leasing, the precursor to drilling, in the eastern Gulf of Mexico and a smaller portion of the central Gulf through June 30, 2022.
The White House said the withdrawal extends that moratorium until the same date in 2032 and “does not apply to leasing for environmental conservation purposes, including the purposes of shore protection, beach nourishment and restoration, wetlands restoration, and habitat protection."
In a roughly 20-minute speech, Trump touted the work of Republican allies and signed an executive order that he said expanded the ban to the three states and the Atlantic coast of Florida, which is not included under enacted law. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, threw pens from the signing ceremony to members of the crowd who were largely unmasked and not social distancing.
[In Alaska forest, Reagan biographer sees a winning GOP strategy]


rollcall--2020-09-08--Judge rules for Capitol Police in sex discrimination case

A federal judge has found that the Capitol Police did not engage in unlawful gender discrimination against veteran officer Jodi @ @ @ @ @ demoted her from the rank of sergeant .
District of Columbia District Court Judge Timothy @ @ @ @ @ summary judgment in a Sept. 4 order , meaning Breiterman lost her case before even @ @ @ @ @ the decision .
“ Neither Breiterman ’ s purported comparator evidence nor evidence of alleged @ @ @ @ @ process suffices to cast doubt on USCP ’ s asserted legitimate , nondiscriminatory reason for @ @ @ @ @ and then demoting her : that she committed a violation of USCP rules that called @ @ @ @ @ continue as a supervisor , especially when coupled with her substantial disciplinary history , ” @ @ @ @ @ granted summary judgment to the Capitol Police on two retaliation claims : one under the @ @ @ @ @ the Congressional Accountability Act .
Eva Malecki , a spokesperson for the Capitol Police , @ @ @ @ @ , said , “ Not at this time .
”

A federal judge has found that the Capitol Police did not engage in unlawful gender discrimination against veteran officer Jodi Breiterman when it suspended and demoted her from the rank of sergeant.
District of Columbia District Court Judge Timothy Kelly granted the Capitol Police summary judgment in a Sept. 4 order, meaning Breiterman lost her case before even reaching trial but can appeal the decision.
“Neither Breiterman’s purported comparator evidence nor evidence of alleged procedural irregularities in the USCP process suffices to cast doubt on USCP’s asserted legitimate, nondiscriminatory reason for placing her on administrative leave and then demoting her: that she committed a violation of USCP rules that called into question her ability to continue as a supervisor, especially when coupled with her substantial disciplinary history,” Kelly wrote.
He also granted summary judgment to the Capitol Police on two retaliation claims: one under the First Amendment and one under the Congressional Accountability Act.
Eva Malecki, a spokesperson for the Capitol Police, when asked for a comment, said, “Not at this time.”


rollcall--2020-09-08--Highway bill could hitch a ride on the continuing resolution

With weeks to go before the current surface transportation authorization expires , the biggest mystery is increasingly whether an extension @ @ @ @ @ standalone measure or as part of a likely continuing resolution to avert a partial government @ @ @ @ @ Republicans have signaled that they see an extension of the current law as inevitable , @ @ @ @ @ in a four-page document released Sept. 3 , indicated its willingness to extend the current @ @ @ @ @ a continuing resolution if Congress does not do so on its own .
House Transportation @ @ @ @ @ DeFazio , D-Ore. , said he would support a one-year extension to the current authorization @ @ @ @ @ unclear whether he backs adding it to a continuing resolution .

With weeks to go before the current surface transportation authorization expires, the biggest mystery is increasingly whether an extension will be passed as a standalone measure or as part of a likely continuing resolution to avert a partial government shutdown.
Congressional Democrats and Republicans have signaled that they see an extension of the current law as inevitable, and the White House, in a four-page document released Sept. 3, indicated its willingness to extend the current highway law as part of a continuing resolution if Congress does not do so on its own.
The current highway law expires Sept. 30.
[Pelosi, Mnuchin plan ‘clean’ CR, but length, other details unclear]
House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter A. DeFazio, D-Ore., said he would support a one-year extension to the current authorization. but it’s unclear whether he backs adding it to a continuing resolution.