cnbc--2020-12-10--17 states tell Supreme Court they support Texas bid to reverse Biden win

US President Donald Trump arrives to deliver remarks on the stock market during an unscheduled appearance in the Brady Briefing Room of the White House in Washington , DC on November 24 , 2020 .
The states supporting the suit , all of which have Republican attorneys general , are Missouri , Alabama , Arkansas , Florida , Indiana , Kansas , Louisiana , Mississippi , Montana , Nebraska , North Dakota , Oklahoma , South Carolina , South Dakota , Tennessee , Utah , and West Virginia .
Later Wednesday , Trump filed a motion to intervene in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a presidential candidate .
The Supreme Court has yet to rule on Paxton 's request .
The filing backing Paxton by those states came a day after he asked the Supreme Court for permission to sue Georgia , Michigan , Pennsylvania and Wisconsin , all of which Biden won , over their voting processes .
Seventeen states whose elections were won by President Donald Trump told the Supreme Court on Wednesday that they support Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton 's bid to file a lawsuit that could effectively reverse President-elect Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defeated Biden in the popular vote in all of those states , though one of Nebraska 's electoral votes was awarded to Biden .
Representatives for the four battleground states being targeted in the lawsuit did not immediately respond to CNBC 's requests for comment .
After Trump asked to intervene in the case , 17 former officials and lawmakers filed their own brief supporting the four swing states .
They argued Paxton 's case does not belong in the Supreme Court , suggesting his claims could be made elsewhere .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ multidistrict litigation panel for trials of presidential election disputes , '' the brief said .
The court filing was signed by former officials who had worked in Republican administrations , as well as multiple former members of the House and Senate .
Paxton 's case makes `` a mockery of federalism and separation of powers , '' their brief said .
`` It would violate the most fundamental constitutional principles for this Court to serve as the trial court for presidential election disputes . ''
Paxton , a Republican who remains under indictment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is asking the high court for permission to sue the four states to block their certification of Biden 's wins in them .
Paxton argues that a block is warranted because of supposedly improper changes to voting procedures there in the past year , purportedly different treatment of voters in Democratic-heavy areas , and voting `` irregularities . ''
The four swing-state defendants are set to file their replies in opposition to Paxton 's requests of the court by 3 p.m. on Thursday .
The effort comes as all states have certified their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Biden easily won the national popular vote .
Biden is projected to win the Electoral College when it meets Monday with 36 more votes than the 270-vote minimum needed to clinch the White House .
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on Tuesday said Paxton 's filing `` is a publicity stunt , not a serious legal pleading . ''
`` The erosion of confidence in our democratic system is n't attributable to the good people of Michigan , Wisconsin , Georgia or Pennsylvania but rather to partisan officials , like Mr. Paxton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over loyalty to their country , '' Nessel said in a statement .
`` The Michigan issues raised in this complaint have already been thoroughly litigated and roundly rejected in both state and federal courts – by judges appointed from both political parties .
Mr. Paxton 's actions are beneath the dignity of the office of Attorney General and the people of the great state of Texas . ''
Trump has refused to concede the election to Biden , claiming without evidence that he was the victim of widespread ballot fraud .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their political allies , have repeatedly failed in their legal attempts to invalidate votes for Biden .
The Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to hear a separate bid from Trump-allied Republicans challenging Biden 's win in Pennsylvania .
Election law experts saw that apparently unanimous rejection as a signal that the remaining efforts to overturn Biden 's win were all but doomed at the Supreme Court .
But the GOP plaintiffs in that case plan to petition the high court for a formal appeal , The Hill reported Wednesday .
The president and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have pushed for legislatures in battleground states whose popular elections were won by Biden to overrule their citizens , and to appoint a slate of electors for Trump to the Electoral College .

People hold campaign flags supporting U.S. President Donald Trump outside of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020.
The states supporting the suit, all of which have Republican attorneys general, are Missouri, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah and West Virginia.
Later Wednesday, Trump filed a motion to intervene in the case "in his personal capacity" as a presidential candidate . The Supreme Court has yet to rule on Paxton's request.
The filing backing Paxton by those states came a day after he asked the Supreme Court for permission to sue Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, all of which Biden won, over their voting processes.
Seventeen states whose elections were won by President Donald Trump told the Supreme Court on Wednesday that they support Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's bid to file a lawsuit that could effectively reverse President-elect Joe Biden 's projected Electoral College victory.
