cnbc--2020-03-10--Trump hints at payroll tax cuts to mitigate coronavirus effects. Here's what that could mean for you

Trump hints at payroll tax cuts to mitigate coronavirus effects. Here's what that could mean for your pay

President Donald Trump is considering new tax relief measures to help Americans combat the economic effects of the coronavirus .
`` We are to be meeting with House Republicans , Mitch McConnell , and discussing a possible payroll tax cut or relief , substantial relief , very substantial relief , '' Trump said at a press briefing on Monday .
It is n't the first time the president has floated the idea of cutting payroll taxes , which would let American workers take home bigger paychecks .
However , financial experts are generally not a fan of such a move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it could have on both individuals and the economy .
Payroll taxes are withheld from workers ' wages and are used to fund government programs , such as Social Security and Medicare .
For Social Security , employee wages are currently subject to a 6.2 % tax up to $ 137,700 .
Workers also pay a Medicare tax of 1.45 % .
Employers match what workers contribute by also kicking in 6.2 % toward Social Security and 1.45 % for Medicare .
Workers who earn more than $ 200,000 individually , or $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jointly , pay an additional 0.9 % Medicare surtax .
Self-employed individuals pay 12.4 % toward Social Security and 2.9 % for Medicare .
They also are subject to the Medicare surtax for wages over $ 200,000 .
What a tax cut would mean Trump has not elaborated on how large a payroll tax cut would be .
If he were to make such a move , he would not be the first .
Former President Barack Obama previously reduced the taxes paid by employees to 4.2 % , down from 6.2 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experts say that the boost consumers get to their pay checks might not be that noticeable .
If $ 10,000 was made exempt from payroll taxes , that would be just $ 700 for many workers , said Jeffrey Levine , CEO and director of financial planning at BluePrint Wealth Alliance .
That might not be enough to stimulate the economy , he said .
Experts also worry that the trust funds for Social Security and Medicare , which are already facing funding shortfalls , would be further damaged .
Payroll tax cuts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individuals who are retired or who are approaching retirement , but could also point to bigger payroll tax hikes for younger generations , according to Laurence Kotlikoff , economics professor at Boston University and president of Economic Security Planning , a provider of financial planning tools .

RyanJLane | Getty Images
President Donald Trump is considering new tax relief measures to help Americans combat the economic effects of the coronavirus. That includes potential payroll tax cuts. "We are to be meeting with House Republicans, Mitch McConnell, and discussing a possible payroll tax cut or relief, substantial relief, very substantial relief," Trump said at a press briefing on Monday.
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It isn't the first time the president has floated the idea of cutting payroll taxes, which would let American workers take home bigger paychecks. However, financial experts are generally not a fan of such a move, due to the potential negative consequences it could have on both individuals and the economy.
How payroll taxes work
Payroll taxes are withheld from workers' wages and are used to fund government programs, such as Social Security and Medicare. For Social Security, employee wages are currently subject to a 6.2% tax up to $137,700. Workers also pay a Medicare tax of 1.45%. Employers match what workers contribute by also kicking in 6.2% toward Social Security and 1.45% for Medicare. Workers who earn more than $200,000 individually, or $250,000 if they are married and filing jointly, pay an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax. Self-employed individuals pay 12.4% toward Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare. They also are subject to the Medicare surtax for wages over $200,000.
watch now
What a tax cut would mean
Trump has not elaborated on how large a payroll tax cut would be. If he were to make such a move, he would not be the first. Former President Barack Obama previously reduced the taxes paid by employees to 4.2%, down from 6.2%, in 2011 and 2012. Yet experts say that the boost consumers get to their pay checks might not be that noticeable. If $10,000 was made exempt from payroll taxes, that would be just $700 for many workers, said Jeffrey Levine, CEO and director of financial planning at BluePrint Wealth Alliance. That might not be enough to stimulate the economy, he said. Experts also worry that the trust funds for Social Security and Medicare, which are already facing funding shortfalls, would be further damaged. Payroll tax cuts could not only jeopardize the benefits for individuals who are retired or who are approaching retirement, but could also point to bigger payroll tax hikes for younger generations, according to Laurence Kotlikoff, economics professor at Boston University and president of Economic Security Planning, a provider of financial planning tools.


cnbc--2020-03-12--Supreme Court closes to the public until further notice amid coronavirus outbreak

A man walks up the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court on January 31 , 2017 in Washington , DC .
The Supreme Court will be closed to the public until further notice amid the coronavirus pandemic , a spokesperson said Thursday .
The building will remain open for `` official business , '' the spokesperson said .
Members of the public flock to the court during the week to watch oral arguments in cases that reach the top court and to take tours of its historic building .
High-profile cases often draw lines around the block , with potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The next oral arguments are scheduled to take place on March 23 .
At the end of the month , the court will hear a blockbuster set of cases over whether President Donald Trump may keep his financial records , including tax documents , shielded from state and congressional investigators .
It 's not clear if the court , which has long resisted calls to broadcast its arguments live on television or online , will provide a mechanism for the public to view arguments in real time .
It publishes recordings and transcripts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Public events and gatherings have been canceled across the country due to the rapid spread of COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus .
Washington , D.C. , Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a state of emergency on Wednesday as the number of infections in the nation 's capital climbed .
Some of the court 's nine justices are particularly susceptible to the infection , which public health officials have said disproportionately impacts older people and those with chronic health conditions .
Six of the justices are 65-years-old or older .
Justice Ruth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ panel , is 86 and has suffered from multiple bouts of cancer .
Coronavirus has infected more than 127,000 people globally and has killed at least 38 in the U.S. , according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University .

A man walks up the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court on January 31, 2017 in Washington, DC.
The Supreme Court will be closed to the public until further notice amid the coronavirus pandemic, a spokesperson said Thursday. The building will remain open for "official business," the spokesperson said.
Members of the public flock to the court during the week to watch oral arguments in cases that reach the top court and to take tours of its historic building. High-profile cases often draw lines around the block, with potential spectators lining up days in advance.
The next oral arguments are scheduled to take place on March 23. At the end of the month, the court will hear a blockbuster set of cases over whether President Donald Trump may keep his financial records, including tax documents, shielded from state and congressional investigators.
It's not clear if the court, which has long resisted calls to broadcast its arguments live on television or online, will provide a mechanism for the public to view arguments in real time. It publishes recordings and transcripts of arguments as a matter of routine.
Public events and gatherings have been canceled across the country due to the rapid spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus. Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a state of emergency on Wednesday as the number of infections in the nation's capital climbed.
Some of the court's nine justices are particularly susceptible to the infection, which public health officials have said disproportionately impacts older people and those with chronic health conditions. Six of the justices are 65-years-old or older. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the eldest on the panel, is 86 and has suffered from multiple bouts of cancer.
Coronavirus has infected more than 127,000 people globally and has killed at least 38 in the U.S., according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.


cnbc--2020-03-12--Nancy Pelosi cancels major New York fundraiser amid coronavirus fears

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , a Democrat from California , speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington , D.C. , U.S. , on Thursday , March 12 , 2020 .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has canceled a big money Democratic fundraiser scheduled for Thursday night in New York out of concern over the rapidly spreading coronavirus .
Pelosi was set to hold a high-profile `` Speakers Cabinet '' VIP event at Del Posto restaurant in Manhattan on Thursday .
But she recently informed attendees that the event would be canceled as the coronavirus spreads through New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to people with direct knowledge of the matter .
The people declined to be named because the decision has yet to be made public .
The event was charging up to $ 35,500 to gain entry .
Most of the funds from these events have often gone to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee , while some have gone to Pelosi 's Victory Fund .
Democrats are looking to maintain and expand their majority in the House of Representatives in addition to attempting to take back the White House and Senate .
The development @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' fundraising efforts this year .
Pelosi 's office recently announced that she helped raise more than $ 87 million for Democrats , more than $ 75 million directly for the DCCC .
Former Vice President Joe Biden has at least three money-making events scheduled next week in New York and New Jersey .
Organizers are privately discussing the postponement of the events .
While the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee 's winter retreat in Florida is not canceled , senators and candidates will not be attending , according to an aide .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There have been at least 1,323 cases in the United States of the coronavirus , including more than 200 in New York .
On Thursday , New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo banned gatherings of more than 500 people .
Representatives for Pelosi did not return a request for comment .
Pelosi 's caucus and the House Republicans spent most of Thursday working on ball that will help combat the spread of the coronavirus .
Pelosi has been in touch with President Donald Trump 's Treasury secretary , Steven Mnuchin , about the @ @ @ @ @ @

