rollcall--2020-09-21--Partisan stopgap funding bill set for House vote Tuesday

The House will vote Tuesday on a short-term funding bill written by majority Democrats without support from Republicans , increasing the odds of a partial government shutdown in less than 10 days when current spending authority expires .
The Democrats ’ bill would remove agriculture and nutrition policy riders that were in dispute late last week when talks on a bipartisan continuing resolution reached an impasse .
That decision was n't sitting well with Senate Republicans , however , increasing prospects for a legislative ping-pong match that may or may not finish on time .
The House bill would preserve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had agreed to Friday , but would drop a more than $ 20 billion replenishment of Commodity Credit Corporation funds for farm payments sought by the White House and congressional Republicans .
“ House Democrats ’ rough draft of a government funding bill shamefully leaves out key relief and support that American farmers need , ” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell tweeted after the bill ’ s release .
It would also drop a $ 2.7 billion extension of the expiring Pandemic EBT program sought by Democrats , which provides meals for children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lunches when schools are open .

The House will vote Tuesday on a short-term funding bill written by majority Democrats without support from Republicans, increasing the odds of a partial government shutdown in less than 10 days when current spending authority expires.
The Democrats’ bill would remove agriculture and nutrition policy riders that were in dispute late last week when talks on a bipartisan continuing resolution reached an impasse. That decision wasn't sitting well with Senate Republicans, however, increasing prospects for a legislative ping-pong match that may or may not finish on time.
The House bill would preserve the Dec. 11 end date both parties had agreed to Friday, but would drop a more than $20 billion replenishment of Commodity Credit Corporation funds for farm payments sought by the White House and congressional Republicans.
“House Democrats’ rough draft of a government funding bill shamefully leaves out key relief and support that American farmers need,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell tweeted after the bill’s release.
It would also drop a $2.7 billion extension of the expiring Pandemic EBT program sought by Democrats, which provides meals for children who would normally receive free or reduced-price lunches when schools are open.


rollcall--2020-09-21--Democrats, the party of government, are torn over coronavirus relief

ANALYSIS — As Washington has grown more polarized , Democrats , more than Republicans , have lamented the demise of compromise .
While Republicans stonewalled Barack Obama , they had no crisis of conscience .
But Democrats , as the party that believes government can make a positive difference in people ’ s lives , are more conflicted about how and when to work with Donald Trump .
That was apparent in the deals they took on criminal justice in 2018 , and on the new trade agreement with Mexico and Canada last year .
Neither pleased the party ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were willing to take half a loaf , even though it gave Trump a win .
By contrast , Democrats ’ deal-killing insistence on a comprehensive $ 2.2 trillion coronavirus relief bill this summer , and before that their rejection of a GOP policing bill , were out of character .
The party ’ s internal struggle burst into the open during the week of Sept. 14 , when moderate Democrats facing tough reelection campaigns threatened revolt over Speaker Nancy Pelosi ’ s position on virus relief , while those in the Problem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undercutting Pelosi by $ 700 billion .
Without more federal aid , they argued , millions of unemployed Americans will suffer .

ANALYSIS — As Washington has grown more polarized, Democrats, more than Republicans, have lamented the demise of compromise.
While Republicans stonewalled Barack Obama, they had no crisis of conscience. But Democrats, as the party that believes government can make a positive difference in people’s lives, are more conflicted about how and when to work with Donald Trump.
That was apparent in the deals they took on criminal justice in 2018, and on the new trade agreement with Mexico and Canada last year. Neither pleased the party’s progressive wing, but Democratic lawmakers were willing to take half a loaf, even though it gave Trump a win.
By contrast, Democrats’ deal-killing insistence on a comprehensive $2.2 trillion coronavirus relief bill this summer, and before that their rejection of a GOP policing bill, were out of character.
The party’s internal struggle burst into the open during the week of Sept. 14, when moderate Democrats facing tough reelection campaigns threatened revolt over Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s position on virus relief, while those in the Problem Solvers Caucus offered their own alternative, undercutting Pelosi by $700 billion. Without more federal aid, they argued, millions of unemployed Americans will suffer.


rollcall--2020-09-20--Supreme Court’s legitimacy at stake in wake of Ginsburg’s death

For a Supreme Court that seeks to defend the legitimacy of its rulings as rooted in the law and not @ @ @ @ @ over the next few months is poised to be a historic test of its reputation @ @ @ @ @ a contentious confirmation vote to fill the seat of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump appointee .
The appointee , who Trump says will be a woman announced @ @ @ @ @ the court ’ s conservative tilt potentially with immediate consequences for divisive areas such as @ @ @ @ @ more .
A case set for argument Nov. 10 , just days after the election @ @ @ @ @ health care law known as Obamacare , which the court has upheld in previous challenges @ @ @ @ @ be called on to decide the heated presidential election , where Trump already has challenged @ @ @ @ @ if he loses to Democratic nominee Joe Biden .

For a Supreme Court that seeks to defend the legitimacy of its rulings as rooted in the law and not political ideology, what unfolds over the next few months is poised to be a historic test of its reputation.
The Senate will hold a contentious confirmation vote to fill the seat of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg with a reliably conservative President Donald Trump appointee.
The appointee, who Trump says will be a woman announced this week, would deepen the court’s conservative tilt potentially with immediate consequences for divisive areas such as abortion, gun control and more.
A case set for argument Nov. 10, just days after the election, threatens the whole 2010 health care law known as Obamacare, which the court has upheld in previous challenges.
And the justices could be called on to decide the heated presidential election, where Trump already has challenged the integrity of the outcome if he loses to Democratic nominee Joe Biden.


rollcall--2020-09-22--Uncertainty reigns for insurers as industry adopts AI standards

As the insurance industry increasingly relies on artificial intelligence , its state-based regulators are thinking about how to ensure that @ @ @ @ @ .
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners last month unanimously adopted guiding principles that AI @ @ @ @ @ accountable and safe .
But these are largely broad-brush notions for a technology that is @ @ @ @ @ .
Insurers and rating and advisory organizations “ should be responsible for the creation , @ @ @ @ @ AI system , even if the impacts are unintended , ” the NAIC ’ s @ @ @ @ @ , part of its Executive Committee , wrote .
Jon Godfread , chairman of NAIC @ @ @ @ @ Group , described the principles in an interview as an “ aspirational document ” or @ @ @ @ @ discussions among regulators .
They don ’ t carry the weight of law and aren @ @ @ @ @

As the insurance industry increasingly relies on artificial intelligence, its state-based regulators are thinking about how to ensure that the technology treats policyholders fairly.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners last month unanimously adopted guiding principles that AI be fair, ethical, accountable and safe. But these are largely broad-brush notions for a technology that is just starting to be used.
Insurers and rating and advisory organizations “should be responsible for the creation, implementation and impacts of any AI system, even if the impacts are unintended,” the NAIC’s Innovation and Technology Task Force, part of its Executive Committee, wrote.
Jon Godfread, chairman of NAIC’s Artificial Intelligence Working Group, described the principles in an interview as an “aspirational document” or “guidepost” for internal discussions among regulators. They don’t carry the weight of law and aren’t model regulations.


rollcall--2020-09-22--Wolf to face heated Senate hearing for Homeland Security job

Nearly a year into the job and amid questions he was illegally appointed , Homeland Security acting Secretary Chad Wolf will face a Senate panel Wednesday for a confirmation hearing likely to get contentious .
Appearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee , Wolf potentially faces questions on two recent whistleblower reports from department employees .
The legitimacy of the appointment to his current role also has been challenged in federal court and the Government Accountability Office .
Wolf has served as the acting secretary of the department since November .
He was sworn in on an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Senate for a different role — as the undersecretary of the department 's Office of Strategy , Policy , and Plans — in a 54-41 vote .
He is the fifth person to head DHS , which has seen high turnover and an unprecedented number of vacant positions among its leadership .
Sen. Gary Peters , D-Mich. , the committee 's ranking member , released a statement last month after President Donald Trump announced the nomination of Wolf , saying he had `` serious questions and concerns about his suitability for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's nomination for the undersecretary role .
Another committee Democrat who voted against him was Sen. Jacky Rosen , D-Nev. , who delayed his earlier nomination for five months because of his role in developing the administration ’ s family separation policy .

Nearly a year into the job and amid questions he was illegally appointed, Homeland Security acting Secretary Chad Wolf will face a Senate panel Wednesday for a confirmation hearing likely to get contentious.
Appearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Wolf potentially faces questions on two recent whistleblower reports from department employees. The legitimacy of the appointment to his current role also has been challenged in federal court and the Government Accountability Office.
Wolf has served as the acting secretary of the department since November. He was sworn in on an interim basis shortly after being confirmed by the Senate for a different role — as the undersecretary of the department's Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans — in a 54-41 vote. He is the fifth person to head DHS, which has seen high turnover and an unprecedented number of vacant positions among its leadership.
Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., the committee's ranking member, released a statement last month after President Donald Trump announced the nomination of Wolf, saying he had "serious questions and concerns about his suitability for the job."
Peters previously opposed Wolf's nomination for the undersecretary role. Another committee Democrat who voted against him was Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., who delayed his earlier nomination for five months because of his role in developing the administration’s family separation policy.


rollcall--2020-09-22--Democrats keep edge in fight for Senate amid growing GOP headache

ANALYSIS — It was April 20 , almost five months ago to the day , when I wrote that “ while the fight for Senate control in November is a toss-up , I ’ d probably put a pinkie on the scale for Democrats right now.
” The fight for the Senate is still uncertain , but that pinkie quickly became a thumb and is now two or three fingers and possibly a whole hand .
The problem for the GOP is that in addition to needing to hold surprisingly competitive contests in normally reliable states , the party also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or anti-Trump states .
Democrats who feel confident about Senate races in Maine or North Carolina should take a deep breath and wait until at least mid-October .
And those who dismiss Democratic challengers in Iowa , Montana , South Carolina and even Kansas ought to take a second and third look before proclaiming the outcome inevitable .
How does the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg alter things ?
We can ’ t be sure , but it probably doesn ’ t change things dramatically .
It may help Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states ( e.g.
, Montana and South Carolina ) by elevating one issue on which there is an extreme partisan divide .
But it could help Democratic Senate hopefuls in Democratic-tilting states such as Maine and Colorado .

