rollcall--2020-05-08--AOC is playing ‘Animal Crossing,’ and people think it’s worse than golf

When it comes to downtime , Congress isn ’ t allowed to have any — at least not when it @ @ @ @ @ codes.
” The internet had a meltdown Thursday when Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez spent her evening @ @ @ @ @ uber-popular video game “ Animal Crossing : New Horizons.
” “ This is what u @ @ @ @ @ a PANDEMIC where your district is ground zero for deaths ?
!
” wrote one @ @ @ @ @ that it was after 6 p.m. and even lawmakers need to kick back , cut @ @ @ @ @ strangers enjoying an adorable video game full of roly-poly little avatars .

When it comes to downtime, Congress isn’t allowed to have any — at least not when it involves things like “dodo codes.” The internet had a meltdown Thursday when Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez spent her evening connecting with fans on the uber-popular video game “Animal Crossing: New Horizons.”
“This is what u have time to do during a PANDEMIC where your district is ground zero for deaths?!” wrote one rage-tweeter.
Others pointed out that it was after 6 p.m. and even lawmakers need to kick back, cut loose and drop in on strangers enjoying an adorable video game full of roly-poly little avatars.


rollcall--2020-05-08--House and Trump agree: Supreme Court should settle subpoena dispute

All sides told the Supreme Court on Friday that the justices should go ahead and settle the blockbuster dispute over @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s financial records from an accounting firm and two banks .
Attorneys for @ @ @ @ @ Department and Trump filed extra briefs that the Supreme Court ordered last week on this @ @ @ @ @ dispute better left for politicians than the courts under what is known as the “ @ @ @ @ @ But the House and Justice Department , sensing some hesitancy from the justices to step @ @ @ @ @ showdown between the political branches , did suggest some off-ramps for the high court to @ @ @ @ @ Doug Letter wrote that if the Supreme Court “ has concerns about deciding the merits @ @ @ @ @ there is a way out ” short of ruling that the Supreme Court can ’ @ @ @ @ @

All sides told the Supreme Court on Friday that the justices should go ahead and settle the blockbuster dispute over congressional subpoenas for President Donald Trump’s financial records from an accounting firm and two banks.
Attorneys for the House, the Justice Department and Trump filed extra briefs that the Supreme Court ordered last week on this legal issue: Is the dispute better left for politicians than the courts under what is known as the “political question doctrine?”
The collective response: No.
But the House and Justice Department, sensing some hesitancy from the justices to step into such a politically contentious showdown between the political branches, did suggest some off-ramps for the high court to take.
House General Counsel Doug Letter wrote that if the Supreme Court “has concerns about deciding the merits of this particular dispute, there is a way out” short of ruling that the Supreme Court can’t decide the case.


rollcall--2020-05-08--House Democrats outline immigration priorities for next coronavirus relief measure

House Democrats are pushing for a variety of provisions to help undocumented immigrants in the next coronavirus relief bill , but they acknowledge they ’ ll need more help from Republican allies if they want to get any signed into law .
“ We have to get Republicans to support this and to push for it .
Democrats only control one chamber , ” Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal said Friday during a virtual town hall event with immigrant rights organization , FIRM Action .
The Congressional Progressive Caucus chairwoman urged activists to do more to push the GOP to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measure .
“ We need to find some new ways to organize Republican allies to stand up against Stephen Miller and against President [ Donald ] Trump , ” Jayapal said .
Miller is a Trump senior adviser who works on the White House ’ s hardline immigration policies .
The town hall featured testimony from immigrants in a variety of situations asking questions about what Congress is doing to help immigrants of all statuses during the pandemic , especially ones who are working on the front lines .
Other lawmakers on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chairwoman Judy Chu , Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman Joaquin Castro and New York Rep. Yvette Clarke .

House Democrats are pushing for a variety of provisions to help undocumented immigrants in the next coronavirus relief bill, but they acknowledge they’ll need more help from Republican allies if they want to get any signed into law.
“We have to get Republicans to support this and to push for it. Democrats only control one chamber,” Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal said Friday during a virtual town hall event with immigrant rights organization, FIRM Action.
The Congressional Progressive Caucus chairwoman urged activists to do more to push the GOP to help immigrants as lawmakers negotiate another coronavirus relief measure.
“We need to find some new ways to organize Republican allies to stand up against Stephen Miller and against President [Donald] Trump,” Jayapal said. Miller is a Trump senior adviser who works on the White House’s hardline immigration policies.
The town hall featured testimony from immigrants in a variety of situations asking questions about what Congress is doing to help immigrants of all statuses during the pandemic, especially ones who are working on the front lines. Other lawmakers on the call were Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chairwoman Judy Chu, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman Joaquin Castro and New York Rep. Yvette Clarke.


rollcall--2020-05-08--Don’t forget to unmute: Congressional Hits and Misses

The Senate returned this week , for what Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer predicted would be “ one of the @ @ @ @ @ States Senate in modern history.
” And while the awkward Zoom committee hearings and daring @ @ @ @ @ out there , at least we had the return of Alaskan of the Week to @ @ @ @ @ [ Also watch : A reminder to ‘ Call Your Mother ’ from Eleanor Holmes @ @

The Senate returned this week, for what Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer predicted would be “one of the strangest sessions of the United States Senate in modern history.”
And while the awkward Zoom committee hearings and daring new hairstyles were a little out there, at least we had the return of Alaskan of the Week to keep us all grounded.
[ Also watch: A reminder to ‘Call Your Mother’ from Eleanor Holmes Norton ]


rollcall--2020-05-08--‘Adapt and overcome’: A veteran Blue Star mom hits the ‘virtual’ campaign trail

She had cleared her agenda for this .
Gordon left her job as Babylon town councilwoman in January and retired from her career as a high school guidance counselor around the same time .
She planned to focus on the race , and that hasn ’ t changed , but she ’ s traded door-knocking for teaching virtual yoga .
“ I make sure I do some kind of physical activity every day , ” she says .
“ A schedule helps me .
I try to get to bed at a set hour and get between seven to eight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s really important .
And I try not to get too tied up in the TV .
I try not to put it on.
” Sticking to a routine is one sign of Gordon ’ s military background .
Another is the support she ’ s earned .
Groups such as Vote Vets , Giffords PAC and Emily ’ s List have endorsed her .
She made the cut for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee ’ s Red to Blue program for top recruits .
She even got Hollywood comedian ( and Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ host a fundraiser .
And she got the stamp of approval from fellow veterans , including Sherrill and Reps. Elaine Luria of Virginia and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania .
When those three won in 2018 , it was a big deal for military women .
Just eight female veterans have ever served in Congress .
Now Democrats are looking to add more , and that ’ s upending the usual scripts on the campaign trail .
If anyone asks if they ’ re tough enough , these women can simply point to photos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they can also use the cover to tell increasingly personal stories about how they survived in a male-dominated field .
“ There are people in Washington who … don ’ t want to see women who look like me challenging the old boy ’ s club , ” goes a campaign ad from Gordon , an immigrant from Jamaica who came to the U.S. as a kid .
Her path to victory in November is uncertain in a swing district Trump carried by 9 points in 2016 , though Democrats perked up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his House career two years later and then last fall announced his retirement after 14 terms .
A win for Gordon would mean another first for Congress — she ’ d be the first black female veteran to serve .

She had cleared her agenda for this. Gordon left her job as Babylon town councilwoman in January and retired from her career as a high school guidance counselor around the same time. She planned to focus on the race, and that hasn’t changed, but she’s traded door-knocking for teaching virtual yoga.
“I make sure I do some kind of physical activity every day,” she says. “A schedule helps me. I try to get to bed at a set hour and get between seven to eight hours sleep every night. It’s really important. And I try not to get too tied up in the TV. I try not to put it on.”
Sticking to a routine is one sign of Gordon’s military background. Another is the support she’s earned. Groups such as Vote Vets, Giffords PAC and Emily’s List have endorsed her. She made the cut for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s Red to Blue program for top recruits. She even got Hollywood comedian (and Senate minority leader relative) Amy Schumer to host a fundraiser. And she got the stamp of approval from fellow veterans, including Sherrill and Reps. Elaine Luria of Virginia and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania.
When those three won in 2018, it was a big deal for military women. Just eight female veterans have ever served in Congress. Now Democrats are looking to add more, and that’s upending the usual scripts on the campaign trail. If anyone asks if they’re tough enough, these women can simply point to photos of themselves in uniform. More surprising, they can also use the cover to tell increasingly personal stories about how they survived in a male-dominated field.
“There are people in Washington who … don’t want to see women who look like me challenging the old boy’s club,” goes a campaign ad from Gordon, an immigrant from Jamaica who came to the U.S. as a kid. Her path to victory in November is uncertain in a swing district Trump carried by 9 points in 2016, though Democrats perked up when King had the closest reelection of his House career two years later and then last fall announced his retirement after 14 terms. A win for Gordon would mean another first for Congress — she’d be the first black female veteran to serve.


rollcall--2020-05-11--Pent-up tax demands could resurface in House Democrats’ aid bill

Capitol Hill observers are expecting the tax components of House Democrats ’ massive new coronavirus relief package to amount to @ @ @ @ @ .
But since the Constitution grants the House sole authority to originate revenue legislation , @ @ @ @ @ the next aid bill makes any wish list they put out difficult to ignore .
@ @ @ @ @ measure will focus mainly on tax policies directly related to the economic crisis precipitated by @ @ @ @ @ as expanded employer tax credits to cover workers ’ wages and another round of direct @ @ @ @ @ $ 1,200 distributed to most Americans since mid-April .
But some Democratic officials and lobbyists @ @ @ @ @ also expect provisions that were floating around prior to COVID-19 bursting onto the scene to @ @ @ @ @ .
[ Democrats face ‘ SALT ’ challenge in next phase of coronavirus relief ]

