cnbc--2020-03-16--Romney proposes sending $1,000 checks to every American to ease coronavirus economic pain

Republican presidential candidate , former Massachusetts Gov .
Mitt Romney speaks during a campaign stop at Lansing Community College May 8 , 2012 in Lansing , Michigan .
Last night former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum gave his endorsement to Gov .
Romney in an e-mail sent to supporters .
GOP Sen. Mitt Romney proposed on Monday sending every American adult $ 1,000 to ease the financial pain of the coronavirus pandemic that has tanked global markets and threatened to grind U.S. economic activity to a halt .
The proposal from the 2012 Republican nominee for president came as the White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement over the necessary stimulus measures to contain the unfolding economic crisis .
National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow , asked on Monday by a reporter whether the White House would support direct cash assistance to American households , paused and said `` we might . ''
`` The answer : 'could be , ' '' Kudlow said .
Markets , which have snapped their 11-year bull run , continued to plunge on Monday despite the Federal Reserve 's announcement over the weekend that it would cut its benchmark rate to nearly zero @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quantitative easing program .
Workers in service industries are getting slammed as airlines cancel travel and cities force restaurants to close or limit their capacity .
Meanwhile , school closures are forcing parents to stay home to watch their children , including hourly workers who will have to forego paychecks .
`` While expansions of paid leave , unemployment insurance , and SNAP benefits are crucial , the check will help fill the gaps for Americans that may not quickly navigate different government options , '' Romney said in a statement .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican party under President Donald Trump .
Romney was the only Republican senator to vote to convict the president in his impeachment trial earlier this year .
But the idea of sending out stimulus checks has been gaining traction in recent weeks .
In an opinion article in The Wall Street Journal published earlier this month , Harvard University economist Jason Furman proposed sending $ 1,000 to every taxpaying resident or citizen , and $ 500 to every child .
Former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb and Michael Strain , director of economic policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , have also pushed the idea of direct cash assistance to low-income Americans .
On the left , Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , D-N.Y. , has suggested a universal basic income as a possible remedy .
`` This is not the time for half measures , '' she wrote in a post on Twitter .
`` We need to take dramatic action now to stave off the worst public health & economic affects . ''
Congress used similar stimulus measures to boost consumer spending amid the 2001 and 2008 recessions .
Under President George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out tax rebate checks of about $ 300 to $ 600 per household in 2001 and about $ 600 per person in 2008 .
Romney also proposed on Monday a plan to provide grants to small businesses that have lost more than 50 % of their revenue and student loan deferment for recent graduates .
His plan would also require all private insurance companies to cover telehealth services related to COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus .
At the moment , legislation intended to address the crisis remains in limbo .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed legislation that would require some employers to provide paid sick leave and allocate funding for unemployment insurance and food assistance .
In a statement on Monday , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he had yet to receive a final draft of the bill , which Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said required a `` technical correction . ''
Romney said Monday that the House bill `` contains critical measures '' and that the Senate should vote on it quickly .
`` We also urgently need to build on this legislation with additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet their short-term financial obligations , ease the financial burden on students entering the workforce , and protect health workers on the front lines and their patients by improving telehealth services , '' he said .
Earlier this month , Trump signed an $ 8.3 billion relief bill earlier that pumped funding into prevention efforts and research .
The White House has signaled that a third piece of legislation is on its way , geared toward helping particularly hard-hit industries including the airlines .

Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney speaks during a campaign stop at Lansing Community College May 8, 2012 in Lansing, Michigan. Last night former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum gave his endorsement to Gov. Romney in an e-mail sent to supporters.
GOP Sen. Mitt Romney proposed on Monday sending every American adult $1,000 to ease the financial pain of the coronavirus pandemic that has tanked global markets and threatened to grind U.S. economic activity to a halt.
The proposal from the 2012 Republican nominee for president came as the White House and Congress work to reach an agreement over the necessary stimulus measures to contain the unfolding economic crisis.
National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow, asked on Monday by a reporter whether the White House would support direct cash assistance to American households, paused and said "we might."
"The answer: 'could be,'" Kudlow said.
Markets, which have snapped their 11-year bull run, continued to plunge on Monday despite the Federal Reserve's announcement over the weekend that it would cut its benchmark rate to nearly zero and begin a massive $700 billion quantitative easing program.
Workers in service industries are getting slammed as airlines cancel travel and cities force restaurants to close or limit their capacity. Meanwhile, school closures are forcing parents to stay home to watch their children, including hourly workers who will have to forego paychecks.
"While expansions of paid leave, unemployment insurance, and SNAP benefits are crucial, the check will help fill the gaps for Americans that may not quickly navigate different government options," Romney said in a statement.
The Utah lawmaker has little influence in the Republican party under President Donald Trump. Romney was the only Republican senator to vote to convict the president in his impeachment trial earlier this year.
But the idea of sending out stimulus checks has been gaining traction in recent weeks.
In an opinion article in The Wall Street Journal published earlier this month, Harvard University economist Jason Furman proposed sending $1,000 to every taxpaying resident or citizen, and $500 to every child.
Former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb and Michael Strain, director of economic policy studies at the conservative American Enterprise Institute, have also pushed the idea of direct cash assistance to low-income Americans.
On the left, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., has suggested a universal basic income as a possible remedy.
"This is not the time for half measures," she wrote in a post on Twitter. "We need to take dramatic action now to stave off the worst public health & economic affects."
AOC tweet
Congress used similar stimulus measures to boost consumer spending amid the 2001 and 2008 recessions. Under President George W. Bush, the federal government sent out tax rebate checks of about $300 to $600 per household in 2001 and about $600 per person in 2008.
Romney also proposed on Monday a plan to provide grants to small businesses that have lost more than 50% of their revenue and student loan deferment for recent graduates. His plan would also require all private insurance companies to cover telehealth services related to COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus.
At the moment, legislation intended to address the crisis remains in limbo.
On Saturday, the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives passed legislation that would require some employers to provide paid sick leave and allocate funding for unemployment insurance and food assistance.
In a statement on Monday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he had yet to receive a final draft of the bill, which Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said required a "technical correction."
Romney said Monday that the House bill "contains critical measures" and that the Senate should vote on it quickly.
"We also urgently need to build on this legislation with additional action to help families and small businesses meet their short-term financial obligations, ease the financial burden on students entering the workforce, and protect health workers on the front lines and their patients by improving telehealth services," he said.
Earlier this month, Trump signed an $8.3 billion relief bill earlier that pumped funding into prevention efforts and research.
The White House has signaled that a third piece of legislation is on its way, geared toward helping particularly hard-hit industries including the airlines.


cnbc--2020-03-16--Biden leads Sanders in Ohio and Arizona as he looks to extend his primary edge: NBC/Marist polls

Former Vice President Joe Biden , 2020 Democratic presidential candidate , speaks during a campaign event in Columbus , Ohio , U.S. , on Tuesday , March 10 , 2020 .
Former Vice President Joe Biden leads Sen. Bernie Sanders in two of Tuesday 's four primaries as he looks to build a delegate lead his rival can not overcome , according to NBC News/Marist polls released Monday .
In Ohio , Biden garners 58 % of support among likely Democratic primary voters , compared with 35 % for Sanders , I-Vt. Biden has a smaller but still significant lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 53 % of support among likely voters in Tuesday 's contest , while Sanders comes in at 36 % .
Florida and Illinois , two of the largest states in the country , will also hold primaries .
Heading into the day 's contests , Biden leads Sanders 860 to 706 in the pledged delegate race .
A candidate needs to reach a 1,991-delegate majority to win the Democratic nomination and take on President Donald Trump in November .
Wins by wide margins in three or four of the states voting Tuesday could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He has also led recent surveys of Florida and Illinois .
The NBC News/Marist polls also gauged potential general election matchups in Ohio and Arizona , key 2020 swing states .
In Ohio , Biden and Sanders lead Trump by 4 and 2 percentage points , respectively .
The former vice president has a 1 percentage point edge over the incumbent in Arizona .
Sanders trails Trump by 3 percentage points .
Arizona also plays host to one of this year 's most important Senate races , as Democrats hope to unseat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to win a majority in the chamber .
Democrat Mark Kelly , a former astronaut , leads the incumbent by a 48 % to 45 % margin , according to the NBC/Marist poll .
The Ohio poll , conducted from March 10-13 , surveyed 1,710 registered voters with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.9 percentage points .
It polled 486 likely Democratic voters with a margin of error of plus or minus 5.6 percentage points .
The Arizona poll , conducted from March 10-15 , surveyed 2,523 registered voters with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minus 2.7 percentage points .
It polled 523 likely Democratic voters with a margin of error of plus or minus 6 percentage points .