ANALYSIS — It was April 20, almost five months ago to the day, when I wrote that “while the fight for Senate control in November is a toss-up, I’d probably put a pinkie on the scale for Democrats right now.”
The fight for the Senate is still uncertain, but that pinkie quickly became a thumb and is now two or three fingers and possibly a whole hand.
The problem for the GOP is that in addition to needing to hold surprisingly competitive contests in normally reliable states, the party also needs to hold seats in four toss-up or anti-Trump states.
Democrats who feel confident about Senate races in Maine or North Carolina should take a deep breath and wait until at least mid-October. And those who dismiss Democratic challengers in Iowa, Montana, South Carolina and even Kansas ought to take a second and third look before proclaiming the outcome inevitable.
How does the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg alter things? We can’t be sure, but it probably doesn’t change things dramatically. It may help Republican Senate candidates in very conservative, pro-Trump states (e.g., Montana and South Carolina) by elevating one issue on which there is an extreme partisan divide. But it could help Democratic Senate hopefuls in Democratic-tilting states such as Maine and Colorado.


rollcall--2020-09-22--FCC has money for rural broadband but isn’t sure where to spend it

Ever since Rep. Dave Loebsack , D-Iowa , was first elected to the House in 2006 , he has sought to ensure that Iowans and other rural Americans can access the internet .
But Loebsack , who is set to retire at the end of the 116th Congress , remains frustrated that the federal government still lacks accurate data showing where Americans can get a signal — and where they can ’ t .
“ For years , it has been evident and clear to this committee , the stakeholders , and indeed , the Federal Communications Commission , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Loebsack said at a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on Sept. 17 .
“ All of you recognize that , all of you admit that , ” Loebsack told the quintet of FCC commissioners testifying before the House panel .
“ And yet we still haven ’ t fixed the maps .
It ’ s kind of like when they say , ‘ Just wear the damn mask.
’ Let ’ s just fix the damn maps , right ?
” But how to best go about correcting the maps is disputed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans designed to force the FCC to fix them , sniping over who bears the responsibility for the persisting inaccuracies is a matter of partisan debate .

Ever since Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa, was first elected to the House in 2006, he has sought to ensure that Iowans and other rural Americans can access the internet.
But Loebsack, who is set to retire at the end of the 116th Congress, remains frustrated that the federal government still lacks accurate data showing where Americans can get a signal — and where they can’t.
“For years, it has been evident and clear to this committee, the stakeholders, and indeed, the Federal Communications Commission, that the maps have been bad,” Loebsack said at a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on Sept. 17.
“All of you recognize that, all of you admit that,” Loebsack told the quintet of FCC commissioners testifying before the House panel. “And yet we still haven’t fixed the maps. It’s kind of like when they say, ‘Just wear the damn mask.’ Let’s just fix the damn maps, right?”
But how to best go about correcting the maps is disputed. And despite cooperation between Democrats and Republicans designed to force the FCC to fix them, sniping over who bears the responsibility for the persisting inaccuracies is a matter of partisan debate.


rollcall--2020-09-22--GOP senators buff green credentials as Election Day nears

In the South , Sen. Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , favors a ban on offshore oil and gas drilling .
In the West , Sens .
Cory Gardner , R-Colo. , and Steve Daines , R-Mont.
, highlight their work on a new law that permanently funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund , a federal pool of money from oil and gas royalties , and provides $ 9.5 billion over five years for the National Park Service to knock off its backlogged list of maintenance projects .
In Alaska , Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan on Aug. 24 came out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ copper and gold project in the state ’ s southwest near Bristol Bay , home to the world ’ s biggest wild salmon run — after the Army Corps of Engineers determined the project would not meet permit requirements under federal water law .
As the country reels from scorching fires and smoke-obscured skies in the West as well as hurricanes , tropical storms and flooding in the East and South , Senate Republicans up for reelection are hewing to local environmental issues rather than focusing on national climate policy in an attempt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The strategy could help separate them from President Donald Trump , whose administration has weakened or eliminated scores of environmental rules and climate protections .
“ I think that ’ s the winning strategy for elect or for reelect , ” said Heather Reams , executive director of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions , a right-leaning clean energy group .
“ Being very specific and hyperlocal , I think , is the winning ticket , ” she said , adding that she would coach Republicans running for office to ignore national trends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s going on at home .
”

All politics are local, Senate Republicans’ environmental politics included.
In the South, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., favors a ban on offshore oil and gas drilling. In the West, Sens. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., and Steve Daines, R-Mont., highlight their work on a new law that permanently funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a federal pool of money from oil and gas royalties, and provides $9.5 billion over five years for the National Park Service to knock off its backlogged list of maintenance projects.
In Alaska, Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan on Aug. 24 came out against the Pebble Mine — a proposed copper and gold project in the state’s southwest near Bristol Bay, home to the world’s biggest wild salmon run — after the Army Corps of Engineers determined the project would not meet permit requirements under federal water law.
As the country reels from scorching fires and smoke-obscured skies in the West as well as hurricanes, tropical storms and flooding in the East and South, Senate Republicans up for reelection are hewing to local environmental issues rather than focusing on national climate policy in an attempt to woo moderate voters on Election Day. The strategy could help separate them from President Donald Trump, whose administration has weakened or eliminated scores of environmental rules and climate protections.
“I think that’s the winning strategy for elect or for reelect,” said Heather Reams, executive director of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions, a right-leaning clean energy group. “Being very specific and hyperlocal, I think, is the winning ticket,” she said, adding that she would coach Republicans running for office to ignore national trends. “What matters is what’s going on at home.”


rollcall--2020-09-22--Supreme Court expected to forge ahead with eight justices after Ginsburg’s death

A shorthanded Supreme Court can move forward as usual with the slate of oral arguments already set for the first few months of its new term that starts in October , but having only eight members changes how they might be decided .
Among the potentially affected cases : the fate of the 2010 health care law known as Obamacare , set for argument Nov. 10 , and the House Judiciary Committee ’ s push to see grand jury materials in former special counsel Robert S. Mueller III ’ s investigation into interference in the 2016 presidential election , set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump plans to announce later this week his pick to replace Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , who died Friday .
But it ’ s unclear how quickly the Senate will act on the nominee .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell vowed on Monday that there would be a Senate vote on Trump ’ s nominee but did not say whether the vote would occur before or after the election .
The eight-member court is still expected to hear this term ’ s oral arguments and decide the cases as usual , and issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But not having the typical nine justices can mean the court ends up equally divided , 4-4 , and unable to decide the case .

A shorthanded Supreme Court can move forward as usual with the slate of oral arguments already set for the first few months of its new term that starts in October, but having only eight members changes how they might be decided.
Among the potentially affected cases: the fate of the 2010 health care law known as Obamacare, set for argument Nov. 10, and the House Judiciary Committee’s push to see grand jury materials in former special counsel Robert S. Mueller III’s investigation into interference in the 2016 presidential election, set for argument Dec. 2.
President Donald Trump plans to announce later this week his pick to replace Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died Friday. But it’s unclear how quickly the Senate will act on the nominee.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell vowed on Monday that there would be a Senate vote on Trump’s nominee but did not say whether the vote would occur before or after the election.
The eight-member court is still expected to hear this term’s oral arguments and decide the cases as usual, and issue rulings if there is a majority. But not having the typical nine justices can mean the court ends up equally divided, 4-4, and unable to decide the case.


rollcall--2020-09-22--The case for caution with central bank digital currencies

FT Alphaville editor Izabella Kaminski and Citi exec Tony McGlaughlin warn that central bank digital currencies could have unpleasant consequences @ @ @ @ @ the balance of power in the monetary system .
• Who should be an accredited @ @ @ @ @ the US sanctions of WeChat and TikTok mean for fintech ?