Capitol Hill observers are expecting the tax components of House Democrats’ massive new coronavirus relief package to amount to mostly a partisan wish list.
But since the Constitution grants the House sole authority to originate revenue legislation, Democrats’ bargaining power on the next aid bill makes any wish list they put out difficult to ignore.
Top Democrats have said the measure will focus mainly on tax policies directly related to the economic crisis precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as expanded employer tax credits to cover workers’ wages and another round of direct payments that could top the $1,200 distributed to most Americans since mid-April.
But some Democratic officials and lobbyists following the deliberations say they also expect provisions that were floating around prior to COVID-19 bursting on to the scene to make it into the package.
[Democrats face ‘SALT’ challenge in next phase of coronavirus relief]


rollcall--2020-05-11--Supreme Court could reshape congressional subpoena power in Trump case

President Donald Trump and House Democrats don ’ t agree on much these days , but both sides will tell the Supreme Court during oral arguments Tuesday that the fate of four committee subpoenas could redraw the limits of congressional investigative power .
Trump ’ s personal lawyers and the Justice Department have warned the justices that Congress needs to be stopped .
They say lower court rulings that allow the House to demand Trump ’ s personal and business financial information from an auditing firm and two banks will open up a new political weapon for Congress to harass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his job .
“ This would grant Congress easy access to , among other things , the President ’ s financial , legal , medical , and educational records , ” Trump ’ s lawyers wrote .
“ Given the temptation to investigate the personal lives of political rivals , legislative subpoenas targeting the private affairs of presidents will become routine in times of divided government.
” But the House and former members have warned the Supreme Court that Trump and the DOJ are asserting a new power to thwart congressional probes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislate , appropriate funds and secure the nation .

President Donald Trump and House Democrats don’t agree on much these days, but both sides will tell the Supreme Court during oral arguments Tuesday that the fate of four committee subpoenas could redraw the limits of congressional investigative power.
Trump’s personal lawyers and the Justice Department have warned the justices that Congress needs to be stopped. They say lower court rulings that allow the House to demand Trump’s personal and business financial information from an auditing firm and two banks will open up a new political weapon for Congress to harass a president and keep him from doing his job.
“This would grant Congress easy access to, among other things, the President’s financial, legal, medical, and educational records,” Trump’s lawyers wrote. “Given the temptation to investigate the personal lives of political rivals, legislative subpoenas targeting the private affairs of presidents will become routine in times of divided government.”
[House faces historic test of congressional subpoena power]
But the House and former members have warned the Supreme Court that Trump and the DOJ are asserting a new power to thwart congressional probes, which have long been a way to legislate, appropriate funds and secure the nation.


rollcall--2020-05-11--Dental offices hit hardest in health care industry layoffs

After social distancing restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19 took effect in March , Noelle Dunn had to lay off all nine employees at her downtown Washington , D.C. , dental office , including herself .
While the practice has been essentially closed for weeks , seeing patients only in emergencies , Dunn said her overhead costs climbed as she spent more on protective equipment and updating her office to make it safer for patients and her employees .
When the practice reopens , she expects to be able to treat fewer patients — which means less revenue — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a loan from the Paycheck Protection Program that Congress set up in a law to help small businesses weather the shutdown , although if she does not use it within eight weeks , she must repay it .
But the typical 30- to 60-day delay on insurance plan reimbursements could make it hard to pay her employees when the practice later reopens .
“ It ’ s very challenging from the business side of things , ” Dunn told CQ Roll Call .
“ It ’ s going to change the way dentistry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a while.
” While health care providers are being hailed as heroes throughout the pandemic , the industry was not immune to job losses as patients canceled elective surgeries and postponed appointments to lower their risks of infecting the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 .
The health care industry , which grew steadily throughout the Great Recession more than a decade ago , lost 1.4 million jobs in April , according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics .

Mary Ellen McIntire and Michael Macagnone

After social distancing restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19 took effect in March, Noelle Dunn had to lay off all nine employees at her downtown Washington, D.C., dental office, including herself.
While the practice has been essentially closed for weeks, seeing patients only in emergencies, Dunn said her overhead costs climbed as she spent more on protective equipment and updating her office to make it safer for patients and her employees. When the practice reopens, she expects to be able to treat fewer patients — which means less revenue — because of social distancing.
Dunn received a loan from the Paycheck Protection Program that Congress set up in a law to help small businesses weather the shutdown, although if she does not use it within eight weeks, she must repay it. But the typical 30- to 60-day delay on insurance plan reimbursements could make it hard to pay her employees when the practice later reopens.
“It’s very challenging from the business side of things,” Dunn told CQ Roll Call. “It’s going to change the way dentistry is run in the future for quite a while.”
While health care providers are being hailed as heroes throughout the pandemic, the industry was not immune to job losses as patients canceled elective surgeries and postponed appointments to lower their risks of infecting the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The health care industry, which grew steadily throughout the Great Recession more than a decade ago, lost 1.4 million jobs in April, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.


rollcall--2020-05-11--TV gives Sen. Lamar Alexander’s dog a reason to snooze

It was a big step for Rufus , whether or not he was awake enough to realize it .
Usually the Cavalier King Charles spaniel is fairly shy , according to our review of his modest social media presence .
In one photo with the senator dated May 2018 , he turns his back on the camera altogether , as if saying , “ Talk to the tail.
” Another photo shows him looking introspective , paired with a quote-caption often attributed to Harry Truman : “ If you want a friend in Washington , get a dog.
” Rufus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upstage a teleworking senator .
As Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown spoke from home during a recent hearing , a dog barked along with him .
And Rufus himself may get another chance to shine this week , when his owner chairs a much-anticipated coronavirus hearing .
Witnesses will appear virtually , including the government ’ s top infectious disease expert , Anthony Fauci .
So will Alexander , who ’ s in quarantine after a staffer tested positive .
Will Rufus video-bomb ?
“ That depends on whether he decides to take a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Alexander said .

Rufus isn’t the first pet to upstage a teleworking senator. As Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown spoke from home during a recent hearing, a dog barked along with him.
And Rufus himself may get another chance to shine this week, when his owner chairs a much-anticipated coronavirus hearing. Witnesses will appear virtually, including the government’s top infectious disease expert, Anthony Fauci. So will Alexander, who’s in quarantine after a staffer tested positive.
Will Rufus video-bomb? “That depends on whether he decides to take a nap on the table in my office,” Alexander said.
Update: Rufus did, in fact, decide to once again nap on the table. Something furry could be seen just off camera Tuesday as the senator called to order the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. An untrained eye might have mistaken it for a blanket or fuzzy pillow. But later on in the hearing, the truth became clear: It was Rufus, or at least the bottom half of him, scooting a little further into view. By the end, he was fully in the frame, snoozing on a quilt.


rollcall--2020-05-11--Senators eye FEMA as alternative for speeding aid to food banks

The top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee suggested on Monday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency tap the disaster relief fund to aid food banks that have seen a surge in demand as U.S. unemployment rolls surged during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Appropriations ranking member Patrick J. Leahy of Vermont and Homeland Security Appropriations ranking member Jon Tester , D-Mont.
, said in a letter that the Agriculture Department has been slow to obligate the $ 850 million Congress provided in March legislation for The Emergency Food Assistance Program ( TEFAP ) .
Under the program , the department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ removing price-depressing surpluses from the market .
The purchases are donated to food banks and other nonprofit groups that feed low-income people .
In the letter to FEMA Administrator Peter Gaynor , Leahy and Tester focused on TEFAP and urged Gaynor to consider using part of the $ 79 billion the agency has in available balances , including $ 45 billion appropriators provided in March , for food purchases .
The lawmakers say that FEMA has only obligated $ 5.8 billion towards temporary medical facilities , National Guard deployments , personal protective equipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Tester said FEMA has the authority to address food aid under an April 12 , 2020 , policy that says food is an eligible expense under the disaster relief fund .

The top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee suggested on Monday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency tap the disaster relief fund to aid food banks that have seen a surge in demand as U.S. unemployment rolls surged during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Appropriations ranking member Patrick J. Leahy of Vermont and Homeland Security Appropriations ranking member Jon Tester, D-Mont., said in a letter that the Agriculture Department has been slow to obligate the $850 million Congress provided in March legislation for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).
Under the program, the department helps farmers by buying up food, removing price-depressing surpluses from the market. The purchases are donated to food banks and other nonprofit groups that feed low-income people.
In the letter to FEMA Administrator Peter Gaynor, Leahy and Tester focused on TEFAP and urged Gaynor to consider using part of the $79 billion the agency has in available balances, including $45 billion appropriators provided in March, for food purchases. The lawmakers say that FEMA has only obligated $5.8 billion towards temporary medical facilities, National Guard deployments, personal protective equipment and other emergency protective measures.
Leahy and Tester said FEMA has the authority to address food aid under an April 12, 2020, policy that says food is an eligible expense under the disaster relief fund.


rollcall--2020-05-11--White House pledges to help states fulfill coronavirus testing needs

The White House on Monday said the administration would “ fully supply ” states with swabs and other components for coronavirus testing during May , and unveiled details on the allocation of $ 11 billion in testing funds for state governments .
Testing supplies such as swabs and chemical reagents have been in shortage since the pandemic began , although signs indicate the supply chain is slowly rebounding .
But the country is still testing around 2 million people per week , far below what most public health experts say is needed to safely relax economic restrictions in a country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 billion in funds , which Congress provided in the most recent coronavirus aid package , will be allotted based on each state ’ s population and number of COVID-19 cases .
Hard-hit states like New York and New Jersey would receive the most — $ 500 million , according to a map shown at a White House briefing — while sparsely populated states like Wyoming would receive between $ 49 million and $ 99 million .
Senior administration officials said the White House was directly sending states any supplies needed for specimen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May , while also connecting state governments directly with manufacturers for other supplies needed to process specimens in the lab .