Trump defeated Biden in the popular vote in all of those states, though one of Nebraska's electoral votes was awarded to Biden.
Representatives for the four battleground states being targeted in the lawsuit did not immediately respond to CNBC's requests for comment.
After Trump asked to intervene in the case, 17 former officials and lawmakers filed their own brief supporting the four swing states. They argued Paxton's case does not belong in the Supreme Court, suggesting his claims could be made elsewhere.
"The Constitution does not make this Court the multidistrict litigation panel for trials of presidential election disputes," the brief said.
The court filing was signed by former officials who had worked in Republican administrations, as well as multiple former members of the House and Senate.
Paxton's case makes "a mockery of federalism and separation of powers," their brief said.
"It would violate the most fundamental constitutional principles for this Court to serve as the trial court for presidential election disputes."
Paxton, a Republican who remains under indictment for state felony securities fraud charges, is asking the high court for permission to sue the four states to block their certification of Biden's wins in them.
Paxton argues that a block is warranted because of supposedly improper changes to voting procedures there in the past year, purportedly different treatment of voters in Democratic-heavy areas, and voting "irregularities."
The four swing-state defendants are set to file their replies in opposition to Paxton's requests of the court by 3 p.m. on Thursday.
The effort comes as all states have certified their individual presidential election results, which show that Biden easily won the national popular vote.
Biden is projected to win the Electoral College when it meets Monday with 36 more votes than the 270-vote minimum needed to clinch the White House.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on Tuesday said Paxton's filing "is a publicity stunt, not a serious legal pleading."
"The erosion of confidence in our democratic system isn't attributable to the good people of Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia or Pennsylvania but rather to partisan officials, like Mr. Paxton, who place loyalty to a person over loyalty to their country," Nessel said in a statement.
"The Michigan issues raised in this complaint have already been thoroughly litigated and roundly rejected in both state and federal courts – by judges appointed from both political parties. Mr. Paxton's actions are beneath the dignity of the office of Attorney General and the people of the great state of Texas."
Trump has refused to concede the election to Biden, claiming without evidence that he was the victim of widespread ballot fraud.
Trump and his campaign, as well as their political allies, have repeatedly failed in their legal attempts to invalidate votes for Biden.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to hear a separate bid from Trump-allied Republicans challenging Biden's win in Pennsylvania.
Election law experts saw that apparently unanimous rejection as a signal that the remaining efforts to overturn Biden's win were all but doomed at the Supreme Court.
But the GOP plaintiffs in that case plan to petition the high court for a formal appeal, The Hill reported Wednesday.
The president and his lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, recently have pushed for legislatures in battleground states whose popular elections were won by Biden to overrule their citizens, and to appoint a slate of electors for Trump to the Electoral College.


cnbc--2020-12-10--Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden under federal investigation for tax case

Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden attend an NCAA basketball game between Georgetown University and Duke University in Washington , January 30 , 2010 .
Hunter Biden said in a statement , `` I learned yesterday for the first time that the U.S. Attorney 's Office in Delaware advised my legal counsel , also yesterday , that they are investigating my tax affairs . ''
The probe was disclosed five days before Joe Biden , a former senator from Delaware , is expected to be formally selected as the next president by the Electoral College .
President-elect Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is under investigation for his `` tax affairs '' by federal prosecutors in Delaware .
`` I take this matter very seriously but I am confident that a professional and objective review of these matters will demonstrate that I handled my affairs legally and appropriately , including with the benefit of professional tax advisors , '' Hunter Biden said .
Hunter Biden , a lawyer whose late brother Beau Biden was Delaware 's attorney general before he died , did not reveal any other details of the probe .
Kim Reeves , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. attorney for Delaware , in an email said , `` Per DOJ [ Department of Justice ] policy , we can not comment on an ongoing investigation . ''
CNN later reported Wednesday that it had contacted Hunter Biden 's lawyer and his father 's presidential campaign last week seeking comment on the investigation , which CNN reported is `` examining multiple financial issues , including whether Hunter Biden and associates violated tax and money laundering laws in business dealings in foreign countries , principally China . ''
CNN reported that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent months '' due to Justice Department rules that bar taking legal actions in cases that could affect an election .