FT Alphaville editor Izabella Kaminska and Citi exec Tony McGlaughlin warn that central bank digital currencies could have unpleasant consequences for banking, lending and the balance of power in the monetary system.
More podcast content
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-09-22--House passes stopgap funding bill shortly after bipartisan deal

The House swiftly passed a stopgap funding measure needed to avert a partial government shutdown in eight days after top congressional leaders reached a deal resolving a fight over farm payments .
On a lopsided vote of 359-57 , the House sent to the Senate a revised continuing resolution that would extend current funding for all federal agencies through Dec. 11 .
The bipartisan pact would restore money for farm payments sought by lawmakers from both parties that House leaders had rejected in an earlier stopgap measure introduced Monday .
It also would restore new money for a pandemic-related program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normally receive them when schools are open , among other nutrition assistance , Democrats said .
“ We have reached an agreement with Republicans on the CR to add nearly $ 8 billion in desperately needed nutrition assistance for hungry schoolchildren and families , '' Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement .
The measure includes new provisions that would extend pandemic-related flexibilities in the food stamp program for another year and expand the school meals program to those attending child care centers that were closed because of the pandemic , among other @ @

The House swiftly passed a stopgap funding measure needed to avert a partial government shutdown in eight days after top congressional leaders reached a deal resolving a fight over farm payments.
On a lopsided vote of 359-57, the House sent to the Senate a revised continuing resolution that would extend current funding for all federal agencies through Dec. 11.
The bipartisan pact would restore money for farm payments sought by lawmakers from both parties that House leaders had rejected in an earlier stopgap measure introduced Monday. It also would restore new money for a pandemic-related program funding subsidized meals to children who would normally receive them when schools are open, among other nutrition assistance, Democrats said.
“We have reached an agreement with Republicans on the CR to add nearly $8 billion in desperately needed nutrition assistance for hungry schoolchildren and families," Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement.


rollcall--2020-09-22--Democrats unexcited about Trump nominee for State Department’s top human rights job

Senate Democrats appeared underwhelmed but resigned Tuesday to the eventual confirmation to the State Department ’ s top human rights position of a longtime Capitol Hill staffer and GOP budget guru with scant foreign policy experience .
President Donald Trump this summer nominated Eric Ueland , his former White House legislative affairs director , to serve as undersecretary of State for civilian security , democracy and human rights .
The position entails oversight of the State Department ’ s nine offices and bureaus that fall under the `` J '' rubric in the department 's organizational chart — a broad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ narcotics and law enforcement as well as global refugees , international religious freedom and combating human trafficking .
Sen. Bob Menendez , the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee , said at today 's confirmation hearing that he felt like the Trump administration has engaged in a long-running game of “ musical chairs ” when it comes to nominating individuals for senior jobs at Foggy Bottom .
“ Mr .
Ueland , my impression is that you ’ re an intelligent person , but that alone is not a qualification to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ democracy and human rights , ” Menendez said .
The senior senator from New Jersey noted that the nominee , who also previously served as director of the Office of U.S. Foreign Assistance Resources at State , was originally nominated by Trump in 2017 to serve as undersecretary of State for management .

Senate Democrats appeared underwhelmed but resigned Tuesday to the eventual confirmation to the State Department’s top human rights position of a longtime Capitol Hill staffer and GOP budget guru with scant foreign policy experience.
President Donald Trump this summer nominated Eric Ueland, his former White House legislative affairs director, to serve as undersecretary of State for civilian security, democracy and human rights. The position entails oversight of the State Department’s nine offices and bureaus that fall under the "J" rubric in the department's organizational chart — a broad policy portfolio that includes counterterrorism, international narcotics and law enforcement as well as global refugees, international religious freedom and combating human trafficking.
Sen. Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said at today's confirmation hearing that he felt like the Trump administration has engaged in a long-running game of “musical chairs” when it comes to nominating individuals for senior jobs at Foggy Bottom.
“Mr. Ueland, my impression is that you’re an intelligent person, but that alone is not a qualification to be the undersecretary for civilian security, democracy and human rights,” Menendez said.
The senior senator from New Jersey noted that the nominee, who also previously served as director of the Office of U.S. Foreign Assistance Resources at State, was originally nominated by Trump in 2017 to serve as undersecretary of State for management.


rollcall--2020-09-22--Photo of the day: Powell and the plexiglass

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell reaches around the protective plexiglass shield on the witness table Tuesday to adjust his nameplate @ @ @ @ @ House Financial Services hearing in the Rayburn Building on the Fed ’ s pandemic response @ @ @ @ @ Department .

(Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reaches around the protective plexiglass shield on the witness table Tuesday to adjust his nameplate before the start of a House Financial Services hearing in the Rayburn Building on the Fed’s pandemic response and oversight of the Treasury Department.


rollcall--2020-09-22--Mnuchin, Powell say Congress needs to pass more COVID-19 relief

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and representatives from both parties agreed on at least one point at a hearing Tuesday : The economy needs more relief from Congress to sustain the recovery from the coronavirus .
Despite that broad consensus , Congress , paralyzed by partisanship six weeks before the election , might not act .
Mnuchin , who has led relief bill negotiations for Republicans alongside White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows , said at a House Financial Services Committee hearing that he supported a targeted package focused on schools and the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It should be focused on kids and jobs , and areas of the economy that are still hard-hit — particularly areas such as the travel business and restaurants , ” Mnuchin said .
“ I think there 's broad bipartisan support for extending the [ Paycheck Protection Program ] to businesses that had revenue drops for a second check.
” Mnuchin had previously expressed support for proposals that would allow businesses that suffered significant revenue drops from COVID-19 to apply for a second round of the Small Business Administration ’ s Paycheck Protection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the original PPP ’ s forgivable loans .
Mnuchin also reiterated the administration 's support for another $ 1,200 payment to most taxpayers .

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and representatives from both parties agreed on at least one point at a hearing Tuesday: The economy needs more relief from Congress to sustain the recovery from the coronavirus.
Despite that broad consensus, Congress, paralyzed by partisanship six weeks before the election, might not act.
Mnuchin, who has led relief bill negotiations for Republicans alongside White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, said at a House Financial Services Committee hearing that he supported a targeted package focused on schools and the most affected parts of the economy.
“It should be focused on kids and jobs, and areas of the economy that are still hard-hit — particularly areas such as the travel business and restaurants,” Mnuchin said. “I think there's broad bipartisan support for extending the [Paycheck Protection Program] to businesses that had revenue drops for a second check.”
Mnuchin had previously expressed support for proposals that would allow businesses that suffered significant revenue drops from COVID-19 to apply for a second round of the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program at terms even more favorable than the original PPP’s forgivable loans. Mnuchin also reiterated the administration's support for another $1,200 payment to most taxpayers.


rollcall--2020-09-22--Capitol flu shot protocols altered to reflect COVID concerns

Flu vaccine shots are now available on Capitol Hill , but distribution will look different than years past due to @ @ @ @ @ Health experts say the threat of COVID-19 makes getting a flu shot even more of @ @ @ @ @ of the Attending Physician will administer flu shots at two locations in the Capitol complex @ @ @ @ @ in the Capitol Visitors ’ Center in SCV200 and on the House side in Longworth @ @ @ @ @ 3 p.m. daily .
The flu shots are available to thousands of legislative staffers , @ @ @ @ @ the Capitol employees , restaurant workers , journalists and others who work in the Capitol @ @ @ @ @ have dropped sharply since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in March .
“ Availability is @ @ @ @ @ the season , ” according to the Attending Physician ’ s website .
Like previous @ @ @ @ @ supply in Congress is not limitless and the OAP receives batch shipments from the manufacturer @

Flu vaccine shots are now available on Capitol Hill, but distribution will look different than years past due to heightened concerns about coronavirus. Health experts say the threat of COVID-19 makes getting a flu shot even more of an imperative.
The Office of the Attending Physician will administer flu shots at two locations in the Capitol complex, down the spiral staircase in the Capitol Visitors’ Center in SCV200 and on the House side in Longworth B248 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily.
The flu shots are available to thousands of legislative staffers, Capitol Police, Architect of the Capitol employees, restaurant workers, journalists and others who work in the Capitol complex, but those numbers have dropped sharply since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in March.
“Availability is likely to be staggered throughout the season,” according to the Attending Physician’s website.
Like previous years, the flu shot supply in Congress is not limitless and the OAP receives batch shipments from the manufacturer.


rollcall--2020-09-22--Stopgap funding back on track, House vote possible Tuesday night

Discussions were underway Tuesday afternoon to resurrect a bipartisan stopgap funding deal including farm and nutrition aid that had been @ @ @ @ @ House vote possible as early as later in the evening .
The rejuvenated talks came @ @ @ @ @ plans for a floor vote Tuesday on a partisan short-term funding bill that lacked the @ @ @ @ @ by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle .
House Democrats had also dropped an @ @ @ @ @ program , which provides food to low-income children who otherwise are n't able to get @ @ @ @ @ think we 've made some progress and I 'm hopeful that we may be able @ @ @ @ @ House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer , D-Md.
, told reporters Tuesday afternoon .
He @ @ @ @ @ be on an amended version of the bill House leaders had to pull from the @ @ @ @ @ day .
`` I do n't want to get into specifics until we have it @ @ @ @ @ said .

Discussions were underway Tuesday afternoon to resurrect a bipartisan stopgap funding deal including farm and nutrition aid that had been in dispute, with a House vote possible as early as later in the evening.
The rejuvenated talks came after House leaders abruptly delayed plans for a floor vote Tuesday on a partisan short-term funding bill that lacked the Commodity Credit Corporation funds sought by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
House Democrats had also dropped an extension of the Pandemic EBT program, which provides food to low-income children who otherwise aren't able to get school meals.
"I think we've made some progress and I'm hopeful that we may be able to vote tonight," House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, D-Md., told reporters Tuesday afternoon. He said the vote would likely be on an amended version of the bill House leaders had to pull from the floor schedule earlier in the day.
"I don't want to get into specifics until we have it hammered out," Hoyer said.


rollcall--2020-09-22--House Democrats draft stopgap funding bill without Republican support

With only days remaining in the current fiscal year , congressional leaders are struggling to pass a stopgap funding measure @ @ @ @ @ shutdown .
CQ Roll Call ’ s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman explain how a @ @ @ @ @ threatens to derail progress on the measure .
• Trump to announce SCOTUS pick Saturday @ @ @ @ @ to move ahead • Supreme Court expected to forge ahead with eight justices after Ginsburg @ @ @ @ @ keep edge in fight for Senate amid growing GOP headache

David Lerman, Jennifer Shutt, and Evan Campbell

With only days remaining in the current fiscal year, congressional leaders are struggling to pass a stopgap funding measure to avoid a partial government shutdown. CQ Roll Call’s Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman explain how a partisan dispute over farm payments threatens to derail progress on the measure.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-09-22--House Appropriations candidates float possible return of earmarks

Lawmakers ’ ability to set aside funding for home-state projects in spending bills could return next year if at least two of the three declared candidates for the House Appropriations gavel have their way .
Marcy Kaptur of Ohio and Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida have each committed to bringing back earmarks if chosen as the Appropriations Committee ’ s top Democrat after the November elections .
A third candidate , Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut , didn ’ t embrace that stance but didn ’ t rule it out , saying it was “ premature ” to discuss restoring earmarks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s something the entire caucus — including newly elected members — want to be involved in after the election , ” DeLauro said in a statement .
“ I look forward to hearing the views of all my colleagues as we review the current policy.
” The issue remains complicated even though the House has steadily moved away from the earmarks ban that former Speaker John A. Boehner first instituted nearly a decade ago , when he promised to rein in government spending and restore trust in Congress after several earmarking-related scandals .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Democrats who didn ’ t want to be outflanked on “ good government ” issues , quickly followed suit .
During the ensuing years , Democrats and Republicans , especially those on the Appropriations committees , have grown more vocal with complaints that the ban erodes Congress ’ constitutional authority over government spending .

