cnbc--2020-05-14--Sen. Richard Burr steps down as Senate intel chair during probe of coronavirus stock sale

WASHINGTON — Sen. Richard Burr stepped down as chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday , a day after FBI agents seized his cellphone as part of a criminal investigation into his stock sales during the early weeks of the coronavirus pandemic .
Speaking to reporters outside his Senate office on Thursday , Burr said the federal criminal probe is `` a distraction to the hard work of the committee , and the members and I think that the security of the country is too important to have a distraction . ''
Federal agents served a search warrant Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's cellphone , NBC News reported , citing Justice Department officials .
They also said the seizure was approved at the highest levels of the Justice Department , a phrase widely understood to mean that Attorney General Bill Barr signed off on the decision .
After serving the warrant , the FBI went to Burr 's home to retrieve the phone Wednesday night .
Burr said the FBI 's visit was `` a part of the investigation , and everybody ought to let this investigation play out . ''
The North Carolina Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigators `` since the beginning . ''
`` Senator Burr contacted me this morning to inform me of his decision to step aside as Chairman of the Intelligence Committee during the pendency of the investigation , '' Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said in a statement Thursday , adding that the leadership change would take effect Friday afternoon .
It was not immediately clear Thursday who would take up Burr 's committee gavel during his temporary hiatus : The next highest ranking Republicans on the committee , Idaho Sen. Jim Risch and Florida @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate committees at the moment , positions they would have to give up in order to chair the Intelligence Committee .
Burr is also still finalizing his committee 's bipartisan report on the investigation of Russia 's meddling in the 2016 election .
The final report represents the culmination of years worth of work both by Burr and by the committee 's ranking member , Sen. Mark Warner , D-Va .
It is unclear now what role Burr will play , if any , in the release of the report later this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein said she had been questioned by the FBI about stock trades that her husband made , and that she has given documents to the FBI as part of that inquiry .
Feinstein 's husband , Richard Blum , sold shares of the biotech company Allogene Therapeutics on Jan. 31 that were worth between $ 500,000 and $ 1 million .
But neither Feinstein nor Blum avoided future losses by selling the stock when they did .
On the contrary , when Blum sold his shares , Allogene Therapeutics was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the stock is trading at over $ 40 a share .
GOP Sen. Kelly Loeffler and her husband , New York Stock Exchange chairman Jeffrey Sprecher , also made several large stock sales in the early weeks of the pandemic , which have since drawn scrutiny from federal investigators .
Representatives for Loeffler did not return repeated requests from CNBC Thursday about whether had been contacted by the FBI .
But a Loeffler spokeswoman told The New York Times that , `` federal authorities had not contacted the senator . ''
Later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate office issued a slightly different statement , denying any wrongdoing but saying only that the Georgia Republican had not been served with a search warrant , not that federal authorities have not contacted her .
Again , the statement did not address whether or not Loeffler has been questioned by the FBI like Feinstein was , only that `` no search warrant has been served on Sen Loeffler . ''
Like other senators , Loeffler received non-public updates from top health officials about the potential impacts of coronavirus .
This included a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was hosted by the Senate Health Committee , on which Loeffler sits .
Starting on Jan. 24 , Loeffler and Sprecher sold stocks over the next three weeks worth between $ 1.3 million and $ 3.1 million .
A few days after Loeffler started selling her shares , a fourth senator , James Inhofe of Oklahoma , sold stocks on Jan. 27 worth between $ 180,000 and $ 400,000 , according to public records .
Inhofe , a Republican , says he did not attend the Jan. 24 Senate briefing on coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the management of his investment portfolio .
Two weeks after Inhofe made his big sale , Burr sold , too .
As chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee , Burr was given access to classified intelligence reports in January and early February that contained dire warnings about the coronavirus .
On Feb. 13 , Burr unloaded shares worth $ 630,000 to $ 1.7 million in a one-day sale that involved 33 individual trades .
One week later , markets began a steep slide as investors panicked over the potential economic damage from coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sales arose last week , when ProPublica reported that on the day Burr sold his stocks , Feb. 13 , his brother-in-law , Gerald Fauth , also sold tens of thousands of dollars worth of stock .
Fauth is a former transportation consultant who was appointed by President Donald Trump in 2017 to a seat on the three-member National Mediation Board , a federal agency that helps facilitate labor relations for the transportation industry .
At the time , Burr 's attorney Alice Fisher told ProPublica that Burr `` did not coordinate his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr .
Fauth . ''
On Thursday , Fisher released another statement saying , in part , `` From the outset , Senator Burr has been focused on an appropriate and thorough review of the facts in this matter , which will establish that his actions were appropriate . ''
Unlike the other three senators under scrutiny , however , Burr does not deny that he decided to sell the stock himself , and that concerns about coronavirus were his primary motivation for the sale .
`` I relied solely on public news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sale of stocks , '' Burr said in a statement in late March .
`` Specifically , I closely followed CNBC 's daily health and science reporting out of its Asia bureaus at the time . ''
Taken together , the timing of Fauth 's stock sales , plus Burr 's admission that he sold his shares because he feared that coronavirus would impact markets may help to explain why Burr 's case appears to be moving faster than those of the other three senators under investigation .
According to the LA Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Burr 's phone , federal agents served an earlier warrant on Apple for information about Burr 's iCloud account .
They then used that information as evidence to obtain a search warrant from a judge for Burr 's phone .
It was unclear whether Fauth had also been served with a warrant .
CNBC called the number for Fauth 's consulting firm , but there was no answer .
Members of Congress are prohibited by law from using nonpublic information they obtain through their official positions in order to personally profit off the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ codified this ban was signed by President Barack Obama in 2012 , after passing the Senate in a 96-3 vote .
Burr was one of only three senators who voted against the STOCK Act .

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WASHINGTON — Sen. Richard Burr stepped down as chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday, a day after FBI agents seized his cellphone as part of a criminal investigation into his stock sales during the early weeks of the coronavirus pandemic. Speaking to reporters outside his Senate office on Thursday, Burr said the federal criminal probe is "a distraction to the hard work of the committee, and the members and I think that the security of the country is too important to have a distraction." Federal agents served a search warrant Wednesday to Burr's attorney for the senator's cellphone, NBC News reported, citing Justice Department officials. They also said the seizure was approved at the highest levels of the Justice Department, a phrase widely understood to mean that Attorney General Bill Barr signed off on the decision. After serving the warrant, the FBI went to Burr's home to retrieve the phone Wednesday night. Burr said the FBI's visit was "a part of the investigation, and everybody ought to let this investigation play out." The North Carolina Republican also said he has been cooperating with investigators "since the beginning." "Senator Burr contacted me this morning to inform me of his decision to step aside as Chairman of the Intelligence Committee during the pendency of the investigation," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said in a statement Thursday, adding that the leadership change would take effect Friday afternoon. It was not immediately clear Thursday who would take up Burr's committee gavel during his temporary hiatus: The next highest ranking Republicans on the committee, Idaho Sen. Jim Risch and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, both chair other Senate committees at the moment, positions they would have to give up in order to chair the Intelligence Committee. Burr is also still finalizing his committee's bipartisan report on the investigation of Russia's meddling in the 2016 election. The final report represents the culmination of years worth of work both by Burr and by the committee's ranking member, Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va. It is unclear now what role Burr will play, if any, in the release of the report later this year.
Not just Burr
Also Thursday, a spokesman for Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein said she had been questioned by the FBI about stock trades that her husband made, and that she has given documents to the FBI as part of that inquiry. Feinstein's husband, Richard Blum, sold shares of the biotech company Allogene Therapeutics on Jan. 31 that were worth between $500,000 and $1 million. But neither Feinstein nor Blum avoided future losses by selling the stock when they did. On the contrary, when Blum sold his shares, Allogene Therapeutics was trading at around $21. Today, the stock is trading at over $40 a share. GOP Sen. Kelly Loeffler and her husband, New York Stock Exchange chairman Jeffrey Sprecher, also made several large stock sales in the early weeks of the pandemic, which have since drawn scrutiny from federal investigators.
Sen. Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., her husband Jeffrey Sprecher participate in Loefflers swear-in reenactment for the cameras in the Capitol on Monday, Jan. 6, 2020. Bill Clark | CQ-Roll Call | Getty Images
Representatives for Loeffler did not return repeated requests from CNBC Thursday about whether had been contacted by the FBI. But a Loeffler spokeswoman told The New York Times that, "federal authorities had not contacted the senator." Later on Thursday, however, Loeffler's Senate office issued a slightly different statement, denying any wrongdoing but saying only that the Georgia Republican had not been served with a search warrant, not that federal authorities have not contacted her. Again, the statement did not address whether or not Loeffler has been questioned by the FBI like Feinstein was, only that "no search warrant has been served on Sen Loeffler." Still later on Thursday, Loeffler's Senate office issued a third statement, this time acknowledging that Loeffler "has forwarded documents and information to DOJ, the SEC, and the Senate Ethics Committee." This latest statement also said the senator "has welcomed and responded to any questions from day one." Like other senators, Loeffler received non-public updates from top health officials about the potential impacts of coronavirus. This included a private all-senators briefing on Jan. 24 that was hosted by the Senate Health Committee, on which Loeffler sits. Starting on Jan. 24, Loeffler and Sprecher sold stocks over the next three weeks worth between $1.3 million and $3.1 million. A few days after Loeffler started selling her shares, a fourth senator, James Inhofe of Oklahoma, sold stocks on Jan. 27 worth between $180,000 and $400,000, according to public records. Inhofe, a Republican, says he did not attend the Jan. 24 Senate briefing on coronavirus, and that he plays no role in the management of his investment portfolio. Two weeks after Inhofe made his big sale, Burr sold, too.
A focus on Burr
As chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Burr was given access to classified intelligence reports in January and early February that contained dire warnings about the coronavirus. On Feb. 13, Burr unloaded shares worth $630,000 to $1.7 million in a one-day sale that involved 33 individual trades. One week later, markets began a steep slide as investors panicked over the potential economic damage from coronavirus. New questions about Burr's stock sales arose last week, when ProPublica reported that on the day Burr sold his stocks, Feb. 13, his brother-in-law, Gerald Fauth, also sold tens of thousands of dollars worth of stock.
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cnbc--2020-05-14--Trump to ask Supreme Court to stop emoluments lawsuit claiming president profits unlawfully from D.C

