rollcall--2020-07-02--How to stay safe this July 4th

How to stay safe this July 4th

With Independence Day around the corner , public health experts are concerned about another spike in coronavirus transmission , similar @ @ @ @ @ Memorial Day weekend .
CQ Roll Call health care reporter Emily Kopp is here to @ @ @ @ @ how to stay safe while celebrating the Fourth of July .
Among Dr. Anthony Fauci @ @ @ @ @ bars and get outside .
[ Also watch : Fauci says no slowdown in testing @

With Independence Day around the corner, public health experts are concerned about another spike in coronavirus transmission, similar to one that occurred following Memorial Day weekend.
CQ Roll Call health care reporter Emily Kopp is here to unpack the various recommendations on how to stay safe while celebrating the Fourth of July. Among Dr. Anthony Fauci’s suggestions: avoid bars and get outside.
[ Also watch: Fauci says no slowdown in testing ]


rollcall--2020-07-02--Supreme Court will hear Democrats’ bid to get full Mueller report

The Supreme Court will decide whether the House Judiciary Committee can get the normally secret grand jury materials from the @ @ @ @ @ all but assuring that the information won ’ t be released ahead of this year @ @ @ @ @ .
The justices announced Thursday that they had agreed to hear the Justice Department ’ @ @ @ @ @ statement , with no noted dissent and no reasons for the move .
The Supreme @ @ @ @ @ a lower court order for the Justice Department to turn over to the committee the @ @ @ @ @ Robert S. Mueller III ’ s probe of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election @ @ @ @ @ looked at whether President Donald Trump committed obstruction of justice by trying to interfere with @ @ @

The Supreme Court will decide whether the House Judiciary Committee can get the normally secret grand jury materials from the special counsel Russia probe — all but assuring that the information won’t be released ahead of this year’s election in November.
The justices announced Thursday that they had agreed to hear the Justice Department’s appeal in a one-line statement, with no noted dissent and no reasons for the move.
[Supreme Court could reshape congressional subpoena power in Trump case]
The Supreme Court in May temporarily blocked a lower court order for the Justice Department to turn over to the committee the materials from former Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller III’s probe of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
That 22-month investigation also looked at whether President Donald Trump committed obstruction of justice by trying to interfere with the investigation.


rollcall--2020-07-02--‘Watching John Lewis watch himself’: Dawn Porter’s documentary on the civil rights icon

Filmmaker Dawn Porter had a unique challenge in making a documentary about Rep. John Lewis , the 80-year-old Georgia Democrat who has been a civil rights hero for more than half a century .
How do you say something new and interesting about someone so familiar ?
“ John Lewis has been asked every question about his life multiple times .
And so he has a way of describing these moments .
And we wanted to interrupt that compulsion and see if we could get some other details , ” Porter says on the latest Political Theater podcast .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him watch archival footage of himself as a teenager , all the way to the present day .
It pays off in her new film , “ John Lewis : Good Trouble , ” as Lewis starts telling stories about his life that have seldom been heard .
Porter ’ s previous project , the Netflix miniseries “ Bobby Kennedy for President , ” showed the deep connection between Kennedy and Lewis in the civil rights era , and also provided valuable archival material that led Porter straight into this new film , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday , July 3 .

Filmmaker Dawn Porter had a unique challenge in making a documentary about Rep. John Lewis, the 80-year-old Georgia Democrat who has been a civil rights hero for more than half a century. How do you say something new and interesting about someone so familiar?
“John Lewis has been asked every question about his life multiple times. And so he has a way of describing these moments. And we wanted to interrupt that compulsion and see if we could get some other details,” Porter says on the latest Political Theater podcast.
One way to do that was through having him watch archival footage of himself as a teenager, all the way to the present day. It pays off in her new film, “John Lewis: Good Trouble,” as Lewis starts telling stories about his life that have seldom been heard.
Porter’s previous project, the Netflix miniseries “Bobby Kennedy for President,” showed the deep connection between Kennedy and Lewis in the civil rights era, and also provided valuable archival material that led Porter straight into this new film, which will be available on demand on Friday, July 3.


CQ Future: Housing

CQ Future takes a deep dive into the impact that the pandemic has had on housing .
A conversation with @ @ @ @ @ of the National Housing Law Project , reveals how policies of the past have fueled @ @ @ @ @ Evictions loom as the moratorium placed on them by Congress nears its end .
What @ @ @ @ @ policies ?
• Democrats on the verge of their own tea party problem • ‘ @ @ @ @ @ Ins and outs of Democrats ’ climate plan

CQ Future takes a deep dive into the impact that the pandemic has had on housing. A conversation with Shamus Roller, executive director of the National Housing Law Project, reveals how policies of the past have fueled the crisis of today. Evictions loom as the moratorium placed on them by Congress nears its end. What's next for federal housing policies?
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-07-03--Does anyone know what bills just passed? — Congressional Hits and Misses

Lawmakers were clearly ready to get out of Washington for the Fourth of July holiday this week , as some @ @ @ @ @ what bills they ’ d just passed .
Meanwhile , Rep. Adam Smith opined about @ @ @ @ @ liven up an endless defense policy markup , Sen. Lamar Alexander noted his colleagues ’ @ @ @ @ @ Rose squabbled with and eventually apologized to Rep. Virginia Foxx .
[ Also watch : @ @ @ @ @ July 4th ]

Lawmakers were clearly ready to get out of Washington for the Fourth of July holiday this week, as some of them were confused about what bills they’d just passed.
Meanwhile, Rep. Adam Smith opined about doing an interpretive dance to liven up an endless defense policy markup, Sen. Lamar Alexander noted his colleagues’ mask choices and Rep. Max Rose squabbled with and eventually apologized to Rep. Virginia Foxx.
[ Also watch: How to stay safe this July 4th ]


rollcall--2020-07-06--Issues linger after House Armed Services’ smooth NDAA markup

The House Armed Services Committee ’ s almost 14-hour markup of the annual defense policy bill ended with a unanimous vote to send the measure to the House floor and a standing ovation .
Members rose to their feet after Chairman Adam Smith , D-Wash. , announced that the bill would be named after ranking member Mac Thornberry , the affable Texan who is retiring from Congress at the end of the year and has been a mainstay in committee leadership for most of his 13 terms .
But beneath the decorous celebration , some real policy disagreements linger .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ resurface when the full chamber takes up the bill later this summer .
Chief among those could be the Trump administration ’ s aggressive response to the nationwide protests that stemmed from the May 25 killing of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody .
[ Fogged glasses , Diet Coke and promises to forgo the all-nighter : An NDAA markup like no other ] Rep. Chrissy Houlahan , D-Pa. , introduced an amendment that would require any “ federal law enforcement officer ” involved in restoring order to display their name and @ @ @ @ @ @

The House Armed Services Committee’s almost 14-hour markup of the annual defense policy bill ended with a unanimous vote to send the measure to the House floor and a standing ovation.
Members rose to their feet after Chairman Adam Smith, D-Wash., announced that the bill would be named after ranking member Mac Thornberry, the affable Texan who is retiring from Congress at the end of the year and has been a mainstay in committee leadership for most of his 13 terms.
But beneath the decorous celebration, some real policy disagreements linger. And some of them are likely to resurface when the full chamber takes up the bill later this summer. Chief among those could be the Trump administration’s aggressive response to the nationwide protests that stemmed from the May 25 killing of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody.
[Fogged glasses, Diet Coke and promises to forgo the all-nighter: An NDAA markup like no other]
Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., introduced an amendment that would require any “federal law enforcement officer” involved in restoring order to display their name and the agency they work for.


rollcall--2020-07-06--3 things to watch in New Jersey’s primaries Tuesday

New Jersey holds congressional primaries Tuesday , facing a raft of problems with its rapid shift to nearly all-mail elections , cut-throat contests in two competitive districts , and some challenges to incumbents generating buzz .
Along with an alleged voter fraud scheme that led to four arrests in Paterson , state officials have been dealing with computer glitches , counting errors and misdelivered and destroyed ballots since the first round of local elections were held entirely by mail in May .
Tuesday ’ s primaries aren ’ t expected to go any more smoothly .
Every registered Republican and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unaffiliated voters were sent applications .
In-person polling sites will be open in every municipality , but other than people with disabilities who need to vote on a machine , voters who show up in person will be given provisional ballots .
Clerks have reported a glut of ballot requests and caution that counting could be slow , which means close races are unlikely to be called soon .
Ballots postmarked Tuesday and received by July 14 are valid , and only after those are counted will officials start to tally the provisional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watch as results come in : The marquee races will both be in South Jersey , where both parties see opportunities to flip a seat .