Lawmakers’ ability to set aside funding for home-state projects in spending bills could return next year if at least two of the three declared candidates for the House Appropriations gavel have their way.
Marcy Kaptur of Ohio and Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida have each committed to bringing back earmarks if chosen as the Appropriations Committee’s top Democrat after the November elections. A third candidate, Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, didn’t embrace that stance but didn’t rule it out, saying it was “premature” to discuss restoring earmarks at this stage.
“It’s something the entire caucus — including newly elected members — want to be involved in after the election,” DeLauro said in a statement. “I look forward to hearing the views of all my colleagues as we review the current policy.”
The issue remains complicated even though the House has steadily moved away from the earmarks ban that former Speaker John A. Boehner first instituted nearly a decade ago, when he promised to rein in government spending and restore trust in Congress after several earmarking-related scandals. The Senate, controlled at the time by Democrats who didn’t want to be outflanked on “good government” issues, quickly followed suit.
During the ensuing years, Democrats and Republicans, especially those on the Appropriations committees, have grown more vocal with complaints that the ban erodes Congress’ constitutional authority over government spending.


rollcall--2020-09-22--Trump to announce SCOTUS pick Saturday, with Senate GOP moving ahead with vote

President Donald Trump plans to announce his nominee to the Supreme Court on Saturday , and barring a monumental surprise and despite whatever Democrats devise to delay , she will be on track for confirmation .
Trump had been telling audiences at campaign rallies that he would announce the selection at the end of the week , and in a Tuesday morning tweet he specified that it would come Saturday .
A statement by Utah Republican Sen. Mitt Romney seemed to end much of the suspense about whether a sufficient number of GOP senators would go along with Majority Leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a vote on Trump ’ s nominee before the end of the year .
“ The Constitution gives the President the power to nominate and the Senate the authority to provide advice and consent on Supreme Court nominees .
Accordingly , I intend to follow the Constitution and precedent in considering the President ’ s nominee , ” Romney said .
“ If the nominee reaches the Senate floor , I intend to vote based upon their qualifications.
” After issuing his statement , Romney told reporters that he would consider a nominee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vote happens before or after the election .

President Donald Trump plans to announce his nominee to the Supreme Court on Saturday, and barring a monumental surprise and despite whatever Democrats devise to delay, she will be on track for confirmation.
Trump had been telling audiences at campaign rallies that he would announce the selection at the end of the week, and in a Tuesday morning tweet he specified that it would come Saturday.
A statement by Utah Republican Sen. Mitt Romney seemed to end much of the suspense about whether a sufficient number of GOP senators would go along with Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s plan to ensure a vote on Trump’s nominee before the end of the year.
“The Constitution gives the President the power to nominate and the Senate the authority to provide advice and consent on Supreme Court nominees. Accordingly, I intend to follow the Constitution and precedent in considering the President’s nominee,” Romney said. “If the nominee reaches the Senate floor, I intend to vote based upon their qualifications.”
After issuing his statement, Romney told reporters that he would consider a nominee on the merits, regardless of whether the vote happens before or after the election.


rollcall--2020-09-23--Air Force, SpaceX mum about sky-high rocket costs

Five years ago , Elon Musk , the multibillionaire CEO of the SpaceX rocket company , smashed his way into the business of launching U.S. military and intelligence satellites , a lucrative market that had been cornered for nearly a decade by United Launch Alliance .
Musk , one of the world ’ s richest men , publicly promised in 2014 to launch Air Force rockets for at least three times less money on average than ULA , a joint venture of Lockheed Martin Corp. and Boeing Co. , was then charging .
But now SpaceX is poised to charge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the first in a series of forthcoming spy satellite launches .
The higher costs , if they continue , could cost taxpayers billions of dollars .
Musk testified in 2014 that , unlike ULA , “ we seek no subsidies to maintain our business.
” He even sued the Air Force back then for the chance to compete .
The fact that Russian engines powered ULA ’ s rockets pushed Congress in 2016 to require by law that ULA develop new ones and that at least one other company besides ULA be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several years , Musk has brought to the ossified world of government contracting some amazing technical innovations such as reusable rockets .
He not only offered lower prices than ULA used to charge , he also drove down ULA ’ s own costs .

Five years ago, Elon Musk, the multibillionaire CEO of the SpaceX rocket company, smashed his way into the business of launching U.S. military and intelligence satellites, a lucrative market that had been cornered for nearly a decade by United Launch Alliance.
Musk, one of the world’s richest men, publicly promised in 2014 to launch Air Force rockets for at least three times less money on average than ULA, a joint venture of Lockheed Martin Corp. and Boeing Co., was then charging. But now SpaceX is poised to charge more — much more — at least for the first in a series of forthcoming spy satellite launches. The higher costs, if they continue, could cost taxpayers billions of dollars.
Musk testified in 2014 that, unlike ULA, “we seek no subsidies to maintain our business.” He even sued the Air Force back then for the chance to compete.
The fact that Russian engines powered ULA’s rockets pushed Congress in 2016 to require by law that ULA develop new ones and that at least one other company besides ULA be able to compete.
For the past several years, Musk has brought to the ossified world of government contracting some amazing technical innovations such as reusable rockets. He not only offered lower prices than ULA used to charge, he also drove down ULA’s own costs.


rollcall--2020-09-23--Supreme Court fight underscores campaign trail focus on health care

The upcoming Senate battle over a Supreme Court nomination is sharpening the focus on the 2010 health care law on the campaign trail before a high-stakes oral arguments hearing to determine the law ’ s future , which will be held just a week after the election .
In a campaign in which health care was already a top issue for voters , the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg raised the risks for the law signed by President Barack Obama that expanded insurance coverage to more than 20 million people .
The Trump administration is arguing that the justices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including its popular protections allowing young adults to stay on their parents ’ insurance and requiring coverage of preexisting medical conditions .
The Supreme Court has not said when it would rule on the lawsuit after the Nov. 10 arguments .
Democrats are highlighting the upcoming threat , with party leaders drawing a straight line from the health care law to the COVID-19 pandemic to the Supreme Court .
Former Vice President Joe Biden is raising the specter of COVID-19 creating preexisting conditions for the millions of Americans who have had it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump counters by saying he will release his own health care plan , with aides suggesting policies could be announced as early as Thursday .
Biden ’ s focus on the 2010 law is trickling down to congressional races , in which many candidates were already focusing on health care , said Brad Woodhouse , executive director of Protect Our Care , a group that advocates for the health care law .

The upcoming Senate battle over a Supreme Court nomination is sharpening the focus on the 2010 health care law on the campaign trail before a high-stakes oral arguments hearing to determine the law’s future, which will be held just a week after the election.
In a campaign in which health care was already a top issue for voters, the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg raised the risks for the law signed by President Barack Obama that expanded insurance coverage to more than 20 million people. The Trump administration is arguing that the justices should strike down all of the law, including its popular protections allowing young adults to stay on their parents’ insurance and requiring coverage of preexisting medical conditions. The Supreme Court has not said when it would rule on the lawsuit after the Nov. 10 arguments.
Democrats are highlighting the upcoming threat, with party leaders drawing a straight line from the health care law to the COVID-19 pandemic to the Supreme Court. Former Vice President Joe Biden is raising the specter of COVID-19 creating preexisting conditions for the millions of Americans who have had it or could become infected.
President Donald Trump counters by saying he will release his own health care plan, with aides suggesting policies could be announced as early as Thursday.
Biden’s focus on the 2010 law is trickling down to congressional races, in which many candidates were already focusing on health care, said Brad Woodhouse, executive director of Protect Our Care, a group that advocates for the health care law.


rollcall--2020-09-23--She was selling RBG greeting cards. Then she heard from RBG

At first Janie Velencia thought she was in trouble .
The former journalist , who was running her own greeting @ @ @ @ @ received a message from an assistant to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg .
“ @ @ @ @ @ Velencia , who ’ d been making greeting cards with Ginsburg ’ s likeness for @ @ @ @ @ email didn ’ t say what Ginsburg wanted .
“ I thought , ‘ Oh @ @ @ @ @ ve offended her or she doesn ’ t like it , ’ ” says Velencia @ @ @ @ @ t the case .
Apparently someone had given a card to Ginsburg , who wanted @ @ @ @ @ out to friends and family .
“ That was amazing , ” says Velencia .
@ @ @ @ @ really thought she would ever see it .
”

At first Janie Velencia thought she was in trouble. The former journalist, who was running her own greeting card company, had just received a message from an assistant to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
“I panicked,” says Velencia, who’d been making greeting cards with Ginsburg’s likeness for a couple years.
The email didn’t say what Ginsburg wanted. “I thought, ‘Oh gosh, maybe I’ve offended her or she doesn’t like it,’” says Velencia.
But that wasn’t the case. Apparently someone had given a card to Ginsburg, who wanted to order some to pass out to friends and family.
“That was amazing,” says Velencia. “I guess I never really thought she would ever see it.”


