rollcall--2020-05-13--Republican Mike Garcia wins California seat as Democrat concedes in special election

For the first time in more than two decades , Republicans have flipped a Democratic House seat in California .
Democrat Christy Smith conceded Wednesday afternoon that GOP Navy veteran Mike Garcia “ is the likely victor ” in the special election to replace former Democratic Rep. Katie Hill in California ’ s 25th District outside Los Angeles .
A few hours later , The Associated Press called the race with Garcia leading Smith , a state assemblywoman , 56 percent to 44 percent , with 82 percent of precincts reporting .
Ballots mailed Tuesday will still count if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it was important to count every vote , the special election for the remainder of Hill ’ s term was effectively over , she indicated , adding that she was looking toward November , when she and Garcia will face off again for a full two-year term .
“ While it ’ s critical that we ensure every vote is counted and recorded , we believe that the current tally shows Mike Garcia is the likely victor , ” Smith wrote in a post on Facebook .
“ As such , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That said , this is just one step in the process .
”

For the first time in more than two decades, Republicans have flipped a Democratic House seat in California.
Democrat Christy Smith conceded Wednesday afternoon that GOP Navy veteran Mike Garcia “is the likely victor” in the special election to replace former Democratic Rep. Katie Hill in California’s 25th District outside Los Angeles.
A few hours later, The Associated Press called the race with Garcia leading Smith, a state assemblywoman, 56 percent to 44 percent, with 82 percent of precincts reporting.
Ballots mailed Tuesday will still count if they are received by Friday. While Smith said it was important to count every vote, the special election for the remainder of Hill’s term was effectively over, she indicated, adding that she was looking toward November, when she and Garcia will face off again for a full two-year term.
“While it’s critical that we ensure every vote is counted and recorded, we believe that the current tally shows Mike Garcia is the likely victor,” Smith wrote in a post on Facebook. “As such, I’d like to congratulate him. That said, this is just one step in the process.”


rollcall--2020-05-13--Some top Republicans opposed to King regaining committee posts

Rep. Steve King said he and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy agreed he should be able to sit on committees , a privilege King was stripped of when he made racist comments in early 2019 , but some top Republicans are not open to the idea .
The Sioux City Journal reported that the Iowa Republican told a forum on Monday that there was a procedure in place for him to regain his panel posts .
“ On April 20 , Kevin McCarthy and I reached an agreement that he would advocate to the Steering Committee to put all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seniority , ” King said , according to the newspaper .
“ When Congress comes back into session , when the Steering Committee can ( inaudible ) together , I have Kevin McCarthy ’ s word that that will be my time for exoneration.
” McCarthy noted there is a potential path for King to rejoin committees in the House ; however , powerful Republicans on that steering committee have expressed their strong opposition to the possibility .
“ Congressman King ’ s past comments can not be exonerated , '' a McCarthy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Call .
`` Committee assignments are determined by the steering committee and he will have the opportunity to make his case . ''

Rep. Steve King said he and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy agreed he should be able to sit on committees, a privilege King was stripped of when he made racist comments in early 2019, but some top Republicans are not open to the idea.
The Sioux City Journal reported that the Iowa Republican told a forum on Monday that there was a procedure in place for him to regain his panel posts.
“On April 20, Kevin McCarthy and I reached an agreement that he would advocate to the Steering Committee to put all of my committees back, all of my seniority,” King said, according to the newspaper. “When Congress comes back into session, when the Steering Committee can (inaudible) together, I have Kevin McCarthy’s word that that will be my time for exoneration.”
McCarthy noted there is a potential path for King to rejoin committees in the House; however, powerful Republicans on that steering committee have expressed their strong opposition to the possibility.
“Congressman King’s past comments cannot be exonerated," a McCarthy spokesperson said in a statement to Roll Call. "Committee assignments are determined by the steering committee and he will have the opportunity to make his case."


rollcall--2020-05-13--Senate amends surveillance bill to add new oversight

The Senate on Wednesday easily amended a House-passed surveillance bill to increase legal protections for targeted individuals .
The action @ @ @ @ @ to go back to the House for further consideration .
The bipartisan amendment from Republican @ @ @ @ @ and Democratic Sen. Patrick J. Leahy of Vermont would expand the mandate for appointments of @ @ @ @ @ Intelligence Surveillance Court proceedings to include those involving religious institutions , political figures and other @ @ @ @ @ We propose measures that would authorize and actively encourage judges in this secret court to @ @ @ @ @ all sensitive cases -- such as those involving significant First Amendment issues -- thereby adding @ @ @ @ @ those who will likely never know they have been targeted for secret surveillance , '' @ @ @ @ @ a recent Washington Post opinion piece .
The 77-19 vote was an overwhelming victory for @ @ @ @ @ after another amendment with overlapping support came up just short earlier in the day .

The Senate on Wednesday easily amended a House-passed surveillance bill to increase legal protections for targeted individuals.
The action ensures the measure will need to go back to the House for further consideration.
The bipartisan amendment from Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah and Democratic Sen. Patrick J. Leahy of Vermont would expand the mandate for appointments of outside legal counsel in Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court proceedings to include those involving religious institutions, political figures and other particularly sensitive cases.
"We propose measures that would authorize and actively encourage judges in this secret court to seek independent amicus reviews in all sensitive cases -- such as those involving significant First Amendment issues -- thereby adding a layer of protection for those who will likely never know they have been targeted for secret surveillance," Lee and Leahy wrote in a recent Washington Post opinion piece.
The 77-19 vote was an overwhelming victory for more civil-libertarian minded senators, after another amendment with overlapping support came up just short earlier in the day.


rollcall--2020-05-13--Democrats’ bill would force airlines to make more refunds

Five Senate Democrats hope to force airlines to offer cash refunds for flights canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ worried about health risks .
Sens .
Edward J. Markey , D-Mass.
, Elizabeth Warren @ @ @ @ @ , D-Conn. , Christopher S. Murphy , D-Conn. , and Kamala Harris , D-Calif. , @ @ @ @ @ , which would also apply to third-party ticket sellers such as Travelocity , to be @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus spending .
The bill comes one day after the U.S. Department of Transportation @ @ @ @ @ must get refunds when airlines cancel flights , but not when the traveler decides not @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday that though carriers are required to refund the cost of flights they cancel , @ @ @ @ @ passengers or provide a voucher for another flight without telling passengers that they are eligible @ @ @ @

Five Senate Democrats hope to force airlines to offer cash refunds for flights canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, including those canceled by travelers worried about health risks.
Sens. Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass, Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Christopher S. Murphy, D-Conn., and Kamala Harris, D-Calif., say they want their bill, which would also apply to third-party ticket sellers such as Travelocity, to be included in the next round of coronavirus spending.
The bill comes one day after the U.S. Department of Transportation offered guidance saying that travelers must get refunds when airlines cancel flights, but not when the traveler decides not to fly.
Markey said Wednesday that though carriers are required to refund the cost of flights they cancel, many instead offer to rebook passengers or provide a voucher for another flight without telling passengers that they are eligible for a refund.
[DOT eases airport service mandates for struggling airlines]


rollcall--2020-05-14--More black women are dying giving birth during the pandemic. How can Congress address this?

Black women have long had disproportionately high rates of death after giving birth , and the coronavirus pandemic is making @ @ @ @ @ care reporter Sandhya Raman breaks down how maternal mortality rates have increased for communities of @ @ @ @ @ and what some lawmakers are looking to do to address it .
[ Also watch @ @ @ @ @ the country for a second wave of coronavirus ? ]

Black women have long had disproportionately high rates of death after giving birth, and the coronavirus pandemic is likely making it even worse.
Health care reporter Sandhya Raman breaks down how concerns about maternal mortality rates for communities of color have increased during the pandemic, and what some lawmakers are looking to do to address it.
[ Read more: COVID-19 amplifies racial disparities in maternal health ]


rollcall--2020-05-14--National body bag shortage exacerbates funeral homes’ problems

A national shortage of body bags is disrupting the work of funeral directors across the country , raising difficult questions about how to maintain the dignity of the deceased and reduce workers ’ concerns about potential exposure to the coronavirus .
The shortage of body bags is a grim reminder of the pandemic ’ s mounting death toll .
More than 81,000 Americans have died of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
Because of the short supply , body bags are sometimes reused two or three times .
Sometimes when a body bag is unavailable , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mask is placed on the face .
At times , funeral directors use a material called casket plastic made of similar material , which is thinner than a body bag and can tear more easily .
The pandemic has increased the demand and production of heavy-duty plastic covers with names like “ Bioshield ” or “ Bodysealer , ” funeral directors and suppliers say .
One funeral director reported using expired bags that public health care officials purchased during the H1N1 epidemic .
There is a monthslong backlog on body bags , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s not clear when the shortage will ease .

