rollcall--2020-07-28--The art of the ‘backronym’

The art of the ‘backronym’

As Congress tries to address the devastation brought on by the coronavirus pandemic , lawmakers are using a tried and @ @ @ @ @ concern for the country : the “ backronym.
” Senate Republicans have introduced the HEALS @ @ @ @ @ Assistance , Liability and Schools ) ... which follows March ’ s CARES Act ( @ @ @ @ @ Economic Security ) .
It may seem to you that lawmakers sometimes come up with @ @ @ @ @ work backward to form the text .
That ’ s because they do .
If @ @ @ @ @ politicians obsess over ( other than fundraising ) , it ’ s messaging .
And @ @ @ @ @ to message a 2,000-page complex piece of legislation is to give it a ( sometimes @ @ @ @ @ instance , the DREAM Act ( Development , Relief , and Education for Alien Minors @ @ @ @ @ of the American Dream to argue that immigrants brought to the country as minors should @ @ @ @

As Congress tries to address the devastation brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, lawmakers are using a tried and true method to signal their concern for the country: the “backronym.”
Senate Republicans have introduced the HEALS Act (Health, Economic Assistance, Liability and Schools) ... which follows March’s CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security).
Are you sensing a pattern?
It may seem to you that lawmakers sometimes come up with the acronym first and then work backward to form the text. That’s because they do.
If there’s one thing politicians obsess over (other than fundraising), it’s messaging. And one of the easiest ways to message a 2,000-page complex piece of legislation is to give it a (sometimes sentimental) name. For instance, the DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors) plays on the concept of the American Dream to argue that immigrants brought to the country as minors should not face deportation.


rollcall--2020-07-28--Senate uses pandemic bill to fill accounts raided for Trump’s border wall

Billions of dollars included in Senate Republicans ’ proposed $ 1 trillion installment of coronavirus emergency relief funding would restore money for military hardware that was redirected to pay for President Donald Trump ’ s border wall .
The Trump administration reprogrammed funding for a slew of ships , aircraft and other weaponry earlier this year to pay for the politically contentious wall on the border with Mexico , which Democrats have opposed .
The bill , made public Monday evening , includes money for fighter jets , helicopters , radars , ships and armored vehicles that is exempt from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is considered emergency spending .
The legislation would not only restore funds to some defense programs cut by the White House , but also allow for some political wins on the behalf of its sponsors , like Sen. Richard C. Shelby , R-Ala. , the chairman of the Appropriations Committee .
The measure would restore $ 260 million in funding to the Navy ’ s Expeditionary Fast Transport Vessel , just short of the $ 261 million that was reprogrammed .
The ship is built in Shelby ’ s home state of Alabama @ @ @ @

Billions of dollars included in Senate Republicans’ proposed $1 trillion installment of coronavirus emergency relief funding would restore money for military hardware that was redirected to pay for President Donald Trump’s border wall.
The Trump administration reprogrammed funding for a slew of ships, aircraft and other weaponry earlier this year to pay for the politically contentious wall on the border with Mexico, which Democrats have opposed.
The bill, made public Monday evening, includes money for fighter jets, helicopters, radars, ships and armored vehicles that is exempt from this year's budget caps because it is considered emergency spending.
The legislation would not only restore funds to some defense programs cut by the White House, but also allow for some political wins on the behalf of its sponsors, like Sen. Richard C. Shelby, R-Ala., the chairman of the Appropriations Committee.
The measure would restore $260 million in funding to the Navy’s Expeditionary Fast Transport Vessel, just short of the $261 million that was reprogrammed. The ship is built in Shelby’s home state of Alabama by Austal USA.


rollcall--2020-07-28--Barr tangles with House Democrats in testimony over Roger Stone case

Attorney General William Barr started his first testimony before the House Judiciary Committee with a subdued opening statement Tuesday .
He skipped part of his prepared remarks that took aim at committee Democrats for “ conjuring up a narrative ” that he inappropriately used the Justice Department to help President Donald Trump .
But after the first few Democrats gave him little chance to give full answers , Barr started to tangle with lawmakers on the topic of why he intervened to override prosecutors and lower the DOJ ’ s recommended sentence for Trump ally Roger Stone .
Democrats spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s oversight hearing describing why they thought Barr has improperly used the Justice Department in various ways to support Trump ’ s reelection campaign and personal interests .
Barr ’ s most fervent exchanges came during discussions about Stone ’ s case , but Democrats ’ questions overall did not serve up many headline-grabbing soundbites from the long-awaited showdown with the nation ’ s top law enforcement officer .
Georgia Democrat Hank Johnson asked Barr about how he had intervened to lower the DOJ ’ s recommended sentencing for Stone ’ s convictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Trump had tweeted that it was unfair .

Attorney General William Barr started his first testimony before the House Judiciary Committee with a subdued opening statement Tuesday. He skipped part of his prepared remarks that took aim at committee Democrats for “conjuring up a narrative” that he inappropriately used the Justice Department to help President Donald Trump.
But after the first few Democrats gave him little chance to give full answers, Barr started to tangle with lawmakers on the topic of why he intervened to override prosecutors and lower the DOJ’s recommended sentence for Trump ally Roger Stone.
Democrats spent much of their time during Tuesday’s oversight hearing describing why they thought Barr has improperly used the Justice Department in various ways to support Trump’s reelection campaign and personal interests.
Barr’s most fervent exchanges came during discussions about Stone’s case, but Democrats’ questions overall did not serve up many headline-grabbing soundbites from the long-awaited showdown with the nation’s top law enforcement officer.
Georgia Democrat Hank Johnson asked Barr about how he had intervened to lower the DOJ’s recommended sentencing for Stone’s convictions, including lying to Congress, only after Trump had tweeted that it was unfair.


rollcall--2020-07-28--What’s in the Senate GOP’s coronavirus relief proposal?

Senate Republican leaders unveiled their $ 1 trillion proposal for the next coronavirus relief package this week , but it @ @ @ @ @ both chambers as well as from some Republicans .
The GOP ’ s opening bid @ @ @ @ @ after days of talks with the Trump administration that delayed the package ’ s planned @ @ @ @ @ health care reporter Mary Ellen McIntire unpacks what ’ s in this latest proposal , @ @ @ @ @ McConnell of Kentucky says he will not compromise on , as well as where this @ @ @ @ @ Democrats on getting their priorities addressed in the next package .
[ Also watch : @ @ @ @ @ t mean an immediate return to normal ]

Mary Ellen McIntire and Thomas McKinless

Senate Republican leaders unveiled their $1 trillion proposal for the next coronavirus relief package this week, but it faces scrutiny from Democrats in both chambers as well as from some Republicans.
The GOP’s opening bid in negotiations with Democrats comes after days of talks with the Trump administration that delayed the package’s planned release.
CQ Roll Call health care reporter Mary Ellen McIntire unpacks what’s in this latest proposal, what Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky says he will not compromise on, as well as where this leaves negotiations between Republicans and Democrats on getting their priorities addressed in the next package.
[ Also watch: A COVID-19 vaccine won’t mean an immediate return to normal ]


rollcall--2020-07-29--Conflicts over workplace safety mount as more employers require COVID-19 liability waivers

After spending a May day preparing her classroom to reopen for preschoolers , Ana Aguilar was informed that the tots would not have to wear face masks when they came back .
What ’ s more , she had to sign a form agreeing not to sue the school if she caught COVID-19 or suffered any injury from it while working there .
Other teachers signed the form distributed by the Montessori Schools of Irvine , California , but Aguilar said she felt uncomfortable , although it stipulated that staff members would be masked .
At 23 , she has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worried that she could pass the coronavirus on to her fiancé and other family members .
Aguilar refused to sign , and a week later she was fired .
“ They said it was my choice to sign the paper , but it wasn ’ t really my choice , ” said Aguilar , who ’ s currently jobless and receiving $ 276 a week in unemployment benefits .
“ I felt so bullied.
” As employers in California and across the country ask employees to return to the workplace , many have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sign similar waivers , employment lawyers say .
And many employees , mostly lower-wage and minority workers in essential jobs , are calling lawyers to complain about the waivers .

By Harris Meyer, Kaiser Health News
After spending a May day preparing her classroom to reopen for preschoolers, Ana Aguilar was informed that the tots would not have to wear face masks when they came back. What’s more, she had to sign a form agreeing not to sue the school if she caught COVID-19 or suffered any injury from it while working there.
Other teachers signed the form distributed by the Montessori Schools of Irvine, California, but Aguilar said she felt uncomfortable, although it stipulated that staff members would be masked. At 23, she has a compromised immune system and was also worried that she could pass the coronavirus on to her fiancé and other family members.
Aguilar refused to sign, and a week later she was fired. “They said it was my choice to sign the paper, but it wasn’t really my choice,” said Aguilar, who’s currently jobless and receiving $276 a week in unemployment benefits. “I felt so bullied.”
As employers in California and across the country ask employees to return to the workplace, many have considered and some are requiring employees to sign similar waivers, employment lawyers say. And many employees, mostly lower-wage and minority workers in essential jobs, are calling lawyers to complain about the waivers.


rollcall--2020-07-29--There’s algae in the Capitol Reflecting Pool (but things could be worse)

This is a story about algae .
Last week an astute user on the social platform Nextdoor ( let ’ @ @ @ @ @ since that is his name ) noticed that the Capitol Reflecting Pool was looking a @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It is now really stinky and seems full of nasty , slimy debris @ @ @ @ @ ( please no snarky political comments regarding where it might have come from ! )
@ @ @ @ @ the caveat that he knew “ nothing ” about the topic .
Like Simon , @ @ @ @ @ much about algae .
Unlike Simon , we have no problem with snarky political comments @ @ @ @ @ passing up the chance to make a joke involving slime .
So off we went @ @ @ @ @ check out this filthy problem for ourselves .