Publicly available documents show Hunter and his ex-wife Kathleen Buhle had an Internal Revenue Service lien against them for taxes not paid , possibly including interest and penalties , totaling $ 112,805.09 , until this past March , NBC News reported .
The documents , filed by the IRS , show the lien was placed in November 2019 .
It is not immediately clear if the lien has anything to do with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported in October that the FBI seized both a computer and a hard drive believed to be Hunter Biden 's in December 2019 , after the owner of a computer repair shop in Wilmington , Delaware , notified federal authorities he had possession of those items .
The store owner also gave a copy of the hard drive to a lawyer for Rudy Giuliani , the personal attorney for President Donald Trump , the Post reported .
Giuliani then gave a copy of the hard drive to the newspaper .
In a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris said , `` President-elect Biden is deeply proud of his son , who has fought through difficult challenges , including the vicious personal attacks of recent months , only to emerge stronger . ''
The White House and the U.S. Department of Justice , which oversees U.S. attorneys ' offices , declined to comment .
Hunter Biden has long struggled with drug addiction and other personal issues .
Earlier this year he faced being held in contempt of court for failing to disclose financial information to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his child .
Lawyers for that woman , Lunden Alexis Roberts , said in January that Hunter Biden failed to meet a court-ordered deadline to turn over documents dating back five years as part of her request for child-support payments for her then-16-month-old child .
Those documents included `` a list of all sources of income , '' copies of tax returns , and a list of companies in which he has an ownership interest , court records showed .
Hunter Biden , who initially claimed he never had sex with Roberts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ child 's father .
He settled the case with Roberts in March by agreeing to pay her an undisclosed amount each month for child support , and by agreeing to maintain health insurance for the child .
He also agreed to pay Roberts an undisclosed sum of money , which apparently also included her attorney 's fees and costs .
During the presidential election , Republican Trump and his allies made Hunter Biden a focal point of political attacks , particularly in connection with his business dealings in Ukraine and China .
Hunter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrongdoing in relation to his business overseas , which Joe Biden says that he played no role in .
Trump , who refuses to concede that he lost the election , last year was impeached by the House of Representatives for withholding congressionally appropriated military aid for Ukraine as he pressured that nation 's new president to investigate the Bidens .
Trump was acquitted by the Senate after a trial .
In an interview last week , Joe Biden told CNN that after he becomes president , he will not try to influence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's not my Justice Department .
It 's the people 's Justice Department , '' Biden said .
He also said that the department will have `` independent capacity to decide who gets prosecuted and who does n't . ''
The disclosure of the investigation of Hunter Biden comes as Trump 's company , the Trump Organization , is under criminal investigation by the Manhattan district attorney 's office for how it accounted for hush money payments to women who said they had sex with Trump .
The president has denied having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal .
The DA 's office also might be investigating possible tax crimes , as well as bank and insurance fraud , court filings suggest .
Trump is currently fighting efforts by DA Cyrus Vance Jr. to obtain eight years worth of the president 's tax returns and other financial records from his longtime accountants .
At the same time , the New York attorney general 's office is conducting a civil investigation into possible misstatement of the value of real estate owned by the Trump Organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently was questioned by investigators from the AG 's office as part of that probe .
Trump 's daughter Ivanka Trump , who is a senior White House advisor , was deposed last week for a lawsuit filed by the Washington , D.C , attorney general 's office .
That AG accuses the Trump Organization , the Trump Inaugural Committee and the Trump International Hotel in that city of `` blatantly and unlawfully abusing nonprofit funds to enrich the Trump family '' in connection with spending on Trump 's 2017 inauguration .
Ivanka @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump Jr. narrowly avoided being criminally charged by Vance 's office in 2012 in connection with the marketing of the Trump SoHo hotel in New York , according to an investigation by The New Yorker , ProPublica and WNYC .
Vance 's office had eyed whether prospective buyers were misled about the project 's success .
The outlets reported that Marc Kasowitz , a lawyer for Ivanka and Donald Jr. , had donated $ 25,000 to Vance 's reelection campaign and directly appealed to him that the case should be dropped .

Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden attend an NCAA basketball game between Georgetown University and Duke University in Washington, January 30, 2010.
Hunter Biden said in a statement, "I learned yesterday for the first time that the U.S. Attorney's Office in Delaware advised my legal counsel, also yesterday, that they are investigating my tax affairs."