A national shortage of body bags is disrupting the work of funeral directors across the country, raising difficult questions about how to maintain the dignity of the deceased and reduce workers’ concerns about potential exposure to the coronavirus.
The shortage of body bags is a grim reminder of the pandemic’s mounting death toll. More than 81,000 Americans have died of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Because of the short supply, body bags are sometimes reused two or three times. Sometimes when a body bag is unavailable, the deceased person is wrapped in sheets and a mask is placed on the face.
At times, funeral directors use a material called casket plastic made of similar material, which is thinner than a body bag and can tear more easily. The pandemic has increased the demand and production of heavy-duty plastic covers with names like “Bioshield” or “Bodysealer,” funeral directors and suppliers say. One funeral director reported using expired bags that public health care officials purchased during the H1N1 epidemic.
There is a monthslong backlog on body bags, suppliers and funeral directors say. It’s not clear when the shortage will ease.


rollcall--2020-05-14--Airlines, government at odds over passenger ‘contact tracing’

Two months after lawmakers lamented public health officials ’ inability to contact air travelers arriving in the U.S. who may @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus , the federal government and airlines are still at odds over who should take @ @ @ @ @ .
Airlines and third-party groups that sell airline tickets argue the government bears the responsibility @ @ @ @ @ down travelers coming in from overseas who may have been exposed to the disease .
@ @ @ @ @ and Prevention , meanwhile , is finalizing a rule that would compel airlines to take @ @ @ @ @ data and sharing it with the CDC .
They say they ’ ve been trying @ @ @ @ @ to collect this data to little avail .
Both sides , however , agree that @ @ @ @ @ .
Public health officials say that contact tracing —which determines who an infected person has @ @ @ @ @ is a crucial tool in a broad arsenal aimed at tracking and preventing further transmission @ @ @ @ @ Democrats ’ bill would force airlines to make more refunds ]

Two months after lawmakers lamented public health officials’ inability to contact air travelers arriving in the U.S. who may have been exposed to the coronavirus, the federal government and airlines are still at odds over who should take the lead on such efforts.
Airlines and third-party groups that sell airline tickets argue the government bears the responsibility for gathering information to track down travelers coming in from overseas who may have been exposed to the disease.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, meanwhile, is finalizing a rule that would compel airlines to take the lead in collecting the data and sharing it with the CDC. They say they’ve been trying for years to get airlines to collect this data to little avail.
Both sides, however, agree that gathering the information is important. Public health officials say that contact tracing —which determines who an infected person has been in contact with — is a crucial tool in a broad arsenal aimed at tracking and preventing further transmission of the disease.
[Democrats’ bill would force airlines to make more refunds]


rollcall--2020-05-14--Plasma donation emerges as a recovery ritual for members of Congress

Mike Kelly was back home in his district at the end of St. Patrick ’ s Day week when he started to experience “ flu-like ” symptoms that included headache , upset stomach and chills .
“ My wife said , ‘ You know what ?
I don ’ t like the way things are going here.
’ ” His doctor recommended a drive-thru coronavirus test , a six-inch cotton swab shoved up his nose for 30 seconds .
It was “ uncomfortable , ” says the Pennsylvania Republican , euphemistically .
“ They go way past anything I ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honestly it was going right up into my sinuses.
” About 24 hours later , Kelly found out he had COVID-19 , which was especially concerning since he is over 70 years old and a Type-2 diabetic , two groups particularly vulnerable to the novel coronavirus .
He was a bit surprised considering he didn ’ t feel “ that bad.
” But his doctor warned , “ Well , you ’ re gon na feel a lot worse.
” And he did .
The headache and chills continued , except now he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loss of taste and smell , and extreme loss of appetite .
His diet consisted mainly of water and applesauce “ from time to time.
” By the end of his ordeal , Kelly says he lost 30 pounds .
What came next is quickly becoming a ritual for members of Congress who have recovered from COVID-19 .
A friend suggested he should try to donate convalescent plasma , the liquid part of blood that can be collected from survivors .
Researchers want to know how antibodies in the plasma might help other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he went through an extensive screening process before he could donate , entering a government-backed national program led by the Mayo Clinic .
He had his blood tested at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and answered questions about his health history and contacts he ’ s had over the last three to five years .
Once he got the green light , he sat for about 90 minutes at a Vitalant donation center near his home as a machine pumped his blood and separated the plasma .
He even fired off some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he reclined in his chair .

Mike Kelly was back home in his district at the end of St. Patrick’s Day week when he started to experience “flu-like” symptoms that included headache, upset stomach and chills. “My wife said, ‘You know what? I don’t like the way things are going here.’”
His doctor recommended a drive-thru coronavirus test, a six-inch cotton swab shoved up his nose for 30 seconds. It was “uncomfortable,” says the Pennsylvania Republican, euphemistically. “They go way past anything I ever thought they could do. I thought honestly it was going right up into my sinuses.”
About 24 hours later, Kelly found out he had COVID-19, which was especially concerning since he is over 70 years old and a Type-2 diabetic, two groups particularly vulnerable to the novel coronavirus. He was a bit surprised considering he didn’t feel “that bad.” But his doctor warned, “Well, you’re gonna feel a lot worse.” And he did. The headache and chills continued, except now he also suffered muscle spasms, exhaustion, loss of taste and smell, and extreme loss of appetite. His diet consisted mainly of water and applesauce “from time to time.” By the end of his ordeal, Kelly says he lost 30 pounds.
What came next is quickly becoming a ritual for members of Congress who have recovered from COVID-19. A friend suggested he should try to donate convalescent plasma, the liquid part of blood that can be collected from survivors. Researchers want to know how antibodies in the plasma might help other patients fight the disease.
Kelly said he went through an extensive screening process before he could donate, entering a government-backed national program led by the Mayo Clinic. He had his blood tested at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and answered questions about his health history and contacts he’s had over the last three to five years. Once he got the green light, he sat for about 90 minutes at a Vitalant donation center near his home as a machine pumped his blood and separated the plasma. He even fired off some texts and got some work done while he reclined in his chair.


rollcall--2020-05-14--COVID-19 amplifies racial disparities in maternal health

Days before her death , Amber Isaac tweeted about her negative experiences receiving pregnancy care at her local hospital in @ @ @ @ @ a 26-year-old black woman pregnant with her first child , raised concerns about `` incompetent @ @ @ @ @ about her low platelet count and felt her concerns were not being heard at Montefiore @ @ @ @ @ mother Renita Isaac has worked for 25 years , her partner Bruce McIntyre told CQ @ @ @ @ @ was facing neglect from the health care system .
Even when she was vocally expressing @ @ @ @ @ still not given fair treatment , ” he said .
“ Her platelet levels were @ @ @ @ @ was water-like.
” She died shortly after an emergency cesarean section in late April , @ @ @ @ @ date , in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic .
“ Knowing that her platelet @ @ @ @ @ they still wanted to operate , ” he said .
“ They let us down @ @

Days before her death, Amber Isaac tweeted about her negative experiences receiving pregnancy care at her local hospital in the Bronx.
Isaac, a 26-year-old black woman pregnant with her first child, raised concerns about "incompetent doctors." She worried about her low platelet count and felt her concerns were not being heard at Montefiore Medical Center, where her mother Renita Isaac has worked for 25 years, her partner Bruce McIntyre told CQ Roll Call.
“Amber was facing neglect from the health care system. Even when she was vocally expressing her concerns, she was still not given fair treatment,” he said. “Her platelet levels were so low that her blood was water-like.”
She died shortly after an emergency cesarean section in late April, a month before her due date, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Knowing that her platelet levels were that low, they still wanted to operate,” he said. “They let us down.”


rollcall--2020-05-13--Trump to name former drug executive, Army general to lead vaccine search

President Donald Trump is planning to name former GlaxoSmithKline vaccine chief Moncef Slaoui and Army Materiel Command Gen. Gustave Perna @ @ @ @ @ a coronavirus vaccine , an administration spokesman confirmed Wednesday .
The two will head a @ @ @ @ @ to find and fast-track a vaccine for COVID-19 as the nation struggles to balance concerns @ @ @ @ @ with the lingering presence of a deadly and highly transmissible virus .
Many health experts @ @ @ @ @ and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci expect that a vaccine is at least a year @ @ @ @ @ decorated four-star general who directs logistics and global supply chain for the U.S. Army .
@ @ @ @ @ of Moderna Therapeutics , one of several companies leading the charge for a vaccine .
@ @ @ @ @ clinical trial for its vaccine candidate earlier this month , and plans to move to @ @ @ @ @ summer .
While at GlaxoSmithKline , Slaoui led the development of cervical cancer vaccine Cervarix @ @ @ @ @

President Donald Trump is planning to name former GlaxoSmithKline vaccine chief Moncef Slaoui and Army Materiel Command Gen. Gustave Perna to lead the search for a coronavirus vaccine, an administration spokesman confirmed Wednesday.
The two will head a project dubbed Operation Warp Speed to find and fast-track a vaccine for COVID-19 as the nation struggles to balance concerns of an economic free fall with the lingering presence of a deadly and highly transmissible virus. Many health experts including National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci expect that a vaccine is at least a year away.
Perna is a decorated four-star general who directs logistics and global supply chain for the U.S. Army.
Slaoui serves on the board of Moderna Therapeutics, one of several companies leading the charge for a vaccine. Moderna began a phase two clinical trial for its vaccine candidate earlier this month, and plans to move to phase three trials early this summer.
While at GlaxoSmithKline, Slaoui led the development of cervical cancer vaccine Cervarix and pneumococcal vaccine Synflorix.


rollcall--2020-05-14--Virus aid bill and proxy voting readied for Friday House action

House lawmakers flocked back to Washington ahead of Friday votes on trillions of dollars in coronavirus aid and approval of the most consequential change to the House voting process in more than 40 years .
The House Rules Committee voted along party lines Wednesday night to send to the floor a rule for consideration of the $ 3 trillion coronavirus bill and a resolution to change House rules to allow for proxy voting and remote committee proceedings .
The rule , approved 8-4 , would provide for consideration of a bill that would provide almost $ 916 billion in direct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ additional funds for aid to hospitals and for national testing .
The measure would also provide assistance for the U.S .
Postal Service and to prepare for the November elections .
The sweeping measure would provide another round of cash payments to families , housing assistance , more loans to businesses , medical research funding , an extension of expanded unemployment insurance benefits , tax breaks and more .
House Appropriations Chairwoman Nita M. Lowey touted the nearly $ 1 trillion in aid for cash-strapped states and local governments .
“ So they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health workers , teachers and other public servants — paid and working for us , ” said Lowey .