Trump to ask Supreme Court to stop emoluments lawsuit claiming president profits unlawfully from D.C. hotel

President Donald Trump will ask the Supreme Court to halt a lawsuit against him brought by Maryland and Washington , D.C. , alleging that he has violated the Constitution 's emoluments clauses , his personal attorney said Thursday .
The 4th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals ruled earlier in the day that the suit against the president over his Washington hotel property could proceed .
The vote of the deeply divided appeals court was 9-6 .
`` We disagree with the decision of the Fourth Circuit , '' Trump 's attorney Jay Sekulow said in a statement .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harassment . ''
Maryland and D.C. argue that Trump has unlawfully received payments from foreign and domestic governments that have done business with the Trump International Hotel , a high-end property located near the White House .
The Constitution bars presidents from receiving emoluments , an archaic word for types of payments , from foreign governments or U.S. states .
Trump 's attorneys have argued that the obscure constitutional provisions at issue do not apply to commercial transactions like booking hotel stays .
A three-judge panel of the Richmond-based 4th Circuit threw out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's decision by the full court revived the suit .
Judge Diana Motz , who wrote the majority opinion , said she found it `` puzzling '' that the president argued that the case would subject him to intrusive discovery .
`` The President has not explained , nor do we see , how requests pertaining to spending at a private restaurant and hotel threaten any Executive Branch prerogative , '' she wrote .

President Donald Trump will ask the Supreme Court to halt a lawsuit against him brought by Maryland and Washington, D.C., alleging that he has violated the Constitution's emoluments clauses, his personal attorney said Thursday.
The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled earlier in the day that the suit against the president over his Washington hotel property could proceed. The vote of the deeply divided appeals court was 9-6.
"We disagree with the decision of the Fourth Circuit," Trump's attorney Jay Sekulow said in a statement. "This case is another example of Presidential harassment."
Maryland and D.C. argue that Trump has unlawfully received payments from foreign and domestic governments that have done business with the Trump International Hotel, a high-end property located near the White House.
The Constitution bars presidents from receiving emoluments, an archaic word for types of payments, from foreign governments or U.S. states. Trump's attorneys have argued that the obscure constitutional provisions at issue do not apply to commercial transactions like booking hotel stays.
A three-judge panel of the Richmond-based 4th Circuit threw out the case in July, but Thursday's decision by the full court revived the suit.
Judge Diana Motz, who wrote the majority opinion, said she found it "puzzling" that the president argued that the case would subject him to intrusive discovery.
"The President has not explained, nor do we see, how requests pertaining to spending at a private restaurant and hotel threaten any Executive Branch prerogative," she wrote.


cnbc--2020-05-14--White House aims to ramp up production of critical supplies ahead of coronavirus resurgence

WASHINGTON — The White House aims to ramp up the production of critical supplies and reevaluate supply chains to replenish the nation 's strategic stockpile as Americans brace for a resurgence of the deadly virus in the fall , according to a senior administration official .
`` When Covid broke out in the U.S. , we had one to three weeks worth of supply for most of the items in our stockpile , '' the official , who declined to be named , told reporters on a call Thursday .
`` What we 're doing is creating a much more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less vulnerable strategic national stockpile , '' the official added .
The coronavirus originated near the city of Wuhan in China 's Hubei province and has since triggered a global pandemic that has hit the U.S. harder than any other country .
More than 1.3 million cases and at least 84,136 deaths have so far been counted in the U.S. , data from Johns Hopkins University show .
Another senior administration official added that the number of N95 masks in the nation 's stockpile is expected to jump from approximately 13 million to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We had 2 million gowns ; we expect to have 6 [ million ] to 7 million gowns , '' the official added .
`` For many of the critical care drugs that are necessary for people on ventilators we had zero , and we will have millions of milliliters of those . ''
When asked about the latest U.S. unemployment numbers , another White House official , who declined to be named , explained that by replenishing the stockpile , Americans will be able to get back to work safely .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipment are essential for many workers who have interactions with their customers and co-workers every day , so we 're cognizant of that , '' the official said , adding that the administration did not have `` an estimate of how many jobs that will save or how many people will go back to work . ''
The Labor Department reported another dismal round of U.S. unemployment data on Thursday , with 2.9 million claims during the week ending May 9 .
The new claims brought the total to nearly 36.5 million over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the biggest loss in U.S. history .
`` We 're making sure that as we go into the fall we 're in a position where America never has to shut down again , '' another official added .

WASHINGTON — The White House aims to ramp up the production of critical supplies and reevaluate supply chains to replenish the nation's strategic stockpile as Americans brace for a resurgence of the deadly virus in the fall, according to a senior administration official.
"When Covid broke out in the U.S., we had one to three weeks worth of supply for most of the items in our stockpile," the official, who declined to be named, told reporters on a call Thursday. "What we're doing is creating a much more robust, much more capable and much less vulnerable strategic national stockpile," the official added.
The coronavirus originated near the city of Wuhan in China's Hubei province and has since triggered a global pandemic that has hit the U.S. harder than any other country. More than 1.3 million cases and at least 84,136 deaths have so far been counted in the U.S., data from Johns Hopkins University show.
Another senior administration official added that the number of N95 masks in the nation's stockpile is expected to jump from approximately 13 million to 300 million by the fall.
"We had 2 million gowns; we expect to have 6 [million] to 7 million gowns," the official added. "For many of the critical care drugs that are necessary for people on ventilators we had zero, and we will have millions of milliliters of those."
When asked about the latest U.S. unemployment numbers, another White House official, who declined to be named, explained that by replenishing the stockpile, Americans will be able to get back to work safely.
"We do know that masks and protective equipment are essential for many workers who have interactions with their customers and co-workers every day, so we're cognizant of that," the official said, adding that the administration did not have "an estimate of how many jobs that will save or how many people will go back to work."
The Labor Department reported another dismal round of U.S. unemployment data on Thursday, with 2.9 million claims during the week ending May 9. The new claims brought the total to nearly 36.5 million over the past two months, by far the biggest loss in U.S. history.
"We're making sure that as we go into the fall we're in a position where America never has to shut down again," another official added.


cnbc--2020-05-14--Schumer says he is 'optimistic' Congress will strike a deal on more coronavirus relief

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Thursday that he is hopeful Congress can strike a deal on more coronavirus relief , as Republicans spike a $ 3 trillion rescue package House Democrats plan to pass Friday .
As the U.S. Covid-19 death toll tops 84,000 and government data shows more than 36 million jobless claims during the crisis , Democrats pushed to put more federal money toward state and local governments , testing , direct payments to Americans and hazard pay for essential workers — among a bevy of other proposals in the more than 1,800-page bill released this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spending to combat the outbreak , have criticized the proposal as an expensive wish list .
Schumer told CNBC that he believes a worsening crisis will force Republicans to consider more spending to try to rescue the economy .
He pointed to Wednesday comments from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell , who said `` additional fiscal support could be costly , but worth it if it helps avoid long-term economic damage and leaves us with a stronger recovery . ''
`` Despite my worry and concern that our Republicans are sitting on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get something done , '' said Schumer , a New York Democrat .

"Despite my worry and concern that our Republicans are sitting on the sidelines, I am optimistic we can get something done," said Schumer, a New York Democrat.
Schumer told CNBC that he believes a worsening crisis will force Republicans to consider more spending to try to rescue the economy. He pointed to Wednesday comments from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell , who said "additional fiscal support could be costly, but worth it if it helps avoid long-term economic damage and leaves us with a stronger recovery."
As the U.S. Covid-19 death toll tops 84,000 and government data shows more than 36 million jobless claims during the crisis , Democrats pushed to put more federal money toward state and local governments, testing, direct payments to Americans and hazard pay for essential workers — among a bevy of other proposals in the more than 1,800-page bill released this week. Republicans, wary of more taxpayer spending to combat the outbreak, have criticized the proposal as an expensive wish list.
Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., conducts a news conference in the Capitol to voice support for the House Democrats coronavirus relief package on Tuesday, May 12, 2020.
After Congress passed four bills, including the most expensive rescue package in U.S. history, to combat the pandemic, lawmakers have come nowhere near a consensus on how to proceed with a furhter federal response. Republicans and President Donald Trump have generally embraced faster timelines for reopening the economy than Democrat have.
But even GOP lawmakers acknowledge restarting business activity requires more Covid-19 testing capacity. On Thursday, Schumer called Trump "derelict" on the issue, saying the U.S. is "not close to having enough tests." The president has repeatedly defended his administration's efforts to build up a testing infrastructure.
The Senate minority leader told CNBC that he wants the GOP to engage in talks on an additional coronavirus relief bill. He asked which parts of the House plan Republicans could support.
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Thursday that Trump opposes the Democratic bill but would be open to additional legislation.
Speaking on the Senate floor Thursday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called the House bill "an unserious product from an unserious House majority." McConnell said he wanted to focus efforts on a safe economic reopening.
"We need to be smart, and we need to be safe, but we have to find a more sustainable middle ground," the Kentucky Republican said.
McConnell outlined two priorities as Congress moves forward: increased testing capacity and increased liability protections for doctors and businesses as the economy reopens. He added that "strong legal protections will be a hard red line in any future legislation."
McConnell is working on a bill with Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.
Asked Thursday about a liability proposal, Schumer said, "We haven't seen it." But Democrats have generally criticized such a measure.
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cnbc--2020-05-14--HHS whistleblower Rick Bright is a 'disgruntled employee,' Trump says ahead of House coronavirus hea

