cnbc--2020-03-24--Here's what's in the developing coronavirus stimulus bill

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , a Republican from Kentucky , participates in a press conference primarily focusing on the Senate 's response to the coronavirus following the Republican weekly caucus luncheon in the U.S. Capitol in Washington , D.C. , U.S. , on Tuesday , March 17 , 2020 .
As Republicans and Democrats forged ahead toward a deal on a massive economic stimulus proposal to combat the effects of the coronavirus pandemic , details of the developing proposal have started to emerge .
Senate Democrats struck down the bill in a procedural vote on Monday amid a gulf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in it .
But they made progress by Tuesday morning , as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. , said the sides were at `` the 2-yard line . ''
Even so , senators did not reach an agreement by 5:30 p.m .
ET .
Here are some of the expected components of the plan , expected to cost roughly $ 2 trillion , according to comments from congressional leaders and aides , Trump administration officials and a draft of the bill as of 2:30 p.m .
ET , compiled by NBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of up to $ 1,200 for individuals , $ 2,400 for married couples and $ 500 per child , reduced if an individual makes more than $ 75,000 or a couple makes more than $ 150,000 • A $ 350 billion fund for small businesses to mitigate layoffs and support payroll • $ 500 billion available to the Treasury Department to make loans , loan guarantees and investments to or in industries damaged by the pandemic • Requires that recipients of loans do not buy back stock during the time the loan is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who made more than $ 425,000 in 2019 do not get a raise for the next two years • Requires group health plans and insurance providers to cover without cost-sharing any coronavirus preventive services • $ 4.5 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention • $ 50 billion in relief to airlines in the form of loans or grants , and another $ 8 billion for cargo carriers • $ 17 billion in relief for unspecified `` businesses critical to maintaining national security '' • Strengthened unemployment insurance , which could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to four months on top of what a state would give beneficiaries .
Congress has rushed to approve a relief plan as the coronvirus pandemic overwhelms health-care resources , wreaks havoc on the U.S. economy and forces widespread layoffs .
Compounding the urgency , multiple lawmakers have tested positive for the coronavirus , also known as the COVID-19 virus , forcing others to quarantine and consider the prospect of voting remotely .
As lawmakers hash out a deal , President Donald Trump on Tuesday morning ramped up pressure on them to pass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In a tweet , he said `` the longer it takes , the harder it will be to start up our economy .
Our workers will be hurt ! ''
The coronavirus , which is believed to have originated in Wuhan , China , has spread to dozens of countries , with more than 387,382 confirmed cases worldwide and at least 16,767 deaths so far , according to data from Johns Hopkins University .
There are at least 46,500 cases in the United States and at least 590 deaths , according to the @ @ @

As Republicans and Democrats forged ahead toward a deal on a massive economic stimulus proposal to combat the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, details of the developing proposal have started to emerge.
Senate Democrats struck down the bill in a procedural vote on Monday amid a gulf over what both parties wanted to include in it. But they made progress by Tuesday morning, as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said the sides were at "the 2-yard line." Even so, senators did not reach an agreement by 5:30 p.m. ET.
Here are some of the expected components of the plan, expected to cost roughly $2 trillion, according to comments from congressional leaders and aides, Trump administration officials and a draft of the bill as of 2:30 p.m. ET, compiled by NBC News and CNBC:
Cash payments of up to $1,200 for individuals, $2,400 for married couples and $500 per child, reduced if an individual makes more than $75,000 or a couple makes more than $150,000
A $350 billion fund for small businesses to mitigate layoffs and support payroll
$500 billion available to the Treasury Department to make loans, loan guarantees and investments to or in industries damaged by the pandemic
Requires that recipients of loans do not buy back stock during the time the loan is outstanding, and that executives or employees who made more than $425,000 in 2019 do not get a raise for the next two years
Requires group health plans and insurance providers to cover without cost-sharing any coronavirus preventive services
An employee retention tax credit
$240 billion in health-care relief
$75 billion in aid for hospitals
$20 billion for health care for veterans
$20 billion for emergency public transportation relief
$10 billion for airport relief
$4.5 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
$50 billion in relief to airlines in the form of loans or grants, and another $8 billion for cargo carriers
$17 billion in relief for unspecified "businesses critical to maintaining national security"
Strengthened unemployment insurance, which could potentially add $600 per week for up to four months on top of what a state would give beneficiaries.
Congress has rushed to approve a relief plan as the coronvirus pandemic overwhelms health-care resources, wreaks havoc on the U.S. economy and forces widespread layoffs.
Compounding the urgency, multiple lawmakers have tested positive for the coronavirus, also known as the COVID-19 virus, forcing others to quarantine and consider the prospect of voting remotely.
As lawmakers hash out a deal, President Donald Trump on Tuesday morning ramped up pressure on them to pass an agreement and provide economic relief. In a tweet, he said "the longer it takes, the harder it will be to start up our economy. Our workers will be hurt!"
Donald Trump tweet
The coronavirus, which is believed to have originated in Wuhan, China, has spread to dozens of countries, with more than 387,382 confirmed cases worldwide and at least 16,767 deaths so far, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. There are at least 46,500 cases in the United States and at least 590 deaths, according to the latest tallies.
— CNBC's Kayla Tausche contributed to this report


cnbc--2020-03-24--Trump pushes a 'return to work' as Kudlow predicts coronavirus stimulus will fuel economic rebound

Larry Kudlow , director of the U.S. National Economic Council , speaks to members of the media at the White House in Washington , D.C. , U.S. , on Monday , March 24 , 2020 .
Photographer : Oliver Contreras/Sipa/Bloomberg via Getty Images President Donald Trump and his top economic aide Larry Kudlow suggested Tuesday that a massive coronavirus stimulus bill could provide the foundation for an economic revival in the United States .
`` Our people want to return to work , '' Trump tweeted .
`` They will practice Social Distancing and all else , and Seniors will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We can do two things together . ''
He added that `` THE CURE CAN NOT BE WORSE ( by far ) THAN THE PROBLEM '' – a stance he has repeatedly voiced in recent days .
`` Congress MUST ACT NOW .
We will come back strong ! ''
Meanwhile , Kudlow told reporters at the White House that the economic stimulus bill in Congress could set the country up for a rebound in the U.S. economy in the second half of 2020 .
Kudlow , director of the National Economic Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday evening news briefing that some states with low numbers of confirmed cases might be able to ease off their restrictions quickly .
That relief could come soon after the White House 's 15-day guidelines on social distancing expire next week , Kudlow said .
Trump has shown a sudden impatience with the extreme efforts in an increasing number of states to slow the spread of the deadly virus by shutting down restaurants and ordering people to stay in their homes .
Those actions have already had devastating impacts on the economy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rapid surge of unemployment .

Larry Kudlow, director of the U.S. National Economic Council, speaks to members of the media at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Monday, March 24, 2020. Photographer: Oliver Contreras/Sipa/Bloomberg via Getty Images
President Donald Trump and his top economic aide Larry Kudlow suggested Tuesday that a massive coronavirus stimulus bill could provide the foundation for an economic revival in the United States.
"Our people want to return to work," Trump tweeted. "They will practice Social Distancing and all else, and Seniors will be watched over protectively & lovingly. We can do two things together."
He added that "THE CURE CANNOT BE WORSE (by far) THAN THE PROBLEM" – a stance he has repeatedly voiced in recent days. "Congress MUST ACT NOW. We will come back strong!"
TRUMP TWEET
Meanwhile, Kudlow told reporters at the White House that the economic stimulus bill in Congress could set the country up for a rebound in the U.S. economy in the second half of 2020.
Kudlow, director of the National Economic Council, echoed Trump's remarks from a Monday evening news briefing that some states with low numbers of confirmed cases might be able to ease off their restrictions quickly. That relief could come soon after the White House's 15-day guidelines on social distancing expire next week, Kudlow said.
Trump has shown a sudden impatience with the extreme efforts in an increasing number of states to slow the spread of the deadly virus by shutting down restaurants and ordering people to stay in their homes.
Those actions have already had devastating impacts on the economy, driving stocks drastically lower and prompting a rapid surge of unemployment.


cnbc--2020-03-24--Pelosi says there is 'real optimism' Congress can reach a stimulus deal soon

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sounded a hopeful tone Tuesday about Republicans and Democrats striking an agreement on a staggering stimulus package to blunt the economic damage from the coronavirus pandemic .
`` I think there is real optimism that we could get something done in the next few hours , '' Pelosi told CNBC 's Jim Cramer in a phone interview on `` Squawk on the Street '' as Senate Republicans and Democrats moved closer to a deal .
The California Democrat later added that the bill is `` getting to a good place ... if they stay there .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ GOP 's developing legislation , saying it goes too far to help corporations damaged by the outbreak without doing enough to aid workers ravaged by it .
House Democrats released their own $ 2.5 trillion relief plan on Monday — though it is unlikely to go anywhere as long as the Senate makes progress .
Major U.S. stock indexes climbed more than 5 % on Tuesday as optimism about a deal rose .
Democrats had taken particular issue with the potential conditions imposed on ailing corporations that receive aid from a pool of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pelosi said Tuesday `` things like a $ 500 billion slush fund are really insulting . ''
But the speaker said she was encouraged by the Trump administration agreeing to add more oversight to how it doles out the funding pool , which she called a `` big change . ''
Pelosi noted that the proposal would include an inspector general and a congressional panel of five people to oversee the aid .
`` We think the bill has move sufficiently to the side of workers , '' she said .
Congress has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and health-care system as patients overwhelm hospitals , workers get laid off and businesses small and large suffer .
If lawmakers can come to an agreement on a stimulus package , it would be the third proposal they have passed to respond to the pandemic raging across the U.S. More than 46,000 people have had COVID-19 in the U.S. , while at least 593 people have died from it , according to Johns Hopkins University .
President Donald Trump applied more pressure to Congress on Tuesday morning .
In a tweet , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , without all the nonsense , today . ''
`` The longer it takes , the harder it will be to start up our economy .
Our workers will be hurt ! ''
he wrote amid reported frustrations about the economic havoc caused by businesses shutting down across the country .
On Monday , Trump suggested that he wants to urge businesses to reopen — sooner rather than later — while the government works to fight the coronavirus pandemic .
Senate Democrats blocked Republican efforts to move legislation forward twice on Sunday and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rarely seen on the Senate floor .
House members are currently out of Washington at least until they have a stimulus agreement to consider .
Safety has become a major concern for lawmakers after two representatives and a senator tested positive for COVID-19 , forcing other members of Congress with whom they interacted to go into isolation .
Pelosi told CNBC she hopes the parties come to a widely accepted agreement the House can pass by unanimous consent — meaning it could quickly approve legislation without returning to the Capitol .
But any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spending package under that process .
Correction : The House proposal would cost $ 2.5 trillion .
An earlier version of this story misstated the figure .