The probe was disclosed five days before Joe Biden, a former senator from Delaware, is expected to be formally selected as the next president by the Electoral College.
President-elect Joe Biden 's son Hunter Biden revealed Wednesday that he is under investigation for his "tax affairs" by federal prosecutors in Delaware.
"I take this matter very seriously but I am confident that a professional and objective review of these matters will demonstrate that I handled my affairs legally and appropriately, including with the benefit of professional tax advisors," Hunter Biden said.
Hunter Biden, a lawyer whose late brother Beau Biden was Delaware's attorney general before he died, did not reveal any other details of the probe.
Kim Reeves, a spokeswoman for David Weiss, the U.S. attorney for Delaware, in an email said, "Per DOJ [Department of Justice] policy, we cannot comment on an ongoing investigation."
CNN later reported Wednesday that it had contacted Hunter Biden's lawyer and his father's presidential campaign last week seeking comment on the investigation, which CNN reported is "examining multiple financial issues, including whether Hunter Biden and associates violated tax and money laundering laws in business dealings in foreign countries, principally China."
CNN reported that the investigation had been "largely dormant in recent months" due to Justice Department rules that bar taking legal actions in cases that could affect an election.
Publicly available documents show Hunter and his ex-wife Kathleen Buhle had an Internal Revenue Service lien against them for taxes not paid, possibly including interest and penalties, totaling $112,805.09, until this past March. The documents, filed by the IRS, show the lien was placed in November 2019. It is not immediately clear if the lien has anything to do with the investigation.
Separately, Hunter Biden had individual income tax liens of almost $453,890 placed on him by the District of Columbia on July 9, related to taxes owed for 2017 and 2018, according to a document on file in D.C. Recorder of Deeds Office. Those liens were cancelled six days later, records show.
The District of Columbia's income tax rate is 8.95 percent for income above $1 million annually, plus about $85,000.
The New York Post reported in October that the FBI seized both a computer and a hard drive believed to be Hunter Biden's in December 2019, after the owner of a computer repair shop in Wilmington, Delaware, notified federal authorities he had possession of those items.
The store owner also gave a copy of the hard drive to a lawyer for Rudy Giuliani, the personal attorney for President Donald Trump, the Post reported. Giuliani then gave a copy of the hard drive to the newspaper.
In a statement Wednesday, the transition team of Democrat Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris said, "President-elect Biden is deeply proud of his son, who has fought through difficult challenges, including the vicious personal attacks of recent months, only to emerge stronger."
The White House and the U.S. Department of Justice, which oversees U.S. attorneys' offices, declined to comment.
Hunter Biden has long struggled with drug addiction and other personal issues.
Earlier this year he faced being held in contempt of court for failing to disclose financial information to an Arkansas woman who said she bore his child.
Lawyers for that woman, Lunden Alexis Roberts, said in January that Hunter Biden failed to meet a court-ordered deadline to turn over documents dating back five years as part of her request for child-support payments for her then-16-month-old child.
Those documents included "a list of all sources of income," copies of tax returns, and a list of companies in which he has an ownership interest, court records showed.
Hunter Biden, who initially claimed he never had sex with Roberts, later stopped contesting that he was the child's father.
He settled the case with Roberts in March by agreeing to pay her an undisclosed amount each month for child support, and by agreeing to maintain health insurance for the child. He also agreed to pay Roberts an undisclosed sum of money, which apparently also included her attorney's fees and costs.
During the presidential election, Republican Trump and his allies made Hunter Biden a focal point of political attacks, particularly in connection with his business dealings in Ukraine and China.
Hunter Biden and his father have denied any wrongdoing in relation to his business overseas, which Joe Biden says that he played no role in.
Trump, who refuses to concede that he lost the election, last year was impeached by the House of Representatives for withholding congressionally appropriated military aid for Ukraine as he pressured that nation's new president to investigate the Bidens. Trump was acquitted by the Senate after a trial.
In an interview last week, Joe Biden told CNN that after he becomes president, he will not try to influence decisions by the Justice Department.
"It's not my Justice Department. It's the people's Justice Department," Biden said.
He also said that the department will have "independent capacity to decide who gets prosecuted and who doesn't."
The disclosure of the investigation of Hunter Biden comes as Trump's company, the Trump Organization, is under criminal investigation by the Manhattan district attorney's office for how it accounted for hush money payments to women who said they had sex with Trump. The president has denied having sex with either woman, porn star Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal.