The White House on Monday said the administration would “fully supply” states with swabs and other components for coronavirus testing during May, and unveiled details on the allocation of $11 billion in testing funds for state governments.
Testing supplies such as swabs and chemical reagents have been in shortage since the pandemic began, although signs indicate the supply chain is slowly rebounding. But the country is still testing around 2 million people per week, far below what most public health experts say is needed to safely relax economic restrictions in a country of nearly 330 million.
The $11 billion in funds, which Congress provided in the most recent coronavirus aid package, will be allotted based on each state’s population and number of COVID-19 cases.
Hard-hit states like New York and New Jersey would receive the most — $500 million, according to a map shown at a White House briefing — while sparsely populated states like Wyoming would receive between $49 million and $99 million.
Senior administration officials said the White House was directly sending states any supplies needed for specimen collection to meet their testing goals for May, while also connecting state governments directly with manufacturers for other supplies needed to process specimens in the lab.


rollcall--2020-05-11--Coronavirus Special Report: What happens if DC becomes the next hot spot?

Tonight , health policy is in sharp focus .
The West Wing has recently had two confirmed cases of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ it is too soon to reopen the nation 's capital as the administration has been @ @ @ @ @ : Coronavirus causing scheduling havoc , but Senate presses ahead with other business • Will @ @ @ @ @ RNC ’ s ‘ autopsy ’ was right ?
• The Senate and partisanship return @ @ @ @ @ changes to military bases require scrutiny , experts say

Tonight, health policy is in sharp focus. The West Wing has recently had two confirmed cases of COVID-19, raising questions about whether it is too soon to reopen the nation's capital as the administration has been suggesting.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-05-11--Road ahead: Coronavirus causing scheduling havoc, but Senate presses ahead with other business

The coronavirus pandemic is continuing to cause havoc for the congressional schedule , with many senators still reporting to the @ @ @ @ @ and others .
And the House could come in for a single day this week @ @ @ @ @ relief legislation Democrats are preparing and a rules package to allow members to remotely participate @ @ @ @ @ meetings .
The Senate ’ s immediate legislative priority this week is not pandemic response @ @ @ @ @ committee chairman and all the government witnesses he had called will be appearing remotely at @ @ @ @ @ process for safely getting back to school and to work .
Rather , this is @ @ @ @ @ is expected to clear a bill to revive and overhaul some surveillance authorities under the @ @ @ @ @ The measure was left behind when Congress departed abruptly as the coronavirus began to spread @

The coronavirus pandemic is continuing to cause havoc for the congressional schedule, with many senators still reporting to the Capitol despite risks to themselves and others.
And the House could come in for a single day this week to hold votes on coronavirus relief legislation Democrats are preparing and a rules package to allow members to remotely participate in House votes and committee meetings.
The Senate’s immediate legislative priority this week is not pandemic response, even as a key committee chairman and all the government witnesses he had called will be appearing remotely at a Tuesday hearing about the process for safely getting back to school and to work.
Rather, this is the week that the Senate is expected to clear a bill to revive and overhaul some surveillance authorities under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The measure was left behind when Congress departed abruptly as the coronavirus began to spread.


rollcall--2020-05-11--Will 2020 be the year the RNC’s ‘autopsy’ was right?

ANALYSIS — At least once a year , I look back at the March 2013 Republican National Committee ’ s “ Growth & Opportunity Project , ” the party ’ s post-2012 “ autopsy ” examining why Republicans were falling behind in their battle against the Democrats .
“ Falling behind ?
” you might ask , after seeing the GOP sweeps of 2014 and 2016 and Donald Trump ’ s victory .
Yes .
Barack Obama turned out to be a useful foil for Republicans , but the party continues to have fundamental flaws .
“ Republicans have lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last six presidential elections , ” noted the report , which cited the success of GOP governors and concluded that the party ’ s “ federal wing … is increasingly marginalizing itself.
” In 2016 , the number of popular-vote losses rose to six of the last seven presidential elections when Trump won the White House .
Focus groups found that the party was viewed as “ scary ” and “ narrow-minded.
” Young people , the report continued , increasingly saw the GOP “ as totally intolerant of alternative points a view.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ former White House spokesman Ari Fleischer , Mississippi GOP national committeeman Henry Barbour , Jeb Bush adviser Sally Bradshaw and others , also warned that unless the party successfully appealed to ethnic minorities , the playing field would tilt “ even more in the Democratic direction .
”

ANALYSIS — At least once a year, I look back at the March 2013 Republican National Committee’s “Growth & Opportunity Project,” the party’s post-2012 “autopsy” examining why Republicans were falling behind in their battle against the Democrats.
“Falling behind?” you might ask, after seeing the GOP sweeps of 2014 and 2016 and Donald Trump’s victory. Yes. Barack Obama turned out to be a useful foil for Republicans, but the party continues to have fundamental flaws.
“Republicans have lost the popular vote in five of the last six presidential elections,” noted the report, which cited the success of GOP governors and concluded that the party’s “federal wing … is increasingly marginalizing itself.” In 2016, the number of popular-vote losses rose to six of the last seven presidential elections when Trump won the White House.
Focus groups found that the party was viewed as “scary” and “narrow-minded.” Young people, the report continued, increasingly saw the GOP “as totally intolerant of alternative points a view.”
The report, whose authors included former White House spokesman Ari Fleischer, Mississippi GOP national committeeman Henry Barbour, Jeb Bush adviser Sally Bradshaw and others, also warned that unless the party successfully appealed to ethnic minorities, the playing field would tilt “even more in the Democratic direction.”


rollcall--2020-05-11--Pandemic-related changes to military bases require scrutiny, experts say

Public attention has largely focused on the Navy 's issue with enclosed spaces on ships and submarines , but the @ @ @ @ @ will affect military bases overall still hangs in the air .
Watch two experts shine @ @ @ @ @ military thinks , and whether bases should adapt to deal with pandemics at all .
@ @ @ @ @ ’ s expansion may be here to stay ]

Public attention has largely focused on the Navy's issue with enclosed spaces on ships and submarines, but the question of how the coronavirus will affect military bases overall still hangs in the air.
Watch two experts shine some light on how the military thinks, and whether bases should adapt to deal with pandemics at all.
[Also watch: Telehealth’s expansion may be here to stay]


rollcall--2020-05-11--The Senate and partisanship return to the Capitol

ANALYSIS — It ’ s been two months since Speaker Nancy Pelosi rose in a closed-door meeting of Democrats to rebuke colleagues who wanted to leave the Capitol to avoid the risk of contracting the coronavirus .
“ We are the captains of the ship .
We are the last to leave , ” she said March 10 .
The House held a roll call vote that Saturday , March 14 , but has only returned since for votes on March 27 and April 23 .
Despite Pelosi 's admonition , the normal work of the House — oversight hearings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ground to a halt .
Democrats are setting an example for Americans living under shelter-at-home orders and following the advice of Congress ’ physician , but they ’ ve also hamstrung their ability to legislate and , during the week that just passed , allowed Republicans to pillory them for that failure .
“ The Senate is here working .
The House has decided to stay at home , ” said Wyoming ’ s John Barrasso after Republican senators held their weekly policy lunch on May 5 .
Pelosi is hoping to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she wants this week to approve a new rule allowing one representative to vote on behalf of a colleague who is not present , proxy voting , and to begin consideration of a fifth coronavirus relief bill .

ANALYSIS — It’s been two months since Speaker Nancy Pelosi rose in a closed-door meeting of Democrats to rebuke colleagues who wanted to leave the Capitol to avoid the risk of contracting the coronavirus.
“We are the captains of the ship. We are the last to leave,” she said March 10. The House held a roll call vote that Saturday, March 14, but has only returned since for votes on March 27 and April 23. Despite Pelosi's admonition, the normal work of the House — oversight hearings, markups, routine legislation — has ground to a halt.
Democrats are setting an example for Americans living under shelter-at-home orders and following the advice of Congress’ physician, but they’ve also hamstrung their ability to legislate and, during the week that just passed, allowed Republicans to pillory them for that failure.
“The Senate is here working. The House has decided to stay at home,” said Wyoming’s John Barrasso after Republican senators held their weekly policy lunch on May 5.
Pelosi is hoping to get back to work soon. She says she wants this week to approve a new rule allowing one representative to vote on behalf of a colleague who is not present, proxy voting, and to begin consideration of a fifth coronavirus relief bill.


rollcall--2020-05-12--Facebook’s Libra concessions to regulators raise new questions

“ My hope is that this does finally create the momentum to say Congress needs to pass a law , ” he said .
“ This space is lacking legal clarity , and it ’ s long overdue for Congress to provide it.
” Diego Zuluaga , associate director of financial regulation studies at the Cato Institute , says the updated version of Libra , with its multiple currencies and enhanced gatekeeping , is more likely to clear regulatory hurdles , especially in the U.K. and the EU , and eventually the U.S. “ I think all those things together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ electronic money product , ” he said .
“ I think it ’ s going to be difficult from the perspective of the law to be opposed to it now because it ’ s compliant with existing practice and indeed is proposing to compete in a very similar way with existing digital wallets.
” The switch to single-currency coins away from an amalgam of international currencies may make Libra more appealing to customers , too , Zuluaga said in an interview .
“ You and I earn in dollars and we spend in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So keeping a balance in something that is not just dollars is a little bit impractical because , yes , it can go up in value with respect to dollars , but it can also lose value .
”

“My hope is that this does finally create the momentum to say Congress needs to pass a law,” he said. “This space is lacking legal clarity, and it’s long overdue for Congress to provide it.”
Diego Zuluaga, associate director of financial regulation studies at the Cato Institute, says the updated version of Libra, with its multiple currencies and enhanced gatekeeping, is more likely to clear regulatory hurdles, especially in the U.K. and the EU, and eventually the U.S.
“I think all those things together make Libra much more like an existing electronic money product,” he said. “I think it’s going to be difficult from the perspective of the law to be opposed to it now because it’s compliant with existing practice and indeed is proposing to compete in a very similar way with existing digital wallets.”
The switch to single-currency coins away from an amalgam of international currencies may make Libra more appealing to customers, too, Zuluaga said in an interview.
“You and I earn in dollars and we spend in dollars,” he said. “So keeping a balance in something that is not just dollars is a little bit impractical because, yes, it can go up in value with respect to dollars, but it can also lose value.”