New Jersey holds congressional primaries Tuesday, facing a raft of problems with its rapid shift to nearly all-mail elections, cut-throat contests in two competitive districts, and some challenges to incumbents generating buzz.
Along with an alleged voter fraud scheme that led to four arrests in Paterson, state officials have been dealing with computer glitches, counting errors and misdelivered and destroyed ballots since the first round of local elections were held entirely by mail in May. Tuesday’s primaries aren’t expected to go any more smoothly.
Every registered Republican and Democrat was mailed a ballot, while unaffiliated voters were sent applications. In-person polling sites will be open in every municipality, but other than people with disabilities who need to vote on a machine, voters who show up in person will be given provisional ballots. Clerks have reported a glut of ballot requests and caution that counting could be slow, which means close races are unlikely to be called soon. Ballots postmarked Tuesday and received by July 14 are valid, and only after those are counted will officials start to tally the provisional ballots.
Here are three things to watch as results come in:
Democrats battle to be Van Drew’s challenger
The marquee races will both be in South Jersey, where both parties see opportunities to flip a seat.


rollcall--2020-07-06--Medicaid enrollment increase puts pressure on state budgets

Medicaid experts and public health officials are pushing Congress to increase federal funding for the program for low-income people , @ @ @ @ @ more individuals into government-sponsored coverage .
Total Medicaid enrollment was up 5.8 percent over the @ @ @ @ @ on 15 states by the Georgetown University Center on Children and Families found in June @ @ @ @ @ increase was almost 10 percent .
Earlier this year , Congress authorized a 6.2 percent @ @ @ @ @ rates for states in the second COVID-19 law ( PL 116-127 ) during the national @ @ @ @ @ officials worry this is not enough .
“ As the pandemic continues to unfold and @ @ @ @ @ kind of deteriorate across the nation and start hitting states ' general revenues and tax @ @ @ @ @ that state governments across the board are facing are pretty significant and are really increasing @ @ @ @ @ ” said Jack Rollins , program director for federal policy for the National Association of @ @ @

Medicaid experts and public health officials are pushing Congress to increase federal funding for the program for low-income people, as the COVID-19 pandemic pushes more individuals into government-sponsored coverage.
Total Medicaid enrollment was up 5.8 percent over the past three months, data on 15 states by the Georgetown University Center on Children and Families found in June. In Florida, the increase was almost 10 percent.
[Supreme Court strikes down Louisiana law restricting abortion]
Earlier this year, Congress authorized a 6.2 percent increase in federal Medicaid matching rates for states in the second COVID-19 law (PL 116-127) during the national emergency, but public health officials worry this is not enough.
“As the pandemic continues to unfold and as we see economic conditions kind of deteriorate across the nation and start hitting states' general revenues and tax sources, the budget challenges that state governments across the board are facing are pretty significant and are really increasing going into the future,” said Jack Rollins, program director for federal policy for the National Association of Medicaid Directors.


rollcall--2020-07-06--Groups critical of taxes, spending not opposed to PPP loans

Groups with widely different views on government tax and spending policies found common ground on one element of pandemic economics : Paycheck Protection Program loans to stave off job losses in their ranks .
Organizations from all ends of the political spectrum received loans in hopes of riding out the coronavirus storm , according to Small Business Administration data released Monday .
The data shows a number of groups critical of what they deem as wasteful government spending applied and received loans through the program .
Taxpayers for Common Sense , Citizens Against Government Waste and Americans for Tax Reform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Program of between $ 150,000 and $ 350,000 .
The Center for Economic and Policy Research and The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy , each received between $ 350,000 and $ 1 million .
The Environmental Working Group received between $ 1 and $ 2 million .
The names of all organizations and business that received amounts larger than $ 150,000 represent about 14 percent of the total loans , which averaged about $ 107,000 , according to the administration .
FiscalNote , parent company of CQ Roll Call , has received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Americans for Tax Reform Foundation , whose president , anti-tax crusader Grover Norquist is also president of Americans for Tax Reform , posted identical statements saying the groups are legally and financially separate organizations .

Groups with widely different views on government tax and spending policies found common ground on one element of pandemic economics: Paycheck Protection Program loans to stave off job losses in their ranks.
Organizations from all ends of the political spectrum received loans in hopes of riding out the coronavirus storm, according to Small Business Administration data released Monday. The data shows a number of groups critical of what they deem as wasteful government spending applied and received loans through the program.
Taxpayers for Common Sense, Citizens Against Government Waste and Americans for Tax Reform Foundation received loans through the Paycheck Protection Program of between $150,000 and $350,000. The Center for Economic and Policy Research and The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, each received between $350,000 and $1 million. The Environmental Working Group received between $1 and $2 million.
The names of all organizations and business that received amounts larger than $150,000 represent about 14 percent of the total loans, which averaged about $107,000, according to the administration. FiscalNote, parent company of CQ Roll Call, has received a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program.


rollcall--2020-07-06--House Democrats adopt caucus rule to encourage diverse hiring

House Democrats on Monday adopted a new caucus rule to encourage diverse hiring — a moment of self-reflection as the nation confronts racial inequities .
The caucus diversity rule , adopted during Democrats ’ regular Monday conference call , says that congressional offices should “ to the extent practicable ” work with the House Diversity and Inclusion Office , congressional staff associations and outside stakeholder groups to identify and interview diverse applicants for staff vacancies .
The Diversity and Inclusion Office was created under the broader House rules package Democrats adopted upon taking the majority at the start of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was more than a year later that Speaker Nancy Pelosi named someone to lead the office .
Pelosi announced in March that Kemba Hendrix , who had been serving as director of the House Democratic Diversity Initiative , would serve as director of the new House office , which is meant to help both Democratic and Republican congressional offices improve the recruitment , retention and development of a diverse workforce .
Democrats have long talked about adopting internal caucus rules to further improve diversity among staff .
The national reckoning over racial inequalities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the front burner .

House Democrats on Monday adopted a new caucus rule to encourage diverse hiring — a moment of self-reflection as the nation confronts racial inequities.
The caucus diversity rule, adopted during Democrats’ regular Monday conference call, says that congressional offices should “to the extent practicable” work with the House Diversity and Inclusion Office, congressional staff associations and outside
stakeholder groups to identify and interview diverse applicants for staff vacancies.
The Diversity and Inclusion Office was created under the broader House rules package Democrats adopted upon taking the majority at the start of the 116th Congress last January. But it was more than a year later that Speaker Nancy Pelosi named someone to lead the office.
Pelosi announced in March that Kemba Hendrix, who had been serving as director of the House Democratic Diversity Initiative, would serve as director of the new House office, which is meant to help both Democratic and Republican congressional offices improve the recruitment, retention and development of a diverse workforce.
Democrats have long talked about adopting internal caucus rules to further improve diversity among staff. The national reckoning over racial inequalities seemed to put the issue back on the front burner.


rollcall--2020-07-06--Political firms, K Street shops got paycheck rescue loans

Tony Fratto , a former Treasury Department official who runs the D.C.-based advocacy and communications consulting firm Hamilton Place Strategies , secured at least $ 350,000 from a federal relief program to help his shop make payroll during the pandemic .
Some of the firm ’ s clients , including lobbying associations and companies from the hard-hit travel industry , abruptly severed ties with the shop amid the economic calamity of the COVID-19 crisis , he said .
Hamilton Place Strategies was among many Washington-area policy , lobbying and political consulting firms that received forgivable loans as part of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payroll during the pandemic , according to recent administration disclosures .
Though the sector is often criticized outside the Beltway — and even inside it — K Street policy and political consulting shops are among the many small businesses making up the economy of the nation ’ s capital .
As many lobbying and consulting firms helped their clients shape and navigate the government assistance intended to keep a massive increase in the rolls of the unemployed from being even larger , many insiders themselves signed up for what is known as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disclosures from the Small Business Administration show .
“ If not for PPP , we would 've had to lay off people , ” Fratto said .
“ We invest an enormous amount in our people with extensive training .
Plus , these are people who we care about and don ’ t want to put them into unemployment during an awful job market .
”

Tony Fratto, a former Treasury Department official who runs the D.C.-based advocacy and communications consulting firm Hamilton Place Strategies, secured at least $350,000 from a federal relief program to help his shop make payroll during the pandemic.
Some of the firm’s clients, including lobbying associations and companies from the hard-hit travel industry, abruptly severed ties with the shop amid the economic calamity of the COVID-19 crisis, he said.
Hamilton Place Strategies was among many Washington-area policy, lobbying and political consulting firms that received forgivable loans as part of a government program to help small businesses meet payroll during the pandemic, according to recent administration disclosures. Though the sector is often criticized outside the Beltway — and even inside it — K Street policy and political consulting shops are among the many small businesses making up the economy of the nation’s capital.
As many lobbying and consulting firms helped their clients shape and navigate the government assistance intended to keep a massive increase in the rolls of the unemployed from being even larger, many insiders themselves signed up for what is known as the paycheck protection program, or PPP, disclosures from the Small Business Administration show.
‘People we care about’
“If not for PPP, we would've had to lay off people,” Fratto said. “We invest an enormous amount in our people with extensive training. Plus, these are people who we care about and don’t want to put them into unemployment during an awful job market.”


rollcall--2020-07-06--Coronavirus Special Report: Administration releases names of those who received funds under PPP

As the pandemic continues its grip on the nation , lawmakers are furiously working on appropriations .
We explore how @ @ @ @ @ proposing to try to close the digital divide in education — made even more profound @ @ @ @ @ But first , we look at how today the Treasury released names of Paycheck Protection @ @ @ @ @ Public health experts worry CDC is being stifled on COVID-19 • The economy will not @ @ @ @ @ pandemics

As the pandemic continues its grip on the nation, lawmakers are furiously working on appropriations. We explore how lawmakers in the House are proposing to try to close the digital divide in education — made even more profound because of the coronavirus. But first, we look at how today the Treasury released names of Paycheck Protection Program loan recipients.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-07-06--White House claims remdesivir decreases coronavirus mortality rate

White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany on Monday claimed the mortality rate of the coronavirus has decreased due to , @ @ @ @ @ use of the drug remdesivir — which has not been clinically proven to have any @ @ @ @ @ rate .
McEnany brought up the drug in response to a question about coronavirus testing @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump ’ s saying that the U.S. “ tested almost 40 million people @ @ @ @ @ show cases 99 % of which are totally harmless.
” Most experts say that it @ @ @ @ @ on a decrease in mortality because deaths lag behind an uptick in case numbers .
@ @ @ @ @ CDC is being stifled on COVID-19 ]

White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany on Monday claimed the mortality rate of the coronavirus has decreased due to, among other things, the use of the drug remdesivir — which has not been clinically proven to have any effect on the COVID-19 mortality rate.
McEnany brought up the drug in response to a question about coronavirus testing after a reporter asked about President Donald Trump’s saying that the U.S. “tested almost 40 million people, by so doing we show cases 99% of which are totally harmless.”
Most experts say that it is too soon to focus on a decrease in mortality because deaths lag behind an uptick in case numbers.
[ Public health experts worry CDC is being stifled on COVID-19 ]
Emily Kopp contributed to this report.


rollcall--2020-07-06--Senate page program suspended, fall semester canceled as COVID-19 persists

The fall semester of the Senate page program and page school has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ Page Board .
Senators , including Wyoming Republican Michael B. Enzi , have had to @ @ @ @ @ school juniors to apply to be a page at the Capitol for the fall semester @ @ @ @ @ s decision last week .
The Senate page program consists of four quarters , two @ @ @ @ @ shorter summer sessions .
The spring semester pages were sent home for 30 days in @ @ @ @ @ called back into service .
The Senate has remained without pages as the summer heats @ @ @ @ @ who are at least 16 years old , usually help deliver correspondence , transport bills @ @ @ @ @ sessions , all while attending the U.S. Senate Page School .
They can usually count @ @ @ @ @ from a senator when their time on Capitol Hill is up .