HHS whistleblower Rick Bright is a 'disgruntled employee,' Trump says ahead of House coronavirus hearing

President Donald Trump on Thursday tore into ousted federal scientist Dr. Rick Bright just before the whistleblower was set to testify to Congress that the U.S. `` missed early warning signals '' about the coronavirus .
`` I do n't know the so-called Whistleblower Rick Bright , never met him or even heard of him , '' Trump tweeted Thursday morning .
`` But to me he is a disgruntled employee , not liked or respected by people I spoke to and who , with his attitude , should no longer be working for our government ! ''
Trump said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health at 10 a.m .
ET .
In prepared remarks , Bright said that Covid-19 could make 2020 the `` darkest winter in modern history '' if leaders ca n't mount a more coordinated response to contain the outbreak .
`` Our window of opportunity is closing .
If we fail to develop a national coordinated response , based in science , I fear the pandemic will get far worse and be prolonged , causing unprecedented illness and fatalities , '' Bright said .
Bright was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority and transferred to a job with fewer responsibilities at the National Institutes of Health .
He filed a whistleblower complaint to the U.S. Office of Special Counsel after his removal .

President Donald Trump on Thursday tore into ousted federal scientist Dr. Rick Bright just before the whistleblower was set to testify to Congress that the U.S. "missed early warning signals" about the coronavirus.
"I don't know the so-called Whistleblower Rick Bright, never met him or even heard of him," Trump tweeted Thursday morning.
"But to me he is a disgruntled employee, not liked or respected by people I spoke to and who, with his attitude, should no longer be working for our government!" Trump said.
TWEET
Bright was scheduled to testify before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health at 10 a.m. ET.
In prepared remarks, Bright said that Covid-19 could make 2020 the "darkest winter in modern history" if leaders can't mount a more coordinated response to contain the outbreak.
"Our window of opportunity is closing. If we fail to develop a national coordinated response, based in science, I fear the pandemic will get far worse and be prolonged, causing unprecedented illness and fatalities," Bright said.
Bright was removed last month as director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority and transferred to a job with fewer responsibilities at the National Institutes of Health. He filed a whistleblower complaint to the U.S. Office of Special Counsel after his removal.


cnbc--2020-05-14--Senate committee moves forward with Hunter Biden probe, schedules subpoena vote

World Food Program USA Board Chairman Hunter Biden speaks at the World Food Program USA 's Annual McGovern-Dole Leadership Award Ceremony at Organization of American States on April 12 , 2016 in Washington , DC .
Senate Republicans are forging ahead with their investigation involving apparent Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and his son , Hunter Biden , which grew out of President Donald Trump 's impeachment saga .
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee , led by Sen. Ron Johnson , R-Wis. , will hold a vote May 20 on whether to subpoena Blue Star Strategies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company Burisma Holdings when Hunter Biden was on its board .
Austin Altenberg , a spokesman for the committee 's Republican majority , confirmed the upcoming vote to CNBC and provided a copy of the agenda for the May 20 meeting .
Biden campaign spokesman Andrew Bates decried Johnson 's moves , accusing him of `` running a political errand for Donald Trump '' in the middle of a public health crisis and `` wasting Homeland Security Committee time and resources attempting to resurrect a craven , previously-debunked smear against Vice President Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working overtime to save American lives -- but instead he 's just trying to save the President 's job , '' Bates added in a statement to CNBC .
But Altenberg in his own statement maintained that `` the American people deserve to know the extent to which the U.S.-based , Democrat-led consulting company leveraged its connections within the Obama administration to try to gain access and potentially influence U.S. government agencies on behalf of its corrupt client , Burisma . ''
The majority 's statement said that Blue Star had not `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information .
`` This subpoena furthers the committee 's work to address the many unanswered questions about this effort and potential conflicts of interest .
It is unclear why anyone would want to help Blue Star Strategies continue to hide what happened here . ''
A spokesperson for the panel 's Democratic minority , led by Michigan Sen. Gary Peters , told CNBC in a statement that `` it 's alarming that in the middle of a national emergency Chairman Johnson is choosing to pursue a partisan investigation . ''
`` Since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get the information they are requesting voluntarily , the Chairman 's decision to schedule this vote appears to be focused on generating headlines and not advancing the committee 's mission of working in a bipartisan manner to protect the health and security of Americans , '' the spokesperson said .
Peters in a March 17 letter to Johnson laid out multiple reasons why he disapproved of the subpoena for Blue Star .
`` You have not fully pursued voluntary production of these records ; you have not scheduled the intelligence briefings you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amplify foreign election interference efforts , '' Peters wrote .
Burisma and Hunter Biden 's connection to it were at the center of Democrats ' push to impeach Trump in late 2019 and early 2020 on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress .
The articles of impeachment were related to efforts by Trump and his associates to have Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announce investigations into allegations against the Bidens and a discredited theory that Ukraine , not Russia , interfered in the 2016 presidential election .
The Democratic majority in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both articles .
The president was acquitted in early February by the GOP-led Senate .
Efforts by congressional Republicans to investigate Hunter Biden appeared to lose much of their steam after Trump 's acquittal .
The coronavirus crisis is now the most pressing concern for politicians and media outlets alike .
In early February there were only about a dozen confirmed U.S. cases .
By mid-March , however , the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a global pandemic .
Johnson on March 11 backed away from holding an expected vote to subpoena @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Telizhenko , who consulted for Blue Star , NBC News reported at the time .
Johnson had told members that he would `` instead go straight to the source and compel the same records and an appearance directly from Blue Star Strategies . ''
Democrats had slammed Republicans for pursuing probes of the Bidens , arguing that allegations of wrongdoing against the former vice president and his son were unsubstantiated .
Trump 's request in a July 25 call for Zelenskiy to `` look into '' the Bidens was an attempt to pressure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 election by staining Biden with the mark of a corruption probe , Democrats say .
Biden was seen as a leading candidate in the Democratic primary at the time Trump called Zelenskiy .
Republicans , such as Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , who launched his own probe into Burisma and the Bidens , have raised questions about Joe Biden 's calls for Ukraine to remove a prosecutor while his son was on Burisma 's board .
Biden 's push for the prosecutor 's removal was supported by the Obama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw the Ukrainian prosecutor as corrupt .
And a number of Republicans , including Johnson , had reportedly also called on Ukraine to reform its prosecutor general 's office in 2016 , around the same time as Biden .
The six Democrats on the Senate Homeland Security panel , led by Michigan Sen. Gary Peters , are expected to vote against the motion for a subpoena .
There are eight Republicans on the committee .

World Food Program USA Board Chairman Hunter Biden speaks at the World Food Program USA's Annual McGovern-Dole Leadership Award Ceremony at Organization of American States on April 12, 2016 in Washington, DC.
Senate Republicans are forging ahead with their investigation involving apparent Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden, which grew out of President Donald Trump's impeachment saga.
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, led by Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., will hold a vote May 20 on whether to subpoena Blue Star Strategies, a firm that represented Ukrainian natural gas company Burisma Holdings when Hunter Biden was on its board.
Austin Altenberg, a spokesman for the committee's Republican majority, confirmed the upcoming vote to CNBC and provided a copy of the agenda for the May 20 meeting.
Biden campaign spokesman Andrew Bates decried Johnson's moves, accusing him of "running a political errand for Donald Trump" in the middle of a public health crisis and "wasting Homeland Security Committee time and resources attempting to resurrect a craven, previously-debunked smear against Vice President Biden."
"Senator Johnson should be working overtime to save American lives -- but instead he's just trying to save the President's job," Bates added in a statement to CNBC.
But Altenberg in his own statement maintained that "the American people deserve to know the extent to which the U.S.-based, Democrat-led consulting company leveraged its connections within the Obama administration to try to gain access and potentially influence U.S. government agencies on behalf of its corrupt client, Burisma."
The majority's statement said that Blue Star had not "fully responded" to prior requests for information. "This subpoena furthers the committee's work to address the many unanswered questions about this effort and potential conflicts of interest. It is unclear why anyone would want to help Blue Star Strategies continue to hide what happened here."
A spokesperson for the panel's Democratic minority, led by Michigan Sen. Gary Peters, told CNBC in a statement that "it's alarming that in the middle of a national emergency Chairman Johnson is choosing to pursue a partisan investigation."
"Since the majority has not fully exhausted their options to get the information they are requesting voluntarily, the Chairman's decision to schedule this vote appears to be focused on generating headlines and not advancing the committee's mission of working in a bipartisan manner to protect the health and security of Americans," the spokesperson said.
Peters in a March 17 letter to Johnson laid out multiple reasons why he disapproved of the subpoena for Blue Star. "You have not fully pursued voluntary production of these records; you have not scheduled the intelligence briefings you agreed to; you risk continuing to amplify foreign election interference efforts," Peters wrote.
Burisma and Hunter Biden's connection to it were at the center of Democrats' push to impeach Trump in late 2019 and early 2020 on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The articles of impeachment were related to efforts by Trump and his associates to have Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announce investigations into allegations against the Bidens and a discredited theory that Ukraine, not Russia, interfered in the 2016 presidential election.
The Democratic majority in the House impeached Trump in December on both articles. The president was acquitted in early February by the GOP-led Senate.
Efforts by congressional Republicans to investigate Hunter Biden appeared to lose much of their steam after Trump's acquittal.
The coronavirus crisis is now the most pressing concern for politicians and media outlets alike. In early February there were only about a dozen confirmed U.S. cases. By mid-March, however, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a global pandemic.
Johnson on March 11 backed away from holding an expected vote to subpoena documents from an ex-Ukrainian official, Andriy Telizhenko, who consulted for Blue Star, NBC News reported at the time. Johnson had told members that he would "instead go straight to the source and compel the same records and an appearance directly from Blue Star Strategies."
Democrats had slammed Republicans for pursuing probes of the Bidens, arguing that allegations of wrongdoing against the former vice president and his son were unsubstantiated. Trump's request in a July 25 call for Zelenskiy to "look into" the Bidens was an attempt to pressure a foreign country to meddle in the 2020 election by staining Biden with the mark of a corruption probe, Democrats say. Biden was seen as a leading candidate in the Democratic primary at the time Trump called Zelenskiy.
Republicans, such as Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who launched his own probe into Burisma and the Bidens, have raised questions about Joe Biden's calls for Ukraine to remove a prosecutor while his son was on Burisma's board.
Biden's push for the prosecutor's removal was supported by the Obama administration and other estern governments, who saw the Ukrainian prosecutor as corrupt. And a number of Republicans, including Johnson, had reportedly also called on Ukraine to reform its prosecutor general's office in 2016, around the same time as Biden.
The six Democrats on the Senate Homeland Security panel, led by Michigan Sen. Gary Peters, are expected to vote against the motion for a subpoena. There are eight Republicans on the committee.