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sounded a hopeful tone Tuesday about Republicans and Democrats striking an agreement on a staggering stimulus package to blunt the economic damage from the coronavirus pandemic.
"I think there is real optimism that we could get something done in the next few hours," Pelosi told CNBC's Jim Cramer in a phone interview on "Squawk on the Street" as Senate Republicans and Democrats moved closer to a deal.
The California Democrat later added that the bill is "getting to a good place ... if they stay there."
Pelosi has criticized versions of the GOP's developing legislation, saying it goes too far to help corporations damaged by the outbreak without doing enough to aid workers ravaged by it. House Democrats released their own $2.5 trillion relief plan on Monday — though it is unlikely to go anywhere as long as the Senate makes progress.
Major U.S. stock indexes climbed more than 5% on Tuesday as optimism about a deal rose.
Democrats had taken particular issue with the potential conditions imposed on ailing corporations that receive aid from a pool of $500 billion in taxpayer money.
Pelosi said Tuesday "things like a $500 billion slush fund are really insulting." But the speaker said she was encouraged by the Trump administration agreeing to add more oversight to how it doles out the funding pool, which she called a "big change." Pelosi noted that the proposal would include an inspector general and a congressional panel of five people to oversee the aid.
"We think the bill has move sufficiently to the side of workers," she said.
Congress has faced enormous pressure to rescue the economy and health-care system as patients overwhelm hospitals, workers get laid off and businesses small and large suffer. If lawmakers can come to an agreement on a stimulus package, it would be the third proposal they have passed to respond to the pandemic raging across the U.S.
More than 46,000 people have had COVID-19 in the U.S., while at least 593 people have died from it, according to Johns Hopkins University.
President Donald Trump applied more pressure to Congress on Tuesday morning. In a tweet, he said "Congress must approve the deal, without all the nonsense, today."
"The longer it takes, the harder it will be to start up our economy. Our workers will be hurt!" he wrote amid reported frustrations about the economic havoc caused by businesses shutting down across the country.
Donald Trump tweet
On Monday, Trump suggested that he wants to urge businesses to reopen — sooner rather than later — while the government works to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
Senate Democrats blocked Republican efforts to move legislation forward twice on Sunday and Monday, sparking a level of anger rarely seen on the Senate floor.
House members are currently out of Washington at least until they have a stimulus agreement to consider. Safety has become a major concern for lawmakers after two representatives and a senator tested positive for COVID-19, forcing other members of Congress with whom they interacted to go into isolation.
Pelosi told CNBC she hopes the parties come to a widely accepted agreement the House can pass by unanimous consent — meaning it could quickly approve legislation without returning to the Capitol. But any one representative could hold up the mammoth spending package under that process.
Correction: The House proposal would cost $2.5 trillion. An earlier version of this story misstated the figure.
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cnbc--2020-03-24--Coronavirus stimulus talks could drag into Wednesday after lawmakers said deal was close

Talks between Democrats and Republicans over a massive stimulus package to combat the economic impact of the coronavirus could stretch into Wednesday despite earlier assurances by lawmakers that a deal could be announced Tuesday .
Leaders in both parties had said earlier Tuesday that they were closing in on an agreement .
Multiple people familiar with the situation told CNBC that they were still close to a deal , although talks continued as they worked through the text and hashed out final details .
Two of the people cautioned that talks could spill into Wednesday morning .
One of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the terms of the airline aid and oversight that comes with it , two of the people said .
Democrats have pushed for a number of stipulations along with aid to the industry , including longterm bans on stock buybacks , limits on executive compensation , commitments not to furlough workers and board representation .
Most of the questions concerning funding for hospitals and education were resolved , a Democratic aide told CNBC .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , told CNBC on Tuesday morning that there is `` real optimism '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few hours .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , later said the bill is at the `` five-yard line . ''
Later in the morning , Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said they were even closer .
President Donald Trump , describing the proposal as a $ 2 trillion package , said Tuesday that `` we are working to pass the biggest and boldest financial relief package in American history . ''
Optimism over the potential deal helped drive the Dow Jones Industrial Average up more than 11 % Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1933 .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin arrived at Capitol Hill just after 9 a.m. Tuesday for a new round of negotiations with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer .
The two met six times the day prior .
Just before 11:00 a.m. , Mnuchin , Schumer and Rep. Mark Meadows , Trump 's incoming chief of staff held a meeting in Schumer 's office .
After the meeting , Schumer said on the Senate floor that negotiators were on the `` two-yard line . ''
Issues can be resolved within hours , he added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' `` two main issues : workers first and a 'Marshall Plan ' for hospitals are very strongly in the bill . ''
He listed a number of changes he said Democrats have secured , including obtaining `` unemployment insurance on steroids , '' which includes four months of unemployment for idled workers .
The provision applies to workers who are gig economy workers , furloughed or freelancers , a Democratic aide told CNBC .
The government will provide $ 600 on top of what the states offer in unemployment .
Democrats also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion more for hospitals , staff and equipment , a Democratic aide told CNBC , cautioning that terms may still change .
Still , Schumer implied that negotiations continue around the $ 500 billion fund that Republicans have proposed to support distressed companies .
Democrats have argued the fund gives the Treasury too much discretion .
`` We 've been fighting very hard that any bailout fund − money to industries that have trouble − have real oversight and transparency , '' Schumer said .
`` We 've been pushing hard that any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company to give it loans , that we know of that contract in a very short period of time so that we can examine it `` he said .
`` Because we all know there was a load of dissatisfaction with TARP , '' he added .
Democrats are pushing for an inspector general and congressional oversight board to oversee the fund .
CNBC earlier reported that Mnuchin had agreed to more fund oversight .
Pelosi said Tuesday she was `` very happy '' it appeared the Senate had taken some of her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Democrats were making `` very good progress '' in their efforts to add `` incentive or mandate '' for companies receiving federal loans or grants to keep their employees .
It remains unclear whether the government will demand equity of any of the companies it offers aid to , although lawmakers said the government has considered demanding warrants as part of its airline aid .
There has been resistance to equity stakes , which dilute shareholders and give the government stronger oversight , lobbyists have told CNBC .
Boeing CEO David Calhoun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` forces '' an equity stake , then `` we just look at all the other options .
And we 've got plenty of them . ''
`` It 's just not ideal for us , our suppliers , and all of those companies spread throughout the United States , '' he added .
Trump has previously offered his support of the aerospace company , saying `` we have to protect Boeing . ''
He has also said he would consider urging the government to take an equity stake in companies that have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News , Senate Majority Whip John Thune , R-S.D.
, said the bill would include , among other items : • Immediate $ 2,400 checks for married couples and $ 500 per child • $ 350 billion for small businesses to set aside for payroll to keep people working Trump had taken to Twitter earlier in the day to press for a deal .
`` Congress must approve the deal , without all of the nonsense , today , '' he tweeted Tuesday morning .
`` The longer it takes , the harder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy . ''

The White House and Senate leaders reached a deal early Wednesday on a massive $2 trillion relief bill — said to be the largest rescue package in American history — to combat the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak.
As of Wednesday morning, though, the Senate was still drafting the final details of the text. A senior Democratic aide told CNBC that due to procedural reasons, including how long it is taking the Senate to send over a draft of the bill, it is unlikely the House will vote on it Wednesday. The House needs to pass the bill before it can reach President Donald Trump's desk.
Efforts to pass the measure have taken on urgency as hospitals, companies, states and individuals have all pleaded for needed resources to battle the pandemic. Its impact has now reached into the Senate: Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., earlier this week announced he has tested positive for coronavirus.
"The Senate is going to stand together, act together and pass this historic relief package today," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Wednesday afternoon.
In announcing the deal early Wednesday morning, the Kentucky Republican called the proposal is effectively "a war-time level of investment in our nation." He promised the bill would rush financial assistance to Americans through direct checks to households, enhanced unemployment insurance, hundreds of billions of dollars in emergency loans to small businesses, and more resources for hospitals and medical equipment.
The Senate has yet to release the final terms of the deal. An earlier draft seen Tuesday would provide cash payments of up to $1,200 for individuals, $2,400 for married couples and $500 per child, reduced if an individual makes more than $75,000 or a couple makes more than $150,000.
The draft language also stipulated a $350 billion fund for small businesses to mitigate layoffs and support payroll.
Employers will get a deferral of payroll taxes, and pay them back on a staggered basis in the coming years, the administration official said. The deferral only applies to employers, and not employees.
McConnell said the bill would "stabilize key national industries" to prevent as many layoffs as possible, likely referring in part aid the deal allocates to the U.S. airline industry. The industry employs some 750,000 people.
Carriers have been racing to cut costs, grounding hundreds of planes and asking thousands of workers to take unpaid leave. Airlines are also tapping credit lines to shore up cash to weather the crisis, the impact of which they say is worse than 9/11.
The details of airline aid was one of the last major outstanding issues Tuesday night. Airlines have pushed for half their aid in grants, warning that receiving it entirely in loans would load them with too much debt.
Senators on Wednesday were moving ahead with $60 billion in aid for the beleaguered airline industry. That included $25 billion in direct cash grants for passenger carriers, $4 billion for cargo airlines and $3 billion for airline contractors, such as catering workers, in exchange for their employers agreeing not to furlough workers through the end of September.
The rest of the aid will be in form of loans with warrant provisions.
According to the draft language, which still may change, airlines have agreed to limits on executive compensation as part of taking on federal aid. They will be barred from stock buybacks while receiving assistance, and from providing stock dividends for a year after the bailout.