House lawmakers flocked back to Washington ahead of Friday votes on trillions of dollars in coronavirus aid and approval of the most consequential change to the House voting process in more than 40 years.
The House Rules Committee voted along party lines Thursday night to send to the floor a rule for consideration of the $3 trillion coronavirus bill and a resolution to change House rules to allow for proxy voting and remote committee proceedings.
The rule, approved 8-4, would provide for consideration of a bill that would provide almost $916 billion in direct aid to state and local governments and additional funds for aid to hospitals and for national testing. The measure would also provide assistance for the U.S. Postal Service and to prepare for the November elections.
The sweeping measure would provide another round of cash payments to families, housing assistance, more loans to businesses, medical research funding, an extension of expanded unemployment insurance benefits, tax breaks and more.
House Appropriations Chairwoman Nita M. Lowey touted the nearly $1 trillion in aid for cash-strapped states and local governments.
“So they can keep our heroes — first responders health workers, teachers and other public servants — paid and working for us,” said Lowey.


rollcall--2020-05-14--Coronavirus Special Report: ‘2020 could be the darkest winter in modern history’

Tonight we delve into the HHS whistleblower ’ s testimony to Congress , a senator who is accused of benefiting @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 and a first-responder system developed after 9/11 that is working well .
• Burr @ @ @ @ @ as stock sale scandal grows • Statistics alone won ’ t save minorities from COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ communities will

Tonight we delve into the HHS whistleblower’s testimony to Congress, a senator who is accused of benefiting financially from intelligence briefings on COVID-19 and a first-responder system developed after 9/11 that is working well.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-05-14--Democrats, eyeing GOP,  extend but don’t top up jobless benefit

The unemployment provisions of House Democrats ’ new COVID-19 relief package would extend into 2021 benefits that Congress provided by legislation only a few weeks ago , but the bill otherwise would make few changes to the benefits already enacted .
Other components of the latest Democratic proposal are more expansive in their policy goals , but Rep. Danny K. Davis , D-Ill , said changes to the unemployment provisions were minimized in order to maximize the prospect of getting Republican support .
“ We know you can ’ t go it alone , ” said Davis , who chairs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Worker and Family Support .
“ It takes three to tango .
We ’ ve got to have all the components working together to reach agreement.
” The House is expected to vote on the $ 3 trillion bill Friday even though some Democratic lawmakers are unhappy with omissions .
That vote would come just a day after the Labor Department said another 3 million people filed jobless claims in the week ending May 9 , raising to more than 36 million the number who have filed in the eight weeks since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy .
Davis acknowledged that some labor advocates see the COVID-19 benefits as inadequate , but he said Democrats are focused on an approach most likely to make it through Congress , a recognition that Senate Republicans consider added benefits too generous .

The unemployment provisions of House Democrats’ new COVID-19 relief package would extend into 2021 benefits that Congress provided by legislation only a few weeks ago, but the bill otherwise would make few changes to the benefits already enacted.
Other components of the latest Democratic proposal are more expansive in their policy goals, but Rep. Danny K. Davis, D-Ill, said changes to the unemployment provisions were minimized in order to maximize the prospect of getting Republican support.
“We know you can’t go it alone,” said Davis, who chairs the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Worker and Family Support. “It takes three to tango. We’ve got to have all the components working together to reach agreement.”
The House is expected to vote on the $3 trillion bill Friday even though some Democratic lawmakers are unhappy with omissions. That vote would come just a day after the Labor Department said another 3 million people filed jobless claims in the week ending May 9, raising to more than 36 million the number who have filed in the eight weeks since the pandemic started shutting down large parts of the economy.
Davis acknowledged that some labor advocates see the COVID-19 benefits as inadequate, but he said Democrats are focused on an approach most likely to make it through Congress, a recognition that Senate Republicans consider added benefits too generous.


rollcall--2020-05-14--Maloney drafting pandemic insurance bill as COVID-19 shows gap

Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney , a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee and a former chairwoman of one of its subcommittees , is preparing to introduce legislation that would establish an insurance program to provide coverage during future outbreaks , closing a gap in current policies that exclude events like the COVID-19 pandemic .
According to a discussion draft circulated by the staff for Maloney , D-N.Y. , and provided to CQ Roll Call , the program would operate similarly in some ways to the federal Terrorism Risk Insurance Program established after the 9/11 attacks .
Terrorism risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sector to share the cost of events deemed to be terrorist attacks .
[ In letter to lawmakers , insurers say pandemic cost is too great ] An email from Jake Friedman , Maloney 's legislative assistant , forwarded to CQ Roll Call said the pandemic risk bill is expected to be introduced by the end of next week .
The staff for Maloney didn ’ t respond to a request for comment .
Maloney led the Financial Services Subcommittee on Investor Protection , Entrepreneurship , and Capital Markets until she left in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House Oversight and Reform Committee .

Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee and a former chairwoman of one of its subcommittees, is preparing to introduce legislation that would establish an insurance program to provide coverage during future outbreaks, closing a gap in current policies that exclude events like the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a discussion draft circulated by the staff for Maloney, D-N.Y., and provided to CQ Roll Call, the program would operate similarly in some ways to the federal Terrorism Risk Insurance Program established after the 9/11 attacks. Terrorism risk insurance allows the government and the private sector to share the cost of events deemed to be terrorist attacks.
[In letter to lawmakers, insurers say pandemic cost is too great]
An email from Jake Friedman, Maloney's legislative assistant, forwarded to CQ Roll Call said the pandemic risk bill is expected to be introduced by the end of next week. The staff for Maloney didn’t respond to a request for comment.
Maloney led the Financial Services Subcommittee on Investor Protection, Entrepreneurship, and Capital Markets until she left in late 2019 to become chairwoman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee.


rollcall--2020-05-14--New rules ease rest mandates for truck drivers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on Thursday announced final regulations that aim to settle years of debate over how @ @ @ @ @ limits on their driving hours while preventing accidents caused by driver fatigue .
In a @ @ @ @ @ Jim Mullen and Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao , Mullen said the final rules @ @ @ @ @ works since 2018 would not add to the hours drivers can operate their trucks during @ @ @ @ @ options for when they can take breaks .
FMCSA estimates the new rules will save @ @ @ @ @ million annually over 10 years .
The rule change follows two years of debate and @ @ @ @ @ said .
Safety advocates and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters were among those critical of @ @ @ @ @ Truckers took a pass in first recovery bill , but not this time ]

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on Thursday announced final regulations that aim to settle years of debate over how to give drivers flexibility in limits on their driving hours while preventing accidents caused by driver fatigue.
In a press call with acting administrator Jim Mullen and Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao, Mullen said the final rules that have been in the works since 2018 would not add to the hours drivers can operate their trucks during a workday but provide more options for when they can take breaks.
FMCSA estimates the new rules will save the trucking industry $274 million annually over 10 years. The rule change follows two years of debate and 8,000 public comments, Chao said.
Safety advocates and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters were among those critical of the new rules.
[Truckers took a pass in first recovery bill, but not this time]


rollcall--2020-05-14--EPA enforcement rollback challenged by attorneys general

The EPA is facing a legal challenge from Democratic attorneys general over its easing of enforcement during the medical and @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
Nine attorneys general sued the agency Wednesday , saying it exceeded its legal @ @ @ @ @ broad , open-ended policy '' that allows companies to determine for themselves if they can @ @ @ @ @ and water pollution during the crisis .
When EPA issued the policy March 26 , @ @ @ @ @ did not expect ” to seek legal penalties for violations of standard compliance and monitoring @ @ @ @ @ water protections .
In their complaint , the attorneys general said the policy was overly @ @ @ @ @ from it would hurt their states .
They called for the court to scrap it @ @ @ @ @ and capricious for EPA to adopt a broad ranging policy without considering whether it will @ @ @ @ @ during the current crisis , ” the attorneys general said in their complaint .

The EPA is facing a legal challenge from Democratic attorneys general over its easing of enforcement during the medical and economic crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nine attorneys general sued the agency Wednesday, saying it exceeded its legal authority by issuing a “broad, open-ended policy" that allows companies to determine for themselves if they can meet reporting requirements for air and water pollution during the crisis.
When EPA issued the policy March 26, the agency said it “did not expect” to seek legal penalties for violations of standard compliance and monitoring rules for federal air and water protections.
In their complaint, the attorneys general said the policy was overly broad and that increased pollution from it would hurt their states. They called for the court to scrap it.
“It was arbitrary and capricious for EPA to adopt a broad ranging policy without considering whether it will exacerbate harms to public health during the current crisis,” the attorneys general said in their complaint.


rollcall--2020-05-14--Senate passes amended FISA surveillance overhaul

The Senate on Thursday easily passed an amended bill to revive and increase oversight of surveillance powers .
Senators voted , 80-16 , to pass the measure before finishing up work on Capitol Hill for the week .
Under a previous agreement , 60 votes were required .
The measure will now return to the House , since senators voted Wednesday to adopt a bipartisan amendment expanding the number of cases before the secretive intelligence court in which an outside legal counsel would be appointed .
The amendment from Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah and Democratic Sen. Patrick J.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ overwhelming support of 77 senators despite warnings from leaders that it could prolong the lapse in authorization of important intelligence powers .
“ If men were angels , no government would be necessary .
But men are not angels , so our government will always need oversight and accountability to make sure it doesn ’ t abuse its power .
The Lee-Leahy Amendment just passed by the Senate will help bring some much-needed oversight and accountability to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act , ” Lee said in a statement ahead of Thursday ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs to be done , but this is good reform in the right direction , and I look forward to final passage of this FISA reform legislation .
”