The fall semester of the Senate page program and page school has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the U.S. Senate Page Board.
Senators, including Wyoming Republican Michael B. Enzi, have had to retract their encouragement for high school juniors to apply to be a page at the Capitol for the fall semester, following the board’s decision last week.
The Senate page program consists of four quarters, two academic year sessions and two shorter summer sessions. The spring semester pages were sent home for 30 days in mid-March, but were never called back into service. The Senate has remained without pages as the summer heats up.
The pages, who are at least 16 years old, usually help deliver correspondence, transport bills and prepare the chamber for sessions, all while attending the U.S. Senate Page School. They can usually count on a rousing farewell speech from a senator when their time on Capitol Hill is up.
[Impeachment cellphone ban gives Senate pages a workout]


rollcall--2020-07-06--Senate GOP aid package may tailor payments to low-income households

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell began to sketch out details of a forthcoming GOP-drafted coronavirus relief package Monday , leaving the door open to another round of direct payments to households as well as more funding for state and local governments .
Speaking during a visit to Flaget Memorial Hospital in Bardstown , Kentucky , McConnell said the next round of checks sent to individuals and families -- up to $ 1,200 per person in the March aid package -- may be targeted at a lower-income group this time .
“ I think the people who have been hit the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a year or less .
Many of them work in the hospitality industry , ” he said .
The $ 2 trillion March aid package 's maximum payments began phasing out at 5 percent of adjusted gross income above $ 75,000 for single filers , and above $ 150,000 for married couples filing jointly .
Payments phased out completely for individuals starting at $ 99,000 annually , or $ 198,000 for joint filers .
Another $ 500 was provided for each child under the age of 17 , however , so parents with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their income was n't too high to lose all eligibility .

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell began to sketch out details of a forthcoming GOP-drafted coronavirus relief package Monday, leaving the door open to another round of direct payments to households as well as more funding for state and local governments.
Speaking during a visit to Flaget Memorial Hospital in Bardstown, Kentucky, McConnell said the next round of checks sent to individuals and families -- up to $1,200 per person in the March aid package -- may be targeted at a lower-income group this time.
“I think the people who have been hit the hardest are people who make $40,000 a year or less. Many of them work in the hospitality industry,” he said.
The $2 trillion March aid package's maximum payments began phasing out at 5 percent of adjusted gross income above $75,000 for single filers, and above $150,000 for married couples filing jointly. Payments phased out completely for individuals starting at $99,000 annually, or $198,000 for joint filers.
Another $500 was provided for each child under the age of 17, however, so parents with children could still receive some money if their income wasn't too high to lose all eligibility.


rollcall--2020-07-06--House Democrats propose  removal of ‘racial intolerance’ statues from Capitol

The draft House fiscal 2021 Legislative Branch spending bill released Monday would order the removal from the Capitol statues of Confederates and others “ with unambiguous records of racial intolerance , ” including John C. Calhoun and Roger B. Taney , according to a summary .
The draft text of a $ 4.2 billion bill , which calls for the Architect of the Capitol to remove statues with ties to the nation ’ s racist past , comes as the country grapples with racial injustice highlighted by recent police killings of Black people , including George Floyd .
Speaker Nancy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Confederate statues in the National Statuary Hall Collection .
Such statues and busts would be returned to their home states .
The California Democrat recently removed the portraits of former House speakers who served in the Confederacy .
Calhoun was vice president in two administrations and a senator from South Carolina .
Though he died in 1850 , before the inception of the Confederate States of America , he established its world view , according to Carole Emberton , an associate history professor at the State University of New York at Buffalo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Statuary Hall collection .
A bust of Taney , who as the chief justice of the Supreme Court issued the Dred Scott decision in 1857 , is also in the Capitol .

Corrected, Nov. 10 |The draft House fiscal 2021 Legislative Branch spending bill released Monday would order the removal from the Capitol statues of Confederates and others “with unambiguous records of racial intolerance,” including John C. Calhoun and Roger B. Taney, according to a summary.
The draft text of a $4.2 billion bill, which calls for the Architect of the Capitol to remove statues with ties to the nation’s racist past, comes as the country grapples with racial injustice highlighted by recent police killings of Black people, including George Floyd.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi in June called for the removal of Confederate statues in the National Statuary Hall Collection. Such statues and busts would be returned to their home states. The California Democrat recently removed the portraits of former House speakers who served in the Confederacy.
Calhoun was vice president in two administrations and a senator from South Carolina. Though he died in 1850, before the inception of the Confederate States of America, he established its world view, according to Carole Emberton, an associate history professor at the State University of New York at Buffalo. A statue of Calhoun is in the Statuary Hall collection.
A bust of Taney, who as the chief justice of the Supreme Court issued the Dred Scott decision in 1857, is also in the Capitol.


rollcall--2020-07-06--Small-business loan funding details released

The so-called Paycheck Protection Program has provided loans to nearly 4.9 million small businesses employing 51.1 million workers in all corners of the country , according to newly released data from the Small Business Administration .
The extensive data release came after lawmakers and others criticized the Trump administration for initially trying to withhold the names of loan recipients .
The new disclosure provides names and details for all loans exceeding $ 150,000 .
“ Today ’ s release of loan data strikes the appropriate balance of providing the American people with transparency , while protecting sensitive payroll and personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proprietors , and independent contractors , ” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement .
The nearly $ 521.5 billion in forgivable loans , designed to keep workers on the payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic , support the jobs of about 84 percent of the country ’ s small-business employees , according to a summary of the data .
The average loan size was about $ 107,000 , and 86.5 percent of all loans were for less than $ 150,000 .
And about 27 percent of the loan funds went to low- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

The so-called Paycheck Protection Program has provided loans to nearly 4.9 million small businesses employing 51.1 million workers in all corners of the country, according to newly released data from the Small Business Administration.
The extensive data release came after lawmakers and others criticized the Trump administration for initially trying to withhold the names of loan recipients. The new disclosure provides names and details for all loans exceeding $150,000.
“Today’s release of loan data strikes the appropriate balance of providing the American people with transparency, while protecting sensitive payroll and personal income information of small businesses, sole proprietors, and independent contractors,” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement.
The nearly $521.5 billion in forgivable loans, designed to keep workers on the payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic, support the jobs of about 84 percent of the country’s small-business employees, according to a summary of the data.
The average loan size was about $107,000, and 86.5 percent of all loans were for less than $150,000. And about 27 percent of the loan funds went to low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, the summary said.


rollcall--2020-07-06--Democratic super PAC boosts spending in Iowa Senate race

A Democratic super PAC is upping the ante in the Iowa Senate race , underscoring that the contest has become @ @ @ @ @ looking to flip the chamber .
Senate Majority PAC is reserving an additional $ 3.6 @ @ @ @ @ to launch ads starting in August , bolstering the Democratic nominee , real estate executive @ @ @ @ @ race against Republican incumbent Joni Ernst .
The group already reserved $ 13.1 million in @ @ @ @ @ and its nonprofit arm Majority Forward has also been spending in the race .
“ @ @ @ @ @ Iowa has become more competitive by the day .
Theresa Greenfield has proven she ’ @ @ @ @ @ Joni Ernst and has made inroads statewide with her powerful story and commitment to protecting @ @ @ @ @ spokeswoman Rachel Irwin said .
“ Poll after poll tells us what Iowans already know @ @ @ @ @ and has become another typical D.C. politician who can ’ t be trusted .
”

A Democratic super PAC is upping the ante in the Iowa Senate race, underscoring that the contest has become a top target for Democrats looking to flip the chamber.
Senate Majority PAC is reserving an additional $3.6 million in television air time to launch ads starting in August, bolstering the Democratic nominee, real estate executive Theresa Greenfield, in her race against Republican incumbent Joni Ernst. The group already reserved $13.1 million in air time for the fall and its nonprofit arm Majority Forward has also been spending in the race.
“There’s a reason Iowa has become more competitive by the day. Theresa Greenfield has proven she’s the perfect foil for Joni Ernst and has made inroads statewide with her powerful story and commitment to protecting Social Security,” SMP spokeswoman Rachel Irwin said. “Poll after poll tells us what Iowans already know: Joni Ernst is vulnerable and has become another typical D.C. politician who can’t be trusted.”


rollcall--2020-07-07--Social media platforms gird for 78 days of disinformation chaos after Election Day

The 78 days between Election Day this fall and Inauguration Day next January could be a greatly unsettled time for American democracy .
Unlike most presidential elections , when ballots are tallied and counted in a majority of precincts by midnight on Election Day and news outlets are able to project a winner before you go to bed , this November ’ s election is likely to be different .
Because of a surge in mail-in ballots caused by people ’ s reluctance to physically go to the polls with COVID-19 still coursing through the population , results are likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer to collect and count , and that is likely to cause delays in counting and in reporting of results .
That interregnum of 11 weeks could also be rife with disinformation coming from all directions as criminal hackers , enemy states and even domestic political forces try to shape people ’ s perceptions of what actually happened .
Lawsuits are also likely to proliferate if the outcome is not clear .
Lawmakers and disinformation experts say during that period social media companies must be prepared to confront the likely onslaught of lies @ @ @ @

Corrected, July 8 | The 78 days between Election Day this fall and Inauguration Day in January could be a greatly unsettled time for American democracy.
Unlike most presidential elections, when ballots are tallied and counted in a majority of precincts by midnight on Election Day and news outlets are able to project a winner before you go to bed, this November’s election is likely to be different. A surge in mail-in ballots caused by people’s reluctance to physically go to the polls with COVID-19 still coursing through the population means results are likely to be delayed.
Mail-in ballots take longer to collect and count, and that is likely to cause delays in counting and in reporting of results.
That interregnum of 11 weeks could also be rife with disinformation coming from all directions as criminal hackers, enemy states and even domestic political forces try to shape people’s perceptions of what actually happened. Lawsuits are also likely to proliferate if the outcome is not clear.


rollcall--2020-07-07--With Trump trailing, should down-ballot Republicans ready a ‘no blank check’ strategy?