The DA's office also might be investigating possible tax crimes, as well as bank and insurance fraud, court filings suggest.
Trump is currently fighting efforts by DA Cyrus Vance Jr. to obtain eight years worth of the president's tax returns and other financial records from his longtime accountants.
At the same time, the New York attorney general's office is conducting a civil investigation into possible misstatement of the value of real estate owned by the Trump Organization. The president's son Eric Trump recently was questioned by investigators from the AG's office as part of that probe.
Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump, who is a senior White House advisor, was deposed last week for a lawsuit filed by the Washington, D.C, attorney general's office. That AG accuses the Trump Organization, the Trump Inaugural Committee and the Trump International Hotel in that city of "blatantly and unlawfully abusing nonprofit funds to enrich the Trump family" in connection with spending on Trump's 2017 inauguration.
Ivanka Trump and her other adult brother Donald Trump Jr. narrowly avoided being criminally charged by Vance's office in 2012 in connection with the marketing of the Trump SoHo hotel in New York, according to an investigation by The New Yorker, ProPublica and WNYC. Vance's office had eyed whether prospective buyers were misled about the project's success.
The outlets reported that Marc Kasowitz, a lawyer for Ivanka and Donald Jr., had donated $25,000 to Vance's reelection campaign and directly appealed to him that the case should be dropped.
-- Additional reporting by Mike Calia, Tucker Higgins and NBC News


cnbc--2020-12-09--House votes to fund government for a week amid rush to strike spending, Covid relief deals

A cordoned off area outside the US Capitol in Washington .
The House passed a one-week government funding extension Wednesday as Congress tries to buy time to strike broad spending and coronavirus relief deals .
The measure , which passed in a 343-67 vote , would keep the federal government running through Dec. 18 .
Many operations will shut down amid the raging pandemic if lawmakers fail to approve a funding bill before Saturday .
The legislation heads to the Senate , where Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , has indicated he aims to pass it before the deadline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it as soon as Thursday .
Congressional leaders hope to reach agreement on an omnibus spending package to fund the government through Sept. 30 .
Appropriators have come to terms on an overall $ 1.4 trillion price tag but have not yet agreed on exactly where the money will go .
McConnell and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , have said they want to attach pandemic aid measures to the full-year spending bill .
Democratic leaders hope bipartisan talks among rank-and-file lawmakers on a $ 908 billion coronavirus rescue package will lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Congress .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin sent a $ 916 billion offer to Pelosi on Tuesday , but she and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. , rejected it because it does not include supplemental federal unemployment payments .
McConnell on Tuesday also called for lawmakers to drop demands for liability protections and state and local government aid as part of a year-end relief bill .
Democrats have opposed the Republican leader 's push to give companies immunity from coronavirus-related lawsuits , saying it would harm employees who work for needlessly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans back new state and local support to avoid layoffs among first responders and teachers , McConnell and the White House have argued the money will go to governments that have not managed their finances wisely .

A cordoned off area outside the US Capitol in Washington.
The House passed a one-week government funding extension Wednesday as Congress tries to buy time to strike broad spending and coronavirus relief deals.
The measure, which passed in a 343-67 vote, would keep the federal government running through Dec. 18. Many operations will shut down amid the raging pandemic if lawmakers fail to approve a funding bill before Saturday.
The legislation heads to the Senate, where Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has indicated he aims to pass it before the deadline. The Senate could try to approve it as soon as Thursday.
Congressional leaders hope to reach agreement on an omnibus spending package to fund the government through Sept. 30. Appropriators have come to terms on an overall $1.4 trillion price tag but have not yet agreed on exactly where the money will go.
McConnell and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., have said they want to attach pandemic aid measures to the full-year spending bill.
Democratic leaders hope bipartisan talks among rank-and-file lawmakers on a $908 billion coronavirus rescue package will lead to legislation that can pass both chambers of Congress. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin sent a $916 billion offer to Pelosi on Tuesday, but she and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., rejected it because it does not include supplemental federal unemployment payments.
McConnell on Tuesday also called for lawmakers to drop demands for liability protections and state and local government aid as part of a year-end relief bill. Democrats have opposed the Republican leader's push to give companies immunity from coronavirus-related lawsuits, saying it would harm employees who work for needlessly reckless companies.