The Senate on Thursday easily passed an amended bill to revive and increase oversight of surveillance powers.
Senators voted, 80-16, to pass the measure before finishing up work on Capitol Hill for the week. Under a previous agreement, 60 votes were required.
The measure will now return to the House, since senators voted Wednesday to adopt a bipartisan amendment expanding the number of cases before the secretive intelligence court in which an outside legal counsel would be appointed.
The amendment from Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah and Democratic Sen. Patrick J. Leahy of Vermont was adopted with the overwhelming support of 77 senators despite warnings from leaders that it could prolong the lapse in authorization of important intelligence powers.
“If men were angels, no government would be necessary. But men are not angels, so our government will always need oversight and accountability to make sure it doesn’t abuse its power. The Lee-Leahy Amendment just passed by the Senate will help bring some much-needed oversight and accountability to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act,” Lee said in a statement ahead of Thursday’s vote. “More work still needs to be done, but this is good reform in the right direction, and I look forward to final passage of this FISA reform legislation.”


rollcall--2020-05-14--Small businesses expect long recovery from pandemic

More than 30 percent of U.S. small businesses expect recovery from the coronavirus crisis to take six months or longer , according to results released Thursday from a new pandemic-related Census Bureau survey .
Nationwide , about 40 percent of businesses had to close at least one day between April 26 and May 2 , and more than one quarter said they reduced the number of paid employees that week , according to results from the Census Bureau ’ s first Small Business Pulse Survey of about 100,000 businesses .
The agency launched the survey last month , intending to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as major metropolitan areas .
The results come a day before the House of Representatives is set to vote on a $ 3 trillion aid package meant to help buoy an economy ravaged by the pandemic .
The Democrats ’ bill ( HR 6800 ) would tweak the Paycheck Protection Program , as well as put a freeze on repayment of many types of loans , including those for small businesses .
The Census Bureau release said the results are “ intended to provide crucial weekly data on the impact of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s businesses.
” They also can provide policymakers with a real-time glimpse into how the pandemic has hit the economy , the agency said .

More than 30 percent of U.S. small businesses expect recovery from the coronavirus crisis to take six months or longer, according to results released Thursday from a new pandemic-related Census Bureau survey.
Nationwide, about 40 percent of businesses had to close at least one day between April 26 and May 2, and more than one quarter said they reduced the number of paid employees that week, according to results from the Census Bureau’s first Small Business Pulse Survey of about 100,000 businesses. The agency launched the survey last month, intending to provide weekly results for all 50 states as well as major metropolitan areas.
[Census Bureau to launch coronavirus survey]
The results come a day before the House of Representatives is set to vote on a $3 trillion aid package meant to help buoy an economy ravaged by the pandemic. The Democrats’ bill (HR 6800) would tweak the Paycheck Protection Program, as well as put a freeze on repayment of many types of loans, including those for small businesses.
The Census Bureau release said the results are “intended to provide crucial weekly data on the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the nation’s businesses.” They also can provide policymakers with a real-time glimpse into how the pandemic has hit the economy, the agency said.


rollcall--2020-05-14--At the Races: Isn’t that special?

At the Races: Isn’t that special?

Welcome to At the Races !
Each week we ’ ll bring you news and analysis from the CQ Roll Call team that will keep you informed about the 2020 election .
Know someone who ’ d like to get this newsletter ?
They can subscribe here .
Mike Garcia didn ’ t have to wait very long to be declared the winner of the special election in California ’ s 25th District .
Less than 24 hours after the polls closed , The Associated Press called the race for the Navy veteran ( which is fast by California standards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in more than two decades to flip a Democratic House seat in the Golden State .
So what does it mean ?
That depends who you ask .
Republicans touted Garcia ’ s victory as evidence they can win in the suburbs and ultimately flip the House .
But Democrats cautioned not to read too much into one special election , especially when they expect their voters to turn out in much higher numbers in November when President Donald Trump will be facing former Vice President Joe Biden ( special elections are special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his vanquished Democratic opponent , state Assemblywoman Christy Smith , face each other again in November as well .
Partisan spin aside , both parties will also be digging into the race for clues about which virtual campaign tactics worked , and which ones didn ’ t .
As the coronavirus pandemic led to stay-at-home orders in California in early March , both Garcia and Smith shifted to virtual campaigns and focused on reaching voters on TV , online and over the phone .
Garcia noted on an election night call with supporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calls since the crisis hit .
“ I know a lot of you were complaining about how many times we were calling you , ” he joked .
Live ( on Zoom ) !
: In less than an hour , you can watch “ At The Races : 6 Months Out , ” our campaign team ’ s discussion about the 10 most vulnerable House and Senate members and why they got there .
We ’ ll also discuss the landscape ahead for Trump and the majorities in the House and Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ p.m. on our Twitter , Facebook and YouTube channels .
Register here .

Kate Ackley, Stephanie Akin, and Bridget Bowman

Welcome to At the Races! Each week we’ll bring you news and analysis from the CQ Roll Call team that will keep you informed about the 2020 election. Know someone who’d like to get this newsletter? They can subscribe here.
Mike Garcia didn’t have to wait very long to be declared the winner of the special election in California’s 25th District. Less than 24 hours after the polls closed, The Associated Press called the race for the Navy veteran (which is fast by California standards), making him the first Republican in more than two decades to flip a Democratic House seat in the Golden State.
So what does it mean? That depends who you ask. Republicans touted Garcia’s victory as evidence they can win in the suburbs and ultimately flip the House. But Democrats cautioned not to read too much into one special election, especially when they expect their voters to turn out in much higher numbers in November when President Donald Trump will be facing former Vice President Joe Biden (special elections are special, remember?). Garcia and his vanquished Democratic opponent, state Assemblywoman Christy Smith, face each other again in November as well.
Partisan spin aside, both parties will also be digging into the race for clues about which virtual campaign tactics worked, and which ones didn’t. As the coronavirus pandemic led to stay-at-home orders in California in early March, both Garcia and Smith shifted to virtual campaigns and focused on reaching voters on TV, online and over the phone. Garcia noted on an election night call with supporters that his campaign had made 500,000 phone calls since the crisis hit. “I know a lot of you were complaining about how many times we were calling you,” he joked.
Starting gate
Live (on Zoom)!: In less than an hour, you can watch “At The Races: 6 Months Out,” our campaign team’s discussion about the 10 most vulnerable House and Senate members and why they got there. We’ll also discuss the landscape ahead for Trump and the majorities in the House and Senate. It’s happening at 3 p.m. on our Twitter, Facebook and YouTube channels. Register here.


rollcall--2020-05-14--House vote on aid bill set despite Democrats upset over omissions

House Democrats are plowing ahead with a Friday vote on a $ 3 trillion-plus coronavirus relief measure , arguing the urgency to act outweighs concerns among rank-and-file lawmakers that the “ bold ” package described by party leaders isn ’ t bold enough .
Several top priorities pushed by large blocs within the Democratic Caucus were left out of the bill .
Congressional Progressive Caucus leaders upset by some of the omissions pushed for a delay in the vote to next week so lawmakers could discuss potential changes .
But leadership decided to proceed on schedule , indicating confidence that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ huge package .
“ There are things that members of the Progressive Caucus have pushed for and achieved in terms of substantial victories on behalf of the American people in this bill , but some things that they may not have achieved , ” House Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries said on a Wednesday webinar hosted by BakerHostetler , a law firm .
“ Same for the Blue Dogs .
Same for the New Dems , ” the New York Democrat added , referring to more moderate factions within the caucus .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been accomplished , ” Jeffries said .
“ And I think , ultimately , we ’ re going to be able to get this bill over the finish line on Friday .
”

House Democrats are plowing ahead with a Friday vote on a $3 trillion-plus coronavirus relief measure, arguing the urgency to act outweighs concerns among rank-and-file lawmakers that the “bold” package described by party leaders isn’t bold enough.
Several top priorities pushed by large blocs within the Democratic Caucus were left out of the bill.
Congressional Progressive Caucus leaders upset by some of the omissions pushed for a delay in the vote to next week so lawmakers could discuss potential changes. But leadership decided to proceed on schedule, indicating confidence that they have the votes to pass the huge package.
“There are things that members of the Progressive Caucus have pushed for and achieved in terms of substantial victories on behalf of the American people in this bill, but some things that they may not have achieved,” House Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries said on a Wednesday webinar hosted by BakerHostetler, a law firm.
“Same for the Blue Dogs. Same for the New Dems,” the New York Democrat added, referring to more moderate factions within the caucus. “But the highest common denominator I think has been accomplished,” Jeffries said. “And I think, ultimately, we’re going to be able to get this bill over the finish line on Friday.”


rollcall--2020-05-15--Post-9/11 public safety network tapped for COVID-19 response

The nationwide public safety wireless network that Congress created in 2012 because of failures seen during and after the 9/11 @ @ @ @ @ and public safety experts across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic .
The law created @ @ @ @ @ , provided $ 7 billion for it , and allocated 20 megahertz of bandwidth within @ @ @ @ @ create a nationwide interoperable broadband network .
The network has been used since then to @ @ @ @ @ including wildfires , hurricanes and tornadoes .
Although the law gave states the freedom to @ @ @ @ @ own emergency communications network , all 50 states , territories and the District of Columbia @ @ @ @ @ The network , operated by AT & T , connects nearly all urban and rural @ @ @ @ @ has been assisting the Federal Emergency Management Agency in connecting field hospitals , quarantine locations @ @ @ @ @ Jason Porter , senior vice president of the FirstNet program at AT & T .