ANALYSIS — Weeks before the 1996 general election , operatives at the Republican National Committee and National Republican Congressional Committee urged GOP campaigns to adopt a last-minute , new strategy .
As New York Times reporter Adam Clymer wrote , they urged “ their party ’ s Congressional candidates to cut loose from Bob Dole and press voters to maintain a Republican majority and deny a re-elected ( Bill ) Clinton a ‘ blank check.
’ ” “ If Clinton is re-elected , heaven forbid , the last thing the American people want is for him to have a blank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrat Congress , ” RNC Chairman Haley Barbour said in the article .
To the dismay of Dole campaign strategists ( who understood the new message amounted to an admission that their candidate had no chance ) , Republican operatives did embrace that “ no blank check ” message , even investing what one longtime operative now calls “ a lot of money pushing that message in the mail.
” That strategy helped the GOP limit its losses to only three House seats and maintain control of the chamber .
The party even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority from 53-47 to 55-45 .

ANALYSIS — Weeks before the 1996 general election, operatives at the Republican National Committee and National Republican Congressional Committee urged GOP campaigns to adopt a last-minute, new strategy.
As New York Times reporter Adam Clymer wrote, they urged “their party’s Congressional candidates to cut loose from Bob Dole and press voters to maintain a Republican majority and deny a re-elected (Bill) Clinton a ‘blank check.’”
“If Clinton is re-elected, heaven forbid, the last thing the American people want is for him to have a blank check in the form of a liberal Democrat Congress,” RNC Chairman Haley Barbour said in the article.
To the dismay of Dole campaign strategists (who understood the new message amounted to an admission that their candidate had no chance), Republican operatives did embrace that “no blank check” message, even investing what one longtime operative now calls “a lot of money pushing that message in the mail.”
That strategy helped the GOP limit its losses to only three House seats and maintain control of the chamber. The party even gained two Senate seats, increasing its majority from 53-47 to 55-45.


rollcall--2020-07-07--Democrats say 2 GOP House hopefuls in Virginia should be kept off the ballot

National Democrats called on Virginia officials Tuesday to deny requests from Republican House candidates Bob Good and Nick Freitas to appear on the 2020 ballot despite missing the June deadline to file required paperwork .
“ Granting the Requests at this late date would send a clear message to future candidates and the voting public : deadlines for submitting documentation to obtain access to the ballot in Virginia are meaningless , ” lawyers for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee — the campaign arm of House Democrats — wrote to the Virginia State Board of Elections in a letter obtained by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheduled to consider arguments submitted on behalf of both candidates at a routine meeting Tuesday .
With two targeted House seats at stake , both parties are highly invested in the outcome .
Good , a former Liberty University athletics director and social conservative , won the GOP nomination in the sprawling 5th District last month , beating incumbent Rep. Denver Riggleman at a party convention that the congressman and his supporters say took advantage of the coronavirus pandemic to limit the number of delegates and help skew the results in Good ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resentments over the GOP outcome could help put the district in play for their nominee , physician and health care policy professor Cameron Webb .
President Donald Trump carried the 5th District , which stretches from the Washington exurbs to the North Carolina border , by 12 points in 2016 .
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates the general election Solid Republican .

National Democrats called on Virginia officials Tuesday to deny requests from Republican House candidates Bob Good and Nick Freitas to appear on the 2020 ballot despite missing the June deadline to file required paperwork.
“Granting the Requests at this late date would send a clear message to future candidates and the voting public: deadlines for submitting documentation to obtain access to the ballot in Virginia are meaningless,” lawyers for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee — the campaign arm of House Democrats — wrote to the Virginia State Board of Elections in a letter obtained by CQ Roll Call.
The board is scheduled to consider arguments submitted on behalf of both candidates at a routine meeting Tuesday. With two targeted House seats at stake, both parties are highly invested in the outcome.
Good, a former Liberty University athletics director and social conservative, won the GOP nomination in the sprawling 5th District last month, beating incumbent Rep. Denver Riggleman at a party convention that the congressman and his supporters say took advantage of the coronavirus pandemic to limit the number of delegates and help skew the results in Good’s favor.
Democrats are hoping lingering resentments over the GOP outcome could help put the district in play for their nominee, physician and health care policy professor Cameron Webb. President Donald Trump carried the 5th District, which stretches from the Washington exurbs to the North Carolina border, by 12 points in 2016. Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates the general election Solid Republican.


rollcall--2020-07-07--Amy Kennedy to challenge party-switcher Van Drew in New Jersey

Educator and mental health advocate Amy Kennedy has won the Democratic nomination to challenge Rep. Jeff Van Drew , who flipped New Jersey ’ s 2nd District for the Democrats in 2018 but switched parties because he did not think President Donald Trump should be impeached .
With 30 percent of precincts reporting , Kennedy was leading a five-candidate field with 55 percent of the vote when The Associated Press called the race for the South Jersey seat .
Her chief rival , political science professor Brigid Callahan Harrison , who trailed with 32 percent , conceded before the AP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ YouTube video that Democrats needed to unite to defeat Van Drew .
“ Amy Kennedy is the choice of the Democratic Party , ” Harrison said in her concession video , “ and each of us have the responsibility to get involved and help her in any way we can .
It is time for all of us to step up and support her.
” In the Republican primary , Van Drew was leading challenger Robert Patterson 81 percent to 19 percent , when the AP called the race , with 36 percent @ @ @ @

Educator and mental health advocate Amy Kennedy has won the Democratic nomination to challenge Rep. Jeff Van Drew, who flipped New Jersey’s 2nd District for the Democrats in 2018 but switched parties because he did not think President Donald Trump should be impeached.
With an estimated 30 percent of the vote in, Kennedy was leading a five-candidate field with 55 percent of the vote when The Associated Press called the race for the South Jersey seat.
“Seven months ago, when Jeff Van Drew abandoned the people of South Jersey and pledged his undying support to Donald Trump, I knew I wanted to step up and do something,” Kennedy told socially distanced supporters, including Gov. Phil Murphy, shortly after 10 p.m. “And since he became a Republican, he’s chosen time and time again to serve Donald Trump instead of serving his community.”
Her chief rival, political science professor Brigid Callahan Harrison, who trailed with 32 percent, conceded before the AP’s call, saying in a YouTube video that Democrats needed to unite.
“Amy Kennedy is the choice of the Democratic Party,” Harrison said in her concession video, “and each of us have the responsibility to get involved and help her in any way we can.”


rollcall--2020-07-07--Trump notifies World Health Organization of US intent to leave

The Trump administration on Tuesday confirmed it notified the World Health Organization of its intent to formally withdraw as a @ @ @ @ @ 2021 , setting in motion the actual process .
The news follows President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ May he was “ terminating ” the U.S. relationship with the organization over its response @ @ @ @ @ data on the emerging coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan .
Trump froze funding for the WHO @ @ @ @ @ initiated a review , calling for unspecified changes in the organization .
The U.S. is @ @ @ @ @ 12 months ’ notice before withdrawing , placing the actual time of withdrawal well after @ @ @ @ @ .
A senior administration official confirmed the notice has been delivered to the United Nations @ @ @ @ @ say whether the U.S. would pay its outstanding dues .
Member dues for calendar 2020 @ @ @ @ @ under fiscal 2021 appropriations , setting up a potential clash between Congress and the White @ @ @ @ @ sign off .

The Trump administration on Tuesday confirmed it notified the World Health Organization of its intent to formally withdraw as a member effective July 6, 2021, setting in motion the actual process.
The news follows President Donald Trump’s surprise announcement in May he was “terminating” the U.S. relationship with the organization over its response to Chinese officials blocking crucial data on the emerging coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan. Trump froze funding for the WHO in April while the administration initiated a review, calling for unspecified changes in the organization.
The U.S. is obligated to give the WHO 12 months’ notice before withdrawing, placing the actual time of withdrawal well after the presidential election this November.
A senior administration official confirmed the notice has been delivered to the United Nations secretary-general, but did not say whether the U.S. would pay its outstanding dues.
Member dues for calendar 2020 are scheduled to be paid under fiscal 2021 appropriations, setting up a potential clash between Congress and the White House if Trump refuses to sign off.


rollcall--2020-07-07--Paycheck program hits the campaign airwaves

A bipartisan federal package to rescue the pandemic-rocked U.S. economy this spring has morphed into a cudgel on the campaign trail in pivotal Senate races where outside groups and candidates have launched ads with sometimes veiled attacks on pieces of the law or its earlier iterations .
Montana , Maine , North Carolina and Iowa are among the high-profile and high-priced Senate contests where messaging has ramped up over a late March measure that established the so-called Paycheck Protection Program , providing small businesses with forgivable loans to meet payroll during COVID-19 shutdowns .
An ad attacking Sen. Steve Daines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tough reelection against Democratic Gov .
Steve Bullock , says the incumbent voted in support of a “ $ 500 billion slush fund to bail out big corporations.
” Majority Forward , the Democratic group behind the ad , said it was referring to a Senate GOP proposal for an exchange stabilization fund as part of the economic rescue effort .
The ad did not mention the legislation , which is known as the CARES Act , specifically .
The final version of the measure was approved by Montana ’ s Democratic senator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daines .
“ It ’ s disgusting to witness Democrat dark money groups politicize critical relief legislation that passed the Senate unanimously and has aided countless American workers during these challenging times , ” said Jesse Hunt , communications director for the National Republican Senatorial Committee .