While Democrats and many Republicans back new state and local support to avoid layoffs among first responders and teachers, McConnell and the White House have argued the money will go to governments that have not managed their finances wisely.
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cnbc--2020-12-09--Covid relief talks hit another wall as Congress runs short on time to send help

Congress has hit a wall again in efforts to send help to Americans during a coronavirus outbreak that has killed thousands of people a week and left millions waiting in food lines .
After days of trying to reach a relief deal , lawmakers as of Wednesday afternoon had not resolved a range of issues preventing an agreement .
A Congress that has failed for months to send aid to desperate people will now have to quickly resolve disputes to prevent millions of people from losing unemployment insurance or housing .
Democratic leaders have called bipartisan talks toward a $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to craft a plan that can get through a divided Congress .
Lawmakers have not yet finalized the legislation because of disagreements over legal immunity for businesses and state and local government relief .
Top Republicans have accused their counterparts of refusing to make a deal .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. , rejected a $ 916 billion offer from the Trump administration because it included a one-time $ 600 direct payment but no federal unemployment insurance supplement .
The bipartisan package includes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefits .
Pelosi and Schumer also brushed off Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell 's proposal to scrap his demand for business and university immunity from coronavirus-related lawsuits if Democrats back off their calls for state and local aid .
Democrats and many Republicans have called federal support necessary to prevent cash-crunched governments from cutting first responder and teacher jobs .
As of Wednesday , it was unclear what kind of plan could get through both the Democratic-held House and GOP-controlled Senate .
Congress faces pressure to act : about 12 million people could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christmas , and a federal eviction moratorium expires at the end of the year .
Speaking on the Senate floor Wednesday , McConnell repeatedly argued Democratic leaders have refused to strike a deal for political reasons .
He even called their Tuesday response to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin 's relief offer `` bizarre '' and `` schizophrenic . ''
`` More deflection , more delay and more suffering for innocent Americans , '' he said of Democrats rejecting the White House proposal .
A spokesman for Pelosi did not immediately respond to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Speaking to reporters Wednesday , Schumer again put his weight behind the bipartisan talks among rank-and-file members .
He criticized the Trump administration offer 's lack of jobless benefits relative to what the developing bill includes .
`` Cutting unemployment to the extent he has is ... not going to get much support among any Democrats , '' Schumer said .
Congress is stuck in a stalemate as daily new infections hover around 200,000 and cases overwhelm hospitals .
The health emergency has forced more state and local governments to implement economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Lawmakers plan to vote in the coming days to extend government funding by a week , through Dec. 18 , to buy more time to strike broader spending and coronavirus relief deals .
Federal funding will lapse Saturday if Congress fails to pass legislation .
Congressional leaders aim to resolve both issues before they head home for the holidays .
`` How can we in good conscience go home for Christmas knowing that a day after Christmas , 12 million Americans will see their unemployment insurance disappear ? ''
asked Sen. Dick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No .
2 senator in his party , on Wednesday .
The bipartisan group released a more detailed outline of its proposal on Wednesday .
It would include $ 300 billion for small business support and $ 160 billion for state and local relief .
It would also extend unemployment insurance expansion measures for four months and reinstate the federal jobless benefit at $ 300 per week .
The plan would include billions in state and local grants for Covid-19 testing , contact tracing and vaccine distribution , along with support for schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extend federal student loan forbearance , currently set to expire at the end of January , through April .
The measure would also provide $ 25 billion in rental assistance and sustain the eviction moratorium through January .
The outline released Wednesday does not include specifics on how the plan would address liability protections and state and local aid .
Lawmakers reportedly aim to release more details on those provisions as soon as Wednesday .
Despite all that it includes , the proposal would not send a second round of $ 1,200 direct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of Democrats have questioned how much the plan would really help individuals and families without another stimulus check .
Even a Republican senator , Josh Hawley of Missouri , urged President Donald Trump to veto a bill that lacks direct payments .
Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. , and other Senate progressives have indicated they would oppose legislation that does not send more money into Americans ' bank accounts .
`` Here in Washington when we go to war , there 's endless amounts of money , '' Sanders told MSNBC on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Endless amounts of money .
Corporate welfare ?
Endless amounts of money . ''
`` When children are going hungry in America today , suddenly we do n't have enough money ?