Former Vice President Joe Biden, 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, speaks during a campaign event in Columbus, Ohio, U.S., on Tuesday, March 10, 2020.
Former Vice President Joe Biden leads Sen. Bernie Sanders in two of Tuesday's four primaries as he looks to build a delegate lead his rival cannot overcome, according to NBC News/Marist polls released Monday.
In Ohio, Biden garners 58% of support among likely Democratic primary voters, compared with 35% for Sanders, I-Vt.
Biden has a smaller but still significant lead over Sanders in Arizona. He gets 53% of support among likely voters in Tuesday's contest, while Sanders comes in at 36%.
Ohio awards 136 pledged delegates. Arizona allocates 67.
Florida and Illinois, two of the largest states in the country, will also hold primaries.
Heading into the day's contests, Biden leads Sanders 860 to 706 in the pledged delegate race. A candidate needs to reach a 1,991-delegate majority to win the Democratic nomination and take on President Donald Trump in November.
Wins by wide margins in three or four of the states voting Tuesday could all but seal the primary for Biden. He has also led recent surveys of Florida and Illinois.
The NBC News/Marist polls also gauged potential general election matchups in Ohio and Arizona, key 2020 swing states. In Ohio, Biden and Sanders lead Trump by 4 and 2 percentage points, respectively.
The former vice president has a 1 percentage point edge over the incumbent in Arizona. Sanders trails Trump by 3 percentage points.
Arizona also plays host to one of this year's most important Senate races, as Democrats hope to unseat Republican Sen. Martha McSally in their quest to win a majority in the chamber. Democrat Mark Kelly, a former astronaut, leads the incumbent by a 48% to 45% margin, according to the NBC/Marist poll.
The Ohio poll, conducted from March 10-13, surveyed 1,710 registered voters with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.9 percentage points. It polled 486 likely Democratic voters with a margin of error of plus or minus 5.6 percentage points.
The Arizona poll, conducted from March 10-15, surveyed 2,523 registered voters with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.7 percentage points. It polled 523 likely Democratic voters with a margin of error of plus or minus 6 percentage points.
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cnbc--2020-03-16--Senate has yet to receive final draft of coronavirus relief bill passed by the House

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) speaks to reporters following the Senate Republican policy luncheon which both President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence attended on March 10 , 2020 in Washington , DC .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he has yet to receive a final draft of the coronavirus relief bill the House passed early Saturday morning .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Saturday that while he and the House had agreed on a second legislative package to help the country as it battles the virus , the two parties had also agreed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bill on Monday .
`` I do n't want people being surprised , '' he said .
`` We will be doing a technical correction on Monday morning . ''
He said there was language that he , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy , R-Calif. , agreed on that did n't make it into the bill .
In a statement Monday morning , McConnell indicated he has yet to receive the draft .
`` First , we still need to receive the final version @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he wrote .
`` I commend Sec .
Mnuchin for his hard work on this .
I know Senators on both sides are carefully reviewing the details and are eager to act swiftly to help American workers , families , and small businesses navigate this challenging time . ''
He also echoed previous sentiments from Pelosi and Mnuchin that there will be more bills yet to pass in the wake of the pandemic .
`` Senate Republicans feel strongly that this bill must only be the beginning of Congress 's efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stand with American families , '' McConnell said .
Mnuchin said this weekend the administration plans to go back to the Senate on `` other things , '' beyond the house bill awaiting its approval .
`` Airlines — very focused on airlines — hotels , cruise ships , workers for these industries , '' he said .
McConnell said Monday that Senate Republicans ' focus in further relief bills will include steps to help Americans address financial challenges , aid to small businesses and support to the health-care system and medical professionals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these key pillars .
The Senate is eager to work with the Administration and the House to deliver the solutions our nation deserves , '' he said .
The next vote the Republican-led Senate has scheduled is over the renewal of national security surveillance law , Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act , or FISA .
That is scheduled for Monday at 5:30 p.m. '' Until the FISA legislation is passed , any action on the House coronavirus legislation will take unanimous consent , '' a spokesperson for McConnell previously told CNBC .

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) speaks to reporters following the Senate Republican policy luncheon which both President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence attended on March 10, 2020 in Washington, DC.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he has yet to receive a final draft of the coronavirus relief bill the House passed early Saturday morning.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Saturday that while he and the House had agreed on a second legislative package to help the country as it battles the virus, the two parties had also agreed to issue a "technical correction" to the bill on Monday.
"I don't want people being surprised," he said. "We will be doing a technical correction on Monday morning." He said there was language that he, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., agreed on that didn't make it into the bill.
In a statement Monday morning, McConnell indicated he has yet to receive the draft.
"First, we still need to receive the final version of the House's coronavirus relief legislation," he wrote. "I commend Sec. Mnuchin for his hard work on this. I know Senators on both sides are carefully reviewing the details and are eager to act swiftly to help American workers, families, and small businesses navigate this challenging time."
He also echoed previous sentiments from Pelosi and Mnuchin that there will be more bills yet to pass in the wake of the pandemic.
"Senate Republicans feel strongly that this bill must only be the beginning of Congress's efforts to support our nation's economy and stand with American families," McConnell said.
Mnuchin said this weekend the administration plans to go back to the Senate on "other things," beyond the house bill awaiting its approval.
"Airlines — very focused on airlines — hotels, cruise ships, workers for these industries," he said.
McConnell said Monday that Senate Republicans' focus in further relief bills will include steps to help Americans address financial challenges, aid to small businesses and support to the health-care system and medical professionals.
"Discussions are already underway on these key pillars. The Senate is eager to work with the Administration and the House to deliver the solutions our nation deserves," he said.
The next vote the Republican-led Senate has scheduled is over the renewal of national security surveillance law, Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA. That is scheduled for Monday at 5:30 p.m.
"Until the FISA legislation is passed, any action on the House coronavirus legislation will take unanimous consent," a spokesperson for McConnell previously told CNBC.


cnbc--2020-03-16--White House cancels annual Easter Egg Roll due to coronavirus

President Donald J. Trump , with First Lady Melania Trump by his side , speaks the White House Easter Egg Roll held on the South Lawn at the White House on Monday , April 22 , 2019 in Washington , DC .
Even the Easter Bunny has to socially distance himself now .
The White House on Monday canceled its upcoming annual Easter Egg Roll because of the coronavirus outbreak .
The Easter Egg Roll , which is normally held on the South Lawn of the White House had been scheduled for April 13 .
Tens of thousands of kids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was due to mark its 142nd year next month .
First lady Melania Trump broke the bad news about the event three days after her husband , President Donald Trump , declared a national emergency due to the coronavirus pandemic .
That declaration has accelerated a wave of cancellations of events and restrictions on businesses in light of the outbreak .
`` The health and safety of all Americans must be the first priority , especially right now , '' said Melania Trump '' I deeply regret this cancellation , but we need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ensure a healthy country for the long-term , '' the first lady said .
`` During this time , I encourage everyone to listen to state and local officials , and follow [ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ] guidelines in order to help protect the health and well-being of everyone . ''

President Donald J. Trump, with First Lady Melania Trump by his side, speaks the White House Easter Egg Roll held on the South Lawn at the White House on Monday, April 22, 2019 in Washington, DC.
Even the Easter Bunny has to socially distance himself now.
The White House on Monday canceled its upcoming annual Easter Egg Roll because of the coronavirus outbreak.
The Easter Egg Roll, which is normally held on the South Lawn of the White House had been scheduled for April 13. Tens of thousands of kids and adults attend the event, which was due to mark its 142nd year next month.
First lady Melania Trump broke the bad news about the event three days after her husband, President Donald Trump, declared a national emergency due to the coronavirus pandemic. That declaration has accelerated a wave of cancellations of events and restrictions on businesses in light of the outbreak.
"The health and safety of all Americans must be the first priority, especially right now," said Melania Trump
"I deeply regret this cancellation, but we need to make difficult decisions in the short-term to ensure a healthy country for the long-term," the first lady said.
"During this time, I encourage everyone to listen to state and local officials, and follow [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] guidelines in order to help protect the health and well-being of everyone."


cnbc--2020-03-16--Supreme Court postpones arguments because of coronavirus, citing Spanish flu precedent

A man walks up the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court on January 31 , 2017 in Washington , DC .
The Supreme Court said Monday it will postpone arguments scheduled for March and early April , including cases regarding access to President Donald Trump 's financial records , because of health concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic .
The court cited its actions during the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918 and the yellow fever outbreaks of the 18th century as precedents .
Among other matters , the postponement will delay arguments in three blockbuster cases over whether Trump may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returns , from state and congressional investigators .
Those cases were set to be argued March 31 .
Other work at the court will continue , though with adjustments .
The justices will hold a regularly scheduled private conference on Friday , but some may participate remotely by telephone , according to the statement .
Some of the court 's nine justices are particularly susceptible to the infection , which public health officials have said disproportionately impacts older people and those with chronic health conditions .
Six of the justices are 65-years-old or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the eldest on the panel , just turned 87 on Sunday and has suffered from multiple bouts of cancer .
`` The Court 's postponement of argument sessions in light of public health concerns is not unprecedented , '' the court said .
`` The Court postponed scheduled arguments for October 1918 in response to the Spanish flu epidemic .
The Court also shortened its argument calendars in August 1793 and August 1798 in response to yellow fever outbreaks . ''
The postponement will apply to arguments scheduled for the court 's March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Supreme Court announced on Thursday that it would close its building to the public indefinitely , prompting calls from civil rights groups for it to broadcast any arguments that took place behind closed doors .
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a state of emergency on Wednesday as the number of infections in the nation 's capital rose .
The district has also begun enforcing new regulations on bars and restaurants , including the suspension of standing service and restrictions on table seating .
There have been at least 3,774 confirmed cases of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 69 deaths , according to data from Johns Hopkins University .
The District of Columbia has confirmed 18 cases , according to the data .
The full statement from the court is below .
`` In keeping with public health precautions recommended in response to COVID-19 , the Supreme Court is postponing the oral arguments currently scheduled for the March session ( March 23-25 and March 30-April 1 ) .
The Court will examine the options for rescheduling those cases in due course in light of the developing circumstances .
The Court will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , March 20 .
Some Justices may participate remotely by telephone .
The Court will issue its regularly scheduled Order List on Monday , March 23 at 9:30 a.m .
The list will be posted on the Court 's Website at that time : https : //www.supremecourt.gov/orders/ordersofthecourt/19 .
The Building will continue to be open for official business , and filing deadlines are not extended under Rule 30.1 .
The Court is expanding remote working capabilities to reduce the number of employees in the Building , consistent with public health guidance .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until further notice .
The Court 's postponement of argument sessions in light of public health concerns is not unprecedented .
The Court postponed scheduled arguments for October 1918 in response to the Spanish flu epidemic .
The Court also shortened its argument calendars in August 1793 and August 1798 in response to yellow fever outbreaks . ''
Correction : This story was updated to correct that the Spanish flu epidemic was in 1918 .