rollcall--2020-09-23--Latinos’ clout has Democrats fretting over Biden’s outreach

Some Democrats are fretting over polls suggesting that Joe Biden ’ s presidential campaign isn ’ t reaching Latino voters , missing an opportunity to connect over the response to the coronavirus pandemic that the group identifies as its biggest campaign issue .
Or just to connect .
Others are telling the worriers to relax .
As the Nov. 3 election approaches , the Democrats ’ glass-half-full , glass-half-empty hand-wringing underscores the importance of a group with historically low turnout but big enough numbers to swing the election in Florida , Arizona and Nevada .
Donald Trump carried the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clinton won the third .
Latinos make up at least 1 out of 5 of those states ’ eligible voters , according to the Pew Research Center .
Biden would win if he flipped Florida and Arizona and every other state voted as it did in 2016 .
But the former vice president has been lagging his predecessors , according to weekly tracking polls by the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials , or NALEO , and Latino Decisions .
Biden is leading Trump nationally 64 to 24 percent among Latinos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a commanding lead , but his percentage is smaller than Clinton ’ s 66 percent in 2016 and Obama ’ s 71 percent in 2012 .
The same tracking polls found that half of Latino households nationwide haven ’ t been contacted by either campaign and that 80 percent are “ almost certain ” they will vote — which would shatter the average Latino turnout over the past few decades .

Some Democrats are fretting over polls suggesting that Joe Biden’s presidential campaign isn’t reaching Latino voters, missing an opportunity to connect over the response to the coronavirus pandemic that the group identifies as its biggest campaign issue. Or just to connect. Others are telling the worriers to relax.
As the Nov. 3 election approaches, the Democrats’ glass-half-full, glass-half-empty hand-wringing underscores the importance of a group with historically low turnout but big enough numbers to swing the election in Florida, Arizona and Nevada. Donald Trump carried the first two states in 2016, and Hillary Clinton won the third.
Latinos make up at least 1 out of 5 of those states’ eligible voters, according to the Pew Research Center. Biden would win if he flipped Florida and Arizona and every other state voted as it did in 2016.
But the former vice president has been lagging his predecessors, according to weekly tracking polls by the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, or NALEO, and Latino Decisions. Biden is leading Trump nationally 64 to 24 percent among Latinos in those polls. That’s a commanding lead, but his percentage is smaller than Clinton’s 66 percent in 2016 and Obama’s 71 percent in 2012.
The same tracking polls found that half of Latino households nationwide haven’t been contacted by either campaign and that 80 percent are “almost certain” they will vote — which would shatter the average Latino turnout over the past few decades.


rollcall--2020-09-23--House Democrats’ leadership races reflect coming generational change

Corrected 8:29 a.m. | Only one House Democrat in the caucus ’ s 14-member elected leadership team is exiting the chamber next year , but that opening has created a competitive race for assistant speaker and cleared opportunities for other ambitious Democrats to run for the lower-ranking positions those candidates are vacating .
With Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján running for the open Senate seat in New Mexico , three lawmakers — Tony Cárdenas of California , David Cicilline of Rhode Island and Katherine M. Clark of Massachusetts — are vying to replace him as the fourth-ranking House Democrat .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the caucus for nearly two decades , Speaker Nancy Pelosi , 80 , House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer , 81 , and Majority Whip James E. Clyburn , 80 , are expected to stay in those positions , according to several Democratic lawmakers and aides CQ Roll Call spoke with for this report .
The team forming below them represents the generational change many rank-and-file Democrats have long sought .
All of the candidates running were first elected to the House in the past decade .
Pelosi has promised she wouldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so whoever becomes assistant speaker is likely a potential candidate to replace her .
Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries , 50 , first elected in 2012 , is seeking reelection to the No .
5 leadership post unchallenged and is another potential speaker hopeful .

Corrected 8:29 a.m. | Only one House Democrat in the caucus’s 14-member elected leadership team is exiting the chamber next year, but that opening has created a competitive race for assistant speaker and cleared opportunities for other ambitious Democrats to run for the lower-ranking positions those candidates are vacating.
With Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján running for the open Senate seat in New Mexico, three lawmakers — Tony Cárdenas of California, David Cicilline of Rhode Island and Katherine M. Clark of Massachusetts — are vying to replace him as the fourth-ranking House Democrat.
The top three leaders who have led the caucus for nearly two decades, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 80, House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, 81, and Majority Whip James E. Clyburn, 80, are expected to stay in those positions, according to several Democratic lawmakers and aides CQ Roll Call spoke with for this report.
The team forming below them represents the generational change many rank-and-file Democrats have long sought. All of the candidates running were first elected to the House in the past decade.
Pelosi has promised she wouldn’t serve as speaker beyond 2022, so whoever becomes assistant speaker is likely a potential candidate to replace her. Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries, 50, first elected in 2012, is seeking reelection to the No. 5 leadership post unchallenged and is another potential speaker hopeful.


rollcall--2020-09-23--SCOTUS fight scrambles Senate schedule, campaigns

We thought we were in the home stretch of the 2020 campaign season , with the primaries over and early voting beginning , and then on Sept. 18 , another political earthquake shook us when Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died .
Democratic fundraising spiked to the stratosphere , senators prepared for possible hearings and floor votes in October — virtually unheard of in an election year — and several Republicans in tough reelection races find themselves having to address an issue for which it is unclear how it might affect close contests .
Just ask Senate Judiciary Chairman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will preside over any hearings for a Supreme Court nominee .
Or ask Sen. Susan Collins of Maine , whose vote to confirm Brett M. Kavanaugh to the high court in 2018 was already an issue in her race .
Two of CQ Roll Call ’ s senior staff writers , who used to team up covering Senate leadership back in the day , discuss the implications for the Senate as an institution , as well as the effect on the 2020 campaigns .
Niels Lesniewski and Bridget Bowman discuss what we know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and what we ’ ll be watching in the coming days and weeks about the latest Supreme Court news .

We thought we were in the home stretch of the 2020 campaign season, with the primaries over and early voting beginning, and then on Sept. 18, another political earthquake shook us when Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died.
Democratic fundraising spiked to the stratosphere, senators prepared for possible hearings and floor votes in October — virtually unheard of in an election year — and several Republicans in tough reelection races find themselves having to address an issue whose impact in close contests is as yet unclear. Just ask Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who will preside over any hearings for a high court nominee. Or ask Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, whose vote to confirm Brett M. Kavanaugh to the court in 2018 was already an issue in her race.
Two of CQ Roll Call’s senior staff writers, who used to team up to cover Senate leadership back in the day, discuss the implications for the Senate as an institution, as well as the effects on 2020 campaigns. Niels Lesniewski and Bridget Bowman discuss what we know, what we don’t know and what we’ll be watching in the coming days and weeks about the latest Supreme Court news.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-09-23--Trump wants new justice to be able to decide 2020 election

President Donald Trump , trailing in public polling and lagging in fundraising , wants a new Supreme Court justice confirmed before the election to be able to break potential ties on the court over election litigation .
“ In terms of time , we can go to January 20th , but I think it ’ s better if you go before the election because I think this scam that the Democrats are pulling — it ’ s a scam — the scam will be before the United States Supreme Court .
And I think having a four-four situation is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , ” Trump told reporters at the White House Wednesday of the eight-person Supreme Court that exists following the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg .
What the president calls a “ scam ” in this context is the increased use of entirely legal and secure mail-in ballots in states across the country , a bipartisan move taken by state and local governments in response to the coronavirus pandemic , and backed by both Republican and Democratic officials in those jurisdictions .
“ I don ’ t know that you ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be eight-nothing or nine-nothing , ” Trump said of a potential Supreme Court election case .
“ But just in case it would be more political than it should be , I think it ’ s very important to have a ninth justice.
” Republicans , led by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , of course did not share that view about there being a need for a ninth justice to be seated before voters went to the polls for the 2016 presidential election , holding open the seat vacated in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

President Donald Trump, trailing in public polling and lagging in fundraising, wants a new Supreme Court justice confirmed before the election to be able to break potential ties on the court over election litigation.
“In terms of time, we can go to January 20th, but I think it’s better if you go before the election because I think this scam that the Democrats are pulling — it’s a scam — the scam will be before the United States Supreme Court. And I think having a four-four situation is not a good situation, if you get that,” Trump told reporters at the White House Wednesday of the eight-person Supreme Court that exists following the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
What the president calls a “scam” in this context is the increased use of entirely legal and secure mail-in ballots in states across the country, a bipartisan move taken by state and local governments in response to the coronavirus pandemic, and backed by both Republican and Democratic officials in those jurisdictions.
“I don’t know that you’d get that. I think it should be eight-nothing or nine-nothing,” Trump said of a potential Supreme Court election case. “But just in case it would be more political than it should be, I think it’s very important to have a ninth justice.”
Republicans, led by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., of course did not share that view about there being a need for a ninth justice to be seated before voters went to the polls for the 2016 presidential election, holding open the seat vacated in February 2016 when Justice Antonin Scalia died.


rollcall--2020-09-23--Senate GOP eases Wolf’s path to becoming Homeland Security secretary