A bipartisan federal package to rescue the pandemic-rocked U.S. economy this spring has morphed into a cudgel on the campaign trail in pivotal Senate races where outside groups and candidates have launched ads with sometimes veiled attacks on pieces of the law or its earlier iterations.
Montana, Maine, North Carolina and Iowa are among the high-profile and high-priced Senate contests where messaging has ramped up over a late March measure that established the so-called Paycheck Protection Program, providing small businesses with forgivable loans to meet payroll during COVID-19 shutdowns.
An ad attacking Sen. Steve Daines, a Montana Republican who faces a tough reelection against Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock, says the incumbent voted in support of a “$500 billion slush fund to bail out big corporations.”
Majority Forward, the Democratic group behind the ad, said it was referring to a Senate GOP proposal for an exchange stabilization fund as part of the economic rescue effort. The ad did not mention the legislation, which is known as the CARES Act, specifically. The final version of the measure was approved by Montana’s Democratic senator, Jon Tester, as well as Daines.
“It’s disgusting to witness Democrat dark money groups politicize critical relief legislation that passed the Senate unanimously and has aided countless American workers during these challenging times,” said Jesse Hunt, communications director for the National Republican Senatorial Committee.


rollcall--2020-07-07--Coronavirus Special Report: What will it take to get kids back to school?

In this episode , we explore what going back to school may look like , an impassioned plea for more @ @ @ @ @ and surge testing .
• Back-to-school looms for kids without Wi-Fi — and Congress • @ @ @ @ @ hopefuls in Virginia should be kept off the ballot

In this episode, we explore what going back to school may look like, an impassioned plea for more money to protect frontline workers and surge testing.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-07-07--Bill to remove Capitol’s Confederate statues OK’d by House panel

Amid the nationwide furor over Confederate statues , the House Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee approved a spending bill that would @ @ @ @ @ imagery from the Capitol .
“ We need to make a statement now on something @ @ @ @ @ the removal of statues that many visitors find offensive , ” Chairman Tim Ryan , @ @ @ @ @ bill ’ s markup Tuesday .
[ Also watch : Here ’ s why the @ @ @ @ @ generals ]

Amid the nationwide furor over Confederate statues, the House Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee approved a spending bill that would order the removal of Confederate imagery from the Capitol.
“We need to make a statement now on something that we can control — the removal of statues that many visitors find offensive,” Chairman Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, said at the bill’s markup Tuesday.
[ Also watch: Here’s why the US named bases for Confederate generals ]


rollcall--2020-07-07--Virginia lets GOP candidates who missed deadline onto ballot

Virginia Republicans Bob Good and Nick Freitas will be allowed to appear on the 2020 ballots in two battleground House @ @ @ @ @ file state-required paperwork .
The state Board of Elections in a 2-1 vote Tuesday granted @ @ @ @ @ candidates who missed the June 9 filing deadline .
The extension will also apply to @ @ @ @ @ missed the deadline , along with two candidates for local elections .
Good and Freitas @ @ @ @ @ the most attention because they are running in targeted districts .
Good , a former @ @ @ @ @ , won the GOP nomination in the sprawling 5th District at a convention in June @ @ @ @ @ .
The extension , which pushes the filing deadline to July 17 , also leaves @ @ @ @ @ will attempt to run as a third-party candidate .

Virginia Republicans Bob Good and Nick Freitas will be allowed to appear on the 2020 ballots in two battleground House races despite missing deadlines to file state-required paperwork.
The state Board of Elections in a 2-1 vote Tuesday granted a blanket extension to all candidates who missed the June 9 filing deadline.
The extension will also apply to eight other House candidates who missed the deadline, along with two candidates for local elections.
Good and Freitas’ missing paperwork had attracted the most attention because they are running in targeted districts. Good, a former athletics director at Liberty University, won the GOP nomination in the sprawling 5th District at a convention in June, ousting Rep. Denver Riggleman.
The extension, which pushes the filing deadline to July 17, also leaves open the possibility that Riggleman will attempt to run as a third-party candidate.


rollcall--2020-07-07--Confederate statues, COVID-19, nuclear testing mark appropriations process

House Democrats have unveiled fiscal 2021 spending bills that amount to an assault on the Trump administration 's agenda .
@ @ @ @ @ Lerman and Jennifer Shutt outline the likely partisan clashes looming in the election-year appropriations process @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus relief .
• Public health experts worry CDC is being stifled on COVID-19 • @ @ @ @ @ spending not opposed to PPP loans • Social media platforms gird for 78 days of @ @ @ @ @

David Lerman, Jennifer Shutt, and Evan Campbell

House Democrats have unveiled fiscal 2021 spending bills that amount to an assault on the Trump administration's agenda. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Jennifer Shutt outline the likely partisan clashes looming in the election-year appropriations process and the next round of coronavirus relief.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-07-07--Back-to-school looms for kids without Wi-Fi — and Congress

When schools shut down this spring because of the coronavirus , it cut off internet access for many of the @ @ @ @ @ , a town of some 2,000 people that sits a little south of the Red @ @ @ @ @ the border between Oklahoma and the Lone Star State .
But though Pottsboro is small @ @ @ @ @ big and may require a solution from a big institution some 1,300 miles away — @ @ @ @ @ States .
The rural school district has about 300 students , many of whom lack @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t afford an internet connection , according to Dianne Connery , the local @ @ @ @ @ day the schools shut down it became so obvious that what we were doing was @ @ @ @ @ kids that were already behind would be further behind , ” Connery said .

When schools shut down this spring because of the coronavirus, it cut off internet access for many of the students in Pottsboro, Texas, a town of some 2,000 people that sits a little south of the Red River, which serves as the border between Oklahoma and the Lone Star State.
But though Pottsboro is small, its school problem is big and may require a solution from a big institution some 1,300 miles away — the Congress of the United States.
The rural school district has about 300 students, many of whom lack broadband infrastructure and whose families can’t afford an internet connection, according to Dianne Connery, the local library director.
“The day the schools shut down it became so obvious that what we were doing was not enough, and these kids that were already behind would be further behind,” Connery said.


rollcall--2020-07-08--$14M in relief funds find members of Congress and family

At least $ 13.7 million in COVID-19 relief funds have gone directly to companies in which members of Congress or @ @ @ @ @ employees , according to Small Business Administration data reviewed by CQ Roll Call .
These @ @ @ @ @ Paycheck Protection Program shortly after Congress voted to disperse $ 3 trillion in a sweeping @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. economy as it endures the coronavirus pandemic .
FiscalNote , the parent company @ @ @ @ @ has also received a loan under the program .
Two of the more prominent figures @ @ @ @ @ s largest stimulus package since World War II have family ties to businesses that received @ @ @ @ @ Nancy Pelosi ’ s husband , Paul Pelosi , held investments in a partnership with @ @ @ @ @ Restaurant Company .
Both of the firms support the hospitality industry — EDI Associates has @ @ @ @ @ Dorado Hotel in Sonoma , California .

At least $13.7 million in COVID-19 relief funds have gone directly to companies in which members of Congress or their families are owners or employees, according to Small Business Administration data reviewed by CQ Roll Call.
These companies received funds through the Paycheck Protection Program shortly after Congress voted on a roughly $2 trillion sweeping relief package designed to buoy the U.S. economy as it endures the coronavirus pandemic.
FiscalNote, the parent company of CQ Roll Call, has also received a loan under the program.
Two of the more prominent figures in shepherding the nation’s largest stimulus package since World War II have family ties to businesses that received PPP loan benefits.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul Pelosi, held investments in a partnership with EDI Associates and the Piatti Restaurant Company. Both of the firms support the hospitality industry — EDI Associates has an investment in the El Dorado Hotel in Sonoma, California.


rollcall--2020-07-08--House bid to remove Confederate statues at Capitol sets up fight with Senate

As demands for racial justice dominate the national consciousness , the House is moving along a draft Legislative Branch spending bill that would mandate statues of Confederates and others “ with unambiguous records of racial intolerance ” be removed from the Capitol .
But the top Legislative Branch appropriator on the Senate panel , Chairwoman Cindy Hyde-Smith , is not calling for the removal of Confederate statues , setting up a potential fight on the provision when it reaches the chamber .
Hyde-Smith ’ s home state of Mississippi is the only one represented in the Capitol by statues of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Confederate States of America , and James Zachariah George , a Confederate colonel .
Since the killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police in May , momentum to address racial inequality and the symbols of the nation ’ s racist past has spurred politicians to act .
Speaker Nancy Pelosi in June called for the removal of 11 Confederate statues from the Capitol ’ s National Statuary Hall Collection .
The House ’ s $ 4.2 billion Legislative Branch Appropriations bill , which was reported favorably by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s written demand .
The measure calls for the Architect of the Capitol to remove 14 statues and two busts , according to Evan Hollander , a spokesman for the House Appropriations Committee .

The measure calls for the Architect of the Capitol to remove 14 statues and two busts, according to Evan Hollander, a spokesman for the House Appropriations Committee.
Hyde-Smith, a Republican, has said it’s not up to Congress to decide whether Confederate statues should represent certain states in the Capitol. Her spokesman, Chris Gallegos, offered an emailed statement that she issued last month.
“There are clear rules and procedures set for the designation, receipt, and placement of statues in the United States Capitol,” Hyde-Smith said. “Any state, including Mississippi, can avail itself to that process if it wants to exchange statues. How to best depict the history of our nation is always up for debate, but it is not the role of Congress to dictate to states which statues should be placed in the Capitol.”
George, who served as a senator, was prolific when it came to disenfranchising the Black vote. He led the construction of Mississippi’s 1890 Constitution, which effectively reduced the number of qualified Black Mississippi voters from 147,205 to 8,615, an action that resulted in a white electoral majority in every county, according to a 2017 report by the University of Mississippi Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on History and Context.
Neither George nor Davis was born in Mississippi.


rollcall--2020-07-08--Workplace testing for coronavirus remains a challenge

Testing in the workplace could be the next step in fighting the coronavirus pandemic , but testing shortages and a lack of uniform standards are complicating the path forward .
Experts are largely unified in their call to make regular testing available in vulnerable places such as prisons or nursing homes , and Senate Republicans are considering ways to support testing in schools .
But a clear picture has not yet emerged on testing in workplaces , which spurred a number of outbreaks around the country .
A June poll of 40 large employers conducted by the Pacific Business Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that just 6 percent plan to implement on-site testing .
Thirty-three percent of respondents said they would not require testing for employees to return to work , while 56 percent had not decided .
Cost and privacy issues topped their list of concerns .
“ I don ’ t think that they ’ re relying on testing as their major strategy until it becomes more user friendly , ” said Lauren Vela , PBGH senior director of member value , adding that tests typically cost between $ 100 and $ 150 each .