A man walks up the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court on January 31, 2017 in Washington, DC.
The Supreme Court said Monday it will postpone arguments scheduled for March and early April, including cases regarding access to President Donald Trump's financial records, because of health concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic.
The court cited its actions during the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918 and the yellow fever outbreaks of the 18th century as precedents.
Among other matters, the postponement will delay arguments in three blockbuster cases over whether Trump may shield his financial records, including tax returns, from state and congressional investigators. Those cases were set to be argued March 31.
Other work at the court will continue, though with adjustments. The justices will hold a regularly scheduled private conference on Friday, but some may participate remotely by telephone, according to the statement.
Some of the court's nine justices are particularly susceptible to the infection, which public health officials have said disproportionately impacts older people and those with chronic health conditions. Six of the justices are 65-years-old or older. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the eldest on the panel, just turned 87 on Sunday and has suffered from multiple bouts of cancer.
"The Court's postponement of argument sessions in light of public health concerns is not unprecedented," the court said. "The Court postponed scheduled arguments for October 1918 in response to the Spanish flu epidemic. The Court also shortened its argument calendars in August 1793 and August 1798 in response to yellow fever outbreaks."
The postponement will apply to arguments scheduled for the court's March session, which includes April 1.
The Supreme Court announced on Thursday that it would close its building to the public indefinitely, prompting calls from civil rights groups for it to broadcast any arguments that took place behind closed doors.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a state of emergency on Wednesday as the number of infections in the nation's capital rose. The district has also begun enforcing new regulations on bars and restaurants, including the suspension of standing service and restrictions on table seating.
There have been at least 3,774 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the U.S. and at least 69 deaths, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. The District of Columbia has confirmed 18 cases, according to the data.
The full statement from the court is below.
"In keeping with public health precautions recommended in response to COVID-19, the Supreme Court is postponing the oral arguments currently scheduled for the March session (March 23-25 and March 30-April 1). The Court will examine the options for rescheduling those cases in due course in light of the developing circumstances.
The Court will hold its regularly scheduled Conference on Friday, March 20. Some Justices may participate remotely by telephone. The Court will issue its regularly scheduled Order List on Monday, March 23 at 9:30 a.m. The list will be posted on the Court's Website at that time: https://www.supremecourt.gov/orders/ordersofthecourt/19.
The Building will continue to be open for official business, and filing deadlines are not extended under Rule 30.1. The Court is expanding remote working capabilities to reduce the number of employees in the Building, consistent with public health guidance. The Building will remain closed to the public until further notice.
The Court's postponement of argument sessions in light of public health concerns is not unprecedented. The Court postponed scheduled arguments for October 1918 in response to the Spanish flu epidemic. The Court also shortened its argument calendars in August 1793 and August 1798 in response to yellow fever outbreaks."
Correction: This story was updated to correct that the Spanish flu epidemic was in 1918.


cnbc--2020-03-16--Megadonors pull plug on plan for anti-Sanders super PAC as Biden racks up wins

Joe Biden 's recent string of primary victories appears to have satisfied wealthy donors who were discussing the creation of a super PAC aimed at pushing Sen. Bernie Sanders out of the race .
Instead , it appears they will hold off on engaging in an all-out assault on Sanders , a self-described democratic socialist who shuns wealthy donors .
As recently as last week , a handful of big money donors , some of whom work on Wall Street , were contemplating creating a political action committee whose sole purpose would be to try to knock Sanders out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direct knowledge of the matter .
They declined to be named as these conversations were deemed private .
The proposed goal was to raise at least $ 20 million to pay for ads and operational costs , these people noted .
A super PAC allows organizers to raise and spend unlimited amounts .
The financiers ' discussion last week ended in the decision to not move ahead because they believe Biden is on the path to capturing the nomination over Sanders , after a slew of key primary victories , these people added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort would be counterproductive , as it could embolden the Vermont lawmaker 's argument that the establishment is trying to force him out of the race , they said .
Biden is leading Sanders in the primary delegate count after big wins in South Carolina , Super Tuesday states and other delegate-rich states such as Michigan , Missouri and Mississippi .
Sanders has won contests in California , New Hampshire and Nevada .
They are set to compete for delegates on Tuesday in Florida , Illinois , Arizona and Ohio .
Biden is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There was a growing concern among the Democratic donor class prior to Biden 's surge on Super Tuesday that Sanders was on his way to the nomination after picking up two early wins .
`` It 's Defcon 1 , '' one of the organizers said at the time .
Even after the Biden campaign picked up millions in new contributions in the wake of Super Tuesday , financiers continued to support the idea of forming a group to attack Sanders .
Biden said then that his campaign raised over $ 22 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Carolina and the ensuing primaries .
One of the donors who was being prodded by business executives to back the committee , and was interested in moving forward , is Bernard Schwartz , the CEO of BLS Investments , he said in a recent interview .
Schwartz has been a donor to the pro-Biden super PAC Unite the Country .
`` I think there is less concern over the last few days but we still have to put a lot of effort into fighting Bernie Sanders , '' Schwartz said just after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The group 's organizers were concerned that other candidates , particularly Sanders , would resist too long and take away resources from Biden , Schwartz said .
Schwartz was not the only donor who was contacted .
Another Democratic megadonor on Wall Street , who declined to be named as he did n't want to disclose private conversations , heard from donors interested in the idea .
This financier was n't interested in being part of any anti-Bernie movements , he said , because he believed Biden could handle Sanders on his own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Sanders since the start of the election .
His attempts to push Sanders out of the primary include privately reaching out to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. Schwartz hoped they would come out to endorse any of the moderate candidates that , at the time , were still in the race .
Since then , all but Biden , Sanders and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard , D-Hawaii , who is barely racking up any support , have dropped out of the race .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Democratic Majority for Israel , a pro-Israel moderate group , has spent over $ 1.4 million against Sanders , according to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics .
Another organization , the Big Tent Project , has spent millions on digital ads and mailers against Sanders .
It is a dark money group that does not have to disclose the names of its donors .
Money in politics has been a major theme on the campaign , particularly for Sanders , who routinely attacks the `` billionaire class '' and touts his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up the super PACs supporting Biden during Sunday 's debate .
`` Why do n't you get rid of the super PAC that you have right now which is running very ugly , negative ads about me ? ''
Sanders said .
Biden fired back , calling on Sanders to get rid of `` the nine super PACs that you have . ''
Though Biden did not list them , it appears the former vice president was taking aim at outside groups backing Sanders ' candidacy for president , such as Our Revolution @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Joe Biden's recent string of primary victories appears to have satisfied wealthy donors who were discussing the creation of a super PAC aimed at pushing Sen. Bernie Sanders out of the race.
Instead, it appears they will hold off on engaging in an all-out assault on Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist who shuns wealthy donors.
As recently as last week, a handful of big money donors, some of whom work on Wall Street, were contemplating creating a political action committee whose sole purpose would be to try to knock Sanders out of the race, according to people with direct knowledge of the matter. They declined to be named as these conversations were deemed private.
The proposed goal was to raise at least $20 million to pay for ads and operational costs, these people noted. A super PAC allows organizers to raise and spend unlimited amounts.
The financiers' discussion last week ended in the decision to not move ahead because they believe Biden is on the path to capturing the nomination over Sanders, after a slew of key primary victories, these people added. They said that such a large-scale effort would be counterproductive, as it could embolden the Vermont lawmaker's argument that the establishment is trying to force him out of the race, they said.
Biden is leading Sanders in the primary delegate count after big wins in South Carolina, Super Tuesday states and other delegate-rich states such as Michigan, Missouri and Mississippi. Sanders has won contests in California, New Hampshire and Nevada. They are set to compete for delegates on Tuesday in Florida, Illinois, Arizona and Ohio. Biden is an overwhelming favorite to sweep all four.
There was a growing concern among the Democratic donor class prior to Biden's surge on Super Tuesday that Sanders was on his way to the nomination after picking up two early wins.
"It's Defcon 1," one of the organizers said at the time. Even after the Biden campaign picked up millions in new contributions in the wake of Super Tuesday, financiers continued to support the idea of forming a group to attack Sanders. Biden said then that his campaign raised over $22 million in the wake of victories in South Carolina and the ensuing primaries.
One of the donors who was being prodded by business executives to back the committee, and was interested in moving forward, is Bernard Schwartz, the CEO of BLS Investments, he said in a recent interview. Schwartz has been a donor to the pro-Biden super PAC Unite the Country.
"I think there is less concern over the last few days but we still have to put a lot of effort into fighting Bernie Sanders," Schwartz said just after Biden's success on Super Tuesday. The group's organizers were concerned that other candidates, particularly Sanders, would resist too long and take away resources from Biden, Schwartz said.
Schwartz was not the only donor who was contacted. Another Democratic megadonor on Wall Street, who declined to be named as he didn't want to disclose private conversations, heard from donors interested in the idea. This financier wasn't interested in being part of any anti-Bernie movements, he said, because he believed Biden could handle Sanders on his own.
Schwartz has been a vocal opponent of Sanders since the start of the election. His attempts to push Sanders out of the primary include privately reaching out to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. Schwartz hoped they would come out to endorse any of the moderate candidates that, at the time, were still in the race.
Since then, all but Biden, Sanders and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, who is barely racking up any support, have dropped out of the race.
There are other external groups targeting Sanders. Democratic Majority for Israel, a pro-Israel moderate group, has spent over $1.4 million against Sanders, according to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics. Another organization, the Big Tent Project, has spent millions on digital ads and mailers against Sanders. It is a dark money group that does not have to disclose the names of its donors.
Money in politics has been a major theme on the campaign, particularly for Sanders, who routinely attacks the "billionaire class" and touts his support among small-dollar donors.
Sanders brought up the super PACs supporting Biden during Sunday's debate.
"Why don't you get rid of the super PAC that you have right now which is running very ugly, negative ads about me?" Sanders said.
Biden fired back, calling on Sanders to get rid of "the nine super PACs that you have." Though Biden did not list them, it appears the former vice president was taking aim at outside groups backing Sanders' candidacy for president, such as Our Revolution, a nonprofit dark money organization.