Overcoming a pair of whistleblower reports by employees alleging misconduct and neglect , as well as skepticism over the legality of his current appointment , Chad Wolf faced little resistance at his Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday to become Homeland Security secretary .
Wolf , who has been serving as the department head in an acting capacity for almost a year , was given a wide berth by Republicans on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee to explain recent controversies his department has battled .
Despite concerns panel Democrats raised about Wolf 's record , the swift , largely frictionless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face a quick confirmation by the full Senate in coming weeks .
A committee meeting has been scheduled for Sept. 30 to vote on the nomination .
Chairman Ron Johnson , R-Wis. , set the tone of the hearing by congratulating Wolf and his department for their actions related to COVID-19 , illegal immigration and federal property amid recent mass protests against police brutality — all areas in which Wolf has been criticized by Democrats , civil liberties groups and immigrant advocates .
“ From my standpoint , they ’ ve done a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult situation , ” Johnson said in his opening remarks .
“ What ’ s unfortunate for someone like acting Secretary Wolf … not only is it a thankless task , but one that opens you up to character assassination as well .
”

Overcoming a pair of whistleblower reports by employees alleging misconduct and neglect, as well as skepticism over the legality of his current appointment, Chad Wolf faced little resistance at his Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday to become Homeland Security secretary.
Wolf, who has been serving as the department head in an acting capacity for almost a year, was given a wide berth by Republicans on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee to explain recent controversies his department has battled.
Despite concerns panel Democrats raised about Wolf's record, the swift, largely frictionless round of questioning suggests the nominee may face a quick confirmation by the full Senate in coming weeks. A committee meeting has been scheduled for Sept. 30 to vote on the nomination.
Chairman Ron Johnson, R-Wis., set the tone of the hearing by congratulating Wolf and his department for their actions related to COVID-19, illegal immigration and federal property amid recent mass protests against police brutality — all areas in which Wolf has been criticized by Democrats, civil liberties groups and immigrant advocates.
“From my standpoint, they’ve done a very extraordinary job dealing with a very difficult situation,” Johnson said in his opening remarks. “What’s unfortunate for someone like acting Secretary Wolf … not only is it a thankless task, but one that opens you up to character assassination as well.”


Photo: R.B.G. Respect

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton pay their respects Wednesday to the late Justice Ruth @ @ @ @ @ in repose at the top of the Supreme Court steps .
Bill Clinton nominated Ginsburg @ @ @ @ @ .

(Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton pay their respects Wednesday to the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as she lies in repose at the top of the Supreme Court steps. Bill Clinton nominated Ginsburg to the court in 1993.


rollcall--2020-09-23--California moves to end sales of gas-powered cars by 2035

As his state reels from a brutal spate of wildfires and smoke , California Gov .
Gavin Newsom issued an executive order Wednesday requiring that by 2035 all cars and passenger vehicles sold in the state be zero-emission vehicles .
In a statement , the governor ’ s office said the order directs the state air pollution regulator , the California Air Resources Board , to craft a mandate to meet that deadline .
The order does not prevent the public from owning or using gasoline-powered cars or selling them , Newsom ’ s office said .
Newsom 's office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mandate that all operations of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles shall be 100 percent zero-emission by 2045 where feasible . ''
Specialized trucks for moving large containers from rail yards and ports would be required to meet the 2035 target .
“ This is the most impactful step our state can take to fight climate change , ” Newsom said in a statement , adding that the transportation sector accounts for more than half of California ’ s greenhouse gas emissions .
“ Our cars shouldn ’ t make wildfires worse – and create @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .
“ Cars shouldn ’ t melt glaciers or raise sea levels threatening our cherished beaches and coastlines.
” California , home to more than 30 million registered vehicles , would be the first state to establish a 100-percent zero-emissions mandate on vehicles by 2035 .
The California New Car Dealers Association , a trade group , expects more than 1.6 million new passenger vehicles will be sold in the state this year .

As his state reels from a brutal spate of wildfires and smoke, California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order Wednesday requiring that by 2035 all cars and passenger vehicles sold in the state be zero-emission vehicles.
In a statement, the governor’s office said the order directs the state air pollution regulator, the California Air Resources Board, to craft a mandate to meet that deadline. The order does not prevent the public from owning or using gasoline-powered cars or selling them, Newsom’s office said.
Newsom's office said CARB would "develop regulations to mandate that all operations of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles shall be 100 percent zero-emission by 2045 where feasible." Specialized trucks for moving large containers from rail yards and ports would be required to meet the 2035 target.
“This is the most impactful step our state can take to fight climate change,” Newsom said in a statement, adding that the transportation sector accounts for more than half of California’s greenhouse gas emissions. “Our cars shouldn’t make wildfires worse – and create more days filled with smoky air,” he said. “Cars shouldn’t melt glaciers or raise sea levels threatening our cherished beaches and coastlines.”
California, home to more than 30 million registered vehicles, would be the first state to establish a 100-percent zero-emissions mandate on vehicles by 2035. The California New Car Dealers Association, a trade group, expects more than 1.6 million new passenger vehicles will be sold in the state this year.


rollcall--2020-09-23--For Democrats, infrastructure equals fighting climate change, creating jobs

In Democratic politics , infrastructure and fighting climate change have become increasingly synonymous : You can ’ t have one without the other .
Take the $ 494 billion surface transportation bill that House Democrats passed July 1 .
Republicans criticized it as an outgrowth of the Green New Deal .
Democrats embraced it for the same reason , with House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter A. DeFazio , D-Ore. , insisting that climate change “ is absolutely key for my side of the aisle.
” The Democrats ’ 2020 standard-bearer , Vice President Joe Biden , is putting front-and-center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Better ” infrastructure proposal that calls not only for building roads and bridges but also for investments in electric vehicle charging stations , zero-emission buses , transit and zero-carbon electricity generation by 2035 .
Then , of course , there ’ s the Green New Deal , the 2019 nonbinding resolution that laid out a plan for dealing with climate change introduced by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , D-N.Y. , and Sen. Edward J. Markey , D-Mass .
That plan called for the federal government to wean the United States from fossil fuels and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a comprehensive investment in clean infrastructure .

In Democratic politics, infrastructure and fighting climate change have become increasingly synonymous: You can’t have one without the other.
Take the $494 billion surface transportation bill that House Democrats passed July 1. Republicans criticized it as an outgrowth of the Green New Deal. Democrats embraced it for the same reason, with House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter A. DeFazio, D-Ore., insisting that climate change “is absolutely key for my side of the aisle.”
The Democrats’ 2020 standard-bearer, Vice President Joe Biden, is putting front-and-center in his campaign his “Build Back Better” infrastructure proposal that calls not only for building roads and bridges but also for investments in electric vehicle charging stations, zero-emission buses, transit and zero-carbon electricity generation by 2035.
Then, of course, there’s the Green New Deal, the 2019 nonbinding resolution that laid out a plan for dealing with climate change introduced by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and Sen. Edward J. Markey, D-Mass. That plan called for the federal government to wean the United States from fossil fuels and slash greenhouse gas emissions in part via a comprehensive investment in clean infrastructure.
[Spending bill would extend highway law by a year]


rollcall--2020-09-23--Paying respects to RBG this week? Here’s what you need to know

The public can pay its respects as Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg lies in repose at the Supreme Court Wednesday and @ @ @ @ @ a private ceremony held Wednesday morning .
The public can visit the court Wednesday between @ @ @ @ @ and from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Thursday , September 24 .
The line @ @ @ @ @ court was already stretching down the block Wednesday morning ahead of the 9:30 a.m. private @ @ @ @ @ members of the public to “ observe the solemnity of the occasion while on the @ @ @ @ @ often home to protests , speeches and rallies .
Visitors are also required to follow @ @ @ @ @ Prevention guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 .
“ Social distancing is required @ @ @ @ @ face coverings/masks will also be required to participate in the public viewing , ” according @ @ @ @ @ court .

The public can pay its respects as Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg lies in repose at the Supreme Court Wednesday and Thursday this week, following a private ceremony held Wednesday morning.
The public can visit the court Wednesday between 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. and from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Thursday, September 24. The line on the sidewalk outside the court was already stretching down the block Wednesday morning ahead of the 9:30 a.m. private service.
The court instructs members of the public to “observe the solemnity of the occasion while on the Plaza,” which is often home to protests, speeches and rallies.
Visitors are also required to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“Social distancing is required, and the wearing of face coverings/masks will also be required to participate in the public viewing,” according to guidance issued by the court.


rollcall--2020-09-23--Introducing ‘Equal Time with Mary C. Curtis’

In CQ Roll Call 's newest podcast , `` Equal Time with Mary C. Curtis , '' award-winning journalist Mary @ @ @ @ @ politics through the lens of social justice , illuminating the issues that have been , @ @ @ @ @ the country .
After all , the world is not so black and white .
@ @ @ @ @ C. Curtis '' will drop its first episode on Thursday , Sept. 24 .
Listen @ @ @ @

Mary C. Curtis, Joanne Levine, and Evan Campbell

In CQ Roll Call's newest podcast, "Equal Time with Mary C. Curtis," award-winning journalist Mary C. Curtis tackles policies and politics through the lens of social justice, illuminating the issues that have been, and still are, dividing the country. After all, the world is not so black and white.
"Equal Time with Mary C. Curtis" will drop its first episode on Thursday, Sept. 24. Listen and subscribe here.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-09-23--Flu could strain health system already burdened by COVID-19

A rough flu season could compound the problems the COVID-19 pandemic has already caused in the United States , and @ @ @ @ @ that a mild flu season in the Southern hemisphere may not mean Americans will experience @ @ @ @ @ U.S. hasn ’ t been as aggressive in maintaining steps to mitigate the spread of @ @ @ @ @ the bonus effect of limiting the spread of flu in the countries that did .
@ @ @ @ @ sense of security , ” Lavanya Vasudevan , a Duke University community and family health @ @ @ @ @ call with reporters last week .
So there is a strong push this year for @ @ @ @ @ vaccine , one tool available to combat flu that does n't yet exist for COVID-19 @