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat from California, speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Thursday, March 12, 2020.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has canceled a big money Democratic fundraiser scheduled for Thursday night in New York out of concern over the rapidly spreading coronavirus.
Pelosi was set to hold a high-profile "Speakers Cabinet" VIP event at Del Posto restaurant in Manhattan on Thursday. But she recently informed attendees that the event would be canceled as the coronavirus spreads through New York and the United States, according to people with direct knowledge of the matter. The people declined to be named because the decision has yet to be made public.
The event was charging up to $35,500 to gain entry. Most of the funds from these events have often gone to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, while some have gone to Pelosi's Victory Fund. Democrats are looking to maintain and expand their majority in the House of Representatives in addition to attempting to take back the White House and Senate.
The development could be a dire harbinger for politicians' fundraising efforts this year. Pelosi's office recently announced that she helped raise more than $87 million for Democrats, more than $75 million directly for the DCCC.
Former Vice President Joe Biden has at least three money-making events scheduled next week in New York and New Jersey. Organizers are privately discussing the postponement of the events. While the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee's winter retreat in Florida is not canceled, senators and candidates will not be attending, according to an aide. That event was scheduled for this weekend.
There have been at least 1,323 cases in the United States of the coronavirus, including more than 200 in New York. On Thursday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo banned gatherings of more than 500 people.
Representatives for Pelosi did not return a request for comment.
Pelosi's caucus and the House Republicans spent most of Thursday working on ball that will help combat the spread of the coronavirus.
Pelosi has been in touch with President Donald Trump's Treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, about the ongoing negotiations on Capitol Hill.


cnbc--2020-03-12--Joe Biden releases plan to combat coronavirus in effort to show contrast with Trump

Former Vice President Joe Biden released his plan to combat the coronavirus pandemic on Thursday during an address aimed at demonstrating a contrast with President Donald Trump 's efforts .
`` Unfortunately this virus laid bare the severe shortcomings of the current administration , '' Biden said in front of American flags at an event in Wilmington , Delaware .
`` Public fears are being compounded by pervasive lack of trust in this president . ''
Biden , the front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination , said the Trump administration `` has left us woefully unprepared for the exact crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan combines a series of public health measures , including free public testing and rapid deployment of supplies , as well as economic measures such as emergency paid leave and the creation of a state and local emergency fund .
The full details were posted to his campaign website as he spoke .
`` We need bigger and broader measures to shore up the economic demand , protect jobs , keep credit flowing to our job creators and make sure we have the economic fire power we need to weather the storm and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to full strength as soon as possible , '' Biden said during a 15-minute address .
Biden , who did not take questions , said the `` core principle '' of his plan was that `` public health professionals must be the ones making our public health decisions and communicating with the American people . ''
`` Downplaying it , being overly dismissive , or spreading misinformation is only going to hurt us and further advantage the spread of the disease , '' Biden said .
`` But neither should we panic or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 'foreign virus ' does not displace accountability for the misjudgments that have been taken thus far by the Trump administration . ''
In his Oval Office address Wednesday night , Trump referred to the coronavirus as `` a foreign virus . ''
Biden 's speech came a day after the campaign announced the formation of a coronavirus advisory committee that counts Obama administration veterans including former Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy and former homeland security advisor Lisa Monaco .
Biden 's rival for the nomination , Sen. Bernie Sanders , also outlined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
In remarks from Vermont , he pushed for his signature `` Medicare for All '' proposal as a means to reduce costs for people who contract the virus .
He said `` everyone in our country regardless of income or where they live must be able to get all of the health care that they need without cost . ''
He called for free coronavirus tests , emergency funds for paid family and medical leave , unemployment assistance to people who lose their jobs due to the crisis and a moratorium @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unable to cover their bills .
The senator plans to stay in Washington after Sunday 's Democratic debate with Biden , according to NBC News .
The outbreak has hampered his ability to hold campaign events , and the Senate could vote next week on a package to respond to the economic effects of the pandemic The Trump campaign responded to Biden 's remarks in a statement that accused him of showing `` terrible judgment and incompetence in the face of public health issues . ''
`` The Obama White House had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden when his irresponsible remarks caused panic during the swine flu outbreak in 2009 , '' the campaign said .
In his address Wednesday night , Trump announced a ban on travel to the U.S. from most of Europe for 30 days .
He also said he would seek legislation from Congress on payroll tax relief among other economic measures for groups that are particularly affected by the virus .
`` This is the most aggressive and comprehensive effort to confront a foreign virus in modern history , '' Trump said .
Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Europe or any other place in the world may slow it but , as we 've seen it will not stop it . ''
`` This disease could impact every nation and any person on the planet , and we need a plan for how we are going to aggressively manage it here at home , '' he said .
The rapidly spreading pandemic has infected about 125,000 people globally and killed at least 38 in the United States , according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University .
Fears that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ halt global economic activity have sent financial markets plummeting around the world .

Former Vice President Joe Biden released his plan to combat the coronavirus pandemic on Thursday during an address aimed at demonstrating a contrast with President Donald Trump's efforts.
"Unfortunately this virus laid bare the severe shortcomings of the current administration," Biden said in front of American flags at an event in Wilmington, Delaware. "Public fears are being compounded by pervasive lack of trust in this president."
Biden, the front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination, said the Trump administration "has left us woefully unprepared for the exact crisis we now face."
Biden's plan combines a series of public health measures, including free public testing and rapid deployment of supplies, as well as economic measures such as emergency paid leave and the creation of a state and local emergency fund. The full details were posted to his campaign website as he spoke.
"We need bigger and broader measures to shore up the economic demand, protect jobs, keep credit flowing to our job creators and make sure we have the economic fire power we need to weather the storm and get the people and this economy back to full strength as soon as possible," Biden said during a 15-minute address.
Biden, who did not take questions, said the "core principle" of his plan was that "public health professionals must be the ones making our public health decisions and communicating with the American people."
"Downplaying it, being overly dismissive, or spreading misinformation is only going to hurt us and further advantage the spread of the disease," Biden said. "But neither should we panic or fall back on xenophobia. Labeling COVID-19 a 'foreign virus' does not displace accountability for the misjudgments that have been taken thus far by the Trump administration."
In his Oval Office address Wednesday night, Trump referred to the coronavirus as "a foreign virus."
Biden's speech came a day after the campaign announced the formation of a coronavirus advisory committee that counts Obama administration veterans including former Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy and former homeland security advisor Lisa Monaco.
Biden's rival for the nomination, Sen. Bernie Sanders, also outlined his vision for curbing damage from the coronavirus. In remarks from Vermont, he pushed for his signature "Medicare for All" proposal as a means to reduce costs for people who contract the virus.
He said "everyone in our country regardless of income or where they live must be able to get all of the health care that they need without cost." He called for free coronavirus tests, emergency funds for paid family and medical leave, unemployment assistance to people who lose their jobs due to the crisis and a moratorium on evictions and utility shutoffs for people unable to cover their bills.
The senator plans to stay in Washington after Sunday's Democratic debate with Biden, according to NBC News. The outbreak has hampered his ability to hold campaign events, and the Senate could vote next week on a package to respond to the economic effects of the pandemic
The Trump campaign responded to Biden's remarks in a statement that accused him of showing "terrible judgment and incompetence in the face of public health issues."
"The Obama White House had to publicly apologize for and clean up after Biden when his irresponsible remarks caused panic during the swine flu outbreak in 2009," the campaign said.
In his address Wednesday night, Trump announced a ban on travel to the U.S. from most of Europe for 30 days. He also said he would seek legislation from Congress on payroll tax relief among other economic measures for groups that are particularly affected by the virus.
"This is the most aggressive and comprehensive effort to confront a foreign virus in modern history," Trump said.
Biden said Thursday that "banning all travel from Europe or any other place in the world may slow it but, as we've seen it will not stop it."
"This disease could impact every nation and any person on the planet, and we need a plan for how we are going to aggressively manage it here at home," he said.
The rapidly spreading pandemic has infected about 125,000 people globally and killed at least 38 in the United States, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
Fears that the virus and efforts to contain it will halt global economic activity have sent financial markets plummeting around the world.


cnbc--2020-03-12--Senate will cancel next week's recess as Congress works to pass coronavirus response plan

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) speaks to reporters following the Senate Republican policy luncheon which both President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence attended on March 10 , 2020 in Washington , DC .
The Senate will cancel its recess planned for next week as Congress scrambles to respond to the economic effects of the coronavirus outbreak , Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Thursday .
`` Notwithstanding the scheduled state work period , the Senate will be in session next week , '' the Kentucky Republican said in a tweet .
`` I am glad talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pelosi .
I hope Congress can pass bipartisan legislation to continue combating the coronavirus and keep our economy strong . ''
As of Thursday afternoon , the House had not announced plans to scrap its recess set for next week .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoke to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin four times on Thursday as they discussed `` language '' in the legislation designed to help workers displaced by the global pandemic , according to the California Democrat 's spokesman , Drew Hammill .
House Democrats released a proposal Wednesday night that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afternoon .
However , President Donald Trump , McConnell and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy all opposed it .
Earlier Thursday , McCarthy urged Pelosi to push the recess back by 24 to 48 hours to allow more time for negotiations on a revised plan .
Pelosi later responded in her weekly news conference .
`` We do n't need 48 hours , '' she said .
`` We just need to decide to help families right now . ''
McConnell left Thursday afternoon for the weekend , according to NBC News , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chambers of Congress until next week .
In a statement to NBC , Schumer called it `` wrong '' to send the chamber home `` during a crisis . ''
The initial Democratic proposal included 14 days of paid sick leave and up to three months of paid family and medical leave , along with stronger unemployment assistance for people affected by the coronavirus .
It also called for free virus testing .
It did not include a payroll tax holiday , a Trump administration proposal that investors had cheered .
House Majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans to vote on the Democratic proposal on Thursday afternoon .
But it later said the House was in recess , and `` members are advised that conversations are ongoing with the Administration regarding '' the economic response proposal .
Lawmakers have rushed to combat the outbreak of the coronavirus disease , known as COVID-19 .
There are more than 1,300 cases in the United States , and at least 38 people have died , according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University .
Concerns about the pandemic damaging the economy have walloped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 6 % Thursday even after a Federal Reserve intervention .
It has stoked fears about workers getting laid off from struggling businesses or lacking paid leave if they are ill and forced to stay home .
The outbreak has led to the suspension of sports leagues such as the NBA and NHL , along with temporary closures of institutions such as New York 's Metropolitan Museum of Art .
In Washington , Congress announced it would temporarily close the Capitol and its office buildings to the public , while the White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further notice .