Testing in the workplace could be the next step in fighting the coronavirus pandemic, but testing shortages and a lack of uniform standards are complicating the path forward.
Experts are largely unified in their call to make regular testing available in vulnerable places such as prisons or nursing homes, and Senate Republicans are considering ways to support testing in schools. But a clear picture has not yet emerged on testing in workplaces, which spurred a number of outbreaks around the country.
A June poll of 40 large employers conducted by the Pacific Business Group on Health, or PBGH, found that just 6 percent plan to implement on-site testing. Thirty-three percent of respondents said they would not require testing for employees to return to work, while 56 percent had not decided. Cost and privacy issues topped their list of concerns.
“I don’t think that they’re relying on testing as their major strategy until it becomes more user friendly,” said Lauren Vela, PBGH senior director of member value, adding that tests typically cost between $100 and $150 each.


rollcall--2020-07-08--Does Washington have ‘real people?’ Asking for some friends in Congress

When the House voted in late June to make the District of Columbia the country ’ s 51st state , D.C. residents were thrilled .
It was the first time a D.C. statehood bill passed either chamber of Congress .
Even the normally reserved Mayor Muriel Bowser couldn ’ t contain herself .
Watching the floor vote at a local restaurant , she waved her hands in the air like an ecstatic concertgoer when the measure passed , 232-180 .
But not everyone welcomed the news , particularly Senate Republicans who have pretty much declared the bill dead on arrival @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nothing more than a Democratic power grab because the partisan tilt of the District would all but guarantee Democrats two Senate seats .
And besides , D.C. doesn ’ t even have “ real people ” — at least according to Sen. Steve Daines .
The Montana Republican noted during a recent news conference that D.C. statehood doesn ’ t have support outside of the District , “ where the real people are.
” One very real person found his comments offensive .
“ It ’ s just hard to hear that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the owners of longtime Washington-based DC Brau Brewing Company .
“ We pay taxes , federal and local , just like everybody else in this country .
But then as business owners being told that we ’ re not real people , it ’ s almost a double whammy .
”

When the House voted in late June to make the District of Columbia the country’s 51st state, D.C. residents were thrilled. It was the first time a D.C. statehood bill passed either chamber of Congress. Even the normally reserved Mayor Muriel Bowser couldn’t contain herself. Watching the floor vote at a local restaurant, she waved her hands in the air like an ecstatic concertgoer when the measure passed, 232-180.
But not everyone welcomed the news, particularly Senate Republicans who have pretty much declared the bill dead on arrival. They argue that the proposal is nothing more than a Democratic power grab because the partisan tilt of the District would all but guarantee Democrats two Senate seats.
And besides, D.C. doesn’t even have “real people” — at least according to Sen. Steve Daines. The Montana Republican noted during a recent news conference that D.C. statehood doesn’t have support outside of the District, “where the real people are.”
One very real person found his comments offensive.
“It’s just hard to hear that,” said Marisela Rodela, one of the owners of longtime Washington-based DC Brau Brewing Company. “We pay taxes, federal and local, just like everybody else in this country. But then as business owners being told that we’re not real people, it’s almost a double whammy.”


rollcall--2020-07-08--Union launches new ad blitz pushing senators for $1 trillion in state and local pandemic aid

A top labor union representing public employees across the country is expanding its campaign to pressure Senate Republicans to support @ @ @ @ @ in additional aid to state and local governments as the coronavirus pandemic continues .
The @ @ @ @ @ County and Municipal Employees has already been running digital TV ads in Kentucky calling for @ @ @ @ @ to support more substantial state and local assistance like what has passed the Democratic-led House @ @ @ @ @ part of a previously announced seven-figure buy , shared first with CQ Roll Call , @ @ @ @ @ Alaska , Arizona , Colorado , Georgia , Iowa , Maine , Missouri and North @ @ @ @ @ of Missouri , those states have incumbent Republican senators who will be on the ballot @ @ @ @ @ top targets for Democrats as they seek to take back control of the chamber .
@ @ @ @ @ same script , customized for the individual senators .

A top labor union representing public employees across the country is expanding its campaign to pressure Senate Republicans to support more than $1 trillion in additional aid to state and local governments as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees has already been running digital TV ads in Kentucky calling for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to support more substantial state and local assistance like what has passed the Democratic-led House.
New ads that are part of a previously announced seven-figure buy, shared first with CQ Roll Call, will expand the campaign to Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Maine, Missouri and North Carolina.
With the exception of Missouri, those states have incumbent Republican senators who will be on the ballot in November and are all top targets for Democrats as they seek to take back control of the chamber. The ads all follow the same script, customized for the individual senators.


rollcall--2020-07-08--Layoff threats scare Senate food workers, but most spared until September

After shifts serving food to Capitol Police , senators and a sparse number of staffers , Senate food service workers were told early last week to anticipate widespread layoffs and were quietly advised to register for unemployment insurance .
A deal was eventually struck to keep workers on the job a bit longer , but not before panic and confusion arose among the front-line workers tasked with feeding Congress during the coronavirus pandemic .
Senate workers , employed by contractor Restaurant Associates , spoke to CQ Roll Call throughout the week as they received mixed messages about the future of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community .
They spoke on background out of concerns about retaliation for speaking to the media about their fears of layoffs and concerns about accountability .
Many workers got phone calls from Restaurant Associates telling them July 2 would be their last day working in the Senate .
Others were told in person when they returned to their lockers at the close of their shifts on July 1 and 2 .
Managers told employees they should register for unemployment insurance .
None of the Restaurant Associates employees who talked to CQ Roll Call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they didn ’ t know anyone who had official documentation .

After shifts serving food to Capitol Police, senators and a sparse number of staffers, Senate food service workers were told early last week to anticipate widespread layoffs and were quietly advised to register for unemployment insurance.
A deal was eventually struck to keep workers on the job a bit longer, but not before panic and confusion arose among the front-line workers tasked with feeding Congress during the coronavirus pandemic.
Senate workers, employed by contractor Restaurant Associates, spoke to CQ Roll Call throughout the week as they received mixed messages about the future of their jobs preparing food for the Senate community. They spoke on background out of concerns about retaliation for speaking to the media about their fears of layoffs and concerns about accountability.
Many workers got phone calls from Restaurant Associates telling them July 2 would be their last day working in the Senate. Others were told in person when they returned to their lockers at the close of their shifts on July 1 and 2. Managers told employees they should register for unemployment insurance.
None of the Restaurant Associates employees who talked to CQ Roll Call saw any paperwork regarding terminations and said they didn’t know anyone who had official documentation.


rollcall--2020-07-08--Committee chairs’ power questioned in and outside Congress

House Foreign Affairs Chairman Eliot L. Engel is increasingly likely to lose his seat after 32 years in Congress and eight atop the committee .
Fellow New York Democrat Carolyn B. Maloney is in the closest race of her 28-year career despite claiming the Oversight and Reform chairmanship last year .
Richard E. Neal chairs one of the most powerful committees in Congress , the tax-writing Ways and Means panel , but faces a competitive September primary in Massachusetts .
These members ’ constituents don ’ t seem to care much about the power their representatives hold in the House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control the agenda .
Ironically , those constituents voting in someone new to start at the bottom of the congressional ranks is effectively the only way to strip away that power from longtime leaders of the Democratic Caucus .
In talking up Engel ahead of his June 23 primary , Speaker Nancy Pelosi noted that he “ has the unique privilege ” of serving as both Foreign Affairs chairman and a senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee .
“ That wouldn ’ t happen again .
That ’ s a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told reporters .
Democrats don ’ t have term limits for their committee leaders , so members like Engel could serve indefinitely if they keep winning reelection .
He has mostly coasted in past elections , but this year he faced a formidable primary challenger in Jamaal Bowman , who is leading Engel by 25 percentage points .
The race remains uncalled as New York City is still counting absentee ballots .

House Foreign Affairs Chairman Eliot L. Engel is increasingly likely to lose his seat after 32 years in Congress and eight atop the committee. Fellow New York Democrat Carolyn B. Maloney is in the closest race of her 28-year career despite claiming the Oversight and Reform chairmanship last year. Richard E. Neal chairs one of the most powerful committees in Congress, the tax-writing Ways and Means panel, but faces a competitive September primary in Massachusetts.
These members’ constituents don’t seem to care much about the power their representatives hold in the House, where party leaders and committee chairs control the agenda. Ironically, those constituents voting in someone new to start at the bottom of the congressional ranks is effectively the only way to strip away that power from longtime leaders of the Democratic Caucus.
In talking up Engel ahead of his June 23 primary, Speaker Nancy Pelosi noted that he “has the unique privilege” of serving as both Foreign Affairs chairman and a senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee.
“That wouldn’t happen again. That’s a lot of power,” the California Democrat told reporters.
Democrats don’t have term limits for their committee leaders, so members like Engel could serve indefinitely if they keep winning reelection. He has mostly coasted in past elections, but this year he faced a formidable primary challenger in Jamaal Bowman, who is leading Engel by 25 percentage points. The race remains uncalled as New York City is still counting absentee ballots.


rollcall--2020-07-08--Democrats rebuke White House over possibly directing virus aid away from public schools

President Donald Trump ’ s apparent proposal that future coronavirus aid for schools be tied to students , rather than @ @ @ @ @ rebukes from key Democrats .
“ He wants to increase funding in CARES four for @ @ @ @ @ s looking at potentially redirecting that to make sure it goes to the student , @ @ @ @ @ tied to the student and not to a district where schools are closed , ” @ @ @ @ @ McEnany told reporters at the White House on Wednesday .
“ CARES four ” refers @ @ @ @ @ package as the COVID-19 pandemic continues across the country .
“ He wants them to @ @ @ @ @ students to be welcomed back to these schools , ” McEnany said .
The Trump @ @ @ @ @ of wanting to pressure schools to be open for students this fall , but McEnany @ @ @ @ @ another potential objective .