The nationwide public safety wireless network that Congress created in 2012 because of failures seen during and after the 9/11 attacks is helping connect first-responders and public safety experts across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The law created an independent authority called FirstNet, provided $7 billion for it, and allocated 20 megahertz of bandwidth within the 700 MHz spectrum to create a nationwide interoperable broadband network. The network has been used since then to connect first-responders during natural disasters including wildfires, hurricanes and tornadoes.
Although the law gave states the freedom to choose FirstNet or build their own emergency communications network, all 50 states, territories and the District of Columbia chose to use FirstNet.
The network, operated by AT&T, connects nearly all urban and rural populations across the country and has been assisting the Federal Emergency Management Agency in connecting field hospitals, quarantine locations and testing centers, said Jason Porter, senior vice president of the FirstNet program at AT&T.
“We are the signal corps for public safety,” Porter said, referring to the military’s communications engineers who set up communications networks ahead of wartime operations. The company has been involved in planning for quarantine sites by providing either a cellphone tower on wheels or a blimp to “make sure they have the connectivity,” he said.


rollcall--2020-05-15--Historic rule change OKs House proxy votes and virtual committees

The coronavirus pandemic has prompted the House to allow lawmakers to vote by proxy , without physical presence at the @ @ @ @ @ yet temporary , change to operations was not enacted during any other national crisis in @ @ @ @ @ 217-189 Friday to approve a package of historic changes to the chamber rules to allow @ @ @ @ @ its business through the pandemic that has made gathering together and travel threats to public @ @ @ @ @ must not turn into a super-spreader event , ” said House Rules Chairman Jim McGovern @ @ @ @ @ , lawmakers will be able to join millions of Americans in working from home if @ @ @ @ @ to Capitol Hill to participate in House business .
Debate over the changes has been @ @ @ @ @ to follow the lead of the president and GOP-led Senate and resume regular business .
@ @ @ @ @ reliance on technology will provide a safe way to work as the pandemic drags on @ @ @ @ @ what they called a power grab by the Democratic majority during the crisis .

The coronavirus pandemic has prompted the House to allow lawmakers to vote by proxy, without physical presence at the Capitol. The significant, yet temporary, change to operations was not enacted during any other national crisis in history.
The House voted 217-189 Friday to approve a package of historic changes to the chamber rules to allow Congress to continue much of its business through the pandemic that has made gathering together and travel threats to public health.
“Convening Congress must not turn into a super-spreader event,” said House Rules Chairman Jim McGovern.
Under the new rules, lawmakers will be able to join millions of Americans in working from home if they are unable to travel to Capitol Hill to participate in House business.
Debate over the changes has been fiery, as Republicans want to follow the lead of the president and GOP-led Senate and resume regular business. Democrats say that short term reliance on technology will provide a safe way to work as the pandemic drags on. But Republicans objected to what they called a power grab by the Democratic majority during the crisis.


rollcall--2020-05-15--CDC guidance urges fewer health precautions than original plan

The White House watered down Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance showing how businesses should protect employees from COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ earlier draft shows , with changes including softening a recommendation to keep workers six feet @ @ @ @ @ guidance released Thursday night includes a flow chart for easy reference that maps the criteria @ @ @ @ @ their doors during the pandemic .
“ Encourage social distancing , ” the guidance reads @ @ @ @ @ limiting ” access to common rooms and large gatherings .
The original draft guidance , @ @ @ @ @ that was obtained by The Associated Press but not officially released , would have told @ @ @ @ @ rather than “ encourage ” social distancing .
It also recommended businesses close communal spaces @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s incredibly dangerous for workers and for the public .
This guidance @ @ @ @ @ but in political expediency , ” said Debbie Berkowitz , the worker health and safety @ @ @ @ @ Employment Law Project .

The White House watered down Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance showing how businesses should protect employees from COVID-19, a comparison to an earlier draft shows, with changes including softening a recommendation to keep workers six feet apart.
The brief CDC guidance released Thursday night includes a flow chart for easy reference that maps the criteria businesses should meet before opening their doors during the pandemic.
“Encourage social distancing,” the guidance reads. It also recommends “limiting” access to common rooms and large gatherings.
The original draft guidance, a far more comprehensive plan that was obtained by The Associated Press but not officially released, would have told employers to “ensure” rather than “encourage” social distancing. It also recommended businesses close communal spaces and large events altogether.
“It’s incredibly dangerous for workers and for the public. This guidance isn't based in science but in political expediency,” said Debbie Berkowitz, the worker health and safety program director at the National Employment Law Project.


rollcall--2020-05-15--‘They belong on that wall’ — bill to honor ‘Lost 74’ on Vietnam Memorial keeps running aground

The people who want to add the names of those killed on the USS Frank E. Evans to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall in Washington keep running into a different kind of wall : Congress .
Backers took to the Senate floor Thursday as part of a long-running effort to honor the 74 sailors killed in 1969 when the U.S. Navy destroyer collided with an Australian aircraft carrier .
The cause has been backed over the years by members of both chambers , and on Thursday , Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota tried to get the measure passed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rejected when fellow Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska objected .
Murkowski said she is committed to addressing the matter but pointed to longstanding criteria and logistical issues that have prevented the addition of their names and others .
“ We will find a way to honor these sailors , but at this juncture , there remain practical , legal and technical considerations that we have to resolve , ” she said .
Murkowski chairs the Energy and Natural Resources Committee , which oversees the National Park Service that maintains the memorial .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a say over who is eligible to have their name on the wall — that falls to the Department of Defense .

The people who want to add the names of those killed on the USS Frank E. Evans to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall in Washington keep running into a different kind of wall: Congress.
Backers took to the Senate floor Thursday as part of a long-running effort to honor the 74 sailors killed in 1969 when the U.S. Navy destroyer collided with an Australian aircraft carrier.
The cause has been backed over the years by members of both chambers, and on Thursday, Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota tried to get the measure passed by unanimous consent, only to see it rejected when fellow Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska objected. Murkowski said she is committed to addressing the matter but pointed to longstanding criteria and logistical issues that have prevented the addition of their names and others.
“We will find a way to honor these sailors, but at this juncture, there remain practical, legal and technical considerations that we have to resolve,” she said.
Murkowski chairs the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, which oversees the National Park Service that maintains the memorial. But the agency doesn’t have a say over who is eligible to have their name on the wall — that falls to the Department of Defense.


rollcall--2020-05-15--Coronavirus Special Report: Congress debates two important issues

Today , Congress meets to vote on two important issues : a $ 3 trillion recovery package and voting by @ @ @ @ @ latest .

Today, Congress meets to vote on two important issues: a $3 trillion recovery package and voting by proxy. We have the latest.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-05-15--FISA overhaul could be an early test of House voting by proxy

The chairman of the House Judiciary Committee thinks House action on a Senate-passed surveillance overhaul bill could be the first test case for the remote voting protocols being considered by the House on Friday .
The Senate passed the amended bill on Thursday .
House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold E. Nadler said Friday that he viewed the amended version of the bill that will be returning to the House as a step in the right direction .
“ I regard the Senate amendment as an improvement to the bill , not huge but an improvement , ” Nadler said at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to try to pass it again .
If they had done it a couple of days earlier , we might have done it today.
” Members of the House were back in Washington on Friday for an unusual session to consider the latest coronavirus response legislation pushed by House Democrats , as well as a rules change that would allow lawmakers to record votes without being physically present in the House chamber .
Nadler said the House ’ s next action on legislation to revive three intelligence authorities and overhaul parts of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such a remote session .

The chairman of the House Judiciary Committee thinks House action on a Senate-passed surveillance overhaul bill could be the first test case for the remote voting protocols being considered by the House on Friday. The Senate passed the amended bill on Thursday.
House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold E. Nadler said Friday that he viewed the amended version of the bill that will be returning to the House as a step in the right direction.
“I regard the Senate amendment as an improvement to the bill, not huge but an improvement,” Nadler said at the Capitol. “I’m going to try to pass it again. If they had done it a couple of days earlier, we might have done it today.”
Members of the House were back in Washington on Friday for an unusual session to consider the latest coronavirus response legislation pushed by House Democrats, as well as a rules change that would allow lawmakers to record votes without being physically present in the House chamber.
Nadler said the House’s next action on legislation to revive three intelligence authorities and overhaul parts of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act could come during such a remote session.


rollcall--2020-05-15--Mask problems, a sleepy dog and Katie Porter’s minivan: Congressional Hits and Misses

While lawmakers at a House Rules Committee hearing this week ganged up on Rep. Jim McGovern for his choice of @ @ @ @ @ nothing compared for the strong words Rep. Katie Porter had for her fellow Orange County @ @ @ @ @ .
Meanwhile , Sen. Lamar Alexander ’ s dog Rufus became a TV star and @ @ @ @ @ not wanting to wear a mask in the shower .
[ Also watch : A @ @ @ @ @ the Capitol grounds ]

While lawmakers at a House Rules Committee hearing this week ganged up on Rep. Jim McGovern for his choice of mask, their jests were nothing compared for the strong words Rep. Katie Porter had for her fellow Orange County moms envious of her minivan.
Meanwhile, Sen. Lamar Alexander’s dog Rufus became a TV star and Sen. John Kennedy griped about not wanting to wear a mask in the shower.
[ Also watch: A view of social distancing on the Capitol grounds ]


rollcall--2020-05-15--Photos of the week: Face mask edition

Photos of the week: Face mask edition

Who was that masked member of Congress ?
Our photojournalists caught members of the Senate and House at the Capitol @ @ @ @ @ in face mask couture , or not .

Bill Clark, Tom Williams, and Caroline Brehman

Who was that masked member of Congress? Our photojournalists caught members of the Senate and House at the Capitol this week wearing the latest in face mask couture, or not.
From left, Reps. David Cicilline, D-R.I., Matt Cartwright, D-Pa., and Tony Cárdenas, D-Calif., wait on the House steps to vote on the rule for the HEROES Act on Friday. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., departs from her weekly news conference in the Capitol on Thursday. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., center, and Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., adjust their face masks as they arrive for the Senate Republicans’ lunch in the Hart Senate Office Building on Wednesday. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., makes his way to the Senate Republicans’ Policy lunch without a mask on Wednesday. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., speaks with a masked staffer as he takes his seat for the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing on Wednesday. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., sanitizes his gavel as he arrives for the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing Wednesday. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., and Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., talk before their news conference in the Capitol to voice support for the House Democrats’ coronavirus relief package on Tuesday. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., takes off his mask as he arrives for the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Tuesday. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Sens. Richard C. Shelby, R-Ala., and John Kennedy, R-La., leave the Senate Republicans’ lunch in the Hart Senate Office Building on Tuesday. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)


rollcall--2020-05-15--As House Democrats push virus relief bill, GOP candidates pounce

House Democrats ’ 1,800-page , $ 3 trillion relief measure aims to give voters a view of how the party wants to handle the coronavirus crisis heading into the November elections , but it ’ s the GOP that is pushing the political messaging around it .
Instead of putting endangered Senate Republicans on the hot seat for opposing it , the bill has become the target of unapologetic bashing by some Republicans — while some of the House ’ s most vulnerable Democrats , in districts that President Donald Trump carried four years ago , say they plan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urge vulnerable Democrats to support this partisan messaging bill that is dead on arrival in the Senate where actual adults are in charge , ” Chris Pack , spokesman for the House GOP campaign arm , the National Republican Congressional Committee , said in an email to CQ Roll Call .
Rep. Kendra Horn , an Oklahoma Democrat who is ranked as CQ Roll Call ’ s most vulnerable House member , said she would vote against it , as did Democrats Joe Cunningham of South Carolina and Abigail Spanberger of Virginia .

House Democrats’ 1,800-page, $3 trillion relief measure aims to give voters a view of how the party wants to handle the coronavirus crisis heading into the November elections, but it’s the GOP that is pushing the political messaging around it.
Instead of putting endangered Senate Republicans on the hot seat for opposing it, the bill has become the target of unapologetic bashing by some Republicans — while some of the House’s most vulnerable Democrats, in districts that President Donald Trump carried four years ago, say they plan to vote “no.”
“We strongly urge vulnerable Democrats to support this partisan messaging bill that is dead on arrival in the Senate where actual adults are in charge,” Chris Pack, spokesman for the House GOP campaign arm, the National Republican Congressional Committee, said in an email to CQ Roll Call.
[Budget reporters discuss what's in relief package]
Rep. Kendra Horn, an Oklahoma Democrat who is ranked as CQ Roll Call’s most vulnerable House member, said she would vote against it, as did Democrats Joe Cunningham of South Carolina and Abigail Spanberger of Virginia.


rollcall--2020-05-14--Virus aid bill and proxy voting readied for House action

House lawmakers flocked back to Washington ahead of Friday votes on trillions of dollars in coronavirus aid and approval of the most consequential change to the House voting process in more than 40 years .
The House Rules Committee voted along party lines Thursday night to send to the floor a rule for consideration of the $ 3 trillion coronavirus bill and a resolution to change House rules to allow for proxy voting and remote committee proceedings .
The rule , approved 8-4 , would provide for consideration of a bill that would provide almost $ 916 billion in direct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ additional funds for aid to hospitals and for national testing .
The measure would also provide assistance for the U.S .
Postal Service and to prepare for the November elections .
The sweeping measure would provide another round of cash payments to families , housing assistance , more loans to businesses , medical research funding , an extension of expanded unemployment insurance benefits , tax breaks and more .
House Appropriations Chairwoman Nita M. Lowey touted the nearly $ 1 trillion in aid for cash-strapped states and local governments .
“ So they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health workers , teachers and other public servants — paid and working for us , ” said Lowey .

House lawmakers flocked back to Washington ahead of Friday votes on trillions of dollars in coronavirus aid and approval of the most consequential change to the House voting process in more than 40 years.
The House Rules Committee voted along party lines Thursday night to send to the floor a rule for consideration of the $3 trillion coronavirus bill and a resolution to change House rules to allow for proxy voting and remote committee proceedings.
The rule, approved 8-4, would provide for consideration of a bill that would provide almost $916 billion in direct aid to state and local governments and additional funds for aid to hospitals and for national testing. The measure would also provide assistance for the U.S. Postal Service and to prepare for the November elections.
The sweeping measure would provide another round of cash payments to families, housing assistance, more loans to businesses, medical research funding, an extension of expanded unemployment insurance benefits, tax breaks and more.
House Appropriations Chairwoman Nita M. Lowey touted the nearly $1 trillion in aid for cash-strapped states and local governments.
“So they can keep our heroes — first responders health workers, teachers and other public servants — paid and working for us,” said Lowey.


rollcall--2020-05-15--Meet the lawmakers who bucked their parties on the Democratic coronavirus response bill

The former Navy commander is another Democrat in a district Trump carried .
He won the 2nd District by 3 points , and Luria unseated GOP Rep. Scott Taylor by 2 points in 2018 .
Luria could face a rematch against Taylor in 2020 .
Inside Elections rates the race Lean Democratic .
McAdams was one of the first members of Congress to get seriously ill with the virus .
( South Carolina ’ s Cunningham was also infected but had milder symptoms ) .
“ As thousands of people are sick and millions are out of work , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business and gets people back to work , ” he said on Twitter .
“ Republicans and Democrats must come together on a plan to put this crisis behind us.
” McAdams won his seat by less than half a point in 2018 .
Trump carried it by 7 points in 2016 .
Inside Elections rates the race a Toss-up .
He is a member of the moderate Blue Dog Coalition and chairs the group ’ s political arm .
Unlike his other moderate colleagues , Schrader is not expected to face a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carried his 5th District by 4 points in 2016 and Schrader won reelection two years later by 13 points .
Inside Elections rates his race Solid Democratic .
Spanberger is one of the moderate Democrats with national security backgrounds whose support helped launch the impeachment inquiry last year .
This time , though , she is comfortable bucking her party .
“ Unfortunately , many Members of Congress — including some in my own party — have decided to use this package as an opportunity to make political statements and propose a bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has no chance at becoming law , further delaying the help so many need , ” she said in a news release .
Spanberger won her seat in the Washington , D.C. , exurbs by 2 points in 2018 .
Trump carried it by 7 points in 2016 .
Inside Elections rates the race Tilt Democratic .
Torres Small ranked No .
2 on CQ Roll Call ’ s latest list of most vulnerable House members .
“ Hard times call for strong priorities , and Congress should put aside partisan politics to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said in a statement after the vote , adding that she supported relief to states , local communities and tribal governments and hazard pay for essential workers , but more than $ 1 trillion in the bill “ was spent elsewhere.
” Torres Small ’ s rural New Mexico district voted for Trump by 10 points in 2016 .
A former water rights lawyer , she won by 2 points in 2018 and is a top Republican target in 2020 .
Inside Elections rates her 2nd District race Tilt Democratic .

The former Navy commander is another Democrat in a district Trump carried. He won the 2nd District by 3 points, and Luria unseated GOP Rep. Scott Taylor by 2 points in 2018. Luria could face a rematch against Taylor in 2020. Inside Elections rates the race Lean Democratic.
Utah Rep. Ben McAdams
McAdams was one of the first members of Congress to get seriously ill with the virus. (South Carolina’s Cunningham was also infected but had milder symptoms). “As thousands of people are sick and millions are out of work, we need a recovery strategy that opens up business and gets people back to work,” he said on Twitter. “Republicans and Democrats must come together on a plan to put this crisis behind us.” McAdams won his seat by less than half a point in 2018. Trump carried it by 7 points in 2016. Inside Elections rates the race a Toss-up.
Oregon Rep. Kurt Schrader
He is a member of the moderate Blue Dog Coalition and chairs the group’s political arm. Unlike his other moderate colleagues, Schrader is not expected to face a competitive race in November. Hillary Clinton carried his 5th District by 4 points in 2016 and Schrader won reelection two years later by 13 points. Inside Elections rates his race Solid Democratic.
Virginia Rep. Abigail Spanberger
Spanberger is one of the moderate Democrats with national security backgrounds whose support helped launch the impeachment inquiry last year. This time, though, she is comfortable bucking her party. “Unfortunately, many Members of Congress — including some in my own party — have decided to use this package as an opportunity to make political statements and propose a bill that goes far beyond pandemic relief and has no chance at becoming law, further delaying the help so many need,” she said in a news release. Spanberger won her seat in the Washington, D.C., exurbs by 2 points in 2018. Trump carried it by 7 points in 2016. Inside Elections rates the race Tilt Democratic.
New Mexico Rep. Xochitl Torres Small
Torres Small ranked No. 2 on CQ Roll Call’s latest list of most vulnerable House members. “Hard times call for strong priorities, and Congress should put aside partisan politics to rebuild through smart infrastructure investments,” she said in a statement after the vote, adding that she supported relief to states, local communities and tribal governments and hazard pay for essential workers, but more than $1 trillion in the bill “was spent elsewhere.” Torres Small’s rural New Mexico district voted for Trump by 10 points in 2016. A former water rights lawyer, she won by 2 points in 2018 and is a top Republican target in 2020. Inside Elections rates her 2nd District race Tilt Democratic.


rollcall--2020-05-15--House narrowly passes $3 trillion coronavirus aid bill

Speaker Nancy Pelosi muscled a $ 3 trillion aid package through the House late Friday , overcoming defections from her party 's moderate wing who would have preferred to vote for a bipartisan measure .
The near party-line tally was 208-199 , with 14 Democrats voting against sending the bill to the Senate .
Rep. Peter T. King , R-N.Y. , was the lone Republican to support the measure , citing robust aid for states and localities like his suffering from revenue shortfalls and high numbers of COVID-19 cases .
Among the Democrats who announced in advance they 'd vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iowa , Joe Cunningham of South Carolina , Kendra Horn of Oklahoma , Ben McAdams of Utah and Abigail Spanberger of Virginia .
All are moderates in GOP-leaning districts .
`` I think it 's something that should have had more broad bipartisan support , '' said Cunningham .
He argued that aid legislation `` needs to be more narrowly focused on the people who are suffering as a result of the pandemic . ''
Cunningham won his seat in 2018 in a major upset ; he 's considered a top GOP target @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump in 2016 by nearly 11 points .
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates the contest a Toss-up .