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) speaks to reporters following the Senate Republican policy luncheon which both President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence attended on March 10, 2020 in Washington, DC.
The Senate will cancel its recess planned for next week as Congress scrambles to respond to the economic effects of the coronavirus outbreak, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Thursday.
"Notwithstanding the scheduled state work period, the Senate will be in session next week," the Kentucky Republican said in a tweet. "I am glad talks are ongoing between the Administration and Speaker Pelosi. I hope Congress can pass bipartisan legislation to continue combating the coronavirus and keep our economy strong."
Mitch McConnell tweet
As of Thursday afternoon, the House had not announced plans to scrap its recess set for next week. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoke to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin four times on Thursday as they discussed "language" in the legislation designed to help workers displaced by the global pandemic, according to the California Democrat's spokesman, Drew Hammill.
House Democrats released a proposal Wednesday night that they initially planned to vote on Thursday afternoon. However, President Donald Trump, McConnell and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy all opposed it.
Earlier Thursday, McCarthy urged Pelosi to push the recess back by 24 to 48 hours to allow more time for negotiations on a revised plan. Pelosi later responded in her weekly news conference.
"We don't need 48 hours," she said. "We just need to decide to help families right now."
McConnell left Thursday afternoon for the weekend, according to NBC News, meaning any bill would not pass both chambers of Congress until next week. In a statement to NBC, Schumer called it "wrong" to send the chamber home "during a crisis."
The initial Democratic proposal included 14 days of paid sick leave and up to three months of paid family and medical leave, along with stronger unemployment assistance for people affected by the coronavirus. It also called for free virus testing.
It did not include a payroll tax holiday, a Trump administration proposal that investors had cheered.
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer's office initially outlined plans to vote on the Democratic proposal on Thursday afternoon. But it later said the House was in recess, and "members are advised that conversations are ongoing with the Administration regarding" the economic response proposal.
Lawmakers have rushed to combat the outbreak of the coronavirus disease, known as COVID-19. There are more than 1,300 cases in the United States, and at least 38 people have died, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
Concerns about the pandemic damaging the economy have walloped major U.S. stock indexes, which dropped more than 6% Thursday even after a Federal Reserve intervention. It has stoked fears about workers getting laid off from struggling businesses or lacking paid leave if they are ill and forced to stay home.
The outbreak has led to the suspension of sports leagues such as the NBA and NHL, along with temporary closures of institutions such as New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. In Washington, Congress announced it would temporarily close the Capitol and its office buildings to the public, while the White House said it would stop tours until further notice.
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cnbc--2020-03-12--As coronavirus threatens the elderly, Ohio asks for new volunteers to do 'patriotic duty' and work a

As coronavirus threatens the elderly, Ohio asks for new volunteers to do 'patriotic duty' and work at poll sites

James Beavis , 33 , uses hand sanitizer that the polling place provided after casting his ballot at Warren Woods Baptist Church on March 10 , 2020 in Warren , Michigan .
Ohio is asking volunteers to sign up to `` defend democracy '' and work at voting sites during Tuesday 's primary election amid the coronavirus outbreak , which is disproportionately targeting older people .
`` We are talking about it as a patriotic duty , '' Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose said in an interview .
`` Part of the reason for this is that the demographic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tends to be older . ''
LaRose noted that with colleges closing down and businesses sending people home , `` a lot of people have a lot of free time on their hands . ''
LaRose said the measures are proactive , though there have been scattered reports from county officials about older poll worker volunteers dropping out .
The state has created a web page , located at ohiosos.gov/defenddemocracy , for those looking to become precinct officials .
`` I 'd rather have too many poll workers than not enough , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ realize sometimes the massive undertaking that it is to run an election . ''
The state expects more than 35,000 workers across nearly 4,000 voting locations , he said .
The call for volunteers is just one sign of local resilience to emerge from states hosting elections in the midst of a pandemic that has threatened to bring economic and cultural activity to a halt around the globe .
The primary contests scheduled for Tuesday in Ohio , Florida , Illinois and Arizona are the first in places where the pandemic has shaped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are five confirmed cases in Ohio , 29 in Florida , 25 in Illinois and nine in Arizona , according to data from Johns Hopkins University .
In Florida there have been at least two confirmed deaths .
The coronavirus is rapidly shifting the contours of the Democratic presidential primary race .
Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders both canceled events this week in Ohio on Tuesday , citing the virus .
CNN said on Tuesday that there will be no live audience at the Democratic debate on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic National Committee said the debate will take place instead in Washington , D.C. , because of the virus .
The effect of the disease on older people is just one consideration for state election officials .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said older people and those with chronic health conditions are more at risk from COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus , which has infected more than 1,300 people in the U.S. and killed at least 38 .
In addition to asking for volunteers to work at poll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sites out of senior facilities , encouraged more early voting and provided $ 50 stipends to cover the cost of sanitizing supplies at voting locations , LaRose said .
The state is also providing for voting via curbside drop-off at county boards of elections on Election Day .
Other states are also taking precautions .
Arizona said on Wednesday that it will be taking extra steps at 20 voting sites it has identified that may be frequented by seniors .
The state is advising those facilities to `` get the message out to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowds on Election Day unless they 're voting , according to the statement .
Arizona has also taken steps to mitigate a potential volunteer shortage on Election Day via a recruitment network run by the state Department of Health Services .
In Florida , elections officials have sent out instructions from election equipment vendors explaining how to properly clean voting machines and other devices , according to the emails provided to CNBC by the Florida Secretary of State 's office .
Maria Matthews , the director of Florida 's Division of Elections , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers for possible signs of infection , including `` if they have traveled overseas or been on a cruise ship recently or if they are showing active symptoms . ''
In Chicago there was talk of postponing the elections entirely , according to Crain 's Chicago Business .
Illinois state law does not provide for deferring an election , but according to the outlet such a measure was considered after dozens of landlords canceled plans to host voting sites and senior facilities threatened to close their doors .
The Chicago Board of Elections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` full speed ahead '' with its Tuesday elections , Crain 's reported .
The board and other Illinois officials did not respond to multiple inquiries from CNBC .
`` We 're getting cooperation from the city and the state , and we 're going to do everything in our collective parties to make certain that voting moves forward as scheduled on Election Day , '' Chicago Board of Elections spokesman Jim Allen said in an email , according to the outlet .
LaRose , the Ohio Secretary of State , noted that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the face of unforeseen difficulties .
`` I will say this : Elections officials in general , down at the local level and in the secretary of state 's office , are good at being adaptable , '' he said .
LaRose noted that he had never run an election during a pandemic before .
But , by way of example , he said there was an instance during state elections in 2019 where a polling site 's carbon monoxide alarm went off , threatening to derail voting .
`` They ran the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
`` They know they have a fixed period of time to run a fair and free election .
There is an unusual sense of patriotism and dedication . ''