cnbc--2020-03-16--White House advisor Peter Navarro: I'm bringing an executive order to Trump that would reduce US for

White House advisor Peter Navarro: I'm bringing an executive order to Trump that would reduce US foreign dependency on medicines

White House trade advisor Peter Navarro told CNBC on Monday that he 's preparing an executive order that would help relocate medical supply chains from overseas to the U.S. Navarro 's proposal comes as Berlin said it 's trying to stop Washington from persuading a German company seeking a coronavirus vaccine to move its research to the U.S. German government sources told Reuters on Sunday the Trump administration was looking into how it could gain access to a potential vaccine being developed by a German firm , CureVac .
Navarro , in a `` Squawk Box '' interview , brushed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported overtures toward CureVac and instead spoke about the general need to manufacture more medical equipment and supplies in the U.S. '' What I can speak to is this broader , interesting issue of how dependent the United States of America is on the global supply chain , not just for its medicines but for its medical supplies and medical equipment , '' Navarro said .
`` The essence of the order … is to bring all of that home so that we do n't have to worry about foreign dependency , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the ingredients used in advanced pharmaceuticals `` comes from abroad . ''
The increased demand for medical face masks due to the coronavirus , for example , demonstrates the challenges of relying on foreign supply chains , Navarro argued .
The departments of Veterans Affairs , Health and Human Services and Defense buy significant amounts of medical equipment , Navarro noted .
`` We need to have them buy that from American producers on American soil , '' he said .
Lawmakers such as Sens .
Marsha Blackburn , R-Tenn. , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raised concerns about pharmaceuticals being manufactured outside the U.S .
They introduced legislation last week that would dedicate $ 100 million to develop U.S. production of drugs .
Navarro also said that President Donald Trump 's push for a payroll tax cut would provide enough stimulus to help Americans though the outbreak crisis .
Navarro has been championing a payroll tax cut as part of the fiscal response to the coronavirus , arguing in a recent `` Fox News '' op-ed that it would serve as a $ 800 billion economic stimulus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has yet to schedule a vote on the nation 's second emergency coronavirus bill , which passed the Democratic-controlled House last week .
The Federal Reserve on Sunday cut interest rates by 1 % in an emergency move down to 2008 financial-crisis levels of 0 % to 0.25 % .
In another action from the crisis-playbook , the Fed launched a $ 700 billion quantitative easing program .
President Donald Trump said on Sunday he was `` very happy '' with the announcement , adding , `` I think that people in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , investors were not thrilled .
U.S. stock futures were `` limit down '' 5 % on Monday morning .
The exchange-traded funds that track the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S & P 500 , which have no mechanisms to curb downside , were off more than 10 % .

White House trade advisor Peter Navarro told CNBC on Monday that he's preparing an executive order that would help relocate medical supply chains from overseas to the U.S.
Navarro's proposal comes as Berlin said it's trying to stop Washington from persuading a German company seeking a coronavirus vaccine to move its research to the U.S.
German government sources told Reuters on Sunday the Trump administration was looking into how it could gain access to a potential vaccine being developed by a German firm, CureVac.
Navarro, in a "Squawk Box" interview, brushed off a question about the administration's reported overtures toward CureVac and instead spoke about the general need to manufacture more medical equipment and supplies in the U.S.
"What I can speak to is this broader, interesting issue of how dependent the United States of America is on the global supply chain, not just for its medicines but for its medical supplies and medical equipment," Navarro said.
"The essence of the order … is to bring all of that home so that we don't have to worry about foreign dependency," he said, adding that 70% of the ingredients used in advanced pharmaceuticals "comes from abroad."
The increased demand for medical face masks due to the coronavirus, for example, demonstrates the challenges of relying on foreign supply chains, Navarro argued.
The departments of Veterans Affairs, Health and Human Services and Defense buy significant amounts of medical equipment, Navarro noted.
"We need to have them buy that from American producers on American soil," he said.
Lawmakers such as Sens. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., and Bob Menendez, D-N.J., also have raised concerns about pharmaceuticals being manufactured outside the U.S. They introduced legislation last week that would dedicate $100 million to develop U.S. production of drugs.
Navarro also said that President Donald Trump's push for a payroll tax cut would provide enough stimulus to help Americans though the outbreak crisis.
Navarro has been championing a payroll tax cut as part of the fiscal response to the coronavirus, arguing in a recent "Fox News" op-ed that it would serve as a $800 billion economic stimulus.
On Capitol Hill, the GOP-controlled Senate has yet to schedule a vote on the nation's second emergency coronavirus bill, which passed the Democratic-controlled House last week.
The Federal Reserve on Sunday cut interest rates by 1% in an emergency move down to 2008 financial-crisis levels of 0% to 0.25%. In another action from the crisis-playbook, the Fed launched a $700 billion quantitative easing program. President Donald Trump said on Sunday he was "very happy" with the announcement, adding, "I think that people in the markets should be very thrilled."
However, investors were not thrilled. U.S. stock futures were "limit down" 5% on Monday morning. The exchange-traded funds that track the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500, which have no mechanisms to curb downside, were off more than 10%.


cnbc--2020-03-16--Trump considering 'full pardon' of former national security advisor Michael Flynn

President Donald Trump said Sunday that he 's strongly considering a full pardon for Michael Flynn after the Justice Department @ @ @ @ @ criminal case against Trump 's first national security advisor .
`` I am strongly considering @ @ @ @ @ Trump said in a Twitter post .
Flynn pleaded guilty in 2017 to lying to @ @ @ @ @ of his conversations with the Russian ambassador prior to Trump 's inauguration as president .
@ @ @ @ @ special counsel Robert Mueller , who was tasked with investigating Russian interference in the 2016 @ @ @ @ @ Trump campaign members and Russian officials .
Flynn is in the process of trying to @ @ @ @ @ claiming that he 's the victim of misconduct by prosecutors .
Attorney General William Bar @ @ @ @ @ Flynn 's case by an outside prosecutor , U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of @ @ @ @ @ 's sentencing is on hold as a judge reviews his claims .
-- CNBC 's @ @ @ @ @ report

President Donald Trump said Sunday that he's strongly considering a full pardon for Michael Flynn after the Justice Department ordered a review of the criminal case against Trump's first national security advisor.
"I am strongly considering a full pardon," Trump said in a Twitter post.
Flynn pleaded guilty in 2017 to lying to the FBI about the nature of his conversations with the Russian ambassador prior to Trump's inauguration as president.
He was originally charged by special counsel Robert Mueller, who was tasked with investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election and any links between Trump campaign members and Russian officials.
Flynn is in the process of trying to withdraw his guilty plea, claiming that he's the victim of misconduct by prosecutors.
Attorney General William Bar has ordered a review of Flynn's case by an outside prosecutor, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri Jeffrey Jensen.
Flynn's sentencing is on hold as a judge reviews his claims.
--CNBC's Dan Mangan contributed to this report


cnbc--2020-03-17--Ohio primary polls to be ordered closed due to 'unacceptable health risk,' governor says

Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine said the state 's primary polls will be ordered closed due to the coronavirus outbreak .
The Republican governor said in a statement , `` During this time when we face an unprecedented public health crisis , to conduct an election tomorrow would force poll workers and voters to place themselves at an unacceptable health risk of contracting coronavirus . ''
DeWine said Amy Acton , director of the state 's health department , will order the polls closed as a health emergency .
He also said Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose will pursue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was one of the four states scheduled to hold presidential primaries on Tuesday .
Illinois , another state expected to vote Tuesday , said in an earlier Monday statement that it was `` proceeding with plans for tomorrow 's primary as scheduled . ''
DeWine 's announcement comes after a judge rejected a lawsuit that sought to postpone the state 's primaries to June 2 .
The Columbus Dispatch had reported that Franklin County Judge Richard Frye said such a delay , 12 hours before voting was scheduled to begin , would set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polls were scheduled to open at 6:30 a.m .
ET Tuesday .
Earlier , DeWine said that although he lacked the legal authority to suspend the election , he made the recommendation in light of guidance from public health officials .
Over the weekend , the CDC had advised people to reschedule events with 50 or more people .
On Sunday , DeWine ordered bars and restaurants in Ohio to close their doors to in-house customers .
He said , however , restaurants would still be able to continue their takeout and delivery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Ohio Department of Health has reported 50 cases in the state .
Nationwide , there have been at least 4,600 cases , according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University .