cnbc--2020-03-24--Coronavirus impact: Satellite images show world cities before and after outbreak

This is what it looks like when the world pauses because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Before-and-after satellite images starkly @ @ @ @ @ have changed across the planet as the coronavirus outbreak spread .
Images provided by commercial @ @ @ @ @ empty parking lots , beaches , bridges , waterways , and popular tourist and religious @ @ @ @ @ Last week , thousands of people crowded the beaches of Miami on a sunny day @ @ @ @ @ .
Videos showing college spring breakers partying on Florida beaches drew widespread criticism as concern @ @ @ @ @ and as cities around the nation urged residents to engage in social distancing to avoid @ @ @ @

This is what it looks like when the world pauses because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Before-and-after satellite images starkly show just how much things have changed across the planet as the coronavirus outbreak spread.
Images provided by commercial satellite company Planet Labs reveal empty parking lots, beaches, bridges, waterways, and popular tourist and religious destinations in recent days.
Last week, thousands of people crowded the beaches of Miami on a sunny day, relaxing on the sands.
Videos showing college spring breakers partying on Florida beaches drew widespread criticism as concern grew over the coronavirus, and as cities around the nation urged residents to engage in social distancing to avoid spreading the disease.
Miami, before:


cnbc--2020-03-25--White House and Senate strike a deal on $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus bill

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 .
The White House and Senate leaders reached a deal in early Wednesday on a massive $ 2 trillion relief bill — said to be the largest rescue package in American history — to combat the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak .
`` At last we have a deal , '' Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said after 1:30 a.m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate .
Efforts to pass the measure have taken on urgency as hospitals , companies , states and individuals have all pleaded for needed resources to battle the pandemic .
Its impact has now seeped into the Senate : Sen. Rand Paul , R-Ky. , earlier this week announced he has tested positive for coronavirus .
`` In effect , this is a war-time level of investment into our nation , '' said McConnell , who promised the bill would rush financial assistance to Americans through direct checks to households , enhanced unemployment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in emergency loans to small businesses , and more resources for hospitals and medical equipment .
The Senate had yet to release the final terms of the deal .
An earlier draft seen Tuesday would provide cash payments of up to $ 1,200 for individuals , $ 2,400 for married couples and $ 500 per child , reduced if an individual makes more than $ 75,000 or a couple makes more than $ 150,000 .
President Donald Trump 's businesses are barred from getting loans or investments under the deal , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ draft language also stipulated a $ 350 billion fund for small businesses to mitigate layoffs and support payroll .
McConnell said the bill would `` stabilize key national industries '' to prevent as many layoffs as possible .
U.S. passenger and cargo airlines have sought $ 58 billion in government relief to help manage a financial blow that they say is worse than 9/11 .
The details of that aid was one of the last major outstanding issues Tuesday night .
`` After five days of arduous negotiations , after sleep-deprived nights and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bipartisan agreement on the largest rescue package in American history , '' Schumer said .
He touted `` unemployment compensation on steroids , '' which would cover every American for four months , as the U.S. braces for historic layoffs and furloughs .
The New York Democrat promised oversight on the loans the U.S. offers businesses , saying `` every loan document will be made public very quickly '' to make sure those loans are fair .
He also said an inspector general and an oversight board would supervise the loans , after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 500 billion fund for businesses left too much discretion to the Treasury .
The deal will allocate $ 150 billion to states and localities battling the pandemic , and starved of now-delayed tax revenue , he said .
McConnell said the Senate will vote and pass the legislation later Wednesday .
Any deal the GOP-controlled Senate approves needs to be passed by the Democratic-led House .
It is possible House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , who has been talking with Schumer , could push for more changes to the Senate bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Tuesday morning if the parties can compromise and have `` unanimous consent , '' the bill can move quickly through the House .
`` If we do n't have unanimous consent , '' she cautioned , `` my two options with my members is : We can call them back to vote to amend this bill , or to pass our own bill and then go to conference with that . ''
Trump voiced optimism about the package Tuesday , telling reporters at a briefing of the coronavirus task force `` we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boldest financial relief package in American history . ''


cnbc--2020-03-25--Trump businesses barred from getting coronavirus stimulus money, Schumer says

President Donald Trump 's Mar-a-Lago resort is seen on November 1 , 2019 in Palm Beach , Florida .
President Donald Trump 's businesses are barred from getting loans or investments under the new $ 2 trillion coronavirus stimulus deal , according to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer .
The Trump Organization , which the president has not divested , is run by his two elder sons , Donald Jr. and Eric .
The company controls several hotels , resorts and golf clubs , including Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach , Florida .
The resort closed last week , during its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House reached an agreement early Wednesday after days of tense , roller-coaster negotiations that added to uncertainty in markets .
Democrats and other critics of the president were concerned that Trump 's businesses would receive bailout money because the tourism industry is one of the hardest-hit by the coronavirus , which has spurred leaders to restrict travel and companies to cut capacity and close up shop .
The measure will also ban businesses controlled by Vice President Mike Pence , Cabinet members and lawmakers from receiving the funds , according to details circulated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , said early Wednesday the chamber would vote on the bill later in the day .
If approved by the Senate , the bill faces action in the Democratic-led House .
The White House did n't immediately respond to a request for comment .

President Donald Trump's businesses are barred from getting loans or investments under the new $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus deal, according to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
The Trump Organization, which the president has not divested, is run by his two elder sons, Donald Jr. and Eric. The company controls several hotels, resorts and golf clubs, including Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. The resort closed last week, during its peak season.
Lawmakers and the White House reached an agreement early Wednesday after days of tense, roller-coaster negotiations that added to uncertainty in markets.


cnbc--2020-03-25--Trump approval rating rises as he responds to the coronavirus outbreak

Crises are often the ticket to higher approval ratings for politicians , and President Donald Trump , it appears , is no exception .
During an election year , any bump could have significant ramifications .
In the latest Gallup poll , released Tuesday , Trump 's approval rating hit 49 % , matching his best performance in the poll .
Earlier this month , Trump 's approval rating was at 44 % , according to Gallup .
The 5-point boost comes amid the president 's near daily participation in coronavirus task force briefings and series of moves to combat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is the second time Trump has received a 49 % approval rating in a Gallup poll .
The first time was in a February poll conducted at the time of his impeachment trial .
The most recent Gallup poll was conducted from March 13 to 22 , around the time Trump began responding more seriously to the coronavirus , which has roiled markets and infected hundreds of thousands of people globally .
Trump initially played down the impact of the outbreak but changed his approached .
On the first day of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , freeing up financial resources to assist Americans affected by the health and economic crisis .
Since then , he has pledged to waive all interest on federal student loans as the coronavirus wreaks havoc on the economy , the result of harsh measures put in place to contain the virus .
But a week after his promise , borrowers said they were still being charged interest .
And last week , following mounting pressure from Democratic lawmakers , Trump said he would put the Korean War-era Defense Production Act `` into gear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight the coronavirus .
The act enables the government to compel businesses to manufacture supplies needed during a crisis , such as medical masks , ventilators , gloves and testing swabs .
But he has not taken much advantage of that wartime power .
The administration first used it on Tuesday to gain access to 60,000 coronavirus test kits , according to Politico .
Several governors , mayors and police and fire departments have been begging Trump to use the act to increase production of protective gear for first responders .
The Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16 released guidelines that urged Americans for a two-week period to avoid going to restaurants or bars or attending social gatherings of more than 10 individuals , and recommended most employees work from home .
But Trump has in the last few days indicated that he would like to loosen those measures to restart the crashing economy by Easter , despite the virus ' acceleration .
Trump gets good marks in the Gallup poll for his handling of the crisis .
Sixty percent of Americans indicated they approve of the way the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic , while 38 % said they disapprove .
Nearly all Republicans surveyed in the poll , 94 % , said they approved of his response , while 60 % of independents and 27 % of Democrats said the same , according to Gallup .
The poll , which had a margin of error of 4 percentage points , comes on the heels of other public surveys that have shown Trump 's popularity creeping upward recently .
An ABC News/Ipsos poll conducted between March 18 and 19 found that 55 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handling the outbreak .
And a Real Clear Politics polling average clocks Trump 's popularity at about 44 % , also having increased marginally since his first actions in response to the coronavirus outbreak .
Still , Trump is not enjoying the kind of boost that other presidents have received during disasters .
The president 's approval rating has consistently hovered below 50 % in national polls throughout his term .
A Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll conducted between March 11 and 13 found that only 45 % of people approved of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while 51 % did not .
Following 9/11 , a catastrophe that galvanized the nation in similar fashion to the current crisis , former President George Bush 's approval rating skyrocketed in the days after , hovering between 86 % and 90 % .
Trump is managing the pandemic amid the backdrop of the 2020 election .
It 's all but certain that former Vice President Joe Biden will be the Democratic challenger .
Sen. Bernie Sanders has yet to drop out of the race , but Biden is the leader by far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the race against Biden , according to a Real Clear Politics polling average .
Biden has 50.9 % of support , compared with Trump 's 43.9 % .