James Beavis, 33, uses hand sanitizer that the polling place provided after casting his ballot at Warren Woods Baptist Church on March 10, 2020 in Warren, Michigan.
Ohio is asking volunteers to sign up to "defend democracy" and work at voting sites during Tuesday's primary election amid the coronavirus outbreak, which is disproportionately targeting older people.
"We are talking about it as a patriotic duty," Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose said in an interview. "Part of the reason for this is that the demographic that tends to be our poll workers tends to be older."
LaRose noted that with colleges closing down and businesses sending people home, "a lot of people have a lot of free time on their hands."
LaRose said the measures are proactive, though there have been scattered reports from county officials about older poll worker volunteers dropping out. The state has created a web page, located at ohiosos.gov/defenddemocracy, for those looking to become precinct officials.
"I'd rather have too many poll workers than not enough," LaRose said. "People don't realize sometimes the massive undertaking that it is to run an election."
The state expects more than 35,000 workers across nearly 4,000 voting locations, he said.
The call for volunteers is just one sign of local resilience to emerge from states hosting elections in the midst of a pandemic that has threatened to bring economic and cultural activity to a halt around the globe.
The primary contests scheduled for Tuesday in Ohio, Florida, Illinois and Arizona are the first in places where the pandemic has shaped the major Democratic presidential primary campaigns.
There are five confirmed cases in Ohio, 29 in Florida, 25 in Illinois and nine in Arizona, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. In Florida there have been at least two confirmed deaths.
The coronavirus is rapidly shifting the contours of the Democratic presidential primary race.
Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders both canceled events this week in Ohio on Tuesday, citing the virus. CNN said on Tuesday that there will be no live audience at the Democratic debate on Sunday in Phoenix. On Thursday, the Democratic National Committee said the debate will take place instead in Washington, D.C., because of the virus.
The effect of the disease on older people is just one consideration for state election officials.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said older people and those with chronic health conditions are more at risk from COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, which has infected more than 1,300 people in the U.S. and killed at least 38.
In addition to asking for volunteers to work at poll sites, Ohio has also moved polling sites out of senior facilities, encouraged more early voting and provided $50 stipends to cover the cost of sanitizing supplies at voting locations, LaRose said. The state is also providing for voting via curbside drop-off at county boards of elections on Election Day.
Other states are also taking precautions.
Arizona said on Wednesday that it will be taking extra steps at 20 voting sites it has identified that may be frequented by seniors. The state is advising those facilities to "get the message out to vulnerable populations" that they should avoid crowds on Election Day unless they're voting, according to the statement.
Arizona has also taken steps to mitigate a potential volunteer shortage on Election Day via a recruitment network run by the state Department of Health Services.
In Florida, elections officials have sent out instructions from election equipment vendors explaining how to properly clean voting machines and other devices, according to the emails provided to CNBC by the Florida Secretary of State's office.
Maria Matthews, the director of Florida's Division of Elections, also suggested that elections staff vet poll workers for possible signs of infection, including "if they have traveled overseas or been on a cruise ship recently or if they are showing active symptoms."
In Chicago there was talk of postponing the elections entirely, according to Crain's Chicago Business. Illinois state law does not provide for deferring an election, but according to the outlet such a measure was considered after dozens of landlords canceled plans to host voting sites and senior facilities threatened to close their doors.
The Chicago Board of Elections said on Wednesday that it is moving "full speed ahead" with its Tuesday elections, Crain's reported. The board and other Illinois officials did not respond to multiple inquiries from CNBC.
"We're getting cooperation from the city and the state, and we're going to do everything in our collective parties to make certain that voting moves forward as scheduled on Election Day," Chicago Board of Elections spokesman Jim Allen said in an email, according to the outlet.
LaRose, the Ohio Secretary of State, noted that elections officials tended to be flexible in the face of unforeseen difficulties.
"I will say this: Elections officials in general, down at the local level and in the secretary of state's office, are good at being adaptable," he said.
LaRose noted that he had never run an election during a pandemic before. But, by way of example, he said there was an instance during state elections in 2019 where a polling site's carbon monoxide alarm went off, threatening to derail voting.
"They ran the election out of the parking lot," he said. "They know they have a fixed period of time to run a fair and free election. There is an unusual sense of patriotism and dedication."


cnbc--2020-03-12--Canada's Justin Trudeau is self-isolating while his wife waits on coronavirus test results

Canada 's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregorie Trudeau arrive for The Throne Speech at the Senate of Canada on December 5 , 2019 in Ottawa .
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is self-isolating at home while his wife , Sophie Gregoire , awaits the results of a test for COVID-19 , a spokesperson said Thursday .
`` The doctor 's advice to the Prime Minister is to continue daily activities while self-monitoring , given he is exhibiting no symptoms himself , '' Cameron Ahmad , Trudeau 's communications director , said in a statement .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caution , the Prime Minister is opting to self-isolate and work from home until receiving Sophie 's results . ''
Gregoire recently returned from a speaking engagement in London and began exhibiting `` mild flu-like symptoms including a low fever '' late Wednesday , according to the statement .
Gregoire is also self-isolating at home and her symptoms have subsided .
Canada has confirmed 117 cases of the new coronavirus , according to data from Johns Hopkins University .
Trudeau will spend Thursday in briefings , phone calls and virtual meetings from home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a federal committee Trudeau announced earlier in March to coordinate the government 's response to the public health crisis .
The rapidly evolving pandemic has threatened to bring global economic activity to a virtual standstill .
It has also sparked fears in the U.S. and elsewhere that major decision-makers could be infected .
Earlier on Thursday , media reports said that a Brazilian official who dined with President Donald Trump at his Florida golf resort over the weekend has tested positive for coronavirus .
Trump said he 's not concerned .
Those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two U.S. congressmen before they self-quarantined over coronavirus fears .
At least one of those lawmakers has since tested negative .
Former Vice President Joe Biden , the leading contender for the Democratic nomination , formed a coronavirus committee on Wednesday to advise his campaign on minimizing risk from the pandemic .
Biden and Democratic rival Sen. Bernie Sanders canceled rallies this week in Ohio because of coronavirus fears .
Health officials have warned against holding large public gatherings , where the virus can spread to many people rapidly .
Health officials say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problems are more vulnerable to coronavirus .
While Trump , Biden and Sanders are in their 70s , Trudeau is 48 .
Coronavirus has infected more than 127,749 people around the world and killed at least 4,717 .

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregorie Trudeau arrive for The Throne Speech at the Senate of Canada on December 5, 2019 in Ottawa.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is self-isolating at home while his wife, Sophie Gregoire, awaits the results of a test for COVID-19, a spokesperson said Thursday.
"The doctor's advice to the Prime Minister is to continue daily activities while self-monitoring, given he is exhibiting no symptoms himself," Cameron Ahmad, Trudeau's communications director, said in a statement. "However, out of an abundance of caution, the Prime Minister is opting to self-isolate and work from home until receiving Sophie's results."
Gregoire recently returned from a speaking engagement in London and began exhibiting "mild flu-like symptoms including a low fever" late Wednesday, according to the statement. Gregoire is also self-isolating at home and her symptoms have subsided.
Canada has confirmed 117 cases of the new coronavirus, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
Trudeau will spend Thursday in briefings, phone calls and virtual meetings from home, Ahmad said, including a discussion with a federal committee Trudeau announced earlier in March to coordinate the government's response to the public health crisis.
The rapidly evolving pandemic has threatened to bring global economic activity to a virtual standstill. It has also sparked fears in the U.S. and elsewhere that major decision-makers could be infected.
Earlier on Thursday, media reports said that a Brazilian official who dined with President Donald Trump at his Florida golf resort over the weekend has tested positive for coronavirus. Trump said he's not concerned.
Those reports came after Trump had contact with two U.S. congressmen before they self-quarantined over coronavirus fears. At least one of those lawmakers has since tested negative.
Former Vice President Joe Biden, the leading contender for the Democratic nomination, formed a coronavirus committee on Wednesday to advise his campaign on minimizing risk from the pandemic.
Biden and Democratic rival Sen. Bernie Sanders canceled rallies this week in Ohio because of coronavirus fears. Health officials have warned against holding large public gatherings, where the virus can spread to many people rapidly.
Health officials say older individuals and those with chronic health problems are more vulnerable to coronavirus. While Trump, Biden and Sanders are in their 70s, Trudeau is 48.
Coronavirus has infected more than 127,749 people around the world and killed at least 4,717.


cnbc--2020-03-12--Brazilian official who posed for photo with Trump tests positive for coronavirus, reports say

A photo showing a Brazilian government official ( r ) posing for a photo next to President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence at Mar-A-Lago has tested positive for the 2019 novel coronavirus .
The press secretary of Brazil 's President Jair Bolsonaro tested positive for the coronavirus within days of interacting with President Donald Trump during a visit by his boss to Mar-a-Lago , according to reports Thursday .
Trump said he 's `` not concerned '' about his contact with the Brazilian spokesman , Fabio Wajngarten , at his Florida resort last weekend , and that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But Bolsonaro has been tested for the virus , according to his son , Eduardo Bolsonaro .
And two Republican senators who visited Mar-a-Lago over the weekend announced later Thursday that they would quarantine themselves as a precautionary measure .
Bolsonaro is showing no symptoms of the virus , his son tweeted .
Neither of the senators , Rick Scott of Florida and South Carolina 's Lindsey Graham , said that they are experiencing any symptoms .
Several days earlier , Wajngarten posted an Instagram image of himself posing with Trump and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading the White House 's coronavirus task force .
It was not clear when the photo was taken .
In a statement Thursday , White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham acknowledged that Trump and Pence were in contact with the man .
`` Both the President and Vice President had almost no interactions with the individual who tested positive and do not require being tested at this time , '' she said .

