rollcall--2020-01-31--Trump administration adds travel restrictions to six countries

Passage of the original travel ban prompted protests like this one at Dulles International Airport on Jan. 29 , 2017 .
( Photo By Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call ) The Trump administration announced it will place travel restrictions on six additional countries , expanding a policy that has severely prohibited travel from targeted nations .
President Donald Trump signed a new proclamation Friday suspending immigrant visas for Eritrea , Kyrgyzstan , Myanmar and Nigeria .
The remaining two countries , Sudan and Tanzania , will be barred from participating in the diversity visa lottery , which randomly allocates 50,000 green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates of immigration to the United States .
The new restrictions are scheduled to take effect Feb. 22 and would not apply to temporary visitors , U.S. permanent residents from those nations or anyone who has already been issued visas in the now-restricted categories .
Individuals in these six countries who end up in queue for visa interviews after Feb. 22 would be subject to the new restrictions , but would also be evaluated for possible waivers , according to Homeland Security and State Department officials .
“ The 13 countries that currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among the lowest of the low ” when assessing for several requirements the administration deems necessary for national security and admissibility , one of the officials said on a call with journalists Friday .
“ The new six countries have greater prospects of improvement , but have similar deficiencies to the original seven , ” he added .
Based on fiscal 2018 statistics , the official estimated about 12,400 people could be affected by updated restrictions before any waivers and exceptions apply .
The official mentioned the new nations on the list had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They do not issue passports with electronic chips , have not enforced lost passport reporting policies consistent with international standards and have not shared criminal and biometric information with the United States .
They also may exhibit economic or political conditions that make them vulnerable to terrorist groups .
“ We look at compliance and risk in tandem , because we are intrinsically more concerned about risk stemming from gaps and vulnerabilities in high-risk countries , particularly the higher risk that a terrorist can come to the United States , ” the official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identity management and information sharing gaps become a much higher priority , although we do expect all nations in the world to meet the baseline.
” One official said the expanded travel ban would not `` apply to any refugee processing . ''
The current travel ban already prohibits visas for anyone traveling to the U.S. from Iran , Libya , Somalia , Syria and Yemen — all predominantly Muslim countries .
North Korea and political officials from Venezuela also are covered under the current ban .
Omar Jadwat , director of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ Rights Project , asserted that “ the ban should be ended — not expanded.
” “ President Trump is doubling down on his signature anti-Muslim policy — and using the ban as a way to put even more of his prejudices into practice by excluding more communities of color , '' he said in a statement .
`` Families , universities , and businesses in the United States are paying an ever-higher price for President Trump ’ s ignorance and racism.
” The ACLU has filed lawsuits challenging different versions of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issued his initial version of the policy on Jan. 27 , 2017 , just days after he was sworn into office .
Soon after , several federal judges issued injunctions blocking implementation of the travel restrictions .
The Trump administration issued a second version of its ban in March 2017 that removed Iraq from the list of targeted countries as well as restrictions on Syrian refugees .
After a federal judge struck down that iteration , the Trump administration issued a third version of the ban , which the Supreme Court upheld in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed most parts of the order to go into effect .
However , the courts requested the Trump administration continue to issue waivers to certain foreign nationals from the countries under the travel ban .
According to the most recent data from the State Department , a total of 79,769 foreign nationals from countries under the current travel ban submitted applications for a waiver from Dec. 8 , 2017 to Dec. 31 , 2019 .
However , only 17,798 visas were allocated and more than half — specifically 42,048 applications — were deemed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ban .
In anticipation of the administration 's expansion of the policy , Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Monday that the Judiciary Committee will take up legislation ( HR 221 ) to repeal the travel ban .
Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler , D-N.Y. , and Rep. Zoe Lofgren , the California Democrat who chairs the Immigration and Citizenship Subcommittee , promised to mark up the measure within two weeks .
“ This vital legislation would repeal the Muslim ban , strengthen provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act by prohibiting discrimination based on religion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prohibit the entry of noncitizens can no longer be abused in this manner , '' they said in a joint statement Friday .

The Trump administration announced it will place travel restrictions on six additional countries, expanding a policy that has severely prohibited travel from targeted nations.
President Donald Trump signed a new proclamation Friday suspending immigrant visas for Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar and Nigeria. The remaining two countries, Sudan and Tanzania, will be barred from participating in the diversity visa lottery, which randomly allocates 50,000 green cards each year to countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.
The new restrictions are scheduled to take effect Feb. 22 and would not apply to temporary visitors, U.S. permanent residents from those nations or anyone who has already been issued visas in the now-restricted categories. Individuals in these six countries who end up in queue for visa interviews after Feb. 22 would be subject to the new restrictions, but would also be evaluated for possible waivers, according to Homeland Security and State Department officials.
“The 13 countries that currently have travel restrictions imposed on them rank among the lowest of the low” when assessing for several requirements the administration deems necessary for national security and admissibility, one of the officials said on a call with journalists Friday.


rollcall--2020-01-31--Senate rejects motion for witnesses at Trump impeachment trial

House managers Rep. Sylvia R. Garcia , D-Texas , and Rep. Adam B. Schiff , D-Calif. , walk to the Senate chamber for the start of the Senate impeachment trial proceedings on Jan. 31 .
( Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call ) The Senate on Friday rejected a motion to hear from additional witnesses or to see new documents in its impeachment trial of President Donald Trump , ending weeks of speculation over whether Republicans would break with their party to extend the trial .
Republican senators largely stuck together in Friday ’ s pivotal 49-51 vote that would have allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voting on whether to remove Trump from office on the two articles of impeachment presented by House impeachment managers .
The Senate adjourned , subject to the call of the chair , immediately after the vote as both parties huddled to determine next steps .
The White House and Republicans leaders in the Senate had hoped to hold the vote to acquit Trump Friday night , but that may not happen .
“ Senators will now confer among ourselves , with the House Managers , and with the President ’ s counsel to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conclude the trial in the coming days , ” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , said in a statement .
Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer of New York called the outcome of the vote “ a grand tragedy.
” “ The Senate turned away from truth and went along with a sham trial , ” he said .
Schumer said he would be meeting with the Democratic caucus to discuss next steps for the impeachment trial , but would not signal to reporters what those could be .
Leaving the chamber @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Democratic presidential contender , responded to a reporter 's shouted question of “ Are you going to Iowa ?
” For weeks , Democrats have urged the Senate to subpoena documents from the White House Office of Management and Budget and to compel the testimony of Trump ’ s former national security adviser John Bolton .
Democrats say that Bolton and those documents can definitively prove that Trump withheld military aid for Ukraine in exchange for a political favor from that country .
Late Thursday night , Tennessee Republican Lamar Alexander , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his term and was seen as potential “ yes ” vote on the motion , said that he would vote against calling additional witnesses .
And early Friday afternoon , Alaska Republican Lisa Murkowski , seen as another potential swing vote on the motion , announced that she too would vote against hearing from additional witnesses .
Two Republicans — Susan Collins of Maine and Mitt Romney of Utah —supported the motion , which all Democrats supported .
Friday ’ s debate on the motion was lively following a New York Times report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bolton to pressure Ukrainian government officials to produce damning information on Democrats .
The Times , citing an unpublished manuscript of Bolton ’ s coming memoir , said that acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney , Trump ’ s personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani and White House counsel Pat Cipollone — who argued in Trump ’ s defense on the Senate floor — were in the Oval Office when Trump ordered Bolton to advance the scheme .
Lead House impeachment manager Adam B. Schiff of California opened debate on the motion predicting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surface .
“ Just as we predicted , and it didn ’ t require any great act of clairvoyance , the facts will come out , they will continue to come out , ” Schiff told the Senate .
“ The question before you today is whether they will come out in time for you to make a complete and informed judgment.
” Debate on the motion was divided into two hours for each side , first giving the House managers a chance to make their case with Cipollone sitting just a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team argued that if any new witnesses were called , like Bolton or others on the Democrats ’ wish list , that the president ’ s counsel would also get to call witnesses , including some who testified before the House Intelligence Committee whom Trump ’ s defense didn ’ t get to cross-examine .
They repeated the argument that the Senate should not be tasked with introducing new information , alleging that the House investigators failed to do their job and are asking the Senate to finish it .
Patrick Philbin and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two hours they were permitted to argue against calling witnesses .
“ I am not going to take the time , your time , which is precious , to go over each and every allegation about witnesses that I could .
I could do it , I could stand here for a long time .
But I will not do that .
I will just say this : They created the record .
Do not allow them to penalize the country and the Constitution because they failed to do their job , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McPherson and Michael Macagnone contributed to this report .

The Senate on Friday rejected a motion to hear from additional witnesses or to see new documents in its impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, ending weeks of speculation over whether Republicans would break with their party to extend the trial.
Republican senators largely stuck together in Friday’s pivotal 49-51 vote that would have allowed the body to subpoena new information before voting on whether to remove Trump from office on the two articles of impeachment presented by House impeachment managers.
The Senate adjourned, subject to the call of the chair, immediately after the vote as both parties huddled to determine next steps. The White House and Republicans leaders in the Senate had hoped to hold the vote to acquit Trump Friday night, but that may not happen.
“Senators will now confer among ourselves, with the House Managers, and with the President’s counsel to determine next steps as we prepare to conclude the trial in the coming days,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said in a statement.
Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer of New York called the outcome of the vote “a grand tragedy.”


rollcall--2020-01-31--Dogs and gavels is a thing now

Dogs and gavels is a thing now

Deco tried to take over the chairman ’ s seat , but he kept sliding off .
That didn ’ t stop him from owning the room — lounging on the dais , pawing the wooden gavel and basking in the “ ooos ” and “ ahhs ” of everyone there .
The 5-month-old French bulldog belongs to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , congresswoman and Instagram power user , which means this was hardly his first time in front of a camera .
But there was something dignified about this particular photo shoot .
It took place in the House Rules Committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are shaped .
“ I got an email today that said ‘ Dog Schedule , ’ ” committee communications director Jeff Gohringer told me of how Thursday ’ s pet project came together .
The idea was simple : Photograph dogs in the committee room , surrounded by the ceremonial objects of legislating .
Forget dogs playing poker .
This would be dogs holding gavels .
That ’ s why a stream of them came through the room this week .
Rep. David Joyce ’ s 5-year-old golden retriever was there , enjoying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( The first came when a reporter spotted him walking through the Capitol complex holding his leash in his mouth . )
Congressional pups Luna , Webster , Sage and Annie also posed , sitting ( or trying to sit ) in the chairman ’ s leather swivel seat .
The actual chairman of the House Rules Committee is Rep. Jim McGovern , and it was a pet belonging to one of his staffers who helped to start the “ dogs holding gavels ” trend last fall .
Other staffers started inquiring about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and members like Rep. Rashida Tlaib joined in .
To say Congress loves dogs is an understatement .
“ On any given day , I ’ ve got two or three dogs running loose in my office , ” Sen. Thom Tillistold Heard on the Hill in October .
He was hosting a doggy costume parade at the time .
The senator started his annual Halloween event a couple years ago , but his canine parties are rowdy and loud , with shark fins and wigs and lots of barking .
Thursday ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There were no barks — probably because there were plenty of treats .
“ We ’ re ready for Henry now , ” Gohringer called out , signaling for the next dog to take the dais .
Rep. Dean Phillips ’ Norwich terrier was up .
Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call on your iPhone .

Deco tried to take over the chairman’s seat, but he kept sliding off.
That didn’t stop him from owning the room — lounging on the dais, pawing the wooden gavel and basking in the “ooos” and “ahhs” of everyone there.
The 5-month-old French bulldog belongs to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, congresswoman and Instagram power user, which means this was hardly his first time in front of a camera. But there was something dignified about this particular photo shoot. It took place in the House Rules Committee room, where grand agendas and timelines are shaped.
“I got an email today that said ‘Dog Schedule,’” committee communications director Jeff Gohringer told me of how Thursday’s pet project came together.
Deco temporarily takes over the chairman’s role. (Courtesy Jeff Gohringer)
The idea was simple: Photograph dogs in the committee room, surrounded by the ceremonial objects of legislating. Forget dogs playing poker. This would be dogs holding gavels.


rollcall--2020-01-31--Happy Birthday, Mr. Chief Justice: Congressional Hits and Misses

“ I ’ m sure this is exactly how you planned to celebrate , ” Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said @ @ @ @ @ Roberts Jr. , the chief justice , as another week of the Senate impeachment trial @ @ @ @ @ Senate squabbled over calling witnesses , Rep. Marc Veasey took a trip to Chuck E. @ @ @ @ @ plugged her Super Bowl pick and Sen. Rand Paul ditched the trial altogether to complain @ @ @ @ @ read .
Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call on your iPhone .

“I’m sure this is exactly how you planned to celebrate,” Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said to birthday boy John G. Roberts Jr., the chief justice, as another week of the Senate impeachment trial got underway. While the Senate squabbled over calling witnesses, Rep. Marc Veasey took a trip to Chuck E. Cheese, Speaker Nancy Pelosi plugged her Super Bowl pick and Sen. Rand Paul ditched the trial altogether to complain about his question not being read.


rollcall--2020-01-31--Barr's call for law enforcement access to commercial encryption

Attorney General William Barr cited widespread access to “ military grade encryption ” as a key challenge in fighting human @ @ @ @ @ to do something about this ” he said Friday morning .
The cabinet official told @ @ @ @ @ human trafficking summit that he recently met with his counterparts in the “ Five Eyes @ @ @ @ @ five countries the United States , Australia , Canada , New Zealand , the United @ @ @ @ @ .
Barr said the Justice Department is working together with their international partners , victims @ @ @ @ @ find a solution to the issue .

Attorney General William Barr cited widespread access to “military grade encryption” as a key challenge in fighting human trafficking. “We have to do something about this” he said Friday morning.
The cabinet official told attendees at the White House human trafficking summit that he recently met with his counterparts in the “Five Eyes” — a group of five countries the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, that share intelligence.


rollcall--2020-01-31--Organic farming elbows through chips, soda for Super Bowl spot

Organic farmers will get a brief turn in the Super Bowl spotlight Sunday in a commercial that urges beer drinkers to buy more six-packs to help fund efforts to increase the number of certified organic acres in the United States .
The “ 6 For 6 Pack ” ad tells suds lovers a share of money spent on a six-pack of Anheuser-Busch ’ s Michelob Ultra Pure Gold can help a farmer and convert six square feet of conventional cropland into six square feet of organic land .
Michelob Ultra Pure Gold sports a Department of Agriculture certified organic seal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ farmers , which includes those who grow the barley used in the organic brew .
The acres that produce certified organic fruits , vegetables , grains and feed constitute less than 1 percent of the nearly 915 million acres of U.S. farmland .
The USDA organic seal on food and ingredients can put a few more dollars in a farmer ’ s pocket if the grower can make it through the three-year period required to transition land used to raise crops with pesticides and synthetic fertilizers to acres that can be certified organic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a gold standard for certified organic food crops , but farmers have complained for years that meeting that standard is often a financial hardship .
A farmer who raises crops on the land during the three years may not use any conventional chemicals to fight weeds , insects or disease .
The alternatives to chemicals are generally more labor intensive and expensive .
The farmer also is working to enrich the soil by growing cover crops that fix nitrogen and other nutrients in the dirt .
The cover crops add to costs because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The farmer takes on the additional costs , but can not call anything harvested during those three years organic , which means no premium prices .
The Super Bowl commercial 's six-pack campaign would provide additional funding for the brand ’ s Contract for Change , a program that includes helping barley growers with the financial cost of converting conventional farmland to USDA certified organic status .
According to Adweek , the commercial will launch a year-long digital campaign that will include stories from farmers the company is working with .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under three- to six-year contracts with the company and receive premium prices whether the crop is conventionally grown or certified organic .
Crops grown on land in transition are used in Anheuser-Busch ’ s non-organic bands .
Jess Newman , senior agriculture director for the beer giant , said the funding aids farmers during the three-year conversion process and eventually will result in more organic barley cropland .
Proceeds from the six-pack campaign will be used for premium payments under the Contract for Change program and a separate grant program for farmers not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ land to organic status , Newman said .
She said the program is an outgrowth of “ the best practices from the organic industry to reduce some of these barriers growers face when they want to transition .
We guarantee the long-term market .
We pay transitional premiums to help farmers get over that transitional hump .
We also provide technical support.
” For Anheuser-Busch , the arrangement helps to ensure that it will have a steady barley supply for its products .
Newman said she estimates the contract program could move 6,500 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organic status .
Johanna Mirenda , farm policy director for the Organic Trade Association , said the transition costs along with market volatility make the decision to go organic even tougher for conventional grain growers .
She said her organization sees the Super Bowl ad as a teaching tool for the general public and a way for the trade group to do outreach to accomplish its goal of expanding organic farming “ acre by acre , farm by farm.
” “ It ’ s incredible , the number of people that will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Organic farmers will get a brief turn in the Super Bowl spotlight Sunday in a commercial that urges beer drinkers to buy more six-packs to help fund efforts to increase the number of certified organic acres in the United States.
The “6 For 6 Pack” ad tells suds lovers a share of money spent on a six-pack of Anheuser-Busch’s Michelob Ultra Pure Gold can help a farmer and convert six square feet of conventional cropland into six square feet of organic land. Michelob Ultra Pure Gold sports a Department of Agriculture certified organic seal.
The 60-second ad focuses on grain farmers, which includes those who grow the barley used in the organic brew. The acres that produce certified organic fruits, vegetables, grains and feed constitute less than 1 percent of the nearly 915 million acres of U.S. farmland.
The USDA organic seal on food and ingredients can put a few more dollars in a farmer’s pocket if the grower can make it through the three-year period required to transition land used to raise crops with pesticides and synthetic fertilizers to acres that can be certified organic.


rollcall--2020-01-31--Liberal group endorses Democrats in competitive primaries

Michigan Rep. Fred Upton ’ s district in Michigan is one of the Republican seats Democrats are seeking to capture this year .
A liberal advocacy group endorsed one of the Democrats vying to unseat him .
( Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call ) Five Democrats in competitive House primaries in four states were endorsed Friday by the Progressive Change Campaign Committee , a group pushing for liberal policies including the Green New Deal and expansion of Medicare and Social Security .
The group called the move a “ show of progressive energy , ” in a news release obtained by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ endorsements follow those by preferred presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren .
The Massachusetts senator earlier this week endorsed two of the PCCC-backed candidates , Mondaire Jones in New York ’ s 17th District and Candace Valenzuela in Texas ’ s 24th .
A third , Georgette Gómez in California ’ s 53rd , was endorsed by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders , Warren ’ s rival for the progressive mantle in the Democratic presidential primaries .
The PCCC also endorsed Jon Hoadley in Michigan ’ s 6th District and Mike Siegel in Texas ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are top targets for Democrats in 2020 .
In the 10th District , Siegel is looking for a rematch against GOP Rep. Michael McCaul after losing to McCaul by 4 points in 2018 .
The 24th District is an open seat race since GOP Rep. Kenny Marchant is retiring .
Valenzuela , a school board member , has the backing of EMILY ’ s List , but the race also features Air Force veteran Kim Olson , who VoteVets and New Politics have endorsed .
In Michigan , there has been speculation that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Commerce Committee chairman , would decide not run for an 18th term .
Democrats have signaled they ’ re targeting the seat whether it ’ s open or not .
Hoadley raised $ 208,000 in the final quarter of 2019 , ending the year with $ 247,000 in the bank .
Trump carried the district by about 8 points , and Inside Elections rates it Likely Republican .
The other candidates are running crowded primaries to replace retiring Democrats .
Jones , who worked in Obama ’ s Justice Department , had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York in a primary , but she decided not to run for reelection .
The race to succeed Rep. Susan A. Davis in California also features Sara Jacobs , who ran unsuccessfully for the nomination in the 49th District in 2018 .
The endorsements will be followed by emails to the PCCC ’ s supporters , which the group said number nearly 1 million , asking for grass roots contributions to the candidates .

Five Democrats in competitive House primaries in four states were endorsed Friday by the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, a group pushing for liberal policies including the Green New Deal and expansion of Medicare and Social Security.
The group called the move a “show of progressive energy,” in a news release obtained by CQ Roll Call, and said its endorsements follow those by preferred presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren. The Massachusetts senator earlier this week endorsed two of the PCCC-backed candidates, Mondaire Jones in New York’s 17th District and Candace Valenzuela in Texas’s 24th. A third, Georgette Gómez in California’s 53rd, was endorsed by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, Warren’s rival for the progressive mantle in the Democratic presidential primaries.
The PCCC also endorsed Jon Hoadley in Michigan’s 6th District and Mike Siegel in Texas’s 10th.
The two Texas seats, now held by Reps. Michael McCaul and Kenny Marchant, and the Michigan seat, now held by Rep. Fred Upton, are Republican-held districts being targeted by national Democrats. The other candidates are running crowded primaries to replace retiring Democratic Reps. Nita Lowey of New York and Susan A. Davis in California.
In Michigan, there has been speculation that Upton, a former Energy and Commerce Committee chairman, would decide not run for an 18th term. Democrats have signaled they’re targeting the seat whether it’s open or not. Hoadley raised $208,000 in the final quarter of 2019, ending the year with $247,000 in the bank. Trump carried the district by about 8 points, and Inside Elections rates it Likely Republican.


rollcall--2020-01-31--Photos of the Week: Groundhog Day edition

This is our Groundhog Day edition of Photos of the Week .
If senators emerge from their burrows and see @ @ @ @ @ be six more weeks of impeachment .
But like the movie “ Groundhog Day , @ @ @ @ @ make you relive this week all over again and again .
Get breaking news alerts @ @ @ @ @ on your iPhone .

This is our Groundhog Day edition of Photos of the Week. If senators emerge from their burrows and see their shadow, there will be six more weeks of impeachment. But like the movie “Groundhog Day,” we are going to make you relive this week all over again and again.
Kenneth Starr, a member of Trump’s impeachment legal team, arrives in the Capitol on Monday for the start of the Senate impeachment trial proceedings. Starr was the independent counsel whose investigation helped lead to the impeachment of President Bill Clinton in 1998. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith grabs a brown bag with her name on it from an aide as she walks through the Senate Reception Room to the Senate chamber on Monday for the start of impeachment trial proceedings. The Democrat informed us that the bag contained honey for her tea to help with her cough. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer tells reporters to ask questions one at a time at a news conference during a break in the impeachment trial on Monday. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis speaks with reporters through the closing elevator doors Tuesday before the start of the Senate impeachment trial proceedings. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham speaks with reporters Tuesday before the start of the impeachment trial proceedings. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Utah Sen. Mitt Romney talks with reporters in the Senate subway Tuesday before the continuation of the impeachment trial. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Reporters crowd around Graham in the hallway just off the Rotunda on Tuesday as he leaves a Senate Republicans’ caucus meeting to discuss witnesses for the Senate impeachment trial. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski speaks with reporters in the Senate subway on Tuesday as she leaves the same Senate GOP caucus meeting. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Lev Parnas, a Rudy Giuliani associate with ties to Ukraine, waits in Schumer’s office on Wednesday to pick up his gallery ticket to attend the impeachment trial. But his court-ordered GPS ankle bracelet later prevented him from watching the trial from the visitor gallery. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Alan Dershowitz, who is part of Trump’s legal team, arrives in the Capitol on Wednesday before the continuation of the impeachment trial. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
California Sen. Kamala Harris enters the Senate carriage entrance of the Capitol on Wednesday. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Demonstrators calling for witnesses in the impeachment trial assemble on the East Front of the Capitol on Wednesday. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, right, arrives in the Capitol for Thursday’s session of the impeachment trial. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
A staffer carries multiple binders as he walks through the Senate Reception Room before the start of the impeachment trial on Thursday. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)


rollcall--2020-01-31--How much does impeachment cost?

How much does impeachment cost?

A staffer carries multiple binders as he walks through the Senate Reception Room before the continuation of the impeachment trial @ @ @ @ @ ( Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call ) Four months — that ’ s how long Congress @ @ @ @ @ trying President Donald Trump , and it all costs money .
The process of investigating @ @ @ @ @ a tab but exactly how much and how does such a lengthy process get paid @ @ @ @ @ Roll Call examines where Congress finds the dough when a president ’ s actions are @ @ @ @ @ or not you ’ ll be picking up the tab .
Get breaking news alerts @ @ @ @ @ on your iPhone .

Four months — that’s how long Congress has been busy impeaching and trying President Donald Trump, and it all costs money.
The process of investigating and impeaching can rack up a tab but exactly how much and how does such a lengthy process get paid for? Watch as CQ Roll Call examines where Congress finds the dough when a president’s actions are called into question and whether or not you’ll be picking up the tab.


rollcall--2020-01-31--Impeachment news roundup: Jan. 31

Impeachment news roundup: Jan. 31

Before the vote , the Senate broke for a quorum call after arguments from each side for and against hearing from witnesses .
During the active break , McConnell and Schumer huddled in the Senate chamber , along with GOP Sens .
John Cornyn and John Thune , seeming to negotiate in plain sight next steps for the impeachment trial .
The Democrats will be limited in the scope of amendments they can offer .
Any proposals seeking to subpoena witnesses and documents would be out of order after the vote on considering new evidence is unsuccessful .
Here is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ | Reaction potpourri : “ It was fun , ” Oklahoma Sen. James M. Inhofe said of the Republican meeting that followed a vote to not hear witnesses .
“ I think everyone ’ s pleased with the way things are going now , ” he said of Senate Republicans .
“ And we ’ re also beyond all that time we have to sit in agony and listen to that stuff .
It ’ s a lot more painful than you guys think.
” The American Conservative Union already announced it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event .
The Utah Republican was one of two GOP senators to vote in favor of allowing witnesses .
Blunt , asked if he ’ s satisfied with voting Wednesday , said , “ I ’ d rather conclude it right away.
” “ The president is gratified that finally , at long last , after multiple Senate sessions [ that ] his acquittal is possible , ” White House legislative affairs director Eric Ueland said .
“ We do not believe that that schedule interferes with the ability to deliver a strong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week.
” Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn told reporters he thinks the unknown delays of potential witness litigation carried the day in Friday 's votes .
`` Well , I think , what was I think the most persuasive was just the open ended consequences of starting down that path and the litigation that would ensue , '' Cornyn said .
Sen. Lisa Murkowski said she 's decided how she plans to vote on the articles but she does n't want to share it with reporters tonight .
`` I 've had so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to chill , '' the Alaska Republican said .
West Virginia Democrat Joe Manchin told reporters he has not made his decision yet but he does plan to speak on the Senate floor either Monday or Tuesday .
2:25 p.m. | Half a trial : Trump ’ s former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly believes a Senate trial without new witnesses has the appearance of “ half a trial.
” “ In my view , they kind of leave themselves open to a lot of criticism , ” Kelly said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NJ Advance Media .
Kelly also said he believes former national security adviser John Bolton ’ s assertion in his forthcoming book that Trump directed his deputies to withhold congressionally appropriated military aid to Ukraine until the new government in Kyiv agreed to announce investigations into his political rival Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden .
Bolton was “ a copious note taker ” and “ an honest guy and an honorable guy , ” Kelly said in the interview .
Kelly left the administration at the end of 2018 after his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the point where the two did not speak .
1:52 p.m. | Explaining himself : Alexander responded “ yes ” when asked Friday if he was supporting Trump ’ s reelection .
“ I don ’ t need to hear any more evidence to decide that the president did what he ’ s charged with doing .
So , if you ’ ve got eight witnesses saying that you left the scene of an accident , you don ’ t need nine , ” Alexander said in a Friday interview with NPR .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ punishment to every offense , ” he said .
“ There ’ s a reason why in 230 years we ’ ve never removed a president through the impeachment clause , because the founders envisioned that the people would make the decision about who the president is and , in this case , the election to determine the president begins on Monday in Iowa.
” Alexander said there were several reasons why the president should be dissuaded from committing similar acts in the future .
“ I would think that the fact that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impeachment process would be something for him to think about.
” Alexander said , “ I think the fact that he ’ s about to run for reelection and present himself to all the American people and try to get a majority of votes would be something to think about .
I think the fact that he has appropriations bills , which we have to vote on War Powers Acts , which we have to vote on , his decision to take money and use it to build a wall in a way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to vote on.
” 1:32 p.m. | Unpopular opinion : Republican Sens .
Tim Scott , Kevin Cramer and Rob Portman disagreed with Alexander ’ s calling the president ’ s actions with Ukraine inappropriate .
Scott told reporters such an interpretation required too much parsing of Trump ’ s motives .
“ So , you know , I hear what [ Alexander ’ s ] saying but I don ’ t know how you draw that conclusion , ” Scott said .
Cramer also disagreed with Alexander ’ s conclusion that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I don ’ t think he acted improperly in terms of what he was accused of doing and certainly in terms of what the record shows , ” Cramer said , pointing to years of partisan opposition from Democrats in Congress .
He said he felt confident Republicans would hold together and vote along a party line to acquit Trump .
Portman said his thinking on Trump ’ s actions were similar to Alexander ’ s .
“ I have said consistently for the past four months , since the Zelenskiy transcript @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that some of the president ’ s actions in this case — including asking a foreign country to investigate a potential political opponent and the delay of aid to Ukraine — were wrong and inappropriate , ” he said .
“ But I do not believe that the president ’ s actions rise to the level of removing a duly-elected president from office and taking him off the ballot in the middle of an election.
” Portman said that would set “ a dangerous precedent — all but guaranteeing a proliferation of highly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future — if we allow the House of Representatives to force the Senate to compel witness testimony that they never secured for themselves.
” 12:55 p.m. | Nadler out : Rep. Jerrold Nadler , one of the House impeachment managers , will miss Friday ’ s vote , saying he would be with his wife , who was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer .
“ We have many decisions to make as a family , ” Nadler tweeted .
“ I have every faith in my colleagues and hope the Senate will do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Advice : Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said he talked to Trump last night and passed along his take on the process .
“ I said , listen , I think Lamar [ Alexander ] probably captured where most Americans are , that we don ’ t want to legitimize partisan impeachment with this process , weaponizing impeachment in terms of the political process , but to those who say it was perfect : No.
” Asked how Trump reacted , Graham said , “ I did n't talk to him about Lamar .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to hear that.
” “ Impeachment really should be reserved for those situations where it shakes the constitutional foundation , ” he added .
“ I think Nixon did that.
” 12:27 p.m. | Another Bolton bombshell : Just before the Senate was to resume its trial , The New York Times published another excerpt from the manuscript of former national security adviser John Bolton ’ s book that revealed Trump was involved in the Ukraine pressure campaign earlier than witnesses had testified .
In the manuscript , Bolton writes that Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal attorney Rudy Giuliani with his campaign to pressure Ukraine into investigating political rivals in return for a nearly $ 400 million military aid package .
Bolton said that acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney and White House counsel Pat Cipollone were in the meeting with the president , the newspaper reported .
12:11 p.m. | Not going there : Republican Sen. Mike Rounds told reporters he doesn ’ t think Trump did anything to merit removal from office , but wouldn ’ t address whether the president acted properly .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not rise to an impeachable offense .
I ’ m not going to try to lay out different degrees , ” he said .
Rounds later told reporters he would like the Senate to have public deliberations .
“ I will make my statement public regardless , ” he said .
11:29 a.m. | Close to the vest : Schumer declined to say whether he would amend a motion to proceed to the question on the articles against Trump or answer questions about any procedural tactics he plans to deploy .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into any details , '' he said .
“ I have to have a discussion with my caucus.
” Asked about a potential tie vote , Schumer simply said it ’ s up to Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. on whether he wants to break it .
He said the chief justice knows every trial has witnesses and documents .
He reiterated his view that a vote to acquit Trump won ’ t carry weight without the Senate hearing additional evidence .
“ Any acquittal of the president has no value , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Post-mortem : Schumer answered a question about whether the House managers could have done anything differently to convince Republicans by saying , “ The House managers have done a very , very good job.
” Like he has in past days , Schumer tried to downplay Democrats ’ expected defeat on witnesses by noting they always knew it was an uphill fight with Trump , “ a vindictive , nasty president , ” going after anyone who sides against him .
“ Americans know that Democrats are for a fair trial and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they know Republicans are opposing even that , ” he said .
“ So we ’ re very gratified about how this has moved forward.
” 11:19 a.m. | Blackout : Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown said the single camera in the Senate chamber that doesn ’ t show senators during the trial proceedings and the media restrictions imposed in the Capitol are part of McConnell ’ s efforts to have a predetermined , speedy acquittal done when no one is watching .
The Ohio Democrat said after the witness debate Friday he plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Senate lights on so all the American people can see .
“ I filed a motion to make sure these are open to the public , not done behind closed doors , ” Brown said .
Brown declined to answer questions about his motion , saying Democrats would be discussing that in the caucus .
Sen. Kamala Harris predicted the trial will end Friday or Saturday with Republicans voting to acquit Trump .
“ The bottom line is at the end of this , they will probably get what they want , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ introduced , the former federal prosecutor said , “ they can not walk out of this building and allege and assert that will be a true acquittal.
” 11:19 a.m. | Cover-up : Schumer on Friday called it “ deeply disturbing ” that a few of his Republican colleagues announced Thursday night they would vote against hearing additional evidence .
He said Alexander came down on the wrong side on evidence even as he acknowledged the House proved the president did what he was accused of .
Schumer said Alexander said aloud what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If Republicans block consideration of witnesses , “ this country is headed toward the greatest cover-up since Watergate , ” Schumer said .
At the same news conference , Sen. Patty Murray acknowledged that Republicans appear headed toward a Friday vote to acquit Trump .
“ Senate Republicans are about to make a terrible choice , ” she said .
“ They ’ re about to dismiss this with a shrug and a ‘ who cares.
’ ” Murray urged Republicans to change course and side with Democrats to hear additional evidence .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Trump offered a critique of the House managers ’ performance , saying they were fighting among themselves .
9:20 a.m. | Procedural moves : Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer has said he could try to force procedural votes before the final vote .
“ The minority has rights , and we will exercise those rights , ” Schumer told reporters on Thursday .
8:30 a.m. | Alexander ’ s decision : The Tennessee Republican , who is retiring at the end of his current term , said that the House proved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conduct didn ’ t rise to the level that the Constitution called for to remove a president from office .
“ It was inappropriate for the president to ask a foreign leader to investigate his political opponent and to withhold United States aid to encourage that investigation , ” Alexander said .
“ When elected officials inappropriately interfere with such investigations , it undermines the principle of equal justice under the law .
But the Constitution does not give the Senate the power to remove the president from office and ban him from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actions that are inappropriate.
” Alexander described the second article , relating to obstruction of Congress , as “ frivolous , ” saying that one , “ would remove the president for asserting his constitutional prerogative to protect confidential conversations with his close advisers.
” 8 a.m. | Collins statement : The Maine senator , who is facing a competitive reelection race brought on in part because of her vote to confirm Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh , said she believed “ hearing from certain witnesses would give each side the opportunity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , resolve any ambiguities , and provide additional clarity.
” “ If this motion passes , I believe that the most sensible way to proceed would be for the House Managers and the President ’ s attorneys to attempt to agree on a limited and equal number of witnesses for each side .
If they can ’ t agree , then the Senate could choose the number of witnesses.
” 7:30 a.m. | Trump speaks : Shortly after Alexander ’ s issued his statement , Trump tweeted what appeared to be a campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TO COME , ” the president tweeted at 11:22 p.m. with a Fox News graphic of Gallup poll results that showed satisfaction with issues like the economy , terrorism and race relations up significantly since his inauguration .
7 a.m. | Bolton speaks : Bolton , who is at the top of Democrats ’ witnesses , commended Trump administration officials who testified in the House inquiry .
“ All of them acted in the best interest of the country as they saw it and consistent to what they thought our policies were , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Austin , Texas , KXAN reported .
The House had requested that Bolton testify in its inquiry but the White House blocked him and other administration officials from appearing .
Revelations from a manuscript from his forthcoming book reported by The New York Times appeared to verify attempts by Trump to force Ukraine to investigate political opponents in return for freeing up military aid to the country , which had given Democrats hope that enough Republicans might cross party lines and vote for more witnesses .

Sen. Roy Blunt said he was told McConnell and Schumer have an agreement on an organizing resolution to be adopted Friday. The resolution will provide for four hours of closing arguments Monday, equally divided, he said.
[Impeachment trial endgame: Republicans hope for Friday vote to acquit Trump]
Before the vote, the Senate broke for a quorum call after arguments from each side for and against hearing from witnesses. During the active break, McConnell and Schumer huddled in the Senate chamber, along with GOP Sens. John Cornyn and John Thune, seeming to negotiate in plain sight next steps for the impeachment trial.
The Democrats will be limited in the scope of amendments they can offer. Any proposals seeking to subpoena witnesses and documents would be out of order after the vote on considering new evidence is unsuccessful.
Here is the latest on impeachment:
8:45 p.m. | Reaction potpourri: “It was fun,” Oklahoma Sen. James M. Inhofe said of the Republican meeting that followed a vote to not hear witnesses.
“I think everyone’s pleased with the way things are going now,” he said of Senate Republicans. “And we’re also beyond all that time we have to sit in agony and listen to that stuff. It’s a lot more painful than you guys think.”
“It’s a fair trial, sure,” Inhofe added.
The American Conservative Union already announced it would disinvite Mitt Romney from its 2020 CPAC event. The Utah Republican was one of two GOP senators to vote in favor of allowing witnesses.
Blunt, asked if he’s satisfied with voting Wednesday, said, “I’d rather conclude it right away.”


rollcall--2020-01-31--US health system could face strain if coronavirus spreads here

Chinese students wear masks as they wait to take a train in Beijing on Friday .
The number of cases of a deadly new coronavirus rose to almost 9,700 in mainland China .
( Kevin Frayer/Getty Images ) The coronavirus outbreak spreading in China could expose vulnerabilities in the U.S. health care system if transmission became widespread here , experts warn .
Among the challenges the U.S. could face in a coronavirus outbreak are health care workforce and medical supply shortages , a lack of hospital beds if the disease symptoms prove severe , and a financial strain on health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the federal government over the years .
Experts also warn against short-term measures such as travel restrictions , arguing that these sow an atmosphere of mistrust that can lead to sick people hiding their illnesses and potentially making the outbreak worse .
For now , the U.S. has been spared from the worst of the outbreak .
The vast majority of cases are in China , where the government placed travel restrictions on millions of its citizens as the number of sickened people continues to grow .
There were over 7,700 cases and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to China ’ s National Health Commission .
Confirmation of the first locally transmitted case on Thursday added to the concern about a U.S. outbreak , but federal health officials maintain that the risk to the general public is low .
For health officials on the front lines of preparing for local transmission , the situation bolsters their arguments for sustained preparedness funding .
Nirav Shah , director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention , said he and officials in other states have been able to plan a response to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requires resources , and this is a good example of why ensuring sustainable funding for state and federal public health really should be a priority , not just now but going forward , ” said Shah , who is also the chairman of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials infectious disease policy committee .
The Trust for America ’ s Health , an advocacy group that promotes illness prevention , tracks the amount of government funding available for health preparedness .
The group ’ s most recent report from last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fairly stagnant budgets with diminishing federal support .
Federal funds for state and local health preparedness fell from $ 940 million in fiscal 2002 to $ 675 million in 2019 and hospital emergency preparedness funds were cut from $ 515 million in 2004 to $ 265 million in fiscal 2019 , according to the group ’ s 2019 report .
[ Lawmakers fret over China ’ s virus info as US local case emerges ] A group of other researchers including Bipartisan Policy Center experts argue there is a $ 4.5 billion annual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health departments receive and what they need to have the capacity to respond to emergencies .
Dara Lieberman , the Trust ’ s director of government relations , calls this the country ’ s biggest health care vulnerability as states struggle to maintain their normal functions before an outbreak .
“ Health care and emergency care is already at capacity in a lot of areas , so any strain on the system could be catastrophic , depending on what kind of outbreak we ’ re facing , ” she said .
“ Imagine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where there has been a hospital closure lately .
That ’ s a scary scenario.
” If an outbreak spreads between individuals in the U.S. , hospitals and health care providers could expect a surge in people seeking emergency or primary care .
“ Hospitals should be dusting off their pandemic plans , ” said Eric Toner , a Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security senior scholar .
“ We don ’ t yet know whether this will become a pandemic , but it takes time to do the education and refresher training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They don ’ t implement these plans on a regular basis.
” Those plans include training for the use of protective equipment and other infection control protocols , he said .
Toner noted that two areas of concern could be intensive care unit capacity and the availability of medical ventilators if respiratory symptoms of the coronavirus are severe .
Roslyne Schulman , director of policy for the American Hospital Association , said hospitals treat infectious disease patients every day and staff constantly undergo re-training in proper infection control practices in order to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are identified .
Since a possible outbreak could come at the worst of the annual flu season , Shah from Maine said it could add to the strain that hospitals are already experiencing with seasonal flu .
The flu , he said , “ still presents a greater risk to almost everybody in the United States than the novel coronavirus , at least as of right now.
” Some experts also predict that the health care system may have to learn to deal with coronavirus on an ongoing basis , like the flu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that this could become a sustained spread of disease ” if the attempts to control it in China fail , Thomas J. Bollyky , director of the global health program at the Council on Foreign Relations , said on a conference call Wednesday .
That ’ s why it is so important to develop medical countermeasures like vaccines , he said .
While he was optimistic about vaccines being developed by the National Institutes of Health and elsewhere , “ most vaccine candidates fail , ” he warned .
“ People should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which a vaccine might emerge and also the likelihood of success , ” he said , adding another difficult question that would arise if a vaccine is developed : “ Who gets it first ?
”

The coronavirus outbreak spreading in China could expose vulnerabilities in the U.S. health care system if transmission became widespread here, experts warn.
Among the challenges the U.S. could face in a coronavirus outbreak are health care workforce and medical supply shortages, a lack of hospital beds if the disease symptoms prove severe, and a financial strain on health departments that have seen waning support from the federal government over the years.
[U.S. ready for potential coronavirus outbreak, CDC assures lawmakers]
Experts also warn against short-term measures such as travel restrictions, arguing that these sow an atmosphere of mistrust that can lead to sick people hiding their illnesses and potentially making the outbreak worse.
For now, the U.S. has been spared from the worst of the outbreak. The vast majority of cases are in China, where the government placed travel restrictions on millions of its citizens as the number of sickened people continues to grow. There were over 7,700 cases and 170 deaths as of Thursday, according to China’s National Health Commission.


rollcall--2020-01-31--HHS cheers overdose drop but urges states to cap Medicaid

The White House announced the first decline in overdose deaths since the earliest days of the opioid crisis and attributed it to administration actions , even as officials simultaneously said they would let states cap funding for Medicaid , a common way for patients to get treatment .
A 4 percent dip in the number of overdose deaths from 2017 to 2018 could indicate that the crest of the opioid crisis has passed , said White House senior aide Kellyanne Conway , who called the new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data a “ turning point.
” The trend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 2016 , with different rates of change over time , but the 2018 rate dropped meaningfully from 2017 , said the CDC .
Conway attributed the progress to the administration ’ s actions , including implementing a 2018 bipartisan law that called for millions more in grants to address the opioid crisis .
The improvement in the overdose rate contributed to an overall uptick in Americans ’ longevity .
For the first time since 2014 , life expectancy in the U.S. increased in 2018 , attributable in part to advancements in cancer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Center for Health Statistics report released Thursday .
However , the drug overdose decreases may not be continuing into 2019 .
“ The decline doesn ’ t appear to be continuing into 2019 .
It appears rather flat and maybe actually increasing a little bit , ” Robert Anderson , head of the mortality statistics branch at the CDC ’ s National Center for Health Statistics , said on a call with reporters .
Those increases are being driven by the evolving nature of drug abuse , with the numbers of deaths due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as deaths from cocaine , methamphetamines , and combinations of those three drugs , Anderson said .
Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary of Health Brett Giroir , who helps lead the administration ’ s efforts on the opioid crisis , said the White House has been “ shocked ” by declines in longevity in the U.S. over the past few years .
In an interview with CQ Roll Call , Giroir cited the reduction in opioid overdose deaths to things like the declining use of prescription painkillers , increased use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expanded access to addiction treatment .
But he acknowledged the need to focus on threats that could reverse the positive trends , like methamphetamine use .
He said that methamphetamine users were often illicit opioid users first , “ so we do believe that the overall work we ’ ve been doing on opioids will substantively affect in a positive way the number of people who wind up using ” drugs like methamphetamine .
More broadly , he attributed the increases in life expectancy to factors like the strong economy in addition to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Giroir pointed to other Trump administration priorities that he hoped would help keep life expectancy moving in the right direction , including efforts to limit HIV transmissions , addressing chronic kidney disease , trying to limit tobacco use and encouraging people to get vaccinated against influenza .
Meanwhile , another Trump administration official , Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma , announced the agency would expand states ’ options to limit Medicaid funding .
Four in 10 non-elderly adults with opioid use disorder are covered by Medicaid , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The new policy would also permit states to create a closed drug formulary , allowing states to decline to cover some pricey drugs , but with guardrails to protect drugs for individuals with HIV or behavioral health conditions .
Those protections would seem to safeguard patients with opioid use disorder from the part of the Trump administration ’ s proposal affecting medication .
But Democrats and consumer advocates raised concerns that the proposed limits on overall funding could negatively impact patients at risk of overdoses .
“ The block grant is bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Jocelyn Guyer , managing director at Manatt Health .
“ There ’ s no two ways about it .
There ’ s fewer federal resources .
… The first thing you would need to worry about is fewer people having coverage than otherwise have it.
” She said she is “ deeply concerned about the impact of the block grant on some of the progress we ’ re just starting to see with regard to the opioid epidemic.
” Democrats in Congress raised similar alarms that the Medicaid guidance could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This rule will harm our ongoing efforts to combat the opioid and addiction epidemic and will increase the number of Americans without access to affordable health care coverage , ” Sen. Mark Warner , D-Va. , said in a statement .
Oklahoma GOP Gov .
Kevin Stitt announced Thursday that the state plans to submit a waiver to receive capped Medicaid funding in exchange for added flexibility .
Giroir defended the policy , arguing that state experiences with block grants for things like substance abuse have allowed them to spend their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I fundamentally believe that states will know how to better focus their health care dollars on what they need for their states , ” he said .
Giroir , who is from Texas , added : “ Someone in Washington , D.C. , can ’ t tell somebody in Texas what ’ s necessary for south Texas .
”

The White House announced the first decline in overdose deaths since the earliest days of the opioid crisis and attributed it to administration actions, even as officials simultaneously said they would let states cap funding for Medicaid, a common way for patients to get treatment.
A 4 percent dip in the number of overdose deaths from 2017 to 2018 could indicate that the crest of the opioid crisis has passed, said White House senior aide Kellyanne Conway, who called the new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data a “turning point.”
[Cryptocurrencies complicate effort to stop opioid dealers]
The trend line in overdose deaths rose from 1999 to 2016, with different rates of change over time, but the 2018 rate dropped meaningfully from 2017, said the CDC.
Conway attributed the progress to the administration’s actions, including implementing a 2018 bipartisan law that called for millions more in grants to address the opioid crisis.


rollcall--2020-01-30--View from the gallery: Impeachment trial end in sight, senators fight common cold

Artists Art Lien , left , and William J. Hennessy Jr. sketch scenes from the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump in the Capitol on Thursday .
( Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call ) Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell stood up to send a question to President Donald Trump ’ s defense team around 6:45 p.m. Thursday , but first he suggested an upcoming 45-minute break for dinner .
Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. , instead of his usual response of “ without objection , ” changed it to a phrase that resonated with the haggard senators and others in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure there ’ s no objection , ” Roberts said , causing a murmur of laughter to spread even to the page delivering the paper card with McConnell ’ s question to the rostrum .
It was the ninth day in the chamber for the third presidential impeachment trial in U.S. history , and the 100 senators appeared tired from the two-week grind and eager to move to a section of the trial where they might speak and vote .
As an attorney for the Trump team answered the first question after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sat empty .
Utah Republican Mike Lee used his index finger to scroll through his Apple Watch .
( The device is technically forbidden in the chamber , but that seems to now only apply to the galleries , not the senators themselves . )
McConnell removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes .
Vermont independent Bernie Sanders removed his glasses as well , and totally covered his face with his hands .
Democratic Sens .
Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico chatted in their back-row desks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a question to the desk on behalf of Minnesota Democrat Amy Klobuchar , but she was not yet back from dinner .
She emerged from the cloakroom to take her desk midway through the answer , then left the chamber again when it was done .
The senators appeared to be looking for distractions all day .
At one point , Tennessee Republican Lamar Alexander attentively listened as Roberts read a question out loud , but then flipped through a thin book during the responses .
Sen. Charles E. Grassley tackled some housekeeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the top of the mahogany desk and then getting to work on the drawer .
The Iowa Republican put a notebook and pen on top of his desk and a rogue single binder clip .
He pulled out a large stack of printouts and put them on the empty chair next to him .
He shuffled things around in the drawer , making room to put the big stack of printouts back in .
He used the binder clip on another stack of paper and tucked it away .
Eventually , he set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sideways on top of the open drawer , the cover sticking up over the top of the desk looking like a laptop .
Finally settled , he read through documents and took some notes .
Republican senators swapped seats Thursday afternoon to confer with colleagues to fine-tune questions they were collaborating on .
Ben Sasse of Nebraska slipped into neighbor Tim Scott ’ s empty seat to chat with Rob Portman of Ohio .
When Scott came in from the cloakroom , he sat in Sasse ’ s seat without a second thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Louisiana sat in the seat of Michael D. Crapo of Idaho to hash out details with fellow Idahoan Jim Risch , both leaning over a notebook .
When Cassidy stood up , he headed to the GOP cloakroom .
Hawaii Democrat Brian Schatz had a crumpled brown paper bag on his desk , full of what appeared to be cough drops .
He leaned forward over his desk to share a big handful with West Virginia Democrat Joe Manchin III , who received most of them , but some fell to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his desk and then grabbed the casualties off the floor .
The exchange raised the eyebrows of Wisconsin Democrat Tammy Baldwin , who was in the middle of it all , sitting in front of Schatz and next to Manchin .
Baldwin has battled a cough and cold for most of the trial and Manchin shared some of his cough drop bounty with her .
Texas Republican John Cornyn let out a big sneeze in the early hours of the session , using both hands to cover his mouth .
Minnesota Democrat Tina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the people in the Senate chamber have some version of a cough or cold .
Outside the chamber and in the galleries , there is much talk of the “ Senate plague ” that has afflicted those spending so much time Senate side .
“ It ’ s like a petri dish .
Even Chief Justice Roberts was clearing his throat .
One theory is that we all used the same pen to sign the oath book , and here we are , ” Smith tweeted .
“ Everyone is looking ahead to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussions appeared to be starting in earnest Thursday .
At the 3:40 p.m. break , several senators lingered in what amounted to an impromptu bipartisan couples mixer .
Manchin walked over to the GOP side to speak with seated Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio .
That conversation ended with Manchin moving down the aisle to encounter Sen. John Thune , R-S.D.
, in some frisky mock-pushing of each other .
Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins had a lengthy conversation with Washington Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell , then walked arm-in-arm out of the chamber @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hang out and wait for Lisa Murkowski , R-Alaska , who was wrapping up a lengthy and hand-gesture-heavy discussion with McConnell .
A GOP aide mentioned that the pair were matching .
They laughed and held open their black blazers to show off deep blue/purple dresses .
Cantwell and Murkowski , the leaders of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee , spent the next few minutes talking , backs to the press gallery .
Later still in the break , Manchin poked his head into the GOP cloakroom .
Loud reactions and laughter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with handshakes and pats on the back .
He exited with a can of Pringles , which he seemed pretty happy about , showing them off to GOP staffers in the chamber .
He then made a beeline for his own Democratic cloakroom , where there was no fanfare upon his arrival .
In the afternoon , an audible murmur emanated from both sides of the aisle when the chief justice read aloud Sen. Elizabeth Warren ’ s question asking whether the trial ’ s proceedings reflect poorly on the chief justice himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the contents of the card about himself as he read aloud the question from the Massachusetts Democrat .
“ In a time when large majorities of Americans have lost faith in government , does the fact that the chief justice is presiding over an impeachment trial in which Republican senators have thus far refused to allow witnesses and evidence contribute to the loss of legitimacy of the chief justice , the Supreme Court , and the Constitution ?
” Roberts read .
Democratic House manager Adam B. Schiff attempted to quell the tensions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ presided admirably.
” As proceedings got underway , there was a scurry to ditch contraband cell phones .
Cassidy handed his to a page , and Indiana Republican Sen. Todd Young jogged to the cloakroom , phone in hand , to stash his own .
At one point , there was some confusion at the House impeachment managers ’ table when they were asked to respond to a question from Alabama Democrat Doug Jones on the House ’ s subpoena authority .
Schiff and Rep. Zoe Lofgren , both of California , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question .
After a quick conversation , Schiff headed to the microphone with no notes .
He told senators that the specific list that Jones asked for wasn ’ t immediately available , but they could compile it .
Lofgren jumped up and handed Schiff the list .
On Wednesday night , Lofgren admitted her enthusiasm and confidence in the question-and-answer portion of the trial .
“ I want to stand up and answer all the questions , ” she told senators .
House lawmakers made their way to the Senate after their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reps. Dean Phillips of Minnesota and Tom Malinowski of New Jersey , both Democratic freshmen , stood by the doors behind the Republican desks before being pointed to the Democratic side of the chamber .
Reps. Chip Roy and Daniel Crenshaw of Texas sat in the back of the Republican side , along with West Virginia ’ s Alex X. Mooney .
Wyoming Republican Sen. John Barrasso handed a folded piece of newspaper to a page , and said a few words to the teen .
The page took the clipping and showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the chamber , both smiling widely .
The page then tucked it into the inside pocket of his signature navy polyester page blazer .
Was it a new photo with the page in the background ?
A clipping from a hometown paper ?
That secret remains between Barrasso and the page .
Tia Yang , Griffin Connolly , Jacob Metz , Patrick Kelley and Jason Dick contributed to this story .

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell stood up to send a question to President Donald Trump’s defense team around 6:45 p.m. Thursday, but first he suggested an upcoming 45-minute break for dinner.
Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., instead of his usual response of “without objection,” changed it to a phrase that resonated with the haggard senators and others in the chamber. “I’m sure there’s no objection,” Roberts said, causing a murmur of laughter to spread even to the page delivering the paper card with McConnell’s question to the rostrum.
It was the ninth day in the chamber for the third presidential impeachment trial in U.S. history, and the 100 senators appeared tired from the two-week grind and eager to move to a section of the trial where they might speak and vote.
As an attorney for the Trump team answered the first question after the dinner break, at least 40 desks sat empty. Utah Republican Mike Lee used his index finger to scroll through his Apple Watch. (The device is technically forbidden in the chamber, but that seems to now only apply to the galleries, not the senators themselves.)
McConnell removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes. Vermont independent Bernie Sanders removed his glasses as well, and totally covered his face with his hands.


rollcall--2020-02-03--The SOTU guest list: Who are lawmakers bringing?