rollcall--2020-05-12--Lawmakers find markets mean more than policy in oil industry

Despite lawmakers ’ best efforts to shore them up , struggling oil companies are heading into a grim period , with the Energy Information Administration due on Tuesday to update a report predicting no recovery at least until the second half of next year .
Indeed , there is little Congress can do to help an industry that is mostly driven by global markets rather than domestic policy .
Legislative efforts pushed by oil industry allies have proven difficult to pass .
“ It ’ s challenging , it ’ s difficult and it ’ s really hard right now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chairwoman Lisa Murkowski , R-Alaska , said of the industry 's woes on May 8 , citing the “ staggering projections.
” Data from industry analysts , including IHS Markit , and the EIA have already painted a gloomy picture for the industry in second quarter , with continued low demand for oil forcing the steepest production cuts in history as drillers take more rigs offline .
The longer-term forecast report due from the EIA Tuesday is likely to offer more of the same .
[ Fed change allows oil companies to qualify @ @ @ @

Despite lawmakers’ best efforts to shore them up, struggling oil companies are heading into a grim period, with the Energy Information Administration due on Tuesday to update a report predicting no recovery at least until the second half of next year.
Indeed, there is little Congress can do to help an industry that is mostly driven by global markets rather than domestic policy. Legislative efforts pushed by oil industry allies have proven difficult to pass.
“It’s challenging, it’s difficult and it’s really hard right now,” Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairwoman Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said of the industry's woes on May 8, citing the “staggering projections.”
Data from industry analysts, including IHS Markit, and the EIA have already painted a gloomy picture for the industry in second quarter, with continued low demand for oil forcing the steepest production cuts in history as drillers take more rigs offline. The longer-term forecast report due from the EIA Tuesday is likely to offer more of the same.
[Fed change allows oil companies to qualify for recovery loans]


rollcall--2020-05-12--Coronavirus school shutdowns could worsen achievement gap

Karl Alexander ’ s 25-year study of Baltimore city schoolchildren found that America ’ s academic achievement gap , which separates poor , mostly minority children from their wealthier peers , is rooted in the things underprivileged kids forget in the summer .
The Johns Hopkins sociologist ’ s theory is that wealthier parents provide more enrichment to their children during the two- to three-month break .
Alexander believes that the unprecedented closure of schools to combat the coronavirus , affecting more than 55 million U.S. students , will set the underprivileged back far more than is typical .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now about how to make up for the loss .
“ If you can generalize from the literature of summer learning loss to what we are experiencing now , it ’ s not a pretty picture , ” Alexander said .
“ My expectation is that if we can ’ t figure out a way to help parents manage the situation , we are going to see the experience of summer learning loss writ large.
” Forty-three states have said that children will not go back this academic year .
More are likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all , schools are attempting to implement distance learning curricula , but some students do not have computers or access to the internet .
Public libraries , which might offer a connection , are closed too .
[ Infrastructure plan could point to sea change for schools ]

Karl Alexander’s 25-year study of Baltimore city schoolchildren found that America’s academic achievement gap, which separates poor, mostly minority children from their wealthier peers, is rooted in the things underprivileged kids forget in the summer. The Johns Hopkins sociologist’s theory is that wealthier parents provide more enrichment to their children during the two- to three-month break.
Alexander believes that the unprecedented closure of schools to combat the coronavirus, affecting more than 55 million U.S. students, will set the underprivileged back far more than is typical. And he says policymakers need to start thinking now about how to make up for the loss.
“If you can generalize from the literature of summer learning loss to what we are experiencing now, it’s not a pretty picture,” Alexander said. “My expectation is that if we can’t figure out a way to help parents manage the situation, we are going to see the experience of summer learning loss writ large.”
Forty-three states have said that children will not go back this academic year. More are likely to follow. Many, though not all, schools are attempting to implement distance learning curricula, but some students do not have computers or access to the internet. Public libraries, which might offer a connection, are closed too.
[Infrastructure plan could point to sea change for schools]


rollcall--2020-05-12--Closed to the public, the Capitol still ‘feels majestic’

Spring is normally the time of year when the Capitol Visitor Center is swarming with international tourists , restless kids and history teachers leading field trips .
Now the public needs a different way in .
Though its doors are closed during the coronavirus pandemic , the CVC wants to recreate , virtually , the feeling you get walking into the Rotunda for the first time .
But can administrators capture the awe of standing under “ The Apotheosis of Washington ” with a video tour ?
They ’ re certainly going to try .
“ Visually we want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time they walk in the Capitol , ” said videographer Marcey Frutchey during a recent Zoom Q & A .
Frutchey made sure the new video tour includes sweeping shots of the spots tourists tend to gawk at , including the neoclassical fresco painted by Constantino Brumidi in 1865 .
But “ how do you convey the feeling of walking through the Rotunda with only words ?
” CVC tour guide Emily Boisvert asked herself .
“ It feels majestic.
” Boisvert wrote the script for the video , while Frutchey worked from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had .
The project came together over a few weeks , said Frutchey .

Spring is normally the time of year when the Capitol Visitor Center is swarming with international tourists, restless kids and history teachers leading field trips. Now the public needs a different way in.
Though its doors are closed during the coronavirus pandemic, the CVC wants to recreate, virtually, the feeling you get walking into the Rotunda for the first time. But can administrators capture the awe of standing under “The Apotheosis of Washington” with a video tour?
They’re certainly going to try. “Visually we want to evoke that feeling visitors have the first time they walk in the Capitol,” said videographer Marcey Frutchey during a recent Zoom Q&A.
Frutchey made sure the new video tour includes sweeping shots of the spots tourists tend to gawk at, including the neoclassical fresco painted by Constantino Brumidi in 1865.
But “how do you convey the feeling of walking through the Rotunda with only words?” CVC tour guide Emily Boisvert asked herself. “It feels majestic.” Boisvert wrote the script for the video, while Frutchey worked from home to splice together footage she already had. The project came together over a few weeks, said Frutchey.


rollcall--2020-05-12--States see contact tracing with cellphones as key to reopening economies

Governors and mayors trying to reopen their economies after nearly eight weeks of lockdown see “ contact tracing ” done @ @ @ @ @ key to containing the spread of COVID-19 .
Contact tracing has traditionally meant methodical , @ @ @ @ @ and epidemiologists interview people with infectious diseases to find out who they had contact with @ @ @ @ @ get those people to quarantine and to report who they in turn had contact with @ @ @ @ @ who actually brought a virus into a community and who might also be infected .
@ @ @ @ @ is that the shoe-leather work could be supplemented and made more accurate by the use @ @ @ @ @ A few states already have deployed GPS location technology to assist in such tracking while @ @ @ @ @ signals is still in development .
In a series of TV interviews , mayors from @ @ @ @ @ Angeles , including both Democrats and Republicans , said they would ramp up contact tracing @ @ @ @ @ and allow the uninfected to go back to work .

Governors and mayors trying to reopen their economies after nearly eight weeks of lockdown see “contact tracing” done with new technologies as a key to containing the spread of COVID-19.
Contact tracing has traditionally meant methodical, shoe-leather detective work. Tracers and epidemiologists interview people with infectious diseases to find out who they had contact with in the recent past and get those people to quarantine and to report who they in turn had contact with. Eventually tracers can track who actually brought a virus into a community and who might also be infected.
But today, the hope is that the shoe-leather work could be supplemented and made more accurate by the use of mobile phone apps.
A few states already have deployed GPS location technology to assist in such tracking while an alternate technology using Bluetooth signals is still in development.
In a series of TV interviews, mayors from New York City to Los Angeles, including both Democrats and Republicans, said they would ramp up contact tracing efforts to isolate infected individuals and allow the uninfected to go back to work.


rollcall--2020-05-12--When could a (central bank) cryptocurrency topple the US dollar?

Famed University of California Berkeley economist Barry Eichengreen joins Fintech Beat to dig into whether a digital euro or yuan @ @ @ @ @ boost vis-a-vis the U.S. dollar and whether Facebook ’ s newly devised Libra could still @ @ @ @ @ the global economy .
• Comparing COVID-19 and fintech in Hong Kong and China • @ @ @ @ @ new financial crisis ?

Famed University of California Berkeley economist Barry Eichengreen joins Fintech Beat to dig into whether a digital euro or yuan would get the biggest competitive boost vis-a-vis the U.S. dollar and whether Facebook’s newly devised Libra could still pose a systemic risk to the global economy.
More podcast content
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-05-12--Lawmakers want GAO study of State Department’s repatriation efforts during pandemic

As the State Department winds down a massive logistical effort to repatriate tens of thousands of Americans left stranded in dozens of countries because of the coronavirus pandemic , Democratic and Republican congressional overseers have called on Congress ’ internal watchdog to conduct a comprehensive audit of the airlift .
House Foreign Affairs Chairman Eliot L. Engel , D-N.Y. , and committee ranking member Michael McCaul , R-Texas , on Monday sent a joint letter to the Government Accountability Office outlining a long list of items they want the watchdog to examine in its audit , which has already begun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repatriation campaign .
The duo said it was essential that State and Congress quickly be able to understand what worked and did n't work as there may be need for future repatriation efforts caused by pandemics or other global crises .
“ While large-scale repatriation efforts associated with COVID-19 are moving towards a conclusion , new challenges may emerge in the future either in connection with COVID-19 or other similar global crises , ” Engel and McCaul wrote in a Monday letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo .
“ It is critical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such scenarios , using lessons it learned in the earliest days of this global repatriation effort … to ensure that future repatriations can be carried out swiftly and smoothly.
” Since the end of January , the State Department has helped fly roughly 80,000 Americans spread across 130 countries on about 850 flights back to the United States , according to the department .
Engel and McCaul have asked Pompeo to provide them with a breakdown of which repatriation flights were chartered with Foggy Bottom funds and which were so-called “ commercial rescue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on commercial flights or charters , and the names of the carriers that provided the flights .
The lawmakers also asked for an explanation of what future conditions would be needed for the State Department to ask the U.S. military to use its Civil Reserve Air Fleet to assist in global repatriation efforts .