This is a story about algae.
Last week an astute user on the social platform Nextdoor (let’s call him Simon, since that is his name) noticed that the Capitol Reflecting Pool was looking a tad bit scummier than usual.
“It is now really stinky and seems full of nasty, slimy debris or algae of some sort (please no snarky political comments regarding where it might have come from!)” he wrote, with the caveat that he knew “nothing” about the topic.
Like Simon, we don’t know much about algae. Unlike Simon, we have no problem with snarky political comments and would never dream of passing up the chance to make a joke involving slime.
So off we went to the Capitol, to check out this filthy problem for ourselves.


rollcall--2020-07-29--Congress still playing catch-up on accessibility, despite progress, 30 years after ADA

Thirty years after the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act and 25 years after Congress decided to apply those standards to itself , significant advancements have been made in accessibility in and around the historic buildings .
But challenges remain for people navigating Capitol Hill in person and in the digital space .
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that 26 percent of adults in the United States have some type of disability , but representation in Congress is far below that and the institution is still playing catch-up in providing accommodations mandated by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as the government .
Rep. Brian Mast acknowledges that the Capitol and nearby office buildings are old and that historic places are simply harder to make accessible .
But the combat veteran , who utilizes two prosthetic legs to get around , said the Architect of the Capitol and fellow lawmakers in oversight roles have done their best to make accommodations for people with mobility issues like him .
One of the first calls the Florida Republican got the morning after his election victory in 2016 was from Illinois Rep. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House Administration Committee , which oversees Capitol operations .
“ He said , ‘ Listen , we haven ’ t had somebody here with your injuries before .
Tell me everything that you want to .
How do you live ?
What can we do to help you ?
” Mast told CQ Roll Call .

Thirty years after the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act and 25 years after Congress decided to apply those standards to itself, significant advancements have been made in accessibility in and around the historic buildings. But challenges remain for people navigating Capitol Hill in person and in the digital space.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that 26 percent of adults in the United States have some type of disability, but representation in Congress is far below that and the institution is still playing catch-up in providing accommodations mandated by the ADA for equitable access to daily life, as well as the government.
Rep. Brian Mast acknowledges that the Capitol and nearby office buildings are old and that historic places are simply harder to make accessible. But the combat veteran, who utilizes two prosthetic legs to get around, said the Architect of the Capitol and fellow lawmakers in oversight roles have done their best to make accommodations for people with mobility issues like him.
One of the first calls the Florida Republican got the morning after his election victory in 2016 was from Illinois Rep. Rodney Davis, the top Republican on the House Administration Committee, which oversees Capitol operations.
“He said, ‘Listen, we haven’t had somebody here with your injuries before. Tell me everything that you want to. How do you live? What can we do to help you?” Mast told CQ Roll Call.


rollcall--2020-07-29--Republicans and Democrats battle over who has better voter-data effort

By the time this November ’ s presidential race is over , President Donald Trump and his rival — former Vice President Joe Biden — could raise as much as $ 2 billion as they plug away online and through limited physical rallies to reach citizens and get them to vote either in person or by mail .
Behind each candidate ’ s advertising , social media messaging , and turn-out-the-vote effort is a data operation that meticulously tracks not only past patterns of voters , but a vast array of demographic , consumer and behavioral data about them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best of multiple ways to reach the voters and predicts who ’ s likely to vote or be swayed on specific topics and policies .
Top executives behind each party ’ s data efforts claim theirs is better and will produce winners on Election Day .
The Republican National Committee says its database and models that assign voter scores as well as track how voters react to political advertising and other messages is superior to the Democrats ’ and helped produce a winner in 2016 when Trump defeated Hillary Clinton .
Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even Clinton blamed the Democratic National Committee ’ s poor data practices — say they have rebuilt their operation and point to successes in the 2018 midterm elections when Democratic candidates beat their Republican rivals in congressional races to win a majority in the House .

By the time this November’s presidential race is over, President Donald Trump and his rival, former Vice President Joe Biden, could raise as much as $2 billion as they plug away online and through limited physical rallies to reach citizens and get them to vote either in person or by mail.
Behind each candidate’s advertising, social media messaging, and turn-out-the-vote effort is a data operation that meticulously tracks not only past patterns of voters, but a vast array of demographic, consumer and behavioral data about them. Plus, the data operation figures out the best of multiple ways to reach the voters and predicts who’s likely to vote or be swayed on specific topics and policies.
Top executives behind each party’s data efforts claim theirs is better and will produce winners on Election Day.
The Republican National Committee says its database and models that assign voter scores as well as track how voters react to political advertising and other messages are superior to the Democrats’ and helped produce a winner in 2016 when Trump defeated Hillary Clinton.
Democrats stung by the loss in 2016 — even Clinton blamed the Democratic National Committee’s poor data practices — say they have rebuilt their operation and point to successes in the 2018 midterm elections when Democratic candidates beat their Republican rivals in congressional races to win a majority in the House.


rollcall--2020-07-29--Pelosi announces masks are required ‘at all times’ in the House

In Speaker Nancy Pelosi ’ s announcement Wednesday that masks would now be required on the House floor she reminded @ @ @ @ @ the speaker has the authority to direct the sergeant at arms to remove a member @ @ @ @ @ matter of decorum.
” The shift comes after Texas Republican Rep. Louie Gohmert tested positive @ @ @ @ @ day .
Despite the diagnosis , Gohmert continued to question whether wearing a mask prevents @ @ @ @ @ puts him at odds with the medical and scientific consensus .
Pelosi said on the @ @ @ @ @ recognizes not wearing a mask to be “ a serious breach of decorum ” and @ @ @ @ @ for any member who does not have one .

In Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s announcement Wednesday that masks would now be required on the House floor she reminded those present that, “the speaker has the authority to direct the sergeant at arms to remove a member from the floor as a matter of decorum.”
The shift comes after Texas Republican Rep. Louie Gohmert tested positive for COVID-19 earlier in the day.
Despite the diagnosis, Gohmert continued to question whether wearing a mask prevents spreading the virus, which puts him at odds with the medical and scientific consensus.
Pelosi said on the House floor that the chair recognizes not wearing a mask to be “a serious breach of decorum” and that masks would be provided for any member who does not have one.
[ What’s in the Senate GOP’s coronavirus relief proposal? ]


rollcall--2020-07-29--Coronavirus Special Report: Rep. Gohmert tests positive for COVID-19

In this episode , we explore the fallout on Capitol Hill from Texas Republican lawmaker Louie Gohmert ’ s revelation @ @ @ @ @ • Ocasio-Cortez tries to stop housing rule as Trump plays to race

In this episode, we explore the fallout on Capitol Hill from Texas Republican lawmaker Louie Gohmert’s revelation that he has coronavirus.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-07-29--First Republican votes by proxy on the House floor

Florida Rep. Francis Rooney became the first House Republican to vote by proxy Wednesday , bucking his party ’ s @ @ @ @ @ to the emergency procedure .
Rooney , who is retiring at the end of this @ @ @ @ @ in June with the House clerk designating Virginia Democratic Rep. Donald S. Beyer Jr. to @ @ @ @ @ But he waited until this week to utilize it .
He remains the only Republican @ @ @ @ @ proxy voting , which enables a colleague to cast a vote on another lawmaker ’ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be in the Capitol .
“ He can call me when he wants @ @ @ @ @ in June .
“ I have no idea what kind of pressure he may or @ @ @ @ @ Beyer is a popular proxy choice for House Democrats , since he represents a Northern @ @ @ @ @ across the Potomac River from Washington , D.C .

Florida Rep. Francis Rooney became the first House Republican to vote by proxy Wednesday, bucking his party’s leadership and its outspoken opposition to the emergency procedure.
Rooney, who is retiring at the end of this term, filed a letter in June with the House clerk designating Virginia Democratic Rep. Donald S. Beyer Jr. to serve as his proxy.
But he waited until this week to utilize it. He remains the only Republican who has expressed support for proxy voting, which enables a colleague to cast a vote on another lawmaker’s behalf if they can’t be in the Capitol.
“He can call me when he wants,” Beyer said back in June. “I have no idea what kind of pressure he may or may not be under.”
Beyer is a popular proxy choice for House Democrats, since he represents a Northern Virginia district that is just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.


rollcall--2020-07-29--Kennedy’s ‘spending porn’ quip demonstrates lack of buy-in, input from key senators

Sen. John Kennedy ’ s call to remove “ spending porn ” from a GOP COVID-19 relief package , including @ @ @ @ @ construction project , raises questions about how the legislation was assembled .
“ I asked @ @ @ @ @ take the spending porn out of the bills , ” Kennedy , an oft-quotable Louisiana @ @ @ @ @ said leaving a Senate Republican Conference lunch meeting that featured White House Chief of Staff @ @ @ @ @ Steven Mnuchin .
“ I don ’ t think now is an appropriate time to @ @ @ @ @ building .
I don ’ t think now ’ s the appropriate time to renovate @ @ @ @ @ White House , ” Kennedy said .
“ I don ’ t like the provision @ @ @ @ @ 175 million to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
” Kennedy ’ s objection to the @ @ @ @ @ perplexing , since he is — at least on paper — in charge of overseeing @ @ @ @ @ of the President and the General Services Administration , which handles federal buildings .

Sen. John Kennedy’s call to remove “spending porn” from a GOP COVID-19 relief package, including language on a White House construction project, raises questions about how the legislation was assembled.
“I asked the powers that be to take the spending porn out of the bills,” Kennedy, an oft-quotable Louisiana Republican and key appropriator, said leaving a Senate Republican Conference lunch meeting that featured White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.
“I don’t think now is an appropriate time to build the FBI a new building. I don’t think now’s the appropriate time to renovate the West Wing of the White House,” Kennedy said. “I don’t like the provision in there to give $175 million to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.”
Kennedy’s objection to the West House construction was particularly perplexing, since he is — at least on paper — in charge of overseeing funding for the Executive Office of the President and the General Services Administration, which handles federal buildings.


rollcall--2020-07-29--Lawmakers blast Trump plans to withdraw troops from Germany

The U.S. will begin pulling 12,000 troops , thousands more than previously disclosed , out of Germany within the next @ @ @ @ @ a troop reduction effort that has been widely criticized by lawmakers , including members of @ @ @ @ @ own party .
The move , announced Wednesday by Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper , @ @ @ @ @ to deter Russian aggression on Europe ’ s eastern border and make good on Trump @ @ @ @ @ Germany for a perceived lack of military spending .
The military plans to move 5,600 @ @ @ @ @ within NATO , including to Poland and the Black Sea region .
Another 6,400 troops @ @ @ @ @ States before beginning rotational deployments elsewhere .
Early estimates put the cost of the move @ @ @ @ @ , ” Pentagon officials said .
In Congress , opposition to the planned reduction of @ @ @ @ @ both sides of the aisle , and Wednesday ’ s announcement provoked a volley of @ @ @ @ @ both chambers .