cnbc--2020-05-15--White House would likely support a new round of stimulus checks, sources say

The White House would likely support another round of stimulus checks , two senior administrative officials told CNBC on Thursday .
The White House did not provide further comment except to release a statement which said : '' As President Trump has said , we are going to ensure that we take care of all Americans so that we emerge from this challenge healthy , stronger , and with economic prosperity , which is why the White House is focused on pro-growth , middle class tax and regulatory relief . ''
The House is set to vote on a $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blunt the coronavirus pandemic 's devastating effects on the economy and health-care system .
New filings for unemployment claims on Thursday totaled just shy of 3 million for the most recent reporting period , a number that while still high declined for the sixth straight week , according to Labor Department figures Thursday .
The first round of stimulus checks was part of a $ 2 trillion package authorized by Congress .
The legislation called for using past tax returns from either 2018 or 2019 , whichever is most recent , to determine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payments were up to $ 1,200 for individuals or $ 2,400 for married couples who file jointly , plus $ 500 for qualifying dependents .
The payments were targeted at individuals making up to $ 75,000 and couples who earned up to $ 150,000 in adjusted gross income .
Above that , the checks were reduced , and they eventually phased out completely at $ 99,000 in income for individuals and $ 198,000 for married couples .

The White House would likely support another round of stimulus checks, two senior administration officials told CNBC on Thursday.
The White House did not provide further comment except to release a statement which said:
"As President Trump has said, we are going to ensure that we take care of all Americans so that we emerge from this challenge healthy, stronger, and with economic prosperity, which is why the White House is focused on pro-growth, middle class tax and regulatory relief."
The House is set to vote on a $3 trillion stimulus bill on Friday to blunt the coronavirus pandemic's devastating effects on the economy and health-care system.
New filings for unemployment claims on Thursday totaled just shy of 3 million for the most recent reporting period, a number that while still high declined for the sixth straight week, according to Labor Department figures Thursday.
The first round of stimulus checks was part of a $2 trillion package authorized by Congress. The legislation called for using past tax returns from either 2018 or 2019, whichever is most recent, to determine eligibility for a stimulus payment.
The payments were up to $1,200 for individuals or $2,400 for married couples who file jointly, plus $500 for qualifying dependents. The payments were targeted at individuals making up to $75,000 and couples who earned up to $150,000 in adjusted gross income. Above that, the checks were reduced, and they eventually phased out completely at $99,000 in income for individuals and $198,000 for married couples.
—CNBC's Lori Konish contributed to this story


cnbc--2020-05-15--Trump nominee's nonprofit under investigation by DC attorney general

A nonprofit run by President Donald Trump 's nominee to lead a federal media agency is under investigation by the Washington , D.C. , attorney general for potential self-dealing .
Michael Pack , who was picked by Trump to run the U.S. Agency for Global Media , heads a nonprofit called Public Media Lab .
Bob Menendez , the Democratic ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee , which is reviewing Pack 's nomination , said in a statement that the organization is being investigated by D.C. 's attorney general .
The Senate committee is chaired by Republican Sen. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigating whether Mr .
Pack 's use of his nonprofit 's funds was unlawful and whether he improperly used those funds to benefit himself , '' Menendez said in a statement .
`` The OAG is also requesting documents from the Committee in furtherance of its investigation . ''
The D.C. office informed the committee on Thursday of an investigation into Public Media Lab , Menendez noted .
The media organization Pack was picked to lead was once known as the Broadcasting Board of Governors .
The group 's board controls U.S. government-funded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America and Radio Europe .
A spokesman for the D.C. Attorney General 's office confirmed that there is an investigation into Public Media Lab and declined to comment further .
CNBC first reported on Public Media Lab 's business dealings , which included over $ 1.6 million that has been funneled from the nonprofit into Pack 's production company , Manifold Productions , records show .
Pack is a conservative filmmaker with ties to former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon .
Pack directed two documentaries that were executive produced by Bannon , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nuclear Power , '' which aired on PBS .
The development comes as Trump has been publicly pressuring the committee reviewing Pack to vote and pass his nomination .
Risch was planning to hold a business meeting on Thursday that was going to include a vote on Pack but it was suddenly canceled .

A nonprofit run by President Donald Trump's nominee to lead a federal media agency is under investigation by the Washington, D.C., attorney general for potential self-dealing.
Michael Pack, who was picked by Trump to run the U.S. Agency for Global Media, heads a nonprofit called Public Media Lab.
Bob Menendez, the Democratic ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which is reviewing Pack's nomination, said in a statement that the organization is being investigated by D.C.'s attorney general. The Senate committee is chaired by Republican Sen. James Risch.
"The OAG is investigating whether Mr. Pack's use of his nonprofit's funds was unlawful and whether he improperly used those funds to benefit himself," Menendez said in a statement. "The OAG is also requesting documents from the Committee in furtherance of its investigation." The D.C. office informed the committee on Thursday of an investigation into Public Media Lab, Menendez noted.
The media organization Pack was picked to lead was once known as the Broadcasting Board of Governors. The group's board controls U.S. government-funded media companies such as the Voice of America and Radio Europe.
A spokesman for the D.C. Attorney General's office confirmed that there is an investigation into Public Media Lab and declined to comment further.
CNBC first reported on Public Media Lab's business dealings, which included over $1.6 million that has been funneled from the nonprofit into Pack's production company, Manifold Productions, records show. Pack is a conservative filmmaker with ties to former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon.
Pack directed two documentaries that were executive produced by Bannon, including "Rickover: The Birth of Nuclear Power," which aired on PBS.
The development comes as Trump has been publicly pressuring the committee reviewing Pack to vote and pass his nomination.
Risch was planning to hold a business meeting on Thursday that was going to include a vote on Pack but it was suddenly canceled.


cnbc--2020-05-15--Sen. Richard Burr steps down as Senate intel chair during probe of coronavirus stock sale