A photo showing a Brazilian government official (r) posing for a photo next to President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence at Mar-A-Lago has tested positive for the 2019 novel coronavirus.
The press secretary of Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro tested positive for the coronavirus within days of interacting with President Donald Trump during a visit by his boss to Mar-a-Lago, according to reports Thursday.
Trump said he's "not concerned" about his contact with the Brazilian spokesman, Fabio Wajngarten, at his Florida resort last weekend, and that he would not be tested for the disease.
But Bolsonaro has been tested for the virus, according to his son, Eduardo Bolsonaro. And two Republican senators who visited Mar-a-Lago over the weekend announced later Thursday that they would quarantine themselves as a precautionary measure.
Bolsonaro is showing no symptoms of the virus, his son tweeted. Neither of the senators, Rick Scott of Florida and South Carolina's Lindsey Graham, said that they are experiencing any symptoms.
Bolsonaro TWEET
Several days earlier, Wajngarten posted an Instagram image of himself posing with Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, who is leading the White House's coronavirus task force. It was not clear when the photo was taken.
In a statement Thursday, White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham acknowledged that Trump and Pence were in contact with the man.
"Both the President and Vice President had almost no interactions with the individual who tested positive and do not require being tested at this time," she said.


cnbc--2020-03-12--Trump says markets are going to be 'just fine' as stocks crater amid coronavirus worry

President Donald Trump said Thursday that markets will be `` just fine '' as stocks sold off in yet another dramatic session fueled by worries over the coronavirus pandemic and the administration 's response to it .
Futures started selling off Wednesday night during Trump 's address to the nation from the Oval Office , in which he labeled the coronavirus as a `` foreign virus '' and instituted a ban on foreign individuals traveling from 26 European countries into the U.S. for 30 days .
Stock trading was halted briefly Thursday morning as the market plummet triggered a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Industrial Average slid more than 2,000 points at its lows in Thursday 's trading session , dragging the index deeper into bear-market territory .
The Dow , which was in reach of the unprecedented 30,000-point marker just a few weeks earlier , now stands much closer to where it was on Trump 's Election Day in November 2016 .
The Dow closed at 18,332 that day .
It was trading below 22,000 on Thursday .
`` The markets are going to be just fine , '' Trump said as he greeted Irish Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ireland was not among the European countries facing the travel ban , which takes effect Friday .
While Trump attempted to reassure the country that markets would recover from the impact of the virus , lawmakers on Capitol Hill signaled that a partisan fight was coming over a new emergency aid package .
The Democrats ' latest bill , unveiled to the public Wednesday night , is `` unworkable '' in its current form , said House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy , R-Calif. Congress and the White House have already taken steps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
The Trump administration in late January imposed travel restrictions and quarantines for certain individuals , and Trump expanded those travel restrictions to some parts of Europe in a rare Oval Office address Wednesday night .
Last week , the president also signed into law an $ 8.3 billion emergency funding bill that sailed through Congress with near-unanimous support .

President Donald Trump said Thursday that markets will be "just fine" as stocks sold off in yet another dramatic session fueled by worries over the coronavirus pandemic and the administration's response to it.
Futures started selling off Wednesday night during Trump's address to the nation from the Oval Office, in which he labeled the coronavirus as a "foreign virus" and instituted a ban on foreign individuals traveling from 26 European countries into the U.S. for 30 days. Stock trading was halted briefly Thursday morning as the market plummet triggered a "circuit breaker."
The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid more than 2,000 points at its lows in Thursday's trading session, dragging the index deeper into bear-market territory. The Dow, which was in reach of the unprecedented 30,000-point marker just a few weeks earlier, now stands much closer to where it was on Trump's Election Day in November 2016.
The Dow closed at 18,332 that day. It was trading below 22,000 on Thursday.
"The markets are going to be just fine," Trump said as he greeted Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar at the White House. Ireland was not among the European countries facing the travel ban, which takes effect Friday.
While Trump attempted to reassure the country that markets would recover from the impact of the virus, lawmakers on Capitol Hill signaled that a partisan fight was coming over a new emergency aid package. The Democrats' latest bill, unveiled to the public Wednesday night, is "unworkable" in its current form, said House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.
Congress and the White House have already taken steps to combat the spread of the deadly virus. The Trump administration in late January imposed travel restrictions and quarantines for certain individuals, and Trump expanded those travel restrictions to some parts of Europe in a rare Oval Office address Wednesday night. Last week, the president also signed into law an $8.3 billion emergency funding bill that sailed through Congress with near-unanimous support.


cnbc--2020-03-12--House Democrats' coronavirus bill delayed as GOP pushes to include Trump proposals

House Republicans made clear Thursday that they wo n't support the new emergency coronavirus aid bill unveiled by Democrats — at least not in its current form .
Lawmakers in both parties are scrambling to take action to combat the deadly coronavirus pandemic .
But Republicans have hang-ups with the specifics of the Democrats ' bill , CNBC 's Ylan Mui reported Thursday , because it omits several of the measures President Donald Trump had called on Congress to enact .
McCarthy was expected to explain his problems with the bill in public remarks at 10 a.m .
ET .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ called the plan `` unworkable '' and complained that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , had introduced the `` completely partisan '' bill late at night Wednesday .
Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill responded on Twitter that McCarthy 's claim was `` not true . ''
`` Minority staffs of committees of jurisdiction were given language yesterday afternoon '' and had already requested changes , Hammill said .
Pelosi continued negotiations with Treasury Secretary , Steven Mnuchin that had begun earlier in the week .
Trump , in an Oval Office address Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implementing payroll tax relief amid the U.S. response to the virus .
That measure , which even some Republicans have been reluctant to endorse , is not included in the Democrats ' bill .
Payroll taxes fund entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare .
The bill also ignores Trump 's call for increased authority for Small Business Administration loans .
A spokesman for Pelosi told CNBC that the payroll tax and SBA measures did not come up during the speaker 's call with Mnuchin .
Lawmakers are set to return to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compounding the sense of urgency to push something through the chamber while members are still there to cast votes .
There has been talk that negotiations could extend through the weekend if a deal ca n't be reached before the scheduled recess begins .
During a meeting Thursday morning , the House Rules Committee 's ranking Republican , Tom Cole of Oklahoma , griped about the lack of bipartisan cooperation on the bill .
`` I set a pretty hopeful tone last night because I thought that was the appropriate thing to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have had the opportunity to continue that today .
But frankly , while work may have been continued through the night , there was n't very much bipartisan work through the night as I understand it , '' Cole said .
`` On top of that , this legislation has n't had a single hearing , has n't had a single witness , has had zero Republican input of any substance .
So at this point , we 're certainly not prepared to support either the rule or the underlying legislation . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House and Senate sergeants-at-arms announced Thursday that access to the U.S. Capitol by the general public will be banned for the rest of the month .
The White House also announced it has temporarily canceled tours .

House Republicans made clear Thursday that they won't support the new emergency coronavirus aid bill unveiled by Democrats — at least not in its current form.
Lawmakers in both parties are scrambling to take action to combat the deadly coronavirus pandemic.
But Republicans have hang-ups with the specifics of the Democrats' bill, CNBC's Ylan Mui reported Thursday, because it omits several of the measures President Donald Trump had called on Congress to enact.
Politico reported Thursday morning that House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy R-Calif., opposed the bill.
Sherman TWEET
McCarthy was expected to explain his problems with the bill in public remarks at 10 a.m. ET. In a tweet earlier Thursday, he called the plan "unworkable" and complained that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., had introduced the "completely partisan" bill late at night Wednesday.
McCarthy TWEET
Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill responded on Twitter that McCarthy's claim was "not true."
"Minority staffs of committees of jurisdiction were given language yesterday afternoon" and had already requested changes, Hammill said.
Hammill TWEET
Pelosi continued negotiations with Treasury Secretary, Steven Mnuchin that had begun earlier in the week.
Trump, in an Oval Office address Wednesday night, had asked lawmakers to consider implementing payroll tax relief amid the U.S. response to the virus. That measure, which even some Republicans have been reluctant to endorse, is not included in the Democrats' bill.
Payroll taxes fund entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare.
Hammill TWEET
The bill also ignores Trump's call for increased authority for Small Business Administration loans.
A spokesman for Pelosi told CNBC that the payroll tax and SBA measures did not come up during the speaker's call with Mnuchin.
Lawmakers are set to return to their districts for the next week, compounding the sense of urgency to push something through the chamber while members are still there to cast votes.
There has been talk that negotiations could extend through the weekend if a deal can't be reached before the scheduled recess begins.
During a meeting Thursday morning, the House Rules Committee's ranking Republican, Tom Cole of Oklahoma, griped about the lack of bipartisan cooperation on the bill.
"I set a pretty hopeful tone last night because I thought that was the appropriate thing to do, and I would've liked to have had the opportunity to continue that today. But frankly, while work may have been continued through the night, there wasn't very much bipartisan work through the night as I understand it," Cole said.
"On top of that, this legislation hasn't had a single hearing, hasn't had a single witness, has had zero Republican input of any substance. So at this point, we're certainly not prepared to support either the rule or the underlying legislation."
While the politicians pressed their positions, the House and Senate sergeants-at-arms announced Thursday that access to the U.S. Capitol by the general public will be banned for the rest of the month. The White House also announced it has temporarily canceled tours.


cnbc--2020-03-12--Congress shuts down Capitol to the public, White House cancels tours amid coronavirus pandemic

Tourists walk in front of the U.S. Capitol dome down the steps to the Capitol Visitor Center on Thursday , March 12 , 2020 .
Congress will bar public access to the U.S. Capitol for the rest of the month , and the White House will temporarily cancel tours as officials try to curb the coronavirus pandemic .
Capitol tours will stop , while access to the building along with House and Senate office facilities will be limited to members , staff , press and business visitors starting Thursday at 5 p.m .
ET , the House and Senate sergeants-at-arms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
White House spokesman Judd Deere told NBC News the administration will stop tours of the president 's residence `` until further notice . ''
The moves come as fears grow about the spread of the virus and the disease it causes , COVID-19 .
More than 1,300 cases have been reported in the U.S. , and at least 38 people have died .
Lawmakers and the White House are scrambling to agree to a relief package for workers affected by coronavirus .
Republicans have criticized a proposal House Democrats hoped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Speaker Nancy Pelosi negotiates with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin .
Both chambers of Congress are scheduled to go on recess next week .