Trump initially played down the impact of the outbreak but has since changed his tune. On the first day of the poll, he declared a national emergency , freeing up financial resources to assist Americans affected by the health and economic crisis.
The most recent Gallup poll was conducted from March 13 to 22, around the time Trump began responding more seriously to the coronavirus, which has roiled markets and infected hundreds of thousands of people globally.
This is the second time Trump has received a 49% approval rating in a Gallup poll. The first time was in a February poll conducted at the time of his impeachment trial .
Earlier this month, Trump's approval rating was at 44%, according to Gallup. The 5-point boost comes amid the president's near daily participation in coronavirus task force briefings and series of moves to combat the pandemic in the United States.
In the latest Gallup poll , released Tuesday, Trump's approval rating hit 49%, matching his best performance in the poll.
During an election year, any bump could have significant ramifications.
Crises are often the ticket to higher approval ratings for politicians, and President Donald Trump , it appears, is no exception.
Since then, he has pledged to waive all interest on federal student loans as the coronavirus wreaks havoc on the economy. But a week after his promise, borrowers said they were still being charged interest.
And last week, following mounting pressure from Democratic lawmakers, Trump said he would put the Korean War-era Defense Production Act "into gear" to mobilize private business resources to fight the coronavirus. The act enables the government to compel businesses to manufacture supplies needed during a crisis, such as medical masks, ventilators, gloves and testing swabs.
But he has not taken much advantage of that wartime power. The administration first used it on Tuesday to gain access to 60,000 coronavirus test kits, according to Politico. Several governors, mayors and police and fire departments have been begging Trump to use the act to increase production of protective gear for first responders.
The Trump administration's coronavirus task force on March 16 released guidelines that urged Americans for a two-week period to avoid going to restaurants or bars or attending social gatherings of more than 10 individuals, and recommended most employees work from home.
But Trump has in the last few days indicated that he would like to loosen those measures to restart the crashing economy by Easter, despite the virus' acceleration.
Trump gets good marks in the Gallup poll for his handling of the crisis.
Sixty percent of Americans indicated they approve of the way the president is steering the country in response to the pandemic, while 38% said they disapprove.
Nearly all Republicans surveyed in the poll, 94%, said they approved of his response, while 60% of independents and 27% of Democrats said the same, according to Gallup.
The poll, which had a margin of error of 4 percentage points, comes on the heels of other public surveys that have shown Trump's popularity creeping upward recently.
An ABC News/Ipsos poll conducted between March 18 and 19 found that 55% of people approve of the way Trump is handling the outbreak.
On March 25, Trump matched his highest approval rating on Real Clear Politics, with 46.3% of respondents saying they approved of the job he was doing overall.
Still, Trump is not enjoying the kind of boost that other presidents have received during disasters. The president's approval rating has consistently hovered below 50% in national polls throughout his term.
A Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll conducted between March 11 and 13 found that only 45% of people approved of the way Trump was handling the outbreak, while 51% did not.
Following 9/11, a catastrophe that galvanized the nation in similar fashion to the current crisis, former President George Bush's approval rating skyrocketed in the days after, hovering between 86% and 90%.
Trump is managing the pandemic amid the backdrop of the 2020 election. It's all but certain that former Vice President Joe Biden will be the Democratic challenger. Sen. Bernie Sanders has yet to drop out of the race, but Biden is the leader by far among pledged delegates.
Trump lags in the race against Biden, according to a Real Clear Politics polling average. Biden has 50.9% of support, compared with Trump's 43.9%.


cnbc--2020-03-25--Trump, Pence held call on economy with investors including Paul Tudor Jones, Stephen Schwarzman

President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence held a call with some of the most prominent investors and leaders on Wall Street to discuss the coronavirus impact on the economy , according to sources .
Investors on the call included Citadel 's Ken Griffin , Third Point 's Dan Loeb , Blackstone 's Stephen Schwarzman , Vista Equity 's Robert Smith , Intercontinental Exchange 's Jeffrey Sprecher and Paul Tudor Jones , hedge fund manager and co-founder of Just Capital .
The call Tuesday took place just an hour before Trump warned of a drastic decline in U.S. economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump also said Tuesday that he 'd like to see the U.S. economy `` reopen '' by Easter , less than three weeks away , a step-change from a previous suggestion that the country would n't turn the corner until several months from now .
The call with some of Wall Street 's top investors and hedge fund leaders was less focused on potential actions the administration could take to mitigate the impact of the novel coronavirus .
Instead , it was more focused on how America 's top money managers are viewing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people familiar with the matter said .
The call also included discussion on what more the Federal Reserve could do to support industries that are feeling outsized pressure as a result of the virus and how the central bank could help certain corners of the financing markets from seizing up .
Sources described the call to CNBC 's Scott Wapner as `` constructive '' and that the general idea was that the U.S. economy can not be allowed to crash .
Those people also said that the call reiterated that the virus wo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs a thoughtful tack when dealing with the virus and even a date-certain approach to getting back to business .
`` They 're saying 25 points of GDP , '' Trump said in a televised town hall appearance Tuesday .
One invisible in the change in messaging is Nick Ayers , the Georgia political strategist who served as chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence until January 2019 .
Ayers , who now sits on the board of global software company , Veeam , has sounded the alarm on a long-term shutdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a backchannel with corporate executives who share that fear .
Ayers , CNBC has learned , arranged Tuesday 's call with Wall Street investors .
The president said in a Fox News `` virtual town hall '' event at the White House that he 'd like to unleash the American economy by mid-April despite the protective measures instituted by a slew of states to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
`` We 're opening up this incredible country .
Because we have to do that .
I would love to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` I would love to have that .
It 's such an important day for other reasons , but I 'd love to make it an important day for this .
I would love to have the country opened up , and rarin ' to go by Easter . ''

President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence held a call with some of the most prominent investors and leaders on Wall Street to discuss the coronavirus impact on the economy, according to sources.
Investors on the call included Citadel's Ken Griffin, Third Point's Dan Loeb, Blackstone's Stephen Schwarzman, Vista Equity's Robert Smith, Intercontinental Exchange 's Jeffrey Sprecher and Paul Tudor Jones, hedge fund manager and co-founder of Just Capital.
The call Tuesday took place just an hour before Trump warned of a drastic decline in U.S. economic growth if the nationwide shutdown continued. Trump also said Tuesday that he'd like to see the U.S. economy "reopen" by Easter, less than three weeks away, a step-change from a previous suggestion that the country wouldn't turn the corner until several months from now.
The call with some of Wall Street's top investors and hedge fund leaders was less focused on potential actions the administration could take to mitigate the impact of the novel coronavirus. Instead, it was more focused on how America's top money managers are viewing markets and the U.S. economy, the people familiar with the matter said.
kayla tweet
The call also included discussion on what more the Federal Reserve could do to support industries that are feeling outsized pressure as a result of the virus and how the central bank could help certain corners of the financing markets from seizing up.
Sources described the call to CNBC's Scott Wapner as "constructive" and that the general idea was that the U.S. economy cannot be allowed to crash. Those people also said that the call reiterated that the virus won't be permanent and that the U.S. needs a thoughtful tack when dealing with the virus and even a date-certain approach to getting back to business.
wapner tweet
"They're saying 25 points of GDP," Trump said in a televised town hall appearance Tuesday.
One invisible in the change in messaging is Nick Ayers, the Georgia political strategist who served as chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence until January 2019. Ayers, who now sits on the board of global software company, Veeam, has sounded the alarm on a long-term shutdown to the White House and has served as a backchannel with corporate executives who share that fear. Ayers, CNBC has learned, arranged Tuesday's call with Wall Street investors.
The president said in a Fox News "virtual town hall" event at the White House that he'd like to unleash the American economy by mid-April despite the protective measures instituted by a slew of states to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
"We're opening up this incredible country. Because we have to do that. I would love to have it open by Easter," Trump said.
"I would love to have that. It's such an important day for other reasons, but I'd love to make it an important day for this. I would love to have the country opened up, and rarin' to go by Easter."


cnbc--2020-03-25--Bernie Sanders threatens to hold up coronavirus bill after 4 GOP senators push to cut unemployment a

Bernie Sanders threatens to hold up coronavirus bill after 4 GOP senators push to cut unemployment aid