The U.S. will begin pulling 12,000 troops, thousands more than previously disclosed, out of Germany within the next few weeks as part of a troop reduction effort that has been widely criticized by lawmakers, including members of President Donald Trump’s own party.
The move, announced Wednesday by Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper, comes as the Pentagon looks to deter Russian aggression on Europe’s eastern border and make good on Trump’s threats to punish Germany for a perceived lack of military spending.
The military plans to move 5,600 troops currently in Germany elsewhere within NATO, including to Poland and the Black Sea region. Another 6,400 troops will return to the United States before beginning rotational deployments elsewhere.
Early estimates put the cost of the move in the “single-digit billions,” Pentagon officials said.
In Congress, opposition to the planned reduction of troops has been fierce on both sides of the aisle, and Wednesday’s announcement provoked a volley of harsh statements from lawmakers in both chambers.


rollcall--2020-07-29--Ocasio-Cortez tries to stop housing rule as Trump plays to race

President Donald Trump implied that having Black neighbors leads to lower house prices and increased crime in a pair of tweets Wednesday boasting about killing an Obama-administration fair housing rule and replacing it with one that a group of House Democrats led by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez hope to block this week .
Trump is trying to use ending the Housing and Urban Development Department 's Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing ( AFFH ) rule , which forced localities to track and address racial bias in housing , to win over white suburban voters .
That Obama administration rule putting conditions on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a year when Trump suspended it .
HUD finalized its rescission last week , replacing it with one that dropped the previous rule ’ s mandate on promoting racial integration .
Ocasio-Cortez , D-N.Y. , and 16 Democratic co-sponsors are trying to block HUD 's change with an amendment to the fiscal 2021 House Transportation-HUD spending bill .
The amendment , which would scrap the new Preserving Community and Neighborhood Choice rule , is scheduled for House floor debate this week .
It is among hundreds of proposed amendments to the spending package @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the House debate , Trump bragged about ending the anti-segregation rule , suggesting it would lead to lower house values and higher crime .
“ I am happy to inform all of the people living their Suburban Lifestyle Dream that you will no longer be bothered or financially hurt by having low income housing built in your neighborhood ... , ” he wrote .
“ …Your housing prices will go up based on the market , and crime will go down .
I have rescinded the Obama-Biden AFFH Rule .
Enjoy !
@

President Donald Trump implied that having Black neighbors leads to lower house prices and increased crime in a pair of tweets Wednesday boasting about killing an Obama-administration fair housing rule and replacing it with one that a group of House Democrats led by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez hope to block this week.
Trump is trying to use ending the Housing and Urban Development Department's Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule, which forced localities to track and address racial bias in housing, to win over white suburban voters. That Obama administration rule putting conditions on federal funding was in place less than a year when Trump suspended it. HUD finalized its rescission last week, replacing it with one that dropped the previous rule’s mandate on promoting racial integration.
Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and 16 Democratic co-sponsors are trying to block HUD's change with an amendment to the fiscal 2021 House Transportation-HUD spending bill. The amendment, which would scrap the new Preserving Community and Neighborhood Choice rule, is scheduled for House floor debate this week. It is among hundreds of proposed amendments to the spending package.
In a pair of tweets ahead of the House debate, Trump bragged about ending the anti-segregation rule, suggesting it would lead to lower house values and higher crime.
“I am happy to inform all of the people living their Suburban Lifestyle Dream that you will no longer be bothered or financially hurt by having low income housing built in your neighborhood...,” he wrote. “…Your housing prices will go up based on the market, and crime will go down. I have rescinded the Obama-Biden AFFH Rule. Enjoy!”


rollcall--2020-07-29--Gohmert’s positive coronavirus test raises fresh safety questions

A House Democratic aide said there has been significant discussion about mandating masks and changes to floor procedures , but no decision has been made yet .
In an interview with East Texas NBC affiliate KETK News , Gohmert recounted his experience .
“ The quick test was positive .
...
They did the one where they stick the swab way back up in your sinuses and anyway that one came back , it takes a little longer to get the answer , but it was positive , ” he said , adding , “ I didn ’ t have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ listed for the coronavirus.
” Gohmert continued : “ The doctors at the White House and the attending physician here at the Capitol say you got to self-quarantine for 10 days once you actually test positive for it so that ’ s what I ’ ll need to do.
” That brought up the question of where Gohmert would quarantine .
He is among the members of Congress who sleep in their offices , but since that office is a workplace , that might not be an option .
Several members expressed concern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the day , he told Sean Hannity of Fox News that he would be leaving for Texas to quarantine and would not be taking a plane or train .
The District of Columbia government recently required people traveling from pandemic hot spots like Texas to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Washington .
But that does not apply to members of Congress , as Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser explained to CNN on Monday .

In an interview with East Texas NBC affiliate KETK News, Gohmert recounted his experience. “The quick test was positive. ... They did the one where they stick the swab way back up in your sinuses and anyway that one came back, it takes a little longer to get the answer, but it was positive,” he said, adding, “I didn’t have any of the symptoms that you see listed for the coronavirus.”
Gohmert continued: “The doctors at the White House and the attending physician here at the Capitol say you got to self-quarantine for 10 days once you actually test positive for it so that’s what I’ll need to do.”
That brought up the question of where Gohmert would quarantine. He is among the members of Congress who sleep in their offices, but since that office is a workplace, that might not be an option. Several members expressed concern about him doing so. Later in the day, he told Sean Hannity of Fox News that he would be leaving for Texas to quarantine and would not be taking a plane or train.
The District of Columbia government recently required people traveling from pandemic hot spots like Texas to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Washington. But that does not apply to members of Congress, as Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser explained to CNN on Monday.
“They are doing government work. And while they’re doing their government activities, they would not be subject to a 14-day quarantine. That doesn’t mean, however, that we don’t want people to be mindful of their activities,” she said.


rollcall--2020-07-29--Ahead of antitrust hearing, tech CEOs defend their companies

The chief executives of Amazon , Apple , Google and Facebook will seek to convince a House panel Wednesday that their companies face stiff competition , do not wield too much power , and ultimately benefit the U.S. economy in ways that smaller companies can not .
In testimony released ahead of the noon hearing before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust , Commercial and Administrative Law , Amazon ’ s Jeff Bezos , Apple ’ s Tim Cook , Facebook ’ s Mark Zuckerberg and Google ’ s Sundar Pichai argue their platforms do not hold dominant positions in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are good for consumers .
The executives also will frame their companies as the product of American ingenuity and essential to the country ’ s dominant position in the global economy .
The four men face off with a subcommittee chairman , Rep. David Cicilline , D-R.I. , who is skeptical of those claims .
Cicilline believes the companies possess the means and incentive to undercut competitors , and should be subject to greater antitrust scrutiny .
For that reason , the prepared testimony signals a common strategy among the executives : A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is the best offense .

The chief executives of Amazon, Apple, Google and Facebook will seek to convince a House panel Wednesday that their companies face stiff competition, do not wield too much power, and ultimately benefit the U.S. economy in ways that smaller companies cannot.
In testimony released ahead of the noon hearing before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial and Administrative Law, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, Apple’s Tim Cook, Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg and Google’s Sundar Pichai argue their platforms do not hold dominant positions in their respective markets, and that they are good for consumers.
The executives also will frame their companies as the product of American ingenuity and essential to the country’s dominant position in the global economy.
The four men face off with a subcommittee chairman, Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I., who is skeptical of those claims. Cicilline believes the companies possess the means and incentive to undercut competitors, and should be subject to greater antitrust scrutiny.
For that reason, the prepared testimony signals a common strategy among the executives: A strong defense, albeit a respectful one, is the best offense.


rollcall--2020-07-29--Trump team’s case for new nuke cites risks in current arsenal

The Trump administration , in a closely held memo to lawmakers this spring , justified developing the first new U.S. atomic weapon since the Cold War by citing vulnerabilities and risks in the current nuclear arsenal that are rarely or never acknowledged in public .
In an unclassified five-page white paper sent to Congress in May , the Pentagon and the Energy Department ’ s National Nuclear Security Administration , or NNSA , affirm a point they have long minimized : the dangers of land-based missiles ready to launch minutes after a warning of enemy attack .
They also discuss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have previously been depicted as all but undetectable .
They say , too , that a new class of ballistic missile submarines lacks the firepower of its predecessors , creating a need for a lighter and more powerful type of warhead — in addition to the two existing types .
As for the current two sets of warheads , they say they have too few of the most destructive kind and too many of the less forceful variety — and excessively rely on the latter .
The document , which was obtained by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been disclosed , makes the fullest case yet for the $ 14 billion W93 submarine-launched atomic warhead program and its MK7 reentry vehicle , which would cost several hundred million more dollars .

The Trump administration, in a closely held memo to lawmakers this spring, justified developing the first new U.S. atomic weapon since the Cold War by citing vulnerabilities and risks in the current nuclear arsenal that are rarely or never acknowledged in public.
In an unclassified five-page white paper sent to Congress in May, the Pentagon and the Energy Department’s National Nuclear Security Administration, or NNSA, affirm a point they have long minimized: the dangers of land-based missiles ready to launch minutes after a warning of enemy attack.
[Undisclosed delays plague atomic programs, cost billions to fix]
They also discuss threats to U.S. nuclear missile submarines that have previously been depicted as all but undetectable. They say, too, that a new class of ballistic missile submarines lacks the firepower of its predecessors, creating a need for a lighter and more powerful type of warhead — in addition to the two existing types. As for the current two sets of warheads, they say they have too few of the most destructive kind and too many of the less forceful variety — and excessively rely on the latter.
The document, which was obtained by CQ Roll Call and has not previously been disclosed, makes the fullest case yet for the $14 billion W93 submarine-launched atomic warhead program and its MK7 reentry vehicle, which would cost several hundred million more dollars.


rollcall--2020-07-29--Democrats reject ‘skinny’ virus plan while GOP struggles for unity

Congressional leaders and the Trump administration remained at a standstill on COVID-19 aid negotiations Wednesday despite the U.S. hitting a grim milestone with 150,000 deaths and millions out of work .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer met with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows for the third day in a row on Capitol Hill , though neither side appeared to move closer together in talks over a trillion-dollar aid package .
`` We 're still very far apart on a lot of issues , '' Mnuchin said after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s office during the afternoon .
`` I do think there is a subset of issues that we do agree on , but overall we ’ re far from an agreement . ''
Mnuchin said there are areas like a second round of Paycheck Protection Program forgivable loans , education funding to help schools safely reopen and worker retention tax credits for hard-hit businesses where the two sides can come together .
They will have a more challenging time negotiating a compromise on unemployment insurance , state and local assistance and liability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Earlier in the day , Mnuchin and President Donald Trump had said in lieu of a broader deal , they were focused on at least renewing expanded unemployment benefits and a moratorium on evictions from federally backed housing that lapsed over the weekend .

Jennifer Shutt, Niels Lesniewski, and Lindsey McPherson

Congressional leaders and the Trump administration remained at a standstill on COVID-19 aid negotiations Wednesday despite the U.S. hitting a grim milestone with 150,000 deaths and millions out of work.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer met with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows for the third day in a row on Capitol Hill, though neither side appeared to move closer together in talks over a trillion-dollar aid package.
"We're still very far apart on a lot of issues," Mnuchin said after leaving an hour-long meeting in the speaker’s office during the afternoon. "I do think there is a subset of issues that we do agree on, but overall we’re far from an agreement."
Mnuchin said there are areas like a second round of Paycheck Protection Program forgivable loans, education funding to help schools safely reopen and worker retention tax credits for hard-hit businesses where the two sides can come together. They will have a more challenging time negotiating a compromise on unemployment insurance, state and local assistance and liability protections for businesses, Mnuchin said.
Earlier in the day, Mnuchin and President Donald Trump had said in lieu of a broader deal, they were focused on at least renewing expanded unemployment benefits and a moratorium on evictions from federally backed housing that lapsed over the weekend.


rollcall--2020-07-30--House adopts Ocasio-Cortez housing bias amendments to block HUD

Democrats Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Earl Blumenauer took to the House floor Thursday to castigate President Donald Trump for his recent remarks suggesting to suburban voters that increasing racial integration would lead to lower home values and more crime .
“ This is classic , textbook discrimination , and we 're here to rise to say , ‘ Na-uh , not on our watch , ’ ” said Ocasio-Cortez of New York .
She and Blumenauer spoke in favor of two amendments to prevent the Housing and Urban Development Department from undoing two Obama administration rules designed to end housing discrimination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voice vote as part of an en bloc group of 56 amendments .
The House is expected to complete work on the spending package Friday .
No House Republicans spoke against the amendments .
In online campaign events and on Twitter this week , Trump has been touting his administration ’ s dismantling of an obscure HUD regulation — Affirmatively Affirming Fair Housing ( AFFH ) — tweeting Wednesday : “ I am happy to inform all of the people living their Suburban Lifestyle Dream that you will no longer be bothered or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ built in your neighborhood… Your housing prices will go up based on the market , and crime will go down .
I have rescinded the Obama-Biden AFFH Rule .
Enjoy !
” The rule , finalized in 2015 , required local housing authorities to file reports to HUD showing how they were actively working to implement the Fair Housing Act that Congress passed in 1968 amid the riots after Martin Luther King Jr. ’ s assassination , and encourage integration of racially homogenized neighborhoods .
Only a few cities had even begun to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortly after Trump took office .

Democrats Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Earl Blumenauer took to the House floor Thursday to castigate President Donald Trump for his recent remarks suggesting to suburban voters that increasing racial integration would lead to lower home values and more crime.
“This is classic, textbook discrimination, and we're here to rise to say, ‘Na-uh, not on our watch,’” said Ocasio-Cortez of New York. She and Blumenauer spoke in favor of two amendments to prevent the Housing and Urban Development Department from undoing two Obama administration rules designed to end housing discrimination.
The amendments were adopted on a voice vote as part of an en bloc group of 56 amendments. The House is expected to complete work on the spending package Friday. No House Republicans spoke against the amendments.
In online campaign events and on Twitter this week, Trump has been touting his administration’s dismantling of an obscure HUD regulation — Affirmatively Affirming Fair Housing (AFFH) — tweeting Wednesday: “I am happy to inform all of the people living their Suburban Lifestyle Dream that you will no longer be bothered or financially hurt by having low income housing built in your neighborhood… Your housing prices will go up based on the market, and crime will go down. I have rescinded the Obama-Biden AFFH Rule. Enjoy!”
The rule, finalized in 2015, required local housing authorities to file reports to HUD showing how they were actively working to implement the Fair Housing Act that Congress passed in 1968 amid the riots after Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, and encourage integration of racially homogenized neighborhoods. Only a few cities had even begun to prepare those reports when HUD suspended AFFH shortly after Trump took office.


rollcall--2020-07-30--John Lewis’ best friends in Congress attend his funeral

Rep. John Lewis ’ funeral , held in Atlanta on Thursday , was invite-only due to coronavirus restrictions .
Nonetheless @ @ @ @ @ , including Democratic leaders , Congressional Black Caucus members , Ways and Means Committee and @ @ @ @ @ short , Lewis ’ best friends — were able to attend .
“ In our @ @ @ @ @ and we have members of the freshman class , ” said Speaker Nancy Pelosi , @ @ @ @ @ at the funeral .
“ John convinced each one of us that we were his @ @ @ @ @ Lewis treated all of his colleagues like best friends , frequently greeting them with familial @ @ @ @ @ ” “ sister ” and “ daughter.
” Hundreds of lawmakers likely would ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ Atlanta for his funeral if not for the pandemic , as Pelosi acknowledged .
“ @ @ @ @ @ be here with so many members , 50 , ” she said .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ , except coronavirus prevented the church from allowing us to bring more .
”

Rep. John Lewis’ funeral, held in Atlanta on Thursday, was invite-only due to coronavirus restrictions. Nonetheless, 50 members of Congress, including Democratic leaders, Congressional Black Caucus members, Ways and Means Committee and Georgia delegation colleagues — in short, Lewis’ best friends — were able to attend.
“In our group we have senior members and we have members of the freshman class,” said Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the only lawmaker to speak at the funeral. “John convinced each one of us that we were his best friend in Congress.”
Lewis treated all of his colleagues like best friends, frequently greeting them with familial names like “brother,” “sister” and “daughter.”
Hundreds of lawmakers likely would’ve made the day trip to Atlanta for his funeral if not for the pandemic, as Pelosi acknowledged.
“I’m pleased to be here with so many members, 50,” she said. “We would’ve had more, except coronavirus prevented the church from allowing us to bring more.”


rollcall--2020-07-30--McConnell tees up debate on lapsing COVID-19 unemployment benefits

Senate Republicans are getting the procedural gears turning to set up potential votes on partially reviving expanded unemployment benefits that expire Friday , though in reality millions of people already are n't receiving their extra $ 600 benefit this week .
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made a procedural move Thursday to get a House-passed bill , intended to be the legislative vehicle , pending before the Senate .
`` It makes it the pending business for next week .
And we can keep talking and hopefully making progress because no progress is being made anywhere else , '' McConnell said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
John Cornyn of Texas and Mitt Romney of Utah earlier in the day told reporters they expected McConnell would call up a bill that has already passed the House and Senate in different forms in a bid to expedite work on any potential unemployment insurance deal .
`` My understanding is that it ’ s a message from the House and takes 51 votes to get on it .
And then we can take up the extension of unemployment benefits .
And we 'll see whether our Democratic friends are serious about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Senate could work its will , whatever could get 60 , '' Cornyn explained .

Democratic leaders late Thursday said they rejected a short-term proposal offered by top White House negotiators to replace lapsed unemployment benefits while broader coronavirus relief measures are left for later.
"We just don't think they understand the gravity of the problem," Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer said after a two-hour meeting with Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows.
"I think they understand that we have to have a bill, but they just don't realize how big it has to be," Pelosi said.
President Donald Trump earlier this week floated the possibility of renewing supplemental unemployment benefits temporarily, as well as extending an expiring moratorium on evictions from federally backed housing. Democratic leaders rejected a similar offer at a meeting Wednesday, and it wasn't immediately clear what new ideas Mnuchin and Meadows brought to the table Thursday.
Their proposals "were not received warmly," Meadows said.


rollcall--2020-07-30--Space architecture: What Congress needs to focus on

Russia and China are only two of a growing list of more than eight countries increasing their ability to disable @ @ @ @ @ as CQ Roll Call talks with the director of the Aerospace Security Project at the @ @ @ @ @ Studies about what he believes Congress should focus on in space .
[ Why are @ @ @ @ @ ? ]

Russia and China are only two of a growing list of more than eight countries increasing their ability to disable satellites in space.
Watch as CQ Roll Call talks with the director of the Aerospace Security Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies about what he believes Congress should focus on in space.
[Why are there no rules in space?]


rollcall--2020-07-30--At the Races: COVID gridlock

At the Races: COVID gridlock

Welcome to At the Races !
Each week we ’ ll bring you news and analysis from the CQ Roll Call team that will keep you informed about the 2020 election .
Know someone who ’ d like to get this newsletter ?
They can subscribe here .
Vulnerable Senate Republicans hoping to get a boost from their work helping constituents weather the economic fallout from the pandemic were sweating this week as negotiations on the latest relief package got off to a slow and contentious start .
A federal moratorium on evictions expired last week , the weekly $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set to expire Friday , and only 96 days remain until the election .
But it ’ s not clear when , or if , the next package will be signed into a law or what it might look like .
The federal government ’ s response to the health crisis is already affecting House and Senate races .
President Donald Trump ’ s poll numbers in competitive states and districts across the country have dropped , largely due to the pandemic .
Republicans say the current political environment is a low point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GOP senators , who are defending their majority on an increasingly expanding battlefield .
The GOP conference is divided over its next move as the coronavirus continues to spread .
But it did release a relief proposal this week in the form of eight bills , some of which had vulnerable incumbents ’ names attached .
Maine Sen. Susan Collins , who is one of the most vulnerable Republicans , co-sponsored a bill with Florida ’ s Marco Rubio that would provide another round of business loans through the Paycheck Protection Program .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the airwaves back home .
South Carolina ’ s Lindsey Graham and Montana ’ s Steve Daines , who are both in competitive races , teamed up with North Carolina Sen. Richard M. Burr on a bill that would ensure personal protective equipment is made domestically to limit reliance on Chinese manufacturing .

Bridget Bowman, Kate Ackley, and Stephanie Akin

Welcome to At the Races! Each week we’ll bring you news and analysis from the CQ Roll Call team that will keep you informed about the 2020 election. Know someone who’d like to get this newsletter? They can subscribe here.
Vulnerable Senate Republicans hoping to get a boost from their work helping constituents weather the economic fallout from the pandemic were sweating this week as negotiations on the latest relief package got off to a slow and contentious start. A federal moratorium on evictions expired last week, the weekly $600 federal boost to unemployment checks is set to expire Friday, and only 96 days remain until the election.
But it’s not clear when, or if, the next package will be signed into a law or what it might look like. The federal government’s response to the health crisis is already affecting House and Senate races. President Donald Trump’s poll numbers in competitive states and districts across the country have dropped, largely due to the pandemic.
Republicans say the current political environment is a low point. That is a particular problem for GOP senators, who are defending their majority on an increasingly expanding battlefield. The GOP conference is divided over its next move as the coronavirus continues to spread. But it did release a relief proposal this week in the form of eight bills, some of which had vulnerable incumbents’ names attached.
Maine Sen. Susan Collins, who is one of the most vulnerable Republicans, co-sponsored a bill with Florida’s Marco Rubio that would provide another round of business loans through the Paycheck Protection Program. She has already been touting the program on the airwaves back home. South Carolina’s Lindsey Graham and Montana’s Steve Daines, who are both in competitive races, teamed up with North Carolina Sen. Richard M. Burr on a bill that would ensure personal protective equipment is made domestically to limit reliance on Chinese manufacturing.


rollcall--2020-07-30--Misuse of taxpayer funds leads Ethics Committee to reprimand and fine Rep. Schweikert

The House Ethics Committee ordered Thursday that Rep. David Schweikert be fined $ 50,000 and reprimanded on the House floor for violating federal law and House rules by allowing his office to misuse taxpayer money , skirting Federal Election Commission reporting requirements , using campaign money for personal use and pressuring his staff to engage in campaign work .
The Ethics Committee plans to bring a privileged resolution to reprimand the Arizona Republican for a full House vote .
Schweikert must repay the Treasury by Oct. 30 .
The Arizona Republican ’ s Members ’ Representational Allowance was misused for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2017 , the Ethics Committee found .
The report comes after the panel received a referral from the Office of Congressional Ethics , an independent investigative entity in the House that found there was a “ substantial reason ” to believe Schweikert violated federal and House rules .
“ We are pleased the Committee has issued their report and we can move forward from this chapter , ” Grace White , a spokesperson for Schweikert , said in an email to CQ Roll Call .
“ As noted in the review , all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will continue working hard for Arizona ’ s 6th District.
” A privileged resolution reprimanding Schweikert will likely , based on past precedent , be voted on Friday morning .

The House Ethics Committee ordered Thursday that Rep. David Schweikert be fined $50,000 and reprimanded on the House floor for violating federal law and House rules by allowing his office to misuse taxpayer money, skirting Federal Election Commission reporting requirements, using campaign money for personal use and pressuring his staff to engage in campaign work.
The Ethics Committee plans to bring a privileged resolution to reprimand the Arizona Republican for a full House vote. Schweikert must repay the Treasury by Oct. 30.
The Arizona Republican’s Members’ Representational Allowance was misused for non-official purposes from January 2011 to November 2017, the Ethics Committee found. The report comes after the panel received a referral from the Office of Congressional Ethics, an independent investigative entity in the House that found there was a “substantial reason” to believe Schweikert violated federal and House rules.
“We are pleased the Committee has issued their report and we can move forward from this chapter,” Grace White, a spokesperson for Schweikert, said in an email to CQ Roll Call. “As noted in the review, all issues have been resolved and Congressman Schweikert will continue working hard for Arizona’s 6th District.”
A privileged resolution reprimanding Schweikert will likely, based on past precedent, be voted on Friday morning.


rollcall--2020-07-30--House votes to end military ban on transgender troops

The House adopted by voice vote an amendment to the fiscal 2021 Defense appropriations bill Thursday that would effectively bring @ @ @ @ @ administration ’ s severe restrictions on transgender people serving openly in the U.S. military .
@ @ @ @ @ a massive en bloc package of amendments that were attached to the six-bill spending package @ @ @ @ @ Introduced by California Democrat Jackie Speier , chairwoman of the House Armed Services Military Personnel @ @ @ @ @ block the use of funds to implement policy issued in April 2019 that would bar @ @ @ @ @ military and even keep some transgender people who are already serving from staying in .
@ @ @ @ @ but critics say they are virtually nonexistent .
“ The military has granted only one @ @ @ @ @ , exposing the President ’ s discriminatory policy for what it is — a virtual @ @ @ @ @ brave transgender Americans , ” Speier said in a statement for CQ Roll Call this @ @

The House adopted by voice vote an amendment to the fiscal 2021 Defense appropriations bill Thursday that would effectively bring an end to the Trump administration’s severe restrictions on transgender people serving openly in the U.S. military.
The amendment was tucked into a massive en bloc package of amendments that were attached to the six-bill spending package that includes defense funding.
Introduced by California Democrat Jackie Speier, chairwoman of the House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee, the amendment would block the use of funds to implement policy issued in April 2019 that would bar transgender people from joining the military and even keep some transgender people who are already serving from staying in.
The policy permits waivers, but critics say they are virtually nonexistent.
“The military has granted only one waiver to a transgender servicemember, exposing the President’s discriminatory policy for what it is — a virtual ban on military service by brave transgender Americans,” Speier said in a statement for CQ Roll Call this week.


rollcall--2020-07-30--From middle school to Congress: Jamaal Bowman’s journey

Jamaal Bowman isn ’ t your average former middle school principal .
That ’ s because the 44-year-old recently beat veteran Rep. Eliot L. Engel in the Democratic primary in New York ’ s 16th District .
Engel , who chairs the Foreign Affairs Committee , has represented the Bronx and Westchester County-based seat and its previous iterations since 1989 .
His win is tantamount to victory in the general election , given how Democrats dominate there .
The race harked back to one of the biggest upsets of the 2018 election , when Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez beat veteran Rep. Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In both races , younger , minority candidates tapped into a desire for change among Democratic voters in their majority-minority districts to beat older white men .
That makes Bowman part of a generational change happening not just in New York politics , but across the country , and it ’ s happening at a time of extreme flux .
And with the nation taking a long look at its history of racial injustice , Bowman , a Black man , was able to provide a vivid bridge to the public with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Jamaal Bowman isn’t your average former middle school principal. That’s because the 44-year-old recently beat veteran Rep. Eliot L. Engel in the Democratic primary in New York’s 16th District.
Engel, who chairs the Foreign Affairs Committee, has represented the Bronx and Westchester County-based seat and its previous iterations since 1989. His win is tantamount to victory in the general election, given how Democrats dominate there. The race harked back to one of the biggest upsets of the 2018 election, when Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez beat veteran Rep. Joe Crowley in the nearby 14th District.
In both races, younger, minority candidates tapped into a desire for change among Democratic voters in their majority-minority districts to beat older white men. That makes Bowman part of a generational change happening not just in New York politics, but across the country, and it’s happening at a time of extreme flux.
And with the nation taking a long look at its history of racial injustice, Bowman, a Black man, was able to provide a vivid bridge to the public with his own personal experiences with the police.


rollcall--2020-07-30--Sen. Angus King is looking for his money clip

While many senators are fighting over money for unemployment benefits and cash payments for taxpayers during the coronavirus pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ is simply looking for his money clip .
One stop on his search Thursday was @ @ @ @ @ tiny basement eatery steps away from the Senate subway .
“ Have you seen my @ @ @ @ @ maybe leave it here yesterday ?
” the independent senator asked the cashier .

While many senators are fighting over money for unemployment benefits and cash payments for taxpayers during the coronavirus pandemic, Maine’s Angus King is simply looking for his money clip.
One stop on his search Thursday was the Senate Carryout, a tiny basement eatery steps away from the Senate subway.
“Have you seen my money clip, did I maybe leave it here yesterday?” the independent senator asked the cashier.


rollcall--2020-07-30--Trump doesn’t have authority to change election date alone

Corrected , 3:20 p.m. |President Donald Trump might have floated the idea on Twitter of delaying the presidential election in @ @ @ @ @ but a president doesn ’ t have the authority to change the date of the @ @ @ @ @ , legal experts say .
Punctuating his tweet with three question marks , Trump appears @ @ @ @ @ issue that will wrest attention away from Thursday morning ’ s bad economic numbers than @ @ @ @ @ do with the election timing .
“ With Universal Mail-In Voting ( not Absentee Voting @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 will be the most INACCURATE & FRAUDULENT Election in history .
It will @ @ @ @ @ the USA .
Delay the Election until people can properly , securely and safely vote @ @ @ @ @ Trump tweeted .
But election law experts say there ’ s already a clear answer @ @ @ @ @ basically the only part of government that doesn ’ t have the authority to change @ @ @ @ @ election on its own , legal experts say .

Corrected, 3:20 p.m. |President Donald Trump might have floated the idea on Twitter of delaying the presidential election in a tweet Thursday morning, but a president doesn’t have the authority to change the date of the presidential election on his own, legal experts say.
Punctuating his tweet with three question marks, Trump appears to be more raising an issue that will wrest attention away from Thursday morning’s bad economic numbers than announcing what he wants to do with the election timing.
“With Universal Mail-In Voting (not Absentee Voting, which is good), 2020 will be the most INACCURATE & FRAUDULENT Election in history. It will be a great embarrassment to the USA. Delay the Election until people can properly, securely and safely vote???,” Trump tweeted.
But election law experts say there’s already a clear answer.
The executive branch is basically the only part of government that doesn’t have the authority to change the date of the presidential election on its own, legal experts say.


CQ Future: Restaurants

Few industries have been hit harder by the pandemic than restaurants .
In this episode , we turn to Andy @ @ @ @ @ by Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser to sit on a task force that looks at what @ @ @ @ @ during and after the pandemic to reopen .
Shallal owns one of the city ’ @ @ @ @ @ , Busboys and Poets , and has distinct thoughts about what the future holds for @ @ @ @ @ will take for this industry to get off life support .
• Trump doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ election date alone • Race to succeed Roe gets tight as candidates spend big , @ @ @ @ @ of taxpayer funds leads Ethics Committee to reprimand and fine Rep. Schweikert

Shawn Zeller, Evan Campbell, and Joanne Levine

Few industries have been hit harder by the pandemic than restaurants. In this episode, we turn to Andy Shallal, who was appointed by Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser to sit on a task force that looks at what the city needs to do during and after the pandemic to reopen. Shallal owns one of the city’s most beloved restaurant chains, Busboys and Poets, and has distinct thoughts about what the future holds for independent eateries and what it will take for this industry to get off life support.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-07-30--No ‘skinny’ deal on coronavirus relief in late-night meeting

Democratic leaders late Thursday said they rejected a short-term proposal offered by top White House negotiators to replace lapsed unemployment @ @ @ @ @ measures are left for later .
`` We just do n't think they understand the @ @ @ @ @ '' Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer said after a two-hour meeting with Speaker Nancy @ @ @ @ @ Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows .
`` I think they understand @ @ @ @ @ a bill , but they just do n't realize how big it has to be @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump earlier this week floated the possibility of renewing supplemental unemployment benefits temporarily @ @ @ @ @ an expiring moratorium on evictions from federally backed housing .
Democratic leaders rejected a similar @ @ @ @ @ , and it was n't immediately clear what new ideas Mnuchin and Meadows brought to @ @ @ @ @ proposals `` were not received warmly , '' Meadows said .


rollcall--2020-07-31--Meet Congressman COVID — Congressional Hits and Misses

Is the week over yet ?
This week on Capitol Hill , another lawmaker tested positive for COVID-19 , everyone @ @ @ @ @ no one remembered to silence their phones or mute their Zoom calls .
Plus , @ @ @ @ @ late and Sen. John Kennedy introduced the world to the concept of “ spending porn @ @ @ @ @ aid bill .
That ’ s not all — Sen. Mitt Romney said a bad @ @ @ @ @ demanded the Senate get off its fanny , and a bird interrupted Sen. Shelley Moore @ @ @ @ @

Is the week over yet?
This week on Capitol Hill, another lawmaker tested positive for COVID-19, everyone yelled about masks, and no one remembered to silence their phones or mute their Zoom calls.
Plus, Rep. Rosa DeLauro showed up late and Sen. John Kennedy introduced the world to the concept of “spending porn” when criticizing a coronavirus aid bill.
That’s not all — Sen. Mitt Romney said a bad word, Rep. Ed Perlmutter demanded the Senate get off its fanny, and a bird interrupted Sen. Shelley Moore Capito’s interview.
When’s recess?


rollcall--2020-07-31--Spending on Christmas parties among allegations in ethics report on Sanford Bishop

Rep. Sanford D. Bishop Jr. may have used thousands in campaign funds for personal expenses on gas fill-ups for him and his family , greens fees at country clubs , luxurious trips and school tuition .
Further , the Georgia Democrat also may have spent more than $ 16,000 in taxpayer money for joint Christmas parties — featuring a saxophonist and DJ equipment — with his congressional staff and his wife ’ s employees , according to an Office of Congressional Ethics report released Friday .
The OCE report was released because the House Ethics Committee decided to further extend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are broken down into two categories : improper use of campaign funds and impermissible use of Sanford ’ s Members ’ Representational Allowance , both of which would be violations of federal law and House rules .
The MRA is taxpayer-funded money only to be used to support official member duties , such as staff salaries and official travel .
The OCE found “ widespread mismanagement and misuse of the Sanford Bishop for Congress campaign committee funds ” in which Bishop may have misused the money for personal pursuits .
The office also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be tied to Evelyn Turner Pugh , who was employed as treasurer from 1993 until 2019 and may have misspent campaign funds on herself and falsified Federal Election Commission filings .
Pugh made several errors and misused funds , the OCE said .

Rep. Sanford D. Bishop Jr. may have used thousands in campaign funds for personal expenses on gas fill-ups for him and his family, greens fees at country clubs, luxurious trips and school tuition.
Further, the Georgia Democrat also may have spent more than $16,000 in taxpayer money for joint Christmas parties — featuring a saxophonist and DJ equipment — with his congressional staff and his wife’s employees, according to an Office of Congressional Ethics report released Friday.
The OCE report was released because the House Ethics Committee decided to further extend its investigation into Bishop.
The allegations are broken down into two categories: improper use of campaign funds and impermissible use of Sanford’s Members’ Representational Allowance, both of which would be violations of federal law and House rules. The MRA is taxpayer-funded money only to be used to support official member duties, such as staff salaries and official travel.
The OCE found “widespread mismanagement and misuse of the Sanford Bishop for Congress campaign committee funds” in which Bishop may have misused the money for personal pursuits. The office also said some of the spending in question could be tied to Evelyn Turner Pugh, who was employed as treasurer from 1993 until 2019 and may have misspent campaign funds on herself and falsified Federal Election Commission filings. Pugh made several errors and misused funds, the OCE said.


rollcall--2020-07-31--Should the Capitol start COVID-19 testing for staff and members?

Rep. Louie Gohmert ’ s positive coronavirus test this week raised questions about whether people in or around the Capitol should get regular testing — but it ’ s not as simple as it sounds .
“ The Capitol physician has not said yet that he thinks that we should be tested , ” Speaker Nancy Pelosi told reporters Friday .
Pelosi said if testing were to take place on Capitol Hill , it wouldn ’ t be just for members of Congress , as “ there are about 20,000 people who make the Capitol run.
” One of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawmakers should be tested is their frequent travel from their districts and home states , something that distinguishes them from the vast majority of legislative branch employees .
Pelosi said it wouldn ’ t be up to her or Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to have final sign-off : “ It ’ s up to the Capitol physician.
” The issue got renewed relevance because Gohmert ’ s test came not from the Capitol but at the direction of the White House .
The Texas Republican was scheduled to travel to Texas with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being allowed to board Air Force One .

Rep. Louie Gohmert’s positive coronavirus test this week raised questions about whether people in or around the Capitol should get regular testing — but it’s not as simple as it sounds.
“The Capitol physician has not said yet that he thinks that we should be tested,” Speaker Nancy Pelosi told reporters Friday.
Pelosi said if testing were to take place on Capitol Hill, it wouldn’t be just for members of Congress, as “there are about 20,000 people who make the Capitol run.” One of the reasons people have continued to question whether lawmakers should be tested is their frequent travel from their districts and home states, something that distinguishes them from the vast majority of legislative branch employees.
Pelosi said it wouldn’t be up to her or Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to have final sign-off: “It’s up to the Capitol physician.”
The issue got renewed relevance because Gohmert’s test came not from the Capitol but at the direction of the White House. The Texas Republican was scheduled to travel to Texas with President Donald Trump and was tested before being allowed to board Air Force One.


rollcall--2020-07-31--Coronavirus relief talks stuck on scope of aid

Negotiations on a coronavirus relief bill have yet to enter the policy give-and-take stage as Republicans remain focused on a short-term measure that Democrats say is worthless and delaying progress toward a much-needed broader aid package .
The federal enhanced unemployment benefit of $ 600 per week formally expires Friday but has effectively already lapsed since most states aren ’ t sending out checks this week .
Negotiators have spent the past few days arguing about the amount and duration of an enhanced unemployment extension and whether they should pass a stopgap measure while continuing discussions about a broader deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to address the expiring provision until Monday , when it was included in one part of eight coronavirus bills totaling roughly $ 1 trillion in aid .
The initial GOP proposal was to extend the federal benefit for two months at a lower amount of $ 200 per week , after which they ’ d switch to a new formula providing for 70 percent wage replacement , factoring in the state-provided benefit .
Democrats offered their plan on unemployment months ago , passing a nearly $ 3.5 trillion relief package in the House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 600 per week federal benefit through the end of the year .
As the Friday deadline approached , Republicans threw out several new proposals for extending the enhanced unemployment benefits .

Negotiations on a coronavirus relief bill have yet to enter the policy give-and-take stage as Republicans remain focused on a short-term measure that Democrats say is worthless and delaying progress toward a much-needed broader aid package.
The federal enhanced unemployment benefit of $600 per week formally expires Friday but has effectively already lapsed since most states aren’t sending out checks this week. Negotiators have spent the past few days arguing about the amount and duration of an enhanced unemployment extension and whether they should pass a stopgap measure while continuing discussions about a broader deal.
Republicans did not offer a plan to address the expiring provision until Monday, when it was included in one part of eight coronavirus bills totaling roughly $1 trillion in aid. The initial GOP proposal was to extend the federal benefit for two months at a lower amount of $200 per week, after which they’d switch to a new formula providing for 70 percent wage replacement, factoring in the state-provided benefit.
Democrats offered their plan on unemployment months ago, passing a nearly $3.5 trillion relief package in the House in May that would have extended the $600 per week federal benefit through the end of the year.
As the Friday deadline approached, Republicans threw out several new proposals for extending the enhanced unemployment benefits.


rollcall--2020-07-31--Fauci says speed on COVID-19 vaccine will not compromise safety

Anthony Fauci , the nation ’ s top infectious disease specialist , told a House panel Friday that he is “ cautiously optimistic ” that a COVID-19 vaccine would be ready by the end of this year and said health agencies are not compromising safety standards .
“ I know to some people this seems like it is so fast that there might be compromising of safety and scientific integrity , ” Fauci said at a hearing by the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis .
“ I can tell you that is absolutely not the case.
” Fauci said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to everyone once it ’ s available , but that “ over a period of time in 2021 ” the public would be able to access a vaccine , assuming one is authorized .
Both Oversight and Reform Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney of New York and Republican Rep. Jackie Walorski of Indiana pressed Fauci on the likelihood that a vaccine would become available soon and whether Americans should be concerned it would not face rigorous testing .
“ I ’ m so disappointed that we ’ ve seen some on the other side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration might rush an unsafe vaccine to the market before the election to help President Trump politically , ” Walorski said .

Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease specialist, told a House panel Friday that he is “cautiously optimistic” that a COVID-19 vaccine would be ready by the end of this year and said health agencies are not compromising safety standards.
“I know to some people this seems like it is so fast that there might be compromising of safety and scientific integrity,” Fauci said at a hearing by the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. “I can tell you that is absolutely not the case.”
Fauci said a vaccine may not immediately be available to everyone once it’s available, but that “over a period of time in 2021” the public would be able to access a vaccine, assuming one is authorized.
Both Oversight and Reform Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney of New York and Republican Rep. Jackie Walorski of Indiana pressed Fauci on the likelihood that a vaccine would become available soon and whether Americans should be concerned it would not face rigorous testing.


rollcall--2020-07-31--Photos of the week ending July 31, 2020

Photos of the week ending July 31, 2020

Georgia Rep. John Lewis made one last visit to the Capitol and negotiations on the latest coronavirus aid package continued @ @ @ @ @ chambers attempt to wrap up business before the start of the summer recess .
Here @ @ @ @ @ the week ending July 31 on Capitol Hill as seen through the lenses of CQ @ @ @ @ @ .

Bill Clark, Tom Williams, and Caroline Brehman

Georgia Rep. John Lewis made one last visit to the Capitol and negotiations on the latest coronavirus aid package continued in the Senate as both chambers attempt to wrap up business before the start of the summer recess.
Here’s a look at the week ending July 31 on Capitol Hill as seen through the lenses of CQ Roll Call’s photojournalists.
The hearse carrying Lewis’ casket moves up Independence Avenue on Monday as it makes its way to the East Front Plaza of the Capitol. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Reta Cosby of Upper Marlboro, Md., holds a Black Lives Matter sign outside the Capitol on Monday as Lewis’ casket arrives. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Visitors pause to pay their respects to Lewis on Tuesday as he lies in state on the Capitol steps. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Gregory T. Monahan, the acting chief of the U.S. Park Police, testifies Tuesday before the House Natural Resources Committee on the June 1 confrontation between officers and protesters at Lafayette Square near the White House. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell makes his way to a news conference Tuesday after the Senate Republicans' lunch. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Florida Rep. Ted Yoho participates in a House Foreign Affairs markup hearing Wednesday. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Texas Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee listens Wednesday during a House Armed Services subcommittee hearing on sexual harassment in the military. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, left, and Alabama Sen. Doug Jones take an elevator up to the Senate floor for a vote Wednesday. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, center, and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, right, leave a meeting Wednesday with Senate GOP leadership over the next coronavirus aid package. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Speaker Nancy Pelosi and New York Rep. Nita M. Lowey talk Wednesday in the Capitol Visitor Center after a news conference on child care relief. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)


rollcall--2020-07-31--Campus Notebook: Illinois man pleads guilty for threats to Rep. Rodney Davis

An Illinois man has admitted to threatening to kill Rep. Rodney Davis , a guilty plea accepted July 24 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois .
Randall E. Tarr was charged in January with threatening to assault and murder Davis , an Illinois Republican .
According to a sworn affidavit by an FBI agent , Tarr called Davis ’ congressional office in Decatur and left a voicemail accusing the lawmaker of “ backing the Russians ” and said , “ I ’ d like to shoot your fucking head off you stupid motherf*****.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Capitol Police and eventually traced back to Tarr through caller ID .
Capitol Police reached out to local police in Tarr ’ s hometown of Rochester , Ill. , and asked them to investigate .
The FBI interviewed Tarr on the next day .
He said a commercial about Davis had made him mad and then he called Davis ’ office using the number in the commercial .
Davis , who is the top Republican on the House Administration Committee , which has oversight of the Capitol Police , said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforcement .

An Illinois man has admitted to threatening to kill Rep. Rodney Davis, a guilty plea accepted July 24 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois.
Randall E. Tarr was charged in January with threatening to assault and murder Davis, an Illinois Republican. According to a sworn affidavit by an FBI agent, Tarr called Davis’ congressional office in Decatur and left a voicemail accusing the lawmaker of “backing the Russians” and said, “I’d like to shoot your fucking head off you stupid motherf*****.”
The Nov. 25, 2019 voicemail was sent to the Capitol Police and eventually traced back to Tarr through caller ID. Capitol Police reached out to local police in Tarr’s hometown of Rochester, Ill., and asked them to investigate.
The FBI interviewed Tarr on the next day. He said a commercial about Davis had made him mad and then he called Davis’ office using the number in the commercial.
Davis, who is the top Republican on the House Administration Committee, which has oversight of the Capitol Police, said he was grateful for the work of law enforcement.


rollcall--2020-07-31--Could Obama’s call to end Senate filibuster shift the tide?

Obama , a former U.S. senator from Illinois , brought up the filibuster as he argued that Congress should honor Lewis by updating the 1965 Voting Rights Act to restore parts of the law the Supreme Court struck down and by pushing further overhauls .
His suggestions to Congress included making voter registration automatic , expanding polling places and early voting , establishing Election Day as a national holiday and ending partisan gerrymandering .
He also called for Washington , D.C. and Puerto Rico to be granted statehood so that they can be equally represented in Congress .
“ And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — another Jim Crow relic — in order to secure the God-given rights of every American , then that ’ s what we should do , ” Obama said .
The Democrat-led House has passed bills to make most of the changes Obama has called for , but those measures have stalled in the Republican-controlled Senate .
Sanders , a Vermont independent who caucuses with the Democrats and sought to be the party ’ s presidential nomination , seemed convinced by Obama ’ s argument .
He had resisted calls to end the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progressive candidates , most notably Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren , endorsing the idea .

Obama, a former U.S. senator from Illinois, brought up the filibuster as he argued that Congress should honor Lewis by updating the 1965 Voting Rights Act to restore parts of the law the Supreme Court struck down and by pushing further overhauls.
His suggestions to Congress included making voter registration automatic, expanding polling places and early voting, establishing Election Day as a national holiday and ending partisan gerrymandering. He also called for Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico to be granted statehood so that they can be equally represented in Congress.
“And if all this takes eliminating the filibuster — another Jim Crow relic — in order to secure the God-given rights of every American, then that’s what we should do,” Obama said.
The Democrat-led House has passed bills to make most of the changes Obama has called for, but those measures have stalled in the Republican-controlled Senate.
Sanders convinced
Sanders, a Vermont independent who caucuses with the Democrats and sought to be the party’s presidential nomination, seemed convinced by Obama’s argument. He had resisted calls to end the filibuster during the presidential campaign despite other progressive candidates, most notably Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, endorsing the idea.


rollcall--2020-07-31--Rep. Schweikert sanctioned in rare action on House floor

The House on Friday formally reprimanded Arizona Republican Rep. David Schweikert for permitting his office to misuse taxpayer dollars , violating campaign finance reporting requirements , and several other violations of federal law and House rules , a rare sanction of an individual member by his colleagues .
The resolution , H Res 1074 , passed the House by voice vote , the first time a member has been reprimanded on the floor since 2012 , when California Democrat Laura Richardson was sanctioned .
“ It is unacceptable for us , as public office holders , not to think about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chairman Ted Deutch , a Florida Democrat , said on the floor .
Schweikert was not censured , a more serious sanction , because he formally accepted responsibility for the 11 misconduct violations and agreed to pay a $ 50,000 fine to the U.S. Treasury .
This happened despite the Ethics Committee ’ s investigative subcommittee finding that certain parts of Schweikert ’ s testimony “ lacked credibility.
” House Ethics Committee rules call for a reprimand in the case of “ serious violations , ” censure for “ more serious violations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serious violations .
”

The House on Friday formally reprimanded Arizona Republican Rep. David Schweikert for permitting his office to misuse taxpayer dollars, violating campaign finance reporting requirements, and several other violations of federal law and House rules, a rare sanction of an individual member by his colleagues.
The resolution, H Res 1074, passed the House by voice vote, the first time a member has been reprimanded on the floor since 2012, when California Democrat Laura Richardson was sanctioned.
“It is unacceptable for us, as public office holders, not to think about our ethical obligations,” House Ethics Chairman Ted Deutch, a Florida Democrat, said on the floor.
Schweikert was not censured, a more serious sanction, because he formally accepted responsibility for the 11 misconduct violations and agreed to pay a $50,000 fine to the U.S. Treasury. This happened despite the Ethics Committee’s investigative subcommittee finding that certain parts of Schweikert’s testimony “lacked credibility.”
House Ethics Committee rules call for a reprimand in the case of “serious violations,” censure for “more serious violations,” and expulsion for the “most serious violations.”


rollcall--2020-08-03--What to watch in Tuesday’s primaries

What to watch in Tuesday’s primaries

Kansas Republicans will decide whether to pick a Senate candidate the national party would rather they didn ’ t , @ @ @ @ @ including one recently charged with voter fraud and another who is part of the “ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday as five states hold congressional primaries .
Republican Rep. Steve Watkins of Kansas and @ @ @ @ @ Michigan and William Lacy Clay of Missouri are battling to remain their parties ’ nominees @ @ @ @ @ Kansas , Michigan , Missouri and Washington will also set matchups in a handful of @ @ @ @ @ targeting .
Will Kansas Senate race be in play ?
National Republicans facing an expanding @ @ @ @ @ Kris Kobach could put Kansas in play if he wins the GOP nomination for the @ @ @ @ @ Pat Roberts .
Kobach is one of four candidates in the 11-way GOP field who @ @ @ @ @ and name recognition to break through .

Stephanie Akin, Bridget Bowman, Kate Ackley, and Michael Macagnone

Kobach is one of four candidates in the 11-way GOP field who has the kind of money and name recognition to break through.
A former Kansas secretary of state, Kobach earned his credibility with the GOP base as the face of President Donald Trump’s short-lived voter fraud panel. He defeated sitting Republican Gov. Jeff Colyer in the 2018 gubernatorial primary, only to lose to moderate Democrat Laura Kelly that November.
Republicans seeking to avoid the same outcome in the Senate race failed to recruit Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who remains widely popular in the state. Instead, they’ve consolidated around 1st District Rep. Roger Marshall, an obstetrician who in 2016 ousted tea party favorite Rep. Tim Huelskamp in a primary.
Marshall has put past appeals to bipartisanship behind him and is playing up his allegiance to Trump. The president has not endorsed in the primary, despite reports of intensive lobbying from Senate Republicans in the days leading up to the election.
Marshall had $1 million in the bank as of July 15 compared with Kobach’s $136,000. Bob Hamilton, who made a fortune as the former owner of a well-known plumbing business, had $964,000 after loaning his campaign $3.5 million. He spent much of that money blanketing the Kansas airwaves on goofy television ads, promoting his pro-Trump and Washington outsider credentials.


rollcall--2020-08-03--Sides cite ‘productive’ but slow-moving coronavirus aid talks

Negotiations on a COVID-19 relief bill inched forward Monday during a two-hour meeting between congressional Democrats and key Trump administration @ @ @ @ @ remain far apart on several key issues .
Speaker Nancy Pelosi told rank-and-file Democrats on @ @ @ @ @ sees talks bleeding into next week , when both chambers are scheduled to be out @ @ @ @ @ two sources on the call who spoke on condition of anonymity .
Pelosi earlier characterized @ @ @ @ @ , '' however , telling reporters it focused on education funding , as schools throughout @ @ @ @ @ of issues related to remote learning or a hybrid schedule .
“ Opening our schools @ @ @ @ @ spent a good deal of time , ” Pelosi said .
Senate Minority Leader Charles @ @ @ @ @ over the various funding levels for health care , education and economic programs in the @ @ @ @ @ with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows .

Negotiations on a COVID-19 relief bill inched forward Monday during a two-hour meeting between congressional Democrats and key Trump administration officials, though the sides remain far apart on several key issues.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi told rank-and-file Democrats on a conference call that she sees talks bleeding into next week, when both chambers are scheduled to be out of session, according to two sources on the call who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Pelosi earlier characterized the meeting as “productive," however, telling reporters it focused on education funding, as schools throughout the country struggle with dozens of issues related to remote learning or a hybrid schedule.
“Opening our schools is a place where we spent a good deal of time,” Pelosi said.
Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer said negotiators went over the various funding levels for health care, education and economic programs in the dueling Democratic and GOP bills with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows.


rollcall--2020-08-03--Legality of potential payroll tax move seen as ‘dubious’

Tax policy experts doubt that President Donald Trump has the authority to unilaterally suspend payroll tax collections , an idea floated by White House economic adviser Stephen Moore over the weekend .
In a Wall Street Journal opinion piece , Moore wrote that the president should declare a “ national economic emergency ” due to COVID-19 and use emergency powers that allowed the IRS to delay tax filing deadlines earlier this year to also suspend payroll tax collections for up to one year .
Moore doesn ’ t have a formal role in the Trump administration but is a member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ task force .
Moore ’ s reading of the law drew criticisms from tax experts at both the conservative American Enterprise Institute and the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center , a nonpartisan think tank backed by the center-left Brookings Institution and the Urban Institute .
Mark Mazur , director of the Tax Policy Institute , who was assistant secretary for tax policy during the Obama administration , said only Congress could halt the collection of taxes .
“ No one really has the authority to not collect taxes , ” he said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Tax policy experts doubt that President Donald Trump has the authority to unilaterally suspend payroll tax collections, an idea floated by White House economic adviser Stephen Moore over the weekend.
In a Wall Street Journal opinion piece, Moore wrote that the president should declare a “national economic emergency” due to COVID-19 and use emergency powers that allowed the IRS to delay tax filing deadlines earlier this year to also suspend payroll tax collections for up to one year. Moore doesn’t have a formal role in the Trump administration but is a member of the president’s economic recovery task force.
Moore’s reading of the law drew criticisms from tax experts at both the conservative American Enterprise Institute and the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center, a nonpartisan think tank backed by the center-left Brookings Institution and the Urban Institute.
Mark Mazur, director of the Tax Policy Institute, who was assistant secretary for tax policy during the Obama administration, said only Congress could halt the collection of taxes.
“No one really has the authority to not collect taxes,” he said. “We collected taxes during World War II.”


rollcall--2020-08-03--‘Blood on the Wall’ walks thousands of miles in their shoes

It meant talking to former Mexican President Felipe Calderón , and Ludy , a Honduran teenager on her own , heading north in a caravan .
It meant speaking to Alan Bersin , a former commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection , and Santiago , a poppy farmer in Mexico .
“ We ’ re reaching a juncture in this election year when understanding the socio-political landscape of our neighbors is incredibly important for people before going into a voting booth , ” Junger said in a statement .
The nonfiction movie is the second co-directed by Junger and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following their 2017 “ Hell on Earth : The Fall of Syria and the Rise of Isis.
” It comes out Sept. 30 on the National Geographic channel .
The propensity to report from these dangerous locales is not new for them .
Junger ’ s first documentary , co-directed with the late Tim Hetherington , was 2010 ’ s “ Restrepo , ” which followed for more than year the U.S. Army ’ s 2nd Battle Company of the 503rd Infantry Regiment and the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team in Afghanistan ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a companion to his book “ War , ” and provided fodder for many of the projects that followed , including a sequel , “ Korengal.
” A 2014 interview with CQ Roll Call hints at the approach to such material .
“ One of the things I wanted to do with ‘ Korengal ’ is get that conversation going , and if it makes people squirm , good .
I mean , if you don ’ t squirm at that stuff , there ’ s something missing from you , ” Junger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disassembling combat and understand it , yes , it gets very dark .
It gets very everything for that matter .
”

It meant talking to former Mexican President Felipe Calderón and Ludy, a Honduran teenager on her own, heading north in a migrant caravan. It meant speaking to Alan Bersin, a former commissioner of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Santiago, a poppy farmer in Mexico.
“We’re reaching a juncture in this election year when understanding the socio-political landscape of our neighbors is incredibly important for people before going into a voting booth,” Junger said in a statement.
The documentary is the second co-directed by Junger and Quested for National Geographic Documentary Films, following their 2017 “Hell on Earth: The Fall of Syria and the Rise of ISIS.” It comes out Sept. 30 on the National Geographic channel.
The propensity to report from these dangerous locales is not new for them. Junger’s first documentary, co-directed with the late Tim Hetherington, was 2010’s “Restrepo,” which followed for more than year the U.S. Army’s 2nd Battalion of the 503rd Infantry Regiment of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team in Afghanistan’s Korengal Valley. That movie was a companion to his book “War,” and provided fodder for many of the projects that followed, including a sequel, “Korengal.”
A 2014 interview with CQ Roll Call hints at the approach to such material. “One of the things I wanted to do with ‘Korengal’ is get that conversation going, and if it makes people squirm, good. I mean, if you don’t squirm at that stuff, there’s something missing from you,” Junger said then. “If you start disassembling combat and understand it, yes, it gets very dark. It gets very everything for that matter.”


rollcall--2020-08-04--Trump’s TikTok threat lacks coherent tech strategy, experts say

President Donald Trump ’ s push to ban the popular video-sharing app TikTok is only the latest in a yearslong @ @ @ @ @ slow China ’ s technology juggernaut .
But experts say the U.S. effort lacks a @ @ @ @ @ tech investment as well as concerns of key American allies .
“ I think Trump @ @ @ @ @ is like the Mongol hordes ; he points the sword and everyone gallops , but @ @ @ @ @ lot of coordination , ” said Jim Lewis , director of the technology and public @ @ @ @ @ for Strategic and International Studies .
The United States appears to be taking a multipronged @ @ @ @ @ s technology goals spelled out in its “ Made in China 2025 ” industrial policy @ @ @ @ @ the country the dominant global power in tech and manufacturing .
But there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ on how far to go , ” Lewis said .

President Donald Trump’s push to ban the popular video-sharing app TikTok is only the latest in a yearslong struggle by his administration to slow China’s technology juggernaut.
But experts say the U.S. effort lacks a well-coordinated policy that addresses domestic tech investment as well as concerns of key American allies.
“I think Trump’s model of administration is like the Mongol hordes; he points the sword and everyone gallops, but there’s not a lot of coordination,” said Jim Lewis, director of the technology and public policy program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
The United States appears to be taking a multipronged approach to thwarting China’s technology goals spelled out in its “Made in China 2025” industrial policy, which seeks to make the country the dominant global power in tech and manufacturing. But there’s “disagreement within the administration on how far to go,” Lewis said.