A rough flu season could compound the problems the COVID-19 pandemic has already caused in the United States, and public health experts are warning that a mild flu season in the Southern hemisphere may not mean Americans will experience the same thing.
The U.S. hasn’t been as aggressive in maintaining steps to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, which had the bonus effect of limiting the spread of flu in the countries that did.
“There is some false sense of security,” Lavanya Vasudevan, a Duke University community and family health professor, said on a call with reporters last week.
[Capitol flu shot protocols altered to reflect COVID concerns]
So there is a strong push this year for people to get a flu vaccine, one tool available to combat flu that doesn't yet exist for COVID-19.


rollcall--2020-09-24--What it takes: How a Hill staffer runs for DC city council … during a pandemic … while raising a tod

What it takes: How a Hill staffer runs for DC city council … during a pandemic … while raising a toddler

“ For years … we ’ ve been having conversations about online learning , ” she says .
“ ‘ Oh , the flexibility for the child ’ and all of this other stuff .
And now that we ’ re experiencing it , we are learning , “ Oh no , no , trying to do online learning for pre-K3 and pre-K4 , even kindergarteners and first-graders for that matter , is just a really , really difficult endeavor .
And it doesn ’ t work.
” Henderson is currently a legislative assistant for Schumer , a New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four years as a policy adviser for the D.C. city council after her first Hill staffer job for former North Carolina Sen. Kay Hagan .
Henderson says she runs for office on her own time and would resign her position in Schumer ’ s office if she wins .
During our conversation , Henderson , a veteran of Hillary Clinton ’ s 2008 presidential campaign , slips in and out of policy and politics , sometimes coming off as a wonk , but also a savvy political strategist .
She ’ s had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many candidates have , since the COVID-19 outbreak .
“ No one ever anticipates the first time that they run for office will be during a global pandemic , ” she says .
“ So what my plan was in November was very different than what my plan was at the end of March , when it was very clear that the stay-at-home order was going to last longer than two weeks.
” The at-large seat Henderson is running for has a field of more than 20 hopefuls , but only five stand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large field can be attributed to two factors , according to Henderson .
Because of the pandemic , candidates were required to collect only 250 signatures to get on the ballot , instead of the normal thousands .
There ’ s also a new public financing program , which was actually one of the first bills Henderson worked on during her time as a council staffer .

“For years … we’ve been having conversations about online learning,” she says. “‘Oh, the flexibility for the child’ and all of this other stuff. And now that we’re experiencing it, we are learning, “Oh no, no, trying to do online learning for pre-K3 and pre-K4, even kindergarteners and first-graders for that matter, is just a really, really difficult endeavor. And it doesn’t work.”
Henderson is currently a legislative assistant for Schumer, a New York Democrat. Before that, she spent four years as a policy adviser for the D.C. city council after her first Hill staffer job for former North Carolina Sen. Kay Hagan. Henderson says she runs for office on her own time and would resign her position in Schumer’s office if she wins.
During our conversation, Henderson, a veteran of Hillary Clinton’s 2008 presidential campaign, slips in and out of policy and politics, sometimes coming off as a wonk, but also a savvy political strategist. She’s had to adjust on the fly, as many candidates have, since the COVID-19 outbreak.
“No one ever anticipates the first time that they run for office will be during a global pandemic,” she says. “So what my plan was in November was very different than what my plan was at the end of March, when it was very clear that the stay-at-home order was going to last longer than two weeks.”
The at-large seat Henderson is running for has a field of more than 20 hopefuls, but only five stand a chance, she says. The large field can be attributed to two factors, according to Henderson. Because of the pandemic, candidates were required to collect only 250 signatures to get on the ballot, instead of the normal thousands. There’s also a new public financing program, which was actually one of the first bills Henderson worked on during her time as a council staffer.


rollcall--2020-09-24--‘You’ll have a freak-out moment’: First a new job, then a pandemic

If you ’ re waiting for the perfect time to switch jobs in Washington , there isn ’ t one .
The revolving door can always trip you on the way out , no matter how carefully you plan .
For staffers who left Capitol Hill last year , the timing was especially rough .
Just as they were settling into the rhythm of life in the private sector , the coronavirus pandemic hit and scrambled pretty much everything .
“ You go from starting to feel OK , to ‘ Holy s -- - , are we about to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ” says newly minted lobbyist Mark Williams , who worked on the Hill for years as a Republican chief of staff .
That didn ’ t happen , and in the end , his plunge into the deep end of K Street only reinforced what he had heard : “ You don ’ t know what you don ’ t know coming off the Hill .
But you think you know it all.
” Plenty of longtime aides said goodbye to Congress in the months before the pandemic , before they knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked four of them how they handled the transition .

If you’re waiting for the perfect time to switch jobs in Washington, there isn’t one. The revolving door can always trip you on the way out, no matter how carefully you plan.
For staffers who left Capitol Hill last year, the timing was especially rough. Just as they were settling into the rhythm of life in the private sector, the coronavirus pandemic hit and scrambled pretty much everything.
“You go from starting to feel OK, to ‘Holy s---, are we about to lose every single client we have?’” says newly minted lobbyist Mark Williams, who worked on the Hill for years as a Republican chief of staff.
That didn’t happen, and in the end, his plunge into the deep end of K Street only reinforced what he had heard: “You don’t know what you don’t know coming off the Hill. But you think you know it all.”
Plenty of longtime aides said goodbye to Congress in the months before the pandemic, before they knew how turbulent 2020 would be. We asked four of them how they handled the transition.


rollcall--2020-09-24--‘I wouldn’t leave them alone’: How Stacey Plaskett became the Virgin Islands’ voice in Congress

The fact that Stacey Plaskett , as a 22-year-old recent college graduate , called all the time was the thing @ @ @ @ @ most .
“ Ron de Lugo told me the only reason they were giving me @ @ @ @ @ my persistence , ” she says of her first boss on the Hill , a @ @ @ @ @ and the territory ’ s first ever delegate to Congress .
De Lugo , an @ @ @ @ @ 10 terms in the House , knew how to laugh with his staff between the @ @ @ @ @ the Hill , recalls Plaskett .
But he also intensely strived for parity with the @ @ @ @ @ has continued to champion .
“ Because we don ’ t have a vote on @ @ @ @ @ , because we ’ re not treated the same , we have to work harder @ @ @ @ @ now the Virgin Islands delegate herself .

The fact that Stacey Plaskett, as a 22-year-old recent college graduate, called all the time was the thing that impressed the congressman the most.
“Ron de Lugo told me the only reason they were giving me this job was because of my persistence,” she says of her first boss on the Hill, a Democrat from the Virgin Islands and the territory’s first ever delegate to Congress.
De Lugo, an outgoing radio personality who served 10 terms in the House, knew how to laugh with his staff between the breathless, go-go-go moments on the Hill, recalls Plaskett.
But he also intensely strived for parity with the states — a cause she has continued to champion.
“Because we don’t have a vote on the floor in final passage, because we’re not treated the same, we have to work harder,” says Plaskett, now the Virgin Islands delegate herself.


rollcall--2020-09-24--Survey: Hill aides don’t expect Congress to pass another virus relief bill before election

Congress , theoretically , has until lawmakers return to their districts and states in the coming days for the campaign @ @ @ @ @ relief bill before Election Day .
But according to CQ Roll Call ’ s latest @ @ @ @ @ aides , lawmakers might as well pack it in now .
A majority of respondents @ @ @ @ @ percent of Republicans and 52 percent of Democrats , said they did not expect Congress @ @ @ @ @ before the election .
The lack of urgency , and unwillingness to compromise , might @ @ @ @ @ the continuing suffering in the country , where more than 200,000 have now died from @ @ @ @ @ continue to collect state and other unemployment benefits .
But it also demonstrates that Congress @ @ @ @ @ with cold-blooded rationality .

Congress, theoretically, has until lawmakers return to their districts and states in the coming days for the campaign recess to pass another coronavirus relief bill before Election Day.
But according to CQ Roll Call’s latest Capitol Insiders Survey of congressional aides, lawmakers might as well pack it in now.
A majority of respondents on both sides, 78 percent of Republicans and 52 percent of Democrats, said they did not expect Congress to pass another relief measure before the election.
The lack of urgency, and unwillingness to compromise, might seem callous in light of the continuing suffering in the country, where more than 200,000 have now died from COVID-19 and some 25 million continue to collect state and other unemployment benefits.
But it also demonstrates that Congress has moved on to politics with cold-blooded rationality.


rollcall--2020-09-24--Battle over Ginsburg successor could add a charge to Texas Senate race

The looming Senate fight over confirming a Supreme Court nominee will put members of the Judiciary Committee in the spotlight , particularly Texas Republican John Cornyn , a former state Supreme Court judge .
Cornyn ’ s reelection campaign against Air Force veteran MJ Hegar has not been one of the marquee races in the battle for control of the Senate this year , partly because Hegar has not posted the same eye-popping fundraising totals as Democratic contenders in other states .
The limited number of polls have also shown her doing worse against Cornyn than her party ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , former Vice President Joe Biden , does against President Donald Trump .
But that could change if the Supreme Court battle pushes voters , especially suburban women , further into their partisan corners as Republican efforts to confirm Trump ’ s replacement for the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg start to dominate news coverage .
Asked at the Capitol on Monday how the Supreme Court vacancy could affect his reelection , Cornyn told CQ Roll Call it would be a “ major factor.
” “ But I can see it cutting both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s response , ” he added .
“ They seem pretty polarized already .
”