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said late Monday the state's primary polls will closed on Tuesday due to the coronavirus outbreak.
"During this time when we face an unprecedented public health crisis, to conduct an election tomorrow would force poll workers and voters to place themselves at an unacceptable health risk of contracting coronavirus," the Republican governor said in a statement.
DeWine said Amy Acton, director of the state's health department, will order the polls closed as a health emergency. He also said Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose will pursue voting options through the courts.
@GovMikeDeWine: As such, @DrAmyActon will order the polls closed as a health emergency. While the polls will be closed tomorrow, Secretary of State @FrankLaRose will seek a remedy through the courts to extend voting options so that every voter who wants to vote will be granted that opportunity.
Ohio was one of the four states scheduled to hold presidential primaries on Tuesday. Illinois, another state expected to vote Tuesday, said in an earlier Monday statement that it was "proceeding with plans for tomorrow's primary as scheduled."
DeWine's announcement came after a judge rejected a lawsuit that sought to postpone the state's primaries to June 2.
The Columbus Dispatch reported that Franklin County Judge Richard Frye said such a delay, 12 hours before voting was scheduled to begin, would set a "terrible precedent." Ohio polls had been scheduled to open at 6:30 a.m. ET Tuesday.
Earlier, DeWine said that although he lacked the legal authority to suspend the election, he made the recommendation in light of guidance from public health officials. Over the weekend, the CDC had advised people to reschedule events with 50 or more people.
On Sunday, DeWine ordered bars and restaurants in Ohio to close their doors to in-house customers. He said, however, restaurants would still be able to continue their takeout and delivery options.
As of 2 p.m. Monday, the Ohio Department of Health has reported 50 cases in the state. Nationwide, there have been at least 4,600 cases, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
— CNBC's Tucker Higgins contributed to this report.


cnbc--2020-03-17--Absent 'clear directives' from Trump, state and city leaders take aggressive actions to contain coro

Absent 'clear directives' from Trump, state and city leaders take aggressive actions to contain coronavirus

State and city leaders across America took aggressive action Monday to curb the COVID-19 pandemic , closing restaurants and movie theaters , telling residents to shelter in place , ordering people not to stand too close and cautioning residents against leaving their home state .
Without meaningful federal intervention , local leaders adopted what New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo called a `` hodgepodge '' of actions across the nation to contain the outbreak , which has spread from roughly 100 U.S. cases on March 1 to more than 4,200 people across nearly every state by Monday .
More than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died from the new coronavirus , according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University .
Across the globe , COVID-19 has infected more than 181,000 people and killed more than 7,100 of them .
Following a more than 10 % drop in the Dow Jones Industrial Average last week , U.S. President Donald Trump tried to calm the nation on Sunday , telling Americans to `` relax '' and not hoard food .
`` There 's a very contagious virus , it 's incredible , but it 's something that we have tremendous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a White House press conference .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued revised guidance shortly after Trump 's comments , urging people across the U.S. to cancel or postpone events with 50 or more attendees for the next eight weeks .
On Monday — as the Dow plunged by another 13 % — Trump told Americans to avoid gatherings of 10 or more people , discretionary travel and eating in restaurants and bars .
`` Right now , we do n't have an order , one way or another .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you do n't especially in certain areas , '' Trump said , admitting that it may take until at least July or August to turnaround the pandemic in the U.S .
The White House may consider lockdowns for certain `` hot spots '' around the country , he said , but not a full national quarantine .
The mixed messages have sewn confusion in the markets and across the state lines , forcing state and local officials to take matters into their own hands , they 've said .
Citing `` a lack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the Democratic governors of New York , New Jersey and Connecticut said Monday they agreed to jointly reduce density throughout the region , closing movie theaters , casinos and restaurants and limiting public gatherings to fewer than 50 people .
Arkansas Gov .
Asa Hutchison , a Republican , discouraged unnecessary out-of-state travel , saying almost every one of the state 's 22 COVID-19 cases stem from out-of-state travel .
`` In every instance of a case we 've had except one in Arkansas , it 's been preceded by out-of-state travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said at a press conference Monday .
San Francisco Bay area officials ordered 7 million people to `` shelter in place '' starting at midnight Monday night in what appears to be the most stringent move in the nation yet to contain the outbreak , which has spread to 335 people in California and killed six .
Residents there can leave their homes only under `` limited circumstances , '' according to the order .
People who venture out are expected to remain six feet apart , wash their hands , cover their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of other requirements .
Democratic Gov .
Gavin Newsom on Sunday directed bars , nightclubs , brewpubs and wineries to close and asked Californians over 65 to stay indoors — a move endorsed on Twitter by former Republican Gov .
Arnold Schwarzenegger .
Governors in Maryland and Washington state , which has the second-highest number of cases behind New York but the nation 's most deaths , followed suit with similar actions .
Washington Gov .
Jay Inslee said Monday he signed an emergency declaration temporarily shutting down bars and restaurants statewide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 50 people .
`` Never since World War II have we faced a situation like this , '' Inslee said .
The state has 904 confirmed cases and 48 COVID-19 fatalities , according to the state health department .
`` For the next several weeks , normal is not in our game plan . ''
Maryland Gov .
Larry Hogan , a Republican , announced similar measures later Monday , signing an order to immediately shut down all bars , restaurants , movie theaters and gyms , allowing for carryout dining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pharmacies , banks , gas stations and grocery stores .
`` These emergency orders carry the full force of the law and will be strictly enforced , '' he said at a press conference .
`` We are marshaling every tool in the arsenal of public health to combat this crisis and slow the spread of this pandemic . ''
As president of the National Governors Association , Hogan said he was on the group 's conference call with Trump earlier Monday .
Governors are leading the nation 's containment efforts in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Trump administration , he said .
`` While the federal government has had some guidelines , which are changing , they have not given clear directives , '' he said , according to the Baltimore Sun .
During the video conference with the governors ' group , Trump reportedly suggested they obtain their own medical equipment that 's in short supply as the nation faces an explosion of respiratory infections with the pandemic .
`` Respirators , ventilators , all of the equipment – try getting it yourselves , '' Trump told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times reported , citing a recording of the conference call .
Cuomo has frequently called on the Trump administration for help .
He was one of the nation 's first governors to take dramatic action to contain the outbreak , deploying the state 's National Guard to New Rochelle last week and setting up a containment zone around a hot spot of cases in the Manhattan suburb .
There are 950 cases in New York — more than any other state — 220 of those are in Westchester County where New Rochelle is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City , according to the most recent data from the state health department .