WASHINGTON — Sen. Richard Burr stepped down as chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday , a day after FBI agents seized his cellphone as part of a criminal investigation into his stock sales during the early weeks of the coronavirus pandemic .
Speaking to reporters outside his Senate office on Thursday , Burr said the federal criminal probe is `` a distraction to the hard work of the committee , and the members and I think that the security of the country is too important to have a distraction . ''
Federal agents served a search warrant Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's cellphone , NBC News reported , citing Justice Department officials .
They also said the seizure was approved at the highest levels of the Justice Department , a phrase widely understood to mean that Attorney General Bill Barr signed off on the decision .
After serving the warrant , the FBI went to Burr 's home to retrieve the phone Wednesday night .
Burr said the FBI 's visit was `` a part of the investigation , and everybody ought to let this investigation play out . ''
The North Carolina Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigators `` since the beginning . ''
`` Senator Burr contacted me this morning to inform me of his decision to step aside as Chairman of the Intelligence Committee during the pendency of the investigation , '' Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said in a statement Thursday , adding that the leadership change would take effect Friday afternoon .
It was not immediately clear Thursday who would take up Burr 's committee gavel during his temporary hiatus : The next highest ranking Republicans on the committee , Idaho Sen. Jim Risch and Florida @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate committees at the moment , positions they would have to give up in order to chair the Intelligence Committee .
Burr is also still finalizing his committee 's bipartisan report on the investigation of Russia 's meddling in the 2016 election .
The final report represents the culmination of years worth of work both by Burr and by the committee 's ranking member , Sen. Mark Warner , D-Va .
It is unclear now what role Burr will play , if any , in the release of the report later this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein said she had been questioned by the FBI about stock trades that her husband made , and that she has given documents to the FBI as part of that inquiry .
Feinstein 's husband , Richard Blum , sold shares of the biotech company Allogene Therapeutics on Jan. 31 that were worth between $ 500,000 and $ 1 million .
But neither Feinstein nor Blum avoided future losses by selling the stock when they did .
On the contrary , when Blum sold his shares , Allogene Therapeutics was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the stock is trading at over $ 40 a share .
GOP Sen. Kelly Loeffler and her husband , New York Stock Exchange chairman Jeffrey Sprecher , also made several large stock sales in the early weeks of the pandemic , which have since drawn scrutiny from federal investigators .
Representatives for Loeffler did not return repeated requests from CNBC Thursday about whether had been contacted by the FBI .
But a Loeffler spokeswoman told The New York Times that , `` federal authorities had not contacted the senator . ''
Later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate office issued a slightly different statement , denying any wrongdoing but saying only that the Georgia Republican had not been served with a search warrant , not that federal authorities have not contacted her .
Again , the statement did not address whether or not Loeffler has been questioned by the FBI like Feinstein was , only that `` no search warrant has been served on Sen Loeffler . ''
Still later on Thursday , Loeffler 's Senate office issued a third statement , this time acknowledging that Loeffler `` has forwarded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SEC , and the Senate Ethics Committee . ''
This latest statement also said the senator `` has welcomed and responded to any questions from day one . ''
Like other senators , Loeffler received non-public updates from top health officials about the potential impacts of coronavirus .
This included a private all-senators briefing on Jan. 24 that was hosted by the Senate Health Committee , on which Loeffler sits .
Starting on Jan. 24 , Loeffler and Sprecher sold stocks over the next three weeks worth between $ 1.3 million and $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Loeffler started selling her shares , a fourth senator , James Inhofe of Oklahoma , sold stocks on Jan. 27 worth between $ 180,000 and $ 400,000 , according to public records .
Inhofe , a Republican , says he did not attend the Jan. 24 Senate briefing on coronavirus , and that he plays no role in the management of his investment portfolio .
Two weeks after Inhofe made his big sale , Burr sold , too .
As chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee , Burr was given access to classified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that contained dire warnings about the coronavirus .
On Feb. 13 , Burr unloaded shares worth $ 630,000 to $ 1.7 million in a one-day sale that involved 33 individual trades .
One week later , markets began a steep slide as investors panicked over the potential economic damage from coronavirus .
New questions about Burr 's stock sales arose last week , when ProPublica reported that on the day Burr sold his stocks , Feb. 13 , his brother-in-law , Gerald Fauth , also sold tens of thousands of dollars worth of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consultant who was appointed by President Donald Trump in 2017 to a seat on the three-member National Mediation Board , a federal agency that helps facilitate labor relations for the transportation industry .
At the time , Burr 's attorney Alice Fisher told ProPublica that Burr `` did not coordinate his decision to trade on Feb. 13 with Mr .
Fauth . ''
On Thursday , Fisher released another statement saying , in part , `` From the outset , Senator Burr has been focused on an appropriate and thorough review of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ establish that his actions were appropriate . ''
Unlike the other three senators under scrutiny , however , Burr does not deny that he decided to sell the stock himself , and that concerns about coronavirus were his primary motivation for the sale .
`` I relied solely on public news reports to guide my decision regarding the sale of stocks , '' Burr said in a statement in late March .
`` Specifically , I closely followed CNBC 's daily health and science reporting out of its Asia bureaus at the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Fauth 's stock sales , plus Burr 's admission that he sold his shares because he feared that coronavirus would impact markets may help to explain why Burr 's case appears to be moving faster than those of the other three senators under investigation .
According to the LA Times , which first reported the seizure of Burr 's phone , federal agents served an earlier warrant on Apple for information about Burr 's iCloud account .
They then used that information as evidence to obtain a search warrant from a judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unclear whether Fauth had also been served with a warrant .
CNBC called the number for Fauth 's consulting firm , but there was no answer .
Members of Congress are prohibited by law from using nonpublic information they obtain through their official positions in order to personally profit off the stock market .
The STOCK Act that codified this ban was signed by President Barack Obama in 2012 , after passing the Senate in a 96-3 vote .
Burr was one of only three senators who voted against the STOCK Act .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been updated to include Sen. Loeffler 's latest statement .


cnbc--2020-05-15--White House preparing executive order requiring certain essential drugs be made in US, sources say

The White House is preparing an executive order which will require certain essential drugs be made in the U.S. , two sources familiar with the matter told CNBC on Thursday .
One of the sources told CNBC 's Kayla Tausche the order could come out as soon as Friday .
The applicable time frame for reviewing the order will be 90 days , the sources said .
The administration has a wide-ranging supply chain effort underway for products in a variety of sectors seen as national security issues , including drugs , medical supplies , semiconductors and defense equipment , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturers supplying the U.S. are located overseas , including 13 % in China , according to an October congressional testimony by Janet Woodcock , director of the Food and Drug Administration 's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research .
Although it is unclear whether it is the same executive order President Donald Trump 's trade advisor Peter Navarro is pushing for , Navarro has previously said he wanted an executive order that would reduce U.S. dependency on foreign-made drugs .
`` This Big Pharma spin is simply a desperate attempt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moving the production of our essential medicines and medical equipment and supplies to the U.S , '' Navarro told CNBC in an interview in which he spoke out against Big Pharma 's attempts to lobby against his executive order .
The executive order Navarro is planning will streamline regulatory approvals for `` American-made '' products and look to impose similar FDA restrictions on U.S. facilities as those abroad .
It will also encourage the U.S. government , including the Department of Defense , Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Veterans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ products .

The White House is preparing an executive order which will require certain essential drugs be made in the U.S., two sources familiar with the matter told CNBC on Thursday.
One of the sources told CNBC's Kayla Tausche the order could come out as soon as Friday. The applicable time frame for reviewing the order will be 90 days, the sources said.
The administration has a wide-ranging supply chain effort underway for products in a variety of sectors seen as national security issues, including drugs, medical supplies, semiconductors and defense equipment, the sources said.
About 72% of pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturers supplying the U.S. are located overseas, including 13% in China, according to an October congressional testimony by Janet Woodcock, director of the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.
Although it is unclear whether it is the same executive order President Donald Trump's trade advisor Peter Navarro is pushing for, Navarro has previously said he wanted an executive order that would reduce U.S. dependency on foreign-made drugs.
"This Big Pharma spin is simply a desperate attempt to stop President Donald J. Trump from moving the production of our essential medicines and medical equipment and supplies to the U.S," Navarro told CNBC in an interview in which he spoke out against Big Pharma's attempts to lobby against his executive order.
The executive order Navarro is planning will streamline regulatory approvals for "American-made" products and look to impose similar FDA restrictions on U.S. facilities as those abroad. It will also encourage the U.S. government, including the Department of Defense, Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Veterans Affairs, to only buy American-made medical products.


cnbc--2020-05-15--Trump to ask Supreme Court to stop emoluments lawsuit claiming president profits unlawfully from DC

Trump to ask Supreme Court to stop emoluments lawsuit claiming president profits unlawfully from DC hotel


cnbc--2020-05-15--Mike Bloomberg plots spending blitz to support Joe Biden's run for president

Democratic presidential hopefuls Former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg ( L ) and Former Vice President Joe Biden ( R ) speak during a break in the ninth Democratic primary debate of the 2020 presidential campaign season co-hosted by NBC News , MSNBC , Noticias Telemundo and The Nevada Independent at the Paris Theater in Las Vegas , Nevada , on February 19 , 2020 .
Billionaire and former presidential candidate Mike Bloomberg is plotting a massive spending blitz to back Joe Biden 's quest for the White House .
The former New York mayor and his closest political advisors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include major donations to pro-Biden super PACs , Biden 's joint fundraising effort with the Democratic National Committee , or another independent group , according to people familiar with the conversations .
These people declined to be named as the talks were private .
There are at least three super PACs backing Biden that Bloomberg could give to : Unite the Country , Priorities USA and American Bridge .
Donors can give unlimited funds to super PACs , but are limited in how much they can give to campaigns and joint fundraising campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he supports Vice President Biden in defeating Donald Trump .
We 're currently looking at how to best support Vice President Biden as well as Democratic victories up and down the ballot in November , just as Mike Bloomberg has done in previous cycles , '' a Bloomberg spokesperson told CNBC .
Though it 's unclear how much Bloomberg will eventually spend , some of the people familiar with the matter noted that they anticipate Bloomberg to end up spending in excess of $ 250 million to support Biden , the apparent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Bloomberg backing Biden does not include what he could put toward assisting congressional Democrats .
After dropping out of the Democratic primary for president in March , Bloomberg endorsed Biden and later announced his campaign would transfer $ 18 million to the DNC .
With six months to go until the general election , Bloomberg investing part of his $ 58 billion net worth would be a critical boost for the former vice president .
Biden and other leaders of the Democratic Party have been trying to build a general election juggernaut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump 's war chest .
The coronavirus pandemic has forced all campaigns to go virtual and , although Biden kept up with Trump in fundraising in April , raising $ 60.5 million , he is still behind in cash .
The president 's campaign and the Republican National Committee have a combined $ 255 million in reserve .
The Biden campaign told reporters on Friday that it had $ 103 million on hand at the end of April when combined with the DNC .
A Real Clear Politics polling average shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 5 points .
Bloomberg has become a major contributor to Democratic campaigns and causes favored by the party , including gun safety .
His contributions helped Democrats become the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives during the 2018 congressional midterm elections .
`` Historically , the former mayor has spent big , spent late and won .
Look at the history because Democrats have often won big with Bloomberg 's backing , '' said a person close to Bloomberg who is also familiar with the talks .
Bloomberg 's team has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million on Democrats throughout the 2018 congressional campaign .
Biden joined Bloomberg and more than 350 local leaders , including city mayors , on a virtual forum on Thursday to discuss the efforts being made to combat the coronavirus .
Although Bloomberg did n't show his hand on how he plans to help Biden , he praised the former vice president and even took a moment to reflect on when the two faced off in the Democratic primary .
`` You might remember we did n't work quite as closely this past winter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this love of country and public service and that 's what this is all about , '' Bloomberg said .
Biden had praise for Bloomberg , too .
`` Mayor Bloomberg has been one of the great mayors of this country and also one of the great leaders of this country , '' said the former vice president .
Bloomberg had planned on creating a super PAC that would target Trump .
But he decided against it and ended up laying off field staff in key battleground states across the country .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ an entirely self-funded campaign that only secured 55 delegates , including a victory in the American Samoa caucuses on Super Tuesday .
The former New York mayor has previously said he would not rule out spending up to $ 1 billion against Trump , whether he was running for president or not .
Trump 's campaign manager , Brad Parscale , has said they plan to spend at least $ 1 billion defending the president and getting him reelected .
The 2020 election cycle is looking to be one of the most expensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaigns ' spending on advertisements .
A recent study by Advertising Analytics shows campaigns could end up investing $ 6.7 billion in advertising alone .
They cite the coronavirus as one of the reasons there could be such a focus on ads this year .
`` The lack of face-to-face campaigning driving higher shares of budgets to paid media , '' the report said .
Since his short-lived run for president , Bloomberg has focused on funding a large-scale tracing and testing program that could help fight the coronavirus .
New York Gov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that Bloomberg is contributing up to $ 10 million to those efforts .
Bloomberg 's tech firm , Hawkfish , has been working with Bloomberg Philanthropies on creating social media assets that promote the program and discuss the impact of the coronavirus , according to a member of the philanthropic group .
Many of the videos it has put together are on the Twitter and Facebook pages of Bloomberg Philanthropies .
While the firm has struggled to pick up clients as political organizations are switching gears due to the coronavirus pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out bringing on the Bloomberg-backed entity .
A spokesman for the Biden campaign did not return a request for comment .