Speaker Nancy Pelosi muscled a $3 trillion aid package through the House late Friday, overcoming defections from her party's moderate wing who would have preferred to vote for a bipartisan measure.
The near party-line tally was 208-199, with 14 Democrats voting against sending the bill to the Senate. Rep. Peter T. King, R-N.Y., was the lone Republican to support the measure, citing robust aid for states and localities like his suffering from revenue shortfalls and high numbers of COVID-19 cases.
Among the Democrats who announced in advance they'd vote against the package were Cindy Axne of Iowa, Joe Cunningham of South Carolina, Kendra Horn of Oklahoma, Ben McAdams of Utah and Abigail Spanberger of Virginia. All are moderates in GOP-leaning districts.
"I think it's something that should have had more broad bipartisan support," said Cunningham. He argued that aid legislation "needs to be more narrowly focused on the people who are suffering as a result of the pandemic."
Cunningham won his seat in 2018 in a major upset; he's considered a top GOP target in November in a district that backed President Donald Trump in 2016 by nearly 11 points. Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates the contest a Toss-up.


rollcall--2020-05-18--School meal providers warn of tough times as they exhaust funds

School meal providers say they are serving millions of meals to low-income children after COVID-19 closed schools early , but warn they potentially face a financial bind with lower revenue and additional costs like personal protective equipment and transportation to deliver food .
The School Nutrition Association released a survey of members Monday that found 90 percent of those who responded think their operations will face financial hardship because the closures mean they no longer collect daily revenue from students able to pay full price for their meals , sell items a la carte to students or earn fees from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on those income sources because they operate without funding from their states or school districts .
The survey had a response rate of 32 percent from school food directors or assistance directors who represent 1,894 school districts , the School Nutrition Association said .
Together , the districts served 134 million meals in April .
The survey found respondents in 861 districts willing to estimate potential losses , putting them at $ 626.4 million .
The School Nutrition Association said financial losses would make it difficult for school operations to prepare for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to require emergency food services for low-income students .

School meal providers say they are serving millions of meals to low-income children after COVID-19 closed schools early, but warn they potentially face a financial bind with lower revenue and additional costs like personal protective equipment and transportation to deliver food.
The School Nutrition Association released a survey of members Monday that found 90 percent of those who responded think their operations will face financial hardship because the closures mean they no longer collect daily revenue from students able to pay full price for their meals, sell items a la carte to students or earn fees from catering services.
Most cafeteria operations rely on those income sources because they operate without funding from their states or school districts.
The survey had a response rate of 32 percent from school food directors or assistance directors who represent 1,894 school districts, the School Nutrition Association said. Together, the districts served 134 million meals in April.
The survey found respondents in 861 districts willing to estimate potential losses, putting them at $626.4 million. The School Nutrition Association said financial losses would make it difficult for school operations to prepare for the fall when schools could fully reopen or continue to require emergency food services for low-income students.


rollcall--2020-05-18--Lawmakers cry foul over firing of State inspector general

President Donald Trump received criticism from members of his own party Monday for his weekend firing of the State Department 's independent watchdog , with Senate Republicans demanding an explanation for the abrupt ouster of the latest inspector general removed from his post in recent weeks .
The IG , Steve Linick , was reportedly examining whistleblower allegations that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had staffers run personal errands for him and his family .
Linick also was investigating Pompeo ’ s decision to skip a mandatory congressional review of $ 8 billion in weapons sales to Saudi Arabia .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sale to the Saudis , but Trump ultimately vetoed the bill .
Pompeo has said he requested Linick 's removal , but said he did not know he was under investigation by the IG ’ s office .
John Thune of South Dakota , the Senate 's No .
2 Republican , told reporters Congress `` deserves an explanation '' about the firing .
`` These are important positions , '' Thune said .
`` They are watchdogs for these agencies and they have an important role to play and I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a part of the oversight process and I think we need and deserve a full explanation . ''

President Donald Trump received criticism from members of his own party Monday for his weekend firing of the State Department's independent watchdog, with Senate Republicans demanding an explanation for the abrupt ouster of the latest inspector general removed from his post in recent weeks.
The IG, Steve Linick, was reportedly examining whistleblower allegations that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had staffers run personal errands for him and his family. Linick also was investigating Pompeo’s decision to skip a mandatory congressional review of $8 billion in weapons sales to Saudi Arabia. Both chambers voted last year to oppose the sale to the Saudis, but Trump ultimately vetoed the bill.
Pompeo has said he requested Linick's removal, but said he did not know he was under investigation by the IG’s office.
John Thune of South Dakota, the Senate's No. 2 Republican, told reporters Congress "deserves an explanation" about the firing.
"These are important positions," Thune said. "They are watchdogs for these agencies and they have an important role to play and I think it's important for us to be a part of the oversight process and I think we need and deserve a full explanation."


rollcall--2020-05-18--State, local virus aid bill gains bipartisan momentum

New bipartisan legislation would provide $ 500 billion in aid to state and local governments , territories and tribes to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic , with the smallest communities in line for a direct slice of the money , unlike some earlier iterations .
The legislation has drawn bipartisan backing in both chambers and support from several local government organizations , such as the National Association of Counties and U.S. Conference of Mayors .
The lead Senate authors on the draft bill , which was being formally introduced Monday , are Bill Cassidy , R-La.
, and Robert Menendez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Peter T. King , R-N.Y. , are the lead cosponsors in the House .
The lawmakers secured additional bipartisan support before unveiling the new version , including from Republicans facing tough reelection battles this fall .
Sen. Susan Collins , R-Maine , is considered one of the most vulnerable GOP senators ; Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates her race a `` toss-up . ''
In a statement after the new state and local aid proposal was unveiled Monday , Collins said Maine would be in line for at least @ @ @ @

New bipartisan legislation would provide $500 billion in aid to state and local governments, territories and tribes to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, with the smallest communities in line for a direct slice of the money, unlike some earlier iterations.
The legislation has drawn bipartisan backing in both chambers and support from several local government organizations, such as the National Association of Counties and U.S. Conference of Mayors.
The lead Senate authors on the draft bill, which was being formally introduced Monday, are Bill Cassidy, R-La., and Robert Menendez, D-N.J. Reps. Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J., and Peter T. King, R-N.Y., are the lead cosponsors in the House.
The lawmakers secured additional bipartisan support before unveiling the new version, including from Republicans facing tough reelection battles this fall.
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, is considered one of the most vulnerable GOP senators; Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates her race a "toss-up." In a statement after the new state and local aid proposal was unveiled Monday, Collins said Maine would be in line for at least $2 billion.


rollcall--2020-05-18--Coronavirus Special Report: Del. Stacey Plaskett

In today 's podcast , we delve into food security — and insecurity — with Del .
Stacey Plaskett , @ @ @ @ @ the House Agriculture Committee .
She talks about what Congress is doing to stave off @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. We follow up with a report from CQ Roll Call 's Rachel Oswald @ @ @ @ @ from the U.S. during this pandemic — what could be the worst humanitarian disaster in @ @ @ @ @ is key for food aid , but may lack speed in crisis

In today's podcast, we delve into food security — and insecurity — with Del. Stacey Plaskett, D-V.I., who sits on the House Agriculture Committee. She talks about what Congress is doing to stave off rising levels of hunger in the U.S. We follow up with a report from CQ Roll Call's Rachel Oswald on what the world expects from the U.S. during this pandemic — what could be the worst humanitarian disaster in a century.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-05-18--ICE: Migrant parents chose detention over children’s release

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement suggests around 180 detained migrant children remain in family detention centers beyond the legally permitted period because their parents did not want to be separated from them , according to a new document filed over the weekend .
The filing was required by the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California as part of the lawsuit , Flores v. Barr , a case challenging last year 's move by the Trump administration to end a 1997 court settlement establishing standards of treatment for migrant children .
The administration 's move was blocked , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year , arguing that the government had kept minors in custody far longer than the legally prescribed 20 days at restrictive , unlicensed and unsanitary facilities .
On April 24 , U.S. District Court Judge Dolly Gee ordered ICE to “ promptly and safely ” release from detention facilities all children who do not pose a danger to the public and are not flight risks .
One of the requirements of that order was that ICE make “ individualized ” determinations and submit a report on its efforts by May 16 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a chart logging responses of parents at three family detention facilities run by ICE — two in Texas and one in Pennsylvania .
ICE listed “ parent does not wish to separate ” as a reason for denying children parole in determinations made last week , which the agency said was “ consistent with the existing parole review process.
” ICE wrote it had inquired about possible sponsors outside the detention center , among other things .
The agency said officers “ did not ask any parents to waive his or her Flores @ @ @ @ @ @

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement suggests around 180 detained migrant children remain in family detention centers beyond the legally permitted period because their parents did not want to be separated from them, according to a new document filed over the weekend.
The filing was required by the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California as part of the lawsuit, Flores v. Barr, a case challenging last year's move by the Trump administration to end a 1997 court settlement establishing standards of treatment for migrant children. The administration's move was blocked, but advocates went back to court earlier this year, arguing that the government had kept minors in custody far longer than the legally prescribed 20 days at restrictive, unlicensed and unsanitary facilities.
On April 24, U.S. District Court Judge Dolly Gee ordered ICE to “promptly and safely” release from detention facilities all children who do not pose a danger to the public and are not flight risks. One of the requirements of that order was that ICE make “individualized” determinations and submit a report on its efforts by May 16.
The report the administration filed Saturday includes a chart logging responses of parents at three family detention facilities run by ICE — two in Texas and one in Pennsylvania. ICE listed “parent does not wish to separate” as a reason for denying children parole in determinations made last week, which the agency said was “consistent with the existing parole review process.”
ICE wrote it had inquired about possible sponsors outside the detention center, among other things. The agency said officers “did not ask any parents to waive his or her Flores rights” during the process.


rollcall--2020-05-18--Rubio named acting Senate Intelligence chairman

Sen. Marco Rubio will be the acting chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee , taking the place of Richard M. @ @ @ @ @ at least temporarily amid an investigation of his stock transactions .
The Florida Republican was @ @ @ @ @ by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Monday , which became open last week after @ @ @ @ @ had seized Burr ’ s cell phone .
Officially a position appointed by the majority @ @ @ @ @ in committee seniority on the Intelligence panel behind Burr and Foreign Relations Chairman Jim Risch @ @ @ @ @ senior senator for Florida is a talented and experienced Senate leader with expertise in foreign @ @ @ @ @ .
Senator Rubio was the natural choice for this temporary assignment on the basis of @ @ @ @ @ McConnell said in a statement .
“ His proven leadership on pertinent issues only made @ @ @ @ @ was expected to slot into the top GOP spot on Intelligence in the next Congress @ @ @ @ @ was a logical fit .