President Donald Trump’s apparent proposal that future coronavirus aid for schools be tied to students, rather than school districts, has drawn rebukes from key Democrats.
“He wants to increase funding in CARES four for education, but he’s looking at potentially redirecting that to make sure it goes to the student, and it is most likely tied to the student and not to a district where schools are closed,” White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters at the White House on Wednesday.
“CARES four” refers to the expected next assistance package as the COVID-19 pandemic continues across the country.
“He wants them to reopen altogether. He wants students to be welcomed back to these schools,” McEnany said.
The Trump administration has made no secret of wanting to pressure schools to be open for students this fall, but McEnany’s comments point to another potential objective.


rollcall--2020-07-08--Foreign students’ dilemma: Risk COVID-19 exposure or deportation?

Benson Neethipudi was working at his summer internship earlier this week when his Whatsapp messaging app started blowing up with @ @ @ @ @ .
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement , the Homeland Security agency that oversees the nation @ @ @ @ @ visitor program , had just issued new guidance applying to international students such as himself @ @ @ @ @ all student visa holders whose university curricula were offered online “ must depart the country @ @ @ @ @ such as transferring to a school with in-person instruction to remain in lawful status.
” @ @ @ @ @ the agency added , “ they may face immigration consequences including , but not limited @ @ @ @ @ removal proceedings.
” When Neethipudi , an Indian graduate student at Columbia University ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Affairs , surveyed the social media conversation around the development , he found nothing addressing @ @ @ @ @ international students now face : Risk exposure to COVID-19 — or deportation ?

Benson Neethipudi was working at his summer internship earlier this week when his Whatsapp messaging app started blowing up with panicked texts from fellow students.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Homeland Security agency that oversees the nation’s student and exchange visitor program, had just issued new guidance applying to international students such as himself.
The guidance noted that all student visa holders whose university curricula were offered online “must depart the country or take other measures, such as transferring to a school with in-person instruction to remain in lawful status.”
“If not,” the agency added, “they may face immigration consequences including, but not limited to, the initiation of removal proceedings.”
When Neethipudi, an Indian graduate student at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, surveyed the social media conversation around the development, he found nothing addressing the dilemma he and other international students now face: Risk exposure to COVID-19 — or deportation?


rollcall--2020-07-08--Census to start door-knocking after pandemic pause

The Census Bureau will plan a `` final push ” outreach effort this month to encourage many communities that haven ’ t responded to the census to do so , the agency said Wednesday during an update of plans amid a coronavirus pandemic that continues to spike in pockets throughout the country .
“ The campaign will be nationwide but will have extra emphasis and resources spent … in the lowest responding areas throughout the nation , ” Tim Olson , the Census Bureau ’ s associate director , said during a call with reporters .
Households that haven ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the door from one of more than 500,000 census takers late this month in 12 regions across the country , including the six areas announced during the call : Hartford , Conn. , State College , Pa. , Evansville , Ind.
, Wichita , Kan. , Tacoma , Wash. , and the Crystal City section of Arlington , Va .
The Census Bureau had paused most of its efforts in March to help contain the spread of the coronavirus , causing a delay that the agency said will force it to miss its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once-a-decade count .
More than 61 percent of the country ’ s households have responded to the count but the agency ’ s largest efforts remain , said Census Bureau associate director Al Fontenot .

The Census Bureau will plan a "final push” outreach effort this month to encourage many communities that haven’t responded to the census to do so, the agency said Wednesday during an update of plans amid a coronavirus pandemic that continues to spike in pockets throughout the country.
“The campaign will be nationwide but will have extra emphasis and resources spent … in the lowest responding areas throughout the nation,” Tim Olson, the Census Bureau’s associate director, said during a call with reporters.
Households that haven’t responded could get a knock on the door from one of more than 500,000 census takers late this month in 12 regions across the country, including the six areas announced during the call: Hartford, Conn., State College, Pa., Evansville, Ind., Wichita, Kan., Tacoma, Wash., and the Crystal City section of Arlington, Va.
The Census Bureau had paused most of its efforts in March to help contain the spread of the coronavirus, causing a delay that the agency said will force it to miss its statutory Dec. 31 deadline to complete the once-a-decade count.
More than 61 percent of the country’s households have responded to the count but the agency’s largest efforts remain, said Census Bureau associate director Al Fontenot.


rollcall--2020-07-08--Coronavirus Special Report: How $14 million in relief funds wound up going to lawmakers and their fa

Coronavirus Special Report: How $14 million in relief funds wound up going to lawmakers and their families

In today 's episode , we look at how some lawmakers and their families were able to access $ 14 @ @ @ @ @ Paycheck Protection Program .
We also examine President Trump ’ s push to get schools @ @ @ @ @ workplace testing for COVID-19 remains a challenge .
• $ 14M in relief funds find @ @ @ @ @ • House lawmakers use campaign money for membership dues to plush clubs

In today's episode, we look at how some lawmakers and their families were able to access $14 million in funds from the Paycheck Protection Program. We also examine President Trump’s push to get schools to reopen, and how workplace testing for COVID-19 remains a challenge.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-07-08--Duckworth doesn’t back down following Vindman retirement

Sen. Tammy Duckworth will keep her hold on over 1,100 military promotions in place despite Wednesday 's announcement of the @ @ @ @ @ Vindman , a key witness in the impeachment of President Donald Trump .
The Illinois @ @ @ @ @ Thursday amid concerns that Vindman would not receive a promotion to the rank of colonel @ @ @ @ @ before the House last year .
Vindman , a former Ukraine expert to the National @ @ @ @ @ from his White House job following his November testimony in which he validated many of @ @ @ @ @ whistleblower whose report sparked the impeachment inquiry .
Reports have suggested that Trump , who @ @ @ @ @ pressured the Pentagon to block Vindman 's promotion .
“ Through a campaign of bullying @ @ @ @ @ , the President attempted to force LTC Vindman to choose : Between adhering to the @ @ @ @ @ .
Vindman ’ s patriotism has cost him his career , ” Vindman ’ s @ @ @ @ @ a statement Wednesday .

Sen. Tammy Duckworth will keep her hold on more than 1,100 military promotions in place despite Wednesday's announcement of the retirement of Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, a key witness in the impeachment of President Donald Trump.
The Illinois Democrat announced the hold on Thursday amid concerns that Vindman would not receive a promotion to the rank of colonel in retaliation for his testimony before the House last year.
Vindman, a former Ukraine expert to the National Security Council, was ousted from his White House job following his November testimony in which he validated many of the concerns raised by the whistleblower whose report sparked the impeachment inquiry.
Reports have suggested that Trump, who has publicly attacked Vindman, pressured the Pentagon to block Vindman's promotion.
“Through a campaign of bullying, intimidation, and retaliation, the President attempted to force LTC Vindman to choose: Between adhering to the law or pleasing a President. Vindman’s patriotism has cost him his career,” Vindman’s attorney David Pressman said in a statement Wednesday.


rollcall--2020-07-08--‘Just come home’ — Black lawmakers reflect on their interactions with the police

It doesn ’ t matter if you went to Morehouse , or if you were an undercover CIA officer or @ @ @ @ @ .
If you are a Black man , odds are your interactions with the police @ @ @ @ @ than for others .
CQ Roll Call ’ s Clyde McGrady interviewed three members of @ @ @ @ @ it was like for them and what was different for them in their encounters with @ @ @ @ @ The rules are different for you ’ : Black lawmakers on when they got ‘ @ @ @ @ @ bid to remove Confederate statues at Capitol sets up fight with Senate • Matt Gaetz @ @ @ @ @ step-parent ’ to Nestor Galban • Police lounged in congressman ’ s burglarized office as @ @ @ @ @ • Scott rebukes critics who say he ’ s being used by GOP on police @ @ @ @ @ : Cedric Richmond on the ‘ Work to Do ’ ahead

Jason Dick, Evan Campbell, and Jinitzail Hernández

It doesn’t matter if you went to Morehouse, or if you were an undercover CIA officer or even a police officer yourself. If you are a Black man, odds are your interactions with the police are more dangerous and memorable than for others. CQ Roll Call’s Clyde McGrady interviewed three members of Congress who reflected on what it was like for them and what was different for them in their encounters with law enforcement.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-07-08--House lawmakers use campaign money for membership dues to plush clubs

Several House members have reported paying for membership dues to luxurious social clubs from their campaign coffers , expenditures the @ @ @ @ @ as prohibited personal use .
Rep. Terri A. Sewell ’ s campaign spent more than @ @ @ @ @ City Club Birmingham and $ 222 in similar fees to The City Club of Washington @ @ @ @ @ owned by ClubCorp USA Inc. Sewell , an Alabama Democrat , has spent just under @ @ @ @ @ social club in Birmingham since 2017 , which offers an Enomatic wine dispenser , upscale @ @ @ @ @ facilities .
Additional campaign money was spent on fundraisers and meals .
The Alabama club @ @ @ @ @ premier business and social center for the city ’ s professional elite.
” Representatives for @ @ @ @ @ a request for comment .
Rep. Daniel Crenshaw , a Texas Republican , disclosed more @ @ @ @ @ dues to ClubCorp USA Inc. since 2019 .
Justin Discigil , Crenshaw ’ s communications @ @ @ @ @ , which are required by law every quarter , were misreported .