The prospect of an impasse in the Senate appeared to hit U.S. stock indexes at the end of Wednesday 's session , as markets closed in the green but off their highs .
Investors hoped Congress could quickly approve the legislation , which gives direct payments to Americans , loans to businesses large and small , and resources to states and hospitals to fight the outbreak .
Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. , then said he would delay the bill if his GOP colleagues did not drop their opposition , calling it an `` outrage '' to prevent Americans from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement , he said he is `` prepared to put a hold on this bill '' to lobby for tighter restrictions on companies receiving aid from a taxpayer pool of $ 500 billion .
Earlier in the day , four Republican senators — Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott of South Carolina , Ben Sasse of Nebraska and Rick Scott of Florida — threatened to oppose the chamber 's push to pass the rescue package through fast-track procedures .
They argued a proposal to add $ 600 per week to unemployment insurance for up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the near-final legislation , could encourage companies to lay off workers and Americans to stay unemployed , urging a vote to cap the aid .
Chances for a planned Senate vote Wednesday on a historic $ 2 trillion relief package in response to the coronavirus pandemic appeared to dwindle as senators threatened to delay it over a key unemployment insurance proposal .
Asked about the GOP senators ' criticism of the unemployment plan during a White House briefing Wednesday , Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said `` I do n't think it 'll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said state systems were not equipped to assure Americans would only get benefits equal to their previous pay , adding `` this was the only way we could assure that states could get money out quickly in a fair way . ''
`` Our expectation is this bill passes tonight and gets to the House tomorrow , '' he said .
Lawmakers rushed to put together the stimulus plan , which the Senate hopes to pass by Wednesday night after several false starts during frenzied negotiations in recent days .
After Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ twice to try to secure concessions , Republicans accused them of delaying aid desperately needed to boost a reeling economy and health-care system .
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer , D-Md.
, said Wednesday that he would give representatives 24 hours ' notice before a vote on the relief package .
By about 7 p.m .
ET , the Senate had not released the final version of its legislation .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told PBS on Wednesday that the chamber could try to pass the bill by voice vote with the vast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If a member requests a recorded vote to document individual responses , lawmakers would have to come back to the Capitol .
First , though , the Senate has to overcome its remaining hurdles to approve the package .
Pelosi criticized the GOP senators for their opposition to the legislation .
`` Please do n't resent our lowest paid workers in America for getting $ 600 , '' she said .
The emergency unemployment insurance provision , a compromise reached between Democrats and Republicans , including the Trump administration , aims to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regular businesses in the U.S. ground to a halt to slow the pandemic 's spread .
Earlier Wednesday , the four Republican senators called for an amendment to reduce the proposed benefit to 100 % of a worker 's previous pay .
They said some workers would get more money from the insurance than they did from their jobs .
`` Let 's just make sure we make people whole .
Let 's not increase their salary , because you ca n't afford to do that , '' Graham told reporters .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a senior GOP aide said that `` we 'll have to do something '' to secure their support .
Taylor Foy , a spokesman for the Senate Finance Committee , which drafted the unemployment provision , said `` nothing in this bill incentivizes businesses to lay off employees , in fact it 's just the opposite . ''
He noted that the legislation aims to both make sure companies have enough money to cover payroll and create a stronger unemployment insurance program for those who lose their jobs .
`` This increase is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It 's also important to remember that nobody who voluntarily leaves an available job is eligible for [ unemployment insurance ] , '' he said .
Sanders ' counter threat to hold up the legislation revolves around perhaps the biggest Democratic concern that emerged from an earlier version of the bill .
They worried Mnuchin would have too much discretion over how the government doled out the $ 500 billion in aid and how companies would use it .
The Trump administration and Republicans agreed to add an inspector general and congressional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , some Democrats still worry about repeating the mistakes of the Troubled Asset Relief Program during the financial meltdown of 2008 , when banks awarded executives with bonuses after receiving bailout money .
Sanders said that if he did hold up the relief bill , he would push to `` make sure that any corporation receiving financial assistance under this legislation does not lay off workers , cut wages or benefits , ship jobs overseas , or pay workers poverty wages . ''
— CNBC 's Kayla Tausche and Lauren Hirsch contributed to @ @ @

The prospect of an impasse in the Senate appeared to hit U.S. stock indexes at the end of Wednesday's session, as markets closed in the green but off their highs. Investors hoped Congress could quickly approve the legislation, which gives direct payments to Americans, loans to businesses large and small, and resources to states and hospitals to fight the outbreak.
Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt., then said he would delay the bill if his GOP colleagues did not drop their opposition, calling it an "outrage" to prevent Americans from getting emergency unemployment insurance. In a statement, he said he is "prepared to put a hold on this bill" to lobby for tighter restrictions on companies receiving aid from a taxpayer pool of $500 billion.
Earlier in the day, four Republican senators — Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott of South Carolina, Ben Sasse of Nebraska and Rick Scott of Florida — threatened to oppose the chamber's push to pass the rescue package through fast-track procedures. They argued a proposal to add $600 per week to unemployment insurance for up to four months, a core provision of the near-final legislation, could encourage companies to lay off workers and Americans to stay unemployed, urging a vote to cap the aid. (Sasse introduced an amendment Wednesday night saying the benefits should not exceed previous pay).
Chances for a planned Senate vote Wednesday on a historic $2 trillion relief package in response to the coronavirus pandemic appeared to dwindle as senators threatened to delay it over a key unemployment insurance proposal.
Asked about the GOP senators' criticism of the unemployment plan during a White House briefing Wednesday, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said "I don't think it'll create incentives" not to work. He said state systems were not equipped to assure Americans would only get benefits equal to their previous pay, adding "this was the only way we could assure that states could get money out quickly in a fair way."
"Our expectation is this bill passes tonight and gets to the House tomorrow," he said.
Lawmakers rushed to put together the stimulus plan, which the Senate hopes to pass by Wednesday night after several false starts during frenzied negotiations in recent days. After Democrats blocked an earlier version of the legislation twice to try to secure concessions, Republicans accused them of delaying aid desperately needed to boost a reeling economy and health-care system.
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said Wednesday that he would give representatives 24 hours' notice before a vote on the relief package. By about 7 p.m. ET, the Senate had not released the final version of its legislation.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told PBS on Wednesday that the chamber could try to pass the bill by voice vote with the vast majority of representatives still out of Washington. If a member requests a recorded vote to document individual responses, lawmakers would have to come back to the Capitol.
First, though, the Senate has to overcome its remaining hurdles to approve the package. Pelosi criticized the GOP senators for their opposition to the legislation.
"Please don't resent our lowest paid workers in America for getting $600," she said.
The emergency unemployment insurance provision, a compromise reached between Democrats and Republicans, including the Trump administration, aims to help workers hit by widespread layoffs as regular businesses in the U.S. ground to a halt to slow the pandemic's spread. Earlier Wednesday, the four Republican senators said some workers would get more money from the insurance than they did from their jobs.
"Let's just make sure we make people whole. Let's not increase their salary, because you can't afford to do that," Graham told reporters.
In response to the lawmakers' concerns, a senior GOP aide said that "we'll have to do something" to secure their support.
Taylor Foy, a spokesman for the Senate Finance Committee, which drafted the unemployment provision, said "nothing in this bill incentivizes businesses to lay off employees, in fact it's just the opposite." He noted that the legislation aims to both make sure companies have enough money to cover payroll and create a stronger unemployment insurance program for those who lose their jobs.
"This increase is designed to make the average worker whole. It's also important to remember that nobody who voluntarily leaves an available job is eligible for [unemployment insurance]," he said.


cnbc--2020-03-25--Cuomo says Senate's $2 trillion coronavirus bill would be 'terrible' for New York

New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo speaks during a news conference against a backdrop of medical supplies at the Jacob Javits Center that will house a temporary hospital in response to the COVID-19 outbreak , Tuesday , March 24 , 2020 , in New York .
The Senate 's $ 2 trillion coronavirus relief bill may be the largest rescue package in U.S. history , but it does n't provide nearly enough for New York state , Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday .
The bill , tentatively approved early Wednesday , `` would really be terrible for the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at his daily briefing in Albany .
Cuomo 's criticism came as White House officials made clear that President Donald Trump plans to sign the massive relief bill into law as soon as Congress sends it to him .
Cuomo said the bill provides $ 3.8 billion for New York State , of which only $ 1.3 billion will be sent to New York City .
`` Sounds like a lot of money , '' Cuomo said .
But it 's far below the shortfall in revenue that the state projects it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total $ 15 billion .
`` That is a drop in the bucket '' compared with what New Yorkers need , he said .
`` How do you plug a $ 15 billion hole with $ 3.8 billion ?
You do n't . ''
Cuomo 's spokeswoman Dani Lever suggested in a statement later Wednesday that the Senate bill would give New York even less than what the governor initially outlined .
`` Based on initial reports , New York State government gets approximately $ 3.1 billion , '' Lever said in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our total state budget – 1.9 % – it is the second lowest amount in the nation . ''
`` The gross political manipulation is obvious , '' Lever said .
`` Compounding this inequity is the fact that New York State contributes more to the federal government than any other state in the nation .
It is just another case of politics over sound policy . ''
New York has become the epicenter of the U.S. coronavirus outbreak .
More than 30,000 COVID-19 cases have been counted across the state as of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half of all confirmed cases in the country .
New York City may close parks , playgrounds and some streets to reduce density in the latest effort to contain the virus , the governor said Wednesday .

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during a news conference against a backdrop of medical supplies at the Jacob Javits Center that will house a temporary hospital in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Tuesday, March 24, 2020, in New York. John Minchillo | AP
The Senate's $2 trillion coronavirus relief bill may be the largest rescue package in U.S. history, but it doesn't provide nearly enough for New York state, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday. The bill, tentatively approved early Wednesday, "would really be terrible for the state of New York," Cuomo said at his daily briefing in Albany. Cuomo's criticism came as White House officials made clear that President Donald Trump plans to sign the massive relief bill into law as soon as Congress sends it to him. Cuomo said the bill provides $3.8 billion for New York State, of which only $1.3 billion will be sent to New York City. "Sounds like a lot of money," Cuomo said. But it's far below the shortfall in revenue that the state projects it will face, which the governor said could total $15 billion. "That is a drop in the bucket" compared with what New Yorkers need, he said. "How do you plug a $15 billion hole with $3.8 billion? You don't."
watch now
Cuomo's spokeswoman Dani Lever suggested in a statement later Wednesday that the Senate bill would give New York even less than what the governor initially outlined. "Based on initial reports, New York State government gets approximately $3.1 billion," Lever said in the statement. "As a percent of our total state budget – 1.9% – it is the second lowest amount in the nation." "The gross political manipulation is obvious," Lever said. "Compounding this inequity is the fact that New York State contributes more to the federal government than any other state in the nation. It is just another case of politics over sound policy." LEVER TWEET New York has become the epicenter of the U.S. coronavirus outbreak. More than 30,000 COVID-19 cases have been counted across the state as of Wednesday morning, accounting for more than half of all confirmed cases in the country. New York City may close parks, playgrounds and some streets to reduce density in the latest effort to contain the virus, the governor said Wednesday.
watch now
"In life, you do what you have to do," he said. The White House and leaders of both parties in the Senate reached the stimulus deal around 1:30 a.m. following days of partisan debate in Congress and numerous late-night negotiating sessions. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said his chamber will vote and pass the legislation later Wednesday, though the final details of the bill were still being ironed out by the early afternoon. A senior Democratic aide told CNBC procedural hurdles made it unlikely the House will vote on the bill until Thursday at the earliest. Amid the back-and-forth over the provisions this week, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi released her own proposal, which laid out the Democrats' agenda and was criticized by Republicans as an ideological wish list. Cuomo, however, said Pelosi's plan would have provided more for New York than the current bill in the Senate. "We need more federal help than this bill gives us. The House bill would have given us $17 billion. The Senate bill gives us $3 billion," Cuomo said. "That's a dramatic, dramatic difference." Trump and Cuomo, a Democrat, have been in close coordination amid New York's sharp rise in cases — and each has alternated between being deferential with each other and feuding about their efforts to combat the virus. White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said Wednesday morning that Trump is aware of the contents of the Senate's bill and is eager to sign it. "He's been pushing for Congress to do the right thing and get ready help the American people. So we're really looking forward to this vote today so that he can sign it into law," Grisham said on Fox News. -- CNBC's William Feuer and Lauren Hirsch contributed to this report.


cnbc--2020-03-25--New York hospitals battle coronavirus as hundreds of patients flood in: 'We must not break'

People line up to get a test at Elmhurst Hospital due to coronavirus outbreak on March 24 , 2020 in Queens , New York , United States .
There are now more than 35,000 cases of COVID-19 in the United States as governments scramble to contain the spread .
The top surgeon of a major New York City hospital dealing with a flood of hundreds of patients infected with the coronavirus rallied his staff with a letter that compared the pandemic to a typhoon , and urged them to stand strong in its face .
`` A forest of bamboo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but rarely breaks , '' wrote Dr. Craig Smith , surgeon in chief at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center in upper Manhattan .
`` We are that forest and we must not break , '' Smith wrote .
`` By the people , for the people . ''
Hospitals in New York City now have more than 2,800 patients with the coronavirus , straining their existing capacity .
Many of those patients are at Smith 's hosital or in other New York-Presbyterian facilities around the Big Apple .
Smith said in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to his hospital system have continued increasing by about 10 % percent each day .
A nurse at Columbia University Medical Center in upper Manhattan said several hundreds of patients there alone had the coronavirus .
About 20 % of the hospital 's coronavirus patients are in intensive care units , according to Smith 's letter .
And 80 % of ICU patients require ventilators , which are in extremely short supply in New York state , the epicenter for the pandemic in the United States .
`` Consult a compound-interest calculator to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approaching infrastructure capacity limits , '' Smith wrote .
`` We are scheduling very urgent cases in 3 ORs ( operating rooms ) each day , with 2 rooms for true emergencies . ''
New York state has more than 30,800 confirmed cases of COVID-19 , with more than 5,000 more cases reported Tuesday .
New York City alone has more than 17,850 cases , although most of those people are not hospitalized .
Dr. Craig Spencer , who works as an emergency room doctor at Columbia University Medical Center , warned that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a daily basis and soon our hospitals are going to be overwhelmed . ''
`` At the rate that we 're putting people on ventilators , at some hospitals one to two per hour , the simple math shows it 's only a matter of time until we run out , '' Spencer said during an interview on NBC 's `` TODAY Show . ''

People line up to get a test at Elmhurst Hospital due to coronavirus outbreak on March 24, 2020 in Queens, New York, United States. There are now more than 35,000 cases of COVID-19 in the United States as governments scramble to contain the spread.
The top surgeon of a major New York City hospital dealing with a flood of hundreds of patients infected with the coronavirus rallied his staff with a letter that compared the pandemic to a typhoon, and urged them to stand strong in its face.
"A forest of bamboo bends to the ground in a typhoon but rarely breaks," wrote Dr. Craig Smith, surgeon in chief at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center in upper Manhattan.
"We are that forest and we must not break," Smith wrote. "By the people, for the people."
Hospitals in New York City now have more than 2,800 patients with the coronavirus, straining their existing capacity.
Many of those patients are at Smith's hospital or in other New York-Presbyterian facilities around the Big Apple.
Smith said in his letter that admissions of patients for COVID-19 to his hospital system have continued increasing by about 10% percent each day.
A nurse at Columbia University Medical Center in upper Manhattan said several hundreds of patients there alone had the coronavirus.
About 20% of the hospital's coronavirus patients are in intensive care units, according to Smith's letter.
And 80% of ICU patients require ventilators, which are in extremely short supply in New York state, the epicenter for the pandemic in the United States.
"Consult a compound-interest calculator to get a sense how quickly we are approaching infrastructure capacity limits," Smith wrote.
"We are scheduling very urgent cases in 3 ORs (operating rooms) each day, with 2 rooms for true emergencies."
New York state has more than 30,800 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with more than 5,000 more cases reported Tuesday. New York City alone has more than 17,850 cases, although most of those people are not hospitalized.
Dr. Craig Spencer, who works as an emergency room doctor at Columbia University Medical Center, warned that patient "case numbers are increasing on a daily basis and soon our hospitals are going to be overwhelmed."
"At the rate that we're putting people on ventilators, at some hospitals one to two per hour, the simple math shows it's only a matter of time until we run out," Spencer said during an interview on NBC's "TODAY Show."


cnbc--2020-03-25--New York, Hawaii and North Carolina ask FEMA for help handling coronavirus dead

Workers construct what is believed to be a makeshift morgue behind a hospital during the outbreak of coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) , in New York , March 25 , 2020 .
New York , Hawaii and North Carolina have requested emergency mortuary assistance from FEMA to handle the coming deaths expected from coronavirus as the pandemic bears down on the United States .
A spokesperson for the Federal Emergency Management Agency confirmed the request in a statement on Wednesday .
The requests are currently under review and have not yet been approved , the spokesperson said .
The requests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Teams , or DMORT , which `` work to quickly and accurately identify victims and support local mortuary services , '' according to a government website .
Global deaths from COVID-19 have surged past 20,000 , with the worst outbreaks continuing to shift west from China through Europe and soon expected in the U.S .
There have been at least 809 deaths from the disease in the U.S. , according to data from Johns Hopkins University .
In the U.S. , the death toll has been largely concentrated in New York , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a looming shortage of ventilators and hospital beds .
There are at least 17,856 confirmed coronavirus cases in New York City , with almost 200 dead so far , according to Johns Hopkins University .
Hawaii and North Carolina have suffered few deaths from COVID-19 to date .
After announcing its first death from the disease , Hawaii 's Department of Health backtracked on Tuesday and said the test results had been misread and the person did not die of coronavirus , according to HawaiiNewsNow .
Health authorities in North Carolina reported the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday .
Politico reported Wednesday that the Department of Homeland Security had been briefed that New York City 's morgues were nearing capacity , citing a DHS official and another source familiar with the matter .
The New York Post reported on Tuesday that a makeshift morgue was being set up at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan , citing a source who was familiar with the operation .
Some countries in Europe have already had to create improvised morgues .
Authorities in Spain have turned to an Olympic-sized ice rink in the nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reuters .

Workers construct what is believed to be a makeshift morgue behind a hospital during the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in New York, March 25, 2020.
New York, Hawaii and North Carolina have requested emergency mortuary assistance from FEMA to handle the coming deaths expected from coronavirus as the pandemic bears down on the United States.
A spokesperson for the Federal Emergency Management Agency confirmed the requests in a statement on Wednesday. The requests are currently under review and have not yet been approved, the spokesperson said.
The requests are for HHS Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Teams, or DMORT, which "work to quickly and accurately identify victims and support local mortuary services," according to a government website.
On Thursday, after this story was originally published, FEMA spokesperson Alex Bruner said in an email that North Carolina asked for "asked for one disaster mortuary liaison, not an entire team."
Global deaths from COVID-19 have surged past 20,000, with the worst outbreaks continuing to shift west from China through Europe and soon expected in the U.S. There have been at least 809 deaths from the disease in the U.S., according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
In the U.S., the death toll has been largely concentrated in New York, where Gov. Andrew Cuomo has warned of a looming shortage of ventilators and hospital beds. There are at least 17,856 confirmed coronavirus cases in New York City, with almost 200 dead so far, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Hawaii and North Carolina have suffered few deaths from COVID-19 to date. After announcing its first death from the disease, Hawaii's Department of Health backtracked on Tuesday and said the test results had been misread and the person did not die of coronavirus, according to HawaiiNewsNow. Health authorities in North Carolina reported the first deaths from coronavirus in the state on Wednesday.
Politico reported Wednesday that the Department of Homeland Security had been briefed that New York City's morgues were nearing capacity, citing a DHS official and another source familiar with the matter. The New York Post reported on Tuesday that a makeshift morgue was being set up at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan, citing a source who was familiar with the operation.
Some countries in Europe have already had to create improvised morgues. Authorities in Spain have turned to an Olympic-sized ice rink in the nation's capital of Madrid, according to Reuters.


cnbc--2020-03-25--Airlines set for $32 billion in cash aid to keep workers, clearing hurdle for coronavirus bill

Digital signs in the baggage claim area at McCarran International Airport display guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on protection from the coronavirus on March 19 , 2020 in Las Vegas , Nevada .
Lawmakers are moving ahead with more than $ 30 billion in cash aid for airlines , according to people briefed on the matter and a draft of the bill , clearing a hurdle for a Senate vote on a massive stimulus bill aimed at helping the economy through the coronavirus pandemic .
Airlines have been crippled by a sharp drop in travel demand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to contain it .
Carriers and labor unions pleaded with lawmakers for a mix of both cash grants and loans totaling $ 58 billion , while Republican senators had originally proposed aid in the form of only loans .
A draft of the Senate bill , which was viewed by CNBC , showed grants of $ 25 billion for passenger airlines , $ 4 billion for cargo carriers and $ 3 billion for contractors , in exchange for maintaining workers .
The bill states that these employers must `` refrain from conducting involuntary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' through Sept. 30 , 2020 .
It also includes $ 25 billion in loans for passenger airlines and $ 4 billion for cargo airlines .
A condition of the loans would allow the government to take out warrants or an equity stake in the borrowers .
Among conditions for the aid are a pause on share repurchase agreements and dividend payments to investors .

Digital signs in the baggage claim area at McCarran International Airport display guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on protection from the coronavirus on March 19, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Lawmakers are moving ahead with more than $30 billion in cash aid for airlines, according to people briefed on the matter and a draft of the bill, clearing a hurdle for a Senate vote on a massive stimulus bill aimed at helping the economy through the coronavirus pandemic.
Airlines have been crippled by a sharp drop in travel demand due to the coronavirus and drastic measures to contain it. Carriers and labor unions pleaded with lawmakers for a mix of both cash grants and loans totaling $58 billion, while Republican senators had originally proposed aid in the form of only loans.
A draft of the Senate bill, which was viewed by CNBC, showed grants of $25 billion for passenger airlines, $4 billion for cargo carriers and $3 billion for contractors, in exchange for maintaining workers. The bill states that these employers must "refrain from conducting involuntary furloughs or reducing pay rates and benefits" through Sept. 30, 2020.
It also includes $25 billion in loans for passenger airlines and $4 billion for cargo airlines. A condition of the loans would allow the government to take out warrants or an equity stake in the borrowers.
Among conditions for the aid are a pause on share repurchase agreements and dividend payments to investors.


cnbc--2020-03-25--Senate coronavirus aid bill would impose 1-year ban on stock buybacks for companies getting governme

Senate coronavirus aid bill would impose 1-year ban on stock buybacks for companies getting government loans

A draft copy of the massive $ 2 trillion Senate coronavirus rescue package expected to be passed on Wednesday would bar companies receiving federal loans from stock buybacks for one year after the loan is paid back .
The bill authorizes $ 25 billion in loans to passenger air carriers , $ 4 billion to cargo air carriers , and $ 17 billion for `` businesses critical to maintaining national security . ''
It also authorizes up to $ 454 billion in loans to other eligible businesses otherwise unable to receive credit .
The legislation would also bar large companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year after the loan is paid back , and from reducing their employment levels by 10 % until the end of September .
Midsized companies would be barred from paying dividends while the loan is outstanding .
In addition to loans , the legislation also authorizes cash grants to those in the airline industry .
It calls for $ 25 billion in grants for passenger airlines , $ 4 billion for cargo carriers and $ 3 billion for contractors .
The grant conditions call for a pause on dividends and buybacks through September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from conducting involuntary furloughs or reducing pay rates and benefits until September 30 , 2020 . ''
Liberals and some high-profile conservatives expressed support for conditions on taxpayer assistance to companies hit by COVID-19 .
President Donald Trump , during a White House news briefing last week , said he supported such a provision .
Sen. Elizabeth Warren , a former Democratic presidential candidate , contended that bailed-out firms should be barred from conducting buybacks permanently .
The text of the legislation will have to be finalized and voted on by the Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Representatives and signed by Trump before becoming law .
The Senate is expected to take up the legislation later Wednesday .
The House is unlikely to vote on the matter until Thursday .

A draft copy of the massive $2 trillion Senate coronavirus rescue package expected to be passed on Wednesday would bar companies receiving federal loans from stock buybacks for one year after the loan is paid back.
The bill authorizes $25 billion in loans to passenger air carriers, $4 billion to cargo air carriers, and $17 billion for "businesses critical to maintaining national security." It also authorizes up to $454 billion in loans to other eligible businesses otherwise unable to receive credit.
The legislation would also bar large companies from paying dividends to shareholders for one year after the loan is paid back, and from reducing their employment levels by 10% until the end of September. Midsized companies would be barred from paying dividends while the loan is outstanding.
In addition to loans, the legislation also authorizes cash grants to those in the airline industry. It calls for $25 billion in grants for passenger airlines, $4 billion for cargo carriers and $3 billion for contractors.
The grant conditions call for a pause on dividends and buybacks through September 2021 and a pledge to "refrain from conducting involuntary furloughs or reducing pay rates and benefits until September 30, 2020."
Liberals and some high-profile conservatives expressed support for conditions on taxpayer assistance to companies hit by COVID-19. President Donald Trump, during a White House news briefing last week, said he supported such a provision. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a former Democratic presidential candidate, contended that bailed-out firms should be barred from conducting buybacks permanently.
The text of the legislation will have to be finalized and voted on by the Senate, approved by the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives and signed by Trump before becoming law.
The Senate is expected to take up the legislation later Wednesday. The House is unlikely to vote on the matter until Thursday.
-- CNBC's Kayla Tausche contributed to this report.


cnbc--2020-03-25--House unlikely to vote on historic $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus bill Wednesday

The White House and Senate leaders reached a deal early Wednesday on a massive $ 2 trillion relief bill — said to be the largest rescue package in American history — to combat the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak .
As of Wednesday morning , though , the Senate was still drafting the final details of the text .
A senior Democratic aide told CNBC that due to procedural reasons , including how long it is taking the Senate to send over a draft of the bill , it is unlikely the House will vote on it Wednesday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ before it can reach President Donald Trump 's desk .
Efforts to pass the measure have taken on urgency as hospitals , companies , states and individuals have all pleaded for needed resources to battle the pandemic .
Its impact has now reached into the Senate : Sen. Rand Paul , R-Ky. , earlier this week announced he has tested positive for coronavirus .
`` The Senate is going to stand together , act together and pass this historic relief package today , '' Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Wednesday afternoon .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Kentucky Republican called the proposal is effectively `` a war-time level of investment in our nation . ''
He promised the bill would rush financial assistance to Americans through direct checks to households , enhanced unemployment insurance , hundreds of billions of dollars in emergency loans to small businesses , and more resources for hospitals and medical equipment .
The Senate has yet to release the final terms of the deal .
An earlier draft seen Tuesday would provide cash payments of up to $ 1,200 for individuals , $ 2,400 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ child , reduced if an individual makes more than $ 75,000 or a couple makes more than $ 150,000 .
The draft language also stipulated a $ 350 billion fund for small businesses to mitigate layoffs and support payroll .
Employers will get a deferral of payroll taxes , and pay them back on a staggered basis in the coming years , the administration official said .
The deferral only applies to employers , and not employees .
McConnell said the bill would `` stabilize key national industries '' to prevent as many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part aid the deal allocates to the U.S. airline industry .
The industry employs some 750,000 people .
Carriers have been racing to cut costs , grounding hundreds of planes and asking thousands of workers to take unpaid leave .
Airlines are also tapping credit lines to shore up cash to weather the crisis , the impact of which they say is worse than 9/11 .
The details of airline aid was one of the last major outstanding issues Tuesday night .
Airlines have pushed for half their aid in grants , warning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ load them with too much debt .
Senators on Wednesday were moving ahead with $ 60 billion in aid for the beleaguered airline industry .
That included $ 25 billion in direct cash grants for passenger carriers , $ 4 billion for cargo airlines and $ 3 billion for airline contractors , such as catering workers , in exchange for their employers agreeing not to furlough workers through the end of September .
The rest of the aid will be in form of loans with warrant provisions .
According to the draft language @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have agreed to limits on executive compensation as part of taking on federal aid .
They will be barred from stock buybacks while receiving assistance , and from providing stock dividends for a year after the bailout .


cnbc--2020-03-25--Congress likely to send taxpayers $1,200 checks in coronavirus aid. Here's who qualifies