Democratic presidential hopefuls Former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg (L) and Former Vice President Joe Biden (R) speak during a break in the ninth Democratic primary debate of the 2020 presidential campaign season co-hosted by NBC News, MSNBC, Noticias Telemundo and The Nevada Independent at the Paris Theater in Las Vegas, Nevada, on February 19, 2020.
Billionaire and former presidential candidate Mike Bloomberg is plotting a massive spending blitz to back Joe Biden's quest for the White House.
The former New York mayor and his closest political advisors are discussing whether Bloomberg's expenditures will include major donations to pro-Biden super PACs, Biden's joint fundraising effort with the Democratic National Committee, or another independent group, according to people familiar with the conversations. These people declined to be named as the talks were private.
There are at least three super PACs backing Biden that Bloomberg could give to: Unite the Country, Priorities USA and American Bridge. Donors can give unlimited funds to super PACs, but are limited in how much they can give to campaigns and joint fundraising campaign committees.
"As Mike has said, he supports Vice President Biden in defeating Donald Trump. We're currently looking at how to best support Vice President Biden as well as Democratic victories up and down the ballot in November, just as Mike Bloomberg has done in previous cycles," a Bloomberg spokesperson told CNBC.
Though it's unclear how much Bloomberg will eventually spend, some of the people familiar with the matter noted that they anticipate Bloomberg to end up spending in excess of $250 million to support Biden, the apparent Democratic nominee. Any major financial support from Bloomberg backing Biden does not include what he could put toward assisting congressional Democrats. After dropping out of the Democratic primary for president in March, Bloomberg endorsed Biden and later announced his campaign would transfer $18 million to the DNC.
With six months to go until the general election, Bloomberg investing part of his $58 billion net worth would be a critical boost for the former vice president. Biden and other leaders of the Democratic Party have been trying to build a general election juggernaut that would have a chance of overcoming President Donald Trump's war chest.
The coronavirus pandemic has forced all campaigns to go virtual and, although Biden kept up with Trump in fundraising in April, raising $60.5 million, he is still behind in cash. The president's campaign and the Republican National Committee have a combined $255 million in reserve. The Biden campaign told reporters on Friday that it had $103 million on hand at the end of April when combined with the DNC.
A Real Clear Politics polling average shows Biden ahead of Trump nationally by close to 5 points.
Bloomberg has become a major contributor to Democratic campaigns and causes favored by the party, including gun safety. His contributions helped Democrats become the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives during the 2018 congressional midterm elections.
"Historically, the former mayor has spent big, spent late and won. Look at the history because Democrats have often won big with Bloomberg's backing," said a person close to Bloomberg who is also familiar with the talks. Bloomberg's team has previously said that he spent $110 million on Democrats throughout the 2018 congressional campaign.
Biden joined Bloomberg and more than 350 local leaders, including city mayors, on a virtual forum on Thursday to discuss the efforts being made to combat the coronavirus. Although Bloomberg didn't show his hand on how he plans to help Biden, he praised the former vice president and even took a moment to reflect on when the two faced off in the Democratic primary.
"You might remember we didn't work quite as closely this past winter, but we have always been united in this love of country and public service and that's what this is all about," Bloomberg said. Biden had praise for Bloomberg, too. "Mayor Bloomberg has been one of the great mayors of this country and also one of the great leaders of this country," said the former vice president.
Tweet:
Bloomberg had planned on creating a super PAC that would target Trump. But he decided against it and ended up laying off field staff in key battleground states across the country. He finished spending $1 billion on an entirely self-funded campaign that only secured 55 delegates, including a victory in the American Samoa caucuses on Super Tuesday.
The former New York mayor has previously said he would not rule out spending up to $1 billion against Trump, whether he was running for president or not. Trump's campaign manager, Brad Parscale, has said they plan to spend at least $1 billion defending the president and getting him reelected.
The 2020 election cycle is looking to be one of the most expensive yet, especially as it pertains to campaigns' spending on advertisements. A recent study by Advertising Analytics shows campaigns could end up investing $6.7 billion in advertising alone. They cite the coronavirus as one of the reasons there could be such a focus on ads this year. "The lack of face-to-face campaigning driving higher shares of budgets to paid media," the report said.
Since his short-lived run for president, Bloomberg has focused on funding a large-scale tracing and testing program that could help fight the coronavirus. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's team has previously said that Bloomberg is contributing up to $10 million to those efforts.
Bloomberg's tech firm, Hawkfish, has been working with Bloomberg Philanthropies on creating social media assets that promote the program and discuss the impact of the coronavirus, according to a member of the philanthropic group. Many of the videos it has put together are on the Twitter and Facebook pages of Bloomberg Philanthropies.
While the firm has struggled to pick up clients as political organizations are switching gears due to the coronavirus pandemic, Biden's team still has not ruled out bringing on the Bloomberg-backed entity.
A spokesman for the Biden campaign did not return a request for comment.


cnbc--2020-05-15--NYSE owner declines comment on coronavirus stock probe as CEO's wife Sen. Loeffler gives documents t

NYSE owner declines comment on coronavirus stock probe as CEO's wife Sen. Loeffler gives documents to FBI

Sen. Kelly Loeffler , R-Ga. , her husband Jeffrey Sprecher participate in Loefflers swear-in reenactment for the cameras in the Capitol on Monday , Jan. 6 , 2020 .
Intercontinental Exchange , which owns the New York Stock Exchange , refused to say Friday whether it has given the FBI information related to stock sales by CEO and Chairman Jeff Sprecher and his wife , Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler .
Intercontinental Exchange formally declined to comment after a flurry of news about a probe into stock sales in trading accounts related to four senators .
That news included Loeffler revealing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the FBI , the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Senate Ethics Committee about the sales from accounts she had with Sprecher .
Those sales came in the weeks before financial markets plunged as the Covid-19 pandemic spread in the United States .
Intercontinental Exchange has not said in regulatory filings that either the company or Sprecher are the subject of criminal or civil probes or have turned over information to investigators about the CEO 's trades .
The FBI appears to be eyeing trades by Loeffler and Sprecher , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ R-N.C. , and Jim Inhofe , R-Okla. , and by the husband of Sen. Dianne Feinstein , D-Calif. Accounts connected to those senators cumulatively sold millions of dollars worth of stock in the weeks before financial markets crashed in late February as Covid-19 cases in the United States began spiking .
Starting on Jan. 24 , Loeffler and Sprecher sold stocks over the next three weeks that were valued at between $ 1.3 million and $ 3.1 million , according to disclosure reports filed by the senator .
All four senators say they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trades were not connected to non-public information they received .
That includes private briefings for lawmakers in January and early February by top federal health officials who warned senators about the potential impact of the coronavirus outbreak before the United States began seeing large numbers of officially reported cases .
Sprecher and Loeffler 's sales began on the same day that Loeffler attended a senators-only briefing on the coronavirus .