As the State Department winds down a massive logistical effort to repatriate tens of thousands of Americans left stranded in dozens of countries because of the coronavirus pandemic, Democratic and Republican congressional overseers have called on Congress’ internal watchdog to conduct a comprehensive audit of the airlift.
House Foreign Affairs Chairman Eliot L. Engel, D-N.Y., and committee ranking member Michael McCaul, R-Texas, on Monday sent a joint letter to the Government Accountability Office outlining a long list of items they want the watchdog to examine in its audit, which has already begun, of the State Department’s repatriation campaign. The duo said it was essential that State and Congress quickly be able to understand what worked and didn't work as there may be need for future repatriation efforts caused by pandemics or other global crises.
“While large-scale repatriation efforts associated with COVID-19 are moving towards a conclusion, new challenges may emerge in the future either in connection with COVID-19 or other similar global crises,” Engel and McCaul wrote in a Monday letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. “It is critical that the department continue to prepare for such scenarios, using lessons it learned in the earliest days of this global repatriation effort … to ensure that future repatriations can be carried out swiftly and smoothly.”
Since the end of January, the State Department has helped fly roughly 80,000 Americans spread across 130 countries on about 850 flights back to the United States, according to the department.
Engel and McCaul have asked Pompeo to provide them with a breakdown of which repatriation flights were chartered with Foggy Bottom funds and which were so-called “commercial rescue” flights, that is buying tickets on commercial flights or charters, and the names of the carriers that provided the flights. The lawmakers also asked for an explanation of what future conditions would be needed for the State Department to ask the U.S. military to use its Civil Reserve Air Fleet to assist in global repatriation efforts.


rollcall--2020-05-12--Bill would add food aid, give ethanol, livestock loss relief

Farmers struggling with lost markets because of COVID-19 would receive more federal aid under a Democratic draft economic relief bill released Tuesday and food stamp beneficiaries would see a 15 percent temporary boost in monthly benefits .
The bill also would provide more than $ 14 billion in additional funds for programs to provide food for the poor .
The measure would also provide supplemental payments to dairy farmers with small to mid-sized operations enrolled in a dairy insurance program and commercial dairy processors would be eligible for recourse loans to help them with their operations .
To move surplus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the market , the bill would create a dairy donation program .
The bill calls for $ 16.5 billion in direct payments to farmers and ranchers hurt by COVID-19 with a focus on those who do not qualify for payments out of the $ 16 billion in direct payments the Agriculture Department announced in April for economic losses and that is expected to be distributed in June .
The proposed payments would come from unspent Treasury funding and could serve as a second-chance fund for hog farmers and other livestock producers who say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money mean inadequate payments to cover their losses .
The legislation would give the USDA authority to reimburse beef , pork and poultry farmers for euthanization of healthy market-ready animals they have been unable to send to slaughter because processing plants closed or reduced operating levels as hundreds of workers tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 , became ill or stayed away out of fear of becoming infected .
The USDA can currently pay indemnities for depopulation of herds or flocks but not for killing healthy cattle , hogs or poultry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would allow payments to cover up to 85 percent of the value of animals killed .
Lawmakers also included language to allow the USDA to use funds in the Commodity Credit Corporation to provide aid “ to agricultural processing plants in the event of a public health emergency in order to assure the continuation of markets for agricultural commodities.
” The bill would amend the charter of the CCC to allow the expanded authority .

Farmers struggling with lost markets because of COVID-19 would receive more federal aid under a Democratic draft economic relief bill released Tuesday and food stamp beneficiaries would see a 15 percent temporary boost in monthly benefits.
The bill also would provide more than $14 billion in additional funds for programs to provide food for the poor. The measure would also provide supplemental payments to dairy farmers with small to mid-sized operations enrolled in a dairy insurance program and commercial dairy processors would be eligible for recourse loans to help them with their operations. To move surplus milk and other dairy products out of the market, the bill would create a dairy donation program.
The bill calls for $16.5 billion in direct payments to farmers and ranchers hurt by COVID-19 with a focus on those who do not qualify for payments out of the $16 billion in direct payments the Agriculture Department announced in April for economic losses and that is expected to be distributed in June. The proposed payments would come from unspent Treasury funding and could serve as a second-chance fund for hog farmers and other livestock producers who say payment limits that apply to the USDA money mean inadequate payments to cover their losses.
The legislation would give the USDA authority to reimburse beef, pork and poultry farmers for euthanization of healthy market-ready animals they have been unable to send to slaughter because processing plants closed or reduced operating levels as hundreds of workers tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19, became ill or stayed away out of fear of becoming infected. The USDA can currently pay indemnities for depopulation of herds or flocks but not for killing healthy cattle, hogs or poultry because markets have collapsed. The bill would allow payments to cover up to 85 percent of the value of animals killed.
Lawmakers also included language to allow the USDA to use funds in the Commodity Credit Corporation to provide aid “to agricultural processing plants in the event of a public health emergency in order to assure the continuation of markets for agricultural commodities.” The bill would amend the charter of the CCC to allow the expanded authority.


rollcall--2020-05-12--States, local governments would get $1 trillion in Democrats’ aid package

House Democrats would provide almost $ 1 trillion in pandemic-related relief for states , cities and counties , at least a six-fold increase over what Congress spread around in a previous round of aid .
The assistance includes $ 500 billion for states , $ 375 billion split equally between municipalities and counties , $ 20 billion for territories and $ 20 billion for tribes , which adds up to $ 915 billion .
They 'd also tack on $ 755 million for the District of Columbia , which backers say got shortchanged in the March aid package .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is included , such as money for Medicaid , education , housing and highways , the total easily tops $ 1 trillion .
Local officials praised the bill .
Matthew Chase , executive director of the National Association of Counties , said in a statement it is “ a significant step in addressing the urgent needs of our nation ’ s county governments as we continue to provide essential services to more than 300 million residents.
” Chase said the pandemic is “ having unprecedented fiscal effects on America ’ s local governments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revenues plummet.
” Clarence Anthony , CEO and executive director of the National League of Cities , said the money will pay to keep firefighters , sanitation workers and police officers on the job .
“ Local governments are doing everything and more to keep essential workers on the job and residents ready for the reopening of our economy , ” he said in a statement .
“ As a result , local budgets are stretched thin and at the breaking point .
”

House Democrats would provide almost $1 trillion in pandemic-related relief for states, cities and counties, at least a six-fold increase over what Congress spread around in a previous round of aid.
The assistance includes $500 billion for states, $375 billion split equally between municipalities and counties, $20 billion for territories and $20 billion for tribes, which adds up to $915 billion. They'd also tack on $755 million for the District of Columbia, which backers say got shortchanged in the March aid package.
And when other state and local related aid is included, such as money for Medicaid, education, housing and highways, the total easily tops $1 trillion.
Local officials praised the bill. Matthew Chase, executive director of the National Association of Counties, said in a statement it is “a significant step in addressing the urgent needs of our nation’s county governments as we continue to provide essential services to more than 300 million residents.” Chase said the pandemic is “having unprecedented fiscal effects on America’s local governments, as our costs skyrocket and our revenues plummet.”
Clarence Anthony, CEO and executive director of the National League of Cities, said the money will pay to keep firefighters, sanitation workers and police officers on the job. “Local governments are doing everything and more to keep essential workers on the job and residents ready for the reopening of our economy,” he said in a statement. “As a result, local budgets are stretched thin and at the breaking point.”


rollcall--2020-05-12--Democrats widen eligibility for payroll loans, but add no funds

House Democrats unveiled a $ 3 trillion spending proposal Tuesday for the next round of coronavirus spending that includes numerous tweaks to the Paycheck Protection Program , but no new money .
The bill would provide small businesses significantly more flexibility on how they spend their PPP funds and remain eligible for loan forgiveness .
It would expand PPP eligibility to critical access hospitals , dark money special interest groups , and local news outlets owned by media conglomerates .
Congress created the PPP as part of the roughly $ 2 trillion economic rescue package passed in March .
Building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ existing Section 7 ( a ) loan guaranty program , it allowed small businesses to apply for loans to cover up to 10 weeks of payroll and other fixed costs for an eight-week period .
Loans that are used for payroll and fixed expenses won ’ t need to be repaid .
The loan applications are handled by private lenders and authorized by the SBA .
The idea was to help keep small businesses afloat , and their workers employed , while COVID-19 wreaked havoc on the economy .
The PPP was so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 349 billion allocation in two weeks , leading Congress to pass a stopgap spending bill that added $ 310 billion to its coffers .
But demand has cooled for the second round , in part because the SBA revised its rules to block public companies from the program .

House Democrats unveiled a $3 trillion spending proposal Tuesday for the next round of coronavirus spending that includes numerous tweaks to the Paycheck Protection Program, but no new money.
The bill would provide small businesses significantly more flexibility on how they spend their PPP funds and remain eligible for loan forgiveness. It would expand PPP eligibility to critical access hospitals, dark money special interest groups, and local news outlets owned by media conglomerates.
Congress created the PPP as part of the roughly $2 trillion economic rescue package passed in March. Building off the Small Business Administration’s existing Section 7(a) loan guaranty program, it allowed small businesses to apply for loans to cover up to 10 weeks of payroll and other fixed costs for an eight-week period. Loans that are used for payroll and fixed expenses won’t need to be repaid.
The loan applications are handled by private lenders and authorized by the SBA. The idea was to help keep small businesses afloat, and their workers employed, while COVID-19 wreaked havoc on the economy.
The PPP was so popular that it ran out of its $349 billion allocation in two weeks, leading Congress to pass a stopgap spending bill that added $310 billion to its coffers. But demand has cooled for the second round, in part because the SBA revised its rules to block public companies from the program.


rollcall--2020-05-12--Coronavirus Special Report: What public health officials are saying about reopening America

In today ’ s episode we highlight what the nation ’ s leading public health officials told the Senate about @ @ @ @ @ we stand on testing , vaccines and whether children should return to school .
We @ @ @ @ @ aid package put forth by House Democrats .