As Congress pushes through a $ 2 trillion stimulus bill , some Americans can expect checks from the government to help them cope with the economic devastation stemming from the coronavirus crisis .
Those payments are expected to be $ 1,200 for individuals , or $ 2,400 for those who are married and file income taxes jointly .
It also includes $ 500 per child .
But you have to meet certain qualifications in order to be eligible for the money , based on your adjusted gross income in your latest tax returns .
If you earn more than $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the head of household or $ 150,000 if you are married and filing jointly , the amount of those checks starts to get reduced .
Checks will be reduced by $ 5 for every $ 100 exceeding those thresholds .
It completely phases out at $ 99,000 in income for individuals , $ 146,500 for head of household filers with one child and $ 198,000 for joint filers with no children .
However , you are still eligible for a check if you have no income or if you rely solely on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Income benefits , or SSI , from Social Security .
You also must have a valid Social Security number in order to receive the funds .
More from Personal Finance : How to get fast cash during the coronavirus pandemic Congress may let you skip mandatory withdrawal from retirement accounts Why staying invested in a downturn can help your 401 ( k ) recover faster

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Congress pushed through a $2 trillion stimulus bill Friday, and some Americans can expect checks from the government to help them cope with the economic devastation stemming from the coronavirus crisis. Those payments are expected to be $1,200 for individuals, or $2,400 for those who are married and file income taxes jointly. It also includes $500 per child. But you have to meet certain qualifications in order to be eligible for the money, based on your adjusted gross income in your latest tax returns. If you earn more than $75,000 as an individual, $112,500 as the head of household or $150,000 if you are married and filing jointly, the amount of those checks starts to get reduced. Checks will be reduced by $5 for every $100 exceeding those thresholds. It completely phases out at $99,000 in income for individuals, $146,500 for head of household filers with one child and $198,000 for joint filers with no children.
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However, you are still eligible for a check if you have no income or if you rely solely on non-taxable government benefit programs like Supplemental Security Income benefits, or SSI, from Social Security. "That group of people who are getting Social Security, whether it's for retirement or for disability, and don't need to file, will still be able to get a stimulus check," said Jack Smalligan, senior policy fellow at the Urban Institute, a non-partisan think tank. That's after new language was added to the bill to allow the Treasury Department to communicate with other agencies that provide federal benefits. So the government would not necessarily need those individuals to file tax returns in order to get the stimulus checks, Smalligan said. Americans who live in other countries may also be eligible.
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"The last time stimulus checks were sent out, U.S. citizens living abroad did receive them," said David McKeegan, co-founder of Greenback Expat Tax Services. "I would assume that this time it would be the same, but we won't know until we see the [IRS] guidance." One requirement for receiving the payments is you need to have a valid Social Security number. Some individuals are specifically excluded from receiving relief checks. That includes nonresident aliens, individuals whose deductions can go to another taxpayer, and estates or trusts. If you didn't yet file a 2019 return, the government will use your 2018 information if it has it. It also may use a 2019 Social Security benefit statement, or Form SSA-1099, or the Social Security Equivalent Benefit Statement, or Form RRB-1099. More from Personal Finance:
How to get fast cash during the coronavirus pandemic
Congress may let you skip mandatory withdrawal from retirement accounts
Why staying invested in a downturn can help your 401(k) recover faster More important, the money will not be counted as taxable income. It will be considered a credit, so you can deduct the sum against your future taxes. The legislation calls for sending out the payments "as rapidly as possible." Eligible individuals will receive the funds electronically if they previously authorized refunds to be delivered to them that way. Otherwise, they will be sent out via postal mail. Congress' coronavirus relief bill would also significantly expand unemployment benefits for Americans who lose their jobs due to the country's recent economic contagion. Self-employed workers, those seeking part-time work, and workers who quit their job or can't reach their place of work as a result of COVID-19 are among those eligible for benefits.


cnbc--2020-03-25--Influential Koch network closes offices, shifts to digital outreach as coronavirus spreads

An activist organization backed in part by libertarian billionaire Charles Koch has shifted its operations to the digital realm as the coronavirus spreads throughout the United States .
Stand Together , also known as the Koch network , has millions of employees , volunteers and activists in 35 states working for groups such as Americans for Prosperity , the LIBRE Initiative and Concerned Veterans for America .
These groups often conduct in-person canvassing with voters but that appears to be changing as governments and businesses restrict gatherings and travel in a bid to contain the spread of the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ our operations totally remote .
Out of an abundance of caution and to ensure the health and safety of our activists , staff , and voters , our staff are working from home and are utilizing digital organizing as one way to continue their grassroots engagement , '' Nicole Tardif , a spokeswoman for Americans for Prosperity , told CNBC .
`` We 're engaging activists by showing them ways to educate their neighbors and expand their reach through social media and other peer-to-peer outreach . ''
Americans for Prosperity and others are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ i360 app , Tardif said .
Their training events have all moved to a web-based platform .
Volunteers and activists are moving toward working the phones from home to assist in their operations .
The organization is also trying to hire more unemployed people to assist in making phone calls .
AFP state chapters have also started calling activists to check in on their health and to make sure they have the resources they need .
`` We are simply calling you to make sure you are healthy/okay .
As you have previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events , or taken an action online , you are the heart and soul of our AFP efforts in Texas , '' according to a script of the calls to activists in Texas that was provided to CNBC .
`` Rest assured , as Americans , we will get through this together .
At AFP we will get back very soon to assuring freedom reigns in our State and Nation ! ''
The network 's policy proposals are often based on libertarian ideals , with an emphasis on cutting taxes , government spending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several Republican senators as they seek reelection this year , including Cory Gardner of Colorado , John Cornyn of Texas , Steve Daines of Montana , David Perdue of Georgia and Thom Tillis of North Carolina .
Last week , AFP President Tim Phillips , along with other officials , hosted a tele-town hall to discuss how they believe the federal government should handle fighting the coronavirus .
The network has publicly rebuked the idea of bailing out corporations as a way to combat the pandemic , including in a letter that was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month .
Beyond the calls for limiting bailouts , the letter , sent to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , pushed for a fiscal response to the virus but to only have it be enacted for a temporary period of time .
`` Any fiscal response or emergency policy changes should be temporary in nature and be closely tied to the impact and duration of the COVID-19 outbreak .
This is a time to deliver swift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , not to address long term policy goals , '' leaders of the network said .
The Senate and the Trump administration early Wednesday agreed to a deal on a $ 2 trillion stimulus package that includes a payroll tax holiday , cash payments to individuals and bailout funds for companies and industries .
Americans for Prosperity CEO Emily Seidel has also called on non-essential businesses to remain open , despite some states demanding all of their workers stay home , forcing some companies to shutdown .
`` Rather than blanket shutdowns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to adapt and innovate to produce the goods and services Americans need , while continuing to do everything they can to protect the public health , '' Seidel recently said in a statement .

An activist organization backed in part by libertarian billionaire Charles Koch has shifted its operations to the digital realm as the coronavirus spreads throughout the United States.
Stand Together, also known as the Koch network, has millions of employees, volunteers and activists in 35 states working for groups such as Americans for Prosperity, the LIBRE Initiative and Concerned Veterans for America. These groups often conduct in-person canvassing with voters but that appears to be changing as governments and businesses restrict gatherings and travel in a bid to contain the spread of the virus.
"Our Stand Together community has taken our operations totally remote. Out of an abundance of caution and to ensure the health and safety of our activists, staff, and voters, our staff are working from home and are utilizing digital organizing as one way to continue their grassroots engagement," Nicole Tardif, a spokeswoman for Americans for Prosperity, told CNBC. "We're engaging activists by showing them ways to educate their neighbors and expand their reach through social media and other peer-to-peer outreach."
Americans for Prosperity and others are conducting some of their efforts through their i360 app, Tardif said. Their training events have all moved to a web-based platform. Volunteers and activists are moving toward working the phones from home to assist in their operations. The organization is also trying to hire more unemployed people to assist in making phone calls.
AFP state chapters have also started calling activists to check in on their health and to make sure they have the resources they need.
"We are simply calling you to make sure you are healthy/okay. As you have previously attended or volunteered for one of our events, or taken an action online, you are the heart and soul of our AFP efforts in Texas," according to a script of the calls to activists in Texas that was provided to CNBC. "Rest assured, as Americans, we will get through this together. At AFP we will get back very soon to assuring freedom reigns in our State and Nation!"
The network's policy proposals are often based on libertarian ideals, with an emphasis on cutting taxes, government spending and business regulations. It is supporting several Republican senators as they seek reelection this year, including Cory Gardner of Colorado, John Cornyn of Texas, Steve Daines of Montana, David Perdue of Georgia and Thom Tillis of North Carolina.
Last week, AFP President Tim Phillips, along with other officials, hosted a tele-town hall to discuss how they believe the federal government should handle fighting the coronavirus. The network has publicly rebuked the idea of bailing out corporations as a way to combat the pandemic, including in a letter that was sent to leaders of Congress earlier this month.
Beyond the calls for limiting bailouts, the letter, sent to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, pushed for a fiscal response to the virus but to only have it be enacted for a temporary period of time.
"Any fiscal response or emergency policy changes should be temporary in nature and be closely tied to the impact and duration of the COVID-19 outbreak. This is a time to deliver swift and targeted relief to those who need it, not to address long term policy goals," leaders of the network said.
The Senate and the Trump administration early Wednesday agreed to a deal on a $2 trillion stimulus package that includes a payroll tax holiday, cash payments to individuals and bailout funds for companies and industries.
Americans for Prosperity CEO Emily Seidel has also called on non-essential businesses to remain open, despite some states demanding all of their workers stay home, forcing some companies to shutdown.
"Rather than blanket shutdowns, the government should allow businesses to continue to adapt and innovate to produce the goods and services Americans need, while continuing to do everything they can to protect the public health," Seidel recently said in a statement.