The looming Senate fight over confirming a Supreme Court nominee will put members of the Judiciary Committee in the spotlight, particularly Texas Republican John Cornyn, a former state Supreme Court judge.
Cornyn’s reelection campaign against Air Force veteran MJ Hegar has not been one of the marquee races in the battle for control of the Senate this year, partly because Hegar has not posted the same eye-popping fundraising totals as Democratic contenders in other states. The limited number of polls have also shown her doing worse against Cornyn than her party’s nominee at the top of the ticket, former Vice President Joe Biden, does against President Donald Trump.
But that could change if the Supreme Court battle pushes voters, especially suburban women, further into their partisan corners as Republican efforts to confirm Trump’s replacement for the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg start to dominate news coverage.
Asked at the Capitol on Monday how the Supreme Court vacancy could affect his reelection, Cornyn told CQ Roll Call it would be a “major factor.”
“But I can see it cutting both ways, in terms of people’s response,” he added. “They seem pretty polarized already.”


rollcall--2020-09-24--Exclusive: Capitol Police disciplinary reports show pattern of misconduct

A male Capitol Police officer allegedly used the department ’ s computer to solicit sex on Craigslist , send sexually explicit emails and attempt to buy an illicit drug from Qatar , according to filings in one officer ’ s gender discrimination lawsuit that summarizes internal department documents .
Another male officer allegedly stored sex toys in his Capitol Police vehicle , photographed himself masturbating , and took photos of a handcuffed , partially nude woman in the back of the car , the lawsuit states .
A male commander allegedly asked a female subordinate to have sex with him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all received some form of punishment , described by an expert on police conduct as light .
None of them were demoted or fired .
These are among numerous examples provided by the department of male officer misconduct outlined in publicly available court filings from an ongoing gender discrimination lawsuit filed in 2016 by officer Jodi Breiterman , who has argued she has been unfairly punished for her own misconduct .
The allegations have sparked little action so far from Congress , which oversees the Capitol Police and allocates taxpayer funds for its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protecting Congress , including lawmakers , employees , visitors and facilities .
A review by the department ’ s inspector general of disciplinary procedures , requested by a House committee , is ongoing .

A male Capitol Police officer allegedly used the department’s computer to solicit sex on Craigslist, send sexually explicit emails and attempt to buy an illicit drug from Qatar, according to filings in one officer’s gender discrimination lawsuit that summarizes internal department documents.
Another male officer allegedly stored sex toys in his Capitol Police vehicle, photographed himself masturbating, and took photos of a handcuffed, partially nude woman in the back of the car, the lawsuit states. A male commander allegedly asked a female subordinate to have sex with him in his hotel room.
The officers all received some form of punishment, described by an expert on police conduct as light. None of them were demoted or fired.
These are among numerous examples provided by the department of male officer misconduct outlined in publicly available court filings from an ongoing gender discrimination lawsuit filed in 2016 by officer Jodi Breiterman, who has argued she has been unfairly punished for her own misconduct.
The allegations have sparked little action so far from Congress, which oversees the Capitol Police and allocates taxpayer funds for its operations. The force is charged with protecting Congress, including lawmakers, employees, visitors and facilities. A review by the department’s inspector general of disciplinary procedures, requested by a House committee, is ongoing.


rollcall--2020-09-23--Supreme Court fight scrambles Senate schedule, campaigns

We thought we were in the home stretch of the 2020 campaign season , with the primaries over and early voting beginning , and then on Sept. 18 , another political earthquake shook us when Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died .
Democratic fundraising spiked to the stratosphere , senators prepared for possible hearings and floor votes in October — virtually unheard of in an election year — and several Republicans in tough reelection races find themselves having to address an issue whose impact in close contests is as yet unclear .
Just ask Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over any hearings for a high court nominee .
Or ask Sen. Susan Collins of Maine , whose vote to confirm Brett M. Kavanaugh to the court in 2018 was already an issue in her race .
Two of CQ Roll Call ’ s senior staff writers , who used to team up to cover Senate leadership back in the day , discuss the implications for the Senate as an institution , as well as the effects on 2020 campaigns .
Niels Lesniewski and Bridget Bowman discuss what we know , what we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll be watching in the coming days and weeks about the latest Supreme Court news .


rollcall--2020-09-24--‘Fix Congress Committee’ launches framework for earmark revival

An 18-month effort to make Congress work smarter has yielded 97 official recommendations from the House Modernization of Congress Committee and aims to stem the brain drain among staffers , boost congressional capacity , and overhaul the budget and appropriations process .
“ It ’ s not 100 , but 97 is still an A , ” said Washington Democrat Derek Kilmer , the panel ’ s chairman .
Committee members advanced their final slate of 40 proposals Thursday in the last meeting of the select committee , which was originally only slated to last one year .
The panel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the coming weeks and , according Kilmer , will lay out “ in gory detail ” the decline in congressional staffing and capacity that the institution faces .
Unlike most panels on Capitol Hill , the Modernization Committee is evenly split with six Democrats and six Republicans , and has been unusually bipartisan .
Kilmer and Georgia Republican Tom Graves , who serves as vice chairman , have made collegiality a priority .
Before the COVID-19 pandemic , they even mixed up the seating chart so that Republicans sat next to Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The group forged ahead together , even as an impeachment inquiry tore at the fabric of the nation and stoked partisanship , and a global pandemic challenged lawmakers and staff to reimagine legislative business and constituent services in the digital space .

An 18-month effort to make Congress work smarter has yielded 97 official recommendations from the House Modernization of Congress Committee and aims to stem the brain drain among staffers, boost congressional capacity, and overhaul the budget and appropriations process.
“It’s not 100, but 97 is still an A,” said Washington Democrat Derek Kilmer, the panel’s chairman.
Committee members advanced their final slate of 40 proposals Thursday in the last meeting of the select committee, which was originally only slated to last one year. The panel’s final report will be released in the coming weeks and, according Kilmer, will lay out “in gory detail” the decline in congressional staffing and capacity that the institution faces.
Unlike most panels on Capitol Hill, the Modernization Committee is evenly split with six Democrats and six Republicans, and has been unusually bipartisan. Kilmer and Georgia Republican Tom Graves, who serves as vice chairman, have made collegiality a priority. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, they even mixed up the seating chart so that Republicans sat next to Democrats instead of each party on separate sides.
The group forged ahead together, even as an impeachment inquiry tore at the fabric of the nation and stoked partisanship, and a global pandemic challenged lawmakers and staff to reimagine legislative business and constituent services in the digital space.


rollcall--2020-09-24--House report: Medical neglect, falsified records harmed detained immigrants

Medical mismanagement and falsified records may have contributed to the deaths of immigrants held at for-profit detention centers that are run under contract with the federal government , according to a report released Thursday by the House Oversight and Reform Committee .
The report , based on a year-long investigation by Democratic committee staffers , recounts numerous examples of medical misdiagnoses , incomplete or incorrect treatment for chronic illnesses and “ grossly negligent ” responses to infectious diseases including hepatitis , tuberculosis , meningitis and HIV .
It also notes severe delays in emergency response to strokes and heart attacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ psychiatric care that led one detainee to self-mutilate .
The investigation focused on facilities under the authority of two Homeland Security agencies , Immigration and Customs Enforcement , and Customs and Border Protection .
“ This staff report and the documents the Committee obtained explain how the Administration and its private prison contractors have let known problems fester into a full-blown crisis — a crisis that has become far worse during the coronavirus pandemic , '' Committee Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney , D-N.Y. , said in a statement .
`` This broken system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and external oversight , ending the use of private prison contractors , and significantly decreasing the number of immigrants detained in the first place — all choices the Administration could make right now.
” The investigation was launched last July by Maloney 's predecessor , the late Elijah E. Cummings of Maryland .

Medical mismanagement and falsified records may have contributed to the deaths of immigrants held at for-profit detention centers that are run under contract with the federal government, according to a report released Thursday by the House Oversight and Reform Committee.
The report, based on a year-long investigation by Democratic committee staffers, recounts numerous examples of medical misdiagnoses, incomplete or incorrect treatment for chronic illnesses and “grossly negligent” responses to infectious diseases including hepatitis, tuberculosis, meningitis and HIV. It also notes severe delays in emergency response to strokes and heart attacks, negligent suicide watches and deficiencies in psychiatric care that led one detainee to self-mutilate.
The investigation focused on facilities under the authority of two Homeland Security agencies, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Customs and Border Protection.
“This staff report and the documents the Committee obtained explain how the Administration and its private prison contractors have let known problems fester into a full-blown crisis — a crisis that has become far worse during the coronavirus pandemic," Committee Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney, D-N.Y., said in a statement. "This broken system needs fundamental reforms, including enhancing internal and external oversight, ending the use of private prison contractors, and significantly decreasing the number of immigrants detained in the first place — all choices the Administration could make right now.”
The investigation was launched last July by Maloney's predecessor, the late Elijah E. Cummings of Maryland.


rollcall--2020-09-24--Breonna Taylor, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the future of our country with Fatima Goss Graves

In this inaugural episode of CQ Roll Call ’ s Equal Time , Mary C. Curtis reflects on this moment @ @ @ @ @ complexity and history of issues dividing the country in 2020 .
Today ’ s guest @ @ @ @ @ CEO of the National Women ’ s Law Center , who talks to us about @ @ @ @ @ Ginsburg and what ’ s at stake for the courts , our country and women @ @ @ @ @ .
• Why Obamacare might survive the Supreme Court

In this inaugural episode of CQ Roll Call’s Equal Time, Mary C. Curtis reflects on this moment in time, examining the complexity and history of issues dividing the country in 2020. Today’s guest is Fatima Goss Graves, president and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center, who talks to us about Breonna Taylor, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and what’s at stake for the courts, our country and women — especially those of color.
Show Notes: