cnbc--2020-03-19--Op-Ed: Trump must put families and small businesses first as coronavirus catastrophe grows

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks as Vice President Mike Pence looks on during a news briefing on the latest development of the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S. at the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House March 18 , 2020 in Washington , DC .
The COVID-19 pandemic is a matter of life and death .
Keep your focus on helping Americans stay healthy .
History will measure your presidency by how many deaths were prevented , not on what the Dow Jones average was in March of 2020 .
Yes , you must address the economic ramifications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the stock market score board and start focusing on fixing what 's going wrong with the underlying economy .
The 2.3 percent GDP growth for 2019 was the slowest in three years .
Even prior to COVID-19 , we were not experiencing , as you suggested , the `` greatest economy in the history of our country . ''
Now the economy is being stressed by a major contraction in virtually all industries , especially the service industry that makes up over 77 percent of the total economy .
There is time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does or does not need to be done for large , billion-dollar industries like the cruise lines , hotels , airlines , and casinos .
But how does an immediate focus on multi-national corporations really help the small business owner who may never reopen his or her business , or the employee who was just laid off ?
Right now the absolute priority must be helping families who are hit the hardest by their new inability to earn a living .
Those who are most economically vulnerable in this situation are tipped workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hotel staff ; `` gig economy '' workers like rideshare drivers ; people who help support working families like daycare workers and housekeepers ; and small businesses , like dry cleaners , salons , and restaurants .
Now is the time to act quickly , but also the time to act wisely .

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks as Vice President Mike Pence looks on during a news briefing on the latest development of the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S. at the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House March 18, 2020 in Washington, DC.
The COVID-19 pandemic is a matter of life and death. Keep your focus on helping Americans stay healthy. History will measure your presidency by how many deaths were prevented, not on what the Dow Jones average was in March of 2020.
Yes, you must address the economic ramifications of this crisis. But stop looking at the stock market score board and start focusing on fixing what's going wrong with the underlying economy.
The 2.3 percent GDP growth for 2019 was the slowest in three years. Even prior to COVID-19, we were not experiencing, as you suggested, the "greatest economy in the history of our country."
Now the economy is being stressed by a major contraction in virtually all industries, especially the service industry that makes up over 77 percent of the total economy.
There is time to have the essential discussions on what does or does not need to be done for large, billion-dollar industries like the cruise lines, hotels, airlines, and casinos. But how does an immediate focus on multi-national corporations really help the small business owner who may never reopen his or her business, or the employee who was just laid off?
Right now the absolute priority must be helping families who are hit the hardest by their new inability to earn a living. Those who are most economically vulnerable in this situation are tipped workers like waitstaff, arena workers, and hotel staff; "gig economy" workers like rideshare drivers; people who help support working families like daycare workers and housekeepers; and small businesses, like dry cleaners, salons, and restaurants.
Now is the time to act quickly, but also the time to act wisely.


cnbc--2020-03-19--Connecticut becomes latest state to postpone 2020 primary as coronavirus spreads

Gov .
Ned Lamont speaks at a press conference at the UConn School of Business Graduate Learning Center in Hartford , Connecticut on Tuesday , Jan. 13 , 2020 .
Connecticut will move its 2020 primary to June 2 from the originally planned April 28 in response to the deadly coronavirus outbreak , Gov .
Ned Lamont announced on Thursday .
`` In coordination with other states and our Secretary of the State , and in an effort to carry out Democracy while keeping public health a top priority , I have decided to move our presidential primary to June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I will provide more information later today . ''
Connecticut , with 60 delegates up for grabs , is the latest state to postpone its primary because of looming threats brought on by the coronavirus , which has roiled markets and infected hundreds of thousands of people globally .
The outbreak has upended the 2020 Democratic presidential primary between former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders as they push to take on President Donald Trump in November .
The rivals have stopped holding in-person campaign events .
Sanders , who has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pledged delegates , is now mulling his prospects .
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard , the last female candidate in a field of six , dropped out on Thursday and endorsed Biden .
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton won Connecticut in 2016 over Sanders .
She went on to lose the general election to Trump .
Several states have already changed their election schedules as the coronavirus pandemic rages across the United States and paralyzes normal activity .
Louisiana and Georgia delayed their planned primaries .
Wyoming also canceled the in-person portion of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ primary voting that was supposed to take place Tuesday .
Gov .
Mike DeWine was blocked by the courts from postponing the primary , but the state 's health department intervened , issuing an order to close the polls due to health concerns brought on by the outbreak .
Arizona , Florida and Illinois moved forward with Tuesday voting but took extra precautions , emphasizing mail-in ballots and increasing sanitation at polling places .
Rhode Island could be next .
It is awaiting a decision on whether its primary will be postponed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to postpone the state 's primary from April 28 to June 2 , but the decision is `` pending the Governor signing an emergency order , '' according to the board 's deputy director of elections , Miguel Nunez .
Here are the states that have postponed their primaries and their new dates : • Ohio ( rescheduled to June 2 , pending approval from the courts ) The Democratic National Committee has so far said it will move forward with its convention in July despite the disruptions .
The coronavirus , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , China , has spread to dozens of countries globally , with more than 229,000 confirmed cases worldwide and at least 9,300 deaths so far , according to data from Johns Hopkins University .
There are at least 10,755 cases in the United States and at least 150 deaths , according to the latest tallies .

Gov. Ned Lamont speaks at a press conference at the UConn School of Business Graduate Learning Center in Hartford, Connecticut on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2020.
Connecticut will move its 2020 primary to June 2 from the originally planned April 28 in response to the deadly coronavirus outbreak, Gov. Ned Lamont announced on Thursday.
"In coordination with other states and our Secretary of the State, and in an effort to carry out Democracy while keeping public health a top priority, I have decided to move our presidential primary to June 2nd," Lamont tweeted. "I will provide more information later today."
Tweet
Connecticut, with 60 delegates up for grabs, is the latest state to postpone its primary because of looming threats brought on by the coronavirus, which has roiled markets and infected hundreds of thousands of people globally.
The outbreak has upended the 2020 Democratic presidential primary between former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders as they push to take on President Donald Trump in November. The rivals have stopped holding in-person campaign events. Sanders, who has fallen behind Biden in the race for pledged delegates, is now mulling his prospects. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, the last female candidate in a field of six, dropped out on Thursday and endorsed Biden.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton won Connecticut in 2016 over Sanders. She went on to lose the general election to Trump.
Several states have already changed their election schedules as the coronavirus pandemic rages across the United States and paralyzes normal activity. Louisiana and Georgia delayed their planned primaries. Wyoming also canceled the in-person portion of its Democratic caucus.
Ohio delayed its in-person primary voting that was supposed to take place Tuesday. Gov. Mike DeWine was blocked by the courts from postponing the primary, but the state's health department intervened, issuing an order to close the polls due to health concerns brought on by the outbreak.
Arizona, Florida and Illinois moved forward with Tuesday voting but took extra precautions, emphasizing mail-in ballots and increasing sanitation at polling places.
Rhode Island could be next. It is awaiting a decision on whether its primary will be postponed. The Rhode Island Board of Elections voted to postpone the state's primary from April 28 to June 2, but the decision is "pending the Governor signing an emergency order," according to the board's deputy director of elections, Miguel Nunez.
Here are the states that have postponed their primaries and their new dates:
Georgia (rescheduled to May 19)
Connecticut (rescheduled to June 2)
Ohio (rescheduled to June 2, pending approval from the courts)
Louisiana (rescheduled to June 20)
Kentucky (rescheduled to June 23)
The Democratic National Committee has so far said it will move forward with its convention in July despite the disruptions.
The coronavirus, which is believed to have originated in Wuhan, China, has spread to dozens of countries globally, with more than 229,000 confirmed cases worldwide and at least 9,300 deaths so far, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
There are at least 10,755 cases in the United States and at least 150 deaths, according to the latest tallies.
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cnbc--2020-03-19--Trump says he would consider government equity stakes in companies seeking bailouts

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a Coronavirus Task Force news conference in the briefing room of the White House in Washington , D.C. , U.S. , on Thursday , March 19 , 2020 .
President Donald Trump said Thursday he would consider having the federal government take equity stakes in companies accepting federal aid in a bailout geared toward blunting the economic impact from the widening coronavirus outbreak .
When asked by a reporter whether he supports the government taking an equity stake in certain companies , he responded : `` I do .
I really do . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he would want the government to take a stake in , but did expand on the kinds of companies in which the move might make sense .
`` People are coming in for money , in some cases through no fault of their own , but in some cases where they did certain things over the course of the years , including buying back stock , '' he said .
Trump earlier in the briefing said he would not oppose barring companies that receive federal assistance during the coronavirus pandemic from conducting stock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — Delta , American , Southwest and United — have collectively spent about $ 39 billion over the last five years buying back shares , according to a tally from S & P Dow Jones Indices .
U.S. airlines are seeking more than $ 50 billion in aid .
`` Maybe I view that as a little bit different than somebody who did n't , or somebody that built plants all over the United States , which there are plenty of them too , '' Trump said .
Other industries , such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the pandemic .
General Motors , Ford Motor and Fiat Chrysler will temporarily close all U.S. factories .
The halt in production could create an immediate cash crunch for the automakers as demand for cars declines amid the COVID-19 outbreak .
An equity stake is unlikely to be the companies ' preferred form of relief .
The move is often dilutive to shareholders and gives the government greater ability to oversee a company .
General Motors gave a stake in its business to the U.S. government during the auto bailout in 2009 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government , it had to wipe out shareholders in return .
Many industries , including the airlines , have therefore sought relief in the form of direct grants and other means .
The hope for many lobbyists was that any bailout look more similar to that which the government offered the airline industry after 9/11 .
The package originally offered airlines a total of $ 5 billion in direct grants and $ 10 billion in loan guarantees .
Congress is currently hashing out a stimulus plan with the administration that could top $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not rule out the idea that more aid could be needed if the disease is not contained .
The administration has in recent days floated a proposal that would include $ 50 billion for the ailing airline industry , as well as $ 150 billion for `` other distressed sectors . ''
It was not immediately clear which industries would be covered , but Trump has called out the cruise and hotel industry multiple times for their ails , saying they are to blame .

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a Coronavirus Task Force news conference in the briefing room of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Thursday, March 19, 2020.
President Donald Trump said Thursday he would consider having the federal government take equity stakes in companies accepting federal aid in a bailout geared toward blunting the economic impact from the widening coronavirus outbreak.
When asked by a reporter whether he supports the government taking an equity stake in certain companies, he responded: "I do. I really do."
He would not say specifically which companies he would want the government to take a stake in, but did expand on the kinds of companies in which the move might make sense.
"People are coming in for money, in some cases through no fault of their own, but in some cases where they did certain things over the course of the years, including buying back stock," he said.
Trump earlier in the briefing said he would not oppose barring companies that receive federal assistance during the coronavirus pandemic from conducting stock buybacks. The four biggest U.S. airlines — Delta , American , Southwest and United — have collectively spent about $39 billion over the last five years buying back shares, according to a tally from S&P Dow Jones Indices. U.S. airlines are seeking more than $50 billion in aid.
"Maybe I view that as a little bit different than somebody who didn't, or somebody that built plants all over the United States, which there are plenty of them too," Trump said.
Other industries, such as automobile companies, have also been struck by the pandemic. General Motors , Ford Motor and Fiat Chrysler will temporarily close all U.S. factories. The halt in production could create an immediate cash crunch for the automakers as demand for cars declines amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
An equity stake is unlikely to be the companies' preferred form of relief. The move is often dilutive to shareholders and gives the government greater ability to oversee a company.
General Motors gave a stake in its business to the U.S. government during the auto bailout in 2009. When it ultimately paid back the government, it had to wipe out shareholders in return.
Many industries, including the airlines, have therefore sought relief in the form of direct grants and other means. The hope for many lobbyists was that any bailout look more similar to that which the government offered the airline industry after 9/11. The package originally offered airlines a total of $5 billion in direct grants and $10 billion in loan guarantees.
Congress is currently hashing out a stimulus plan with the administration that could top $1 trillion. On Thursday Trump did not rule out the idea that more aid could be needed if the disease is not contained.
The administration has in recent days floated a proposal that would include $50 billion for the ailing airline industry, as well as $150 billion for "other distressed sectors." It was not immediately clear which industries would be covered, but Trump has called out the cruise and hotel industry multiple times for their ails, saying they are to blame.
— CNBC's Leslie Josephs contributed to this report.


cnbc--2020-03-19--State Department tells Americans not to travel abroad due to coronavirus

WASHINGTON — The State Department on Thursday told Americans to avoid all international travel and that U.S. citizens abroad should return immediately because of the coronavirus pandemic , an unprecedented warning from the agency as the disease spreads .
The State Department 's level 4 warning , the highest of its kind , comes as nations around the world are scrambling to stem the spread of the coronavirus , known as COVID-19 .
The disease has infected more than 236,000 worldwide , though many have recovered .
In the U.S. 11,238 cases have been reported so far .
The agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to the U.S. right away `` unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period . ''
It also told travelers that planned travel abroad `` may be severely disrupted . ''
Airlines , reeling from the crisis , have slashed international flying already as the virus sapped both leisure and business travel demand .
The Trump administration last week issued a 30-day on most visitors from Europe for 30-days , prompting airlines to further reduce their international service .
Executives have said the impact of coronavirus is worse than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacks .
Delta Air Lines on Wednesday said it would slash capacity by 70 % network-wide , cuts that would continue `` until demand starts to recover . ''
The Atlanta-based carrier 's international flights would take the biggest hit with an 80 % drop , CEO Ed Bastian told employees .
`` Making swift decisions now to reduce the losses and preserve cash will provide us the resources to rebound from the other side of this crisis and protect Delta 's future , '' he said .
Airlines are seeking more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weather the crisis , and CEOs have had talks with President Donald Trump , lawmakers and some administration officials .
Less than a week ago , the State Department upped the travel advisory to level three , which calls for U.S. citizens to reconsider travel .

WASHINGTON — The State Department on Thursday told Americans to avoid all international travel and that U.S. citizens abroad should return immediately because of the coronavirus pandemic, an unprecedented warning from the agency as the disease spreads.
The State Department's level 4 warning, the highest of its kind, comes as nations around the world are scrambling to stem the spread of the coronavirus, known as COVID-19. The disease has infected more than 236,000 worldwide, though many have recovered. In the U.S. 11,238 cases have been reported so far.
The agency warned Americans abroad to arrange for travel back to the U.S. right away "unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period." It also told travelers that planned travel abroad "may be severely disrupted."
Airlines, reeling from the crisis, have slashed international flying already as the virus sapped both leisure and business travel demand. The Trump administration last week issued a 30-day on most visitors from Europe for 30-days, prompting airlines to further reduce their international service. Executives have said the impact of coronavirus is worse than the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Delta Air Lines on Wednesday said it would slash capacity by 70% network-wide, cuts that would continue "until demand starts to recover." The Atlanta-based carrier's international flights would take the biggest hit with an 80% drop, CEO Ed Bastian told employees.
"Making swift decisions now to reduce the losses and preserve cash will provide us the resources to rebound from the other side of this crisis and protect Delta's future," he said.
Airlines are seeking more than $50 billion in government aid to weather the crisis, and CEOs have had talks with President Donald Trump, lawmakers and some administration officials.
Less than a week ago, the State Department upped the travel advisory to level three, which calls for U.S. citizens to reconsider travel.


cnbc--2020-03-19--Their candidate lost. Now they're job hunting as the coronavirus pandemic crushes the economy

A month ago , Molly Doris-Pierce was hoping to help elect the next president .
Now she 's hoping to find a job .
Thousands of campaign staffers were fired earlier this month after their candidates dropped out of the race for the Democratic presidential nomination .
But now , as governments across the globe race to contain the coronavirus , the worldwide economy has frozen , leaving job seekers in the lurch .
Times like these call for dark humor .
`` I know everyone is working on their think pieces so if anyone has a 'How to Write @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essay in the works let a girl know your best advice , '' Doris-Pierce wrote Tuesday on Twitter .
Doris-Pierce , 26 , worked as Sen. Elizabeth Warren 's national women 's outreach director .
Warren exited the 2020 Democratic primary earlier this month after a disappointing showing on Super Tuesday , releasing her staff , which numbered more than 1,000 across dozens of states .
Other campaigns have done the same .
A historically large Democratic primary field was winnowed down to just two major contenders in a rapid chain of events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moved around the country to work for Warren , former Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Amy Klobuchar were let go .
Even campaign workers employed by billionaire Mike Bloomberg , guaranteed jobs through November , have been fired .
Of course , millions Americans are at risk of job loss in the immediate future as the coronavirus devastates the economy .
The travel and food service industries have essentially collapsed , with businesses barring their employees from taking flights and cities like Los Angeles and New York closing restaurants and bars .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus could inflict nationwide , data released on Thursday showed jobless claims surged to 281,000 last week , the highest total since September 2017 .
`` Jobs will be lost , wealth will be destroyed and confidence depressed , '' Bank of America warned .
The extreme unpredictability of campaign jobs separate them from employment avenues that in normal times are considered more stable .
Still , the pandemic has left heightened uncertainty in its wake .
In an interview , Doris-Pierce said she had been struggling to craft a cover letter that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was sitting there thinking , 'How am I supposed to talk about myself and why people should hire me when people are reasonably very concerned about other things ? '
'' she said .
Nothing seemed to come off right : `` My skills as a team player would come in very handy as your team struggles to handle a pandemic , '' she joked .
Other former campaign workers are also venting their frustration online .
`` Imagine being recently unemployed and trying to get a new job during an unprecedented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Klobuchar staffer wrote in a recent Twitter post .
`` Did n't realize it would be so easy to imagine , '' a former colleague responded .
Job hunting is never easy .
But job hunting during an unfolding public health crisis is infinitely worse .
`` The moment that we are in is kind of a one-two punch in that Super Tuesday happened , and then two weeks later the whole country is locked down and campaigns do n't have intention to hire right now when everyone is working from home , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because he remains employed , declined to be named in order to speak candidly .
`` That 's a toxic combination for folks who are on the job hunt right now , '' he added .
Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders , the two Democratic contenders still fighting for the nomination , have basically done away with traditional campaigning for the time being .
The two have canceled rallies and fundraisers and directed campaign staffers to work from home .
On Tuesday , with three states hosting nominating contests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts to get out the vote .
`` We are making clear to voters that we believe going to the polls amid the coronavirus outbreak is a personal decision and we respect whichever choice they make , '' spokesman Mike Casca said .
Sanders lost in those three states , widening the gap between himself and Biden .
On Wednesday , campaign manager Faiz Shakir said Sanders will `` assess his campaign '' in the coming weeks .
If Sanders drops from the race , hundreds more Democrats could suddenly be jobless .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to be slower , '' said Ben Ernst , who until recently served as Klobuchar 's New England states director for Maine , Massachusetts and Vermont .
`` Looking from the outside of the campaigns , they are going to have to figure out how to do all the things that we normally do in person over the phone or online , and any change takes time . ''
Back to living with the parents Ernst is 27 and living at home with his parents after his lease in Manchester , New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said if it were not for the coronavirus , he would probably be traveling — and trying a bit harder to find a job .
`` Honestly , part of it , and this is a little more private , is I am privileged enough to not find a job right away .
I can stay at my parents ' place .
I do n't need to find a job .
There are a lot of people who have to work to pay the bills , '' he said .
`` The other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing it as long or do n't have a network . ''
Campaign work is by definition unpredictable , marked by a frenetic pace and unclear end dates .
Ernst said he had worked 12 jobs in just the last five years .
`` I used to be a little more nervous about it than I am now , '' he said .
Doris-Pierce said the thought of all of the newly unemployed workers in the hospitality industry makes her feel a little bit guilty .
`` I am not unemployed because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I took a job where the risk was that we would n't win , '' she said .
But the timing is still terrible .
Doris-Pierce said she has applied for unemployment benefits and MassHealth , the name for Massachusetts ' Medicaid program .
`` I do my best to scrimp and save , but it 's going to be tight and I am incredibly nervous , '' she said .
`` I think the scariest part is that no one knows what the country is going to look like in a week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a time . ''
It 's hard to say what the long-term impact of the pandemic-related financial collapse will be on the Democratic Party 's staff recruiting efforts .
The Democratic official noted that former President Barack Obama turned to young people who had graduated during the last financial crisis , in 2008 , to staff his 2012 reelection bid , at times hiring 1,000 people per battleground state .
`` Campaigns are less likely to lay off staff amid a recession than the private sector , '' he said .
Doris-Pierce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaigning without organizing in person , those who have mastered digital tactics could thrive .
`` Campaigns are all about looking at a challenge and coming up with creative ways to solve it , so I think career campaign people are incredibly skilled for this unprecedented challenge , '' she said .
The Democratic National Committee is aware that many former campaign staffers are now looking for employment , but there 's only so much it can do .
The party sends an email out each week with job openings and training opportunities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We have a robust talent bank that we update regularly where we collect resumes for the eventual nominee and state parties and other job openings in battleground states , '' a spokesperson said in a statement .
`` We reach out to each presidential campaign once they are no longer in the race to let them know about the talent bank so they can pass along job openings to their staff to ensure we can help find them jobs . ''
It is possible that some help will soon come from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is working with Congress to hammer out the details of a massive stimulus package likely to involve more than $ 1 trillion in spending .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Thursday that President Donald Trump is seeking direct payments of $ 1,000 for adults and $ 500 for kids .
As might have been expected , that potential aid package has done little to warm the president to those once professionally employed to oust him .
Trump early on dismissed the outbreak , going so far as to call it a hoax Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It 's not really relevant to your story , but it 's what I 'm feeling right now , just watching this administration : Thousands of people are going to die , and that 's horrible , '' Ernst said .
`` They 've done a lot of horrible stuff , but this one is up there .
He put all of us at risk . ''

Molly Doris-Pierce job-hunting from her apartment in Boston amid the coronavirus pandemic. Her former employer, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, dropped out of the 2020 presidential race in March. "I do my best to scrimp and save but it's going to be tight and I am incredibly nervous," she said. Molly Doris-Pierce
A month ago, Molly Doris-Pierce was hoping to help elect the next president. Now she's hoping to find a job. Thousands of campaign staffers were fired earlier this month after their candidates dropped out of the race for the Democratic presidential nomination. But now, as governments across the globe race to contain the coronavirus, the worldwide economy has frozen, leaving job seekers in the lurch. Times like these call for dark humor. "I know everyone is working on their think pieces so if anyone has a 'How to Write a Cover Letter During a Pandemic' essay in the works let a girl know your best advice," Doris-Pierce wrote Tuesday on Twitter. Doris-Pierce, 26, worked as Sen. Elizabeth Warren's national women's outreach director. Warren exited the 2020 Democratic primary earlier this month after a disappointing showing on Super Tuesday, releasing her staff, which numbered more than 1,000 across dozens of states. Other campaigns have done the same. A historically large Democratic primary field was winnowed down to just two major contenders in a rapid chain of events earlier this month. Staffers who had moved around the country to work for Warren, former Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Amy Klobuchar were let go. Even campaign workers employed by billionaire Mike Bloomberg, guaranteed jobs through November, have been fired. Of course, millions Americans are at risk of job loss in the immediate future as the coronavirus devastates the economy. The travel and food service industries have essentially collapsed, with businesses barring their employees from taking flights and cities like Los Angeles and New York closing restaurants and bars. In an early sign of the toll the coronavirus could inflict nationwide, data released on Thursday showed jobless claims surged to 281,000 last week, the highest total since September 2017. "Jobs will be lost, wealth will be destroyed and confidence depressed," Bank of America warned.
Resonating with the moment
The extreme unpredictability of campaign jobs separate them from employment avenues that in normal times are considered more stable. Still, the pandemic has left heightened uncertainty in its wake. In an interview, Doris-Pierce said she had been struggling to craft a cover letter that would resonate with the moment. "I was sitting there thinking, 'How am I supposed to talk about myself and why people should hire me when people are reasonably very concerned about other things?'" she said. Nothing seemed to come off right: "My skills as a team player would come in very handy as your team struggles to handle a pandemic," she joked. Other former campaign workers are also venting their frustration online. "Imagine being recently unemployed and trying to get a new job during an unprecedented global health crisis," a former Klobuchar staffer wrote in a recent Twitter post. "Didn't realize it would be so easy to imagine," a former colleague responded. tweet Job hunting is never easy. But job hunting during an unfolding public health crisis is infinitely worse. "The moment that we are in is kind of a one-two punch in that Super Tuesday happened, and then two weeks later the whole country is locked down and campaigns don't have intention to hire right now when everyone is working from home," said a Democratic official who, because he remains employed, declined to be named in order to speak candidly. "That's a toxic combination for folks who are on the job hunt right now," he added. Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders, the two Democratic contenders still fighting for the nomination, have basically done away with traditional campaigning for the time being. The two have canceled rallies and fundraisers and directed campaign staffers to work from home. On Tuesday, with three states hosting nominating contests, the Sanders campaign said it halted efforts to get out the vote. "We are making clear to voters that we believe going to the polls amid the coronavirus outbreak is a personal decision and we respect whichever choice they make," spokesman Mike Casca said. Sanders lost in those three states, widening the gap between himself and Biden. On Wednesday, campaign manager Faiz Shakir said Sanders will "assess his campaign" in the coming weeks. If Sanders drops from the race, hundreds more Democrats could suddenly be jobless. "My expectation is that everything is going to be slower," said Ben Ernst, who until recently served as Klobuchar's New England states director for Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont. "Looking from the outside of the campaigns, they are going to have to figure out how to do all the things that we normally do in person over the phone or online, and any change takes time."
Back to living with the parents
Ernst is 27 and living at home with his parents after his lease in Manchester, New Hampshire, ended this month. He said if it were not for the coronavirus, he would probably be traveling — and trying a bit harder to find a job. "Honestly, part of it, and this is a little more private, is I am privileged enough to not find a job right away. I can stay at my parents' place. I don't need to find a job. There are a lot of people who have to work to pay the bills," he said. "The other thing is people who haven't been doing it as long or don't have a network." Campaign work is by definition unpredictable, marked by a frenetic pace and unclear end dates. Ernst said he had worked 12 jobs in just the last five years. "I used to be a little more nervous about it than I am now," he said. Doris-Pierce said the thought of all of the newly unemployed workers in the hospitality industry makes her feel a little bit guilty. "I am not unemployed because of the pandemic, I am unemployed because I took a job where the risk was that we wouldn't win," she said.
Terrible timing


cnbc--2020-03-19--Trump says he is 'OK' with forbidding buybacks as condition of corporate bailouts

President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he would not oppose barring companies that receive federal assistance during the coronavirus pandemic from conducting stock buybacks .
`` It takes many many people in this case to tango , but as far as I 'm concerned conditions like that would be okay with me , '' Trump said during a White House press conference when pressed on whether he would support a provision forbidding stock buybacks in a bailout bill .
Trump said he was `` never happy '' with stock buybacks , but that it was difficult to prevent companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very hard to tell them not to , but I would tell them not to , I would say I do n't like it , '' he said .
The comments come as the White House and Congress are hammering out the details of a stimulus package expected to top $ 1 trillion in spending .
U.S. airlines , which are at the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak as bookings crumble and cancellations outpace bookings , are seeking more than $ 50 billion aid , including direct grants from the government .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bailout must ban on buybacks .
The four biggest U.S. carriers — Delta , American , Southwest and United — have collectively spent about $ 39 billion over the last five years buying back shares , according to a tally from S & P Dow Jones Indices .
Those carriers ' shares are now trading at multiyear lows .
Boeing , which is also seeking government aid , spent more than $ 35 billion in that period .
Proposals to put conditions on federal bailouts have come from progressive lawmakers including Sen. Elizabeth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ocasio-Cortez , D-N.Y. Warren has proposed that companies receiving federal assistance should be barred from buybacks permanently , and prevented from issuing dividends or executive bonuses for three years .
Warren has also proposed requiring those firms to boost their minimum wage to $ 15 an hour within a year of the end of the crisis , and provide a board seat to workers .
`` If there is so much as a DIME of corporate bailout money in the next relief package , it should include a reinstated ban on stock buybacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban has also weighed in , saying that bailed out firms should be barred from buybacks forever .
`` Not now .
Not a year from now .
Not 20 years from now .
Not ever , '' Cuban told CNBC on Wednesday .
`` Because effectively you 're spending taxpayer money to buyback stock and to me that 's just the wrong way to do that . ''
Airlines for America , the sector 's lobbying group , argued Tuesday that `` U.S. carriers have invested heavily in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the industry , to increase salaries and pensions over the last decade , '' saying that between 2010 and 2018 airline worker compensation rose about 41 % on average .

President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he would not oppose barring companies that receive federal assistance during the coronavirus pandemic from conducting stock buybacks.
"It takes many many people in this case to tango, but as far as I'm concerned conditions like that would be okay with me," Trump said during a White House press conference when pressed on whether he would support a provision forbidding stock buybacks in a bailout bill.
Trump said he was "never happy" with stock buybacks, but that it was difficult to prevent companies from doing them. "It's very hard to tell them not to, but I would tell them not to, I would say I don't like it," he said.
The comments come as the White House and Congress are hammering out the details of a stimulus package expected to top $1 trillion in spending.
U.S. airlines, which are at the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak as bookings crumble and cancellations outpace bookings, are seeking more than $50 billion aid, including direct grants from the government.
Some lawmakers, however, say that any bailout must ban on buybacks.
The four biggest U.S. carriers — Delta , American , Southwest and United — have collectively spent about $39 billion over the last five years buying back shares, according to a tally from S&P Dow Jones Indices.
Those carriers' shares are now trading at multiyear lows. Boeing, which is also seeking government aid, spent more than $35 billion in that period.
Proposals to put conditions on federal bailouts have come from progressive lawmakers including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.
Warren has proposed that companies receiving federal assistance should be barred from buybacks permanently, and prevented from issuing dividends or executive bonuses for three years.
Warren has also proposed requiring those firms to boost their minimum wage to $15 an hour within a year of the end of the crisis, and provide a board seat to workers.
"If there is so much as a DIME of corporate bailout money in the next relief package, it should include a reinstated ban on stock buybacks," Ocasio-Cortez tweeted earlier this week.
Billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban has also weighed in, saying that bailed out firms should be barred from buybacks forever.
"Not now. Not a year from now. Not 20 years from now. Not ever," Cuban told CNBC on Wednesday. "Because effectively you're spending taxpayer money to buyback stock and to me that's just the wrong way to do that."
Airlines for America, the sector's lobbying group, argued Tuesday that "U.S. carriers have invested heavily in their employees, who are the backbone of the industry, to increase salaries and pensions over the last decade," saying that between 2010 and 2018 airline worker compensation rose about 41% on average.


cnbc--2020-03-19--Key Democrat Hoyer says House will look at 'all options' to tweak voting as coronavirus hits Congres

Key Democrat Hoyer says House will look at 'all options' to tweak voting as coronavirus hits Congress

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer , D-Md.
, speaks during a news conference calling for the removal of a bust from the Capitol of Chief Justice Roger Taney in Washington on Monday , March 9 , 2020 .
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer expects the chamber will `` adjust '' its voting process to comply with CDC guidelines on stopping the spread of the coronavirus pandemic .
`` No decisions have been made on exactly what these changes will be , but we will be discussing all options , '' he said in a letter to House members on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House is on a temporary recess , comes a day after two representatives announced they tested positive for the coronavirus disease COVID-19 .
Multiple other lawmakers went into self-isolation after contact with those congressmen , Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart , R-Fla. , and Ben McAdams , D-Utah .
The outbreak , which has devastated the U.S. economy as businesses are forced to shut down across the country , has now hit Congress as lawmakers try to pass desperately needed relief measures for workers and families .
The Senate is working on an economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 trillion — only part of a historic response expected from Washington .
In his message Thursday , Hoyer said `` it is my intention that the House will not return to session until we are in a position to vote on the third piece of emergency legislation to respond to the economic impact of this crisis . ''
Lawmakers already passed an $ 8.3 billion emergency medical funding plan and a more than $ 100 billion relief package that includes enhanced unemployment insurance , expanded paid leave and additional food assistance funding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work from home whenever possible and avoid gatherings of more than 10 people .
In that context , a 435-member legislative body voting in the House chamber carries risks .
The Senate took additional precautions on Wednesday when it passed the second economic relief proposal .
It left its votes open for more than a half hour , allowing members not to crowd .
Many senators simply walked into the chamber , gave a thumbs up or thumbs down , and walked out of it .
The standing and chatting often seen on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
CNBC could not immediately reach the House and Senate rules committees on Thursday about what potential changes they may make to voting processes .
More than 9,400 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the U.S. , and at least 150 people have died , according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University .

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., speaks during a news conference calling for the removal of a bust from the Capitol of Chief Justice Roger Taney in Washington on Monday, March 9, 2020.
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer expects the chamber will "adjust" its voting process to comply with CDC guidelines on stopping the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
"No decisions have been made on exactly what these changes will be, but we will be discussing all options," he said in a letter to House members on Thursday morning.
His message, sent while the House is on a temporary recess, comes a day after two representatives announced they tested positive for the coronavirus disease COVID-19. Multiple other lawmakers went into self-isolation after contact with those congressmen, Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., and Ben McAdams, D-Utah.
The outbreak, which has devastated the U.S. economy as businesses are forced to shut down across the country, has now hit Congress as lawmakers try to pass desperately needed relief measures for workers and families. The Senate is working on an economic rescue package that could easily top $1 trillion — only part of a historic response expected from Washington.
In his message Thursday, Hoyer said "it is my intention that the House will not return to session until we are in a position to vote on the third piece of emergency legislation to respond to the economic impact of this crisis." Lawmakers already passed an $8.3 billion emergency medical funding plan and a more than $100 billion relief package that includes enhanced unemployment insurance, expanded paid leave and additional food assistance funding.
The CDC has recommended that Americans work from home whenever possible and avoid gatherings of more than 10 people. In that context, a 435-member legislative body voting in the House chamber carries risks.
The Senate took additional precautions on Wednesday when it passed the second economic relief proposal. It left its votes open for more than a half hour, allowing members not to crowd.
Many senators simply walked into the chamber, gave a thumbs up or thumbs down, and walked out of it. The standing and chatting often seen on the floor during votes was virtually nonexistent.
CNBC could not immediately reach the House and Senate rules committees on Thursday about what potential changes they may make to voting processes.
More than 9,400 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the U.S., and at least 150 people have died, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube.


cnbc--2020-03-19--Trump blames China for coronavirus pandemic: 'The world is paying a very big price for what they did

Trump blames China for coronavirus pandemic: 'The world is paying a very big price for what they did'

President Donald Trump emphatically blamed China for the coronavirus pandemic Thursday , and again made a point of using the term `` Chinese virus . ''
`` The world is paying a very big price for that they did , '' Trump said , referring to his claim that Chinese officials did not fully share information sooner about the coronavirus outbreak after it began in China .
`` It could have been stopped right where it came from , China , '' Trump said at a White House news conference .
He argued that American officials would have been able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had fully shared information about the outbreak , which began around the city of Wuhan .
`` It would have been much better if we had known about this a number of months earlier , '' the president said .
Asked if there would be repercussions for China given his view of how that country handled the outbreak , Trump said , `` I do n't want to comment on that right now . ''
Two months ago , Trump praised China 's response to the coronavirus , saying that country `` has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus , and writing in a tweet that , `` the United states greatly appreciates their efforts and transparency . ''
But in recent days , Trump has repeatedly called the coronavirus the `` Chinese virus , '' and did so again at the beginning of his news conference .
Photos of the sheet of paper containing remarks that Trump read from at the beginning of the event reveal that someone with handwriting similar to Trump 's had crossed out the word `` Corona , '' and wrote the word `` Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Virus '' appeared right after that word .

President Donald Trump emphatically blamed China for the coronavirus pandemic Thursday, and again made a point of using the term "Chinese virus."
"The world is paying a very big price for that they did," Trump said, referring to his claim that Chinese officials did not fully share information sooner about the coronavirus outbreak after it began in China.
"It could have been stopped right where it came from, China," Trump said at a White House news conference.
He argued that American officials would have been able to act faster if China's government had fully shared information about the outbreak, which began around the city of Wuhan.
"It would have been much better if we had known about this a number of months earlier," the president said.
Asked if there would be repercussions for China given his view of how that country handled the outbreak, Trump said, "I don't want to comment on that right now."
Two months ago, Trump praised China's response to the coronavirus, saying that country "has been working very hard" to contain the virus, and writing in a tweet that, "the United states greatly appreciates their efforts and transparency."
Tweet
But in recent days, Trump has repeatedly called the coronavirus the "Chinese virus," and did so again at the beginning of his news conference.
Photos of the sheet of paper containing remarks that Trump read from at the beginning of the event reveal that someone with handwriting similar to Trump's had crossed out the word "Corona," and wrote the word "Chinese" above it.
The word "Virus" appeared right after that word.


cnbc--2020-03-19--Two congressmen test positive for coronavirus, others are in self-quarantine

Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart , R-Fla. , speaks about Cuba during the House Republicans weekly news conference on Wednesday , Feb. 26 , 2020 , in reaction to Bernie Sanders recent comments about Cuba .
Two members of the U.S. House of Representatives have become the first members of Congress to test positive for COVID-19 , the illness caused by the novel coronavirus .
On Wednesday , both Mario Diaz-Balart , a Florida Republican , and Utah Democrat Ben McAdams announced they were in self-quarantine after testing positive .
At least 10 other members of Congress also announced on Wednesday and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a precaution because of exposure to people who have tested positive , many of whom had contact with Diaz-Balart and McAdams .
Sen. Cory Gardner , R-Colorado , announced earlier in the week that he was in self-quarantine `` because I came into contact last week with a Coloradan who later tested positive for # COVID19 . ''
On Wednesday night , a spokesman for Republican Party Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel , who had been in self-quarantine after having flu-like symptoms , said McDaniel tested negative for COVID-19 .
President Donald Trump 's outgoing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was in self-isolation in South Carolina as of Tuesday after having contact with his niece , whose results of a coronavirus test were pending .
Diaz-Balart said in a statement , `` I want everyone to know that I am feeling much better . ''
`` However , it is important that everyone take this extremely seriously and follow [ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ] guidelines in order to avoid getting sick and mitigate the spread of this virus , '' Diaz-Balart said .

Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., speaks about Cuba during the House Republicans weekly news conference on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020, in reaction to Bernie Sanders recent comments about Cuba.
Two members of the U.S. House of Representatives have become the first members of Congress to test positive for COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus.
On Wednesday, both Mario Diaz-Balart, a Florida Republican, and Utah Democrat Ben McAdams announced they were in self-quarantine after testing positive.
At least 10 other members of Congress also announced on Wednesday and Thursday that they were in self-quarantine as a precaution because of exposure to people who have tested positive, many of whom had contact with Diaz-Balart and McAdams.
Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colorado, announced earlier in the week that he was in self-quarantine "because I came into contact last week with a Coloradan who later tested positive for #COVID19."
On Wednesday night, a spokesman for Republican Party Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, who had been in self-quarantine after having flu-like symptoms, said McDaniel tested negative for COVID-19.
President Donald Trump's outgoing chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney, was in self-isolation in South Carolina as of Tuesday after having contact with his niece, whose results of a coronavirus test were pending.
Diaz-Balart said in a statement, "I want everyone to know that I am feeling much better."
"However, it is important that everyone take this extremely seriously and follow [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] guidelines in order to avoid getting sick and mitigate the spread of this virus," Diaz-Balart said.


cnbc--2020-03-19--Trump wants direct payments of $1,000 for adults, $500 for kids in coronavirus stimulus bill, Mnuchi

Trump wants direct payments of $1,000 for adults, $500 for kids in coronavirus stimulus bill, Mnuchin says

Steven Mnuchin , U.S. Treasury secretary , speaks during a news conference in the briefing room of the White House in Washington , D.C. , U.S. , on Saturday , March 14 , 2020 .
Mnuchin said in a Fox Business Network interview that the plan , which is being discussed with congressional leaders of both parties , would send payments totaling $ 500 billion directly to Americans .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Thursday laid out details of the Trump administration 's plan to send Americans relief money as part of a massive stimulus package to blunt the impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The first one would be $ 1,000 per person , $ 500 per child , '' Mnuchin said .
`` So for a family of four , that 's a $ 3,000 payment . ''
`` As soon as Congress passes this , we get this out in three weeks .
And then , six weeks later , if the president still has a national emergency , we 'll deliver another $ 3,000 , '' Mnuchin said .
The Trump administration 's proposal comes as stocks continue to fall , jobless claims start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected with or killed by the COVID-19 virus continues to expand .
Mnuchin said the White House 's plan would also allocate $ 300 billion for small businesses , noting that `` there will be loan forgiveness '' for employees who keep their workers on the payroll .
$ 200 billion would also be used for `` more facilities '' with the Federal Reserve , as well as secured lending to airlines and other critical industries being strangled by the crisis .
The administration 's plan may face opposition on Capitol Hill , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , D-N.Y. , argued on the floor of his chamber Wednesday that sending one-or-two-time checks would not provide enough to support people who lose their jobs .
Schumer suggested instead that providing expanded and `` beefed-up '' unemployment insurance would cover Americans `` for a much longer time and would provide a much bigger safety net . ''

Steven Mnuchin, U.S. Treasury secretary, speaks during a news conference in the briefing room of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Saturday, March 14, 2020. Shaw Thew | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Thursday laid out details of the Trump administration's plan to send Americans relief money as part of a massive stimulus package to blunt the impact of the novel coronavirus crisis. Mnuchin said in a Fox Business Network interview that the plan, which is being discussed with congressional leaders of both parties, would send payments totaling $500 billion directly to Americans. That money would be divided into two large tranches.
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"The first one would be $1,000 per person, $500 per child," Mnuchin said. "So for a family of four, that's a $3,000 payment." "As soon as Congress passes this, we get this out in three weeks. And then, six weeks later, if the president still has a national emergency, we'll deliver another $3,000," Mnuchin said. The Trump administration's proposal comes as stocks continue to fall, jobless claims start to rise and the number of Americans infected with or killed by the COVID-19 virus continues to expand. Mnuchin said the White House's plan would also allocate $300 billion for small businesses, noting that "there will be loan forgiveness" for employees who keep their workers on the payroll. $200 billion would also be used for "more facilities" with the Federal Reserve, as well as secured lending to airlines and other critical industries being strangled by the crisis. The administration's plan may face opposition on Capitol Hill, however. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., argued on the floor of his chamber Wednesday that sending one-or-two-time checks would not provide enough to support people who lose their jobs. Schumer suggested instead that providing expanded and "beefed-up" unemployment insurance would cover Americans "for a much longer time and would provide a much bigger safety net."
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Mnuchin has spoken with Schumer multiple times over the past few days. President Donald Trump has already approved multiple emergency aid packages aimed at slowing the spread of the virus and helping Americans who could lose their jobs or otherwise be affected. An increasing number of cities and states have banned large gatherings of people and have forced many businesses to limit their services, sparking fears that mass unemployment could follow. Earlier this month, the president signed into law an $8.3 billion bill that sailed through Congress with near-unanimous support. On Wednesday, Trump signed an additional $100 billion package that includes provisions for emergency paid leave for workers as well as free testing for the deadly virus.


cnbc--2020-03-19--President Trump signs coronavirus relief plan to expand paid leave

President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed a $ 100 billion coronavirus aid package into law which includes provisions for emergency paid leave for workers as well as free testing .
The Senate passed a bill earlier in the day to expand paid leave and unemployment benefits in response to the coronavirus pandemic , part of a staggering response expected in the coming weeks to avoid economic calamity .
The chamber approved the bipartisan plan in a 90-8 vote .
Two senators — Republicans Cory Gardner of Colorado and Rick Scott of Florida — did not vote while in self-quarantine after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus disease known as COVID-19 .
Some GOP lawmakers opposed the bill , arguing it could harm small businesses .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Wednesday that he would vote for the plan despite what he called `` real shortcomings . ''
With the urgent need to take action , `` I do not believe we should let perfection be the enemy of something that will help even a subset of workers , '' he said .
On Tuesday , McConnell advised GOP senators to `` gag and vote for it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise above `` our normal partisanship . ''
The Senate voted on the legislation later than it originally hoped because Sen. Rand Paul , R-Ky. , forced a vote on an amendment that ultimately failed .
It voted on three amendments , all of which failed .
The House bill that the Senate considered provides enhanced unemployment insurance , ensures that businesses that have fewer than 500 employees offer two weeks of paid sick leave to their workers , and includes increased funding for food assistance programs and guarantees free testing for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican lawmakers in the House , who insisted on technical corrections to the bill .
Rep. Louie Gohmert of Texas was the prime Republican who held the bill up earlier this week .
The revised legislation made changes that could limit the number of people who could get up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave .
Dozens of other Republicans lawmakers voted against the original bill , which had President Donald Trump 's backing and received overwhelming support from House Democrats .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi crafted it with Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress and the White House aim to pass another , more sprawling stimulus package to try to stop economic disaster .
Republicans and Democrats have differing views on what a plan should contain .
The Trump administration seeks an $ 850 billion to $ 1 trillion stimulus measure , which could include direct payments to Americans , tax cuts or relief to suffering industries .
McConnell said Wednesday that he would `` not adjourn the Senate until we pass a far bolder package which must include significant relief for small businesses all across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cheering the Senate 's approval of the House-passed plan , Pelosi said Congress is `` already hard at work on the third bill '' which `` will take bold , historic action on behalf of America 's workers and families . ''
Senators even had to take precautions while voting Wednesday .
McConnell told senators to `` avoid congregating here in the well '' on the Senate floor , encouraging them to `` vote and depart the chamber . ''
Senators often stand and chat on the floor during votes .
During the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amendments to it , many lawmakers simply walked into the chamber , gave a thumbs up or thumbs down signal and walked out of the room .
Even so , some senators huddled in groups to talk for short periods of time .
The coronavirus , which is believed to have originated in Wuhan , China , has spread to dozens of countries globally , with more than 212,000 cases worldwide and at least 8,727 deaths so far , according to data from Johns Hopkins University .
There are at least 7,324 cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 115 deaths , according to the latest tallies from John Hopkins University .

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President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed a $100 billion coronavirus aid package into law which includes provisions for emergency paid leave for workers as well as free testing. The Senate passed a bill earlier in the day to expand paid leave and unemployment benefits in response to the coronavirus pandemic, part of a staggering response expected in the coming weeks to avoid economic calamity. The chamber approved the bipartisan plan in a 90-8 vote. Two senators — Republicans Cory Gardner of Colorado and Rick Scott of Florida — did not vote while in self-quarantine after exposure to people who tested positive for the coronavirus disease known as COVID-19. Some GOP lawmakers opposed the bill, arguing it could harm small businesses. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Wednesday that he would vote for the plan despite what he called "real shortcomings." With the urgent need to take action, "I do not believe we should let perfection be the enemy of something that will help even a subset of workers," he said. On Tuesday, McConnell advised GOP senators to "gag and vote for it anyway," saying Congress needed to rise above "our normal partisanship."
watch now
The Senate voted on the legislation later than it originally hoped because Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., forced a vote on an amendment that ultimately failed. It voted on three amendments, all of which failed. The House bill that the Senate considered provides enhanced unemployment insurance, ensures that businesses that have fewer than 500 employees offer two weeks of paid sick leave to their workers, and includes increased funding for food assistance programs and guarantees free testing for the coronavirus. The bill faced opposition from Republican lawmakers in the House, who insisted on technical corrections to the bill. Rep. Louie Gohmert of Texas was the prime Republican who held the bill up earlier this week. The revised legislation made changes that could limit the number of people who could get up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave. Dozens of other Republicans lawmakers voted against the original bill, which had President Donald Trump's backing and received overwhelming support from House Democrats. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi crafted it with Trump's Treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin. Congress and the White House aim to pass another, more sprawling stimulus package to try to stop economic disaster. Republicans and Democrats have differing views on what a plan should contain. The Trump administration seeks an $850 billion to $1 trillion stimulus measure, which could include direct payments to Americans, tax cuts or relief to suffering industries. McConnell said Wednesday that he would "not adjourn the Senate until we pass a far bolder package which must include significant relief for small businesses all across our country." In a statement cheering the Senate's approval of the House-passed plan, Pelosi said Congress is "already hard at work on the third bill" which "will take bold, historic action on behalf of America's workers and families."
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Senators even had to take precautions while voting Wednesday. McConnell told senators to "avoid congregating here in the well" on the Senate floor, encouraging them to "vote and depart the chamber." Senators often stand and chat on the floor during votes. During the series of votes on the bill and amendments to it, many lawmakers simply walked into the chamber, gave a thumbs up or thumbs down signal and walked out of the room. Even so, some senators huddled in groups to talk for short periods of time. The coronavirus, which is believed to have originated in Wuhan, China, has spread to dozens of countries globally, with more than 212,000 cases worldwide and at least 8,727 deaths so far, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. There are at least 7,324 cases in the United States and at least 115 deaths, according to the latest tallies from John Hopkins University.


cnbc--2020-03-18--Corporate restructuring attorneys form fundraising committee for Joe Biden

Democratic U.S. presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden , appears at his Super Tuesday night rally in Los Angeles , California , U.S. , March 3 , 2020 .
Top corporate restructuring attorneys are forming a fundraising committee to help Joe Biden 's campaign for president .
The committee is being organized by Jon Henes , a senior partner at legal juggernaut Kirkland & Ellis , who was Sen. Kamala Harris ' national finance chair before he moved over to Biden 's team after she dropped out , according to people with direct knowledge of the matter .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ these moves were yet to be made public .
At least a dozen legal luminaries have been asked to join , the people added .
The invited attorneys and bankers include : Mohsin Meghji , a managing partner at M-III Partners ; Steve Zelin , the head of restructuring at investment firm PJT Partners ; Ira Dizengoff , a partner at Akin Gump ; Pat Nash , a partner at Kirkland & Ellis ; and Michael Frishberg , president and chief operating officer at Prime Clerk .
Companies bring in corporate restructuring attorneys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership and operational capacity , or help with handling their debt .
Many of these lawyers who are looking to help Biden have represented financial firms on Wall Street , telecommunication companies , manufacturing , real estate and retail , among other industries .
Henes reached out to potential members last week as scrutiny of President Donald Trump 's response to the coronavirus crisis intensified and Biden proposed his own methods of dealing with the crisis .
The Trump administration is seeking more than $ 1 trillion in stimulus to help American companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to struggle .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell nearly 1,500 points at one point Wednesday .
`` With the current pandemic , the incompetent leadership of the President and the adverse impact to the economy , we , as senior members of the corporate restructuring community , should join forces to support Joe Biden , '' Henes wrote to the attorneys , according to an email obtained by CNBC .
`` The responsibilities are simple – send around links to raise money and reach out to friends , family and colleagues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support . ''
Members of the committee have been in touch with the campaign and the goal is to raise over $ 1 million over the coming months , one of the people added .
Biden 's campaign has cut back in-person fundraisers and is conducting virtual fundraising events but donors have been continuing to assist in raising money for his operation either by phone or email .
The Biden campaign and all of the attorneys mentioned in this story did not return requests for comment .
Corporate restructure attorneys could be key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if he captures the nomination , especially since wide swaths of the economy are likely to experience protracted pain and even devastation during the coronavirus spread and aftermath .
James Millstein , who was the Chief Restructuring Officer at the U.S. Department of the Treasury under President Barack Obama , was previously a top donor to his campaign and became a member of Obama 's transition team after he won the election in 2008 , according to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics .
Biden appears to be on track to becoming the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to him have already started to help the campaign create a national fundraising machine with the hope that it will be able to take on Trump 's own donor juggernaut .
The Trump campaign , combined with the Republican National Committee and their joint fundraising committee , raised over $ 86 million in the month of February .
Biden has been seeing a major bump in fundraising since he started his dominant run against Sen Bernie Sanders with the South Carolina primary Feb. 29 .
Then , after picking up victories in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday , the former vice president said he raised over $ 22 million in five days .
While Sanders was projected to win the biggest delegate prize of all , California , Biden has racked up wins in places like North Carolina , Virginia , Michigan , Texas and Illinois .
Sanders , meanwhile , is assessing whether to continue running after losing three more primary states to Biden on Tuesday , including Florida .

Democratic U.S. presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden, appears at his Super Tuesday night rally in Los Angeles, California, U.S., March 3, 2020.
Top corporate restructuring attorneys are forming a fundraising committee to help Joe Biden's campaign for president.
The committee is being organized by Jon Henes, a senior partner at legal juggernaut Kirkland & Ellis, who was Sen. Kamala Harris' national finance chair before he moved over to Biden's team after she dropped out, according to people with direct knowledge of the matter. These people declined to be named because these moves were yet to be made public.
At least a dozen legal luminaries have been asked to join, the people added. The invited attorneys and bankers include: Mohsin Meghji, a managing partner at M-III Partners; Steve Zelin, the head of restructuring at investment firm PJT Partners; Ira Dizengoff, a partner at Akin Gump; Pat Nash, a partner at Kirkland & Ellis; and Michael Frishberg, president and chief operating officer at Prime Clerk.
Companies bring in corporate restructuring attorneys when they need assistance in reorganizing their leadership and operational capacity, or help with handling their debt. Many of these lawyers who are looking to help Biden have represented financial firms on Wall Street, telecommunication companies, manufacturing, real estate and retail, among other industries.
Henes reached out to potential members last week as scrutiny of President Donald Trump's response to the coronavirus crisis intensified and Biden proposed his own methods of dealing with the crisis.
The Trump administration is seeking more than $1 trillion in stimulus to help American companies and families as U.S. markets and businesses continue to struggle. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell nearly 1,500 points at one point Wednesday.
"With the current pandemic, the incompetent leadership of the President and the adverse impact to the economy, we, as senior members of the corporate restructuring community, should join forces to support Joe Biden," Henes wrote to the attorneys, according to an email obtained by CNBC. "The responsibilities are simple – send around links to raise money and reach out to friends, family and colleagues to let them know Joe needs their support."
Members of the committee have been in touch with the campaign and the goal is to raise over $1 million over the coming months, one of the people added. Biden's campaign has cut back in-person fundraisers and is conducting virtual fundraising events but donors have been continuing to assist in raising money for his operation either by phone or email.
The Biden campaign and all of the attorneys mentioned in this story did not return requests for comment.
Corporate restructure attorneys could be key economic policy advisors for Biden's campaign if he captures the nomination, especially since wide swaths of the economy are likely to experience protracted pain and even devastation during the coronavirus spread and aftermath.
James Millstein, who was the Chief Restructuring Officer at the U.S. Department of the Treasury under President Barack Obama, was previously a top donor to his campaign and became a member of Obama's transition team after he won the election in 2008, according to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics.
Biden appears to be on track to becoming the Democratic nominee for president. Bundlers loyal to him have already started to help the campaign create a national fundraising machine with the hope that it will be able to take on Trump's own donor juggernaut. The Trump campaign, combined with the Republican National Committee and their joint fundraising committee, raised over $86 million in the month of February.
Biden has been seeing a major bump in fundraising since he started his dominant run against Sen Bernie Sanders with the South Carolina primary Feb. 29. Then, after picking up victories in the delegate-rich primary states that vote on Super Tuesday, the former vice president said he raised over $22 million in five days. While Sanders was projected to win the biggest delegate prize of all, California, Biden has racked up wins in places like North Carolina, Virginia, Michigan, Texas and Illinois.
Sanders, meanwhile, is assessing whether to continue running after losing three more primary states to Biden on Tuesday, including Florida.


cnbc--2020-03-20--Senate GOP releases coronavirus relief plan with up to $1,200 in cash payments to individuals

Senate Republicans released their proposal for a third coronavirus relief package Thursday as Washington pushes to try to head off economic disaster .
The 247-page legislation introduced by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , expected to cost at least $ 1 trillion , includes cash payments to Americans .
The measure — the final form of which will be subject to talks with Democrats and the White House — also includes relief for small businesses and major industries hammered by the global pandemic .
`` We 're here , and we are ready to act as soon as an agreement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be reached , '' the Kentucky Republican said in releasing the plan that aims to avert calamity as the outbreak grinds American life to a halt .
McConnell said the bill includes four major components : `` direct financial help '' for Americans , `` rapid relief '' for small businesses , `` significant steps to stabilize our economy '' and `` more support '' for health-care professionals and patients .
The bill extends $ 108 billion to ailing Big Businesses , including airlines , loans to small businesses with less than 500 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deferral up to three months .
Here are some of the details of the plan , according to Senate Republicans : • Cash payments of up to $ 1,200 would go to individuals , with up to $ 2,400 for couples .
The sum would increase by $ 500 for every child .
The check totals would start to phase out above $ 75,000 in adjusted gross income based on 2018 tax returns .
People with no federal tax liability would get only $ 600 .
• Extend the tax filing deadline to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The ability for corporations to delay estimated tax payments until Oct. 15 .
Employers and self-employed people could delay payroll taxes .
• Up to $ 50 billion for airlines , $ 8 billion for cargo air carriers , and $ 150 billion for other severely distressed businesses .
The government has the right to `` participate in the gains '' of any business it lends money to .
• For two years , no executive at a company receiving a business loan making more than $ 425,000 in total compensation can get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already been determined through collective bargaining agreements may be exempt from that restriction .
• Small business loans for any company with less than 500 employees .
The cap of that loan is either $ 10 million or the average of monthly payments .
Businesses use the loan to pay for payroll including paid sick leave , salaries , mortgages , rent , utilities or other debt obligations .
• Private health plan coverage of testing without cost-sharing and increase funding for community health centers .
It also aims to spur the hiring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic .
• The potential to suspend federal student loan payments for up to three months .
Not long after its release , Democrats slammed the Republican proposal .
`` We are beginning to review Senator McConnell 's proposal and on first reading , it is not at all pro-worker and instead puts corporations way ahead of workers , '' said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in a statement .
Democrats have made clear they want the third legislative package to focus on workers and individuals battling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to $ 50 billion for airlines , $ 8 billion for cargo air carriers , and $ 150 billion for other severely distressed businesses While the Republicans ' plan does cap the salary of executives who work at companies accepting federal aid , it does not ban buy-backs or forbid worker layoffs .
Meantime , an aid for the Democratic House Appropriations Committee said the committee is disappointed in the lack of supplemental funding for federal state and local response .
States have been funneling resources to funding the battle against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working on robust funding for a strong federal , state , and local coronavirus response to include in the phase three bill .
Supplemental appropriations are an essential part of a whole-of-government strategy to address this pandemic and it is irresponsible for Senate Republican leadership to omit these needed resources from its proposal , '' he said in a statement .
The pushback from Democrats comes as Congress has been under immense pressure to get a deal done with the House and Trump administration as quickly as possible .
The ailing U.S. airline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the package , has rung the alarm of the catastrophic impact the halt in travel has on business .
It is unclear how much longer companies can stay afloat without federal relief .
Workers have lost jobs at shuttered restaurants and bars .
Lawmakers have expressed particular concern about how the global pandemic will hit American small businesses .
Adding to the urgency , two congressmen have tested positive for the coronavirus , while others are in self-quarantine .
Once the Senate strikes an agreement and passes a relief package , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is on a temporary recess .
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer told members Thursday that the chamber would not return until it is `` in a position to vote on the third piece of emergency legislation to respond to the economic impact of this crisis . ''
Meantime , McConnell indicated that even this next legislative package , likely to top $ 1 trillion , may not be enough to offer sufficient government relief as business across the U.S. economy grinds to a halt .
`` This may not be the last piece @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
Graham acknowledged the importance of getting the third proposal done quickly — by early next week .
`` If we do n't , we 're going get our ass kicked , '' he said Thursday .
`` So that 's why I think we have to do it .
I 'll be the first to kick myself . ''

Senate Republicans released their proposal for a third coronavirus relief package Thursday as Washington pushes to try to head off economic disaster.
The 247-page legislation introduced by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, expected to cost at least $1 trillion, includes cash payments to Americans. The measure — the final form of which will be subject to talks with Democrats and the White House — also includes relief for small businesses and major industries hammered by the global pandemic.
"We're here, and we are ready to act as soon as an agreement with our colleagues across the aisle can be reached," the Kentucky Republican said in releasing the plan that aims to avert calamity as the outbreak grinds American life to a halt.
McConnell said the bill includes four major components: "direct financial help" for Americans, "rapid relief" for small businesses, "significant steps to stabilize our economy" and "more support" for health-care professionals and patients.
The bill extends $108 billion to ailing big businesses, including airlines, loans to small businesses with less than 500 employees and the potential for student loan deferral up to three months.
Here are some of the details of the plan, according to Senate Republicans:
Cash payments of up to $1,200 would go to individuals, with up to $2,400 for couples. The sum would increase by $500 for every child. The check totals would start to phase out above $75,000 in adjusted gross income based on 2018 tax returns. People with no federal tax liability would get only $600.
Extend the tax filing deadline to July 15 from April 15.
The ability for corporations to delay estimated tax payments until Oct. 15. Employers and self-employed people could delay payroll taxes.
Up to $50 billion for airlines, $8 billion for cargo air carriers, and $150 billion for other severely distressed businesses. The government has the right to "participate in the gains" of any business it lends money to.
For two years, no executive at a company receiving a business loan making more than $425,000 in total compensation can get a raise. Executives whose salary has already been determined through collective bargaining agreements may be exempt from that restriction.
Small business loans for any company with less than 500 employees. The cap of that loan is either $10 million or the average of monthly payments. Businesses use the loan to pay for payroll including paid sick leave, salaries, mortgages, rent, utilities or other debt obligations.
Forgiveness of the parts of the loan used for payroll if companies do not fire workers before June 30.
Private health plan coverage of testing without cost-sharing and increase funding for community health centers. It also aims to spur the hiring of more health care professionals to fight the pandemic.
The potential to suspend federal student loan payments for up to three months.
Not long after its release, Democrats slammed the Republican proposal.
"We are beginning to review Senator McConnell's proposal and on first reading, it is not at all pro-worker and instead puts corporations way ahead of workers," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in a statement.
Democrats have made clear they want the third legislative package to focus on workers and individuals battling the crisis.
The Republican bill allocates up to $50 billion for airlines, $8 billion for cargo air carriers, and $150 billion for other severely distressed businesses
While the Republicans' plan does cap the salary of executives who work at companies accepting federal aid, it does not ban buybacks or forbid worker layoffs.
Meantime, an aid for the Democratic House Appropriations Committee said the committee is disappointed in the lack of supplemental funding for federal, state and local response. States have been funneling resources to funding the battle against the virus.
"The Appropriations Committee is working on robust funding for a strong federal, state, and local coronavirus response to include in the phase three bill. Supplemental appropriations are an essential part of a whole-of-government strategy to address this pandemic and it is irresponsible for Senate Republican leadership to omit these needed resources from its proposal," he said in a statement.
The pushback from Democrats comes as Congress has been under immense pressure to get a deal done with the House and Trump administration as quickly as possible. The ailing U.S. airline industry, which is expecting financial relief from the package, has rung the alarm of the catastrophic impact the halt in travel has on business. It is unclear how much longer companies can stay afloat without federal relief.
Workers have lost jobs at shuttered restaurants and bars. Lawmakers have expressed particular concern about how the global pandemic will hit American small businesses.
Adding to the urgency, two congressmen have tested positive for the coronavirus, while others are in self-quarantine.
Key parts of the bill could change as Democrats and Republicans negotiate. Howard Gleckman, a senior fellow at the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center, expects Democrats will not support the direct payment proposal as currently structured.
Referring to the stipulation that individuals who paid no federal tax in 2018 would get only $600, he said "the idea that you would give low-income people less money than upper-income people just doesn't make any sense as policy." He said one potential alternative is giving everyone the same sum and then taxing it as income, so lower-income individuals will effectively end up with more than people with higher incomes.
Once the Senate strikes an agreement and passes a relief package, it will head to the House, which is on a temporary recess. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer told members Thursday that the chamber would not return until it is "in a position to vote on the third piece of emergency legislation to respond to the economic impact of this crisis."
Meantime, McConnell indicated that even this next legislative package, likely to top $1 trillion, may not be enough to offer sufficient government relief as business across the U.S. economy grinds to a halt.
"This may not be the last piece of economic legislation we pursue," he said.
Graham acknowledged the importance of getting the third proposal done quickly — by early next week.
"If we don't, we're going get our ass kicked," he said Thursday. "So that's why I think we have to do it. I'll be the first to kick myself."


cnbc--2020-03-20--Senate GOP coronavirus bailout bill caps executive pay

US Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , Republican of Kentucky , holds a press briefing about legislation in response to the novel coronavirus , COVID-19 , at the US Capitol in Washington , DC , March 17 , 2020 .
Executives at companies that would receive bailout cash from the coronavirus-relief bill unveiled by Senate Republicans on Thursday would see their annual compensation capped for two years .
According to the language , no employee who makes more than $ 425,000 may get a raise in their salary for two years .
The legislation would also allow the government a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in these firms .
Under the proposal , the American airline industry would receive $ 50 billion , cargo air carriers would get $ 8 billion , and other ailing industries would get $ 150 billion .
The money for cargo air carriers was an addition to the White House 's original proposal , a person familiar with the situation told CNBC .
Senate Republicans now must negotiate the terms of the final bill with their Democratic counterparts , as well as with lawmakers in the Democratic-controlled House .
According to the measure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money may make more than $ 425,000 in total annual compensation for two years , retroactive to March 1 .
Company employees whose salary has already been determined through collective bargaining agreement may be exempt from that restriction .
That likely applies to the union workers at companies accepting aid .
Politicians on both sides of the aisle have acknowledged a need to offer aid to industries like the airlines , for fear their fall would eliminate jobs for thousands of workers .
But Democrats have warned against any corporate aid that appears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Republicans have worried about the appearance of flagrant spending .
`` We are not talking about a taxpayer-funded cushion for companies that made mistakes , '' said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell earlier Thursday on the Senate floor .
`` We are talking about loans , which must be repaid , for American employers whom the government itself is temporarily crushing for the sake of public health , '' he said .
Governments from the federal to the local level have called on people to practice social distancing and avoid unnecessary travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limit exposure to the coronavirus and slow the pace of its spread .
In turn , airlines have slashed capacity dramatically , and the hospitality industry has seen business plummet .
Layoffs have already started to spike , according to unemployment claim data released Thursday .
The worst is likely yet to come .

US Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky, holds a press briefing about legislation in response to the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, March 17, 2020.
Executives at companies that would receive bailout cash from the coronavirus-relief bill unveiled by Senate Republicans on Thursday would see their annual compensation capped for two years.
According to the language, no employee who makes more than $425,000 may get a raise in their salary for two years.
The legislation would also allow the government a chance to make money off its investments in these firms.
Under the proposal, the American airline industry would receive $50 billion, cargo air carriers would get $8 billion, and other ailing industries would get $150 billion. The money for cargo air carriers was an addition to the White House's original proposal, a person familiar with the situation told CNBC.
Senate Republicans now must negotiate the terms of the final bill with their Democratic counterparts, as well as with lawmakers in the Democratic-controlled House.
According to the measure, no executive at a company receiving money may make more than $425,000 in total annual compensation for two years, retroactive to March 1.
Company employees whose salary has already been determined through collective bargaining agreement may be exempt from that restriction. That likely applies to the union workers at companies accepting aid.
Politicians on both sides of the aisle have acknowledged a need to offer aid to industries like the airlines, for fear their fall would eliminate jobs for thousands of workers. But Democrats have warned against any corporate aid that appears to be lining the pockets of executives. Republicans have worried about the appearance of flagrant spending.
"We are not talking about a taxpayer-funded cushion for companies that made mistakes," said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell earlier Thursday on the Senate floor.
"We are talking about loans, which must be repaid, for American employers whom the government itself is temporarily crushing for the sake of public health," he said.
Governments from the federal to the local level have called on people to practice social distancing and avoid unnecessary travel from their homes in a bid to limit exposure to the coronavirus and slow the pace of its spread. In turn, airlines have slashed capacity dramatically, and the hospitality industry has seen business plummet.
Layoffs have already started to spike, according to unemployment claim data released Thursday. The worst is likely yet to come.


cnbc--2020-03-20--US-Mexico border restrictions expected as coronavirus spreads

View of San Ysidro port of entry as few cars enter the US from Tijuana , Baja California state , Mexico , on March 19 , 2020 .
The United States is expected to announce restrictions on travel across the border with Mexico as part of the effort to stem the tide of the coronavirus pandemic , a source familiar with the plan told NBC News .
The restrictions are expected to be revealed Friday , according to a report first published by the Reuters news agency , which cited two officials familiar with the matter .
The source said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be similar to the agreement with Canada that was announced Wednesday by President Donald Trump .
Trump and and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that day said they were temporarily closing their nations ' border — the longest in the world — to non-essential traffic .
On Tuesday , the member countries of the European Union agreed to close their external borders to non-citizens in most cases for one month .
There have been more than 236,000 cases of coronvirus reported worldwide , with at least 9,790 deaths .
In the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least 11,238 coronavirus cases , and at least 157 related deaths .
Mexico has 118 confirmed cases , and 1 reported death , according to Johns Hopkins University of Medicine , which has been tracking the spread of coronavirus , and the related disease of COVID-19 .

View of San Ysidro port of entry as few cars enter the US from Tijuana, Baja California state, Mexico, on March 19, 2020.
The United States is expected to announce restrictions on travel across the border with Mexico as part of the effort to stem the tide of the coronavirus pandemic, a source familiar with the plan told NBC News.
The restrictions are expected to be revealed Friday, according to a report first published by the Reuters news agency, which cited two officials familiar with the matter.
The source said that the restrictions on the U.S.-Mexico border would be similar to the agreement with Canada that was announced Wednesday by President Donald Trump.
Trump and and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that day said they were temporarily closing their nations' border — the longest in the world — to non-essential traffic.
On Tuesday, the member countries of the European Union agreed to close their external borders to non-citizens in most cases for one month.
There have been more than 236,000 cases of coronvirus reported worldwide, with at least 9,790 deaths.
In the United States alone, there have been at least 11,238 coronavirus cases, and at least 157 related deaths.
Mexico has 118 confirmed cases, and 1 reported death, according to Johns Hopkins University of Medicine, which has been tracking the spread of coronavirus, and the related disease of COVID-19.