Tourists walk in front of the U.S. Capitol dome down the steps to the Capitol Visitor Center on Thursday, March 12, 2020.
Congress will bar public access to the U.S. Capitol for the rest of the month, and the White House will temporarily cancel tours as officials try to curb the coronavirus pandemic.
Capitol tours will stop, while access to the building along with House and Senate office facilities will be limited to members, staff, press and business visitors starting Thursday at 5 p.m. ET, the House and Senate sergeants-at-arms Paul Irving and Michael Stenger said in a statement.
White House spokesman Judd Deere told NBC News the administration will stop tours of the president's residence "until further notice."
The moves come as fears grow about the spread of the virus and the disease it causes, COVID-19. More than 1,300 cases have been reported in the U.S., and at least 38 people have died.
Lawmakers and the White House are scrambling to agree to a relief package for workers affected by coronavirus. Republicans have criticized a proposal House Democrats hoped to vote on Thursday, as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi negotiates with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.
Both chambers of Congress are scheduled to go on recess next week.
Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube.


cnbc--2020-03-12--Trump suspends travel from Europe for 30 days as part of response to 'foreign' coronavirus

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump announced that a ban on travelers to the United States from Europe would be in place for the next 30 days , in an attempt to stem the spread of the coronavirus pandemic .
Calling coronavirus a `` foreign virus , '' Trump attacked Europe for not taking the same actions to control the disease that he had .
`` As a result '' of Europe 's inaction , Trump said , `` a large number of clusters '' of coronavirus `` were seeded by travelers from Europe . ''
Trump also announced that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide payroll tax relief , as well as other measures for several groups impacted by the virus .
In addition to legislation , Trump said he would instruct the Small Business Administration to `` provide capital and liquidity '' to small businesses .
Trump said the ban would apply only to countries in the Schengen economic and travel zone , and that the United Kingdom and Ireland would be exempted .
He also later clarified in a tweet that cargo and goods would not be affected by the ban .
The European Commission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump 's announcement .
U.S. stock futures fell sharply as Trump concluded his speech with Dow Jones Industrial Average futures trading more than 600 points lower .
Those losses would add to the 30-stock average 's steep decline on Wednesday that put it more than 20 % below its record high from just last month .
New developments about the disease quickly overtook the president 's message .
Moments after Trump concluded his address , superstar actor Tom Hanks announced he and his wife , Rita Wilson , had tested positive for coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would suspend its season until further notice after a Utah Jazz player tested positive for the virus .
Wednesday 's market losses were driven in part by a new declaration by the World Health Organization that coronavirus had reached pandemic levels .

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump announced that a ban on travelers to the United States from Europe would be in place for the next 30 days, in an attempt to stem the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
Calling coronavirus a "foreign virus," Trump attacked Europe for not taking the same actions to control the disease that he had. "As a result" of Europe's inaction, Trump said, "a large number of clusters" of coronavirus "were seeded by travelers from Europe."
Trump also announced that he would ask Congress for legislative action to provide payroll tax relief, as well as other measures for several groups impacted by the virus.
In addition to legislation, Trump said he would instruct the Small Business Administration to "provide capital and liquidity" to small businesses.
Trump said the ban would apply only to countries in the Schengen economic and travel zone, and that the United Kingdom and Ireland would be exempted. He also later clarified in a tweet that cargo and goods would not be affected by the ban.
TRUMP TWEET
The European Commission did not immediately have a comment on Trump's announcement.
U.S. stock futures fell sharply as Trump concluded his speech with Dow Jones Industrial Average futures trading more than 600 points lower. Those losses would add to the 30-stock average's steep decline on Wednesday that put it more than 20% below its record high from just last month.
New developments about the disease quickly overtook the president's message. Moments after Trump concluded his address, superstar actor Tom Hanks announced he and his wife, Rita Wilson, had tested positive for coronavirus. The NBA on Wednesday night announced it would suspend its season until further notice after a Utah Jazz player tested positive for the virus.
Wednesday's market losses were driven in part by a new declaration by the World Health Organization that coronavirus had reached pandemic levels.


cnbc--2020-03-12--Travel industry could lose $24 billion as coronavirus cripples tourism from outside US

The U.S. travel and tourism industry could lose at least $ 24 billion in foreign spending this year because of the rapidly spreading coronavirus , according to data produced by Tourism Economics and first seen by CNBC .
That would be equivalent to about seven times more than the industry lost during the SARS outbreak in 2003 , according to the data .
Tourism Economics , which tracks all travel spending – including on hotels , restaurants , theme parks and attractions – based its projections on the assumption that the coronavirus would be contained in six months .
Foreigners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. travel and tourism a year .
The World Health Organization officially dubbed the novel coronavirus , called COVID-19 , a global pandemic on Wednesday .
There have been more than 124,000 infections worldwide , and at least 4,589 deaths .
China , which is the epicenter of the outbreak , represents 7 % of foreign travel spending in the U.S. , up from 1 % in 2002 .
Amid mounting travel restrictions and growing fear of COVID-19 , Tourism Economics is forecasting a 10 % drop in international visits to the U.S @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. faced during the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome , or SARS , in 2003 .
This implies 8.2 million lost visitors in one year , even more than the 7.7 million international travelers lost in 2001 and 2002 , after the 9/11 terrorist attacks .
In all , it anticipates 825,000 jobs could be lost in the industry , which also includes many small businesses .
`` As it 's become a true pandemic , it 's affecting level of travel : travel advisories , companies canceling travel , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , president of Tourism Economics .
`` There is a deep risk aversion when a trip is a voluntary activity .
Even if a flight exists and borders are open . ''
Globally , Tourism Economics expects travel to fall 9.1 % this year , the largest drop ever in the past 40 years its tracked .
`` This situation is truly unprecedented , '' said Sacks .
The U.S. Travel Association , which represents roughly 150 travel-related organizations has sought to calm nerves .
It has urged `` fact-based decisions '' around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overwhelming majority , it 's OK to live , work , play and travel in the U.S. '' But that has n't been enough to stave off travel restrictions , canceled conferences and general anxiety .
Shares of MGM Resorts International closed down 10 % , Marriott International down 8.9 % and Expedia was down 10.8 % .
Facing down that pressure , the industry is pushing for relief from the federal government .
President Donald Trump has already signed an $ 8.3 billion aid package aimed in part at helping states pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and vaccine development .
Now lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are discussing putting together at least one more package aimed stemming the financial loss , as well as the human toll .
As part of those efforts , the travel and tourism industry is asking for relief including tax credits for employee retention , which would give employers an income tax credit for paying workers even while their business is inoperable , a person familiar with the industry 's strategy told CNBC .
It is also pushing for deferment of quarterly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back net-operating-losses .
The push comes as the debate over how to direct funds and resources has taken over Washington .
Democrats led by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have said they will emphasize `` people-focused initiatives '' like paid sick leave and free coronavirus testing .
Senate Democrats on Wednesday unveiled proposals including small business grants , federal funding for local communities and emergency unemployment insurance .
The White House , meantime , has floated ideas including a possible payroll tax cut and small business loans .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the airline and cruise ship industries to find relief .
A key point of contention between the Democrats and Republicans is whether any corporate assistance qualifies as a `` bailout . ''
There is lingering anger over the government 's handling of the bank bailout in 2008 , which some have argued left Main Street behind .
Adding to the sensitives in the travel and leisure industry is the fact that Trump himself owns a hotel business .
Proponents , though , argue that the travel industry does n't bear the same responsibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's market turmoil .
That year , the financial system was bailed out despite Wall Street receiving much of the blame for causing the crisis .
Market experts and industry insiders have warned that a weakened tourism industry could have significant ripple effects that could hurt Main Street .
Former Nasdaq CEO Bob Greifeld on Tuesday warned that a significant blow to the tourism industry could launch a recession .
`` We never had this situation where you had tourism being such a large part of the global economy .
That did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increased greater than GDP growth for the past 10 years , '' Greifeld said .