That 's crap .
That 's wrong , '' he added .

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell attends a news conference with Republican leaders at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., December 8, 2020. Kevin Dietsch | Reuters
Congress has hit a wall again in efforts to send help to Americans during a coronavirus outbreak that has killed thousands of people a week and left millions waiting in food lines. After days of trying to reach a relief deal, lawmakers as of Wednesday afternoon had not resolved a range of issues preventing an agreement. A Congress that has failed for months to send aid to desperate people will now have to quickly resolve disputes to prevent millions of people from losing unemployment insurance or housing. Democratic leaders have called bipartisan talks toward a $908 billion relief bill the best chance to craft a plan that can get through a divided Congress. Lawmakers have not yet finalized the legislation because of disagreements over legal immunity for businesses and state and local government relief. Top Republicans have accused their counterparts of refusing to make a deal. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., rejected a $916 billion offer from the Trump administration because it included a one-time $600 direct payment but no federal unemployment insurance supplement. The bipartisan package includes a $300 weekly boost to jobless benefits. Pelosi and Schumer also brushed off Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's proposal to scrap his demand for business and university immunity from coronavirus-related lawsuits if Democrats back off their calls for state and local aid. Democrats and many Republicans have called federal support necessary to prevent cash-crunched governments from cutting first responder and teacher jobs.
U.S. Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) speak to reporters about the 2020 U.S. presidential election results and the continuing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic during a news conference at the U.S.Capitol in Washington, U.S., November 12, 2020. Hannah Mackay | Reuters
As of Wednesday, it was unclear what kind of plan could get through both the Democratic-held House and GOP-controlled Senate. Congress faces pressure to act: about 12 million people could lose unemployment benefits on the day after Christmas, and a federal eviction moratorium expires at the end of the year. Speaking on the Senate floor Wednesday, McConnell repeatedly argued Democratic leaders have refused to strike a deal for political reasons. He even called their Tuesday response to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin's relief offer "bizarre" and "schizophrenic." "More deflection, more delay and more suffering for innocent Americans," he said of Democrats rejecting the White House proposal.
watch now
A spokesman for Pelosi did not immediately respond to a request to comment on McConnell's remarks. Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Schumer again put his weight behind the bipartisan talks among rank-and-file members. He criticized the Trump administration offer's lack of jobless benefits relative to what the developing bill includes. "Cutting unemployment to the extent he has is ... not going to get much support among any Democrats," Schumer said.
watch now


cnbc--2020-12-09--Fed Chair Powell's work with Janet Yellen could determine whether Biden keeps him

Though President-elect Joe Biden could opt to replace Jerome Powell when the Federal Reserve chairman 's term expires , some on Wall Street are optimistic the central bank chief could stick around for a second term .
Biden 's decision whether to replace Powell , his best shot at influencing the direction of Fed policy , will come in 2022 , when Powell 's four-year term at the head of the central bank ends .
The president-elect could stick with Powell , liked by both Democrats and Republicans , or choose someone he believes to be more aligned with Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy reform and diversity , and whether the person can work well with Biden 's pick to head the Treasury , Janet Yellen .
`` The decision is likely to be influenced heavily by how Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen ( a former Fed Chair herself ) gets along with Powell , '' Komal Sri-Kumar , market strategist and president of Sri-Kumar Global Strategies , wrote in an email .
The Fed chair is one of the most influential economic posts in the world and guides U.S. monetary policy , votes to adjust interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ balance sheet .
`` I would bet that the chances are that the two do get along well — after all , they are both officials in the old , traditional mold — and that Powell will get another four-year term beginning in February 2022 , '' Sri-Kumar added .
A collaborative effort between the Fed and the Treasury Department , Sri-Kumar wrote , would allow each to focus its effort on revitalizing the U.S. economy and setting the stage for some of the president-elect 's more permanent economic priorities .
Biden will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the central bank , including reinstituting certain lending facilities and adding other members to the central bank 's board .
Powell is expected to find a friendlier relationship with Biden than with the man who appointed him as Fed chair , President Donald Trump , who spent years haranguing him through irate Twitter posts .
A former private-equity partner , Powell is liked by politicians on both sides of the political aisle for his demonstrated ability to handle an upset president , as well as for the successful rollout of the central bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Whether Powell is selected for a second term as chair will also depend heavily on which party controls the Senate .