In today’s episode we highlight what the nation’s leading public health officials told the Senate about the pandemic, including where we stand on testing, vaccines and whether children should return to school. We also look at the new aid package put forth by House Democrats.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-05-12--House COVID-19 bill includes low-income utility aid

House Democrats included in their latest coronavirus relief legislation spending to help low-income households pay utility bills and to support @ @ @ @ @ than $ 3 trillion bill released Tuesday is expected to go to the House floor @ @ @ @ @ s the latest in a series of spending measures to help revive an economy brought @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 pandemic that has killed more than 80,000 Americans .
Both parties have sought to @ @ @ @ @ separate policy goals .
Republicans maneuvered to help the oil and gas industry , which @ @ @ @ @ part to historically low oil prices , while Democrats cast the moment as a time @ @ @ @ @ brace for climate change and decarbonize its economy .
The legislation appears to stop well @ @ @ @ @ or environmental overhauls .
Many of the House Democrats ’ provisions will likely not survive @ @ @ @ @

House Democrats included in their latest coronavirus relief legislation spending to help low-income households pay utility bills and to support commercial fisheries.
The more than $3 trillion bill released Tuesday is expected to go to the House floor on Friday. It’s the latest in a series of spending measures to help revive an economy brought to a near-halt by the COVID-19 pandemic that has killed more than 80,000 Americans.
Both parties have sought to use the crisis to reach separate policy goals.
Republicans maneuvered to help the oil and gas industry, which is hemorrhaging jobs due in part to historically low oil prices, while Democrats cast the moment as a time to reshape the country to brace for climate change and decarbonize its economy.
The legislation appears to stop well short of any broad energy or environmental overhauls. Many of the House Democrats’ provisions will likely not survive in the Republican-controlled Senate.


rollcall--2020-05-12--House Democrats propose $3.6 billion for expanding voter access

House Democrats on Tuesday unveiled another massive legislative proposal to address the far-reaching consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and included more than $ 3 billion in the bill to provide federal grants to states to address election preparedness and expand voting by mail .
The proposal ( HR 6800 ) put together by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her top lieutenants has already been rejected out of hand by Republicans in both chambers , who have called the bill a wish list that would die in the Republican-controlled Senate .
Nevertheless , Democrats in both chambers said they backed the proposal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 trillion package .
It would be the fifth coronavirus relief package , if it were to pass .
On the election front , the bill would provide $ 3.6 billion in federal grants to states and election jurisdictions and require the local governments to prepare contingency plans that would enable voting during national emergencies .
The plans would also require states to protect the health of poll workers and take steps to recruit people from “ resilient and unaffected populations.
” In a far-reaching provision , the proposal would also allow citizens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that fail to comply with preparing to conduct elections during national emergencies .

House Democrats on Tuesday unveiled another massive legislative proposal to address the far-reaching consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and included more than $3 billion in the bill to provide federal grants to states to address election preparedness and expand voting by mail.
The proposal (HR 6800) put together by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her top lieutenants has already been rejected out of hand by Republicans in both chambers, who have called the bill a wish list that would die in the Republican-controlled Senate.
Nevertheless, Democrats in both chambers said they backed the proposal, which is part of a $3 trillion package. It would be the fifth coronavirus relief package, if it were to pass.
On the election front, the bill would provide $3.6 billion in federal grants to states and election jurisdictions and require the local governments to prepare contingency plans that would enable voting during national emergencies. The plans would also require states to protect the health of poll workers and take steps to recruit people from “resilient and unaffected populations.”
In a far-reaching provision, the proposal would also allow citizens to bring lawsuits against states and jurisdictions that fail to comply with preparing to conduct elections during national emergencies.


rollcall--2020-05-12--Democrats include $5 billion in broadband funding in virus relief package

The coronavirus relief legislation unveiled by House Democrats on Tuesday includes more than $ 5 billion to keep Americans connected @ @ @ @ @ ongoing pandemic .
The legislation , on which the House is expected to vote Friday @ @ @ @ @ to close the so-called homework gap facing students who lack high-speed internet access at home @ @ @ @ @ country remain closed as a result of the virus and have moved to online learning @ @ @ @ @ the Federal Communications Commission would be authorized to disburse $ 5 billion to schools and @ @ @ @ @ service [ … ] to students and teachers , prioritizing those without internet access at @ @ @ @ @ the bill summary .
Schools and libraries receiving the funding would be authorized to use @ @ @ @ @ , Wi-Fi hotspots , modems , routers and other devices to keep students and teachers @ @ @ @ @ aside five percent of funding for students living on tribal lands .

The coronavirus relief legislation unveiled by House Democrats on Tuesday includes more than $5 billion to keep Americans connected to the internet during the ongoing pandemic.
The legislation, on which the House is expected to vote Friday, includes $1.5 billion to close the so-called homework gap facing students who lack high-speed internet access at home even as schools across the country remain closed as a result of the virus and have moved to online learning.
Under the legislation, the Federal Communications Commission would be authorized to disburse $5 billion to schools and libraries “to provide internet service […] to students and teachers, prioritizing those without internet access at home,” according to the bill summary.
Schools and libraries receiving the funding would be authorized to use it for laptops, tablets, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers and other devices to keep students and teachers connected. The bill sets aside five percent of funding for students living on tribal lands.


rollcall--2020-05-12--Big boosts for families, pensions, blue states in new virus aid proposal

House Democrats included an array of tax cuts for households and businesses as well as long-sought pension relief for union @ @ @ @ @ massive $ 3 trillion-plus COVID-19 aid plan .
The centerpiece of the proposals is another @ @ @ @ @ individuals and families worth up to $ 1,200 per person , an amount that phases @ @ @ @ @ more than $ 75,000 in adjusted gross income and joint filers earning above $ 150,000 @ @ @ @ @ tweak for families , dependent children would now qualify for the full credit amount , @ @ @ @ @ the March round .
Additionally , dependents who are over the age of 17 but @ @ @ @ @ as college students stuck in their parents ' basements due to shuttered dormitories ⚊ would @ @ @ @ @ is each household 's tax payments would be capped at $ 6,000 , so only @ @ @ @ @ qualify ; but that 's still more than a nine-person household would receive under the @ @ @ @

House Democrats included an array of tax cuts for households and businesses as well as long-sought pension relief for union retirees and others in their massive $3 trillion-plus COVID-19 aid plan.
The centerpiece of the proposals is another round of direct payments to individuals and families worth up to $1,200 per person, an amount that phases out for single filers earning more than $75,000 in adjusted gross income and joint filers earning above $150,000.
But in one generous tweak for families, dependent children would now qualify for the full credit amount, up from $500 in the March round. Additionally, dependents who are over the age of 17 but younger than 24 ⚊ such as college students stuck in their parents' basements due to shuttered dormitories ⚊ would now qualify.
The catch is each household's tax payments would be capped at $6,000, so only the first three children would qualify; but that's still more than a nine-person household would receive under the March aid package.
[Pent-up tax demands could resurface in House Democrats’ aid bill]


rollcall--2020-05-12--House relief bill would give census time and money – with strings attached

House Democrats would scuttle President Donald Trump ’ s plan to let states draw legislative maps based on the population of citizens following the 2020 census , under a bill unveiled Tuesday that would also grant the administration its requested deadline extension to complete the decennial count .
The language in the broader coronavirus relief bill also would provide $ 400 million to the Census Bureau to deal with pandemic-related delays .
The administration would have until May 1 , 2021 , to finish congressional apportionment and until July 1 of that year to give map-making data to the states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carolyn B. Maloney , D-N.Y. , whose panel oversees the census , previously pushed for the administration to be more transparent about its plans to handle a delayed census , asking for better access to census officials and staff .
`` In addition , recognizing that Congress has a constitutional responsibility to help ensure a fair and accurate Census , this bill extends key deadlines as a result of the coronavirus crisis while enhancing congressional oversight of Census operations , '' she said in a statement Tuesday .
Under the bill , House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress and have the Census Bureau prioritize data distribution to states with the earliest map-making deadlines , like New Jersey and Virginia , with 2021 legislative elections .

House Democrats would scuttle President Donald Trump’s plan to let states draw legislative maps based on the population of citizens following the 2020 census, under a bill unveiled Tuesday that would also grant the administration its requested deadline extension to complete the decennial count.
The language in the broader coronavirus relief bill also would provide $400 million to the Census Bureau to deal with pandemic-related delays. The administration would have until May 1, 2021, to finish congressional apportionment and until July 1 of that year to give map-making data to the states.
House Oversight and Reform Chairwoman Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, D-N.Y., whose panel oversees the census, previously pushed for the administration to be more transparent about its plans to handle a delayed census, asking for better access to census officials and staff.
"In addition, recognizing that Congress has a constitutional responsibility to help ensure a fair and accurate Census, this bill extends key deadlines as a result of the coronavirus crisis while enhancing congressional oversight of Census operations," she said in a statement Tuesday.
Under the bill, House Democrats would mandate monthly operational reports to Congress and have the Census Bureau prioritize data distribution to states with the earliest map-making deadlines, like New Jersey and Virginia, with 2021 legislative elections.


rollcall--2020-05-13--Democrats would suspend most debt payments, add housing funds

House Democrats ’ proposal for the next round of coronavirus economic relief would include nearly $ 200 billion in long-sought affordable housing and rental assistance funding .
The measure would include a complicated scheme for the Federal Reserve essentially to cover the cost of suspending almost all debt payments for renters , homeowners , student loan borrowers , consumers , small businesses and nonprofit groups .
The package would place broad moratoriums on debt collections and enforcement actions .
It would ban evictions , foreclosures , repossessions and wage garnishments .
It would apply to an enormous amount of credit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debt , private student loans , small business loans and nonprofit groups ’ lines of credit .
The moratoriums would last either for a year or 120 days after the pandemic ’ s disaster declarations end .
To keep the landlords , mortgage servicers , credit card companies , student lenders , debt collectors , and other creditors afloat , the bill would direct the Fed to stand up credit facilities to provide them long-term , low-interest loans to bridge the sudden stop in repayments .
Those facilities would be backed by some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department funds provided in a March economic relief package .