Former Washington National Jayson Werth was a guest of Rep. Rodney Davis at President Donald Trump 's State of the Union address in 2018 .
( Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo ) President Donald Trump is on deck to deliver his third State of the Union , and what he ’ ll say about impeachment is the big question of the night .
Whether he lets fly with the “ i ” -word or avoids it , congressional Democrats are trying to move on — or at least that ’ s what they ’ re signaling with the guests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring one guest each , and sometimes the list is highly topical , like when Democrats invited migrant mothers as debate raged over the Trump administration ’ s family separation policy at the border in 2019 .
This doesn ’ t seem to be one of those years .
Lawmakers are still trying to make a point — just not about the topic that has consumed Washington for two months , namely impeachment .
No one invited John Bolton ( that we know of ) .
Instead , members of Congress are trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ table issues , like health care and the economy .
Here ’ s a sampling of the guest list so far : Chris Burrows , retired Flint school teacher and diabetic concerned over rising cost of prescription drugs and repeal of the 2010 health care law — Rep. Dan Kildee , D-Mich. Michelle Freedman , caretaker of a child with Type 1 diabetes — Rep. Earl Blumenauer , D-Ore , who is once again boycotting the speech , saying in a press release , “ I have chosen not to dignify Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Bakari Burns , CEO of Health Care Center for the Homeless , a nonprofit organization that provides primary medical , dental and vision care and counseling at Orange Blossom Family Health in Orlando , Florida — Rep. Val Demings , D-Fla. Jillian Hudspeth , president and CEO of New Jersey Primary Care Association , which oversees New Jersey ’ s Federally Qualified Health Centers — Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. , D-N.J. Jeff Lunde , mayor behind the push for a pathway to citizenship for Brooklyn Park ’ s Liberian community — Rep. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a reentry professional working with ex-offenders , high-risk adults , and various community service and faith-based organizations in Los Angeles — Sen. Kamala Harris , D-Calif. Ismail Alghazali , Yemeni-American citizen separated from his wife and two young children by the Trump administration ’ s Muslim ban — Rep. Judy Chu , D-Calif. Mary Ann Mendoza , an advocate for the “ Angel Family ” community and enforcing immigration laws — Rep. Andy Biggs , R-Ariz. Habon Abdulle , executive director of the Women Organizing Women Network , a nonprofit aimed at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ilhan Omar , D-Minn. Hailey Seals , daughter of fallen Jersey City Detective Joe Seals , who was shot and killed in December by two armed anti-Semitic extremists — Rep. Tom Malinowski , D-N.J .
Rob Serra , retired New York City firefighter who served on 9/11 and an advocate for permanent authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act — Rep. Max Rose , D-N.Y. Eric Adams , police officer in Laconia , New Hampshire , who works on drug addiction and recovery issues — Rep. Maggie Hassan , D-N.H. Andrea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McNamara , one of the Capital Gazette journalists killed in Annapolis in 2018 — Sen. Chris Van Hollen , D-Md .
Ernie Bergman , president of the Vietnam Veterans of America Marin County Chapter — Rep. Jared Huffman , D-Calif. Gil Hernandez , advocate with the Veterans of Foreign Wars — Rep. Jacky Rosen , D-Nev. Courtney Wild , molested by Jeffrey Epstein and inspiration for a victim ’ s rights bill — Rep. Jackie Speier , D-Calif. Abdul Quddus Chaudhry , security officer at LaGuardia Airport and member of the 32BJ SEIU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jennifer Lewis , third-generation dairy farmer in Michigan and advocate for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement , or USMCA — Rep. Tim Walberg , R-Mich. John Ridley , creator of the Emmy-winning “ American Crime ” and Academy Award winner in screenwriting for “ 12 Years a Slave ” — Rep. Gwen Moore , D-Wis .

President Donald Trump is on deck to deliver his third State of the Union, and what he’ll say about impeachment is the big question of the night.
Whether he lets fly with the “i”-word or avoids it, congressional Democrats are trying to move on — or at least that’s what they’re signaling with the guests they’ve invited.
Lawmakers can bring one guest each, and sometimes the list is highly topical, like when Democrats invited migrant mothers as debate raged over the Trump administration’s family separation policy at the border in 2019.
This doesn’t seem to be one of those years. Lawmakers are still trying to make a point — just not about the topic that has consumed Washington for two months, namely impeachment.


rollcall--2020-02-03--Infrastructure week is back again

Infrastructure week is back again

UNITED STATES - JANUARY 23 : Storm clouds pass over the dome of the U.S. Capitol building on Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ ( Photo By Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call ) House Democrats are making another attempt to @ @ @ @ @ program , and both parties say they want one .
But they 've been saying @ @ @ @ @ there ’ s been no real progress .
So what ’ s this latest effort @ @ @ @ @ transportation and infrastructure reporter for CQ Roll Call joins the podcast to explain what 's @ @ @ @ @ news alerts and more from Roll Call on your iPhone .

House Democrats are making another attempt to pass a big infrastructure spending program, and both parties say they want one. But they’ve been saying that for years now and there’s been no real progress. So what’s this latest effort about? Jessica Wehrman, transportation and infrastructure reporter for CQ Roll Call joins the podcast to explain what’s going on.


rollcall--2020-02-03--State of the Union: Democrats, Republicans brace for a hostile Trump

Sen. Chris Murphy , D-Conn. , is “ expecting the worst ” from President Donald Trump at Tuesday ’ s State of the Union address as the Senate impeachment vote looms .
( Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo ) Democrats and Republican lawmakers are bracing for a whole new level of partisan belligerence from President Donald Trump at the State of the Union on Tuesday , less than 24 hours before the Senate is expected to vote to acquit him of both articles of impeachment he faces .
“ I ’ m expecting the worst , ” Sen. Chris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he would not be surprised if Trump made pointed remarks about the press , Democratic lawmakers , and the impeachment managers presenting the case against him over the last two-and-a-half weeks .
It is simply “ not in his DNA to do anything more than boast and lie to us , ” Hawaii Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono said when asked about her expectations for Trump ’ s address .
“ I would love for him to talk about bringing the country together , but I think that ’ s asking too much of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declined Friday to say whether Trump plans to mention impeachment during his speech .
“ It ’ s never safe to assume anything , ” the official said .
Speechwriters have been preparing for the president to present a “ vision of relentless optimism ” and a largely upbeat speech focused on a handful of policy victories that , when pieced together , form a narrative of “ the great American comeback , ” the official said .
A significant part of the president ’ s remarks is expected to highlight victories on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new trade pact with Mexico and Canada .
Health care policy goals , including reducing prescription drug prices , will also feature heavily , as will reprises of Trump ’ s support for paid family leave and expanded school choice , the senior official said .
But the president has a well-known propensity to veer into personal attacks on his political rivals .
And while those diatribes have served him well at campaign rallies before thousands of supporters , they would be certain to meet a frosty response before Congress , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chamber .
Virginia Democratic Rep. Gerald E. Connolly does not expect any “ histrionics ” from his House colleagues as long as Trump sticks to boilerplate talking points about the successes of his administration and resists taking political pot shots at his Democratic rivals .
“ The president is our guest , and he will be treated with respect as our guest , ” said Connolly , who sits on two of the House committees , Foreign Affairs and Oversight and Reform , that investigated the president ’ s actions in Ukraine .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ speech to gloat about his impending acquittal , he could be walking into “ a bit of a minefield , ” Connolly warned .
Republicans advised the president from the Capitol on Monday not to harp on the last two weeks ’ proceedings or brag about his imminent acquittal .
But they acknowledged they do not know if the president will heed their caution .
“ Does anybody imagine that they know [ what the president is going to say ] ?
Not me !
” said GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he personally could not pull off a State of the Union address riddled with snipes at political rivals over impeachment , the president ’ s pugnacious personal brand could lend itself to such a speech .
“ Donald Trump has been very successful being Donald Trump , ” the North Dakota Republican said .
“ Most people that have suggested he be something different have never been president .
And he has , ” Cramer said .
Sen. Marco Rubio likewise advised Trump not mention impeachment since that aspect of his speech would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the chief executive ’ s signature annual opportunity to tout the achievements of his presidency .
“ There ’ s no way that you talk about that and that not be the takeaway .
As opposed to some of the other things that I hope we should focus on , ” the Florida Republican said .
Rubio would prefer Trump to talk about the current state of affairs on international trade , school choice , and relations with countries in the Middle East such as Iran and Iraq , among other issues , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State of the Union speech is hardly the first to be delivered amid an impeachment investigation or trial .
During his final State of the Union address on January 30 , 1974 , President Richard Nixon declared that “ one year of Watergate is enough ” and asked Congress to quickly conclude its investigations into the scandal so that the government could return to the people ’ s business without further distraction .
President Bill Clinton did not mention impeachment during his 1999 State of the Union address , despite White House counsel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day .
Virtually every lawmaker who commented on Capitol Hill Monday wants Trump to eschew attacks on his adversaries over impeachment .
“ He has the opportunity to try to bring people together or further divide them , ” Democratic Sen. Jon Tester of Montana said .
“ I ’ ll let you know after the speech is over with which one he did .
”

Democrats and Republican lawmakers are bracing for a whole new level of partisan belligerence from President Donald Trump at the State of the Union on Tuesday, less than 24 hours before the Senate is expected to vote to acquit him of both articles of impeachment he faces.
“I’m expecting the worst,” Sen. Chris Murphy told reporters Monday, saying that he would not be surprised if Trump made pointed remarks about the press, Democratic lawmakers, and the impeachment managers presenting the case against him over the last two-and-a-half weeks.
It is simply “not in his DNA to do anything more than boast and lie to us,” Hawaii Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono said when asked about her expectations for Trump’s address. “I would love for him to talk about bringing the country together, but I think that’s asking too much of this president.”
A senior administration official declined Friday to say whether Trump plans to mention impeachment during his speech.


rollcall--2020-02-03--View from the gallery: Senators pack up desks as impeachment trial nears its end