Sen. Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., her husband Jeffrey Sprecher participate in Loefflers swear-in reenactment for the cameras in the Capitol on Monday, Jan. 6, 2020.
Intercontinental Exchange, which owns the New York Stock Exchange, refused to say Friday whether it has given federal law enforcement agencies information related to stock sales by CEO and Chairman Jeff Sprecher and his wife, Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler.
Intercontinental Exchange formally declined to comment after a flurry of news about a probe into stock sales in trading accounts related to four senators.
That news included Loeffler revealing that she has given documents and information to the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Senate Ethics Committee about the sales from accounts she had with Sprecher.
Those sales came in the weeks before financial markets plunged as the Covid-19 pandemic spread in the United States.
Intercontinental Exchange has not said in regulatory filings that either the company or Sprecher are the subject of criminal or civil probes or have turned over information to investigators about the CEO's trades.
The FBI and Department of Justice appears to be eyeing trades by Loeffler and Sprecher, as well as by Sens. Richard Burr, R-N.C., and Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., and by the husband of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif.
Accounts connected to those senators cumulatively sold millions of dollars worth of stock in the weeks before financial markets crashed in late February as Covid-19 cases in the United States began spiking.
Starting on Jan. 24, Loeffler and Sprecher sold stocks over the next three weeks that were valued at between $1.3 million and $3.1 million, according to disclosure reports filed by the senator.
All four senators say they did nothing wrong, and that the trades were not connected to non-public information they received.
That includes private briefings for lawmakers in January and early February by top federal health officials who warned senators about the potential impact of the coronavirus outbreak before the United States began seeing large numbers of officially reported cases.
Sprecher and Loeffler's sales began on the same day that Loeffler attended a senators-only briefing on the coronavirus.


cnbc--2020-05-15--Trump downplays the need for coronavirus vaccine: 'It'll go away at some point'

President Donald Trump said the U.S. will overcome the coronavirus crisis with or without an effective vaccine , saying that the disease will `` go away at some point '' either way .
`` We think we 're going to have a vaccine in the pretty near future , and if we do we 're going to really be a big step ahead , '' Trump told a reporter Friday at a White House event detailing U.S. efforts to develop a vaccine .
`` And if we do n't , we 're going to be like so many other cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it 'll go away at some point , it 'll go away , '' Trump said .
`` It may flare up and it may not flare up , we 'll have to see what happens , but if it does flare up we 're going to put out the fire and we 'll put it out quickly and efficiently .
We 've learned a lot . ''
The president had been asked about his comments earlier in the event , when he said , `` Vaccine or no vaccine , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the process .
In many cases , they do n't have vaccines and a virus or a flu comes and you fight through it . ''
Trump 's remarks downplaying the need for a vaccine came during a Rose Garden announcement unveiling his administration 's beefed-up efforts to fast-track the development and distribution of a vaccine for Covid-19 .
The new project , dubbed `` Operation Warp Speed , '' aims to have hundreds of millions of doses of an effective vaccine available by the end of the year .
Trump formally announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four-star Army Gen. Gustave Perna will help lead the Warp Speed project .
Slaoui and Perna both said at the event that they are `` confident '' the operation will be able to achieve its ambitious goals .
But Perna acknowledged that it will be a `` Herculean task '' to develop and distribute a vaccine in such a short time frame .
It 's unclear whether the virus will disappear on its own .
Global and U.S. health officials have suggested the virus may be seasonal and relent in the summer before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SARS , which emerged in China in 2002 and killed nearly 800 people worldwide , was able to be contained without a vaccine .
Health experts , including Trump administration officials , have warned that the virus would likely persist through the fall and could become even more difficult to combat in the winter when flu season picks up .
Experts and political leaders alike say that the U.S. wo n't be able to recover from the pandemic until a vaccine is widely available .
Some doubt a vaccine will be ready even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a federal vaccine expert who blew the whistle on the Trump administration after he was removed last month as director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority , said everything would have to go `` perfectly '' to achieve results in that time .
`` We 've never seen everything go perfectly , '' Bright said Thursday in testimony before members of a House health subcommittee .
`` I still think 12 to 18 months is an aggressive schedule , and I think it 's going to take longer than that to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccines are under development globally , according to the World Health Organization .
Trump said Friday that 14 of those candidates are being looked at closely .
At least eight vaccines are currently in human trials .
Health regulators have fast-tracked approvals for coronavirus research and development , allowing scientists to skip through months of red tape on potential vaccines for the virus .
Last week , biotechnology firm Moderna announced that it was wrapping up phase one human trials on its potential vaccine with the U.S. government and is moving to start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participants .
If the vaccine is found to be effective and safe to use , it could be ready for the market in early 2021 , the company said .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , the nation 's leading infectious disease expert , said in congressional testimony Tuesday that he was optimistic scientists would find a workable candidate but warned of potential pitfalls in developing any vaccine .
Scientists warn they are still learning about the deadly virus , including how the body 's immune system responds once a person has been exposed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implications for vaccine development , including the time frame in which a vaccine can be deployed to the public .
Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx , the White House 's coronavirus response coordinator , appeared behind Trump in the Rose Garden wearing face masks .
Trump did not wear a mask .
The U.S. has more confirmed cases and deaths from Covid-19 than any other country : more than 1.4 million cases and at least 85,906 deaths , according to data from Johns Hopkins University .
Trump has said for months that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's going to disappear .
One day , it 's like a miracle , it will disappear , '' Trump said on Feb. 28 .
`` We 're prepared , and we 're doing a great job with it .
And it will go away .
Just stay calm .
It will go away , '' he said on March 10 .
`` We need a little separation until such time as this goes away .
It 's going to go away , '' he said on March 12 .

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President Donald Trump said the U.S. will overcome the coronavirus crisis with or without an effective vaccine, saying that the disease will "go away at some point" either way. "We think we're going to have a vaccine in the pretty near future, and if we do we're going to really be a big step ahead," Trump told a reporter Friday at a White House event detailing U.S. efforts to develop a vaccine. "And if we don't, we're going to be like so many other cases where you had a problem come in, it'll go away at some point, it'll go away," Trump said. "It may flare up and it may not flare up, we'll have to see what happens, but if it does flare up we're going to put out the fire and we'll put it out quickly and efficiently. We've learned a lot." The president had been asked about his comments earlier in the event, when he said, "Vaccine or no vaccine, we're back. And we're starting the process. In many cases, they don't have vaccines and a virus or a flu comes and you fight through it." Trump's remarks downplaying the need for a vaccine came during a Rose Garden announcement unveiling his administration's beefed-up efforts to fast-track the development and distribution of a vaccine for Covid-19. The new project, dubbed "Operation Warp Speed," aims to have hundreds of millions of doses of an effective vaccine available by the end of the year.
President Donald Trump speaks about the coronavirus in the Rose Garden of the White House, Friday, May 15, 2020, in Washington. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, right, and White House coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx listen. Alex Brandon | AP
Trump formally announced that former pharmaceutical executive Moncef Slaoui and four-star Army Gen. Gustave Perna will help lead the Warp Speed project. Slaoui and Perna both said at the event that they are "confident" the operation will be able to achieve its ambitious goals. But Perna acknowledged that it will be a "Herculean task" to develop and distribute a vaccine in such a short time frame. It's unclear whether the virus will disappear on its own. Global and U.S. health officials have suggested the virus may be seasonal and relent in the summer before emerging again in the colder seasons. SARS, which emerged in China in 2002 and killed nearly 800 people worldwide, was able to be contained without a vaccine. Health experts, including Trump administration officials, have warned that the virus would likely persist through the fall and could become even more difficult to combat in the winter when flu season picks up. Experts and political leaders alike say that the U.S. won't be able to recover from the pandemic until a vaccine is widely available. Some doubt a vaccine will be ready even within 18 months. Rick Bright, a federal vaccine expert who blew the whistle on the Trump administration after he was removed last month as director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, said everything would have to go "perfectly" to achieve results in that time. "We've never seen everything go perfectly," Bright said Thursday in testimony before members of a House health subcommittee. "I still think 12 to 18 months is an aggressive schedule, and I think it's going to take longer than that to do so."
watch now
More than 100 vaccines are under development globally, according to the World Health Organization. Trump said Friday that 14 of those candidates are being looked at closely. At least eight vaccines are currently in human trials. Health regulators have fast-tracked approvals for coronavirus research and development, allowing scientists to skip through months of red tape on potential vaccines for the virus. Last week, biotechnology firm Moderna announced that it was wrapping up phase one human trials on its potential vaccine with the U.S. government and is moving to start phase two trials that would include 600 participants. If the vaccine is found to be effective and safe to use, it could be ready for the market in early 2021, the company said. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's leading infectious disease expert, said in congressional testimony Tuesday that he was optimistic scientists would find a workable candidate but warned of potential pitfalls in developing any vaccine. Scientists warn they are still learning about the deadly virus, including how the body's immune system responds once a person has been exposed to it. The answers may have large implications for vaccine development, including the time frame in which a vaccine can be deployed to the public. Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House's coronavirus response coordinator, appeared behind Trump in the Rose Garden wearing face masks. Trump did not wear a mask. The U.S. has more confirmed cases and deaths from Covid-19 than any other country: more than 1.4 million cases and at least 85,906 deaths, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. Trump has said for months that the coronavirus would go away. "It's going to disappear. One day, it's like a miracle, it will disappear," Trump said on Feb. 28. "We're prepared, and we're doing a great job with it. And it will go away. Just stay calm. It will go away," he said on March 10. "We need a little separation until such time as this goes away. It's going to go away," he said on March 12.


cnbc--2020-05-15--House aims to pass a $3 trillion coronavirus relief package Friday