House Democrats’ proposal for the next round of coronavirus economic relief would include nearly $200 billion in long-sought affordable housing and rental assistance funding.
The measure would include a complicated scheme for the Federal Reserve essentially to cover the cost of suspending almost all debt payments for renters, homeowners, student loan borrowers, consumers, small businesses and nonprofit groups.
The package would place broad moratoriums on debt collections and enforcement actions. It would ban evictions, foreclosures, repossessions and wage garnishments. It would apply to an enormous amount of credit, including leases, mortgages, consumer debt, private student loans, small business loans and nonprofit groups’ lines of credit. The moratoriums would last either for a year or 120 days after the pandemic’s disaster declarations end.
[Rural housing losses feared despite rescue spending]
To keep the landlords, mortgage servicers, credit card companies, student lenders, debt collectors, and other creditors afloat, the bill would direct the Fed to stand up credit facilities to provide them long-term, low-interest loans to bridge the sudden stop in repayments. Those facilities would be backed by some of the $454 billion in Treasury Department funds provided in a March economic relief package.


rollcall--2020-05-13--Republican Mike Garcia holds double-digit lead in California special election

The special election in California ’ s 25th District remained uncalled Wednesday morning , with ballots still being counted in the first competitive partisan election amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Yet Republican Mike Garcia , a retired Navy pilot , said on a call with supporters and reporters late Tuesday that the initial results were “ extremely encouraging ” and he was hoping to give a victory speech Wednesday at a virtual event on Zoom .
“ We did make history this evening , ” he said .
Republicans have not flipped a House seat in California since 1998 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Garcia led Democratic state Assemblywoman Christy Smith , 56 percent to 44 percent , but The Associated Press had not declared a winner .
The special election for the remainder of former Democratic Rep Katie Hill 's term in the Southern California district outside Los Angeles was conducted predominantly by mail , and ballots postmarked Tuesday but received by Friday will be counted .
Earlier Tuesday , a Democratic strategist noted that in 2018 , Democrats in California added between 6 and 10 points to their margins as late votes were counted after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , however , Garcia led by 12 points .

The special election in California’s 25th District remained uncalled Wednesday morning, with ballots still being counted in the first competitive partisan election amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Yet Republican Mike Garcia, a retired Navy pilot, said on a call with supporters and reporters late Tuesday that the initial results were “extremely encouraging” and he was hoping to give a victory speech Wednesday at a virtual event on Zoom.
“We did make history this evening,” he said. Republicans have not flipped a House seat in California since 1998.
With 81 percent of precincts reporting, Garcia led Democratic state Assemblywoman Christy Smith, 56 percent to 44 percent, but The Associated Press had not declared a winner. The special election for the remainder of former Democratic Rep Katie Hill's term in the Southern California district outside Los Angeles was conducted predominantly by mail, and ballots postmarked Tuesday but received by Friday will be counted.
Earlier Tuesday, a Democratic strategist noted that in 2018, Democrats in California added between 6 and 10 points to their margins as late votes were counted after Election Day. As of 3:40 a.m., however, Garcia led by 12 points.


rollcall--2020-05-13--Farmers are coming around on climate change

Major farm and livestock groups held a press conference in February to project a united voice on an issue they ’ ve long avoided .
The coalition leaders said they wanted to join the fight against climate change rather than remain cast as villains avoiding the responsibility .
The approach was a sharp departure for an industry that less than a year earlier looked more like a victim as photos circulated of nearly 20 million acres so saturated and flooded that farmers , mostly in the Midwest , couldn ’ t get into their fields .
The federal crop insurance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion in claims .
But farmers and ranchers now acknowledge that they have to change their practices .
In myriad ways , the agriculture sector pumps carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases such as nitrous oxide and methane into the atmosphere , contributing to a warming planet .
They suffer the effects in flooded fields , persistent droughts or ravaging wildfires partly fueled by trees killed by insects that are increasingly flourishing because of mild winters .
To counteract agriculture ’ s contribution to climate change , environmentally minded farmers are changing the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cover crops , ” such as ryegrass , crimson clover , oil-seed radishes and cereal rye , which prevent soil depletion when cash crops are out of rotation .
And they are shifting to no-till agriculture , which also protects the soil by leaving it undisturbed during cultivation and harvesting .
Healthier soil can serve as a “ carbon sink , ” a reservoir that absorbs more carbon than it emits .
These farmers are self-motivated .
They know that they face projected yield declines in major crops such as corn , soybeans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cotton as temperatures increase and water becomes scarcer .

Major farm and livestock groups held a press conference in February to project a united voice on an issue they’ve long avoided. The coalition leaders said they wanted to join the fight against climate change rather than remain cast as villains avoiding the responsibility.
The approach was a sharp departure for an industry that less than a year earlier looked more like a victim as photos circulated of nearly 20 million acres so saturated and flooded that farmers, mostly in the Midwest, couldn’t get into their fields. The federal crop insurance program paid out more than $4 billion in claims.
But farmers and ranchers now acknowledge that they have to change their practices. In myriad ways, the agriculture sector pumps carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases such as nitrous oxide and methane into the atmosphere, contributing to a warming planet. They suffer the effects in flooded fields, persistent droughts or ravaging wildfires partly fueled by trees killed by insects that are increasingly flourishing because of mild winters.
To counteract agriculture’s contribution to climate change, environmentally minded farmers are changing the way they work. They are planting “cover crops,” such as ryegrass, crimson clover, oil-seed radishes and cereal rye, which prevent soil depletion when cash crops are out of rotation. And they are shifting to no-till agriculture, which also protects the soil by leaving it undisturbed during cultivation and harvesting. Healthier soil can serve as a “carbon sink,” a reservoir that absorbs more carbon than it emits.
These farmers are self-motivated. They know that they face projected yield declines in major crops such as corn, soybeans, wheat, rice, sorghum and cotton as temperatures increase and water becomes scarcer.


rollcall--2020-05-12--Tom Tiffany keeps Duffy seat in GOP hands in Wisconsin

Republican state Sen. Tom Tiffany won the special election in Wisconsin on Tuesday to fill former GOP Rep. Sean P. @ @ @ @ @ in a race that both parties were watching for signs of how President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ With 100 percent of precincts reporting , Tiffany , a former owner with his wife @ @ @ @ @ , defeated Democrat Tricia Zunker , the Wassau School Board president , 57 percent to @ @ @ @ @ District , which stretches from central to northwestern Wisconsin .
The special election was triggered @ @ @ @ @ in September after learning that his unborn ninth child had a heart condition that would @ @ @ @ @ District has been fertile territory for Republicans in recent years .
President Donald Trump carried @ @ @ @ @ 2016 , while Duffy won a fifth term two years later by a similar margin @

Republican state Sen. Tom Tiffany won the special election in Wisconsin on Tuesday to fill former GOP Rep. Sean P. Duffy’s House seat in a race that both parties were watching for signs of how President Donald Trump would do in November.
With 100 percent of precincts reporting, Tiffany, a former owner with his wife of a river cruise line, defeated Democrat Tricia Zunker, the Wassau School Board president, 57 percent to 43 percent in the 7th District, which stretches from central to northwestern Wisconsin.
The special election was triggered by Duffy’s resignation in September after learning that his unborn ninth child had a heart condition that would require surgery.
The 7th District has been fertile territory for Republicans in recent years. President Donald Trump carried it by 20 points in 2016, while Duffy won a fifth term two years later by a similar margin.


rollcall--2020-05-12--Kara Eastman gets rematch with Rep. Don Bacon in Nebraska

Corrected , 10:59 p.m. | Nonprofit business consultant Kara Eastman won the Democratic primary in Nebraska ’ s 2nd District @ @ @ @ @ a rematch against Republican incumbent Don Bacon in a seat Democrats are targeting in November @ @ @ @ @ precincts reporting , Eastman was leading with 61 percent of the vote when The Associated @ @ @ @ @ In second place was lawyer Ann Ashford who had 33 percent , followed by restaurateur @ @ @ @ @ .
Bacon had no trouble winning the GOP primary .
He led perennial candidate Paul @ @ @ @ @ 9 percent , when the AP called the race .
Two years ago , Eastman @ @ @ @ @ unseating Bacon , a retired Air Force brigadier general , in the swing Omaha-area district @ @ @ @ @ L. Gonzales rates the November race Lean Republican .
Since then , Eastman , a @ @ @ @ @ appeal more to independent voters , largely ignoring her primary opponents and focusing instead on @ @ @ @ @ Trump , who carried the district by just 2 points in 2016 .