Several House members have reported paying for membership dues to luxurious social clubs from their campaign coffers, expenditures the Federal Election Commission automatically deems as prohibited personal use.
Rep. Terri A. Sewell’s campaign spent more than $2,800 on dues to City Club Birmingham and $222 in similar fees to The City Club of Washington, both of which are owned by ClubCorp USA Inc.
Sewell, an Alabama Democrat, has spent just under $9,000 overall at the social club in Birmingham since 2017, which offers an Enomatic wine dispenser, upscale bar, dining and fitness facilities. Additional campaign money was spent on fundraisers and meals. The Alabama club describes itself as “the premier business and social center for the city’s professional elite.”
Representatives for Sewell did not respond to a request for comment.
Rep. Daniel Crenshaw, a Texas Republican, disclosed more than $3,200 on membership dues to ClubCorp USA Inc. since 2019. Justin Discigil, Crenshaw’s communications director, said the filings, which are required by law every quarter, were misreported.


rollcall--2020-07-08--CDC to revise school reopening guidance

CDC to revise school reopening guidance

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will release updated guidelines for reopening schools during the COVID-19 pandemic , Vice President Mike Pence announced Wednesday , after President Donald Trump said he disagreed with guidance from his own administration for doing so .
In a series of tweets Wednesday morning , Trump threatened to cut off federal funding for schools if they do not open this fall and said he disagreed with the CDC ’ s “ very tough & expensive guidelines.
” Speaking alongside the White House Coronavirus Task Force , Pence said he ’ d spoken with Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to partner with school districts to work toward returning students to the classroom .
“ We don ’ t want the guidance from CDC to be a reason why schools don ’ t open , ” he said .
“ We want to partner with states , with local education officials , with governors , with local health officials , to find a way to meet their needs to open up.
” “ I think the president ’ s statement this morning was simply reflective of that desire , ” Pence added .

“I think the president’s statement this morning was simply reflective of that desire,” Pence added.
The CDC has released some guidance for schools to consider as they make plans, although Director Robert Redfield and other administration officials say they should not be taken as a reason not to reopen. That guidance suggests students and teachers wear masks, students stay 6 feet apart from each other, have plenty of cleaning supplies and protective gear on hand and not have students sharing objects.
“Our recommendations to open these schools are really based on the sound public health and safety in health and children,” Redfield said. “Clearly we know a lot, and I think it’s important that we don’t react emotionally but we act based on data.”
It was the second day in a row the administration publicly focused on how to safely reopen schools, but the new information for schools — some of which are set to open a month from now — was scant, as officials say they are emphasizing a return to the classroom.
“Whether it’s testing, PPE, or other resources that we stand ready to provide those resources to the states and we reiterated that once again to the governors,” Pence said when asked about specific plans to ensure students’ safety.


rollcall--2020-07-08--Supreme Court upholds Trump administration birth control rules

The Supreme Court in a 7-2 decision upheld two Trump administration rules that would expand the types of employers that could be exempt from covering contraception under their health plans .
The two controversial rules issued by the departments of Health and Human Services , Labor and Treasury have never taken effect .
They would expand religious and moral exemptions to the 2010 Affordable Care Act 's requirement that employee health plans cover birth control .
The consolidated cases of Trump v. Pennsylvania and Little Sisters of the Poor v. Pennsylvania are the first to tackle the ongoing issue of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contraceptive coverage since the retirement of Justice Anthony M. Kennedy , who was viewed as a swing vote in controversial cases , and the addition of two Trump picks , Justices Neil M. Gorsuch and Brett M. Kavanaugh .
The health care law requires that most health plans cover birth control at no cost to patients .
The cases were brought by groups who argued the rule was essential to protecting religious liberty under a 1993 law known as the Religious Restoration Freedom Act of 1993 or RFRA .
`` The only question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ language of the statute authorizes .
And the plain language of the statute clearly allows the Departments to create the preventive care standards as well as the religious and moral exemptions , '' said the majority opinion , written by Justice Clarence Thomas .

The Supreme Court in a 7-2 decision upheld two Trump administration rules that would expand the types of employers that could be exempt from covering contraception under their health plans.
The two controversial rules issued by the departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and Treasury have never taken effect. They would expand religious and moral exemptions to the 2010 Affordable Care Act's requirement that employee health plans cover birth control.
The consolidated cases of Trump v. Pennsylvania and Little Sisters of the Poor v. Pennsylvania are the first to tackle the ongoing issue of the breadth of the health law's contraceptive coverage since the retirement of Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, who was viewed as a swing vote in controversial cases, and the addition of two Trump picks, Justices Neil M. Gorsuch and Brett M. Kavanaugh.
The health care law requires that most health plans cover birth control at no cost to patients. The cases were brought by groups who argued the rule was essential to protecting religious liberty under a 1993 law known as the Religious Restoration Freedom Act of 1993 or RFRA.
"The only question we face today is what the plain language of the statute authorizes. And the plain language of the statute clearly allows the Departments to create the preventive care standards as well as the religious and moral exemptions," said the majority opinion, written by Justice Clarence Thomas.


rollcall--2020-07-08--Defense spending bill finds creative ways to shift billions

ANALYSIS — Appropriators have done it again .
As is their custom , they have managed to write a fiscal @ @ @ @ @ the House , which will soon be mirrored in the Senate , that adds billions @ @ @ @ @ did not make the cut in the president ’ s budget .
And — this @ @ @ @ @ they paid for it all by dredging up at least $ 5 billion from obscure @ @ @ @ @ but they knew about , and few will ever be able to explain .
This @ @ @ @ @ Appropriations Subcommittee ’ s nearly $ 695 billion bill , which the panel will mark @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday , manages to bankroll billions in lawmakers ' priorities that the president did not @ @ @ @ @ while at the same time subtracting relatively few things that were requested .

ANALYSIS — Appropriators have done it again.
As is their custom, they have managed to write a fiscal 2021 Defense spending bill in the House, which will soon be mirrored in the Senate, that adds billions of dollars for programs that did not make the cut in the president’s budget.
And — this is the hard part — they paid for it all by dredging up at least $5 billion from obscure sources that virtually no one but they knew about, and few will ever be able to explain.
This year, the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee’s nearly $695 billion bill, which the panel will mark up behind closed doors on Wednesday, manages to bankroll billions in lawmakers' priorities that the president did not request in his budget, while at the same time subtracting relatively few things that were requested.
[Senate undoes proposed power shift in nuclear arms budgeting]


rollcall--2020-07-09--What’s Trump endorsement worth? Texas House and Alabama Senate runoffs will tell

Loyalty to President Donald Trump has defined Republican primaries since 2016 .
So when he chooses sides in intraparty contests , it can make a difference .
It ’ s not a perfect record .
In the last month , Trump-backed GOP Reps. Scott Tipton of Colorado and Denver Riggleman of Virginia failed to get their party ’ s nod for reelection .
And North Carolina Republicans rejected Linda Bennett , Trump ’ s choice for the seat formerly held by his chief of staff .
But the people who won those nominations all argued they were bigger Trump supporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s endorsement still carries significant weight , especially in races with potentially lower turnout such as Tuesday ’ s primary runoffs for two House districts in Texas and for Senate in Alabama .
Trump has a personal connection to two of those races , making next week a key test of whether the value of his support has diminished .
His campaign does not think so .
“ As we ’ ve seen in countless races this cycle , including the upcoming GOP runoffs in Alabama and Texas , an endorsement from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidates and this President ’ s successful America First agenda , ” Trump campaign spokeswoman Samantha Zager said in a statement .

Loyalty to President Donald Trump has defined Republican primaries since 2016. So when he chooses sides in intraparty contests, it can make a difference.
It’s not a perfect record. In the last month, Trump-backed GOP Reps. Scott Tipton of Colorado and Denver Riggleman of Virginia failed to get their party’s nod for reelection. And North Carolina Republicans rejected Linda Bennett, Trump’s choice for the seat formerly held by his chief of staff.
But the people who won those nominations all argued they were bigger Trump supporters, and Republican strategists say the president’s endorsement still carries significant weight, especially in races with potentially lower turnout such as Tuesday’s primary runoffs for two House districts in Texas and for Senate in Alabama. Trump has a personal connection to two of those races, making next week a key test of whether the value of his support has diminished.
His campaign does not think so.
“As we’ve seen in countless races this cycle, including the upcoming GOP runoffs in Alabama and Texas, an endorsement from President Trump brings unmatched enthusiasm for the candidates and this President’s successful America First agenda,” Trump campaign spokeswoman Samantha Zager said in a statement.


rollcall--2020-07-09--House spending bill barring funds for border wall advances

House appropriators approved a $ 115.5 billion Military Construction-VA spending bill Thursday on a 30-20 vote , with Texas Republican @ @ @ @ @ advance the legislation to the floor .
The rest of the panel ’ s Republicans @ @ @ @ @ add $ 12.5 billion in emergency spending to the annual funding bill for veterans ’ @ @ @ @ @ also objected to language that would block military construction funds from going to installations named @ @ @ @ @ names are first changed .
Hurd , the only Black Republican lawmaker in the House @ @ @ @ @ the current term , his third .
The sole GOP amendment , offered by Maryland @ @ @ @ @ have removed language in the bill that bars President Donald Trump from diverting military construction @ @ @ @ @ project as his administration has sought to do since early 2019 .
The amendment was @ @ @ @ @ .
Harris argued that more barriers along the U.S. border with Mexico would help to @ @ @ @ @ and reduce opioid addiction throughout the country .

House appropriators approved a $115.5 billion Military Construction-VA spending bill Thursday on a 30-20 vote, with Texas Republican Will Hurd joining Democrats to advance the legislation to the floor.
The rest of the panel’s Republicans opposed Democrats’ decision to add $12.5 billion in emergency spending to the annual funding bill for veterans’ health care. GOP lawmakers also objected to language that would block military construction funds from going to installations named after Confederate officers unless the names are first changed.
Hurd, the only Black Republican lawmaker in the House, is retiring after finishing the current term, his third.
The sole GOP amendment, offered by Maryland Rep. Andy Harris, would have removed language in the bill that bars President Donald Trump from diverting military construction funds to the border wall project as his administration has sought to do since early 2019. The amendment was rejected on a 13-19 vote.
Harris argued that more barriers along the U.S. border with Mexico would help to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and reduce opioid addiction throughout the country.