People walk through a sparse international departure terminal at John F. Kennedy Airport as concern over the coronavirus grows on March 7, 2020 in New York City. Spencer Platt | Getty Images
The U.S. travel and tourism industry could lose at least $24 billion in foreign spending this year because of the rapidly spreading coronavirus, according to data produced by Tourism Economics and first seen by CNBC. That would be equivalent to about seven times more than the industry lost during the SARS outbreak in 2003, according to the data. Tourism Economics, which tracks all travel spending – including on hotels, restaurants, theme parks and attractions – based its projections on the assumption that the coronavirus would be contained in six months. Foreigners typically spend around $256 billion on U.S. travel and tourism a year. The World Health Organization officially dubbed the novel coronavirus, called COVID-19, a global pandemic on Wednesday. There have been more than 124,000 infections worldwide, and at least 4,589 deaths.
watch now
China, which is the epicenter of the outbreak, represents 7% of foreign travel spending in the U.S., up from 1% in 2002. Amid mounting travel restrictions and growing fear of COVID-19, Tourism Economics is forecasting a 10% drop in international visits to the U.S a year, about double the decline the U.S. faced during the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, in 2003. This implies 8.2 million lost visitors in one year, even more than the 7.7 million international travelers lost in 2001 and 2002, after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In all, it anticipates 825,000 jobs could be lost in the industry, which also includes many small businesses. "As it's become a true pandemic, it's affecting level of travel: travel advisories, companies canceling travel, and traveler behavior, " said Adam Sacks, president of Tourism Economics. "There is a deep risk aversion when a trip is a voluntary activity. Even if a flight exists and borders are open." Globally, Tourism Economics expects travel to fall 9.1% this year, the largest drop ever in the past 40 years its tracked. "This situation is truly unprecedented," said Sacks. The U.S. Travel Association, which represents roughly 150 travel-related organizations has sought to calm nerves. It has urged "fact-based decisions" around traveling, stressing that "for the overwhelming majority, it's OK to live, work, play and travel in the U.S." But that hasn't been enough to stave off travel restrictions, canceled conferences and general anxiety. Shares of MGM Resorts International closed down 10%, Marriott International down 8.9% and Expedia was down 10.8%.
Keeping the lights on


cnbc--2020-03-12--Trump cancels events in Colorado and Nevada 'out of an abundance of caution' over coronavirus

President Donald Trump speaks at an evening “ Keep America Great Rally ” at the Wildwood Convention Center on January 28 , 2020 in Wildwood , New Jersey .
President Donald Trump canceled his upcoming events in Colorado and Nevada `` out of an abundance of caution from the coronavirus outbreak , '' White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said Wednesday .
The cancellations came shortly after Trump announced in a televised address to the nation that the U.S. would bar travelers coming from Europe for 30 days in the latest attempt to contain the spread of the deadly virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ harrowing day for markets , which saw one major index plunge to bear-market levels , and U.S. officials , who at every level of government introduced their own coronavirus response measures .
Dow futures dropped 1,000 points Wednesday night after the president concluded his speech .
`` Out of an abundance of caution from the Coronavirus outbreak , the President has decided to cancel his upcoming events in Colorado and Nevada , '' Grisham said , NBC News reported .
Trump was scheduled to appear as the featured speaker at the Republican Jewish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Las Vegas .
After Trump decided to abandon his travel plans to Nevada , the conference itself was postponed until further notice .
`` In light of the COVID-19 epidemic , in consultation with the White House and our outside experts , we have regretfully decided to postpone the RJC Annual Meeting , '' the RJC said .
`` We will look for dates in the near future when we can reschedule and when the current health crisis allows . ''
The COVID-19 virus , which is believed to have originated in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hopkins University data shows .
The World Health Organization , a significant step informed by a belief that the death toll and global reach of the fast-spreading virus will continue to grow .
In the U.S. , the numbers are smaller , with more than 1,000 cases and at least 35 deaths confirmed so far , according to Johns Hopkins .
But Trump administration officials warned earlier Wednesday that the worst is yet to come , and those grim expectations have prompted Congress , state officials and corporate leaders to take major action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House has put forward possible economic stimulus measures .
Trump and his top economic advisor , Larry Kudlow , this week floated a series of actions , .
That plan has been met with reluctance even by some Republicans .
In his address Wednesday night , Trump reiterated his call for Congress to provide payroll tax relief , and announced other measures for several groups impacted by the virus .
In addition to legislation , Trump said he would instruct the Small Business Administration to `` provide capital and liquidity '' to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asking the Treasury Department to allow tax payments to be deferred for some people and businesses .
Democratic leaders unveiled their own plan Wednesday , proposing more than a dozen `` critical measures '' intended to provide relief to local communities .
The plans come less than a week after Trump signed an $ 8.3 billion emergency aid bill that sailed through Congress with bipartisan support .

President Donald Trump speaks at an evening “Keep America Great Rally” at the Wildwood Convention Center on January 28, 2020 in Wildwood, New Jersey.
President Donald Trump canceled his upcoming events in Colorado and Nevada "out of an abundance of caution from the coronavirus outbreak," White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said Wednesday.
The cancellations came shortly after Trump announced in a televised address to the nation that the U.S. would bar travelers coming from Europe for 30 days in the latest attempt to contain the spread of the deadly virus.
That rare Oval Office address followed a harrowing day for markets, which saw one major index plunge to bear-market levels, and U.S. officials, who at every level of government introduced their own coronavirus response measures. Dow futures dropped 1,000 points Wednesday night after the president concluded his speech.
"Out of an abundance of caution from the Coronavirus outbreak, the President has decided to cancel his upcoming events in Colorado and Nevada," Grisham said, NBC News reported.
Trump was scheduled to appear as the featured speaker at the Republican Jewish Coalition's national meeting this week in Las Vegas. After Trump decided to abandon his travel plans to Nevada, the conference itself was postponed until further notice.
"In light of the COVID-19 epidemic, in consultation with the White House and our outside experts, we have regretfully decided to postpone the RJC Annual Meeting," the RJC said. "We will look for dates in the near future when we can reschedule and when the current health crisis allows."
The COVID-19 virus, which is believed to have originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan, , Johns Hopkins University data shows. The World Health Organization , a significant step informed by a belief that the death toll and global reach of the fast-spreading virus will continue to grow.
In the U.S., the numbers are smaller, with more than 1,000 cases and at least 35 deaths confirmed so far, according to Johns Hopkins. But Trump administration officials warned earlier Wednesday that the worst is yet to come, and those grim expectations have prompted Congress, state officials and corporate leaders to take major action.
With markets fluctuating wildly, the White House has put forward possible economic stimulus measures. Trump and his top economic advisor, Larry Kudlow, this week floated a series of actions, . That plan has been met with reluctance even by some Republicans.
In his address Wednesday night, Trump reiterated his call for Congress to provide payroll tax relief, and announced other measures for several groups impacted by the virus.
In addition to legislation, Trump said he would instruct the Small Business Administration to "provide capital and liquidity" to small businesses. Trump also he was asking the Treasury Department to allow tax payments to be deferred for some people and businesses.
Democratic leaders unveiled their own plan Wednesday, proposing more than a dozen "critical measures" intended to provide relief to local communities. The plans come less than a week after Trump signed an $8.3 billion emergency aid bill that sailed through Congress with bipartisan support.


cnbc--2020-03-11--Joe Biden campaign announces new coronavirus committee to provide counsel as pandemic fears escalate

Joe Biden 's presidential campaign announced on Wednesday that it had formed a new advisory committee to counsel the campaign on the risks posed by the new coronavirus , just hours after the World Health Organization declared the outbreak to be a pandemic .
The Public Health Advisory Committee will provide `` science-based , expert advice regarding steps the campaign should take to minimize health risks for the candidate , staff , and supporters , '' the campaign said in a statement .
`` The campaign 's top priority is and will continue to be the health and safety of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Members of the committee will provide ongoing counsel to the campaign , which will in turn continue to update the public regarding operational decisions . ''
The effects of COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus , is just starting to be felt by the major presidential campaigns .
Biden and his chief rival for the Democratic nomination , Sen. Bernie Sanders , both canceled rallies in Ohio this week , citing concerns about the disease .
CNN on Tuesday scrapped plans for a live audience at the next debate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign announced that it would cancel events in Illinois and Florida on Friday and Monday at the request of elected officials in those states .
Both states vote Tuesday .
`` Friday 's and Monday 's events will become virtual events , and the campaign will make announcements about additional details on the format and timing of the virtual events and on future events in the coming days , '' the campaign said .
Biden and Sanders — along with President Donald Trump — could be particularly vulnerable to coronavirus because of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Disease Control and Prevention warn that older people are more at risk .
Biden is 77 , Sanders is 78 and Trump is 73 .
Representatives for Sanders and Trump did not respond immediately to requests for comment .
The six-member committee includes a number of former Obama administration officials , including former Office of Management and Budget health policy advisor Dr. Zeke Emanuel , former Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy and former homeland security advisor Lisa Monaco .
Dr. Rebecca Katz , co-director of Georgetown University 's Center for Global Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr. David Kessler , and Dr. Irwin Redlener , a professor and disaster preparedness expert at Columbia University 's school of public health , are also on the committee .
The coronavirus has rapidly spread throughout the world since first appearing in China late last year .
There have been more than 120,000 cases reported globally and at least 1,110 in the U.S. , according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University .
There have been at least 35 domestic deaths reported .
On Tuesday , the attending physician of Congress and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million and 150 million people in the United States to ultimately become infected with COVID-19 during closed-door remarks to Senate staff , NBC News has reported .
The rapid spread of the disease has threatened to slow global growth to a standstill , spooking financial markets and sending the major U.S. indices into or near bear market territory , or down 20 % from their recent highs .
So far , President Donald Trump has not reached an agreement with congressional Democrats over potential stimulus measures .
Biden is expected to deliver remarks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .
On Monday , Biden addressed Trump 's handling of the public health crisis during an appearance on MSNBC 's `` The Last Word . ''
`` I think there 's a reason why you see the markets falling and you see the reason , the reason why people are very upset , '' Biden said .
`` But I think if the president were to just get out of the way , let the experts at CDC and others handle this , speak to it , talk about what needs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better off . ''
Biden is currently leading in the delegate race to win the Democratic nomination , widening the gap this week with victories in four out of six states that voted on Tuesday .
Biden carried Michigan , Missouri , Mississippi and Idaho , while Sanders won in North Dakota .
The state of Washington , the night 's second biggest prize , remains too close to call .