Corrected, 10:59 p.m. | Nonprofit business consultant Kara Eastman won the Democratic primary in Nebraska’s 2nd District on Tuesday, setting up a rematch against Republican incumbent Don Bacon in a seat Democrats are targeting in November.
With 68 percent of precincts reporting, Eastman was leading with 61 percent of the vote when The Associated Press called the race. In second place was lawyer Ann Ashford who had 33 percent, followed by restaurateur Gladys Harrison with 6 percent.
Bacon had no trouble winning the GOP primary. He led perennial candidate Paul Anderson, 91 percent to 9 percent, when the AP called the race.
Two years ago, Eastman came within 2 points of unseating Bacon, a retired Air Force brigadier general, in the swing Omaha-area district. Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates the November race Lean Republican.
Since then, Eastman, a progressive, has worked to appeal more to independent voters, largely ignoring her primary opponents and focusing instead on tying Bacon to President Donald Trump, who carried the district by just 2 points in 2016.


rollcall--2020-05-13--Panel finds experts skittish on quick reopening of economy

Experts appearing before the first hearing of a new COVID-19 panel agreed on several common strategies to use in decisions @ @ @ @ @ as lawmakers bickered over the format of the hearing itself .
In the inaugural hearing @ @ @ @ @ the Coronavirus Crisis , both parties emphasized the importance of taking steps to ease economic @ @ @ @ @ ways .
Democrats have pushed for a more cautious approach , while some Republican-led states @ @ @ @ @ restrictions on businesses .
“ While we all want to reopen as soon as possible @ @ @ @ @ proper safeguards are in place will cause more sickness and death .
A premature opening @ @ @ @ @ to the economy , ” said House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn , D-S.C. , @ @ @ @ @ House Minority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana , the select committee 's ranking member , @ @ @ @ @ Republicans who complained that it 's time to reopen the economy as well as in-person @ @ @

Experts appearing before the first hearing of a new COVID-19 panel agreed on several common strategies to use in decisions about reopening the economy, as lawmakers bickered over the format of the hearing itself.
In the inaugural hearing by the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, both parties emphasized the importance of taking steps to ease economic restrictions, albeit in different ways.
Democrats have pushed for a more cautious approach, while some Republican-led states have been quicker to lift restrictions on businesses.
“While we all want to reopen as soon as possible, doing so before the proper safeguards are in place will cause more sickness and death. A premature opening would also cause greater harm to the economy,” said House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn, D-S.C., who chaired the hearing.
House Minority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana, the select committee's ranking member, led a chorus of House Republicans who complained that it's time to reopen the economy as well as in-person congressional activities.


rollcall--2020-05-13--What Tuesday’s elections taught us, and what they didn’t

It ’ s difficult to glean broader trends from a couple of special elections , but that didn ’ t stop both parties from drawing polar opposite lessons from Tuesday ’ s contests in California and Wisconsin .
In California ’ s competitive 25th District , Republican Mike Garcia , a Navy veteran , defeated Democratic state Assemblywoman Christy Smith to take back a seat that flipped in 2018 .
Garcia was leading by 12 points when The Associated Press called the race Wednesday afternoon .
In Wisconsin , GOP state Sen. Tom Tiffany held on to an open Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ District when he beat Democrat Tricia Zunker , a local school board president , by 14 points .
Republicans cheered the results as signs that they will flip more House seats come November , pointing mainly to Garcia ’ s victory in a district President Donald Trump lost in 2016 and where Democrat Katie Hill unseated Republican Rep. Steve Knight two years later .
“ Every indicator so far suggests Democrats should now be worried about losing more than just this district , which Hillary Clinton won by nearly 7 points , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Dan Conston , president of the Congressional Leadership Fund , a super PAC tied to House GOP leadership .

It’s difficult to glean broader trends from a couple of special elections, but that didn’t stop both parties from drawing polar opposite lessons from Tuesday’s contests in California and Wisconsin.
In California’s competitive 25th District, Republican Mike Garcia, a Navy veteran, defeated Democratic state Assemblywoman Christy Smith to take back a seat that flipped in 2018. Garcia was leading by 12 points when The Associated Press called the race Wednesday afternoon.
In Wisconsin, GOP state Sen. Tom Tiffany held on to an open Republican seat in the rural and deep-red 7th District when he beat Democrat Tricia Zunker, a local school board president, by 14 points.
Republicans cheered the results as signs that they will flip more House seats come November, pointing mainly to Garcia’s victory in a district President Donald Trump lost in 2016 and where Democrat Katie Hill unseated Republican Rep. Steve Knight two years later.
“Every indicator so far suggests Democrats should now be worried about losing more than just this district, which Hillary Clinton won by nearly 7 points, but also their House majority this fall,” said Dan Conston, president of the Congressional Leadership Fund, a super PAC tied to House GOP leadership.


rollcall--2020-05-13--Energy Department to buy oil for reserve and to help industry

The Energy Department moved to buy up to a million barrels of crude oil from U.S. producers to store in @ @ @ @ @ help the industry struggling with a supply glut and weak demand due to the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday afternoon it was soliciting the oil from small and medium-sized producers that have to @ @ @ @ @ .
Lawmakers from oil states have been pushing for the administration to take advantage of @ @ @ @ @ fill the national stockpile while helping oil companies running out of storage for their surplus @ @ @ @ @ R-N.D. , has introduced legislation to approve $ 3 billion for federal oil purchases , @ @ @ @ @ Democrats who view it as a handout to an industry facing problems that predate the @ @ @ @ @ find markets mean more than policy in oil industry ]

The Energy Department moved to buy up to a million barrels of crude oil from U.S. producers to store in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to help the industry struggling with a supply glut and weak demand due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The agency said Wednesday afternoon it was soliciting the oil from small and medium-sized producers that have to submit bids by May 27.
Lawmakers from oil states have been pushing for the administration to take advantage of current low oil prices to fill the national stockpile while helping oil companies running out of storage for their surplus.
Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., has introduced legislation to approve $3 billion for federal oil purchases, a measure opposed by most Democrats who view it as a handout to an industry facing problems that predate the coronavirus pandemic.
[Lawmakers find markets mean more than policy in oil industry]


rollcall--2020-05-13--Coronavirus Special Report: Democrats barrel toward voting rules change

We talk about the proposed voting rules changes that could become a reality for the House to continue to legislate @ @ @ @ @ , how a shortage of body bags is another sign that America does not have @ @ @ @ @ And finally tonight , Democrats floated a coronavirus relief bill they know wo n't pass @ @ @ @ @ • ‘ Darkest winter in modern history ’ may be ahead , whistleblower to testify @ @ @ @ @ votes to limit surveillance of browser history

We talk about the proposed voting rules changes that could become a reality for the House to continue to legislate during the pandemic. Also, how a shortage of body bags is another sign that America does not have enough personal protective equipment. And finally tonight, Democrats floated a coronavirus relief bill they know won't pass — here's why.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-05-13--USCIS eases visa restrictions for some foreign doctors

U.S .
Citizenship and Immigration Services has waived certain visa restrictions so that foreign doctors assigned to rural communities may @ @ @ @ @ approved locations during the coronavirus pandemic .
The waivers will only apply to foreign doctors @ @ @ @ @ , which allows foreign medical physicians to practice in specific rural , underserved communities in @ @ @ @ @ H-1B visas .
Under a memo issued Monday by the Department of Homeland Security , @ @ @ @ @ doctors now may expand their practice through telemedicine health services outside of their immediate community @ @ @ @ @ state .
USCIS will continue to `` assess various options in coordination with DHS as @ @ @ @ @ the current national emergency , the agency said in a statement issued Wednesday by spokesman @ @ @ @ @ , along with the District of Columbia , Puerto Rico , and Guam may sponsor @ @ @ @ @ graduates a year for a three-year commitment under the Conrad 30 program , Bourke said @

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has waived certain visa restrictions so that foreign doctors assigned to rural communities may practice telehealth services outside their approved locations during the coronavirus pandemic.
The waivers will only apply to foreign doctors in the Conrad 30 program, which allows foreign medical physicians to practice in specific rural, underserved communities in the United States using non-immigrant H-1B visas.
Under a memo issued Monday by the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees USCIS, these doctors now may expand their practice through telemedicine health services outside of their immediate community to areas within their assigned state.
USCIS will continue to "assess various options in coordination with DHS as the situation evolves" amid the current national emergency, the agency said in a statement issued Wednesday by spokesman Matthew Bourke.
Each state, along with the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam may sponsor up to 30 foreign medical graduates a year for a three-year commitment under the Conrad 30 program, Bourke said.


rollcall--2020-05-13--Green supporters see holes in Democrats’ recovery bill

House Democrats ’ latest coronavirus relief package has some of the party 's allies frustrated with its exclusion of aid for clean energy and for sidelining legislation to prevent fossil fuel companies from taking the taxpayer support .
Before House Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the $ 3 trillion bill on Tuesday , many traditional Democratic allies were pushing for lawmakers to include provisions for building a greener economy with clean air and sustainable energy , along with direct help for workers and families .
“ Congressional investments into programs that reduce pollution , build clean water infrastructure , grow clean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clean transportation , restore our lands and waters , and build more resilient communities are essential ways to put people back to work , protect public health , and strengthen our economy , ” Gene Karpinksi , president of the League of Conservation Voters , wrote to lawmakers last week .
The bill includes some of the provisions sought by environmentalists , including help for front-line workers , environmental justice grants and moratoriums on utility disconnections .
But the only direct support for renewable energy in the bill is a proposal to pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fuel produced between Jan. 1 and May 1 .
Tax credits for wind and solar that the industry has sought weren ’ t included in the bill .
Those are issues that Democrats have typically supported .

House Democrats’ latest coronavirus relief package has some of the party's allies frustrated with its exclusion of aid for clean energy and for sidelining legislation to prevent fossil fuel companies from taking the taxpayer support.
Before House Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the $3 trillion bill on Tuesday, many traditional Democratic allies were pushing for lawmakers to include provisions for building a greener economy with clean air and sustainable energy, along with direct help for workers and families.
“Congressional investments into programs that reduce pollution, build clean water infrastructure, grow clean energy, reduce energy waste, promote clean transportation, restore our lands and waters, and build more resilient communities are essential ways to put people back to work, protect public health, and strengthen our economy,” Gene Karpinksi, president of the League of Conservation Voters, wrote to lawmakers last week.
The bill includes some of the provisions sought by environmentalists, including help for front-line workers, environmental justice grants and moratoriums on utility disconnections. But the only direct support for renewable energy in the bill is a proposal to pay biofuel producers 45 cents a gallon for fuel produced between Jan. 1 and May 1.
Tax credits for wind and solar that the industry has sought weren’t included in the bill. Those are issues that Democrats have typically supported.