Temporary closed signage is seen at a store in Manhattan borough following the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in New York City, U.S., March 15, 2020. Jeenah Moon | Reuters
State and city leaders across America took aggressive action Monday to curb the COVID-19 pandemic, closing restaurants and movie theaters, telling residents to shelter in place, ordering people not to stand too close and cautioning residents against leaving their home state. Without meaningful federal intervention, local leaders adopted what New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo called a "hodgepodge" of actions across the nation to contain the outbreak, which has spread from roughly 100 U.S. cases on March 1 to more than 4,200 people across nearly every state by Monday. More than 70 people in the U.S. have already died from the new coronavirus, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. Across the globe, COVID-19 has infected more than 181,000 people and killed more than 7,100 of them. Following a more than 10% drop in the Dow Jones Industrial Average last week, U.S. President Donald Trump tried to calm the nation on Sunday, telling Americans to "relax" and not hoard food. "There's a very contagious virus, it's incredible, but it's something that we have tremendous control of," Trump said at a White House press conference. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued revised guidance shortly after Trump's comments, urging people across the U.S. to cancel or postpone events with 50 or more attendees for the next eight weeks.
Dow slides
On Monday — as the Dow plunged by another 13% — Trump told Americans to avoid gatherings of 10 or more people, discretionary travel and eating in restaurants and bars. "Right now, we don't have an order, one way or another. But I think it's probably better if you don't especially in certain areas," Trump said, admitting that it may take until at least July or August to turnaround the pandemic in the U.S. The White House may consider lockdowns for certain "hot spots" around the country, he said, but not a full national quarantine. The mixed messages have sewn confusion in the markets and across the state lines, forcing state and local officials to take matters into their own hands, they've said. Citing "a lack of federal direction and nationwide standards," the Democratic governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut said Monday they agreed to jointly reduce density throughout the region, closing movie theaters, casinos and restaurants and limiting public gatherings to fewer than 50 people. Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchison, a Republican, discouraged unnecessary out-of-state travel, saying almost every one of the state's 22 COVID-19 cases stem from out-of-state travel. "In every instance of a case we've had except one in Arkansas, it's been preceded by out-of-state travel and people coming back," he said at a press conference Monday.
'Shelter in place'
San Francisco Bay area officials ordered 7 million people to "shelter in place" starting at midnight Monday night in what appears to be the most stringent move in the nation yet to contain the outbreak, which has spread to 335 people in California and killed six. Residents there can leave their homes only under "limited circumstances," according to the order. People who venture out are expected to remain six feet apart, wash their hands, cover their coughs or sneezes and abide by a number of other requirements. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sunday directed bars, nightclubs, brewpubs and wineries to close and asked Californians over 65 to stay indoors — a move endorsed on Twitter by former Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Governors in Maryland and Washington state, which has the second-highest number of cases behind New York but the nation's most deaths, followed suit with similar actions. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said Monday he signed an emergency declaration temporarily shutting down bars and restaurants statewide. He also banned public gatherings of more than 50 people. "Never since World War II have we faced a situation like this," Inslee said. The state has 904 confirmed cases and 48 COVID-19 fatalities, according to the state health department. "For the next several weeks, normal is not in our game plan." Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, announced similar measures later Monday, signing an order to immediately shut down all bars, restaurants, movie theaters and gyms, allowing for carryout dining and "essential services," including pharmacies, banks, gas stations and grocery stores.
No clear directives
"These emergency orders carry the full force of the law and will be strictly enforced," he said at a press conference. "We are marshaling every tool in the arsenal of public health to combat this crisis and slow the spread of this pandemic." As president of the National Governors Association, Hogan said he was on the group's conference call with Trump earlier Monday. Governors are leading the nation's containment efforts in the absence of "clear directives" from the Trump administration, he said. "While the federal government has had some guidelines, which are changing, they have not given clear directives," he said, according to the Baltimore Sun. During the video conference with the governors' group, Trump reportedly suggested they obtain their own medical equipment that's in short supply as the nation faces an explosion of respiratory infections with the pandemic. "Respirators, ventilators, all of the equipment – try getting it yourselves," Trump told the state leaders, The New York Times reported, citing a recording of the conference call. Cuomo has frequently called on the Trump administration for help. He was one of the nation's first governors to take dramatic action to contain the outbreak, deploying the state's National Guard to New Rochelle last week and setting up a containment zone around a hot spot of cases in the Manhattan suburb. There are 950 cases in New York — more than any other state — 220 of those are in Westchester County where New Rochelle is located and 463 are in New York City, according to the most recent data from the state health department.
'Every option, every tool'
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city is considering imposing curfews and travel restrictions. "We're considering everything ... every option, every tool is on the table," he said at a press conference Monday. Trump got into a Twitter spat with Cuomo after the governor's call Monday, saying Cuomo "had more work to do."
Cuomo's been critical of the Trump administration's pandemic response, saying it has "been behind from day one on this crisis." The New York official said he sent a letter to Trump asking him to deploy the Army Corps of Engineers to the state to help build temporary health facilities. When Cuomo responded to Trump on Twitter on Monday, the governor said he'd be "happy to do your job, too. Just give me control of the Army Corps of Engineers and I'll take it from there."


cnbc--2020-03-16--Joe Biden is the apparent winner of the Washington Democratic primary, NBC News reports

An election workers sorts vote-by-mail ballots for the presidential primary at King County Elections in Renton , Washington on March 10 , 2020 .
Former Vice President Joe Biden is the apparent winner of Washington 's Democratic primary , NBC News reported Monday , chalking up another victory in a string of recent upsets over Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. With 99 % of results in , Biden led with about 38 % of the vote , edging out Sanders at 36 % .
Biden will win at least 42 of the state 's delegates , while Sanders will receive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which has 89 delegates up for grabs , was seen as a necessary pickup for Sanders following Biden 's astounding gains in the Super Tuesday elections .
Biden continued with his momentum the following week , with relatively easy wins in Michigan , Missouri and Mississippi .
But the results of Washington 's primary were too close for NBC to call until days after voters cast their ballots on March 10 , as the Evergreen State worked to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus .
Washington has more confirmed coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation , and was the first to announce fatalities from the disease .
Gov .
Jay Inslee – himself a former Democratic presidential candidate – has overseen the state 's response efforts , which include announcing school closures and working with the federal government to make testing kits more available .
Biden and Sanders , the last remaining major candidates in the race , laid out their own visions for responding to the outbreak during a debate Sunday night , as they vied for the chance to take on President Donald Trump in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off Biden 's campaign as a failure just before his sizable victory in South Carolina , which was buoyed by a crucial endorsement from House Majority Whip James Clyburn , D-S.C. Biden , who served as vice president under Barack Obama , rode that momentum to a wildly successful Super Tuesday , clinching a lead in delegates over Sanders and regaining his front-runner status virtually overnight .
That wave of primary elections washed many of the remaining candidates out of the Democratic field , which included two dozen contenders at its peak .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Steyer , Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar and former South Bend , Ind.
, Mayor Pete Buttigieg – threw in the towel on the eve of Super Tuesday .
Multibillionaire and former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren dropped out shortly after the 14-state primary day .
Klobuchar and Buttigieg , along with one-time 2020 candidate Beto O'Rourke , a former Texas representative , endorsed Biden the night before Super Tuesday , along with a slew of other Democrats .
The massive alignment behind Biden was viewed as a broad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ democratic socialist who establishment Democrats fear would lose to Trump in a general election .
Polls showed Sanders as the favored candidate heading into the Washington primary , albeit by a much narrower margin than he had previously enjoyed .
FiveThirtyEight 's polling aggregate of the state gave Sanders a double-digit lead over Biden as recently as the end of February – but that lead shrunk to just about a six-point spread after Super Tuesday .
Still , Sanders remained a strong contender .
He won overwhelmingly in Washington 's 2016 caucuses , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and walking away with about 73 % of the vote , according to data from The New York Times .
Mail-in ballots submitted prior to the primary accounted for more than a quarter of the total vote share , the Washington Secretary of State 's website showed .
The majority of those early votes were cast before Biden 's turnaround , boding well for Sanders .
Washington was one of six states to hold primary elections March 10 .
Of them , only Michigan , with 125 delegates available , offered a larger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race .
Idaho , Missouri , Mississippi and North Dakota also held primary elections that day .
On Tuesday , four delegate-rich states – including Florida , with its many swing voters crucial to a general election win – will hold their primaries .
The other states are Illinois , Ohio and Arizona .
This is breaking news .
Please check back for updates .

Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden speaks on stage after declaring victory in the South Carolina presidential primary on February 29, 2020 in Columbia, South Carolina.
Former Vice President Joe Biden is the apparent winner of Washington's Democratic primary, NBC News reported Monday, chalking up another victory in a string of recent upsets over Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.
With 99% of results in, Biden led with about 38% of the vote, edging out Sanders at 36%. Biden will win at least 42 of the state's delegates, while Sanders will receive 40, according to NBC.
Washington, which has 89 delegates up for grabs, was seen as a necessary pickup for Sanders following Biden's astounding gains in the Super Tuesday elections. Biden continued with his momentum the following week, with relatively easy wins in Michigan, Missouri and Mississippi.
But the results of Washington's primary were too close for NBC to call until days after voters cast their ballots on March 10, as the Evergreen State worked to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Washington has more confirmed coronavirus cases than nearly any other state in the nation, and was the first to announce fatalities from the disease. Gov. Jay Inslee – himself a former Democratic presidential candidate – has overseen the state's response efforts, which include announcing school closures and working with the federal government to make testing kits more available.
Biden and Sanders, the last remaining major candidates in the race, laid out their own visions for responding to the outbreak during a debate Sunday night, as they vied for the chance to take on President Donald Trump in November.
Many political commentators had written off Biden's campaign as a failure just before his sizable victory in South Carolina, which was buoyed by a crucial endorsement from House Majority Whip James Clyburn, D-S.C.
Biden, who served as vice president under Barack Obama, rode that momentum to a wildly successful Super Tuesday, clinching a lead in delegates over Sanders and regaining his front-runner status virtually overnight.
That wave of primary elections washed many of the remaining candidates out of the Democratic field, which included two dozen contenders at its peak.
Three of the candidates – billionaire Tom Steyer, Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar and former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg – threw in the towel on the eve of Super Tuesday. Multibillionaire and former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren dropped out shortly after the 14-state primary day.
Klobuchar and Buttigieg, along with one-time 2020 candidate Beto O'Rourke, a former Texas representative, endorsed Biden the night before Super Tuesday, along with a slew of other Democrats.
The massive alignment behind Biden was viewed as a broad effort to defeat Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist who establishment Democrats fear would lose to Trump in a general election.
Polls showed Sanders as the favored candidate heading into the Washington primary, albeit by a much narrower margin than he had previously enjoyed. FiveThirtyEight's polling aggregate of the state gave Sanders a double-digit lead over Biden as recently as the end of February – but that lead shrunk to just about a six-point spread after Super Tuesday.
Still, Sanders remained a strong contender. He won overwhelmingly in Washington's 2016 caucuses, besting then-rival Hillary Clinton in every county and walking away with about 73% of the vote, according to data from The New York Times.
Mail-in ballots submitted prior to the primary accounted for more than a quarter of the total vote share, the Washington Secretary of State's website showed. The majority of those early votes were cast before Biden's turnaround, boding well for Sanders.
Washington was one of six states to hold primary elections March 10. Of them, only Michigan, with 125 delegates available, offered a larger reward for the remaining candidates in the race.
Idaho, Missouri, Mississippi and North Dakota also held primary elections that day.
On Tuesday, four delegate-rich states – including Florida, with its many swing voters crucial to a general election win – will hold their primaries. The other states are Illinois, Ohio and Arizona.
This is breaking news. Please check back for updates.
-- CNBC's Jacob Pramuk contributed to this report.