Sen. Marco Rubio will be the acting chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, taking the place of Richard M. Burr, who stepped down at least temporarily amid an investigation of his stock transactions.
The Florida Republican was officially tapped for the post by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Monday, which became open last week after news broke that the FBI had seized Burr’s cell phone.
Officially a position appointed by the majority leader, Rubio is third in committee seniority on the Intelligence panel behind Burr and Foreign Relations Chairman Jim Risch of Idaho.
“The senior senator for Florida is a talented and experienced Senate leader with expertise in foreign affairs and national security matters. Senator Rubio was the natural choice for this temporary assignment on the basis of accumulated committee service,” McConnell said in a statement. “His proven leadership on pertinent issues only made the decision easier.”
Rubio was expected to slot into the top GOP spot on Intelligence in the next Congress, so his interim leadership was a logical fit.


rollcall--2020-05-18--USCIS seeks $1.2 billion from Congress

USCIS seeks $1.2 billion from Congress

U.S .
Citizenship and Immigration Services has requested $ 1.2 billion in emergency funding due to a drastic decline in @ @ @ @ @ applications that could drain its fee-based coffers by this summer , the agency said Monday @ @ @ @ @ Security agency that oversees naturalization and other legal immigration processes , closed all its field @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic .
That has contributed to fewer immigrants applying for visas and other benefits @ @ @ @ @ a statement provided to CQ Roll Call .
“ Due to the COVID-19 pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ decrease in revenue and is seeking a one-time emergency request for funding to ensure we @ @ @ @ @ of administering our nation ’ s lawful immigration system , safeguarding its integrity , and @ @ @ @ @ '' according to the statement .
The agency notified Congress on Friday of its projected @ @ @ @ @ “ application and petition receipts will drop by approximately 61 percent '' through the end @ @ @ @ @ .

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has requested $1.2 billion in emergency funding due to a drastic decline in green card and other visa applications that could drain its fee-based coffers by this summer, the agency said Monday.
USCIS, the Homeland Security agency that oversees naturalization and other legal immigration processes, closed all its field offices in March amid the coronavirus pandemic. That has contributed to fewer immigrants applying for visas and other benefits, the agency said in a statement provided to CQ Roll Call.
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, USCIS has seen a dramatic decrease in revenue and is seeking a one-time emergency request for funding to ensure we can carry out our mission of administering our nation’s lawful immigration system, safeguarding its integrity, and protecting the American people," according to the statement.
The agency notified Congress on Friday of its projected budget shortfall, estimating that “application and petition receipts will drop by approximately 61 percent" through the end of the current fiscal year.
[House aid package contains key immigration measures]


rollcall--2020-05-18--The House passed a $3 trillion aid package. Now what?

The House narrowly passed a $ 3 trillion aid package late Friday , but Senate Republicans are already calling it @ @ @ @ @ Roll Call ’ s David Lerman and Jennifer Shutt discuss what ’ s next for @ @ @ @ @ far .
• USDA is key for food aid , but may lack speed in @

David Lerman, Jennifer Shutt, and Evan Campbell

The House narrowly passed a $3 trillion aid package late Friday, but Senate Republicans are already calling it dead on arrival. CQ Roll Call’s David Lerman and Jennifer Shutt discuss what’s next for the largest aid package so far.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-05-18--Justice Department leaves ‘unresolved’ recommendations from 2016 election probes

The Justice Department hasn ’ t resolved several recommendations from a 2018 internal probe into the FBI ’ s actions ahead of the 2016 presidential election , which included the mishandling of a probe into Hillary Clinton ’ s email server and controversial text messages between top employees about then-candidate Donald Trump , a new inspector general report states .
Almost two years ago , DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz dropped a 500-page report into a highly charged atmosphere in Congress after Trump ’ s firing of FBI Director James Comey prompted the appointment of Robert S. Mueller III as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plenty of fodder for both political parties to air their wider concerns about the bureau ’ s behavior when it came to the election — as well as numerous recommendations for changes at the FBI .
Yet an inspector general report released Monday states that the Justice Department still has not resolved recommendations to address those as of March 31 , about seven months away from the 2020 presidential election .
The 2018 report called it “ extraordinary and insubordinate ” for Comey to have deviated from DOJ policies and announce the results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without consulting senior Justice Department leaders .

The Justice Department hasn’t resolved several recommendations from a 2018 internal probe into the FBI’s actions ahead of the 2016 presidential election, which included the mishandling of a probe into Hillary Clinton’s email server and controversial text messages between top employees about then-candidate Donald Trump, a new inspector general report states.
Almost two years ago, DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz dropped a 500-page report into a highly charged atmosphere in Congress after Trump’s firing of FBI Director James Comey prompted the appointment of Robert S. Mueller III as special counsel.
The 2018 report provided plenty of fodder for both political parties to air their wider concerns about the bureau’s behavior when it came to the election — as well as numerous recommendations for changes at the FBI.
Yet an inspector general report released Monday states that the Justice Department still has not resolved recommendations to address those as of March 31, about seven months away from the 2020 presidential election.
The 2018 report called it “extraordinary and insubordinate” for Comey to have deviated from DOJ policies and announce the results of the probe into Clinton in 2016 without consulting senior Justice Department leaders.


rollcall--2020-05-18--Census Bureau nears goal for 2020 count, but crucial areas lag

The Census Bureau has reached the cusp of its goal for the nation to respond to the 2020 count , but with rates still lagging in minority neighborhoods , advocates and members of Congress worry that people in diverse communities will get missed amid the coronavirus pandemic .
More than 59 percent of the nation ’ s households have responded so far to the census online , by mail or by phone , according to the agency .
That ’ s within 1 percent of the Census Bureau ’ s final goal for self-response .
But the same pandemic that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people respond on their own also has disrupted many Census Bureau plans to reach ethnic minorities , immigrants and other “ hard-to-count ” populations .
“ They ’ re falling short in outreach to Latino and immigrant communities , ” said Arturo Vargas , who heads the NALEO Educational Fund , an advocacy organization .
An undercount of these populations could lead these communities to miss out on political representation and $ 1.5 trillion in federal funds tied to the decennial count .
“ The only tool we have at our disposal right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nationwide .
We just don ’ t have the resources to do that on our own , ” Vargas said .

The Census Bureau has reached the cusp of its goal for the nation to respond to the 2020 count, but with rates still lagging in minority neighborhoods, advocates and members of Congress worry that people in diverse communities will get missed amid the coronavirus pandemic.
More than 59 percent of the nation’s households have responded so far to the census online, by mail or by phone, according to the agency. That’s within 1 percent of the Census Bureau’s final goal for self-response. But the same pandemic that gave the agency extra time to let people respond on their own also has disrupted many Census Bureau plans to reach ethnic minorities, immigrants and other “hard-to-count” populations.
“They’re falling short in outreach to Latino and immigrant communities,” said Arturo Vargas, who heads the NALEO Educational Fund, an advocacy organization.
An undercount of these populations could lead these communities to miss out on political representation and $1.5 trillion in federal funds tied to the decennial count.
“The only tool we have at our disposal right now is advertising and especially paid advertising nationwide. We just don’t have the resources to do that on our own,” Vargas said.


rollcall--2020-05-19--House bills would let regulators study blockchain, backers say

It ’ s been a year since officials said strict procurement rules could block regulators from working closely with financial @ @ @ @ @ legislative solution is teed up to correct what many see as a problem .
Two @ @ @ @ @ ensure that the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission could avoid @ @ @ @ @ obtain access to industry-created technologies .
Both measures have bipartisan support , but with attention @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus response , neither is on a fast track .
Close fintech watchers are rooting @ @ @ @ @ policies to better align regulators ’ technological capabilities with an industry that ’ s eager @ @ @ @ @ prohibits agencies from accepting gratuitous goods or services like technology that could help them better @ @ @ @ @ access is deemed a way for the agency to increase its appropriation .
This has @ @ @ @ @ to sponsor bills that would free up regulatory agencies to access platforms such as those @ @ @ @

A third proposal — the Financial Technology Protection Act, by Rep. Ted Budd, R-N.C. — would establish a fintech grant program funded through fines from terrorism financiers working in digital currency. It passed the House by voice vote in 2019 but remains stalled in the Senate Banking Committee.
Similar proposals made it out of committee in the past, indicating that the issue has received at least some lawmakers’ attention.
While Congress wrangles over how to modernize procurement rules, the industry’s major players are already investing in distributed-ledger solutions.
Options Clearing Corp., a financial utility owned by securities exchanges that makes trading less risky, unveiled a plan this month to partner with technology firm Axoni to design a distributed-ledger settlement platform that will eventually replace its securities lending infrastructure, it said.
Some transactions are too cumbersome to manage with old technology, according to Axoni. If discrepancies arise, analysts have to manually sort through the data from multiple trades. A distributed ledger allows both sides of the deal to see real-time activity, rendering any manual reconciliation unnecessary, it said.