Joe Biden's presidential campaign announced on Wednesday that it had formed a new advisory committee to counsel the campaign on the risks posed by the new coronavirus, just hours after the World Health Organization declared the outbreak to be a pandemic.
The Public Health Advisory Committee will provide "science-based, expert advice regarding steps the campaign should take to minimize health risks for the candidate, staff, and supporters," the campaign said in a statement.
"The campaign's top priority is and will continue to be the health and safety of the public," the statement said. "Members of the committee will provide ongoing counsel to the campaign, which will in turn continue to update the public regarding operational decisions."
The effects of COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, is just starting to be felt by the major presidential campaigns. Biden and his chief rival for the Democratic nomination, Sen. Bernie Sanders, both canceled rallies in Ohio this week, citing concerns about the disease. CNN on Tuesday scrapped plans for a live audience at the next debate, scheduled for Sunday.
On Wednesday the campaign announced that it would cancel events in Illinois and Florida on Friday and Monday at the request of elected officials in those states. Both states vote Tuesday.
"Friday's and Monday's events will become virtual events, and the campaign will make announcements about additional details on the format and timing of the virtual events and on future events in the coming days," the campaign said.
Biden and Sanders — along with President Donald Trump — could be particularly vulnerable to coronavirus because of their age and frequent travel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn that older people are more at risk. Biden is 77, Sanders is 78 and Trump is 73.
Representatives for Sanders and Trump did not respond immediately to requests for comment.
The six-member committee includes a number of former Obama administration officials, including former Office of Management and Budget health policy advisor Dr. Zeke Emanuel, former Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy and former homeland security advisor Lisa Monaco.
Dr. Rebecca Katz, co-director of Georgetown University's Center for Global Health Science and Security, former FDA commissioner Dr. David Kessler, and Dr. Irwin Redlener, a professor and disaster preparedness expert at Columbia University's school of public health, are also on the committee.
The coronavirus has rapidly spread throughout the world since first appearing in China late last year. There have been more than 120,000 cases reported globally and at least 1,110 in the U.S., according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. There have been at least 35 domestic deaths reported.
On Tuesday, the attending physician of Congress and the Supreme Court said he expected between 70 million and 150 million people in the United States to ultimately become infected with COVID-19 during closed-door remarks to Senate staff, NBC News has reported.
The rapid spread of the disease has threatened to slow global growth to a standstill, spooking financial markets and sending the major U.S. indices into or near bear market territory, or down 20% from their recent highs. So far, President Donald Trump has not reached an agreement with congressional Democrats over potential stimulus measures.
Biden is expected to deliver remarks on coronavirus in Wilmington, Del on Thursday. On Monday, Biden addressed Trump's handling of the public health crisis during an appearance on MSNBC's "The Last Word."
"I think there's a reason why you see the markets falling and you see the reason, the reason why people are very upset," Biden said. "But I think if the president were to just get out of the way, let the experts at CDC and others handle this, speak to it, talk about what needs to be done, we'd all be better off."
Biden is currently leading in the delegate race to win the Democratic nomination, widening the gap this week with victories in four out of six states that voted on Tuesday.
Biden carried Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi and Idaho, while Sanders won in North Dakota. The state of Washington, the night's second biggest prize, remains too close to call.


cnbc--2020-03-11--Senate Democrats unveil relief proposal in response to coronavirus outbreak

From left , Sen. Ben Cardin , D-Md.
, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. , Sen. Patrick Leahy , D-Vt. , and Sen. Patty Murray , D-Wash. , participate in the Senate Democrats news conference on coronavirus relief proposals on Wednesday , March 11 , 2020 .
Senate Democrats on Wednesday unveiled more than a dozen `` critical measures '' intended to provide relief to local communities in the wake of the deadly coronavirus outbreak .
Democratic lawmakers have been pushing for a relief proposal that is `` targeted to the people who need help , '' Sen. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News earlier Wednesday .
• Requiring businesses to allow workers to gradually earn up to 7 paid sick days • Loan payment relief for up to six months on federally insured mortgages and student loans The proposals were unveiled at a press conference on Wednesday in the midst of what seems to be a tense standoff between House Democrats and the Trump administration over how the government should address the growing health crisis .
President Donald Trump on Tuesday pitched Republican lawmakers on a 0 % payroll tax rate for employers and employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year and possibly longer .
Trump has also indicated that his administration would propose relief to the airline and cruise ship industries , which have been impacted by the outbreak .
But Democratic lawmakers have signaled that they would not vote on a proposal that does not include relief measures aimed at easing the burden on hourly workers who might not have benefits and struggling small businesses .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , in a March 9 press release issued prior to the president 's 0 % payroll tax idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sick leave , widespread and free coronavirus testing , affordable treatment for all , anti-price-gouging protections and enhanced unemployment insurance .
Rep. Ro Khanna , D-Calif. , emphasized Pelosi 's concerns on `` Power Lunch '' on Wednesday , telling CNBC that the priority is to make sure uninsured Americans `` can get to a doctor or get a test without having to pay a lot of money . ''
`` So the first thing I 'd do is make sure we extended health care , '' Khanna added .
`` We should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off from work are compensated so that they have that money that they can then spend .
We should make sure people who have student loans are n't defaulting on those loans . ''
While the Democrats have suggested that they will also consider offering assistance to corporations , the relief effort should start `` from the bottom up , '' Schumer told NBC News , `` targeted at the people who are most hurt . ''
The coronavirus , which is believed to have originated in Wuhan , China , has spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 121,000 confirmed cases worldwide and at least 4,373 deaths so far , according to data from Johns Hopkins University .
There have been at least 1,050 cases in the United States and at least 30 deaths , according to the latest tallies from Johns Hopkins .
The outbreak , which the World Health Organization classified as a pandemic Wednesday , has roiled markets and led governments to take drastic actions as it rapidly spreads across the globe .
Correction : A previous version of this story misstated the number of deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

From left, Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., and Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., participate in the Senate Democrats news conference on coronavirus relief proposals on Wednesday, March 11, 2020.
Senate Democrats on Wednesday unveiled more than a dozen "critical measures" intended to provide relief to local communities in the wake of the deadly coronavirus outbreak.
Democratic lawmakers have been pushing for a relief proposal that is "targeted to the people who need help," Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., told NBC News earlier Wednesday.
Schumer tweet
The Senate Democrats COVID-19 Economic and Community Services Proposal includes:
Emergency unemployment insurance funds to replace lost wages
Requiring businesses to allow workers to gradually earn up to 7 paid sick days
Loan payment relief for up to six months on federally insured mortgages and student loans
Federal funding for local communities
Grants for small businesses
Supplemental funding to public transportation agencies and Amtrak
Increased SNAP benefits
Additional funding for food banks, schools and nonprofits
Emergency mortgage and rental assistance
Additional financial assistance to housing providers
Emergency grant aid to colleges
The proposals were unveiled at a press conference on Wednesday in the midst of what seems to be a tense standoff between House Democrats and the Trump administration over how the government should address the growing health crisis.
President Donald Trump on Tuesday pitched Republican lawmakers on a 0% payroll tax rate for employers and employees that would last through the rest of this year and possibly longer. Trump has also indicated that his administration would propose relief to the airline and cruise ship industries, which have been impacted by the outbreak.
But Democratic lawmakers have signaled that they would not vote on a proposal that does not include relief measures aimed at easing the burden on hourly workers who might not have benefits and struggling small businesses.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., in a March 9 press release issued prior to the president's 0% payroll tax idea said that any proposal must prioritize paid sick leave, widespread and free coronavirus testing, affordable treatment for all, anti-price-gouging protections and enhanced unemployment insurance.
Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., emphasized Pelosi's concerns on "Power Lunch" on Wednesday, telling CNBC that the priority is to make sure uninsured Americans "can get to a doctor or get a test without having to pay a lot of money."
"So the first thing I'd do is make sure we extended health care," Khanna added. "We should make sure people who are taking time off from work are compensated so that they have that money that they can then spend. We should make sure people who have student loans aren't defaulting on those loans."
While the Democrats have suggested that they will also consider offering assistance to corporations, the relief effort should start "from the bottom up," Schumer told NBC News, "targeted at the people who are most hurt."
The coronavirus, which is believed to have originated in Wuhan, China, has spread to dozens of countries globally, with more than 121,000 confirmed cases worldwide and at least 4,373 deaths so far, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
There have been at least 1,050 cases in the United States and at least 30 deaths, according to the latest tallies from Johns Hopkins.
The outbreak, which the World Health Organization classified as a pandemic Wednesday, has roiled markets and led governments to take drastic actions as it rapidly spreads across the globe.
Correction: A previous version of this story misstated the number of deaths attributable to the coronavirus in the U.S.