House Democratic leaders plan to pass a $ 3 trillion coronavirus package Friday , even as Senate Republicans and the White House pledge to block what would be the largest emergency spending bill in U.S. history .
The chamber aims to vote on the legislation by Friday night , along with a rules change to allow voting by proxy during the pandemic .
Democrats are expected to pass the more than 1,800-page bill , despite growing unease in the party 's right and left flanks .
The sprawling proposal addresses Democrats ' priorities to combat the economic and health crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cash-strapped state and local governments , another direct payment to Americans , hazard pay for essential workers and money to boost U.S. testing capacity .
But it includes some more politically thorny elements , such as a provision to temporarily roll back the cap on state and local tax deductions — a move expected to help higher-income people most .
As Republicans question the need for more immediate fiscal relief , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi describes the bill as an opening proposal in the next phase of the congressional response , which already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trillion across four bills .
`` So now , we 're putting our offer on the table .
We 're open to negotiation , '' the California Democrat told reporters on Thursday .
The Senate has no plans to touch the bill .
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , on Thursday called it `` an unserious product from an unserious majority . ''
The Trump administration also issued a veto threat .
The efforts to approve more relief come as U.S. Covid-19 cases top 1.4 million , and American deaths from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compiled by Johns Hopkins University .
As the U.S. unemployment rate spiked to 14.7 % in April , states started to lift lockdown restrictions and business closures designed to slow the outbreak .
In pushing for more federal relief money , Democrats have cited Wednesday comments from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell , who said `` additional fiscal support could be costly , but worth it if it helps avoid long-term economic damage and leaves us with a stronger recovery . ''
Despite President Donald Trump 's opposition to the current legislation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relief bill , White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Thursday .
Meanwhile , two administration officials told CNBC that the White House would likely support another round of stimulus checks to individuals .
On Thursday , Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told CNBC he is `` optimistic '' Congress can reach a deal on another coronavirus response plan and called for talks with Republicans .
Later in the day , McConnell outlined two priorities he wants to see in a bill : provisions to increase testing capacity and legal protections for doctors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopen .
He called a liability shield — which Democrats have generally criticized — a `` red line '' in future legislation .
The GOP Senate leader has also expressed skepticism about providing more federal relief to states and municipalities .
On Friday , House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Rep. Richard Neal , D-Mass.
, told CNBC 's Contessa Brewer the funds will be necessary to make sure governments do not have to lay off critical employees such as teachers and firefighters .
The congressman also defended the divisive plan to lift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , saying it would give further relief to struggling states .
`` It would take considerable pressure off those states if the SALT deduction were repealed and we stand ready to discuss this fully with our Republican colleagues , '' he added .
A handful of House Democrats also brought up the prospect of bipartisan talks as they announced their opposition this week to their party 's legislation .
Reps. Abigail Spanberger of Virginia , Joe Cunningham of South Carolina and Kendra Horn of Oklahoma , all first-term lawmakers who flipped GOP-held seats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they said they would vote against it .
`` Unfortunately , many Members of Congress — including some in my own party — have decided to use this package as an opportunity to make political statements and propose a bill that goes far beyond pandemic relief and has no chance at becoming law , further delaying the help so many need , '' Spanberger said in a written statement Friday .
House Democrats have also faced pressure from their liberal wing .
Earlier this week , Congressional Progressive Caucus co-chairs Reps. Pramila Jayapal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pushed party leaders to delay the vote so representatives had more time to digest the bill 's contents .
The bill cleared a procedural hurdle Friday afternoon despite 14 Democrats voting against advancing it .
They included Spanberger , Cunningham , Horn , Jayapal and Pocan , along with liberals such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , D-N.Y. , and Rep. Rashida Tlaib , D-Mich .

U.S. Representative Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) speaks at her weekly press conference. Michael Brochstein | Barcroft Media | Getty Images
House Democratic leaders plan to pass a $3 trillion coronavirus package Friday, even as Senate Republicans and the White House pledge to block what would be the largest emergency spending bill in U.S. history. The chamber aims to vote on the legislation by Friday night, along with a rules change to allow voting by proxy during the pandemic. Democrats are expected to pass the more than 1,800-page bill, despite growing unease in the party's right and left flanks. The sprawling proposal addresses Democrats' priorities to combat the economic and health crisis created by the outbreak: relief for cash-strapped state and local governments, another direct payment to Americans, hazard pay for essential workers and money to boost U.S. testing capacity. But it includes some more politically thorny elements, such as a provision to temporarily roll back the cap on state and local tax deductions — a move expected to help higher-income people most.
watch now
As Republicans question the need for more immediate fiscal relief, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi describes the bill as an opening proposal in the next phase of the congressional response, which already carries a price tag approaching $3 trillion across four bills. "So now, we're putting our offer on the table. We're open to negotiation," the California Democrat told reporters on Thursday. The Senate has no plans to touch the bill. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., on Thursday called it "an unserious product from an unserious majority." The Trump administration also issued a veto threat. The efforts to approve more relief come as U.S. Covid-19 cases top 1.4 million, and American deaths from the disease surpass 85,000, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. As the U.S. unemployment rate spiked to 14.7% in April, states started to lift lockdown restrictions and business closures designed to slow the outbreak. In pushing for more federal relief money, Democrats have cited Wednesday comments from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, who said "additional fiscal support could be costly, but worth it if it helps avoid long-term economic damage and leaves us with a stronger recovery." Despite President Donald Trump's opposition to the current legislation, he would be open to another coronavirus relief bill, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Thursday. Meanwhile, two administration officials told CNBC that the White House would likely support another round of stimulus checks to individuals. On Thursday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told CNBC he is "optimistic" Congress can reach a deal on another coronavirus response plan and called for talks with Republicans. Later in the day, McConnell outlined two priorities he wants to see in a bill: provisions to increase testing capacity and legal protections for doctors and businesses as the economy starts to reopen. He called a liability shield — which Democrats have generally criticized — a "red line" in future legislation.
watch now


cnbc--2020-05-15--Senate Democrats introduce bill to boost nonprofit workforce as coronavirus crushes resources

Sen. Amy Klobuchar ( D-MN ) speaks during a campaign rally at the Altria Theatre on February 29 , 2020 in Richmond , Virginia .
A group of Senate Democrats introduced legislation Friday to provide grants to nonprofits to bolster hiring efforts as their resources dwindle amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
The bill , introduced by Sens .
Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota , Brian Schatz of Hawaii , Ron Wyden of Oregon and Sherrod Brown of Ohio , is meant to equip nonprofits with a strong workforce that can continue to provide essential services to vulnerable Americans .
Nonprofits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the grants through the Treasury Department , according to a press release from Klobuchar 's office announcing the bill , which is called WORK NOW , or the Work Opportunities and Resources to Keep Nonprofit Organizations Well Act .
The hope is the grants will allow nonprofits to retain their workforce or provide jobs for newly unemployed people .
Since government lockdowns began , nonprofits and institutions catering to vulnerable populations like domestic violence shelters , homeless shelters and food banks , have seen steep declines in volunteers and revenue .
At the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to adhere to social distancing guidelines as they grapple with ways to stay afloat .
In some cases , volunteer shortages have led to higher expenses to maintain the same levels of service .
About 72.5 % of nonprofits surveyed said they 've seen reduced contributions since the pandemic hit , according to a report released Thursday .
The survey , conducted by the Charities Aid Foundation of America , asked about 880 nonprofits around the world to weigh in on how the coronavirus has affected them .
`` Nonprofits are on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Americans in need .
From food banks , to shelters , to counseling centers , charitable organizations are doing incredible work to help families put food on their table , provide housing assistance , and serve people with disabilities , '' Klobuchar said in the release .
`` But as demand for their services soars , many of these organizations are struggling financially .
At the same time , over 36 million men and women have lost their jobs and are looking for work .
We need to help charitable nonprofits keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services , and provide opportunities for unemployed men and women to return to work serving their communities . ''
The WORK NOW Act is sponsored by Sens .
Tom Carper and Chris Coons of Delaware , Ed Markey of Massachusetts , Jeff Merkley of Oregon , Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut .
The outbreak has spread to dozens of countries globally , with more than 4.4 million confirmed cases worldwide and over 302,493 deaths so far , according to data from Johns Hopkins University .
There are at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and at least 85,906 deaths , according to the latest tallies .

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) speaks during a campaign rally at the Altria Theatre on February 29, 2020 in Richmond, Virginia.
A group of Senate Democrats introduced legislation Friday to provide grants to nonprofits to bolster hiring efforts as their resources dwindle amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The bill, introduced by Sens. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Brian Schatz of Hawaii, Ron Wyden of Oregon and Sherrod Brown of Ohio, is meant to equip nonprofits with a strong workforce that can continue to provide essential services to vulnerable Americans.
Nonprofits will be able to apply directly for the grants through the Treasury Department, according to a press release from Klobuchar's office announcing the bill, which is called WORK NOW, or the Work Opportunities and Resources to Keep Nonprofit Organizations Well Act. The hope is the grants will allow nonprofits to retain their workforce or provide jobs for newly unemployed people.
Since government lockdowns began, nonprofits and institutions catering to vulnerable populations like domestic violence shelters, homeless shelters and food banks, have seen steep declines in volunteers and revenue. At the same time, these nonprofits are trying to adhere to social distancing guidelines as they grapple with ways to stay afloat.
In some cases, volunteer shortages have led to higher expenses to maintain the same levels of service.
About 72.5% of nonprofits surveyed said they've seen reduced contributions since the pandemic hit, according to a report released Thursday. The survey, conducted by the Charities Aid Foundation of America, asked about 880 nonprofits around the world to weigh in on how the coronavirus has affected them.
"Nonprofits are on the front lines of this crisis helping millions of Americans in need. From food banks, to shelters, to counseling centers, charitable organizations are doing incredible work to help families put food on their table, provide housing assistance, and serve people with disabilities," Klobuchar said in the release.
"But as demand for their services soars, many of these organizations are struggling financially. At the same time, over 36 million men and women have lost their jobs and are looking for work. We need to help charitable nonprofits keep their doors open, scale their invaluable services, and provide opportunities for unemployed men and women to return to work serving their communities."
The WORK NOW Act is sponsored by Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons of Delaware, Ed Markey of Massachusetts, Jeff Merkley of Oregon, Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut.
The outbreak has spread to dozens of countries globally, with more than 4.4 million confirmed cases worldwide and over 302,493 deaths so far, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. There are at least 1.4 million cases in the United States and at least 85,906 deaths, according to the latest tallies.


cnbc--2020-05-15--White House preparing executive order requiring certain essential drugs be made in U.S., sources say