Sen. Elizabeth Warren , D-Mass.
, leaves the Capitol after the conclusion of the Senate impeachment trial proceedings on Feb. 3 .
( Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call ) Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer tightly hugged Rep. Adam B. Schiff just after the closing argument in President Donald Trump ’ s impeachment trial , and spoke directly into the House lead manager ’ s ear for about 10 seconds .
Before the New York senator let go , he gave Schiff three loud pats on the back , as a line of other Senate Democrats waited to hug the California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feet away , White House counsel Pat Cipollone stood alone for the scene , until Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky approached alone and said something that made both men smile .
It was the 11th day in the chamber for the third presidential impeachment trial in U.S. history , and the 100 senators had to power through just a few hours of closing arguments with soaring rhetoric but little new information .
A few senators reacted when they appeared in videos that Trump ’ s defense team played , including a series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ praising the president for signing bipartisan legislation .
The video started with Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts praising Trump for signing legislation designed to stem the inflow of illegal drugs into the country .
Virginia Democrat Mark Warner , who sits right next to Markey , conversed with Markey as the clip played .
Both men smiled as the video moved on to a speaking role from Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire about the same law .
The video later showed Chris Coons of Delaware directly praising Trump in the Oval Office for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When that clip ended , Coons turned to Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and raised his eyebrows .
Klobuchar , in turn , patted him on the shoulder .
Patrick J. Leahy had a copy of former President John F. Kennedy ’ s book , “ Profiles in Courage , ” sitting on the left side of his desk .
The Vermont Democrat showed off the book to reporters as he walked through the Senate basement to the chamber , and said : “ There are too many who say they know what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really do it.
” But there were indications that few senators hadn ’ t already made up their minds .
Several Democratic senators were gone while Trump ’ s legal team made its closing arguments , and likewise some Republicans were gone when Schiff spoke .
That included vocal Trump defender and Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham of South Carolina , who missed all of Schiff ’ s final words .
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders , who spent the weekend campaigning in Iowa ahead of Monday ’ s caucuses that kick off the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He took his glasses off to rub his eyes and let out a big yawn .
His wife , Jane O'Meara Sanders , watched from the family gallery .
That means she ’ s not stumping as a campaign surrogate in Iowa , where Sanders , Klobuchar , Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Michael Bennet of Colorado compete tonight for the Democratic nomination .
Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and David Perdue of Georgia weren ’ t taking any chances with whatever coughing , sniffling bug their colleagues are trading around .
Both Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanitizer , which Perdue used early in Monday ’ s session .
Cassidy placed a large bottle on top of his desk , perhaps as a beacon to encourage other senators to use it .
Oregon Democrat Ron Wyden packed up his binders and folders and put them on his lap as Schiff began to speak , ready to make an exit as soon as arguments finished .
The folders and binders were covered in doodles and scrawls , pen markings everywhere and circular drawings visible from the balcony .
Mitt Romney of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two Republicans who voted in favor of hearing witnesses , met in the aisle of the chamber after arguments wrapped up .
They greeted each other with a smile , and Romney nudged Collins ’ arm while they exchanged a few words .
Republicans seated in the back row of the Senate chamber did a major desk clean out in anticipation of the impeachment trial being over later this week , when they ’ ll spend significantly less time at their assigned desks .
Ben Sasse of Nebraska , Ted Cruz of Texas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cassidy all had the tops of their desks lifted open and started taking huge stacks of binders and papers and folders out .
They tossed some things in the trash , piled others together to bring back to their offices and sorted out the items to keep in their desks .
Arizona Democrat Sen. Kyrsten Sinema carried a small white piñata in the shape of a unicorn after the court of impeachment adjourned .
Its white body had a colorful fringe along the edges .
She brought it into the cloakroom , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was stuffed into her purse .
After Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. adjourned the court of impeachment , Republicans Roy Blunt of Missouri and Jerry Moran of Kansas conferred for several minutes .
Both senators were wearing red ties the day after the Kansas City Chiefs won the Super Bowl .
Moran hadn ’ t been in his seat for Schiff ’ s argument , and only stepped back into the chamber from the cloakroom after Schiff wrapped up .
When the Senate returned to regular business , there was confusion about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Missouri Republican Josh Hawley was ready to go , sitting dutifully at his desk .
But staff and leadership were figuring out how to transition President Pro Tempore Charles E. Grassley of Iowa out of the presiding officer ’ s chair .
“ I ’ ve just been sitting here , ” Hawley told Blunt and McConnell aide Laura Dove , signaling that he was ready whenever they were .
The trial was all over , save for the vote Wednesday .

Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer tightly hugged Rep. Adam B. Schiff just after the closing argument in President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial, and spoke directly into the House lead manager’s ear for about 10 seconds.
Before the New York senator let go, he gave Schiff three loud pats on the back, as a line of other Senate Democrats waited to hug the California Democrat or shake his hand.
Just feet away, White House counsel Pat Cipollone stood alone for the scene, until Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky approached alone and said something that made both men smile.
It was the 11th day in the chamber for the third presidential impeachment trial in U.S. history, and the 100 senators had to power through just a few hours of closing arguments with soaring rhetoric but little new information.


rollcall--2020-02-03--Illinois poll illustrates one challenge in campaign coverage

While polling elections is a challenge , analyzing polls can be even more dangerous .
I considered scrapping a couple days of reporting work on a survey memo on an upcoming Democratic primary , but decided to share what happened to provide a small window into how I digest polling .
Illinois Rep. Daniel Lipinski fended off a competitive challenge in the 2018 Democratic primary and recently released a poll that showed him with a 23-point lead in a 2020 rematch with Marie Newman .
That felt like a stretch considering their 2-point race a couple years ago .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters by Expedition Strategies showed Lipinski with a 50 percent to 27 percent lead over Newman in the March 17 primary , when leaners were included .
The memo presented the results as the initial ballot — where voters are asked to pick their candidate of choice in a hypothetical primary match-up before any messages are tested .
A spokeswoman for the Lipinski campaign told Greg Hinz of Crain ’ s Chicago Business that the horse-race question “ was asked before any introduction of positives or negatives on the candidates , or any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a campaign poll and would be in line for Expedition Strategies , which is headed by one of Democrats ’ top pollsters , Pete Brodnitz .
A subsequent exchange , however , between the Lipinski campaign and one of my CQ Roll Call colleagues raised a red flag for me about whether the numbers released were indeed an initial ballot question .
“ The poll tested candidate favorability and asked dozens of questions about the pertinent issues in the race on a wide range of topics , ” according to an email @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of questions about pertinent issues in the race ” potentially being asked before the ballot test was concerning .
By asking that many questions , there is a risk of influencing the ballot test question by giving voters information they may not have when they vote in a few weeks .
So after a couple of unanswered emails to the campaign , I reached out to Brodnitz .
He confirmed that the ballot test came before any questions that would have influenced responses .
It was preceded by “ screeners ” ( to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a question about the respondent ’ s most important issue , and favorability of all of the candidates on the ballot .
Brodnitz added that there was “ no message testing or any other content before the ballot and the ballot was a normal ballot with no message or added information included in it.
” With clarity on the methodology , I still didn ’ t think the results were stellar for Lipinski , even in the face of his large lead .
While reaching 50 percent might be considered a position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I thought it demonstrated a potentially low ceiling for an eight-term incumbent among voters who have been supporting him or his father ( former Rep. Bill Lipinski , who preceded him in office ) for more than 30 years .
Even in his own survey , Daniel Lipinski was slightly down from this 51.1 percent showing in the 2018 primary .
Brodnitz had another view .
In a multi-candidate race , Lipinski is well-positioned to win , even if all of the undecided voters support Newman .
Unlike 2018 , when there were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t need to win a majority because there are four candidates on the 2020 ballot .
And after spending nearly $ 1.5 million in the 2018 race , Newman starts with higher name identification compared to a typical upstart challenger .
That means her current lack of support isn ’ t necessarily because voters are not familiar with her candidacy .
Up to this point , the Newman campaign has chosen to criticize the Lipinski polling without releasing its own survey numbers .
I still believe Newman is better positioned than Lipinski @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undecided voters and that this will be another close race .
But I ’ m convinced his overall position is stronger than I previously thought .
This exercise has also been a lesson in clarifying methodology by reaching out to the key principal and being willing to see another perspective .

While polling elections is a challenge, analyzing polls can be even more dangerous. I considered scrapping a couple days of reporting work on a survey memo on an upcoming Democratic primary, but decided to share what happened to provide a small window into how I digest polling.
Illinois Rep. Daniel Lipinski fended off a competitive challenge in the 2018 Democratic primary and recently released a poll that showed him with a 23-point lead in a 2020 rematch with Marie Newman. That felt like a stretch considering their 2-point race a couple years ago.
The Jan. 7-9 survey of 600 likely Democratic voters by Expedition Strategies showed Lipinski with a 50 percent to 27 percent lead over Newman in the March 17 primary, when leaners were included.
The memo presented the results as the initial ballot — where voters are asked to pick their candidate of choice in a hypothetical primary match-up before any messages are tested. A spokeswoman for the Lipinski campaign told Greg Hinz of Crain’s Chicago Business that the horse-race question “was asked before any introduction of positives or negatives on the candidates, or any push question.” This is proper methodology for a campaign poll and would be in line for Expedition Strategies, which is headed by one of Democrats’ top pollsters, Pete Brodnitz.
A subsequent exchange, however, between the Lipinski campaign and one of my CQ Roll Call colleagues raised a red flag for me about whether the numbers released were indeed an initial ballot question.