cnbc--2020-03-17--Judge denies Ohio governor's push to postpone Tuesday's primary

A judge in Ohio rejected a lawsuit , backed by Gov .
Mike DeWine , to push to extend the state 's presidential primary elections scheduled for Tuesday to June 2 .
According to the Columbus Dispatch , Franklin County Judge Richard Frye said such a delay , 12 hours before voting was scheduled to begin , would set a `` terrible precedent . ''
Ohio polls are scheduled to open at 6:30 a.m .
ET Tuesday .
DeWine said he made the recommendation following guidance from public health officials who have cautioned against holding large public events amid the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a press conference , said that he lacked the legal authority to suspend the election .
He said he anticipated a lawsuit to be filed by citizens in Franklin County over the matter , and that it would be his recommendation to the court that in-person voting be canceled for Tuesday and held on June 2 , with absentee ballots accepted until then .
`` I think when we look back on this , we are going to be glad we did this .
The rights of voters are preserved , '' DeWine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given an ample opportunity to vote .
The votes that have already been cast have been cast . ''
Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Pepper said he supported the recommendation to do away with Tuesday 's in-person voting , but added that the party was considering other ways of extending the election , including switching entirely to vote-by-mail with a `` much earlier '' deadline than June 2 .
`` This could better serve the interests of Ohio voters and the primary process that is already well underway , and we will consider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case is filed , '' Pepper said in a statement .
DeWine is a Republican .
Ohio is one of four states scheduled to host presidential primaries on Tuesday , alongside Arizona , Illinois and Florida .
In a statement issued later Monday , an Illinois State Board of Elections spokesperson said the state was `` proceeding with plans for tomorrow 's primary as scheduled . ''
The other states have not announced plans to delay their contests .
On Sunday , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the next two months should be rescheduled .
`` It is clear that tomorrow 's in-person voting does not conform , and can not conform , with these CDC guidelines , '' DeWine said .
`` We can not conduct this election tomorrow — the in-person voting , for 13 hours tomorrow , and conform to these guidelines . ''
Frank LaRose , the Ohio Secretary of State , said during the press conference that the state was moving forward with its plan to hold elections on Tuesday until the advice of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The advice of our public health officials has evolved with this public health emergency , '' LaRose said .
`` We know that it would not be safe , and there is only one thing in my mind more important than a fair and free election , and that is the health and safety of our fellow Ohioans . ''
LaRose noted that `` the power to suspend an election , the power to delay an election , is not one that we have . ''
`` It rests with the legislature and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I made is to get recommendations ready anticipating that there would be a lawsuit as a result of this , '' LaRose said .
LaRose said that Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost will not contest the lawsuit .
`` We will be submitting to the court for their consideration our recommendation , '' he said .
LaRose said that recommendation will be submitted Monday afternoon .
There are 38 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Ohio , according to data from Johns Hopkins University .
There have been more than 4,000 cases in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

A judge in Ohio rejected a lawsuit, backed by Gov. Mike DeWine, to push to extend the state's presidential primary elections scheduled for Tuesday to June 2.
According to the Columbus Dispatch, Franklin County Judge Richard Frye said such a delay, 12 hours before voting was scheduled to begin, would set a "terrible precedent." Ohio polls are scheduled to open at 6:30 a.m. ET Tuesday.
DeWine said he made the recommendation following guidance from public health officials who have cautioned against holding large public events amid the coronavirus pandemic.
DeWine, speaking at a press conference, said that he lacked the legal authority to suspend the election. He said he anticipated a lawsuit to be filed by citizens in Franklin County over the matter, and that it would be his recommendation to the court that in-person voting be canceled for Tuesday and held on June 2, with absentee ballots accepted until then.
"I think when we look back on this, we are going to be glad we did this. The rights of voters are preserved," DeWine said. "Each voter will be given an ample opportunity to vote. The votes that have already been cast have been cast."
Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Pepper said he supported the recommendation to do away with Tuesday's in-person voting, but added that the party was considering other ways of extending the election, including switching entirely to vote-by-mail with a "much earlier" deadline than June 2.
"This could better serve the interests of Ohio voters and the primary process that is already well underway, and we will consider offering those alternatives to the court once the case is filed," Pepper said in a statement. DeWine is a Republican.
Ohio is one of four states scheduled to host presidential primaries on Tuesday, alongside Arizona, Illinois and Florida. In a statement issued later Monday, an Illinois State Board of Elections spokesperson said the state was "proceeding with plans for tomorrow's primary as scheduled." The other states have not announced plans to delay their contests.
On Sunday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that events with 50 or more people taking place in the next two months should be rescheduled.
"It is clear that tomorrow's in-person voting does not conform, and cannot conform, with these CDC guidelines," DeWine said. "We cannot conduct this election tomorrow — the in-person voting, for 13 hours tomorrow, and conform to these guidelines."
dewine tweet
Frank LaRose, the Ohio Secretary of State, said during the press conference that the state was moving forward with its plan to hold elections on Tuesday until the advice of public health officials shifted recently.
"The advice of our public health officials has evolved with this public health emergency," LaRose said. "We know that it would not be safe, and there is only one thing in my mind more important than a fair and free election, and that is the health and safety of our fellow Ohioans."
LaRose noted that "the power to suspend an election, the power to delay an election, is not one that we have."
"It rests with the legislature and with the courts. The decision that I made is to get recommendations ready anticipating that there would be a lawsuit as a result of this," LaRose said.
LaRose said that Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost will not contest the lawsuit.
"We will be submitting to the court for their consideration our recommendation," he said. LaRose said that recommendation will be submitted Monday afternoon.
There are 38 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Ohio, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. There have been more than 4,000 cases in the U.S., including at least 71 deaths.


cnbc--2020-03-17--Canada closing borders to noncitizens because of coronavirus, US citizens exempt from ban 'for the m

Canada closing borders to noncitizens because of coronavirus, US citizens exempt from ban 'for the moment'

Canada is closing its borders to noncitizens because of the coronavirus pandemic , but Prime Minister Justin Trudeau noted that the ban does not apply to U.S. citizens `` for the moment . ''
`` We can still slow the spread of this virus , '' Trudeau said at a press conference at Rideau Cottage in Ottawa , where he announced the border closing .
`` It is time to take every precaution to keep people safe . ''
Canada will make some exceptions to the border closure .
And the ban does not affect the shipment of goods into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours after the president of the European Commission , Ursula von der Leyen , proposed a ban on nonessential , incoming foreign travel for one month in the European Union .
`` We will be denying entry to Canada to people who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents , '' Trudeau said .
`` This measure will carve out some designated exceptions , including for air crews , diplomats , immediate family members of Canadian citizens and , at this time , U.S .
citizens . ''
Trudeau said the exemption for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the level of integration of our two economies . ''
`` I know that these measures are far reaching .
They are exceptional circumstances , calling for exceptional measures , '' he said .
Trudeau has no symptoms , but has been in isolation since last week as a precautionary measure .
There have been nearly 340 reported cases of coronavirus in Canada , with one death related to the virus .
Trudeau said that Canadians who are traveling outside of the country currently should return `` while it is still possible to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be clear , if you 're abroad , it 's time to come home , '' Trudeau said .
And , he noted , `` If you 've just arrived , you must self-isolate for 14 days . ''
`` Anyone who has symptoms will not be able to enter Canada . ''
Only four airports in Canada will accept international flights : Toronto , Montreal , Vancouver and Calgary .
Trudeau 's announcement came as U.S.-based airlines sought federal assistance of more than $ 50 billion to help them deal with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak .

Canada is closing its borders to noncitizens because of the coronavirus pandemic, but Prime Minister Justin Trudeau noted that the ban does not apply to U.S. citizens "for the moment."
"We can still slow the spread of this virus," Trudeau said at a press conference at Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, where he announced the border closing.
"It is time to take every precaution to keep people safe."
Canada will make some exceptions to the border closure. And the ban does not affect the shipment of goods into the country.
Trudeau's announcement came hours after the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, proposed a ban on nonessential, incoming foreign travel for one month in the European Union.
"We will be denying entry to Canada to people who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents," Trudeau said.
"This measure will carve out some designated exceptions, including for air crews, diplomats, immediate family members of Canadian citizens and, at this time, U.S. citizens."
Trudeau said the exemption for U.S. citizens was warranted because of "the level of integration of our two economies."
"I know that these measures are far reaching. They are exceptional circumstances, calling for exceptional measures," he said.
Trudeau's wife, Sophie Gregoire, tested positive for COVID-19 last week.
Trudeau has no symptoms, but has been in isolation since last week as a precautionary measure.
Tweet
There have been nearly 340 reported cases of coronavirus in Canada, with one death related to the virus.
Trudeau said that Canadians who are traveling outside of the country currently should return "while it is still possible to do so."
"Let me be clear, if you're abroad, it's time to come home," Trudeau said.
And, he noted, "If you've just arrived, you must self-isolate for 14 days."
"Anyone who has symptoms will not be able to enter Canada."
Only four airports in Canada will accept international flights: Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary.
Trudeau's announcement came as U.S.-based airlines sought federal assistance of more than $50 billion to help them deal with the hit to their bottom lines from the coronavirus outbreak.
-- Additional reporting by Kevin Breuninger.


cnbc--2020-03-17--Biden aims to tighten his grip on the Democratic nomination as three states hold primaries in the sh

Biden aims to tighten his grip on the Democratic nomination as three states hold primaries in the shadow of coronavirus

Former Vice President Joe Biden ( D ) speaks about the Coronavirus and the response to it at the Hotel Du Pont in Wilmington , DE .
Three states forged ahead with consequential Democratic presidential primaries Tuesday as the coronavirus grinded regular American life to a halt and one of their counterparts shut down voting .
Arizona , Florida , and Illinois are holding nominating contests — with some modifications to reduce the risks from the pandemic .
On Monday night , Ohio officials said the state would not open polls Tuesday due to `` unacceptable risk , '' after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its primary until June .
Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders , who have stopped in-person campaigning , are vying for a trove of delegates in their race to challenge President Donald Trump in November .
Biden pulled ahead of the Vermont senator with strong showings in two rounds of primaries on March 3 and 10 , helped along by a handful of his ex-rivals dropping out and endorsing him .
He has led Sanders by big margins in recent polls of the states voting Tuesday , meaning he could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they cast their ballots .
If Biden wins the elections , particularly by wide margins , `` it 's effectively the end of the primary process for the Democrats , '' said Herb Asher , a professor emeritus of political science at the Ohio State University .
`` I do n't know if Bernie Sanders will see it that way , '' he added .
By the time Tuesday 's contests dole out their spoils , states will have allocated more than half of pledged delegates in the Democratic race .
Heading into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 871 to 719 delegates , according to NBC News .
A candidate needs 1,991 delegates to clinch the nomination .
The three states voting Tuesday will award 441 pledged delegates combined .
They break down :

Former Vice President Joe Biden (D) speaks about the Coronavirus and the response to it at the Hotel Du Pont in Wilmington, DE.
Three states forged ahead with consequential Democratic presidential primaries Tuesday as the coronavirus grinded regular American life to a halt and one of their counterparts shut down voting.
Arizona, Florida, and Illinois are holding nominating contests — with some modifications to reduce the risks from the pandemic. On Monday night, Ohio officials said the state would not open polls Tuesday due to "unacceptable risk," after a judge denied a push to delay its primary until June.
Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders, who have stopped in-person campaigning, are vying for a trove of delegates in their race to challenge President Donald Trump in November.
Biden pulled ahead of the Vermont senator with strong showings in two rounds of primaries on March 3 and 10, helped along by a handful of his ex-rivals dropping out and endorsing him. He has led Sanders by big margins in recent polls of the states voting Tuesday, meaning he could build a near insurmountable delegate edge once they cast their ballots.
If Biden wins the elections, particularly by wide margins, "it's effectively the end of the primary process for the Democrats," said Herb Asher, a professor emeritus of political science at the Ohio State University.
"I don't know if Bernie Sanders will see it that way," he added.
By the time Tuesday's contests dole out their spoils, states will have allocated more than half of pledged delegates in the Democratic race. Heading into the day, Biden leads Sanders by 871 to 719 delegates, according to NBC News. A candidate needs 1,991 delegates to clinch the nomination.
The three states voting Tuesday will award 441 pledged delegates combined. They break down:


cnbc--2020-03-17--Travel industry pushes for $150 billion in aid as coronavirus cripples business

U.S. President Donald Trump , left , listens while Mark Hoplamazian , president and chief executive officer of Hyatt Hotels Corp. , right , speaks during a meeting with tourism industry executives at the White House in Washington , D.C. , U.S. , on Tuesday , March 17 , 2020 .
The U.S. travel and tourism industry is seeking $ 150 billion in relief to help grapple with coronavirus pandemic that has ground travel to a halt .
Lobbying groups representing the country 's travel and tourism industry met the White House on Tuesday to meet with President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic impact of the pandemic .
In the meeting , `` assured the industry leaders that he understands the sacrifices they are all making and pledged that this administration would be there for them in the days , weeks and months ahead , '' a White House spokesperson said in a statement .
The meeting included the heads of the U.S. Travel Association and American Hotel and Lodging Association , which represents companies including Carnival , Walt Disney , Expedia , Hilton , and MGM International .
The groups urged the administration to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ailing industry .
They include establishing a travel workforce stabilization fund , providing an emergency liquidity facility for travel businesses and support to small businesses and their employees through the Small Business Administration to In the meeting , U.S. Travel Association CEO Roger Dow presented an analysis that projects decreased travel due to coronavirus could wipe out $ 355 billion in total travel spending , including transportation , lodging , retail , attractions and restaurants .
The economic pain , he argued , could be six times that of 9/11 .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more severe than anything we 've seen before , including September 11 and the great recession of 2008 combined , '' American Hotel & Lodging Association CEO Chip Rogers said in a statement .
The travel industry joins others , like airlines , asking the government for help in making it through the disruption .
The U.S. airline industry confirmed Monday that it is seeking government assistance of more than $ 50 billion , including a mix of direct aid and loan guarantees .
Boeing has also confirmed it in talks with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as White House is putting together a stimulus package worth anywhere from $ 850 billion to over $ 1 trillion to battle the economic impact from the coronavirus pandemic .
Trump has made clear his intent to protect certain industries .
In a press conference earlier Tuesday he noted that the challenges facing the travel industry is not its fault .
In hopes of containing the pandemic , the Trump administration has instituted a broad ban on foreign visitors from 26 European countries , which it later expanded to the U.K. and Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel industry may be controversial .
Trump himself is a hotelier .
Democrats , including Sen. Elizabeth Warren have made clear they will demand concessions from any big business accepting federal aid .
She said Tuesday such concessions would include an agreement to permanently ban stock-buyback and maintain employee payroll .

U.S. President Donald Trump, left, listens while Mark Hoplamazian, president and chief executive officer of Hyatt Hotels Corp., right, speaks during a meeting with tourism industry executives at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
The U.S. travel and tourism industry is seeking $150 billion in relief to help grapple with the coronavirus pandemic that has ground travel to a halt.
Lobbying groups representing the country's travel and tourism industry met at the White House on Tuesday with President Donald Trump and other officials to discuss the devastating economic impact of the pandemic.
In the meeting, Trump "assured the industry leaders that he understands the sacrifices they are all making and pledged that this administration would be there for them in the days, weeks and months ahead," a White House spokesperson said in a statement.
The meeting included the heads of the U.S. Travel Association and American Hotel and Lodging Association, which represents companies including Carnival , Walt Disney , Expedia , Hilton and MGM International .
The groups urged the administration to take a number of measures to help the ailing industry. They include establishing a travel workforce stabilization fund, providing an emergency liquidity facility for travel businesses and support to small businesses and their employees through the Small Business Administration.
In the meeting, U.S. Travel Association CEO Roger Dow presented an analysis that projects decreased travel due to coronavirus could wipe out $355 billion in total travel spending, including transportation, lodging, retail, attractions and restaurants. The economic pain, he argued, could be six times that of 9/11.
"The impact to our industry is already more severe than anything we've seen before, including September 11 and the great recession of 2008 combined," American Hotel & Lodging Association CEO Chip Rogers said in a statement.
The travel industry joins others, including airlines, asking the government for help in making it through the disruption. The U.S. airline industry confirmed Monday that it is seeking government assistance of more than $50 billion, including a mix of direct aid and loan guarantees. Boeing has also confirmed it is in talks with the government about aid.
The request comes as the White House is putting together a stimulus package worth anywhere from $850 billion to over $1 trillion to battle the economic impact from the coronavirus pandemic.
Trump has made clear his intent to protect certain industries. In a press conference earlier Tuesday he noted that the challenges facing the travel industry are not its fault.
In hopes of containing the pandemic, the Trump administration has instituted a broad ban on foreign visitors from 26 European countries, which it later expanded to the U.K. and Ireland.
Still, any bailout of the travel industry may be controversial. Trump himself is a hotelier.
Democrats including Sen. Elizabeth Warren have made clear they will demand concessions from any big business accepting federal aid. She said Tuesday such concessions would include an agreement to permanently ban stock buyback and maintain employee payroll.