Powell 's odds of staying on as Fed chief are expected to rise if his fellow Republicans are able to win at least one of the two Senate seats in the Jan. 5 runoffs in Georgia .
Biden could find himself under pressure from progressive Democrats to choose a member of his own party given ambitions to crack down on big banks and move toward a more equitable economy .
Current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whom Biden considered for Treasury secretary before opting for Yellen , could offer a compelling choice given her long resume in U.S. economics and government .
The Fed , which normally tries to remain apolitical in its policymaking , is most directly influenced by partisan politics through the nominees a sitting president picks to join the Board of Governors .
Brainard is currently the only Democrat on the seven-member board .
Powell and the others are Republicans , and one seat is vacant .
Members of the board serve 14-year terms and are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Federal Open Market Committee , the body that sets U.S. interest rates .
Other members of the FOMC are the sitting president of the New York Fed and four of the 11 other regional Federal Reserve presidents .
When Biden is inaugurated , he expected to have one vacancy on the Fed 's board to fill if Republicans are unable to muscle through one of Trump 's nominees .
Though insights on whom Biden might choose are few , Democratic strategists say Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic may be a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ research on racial disparities in access to capital .
Trump has seen four of his nominees receive Senate confirmation to the board : Randal Quarles , Richard Clarida , Miki Bowman and — as of last week — St. Louis Fed research director Christopher Waller , who will fill one of two current vacancies when he is sworn in .
Waller 's confirmation along party lines was uncertain as recently as November thanks to Trump 's simultaneous nomination of Judy Shelton to fill the other board vacancy and Democrats ' frustrations with how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the lame-duck period .
Shelton 's was the more controversial nomination for Democrats and some Republicans , who raised concerns over her inconsistent or unorthodox policy views , including a return to the gold standard .
Broader dissatisfaction among Democrats with the Trump administration 's fiscal priorities since Election Day also weighed against Waller 's approval .
Many were incensed after Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin decided not to renew emergency Fed lending facilities that will expire on Dec. 31 .
The animosity between the two parties makes Georgia 's two Senate runoff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ camp .
If Democrats fail to win both seats , Republicans could use their slim majority to influence or delay Biden 's Fed nominees .
The state traditionally leans Republican , although Biden won it by a narrow margin this year .
The Fed 's historic lending facilities have found themselves in the national spotlight in recent weeks after Mnuchin announced his decision not to extend the emergency provisions .
Though Mnuchin argued in a November letter to Powell that the lending programs `` have clearly achieved their objectives , '' others worry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a key credit safeguard as the U.S. faces what 's expected to brutal winter of Covid-19 infections and deaths .
Powell and other Fed leaders issued rare objections to the Treasury Department 's decision , saying they would prefer to end the lending programs once the threat of the virus had passed and vaccines were distributed .
Only a fraction of the $ 2 trillion in potential funding has been used , a fact Mnuchin cited in arguing that resources could be better spent elsewhere .
The lending facilities have deployed a little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though the Fed has stressed that their presence alone provides confidence to markets .
Biden 's triumph over Trump in November , however , may make the programs ' expiration at the end of the year temporary .
A Yellen-led Treasury , for example , could seek to revive some or all of the programs once the new administration is sworn in .

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell holds a news conference following a closed two-day Federal Open Market Committee meeting in Washington, September 18, 2019. Sarah Silbiger | Reuters
Though President-elect Joe Biden could opt to replace Jerome Powell when the Federal Reserve chairman's term expires, some on Wall Street are optimistic the central bank chief could stick around for a second term. Biden's decision whether to replace Powell, his best shot at influencing the direction of Fed policy, will come in 2022, when Powell's four-year term at the head of the central bank ends. The president-elect could stick with Powell, liked by both Democrats and Republicans, or choose someone he believes to be more aligned with Democrats' goals of income equality, climate policy reform and diversity, and whether the person can work well with Biden's pick to head the Treasury, Janet Yellen. "The decision is likely to be influenced heavily by how Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen (a former Fed Chair herself) gets along with Powell," Komal Sri-Kumar, market strategist and president of Sri-Kumar Global Strategies, wrote in an email. The Fed chair is one of the most influential economic posts in the world and guides U.S. monetary policy, votes to adjust interest rates and manages the Fed's vast balance sheet. "I would bet that the chances are that the two do get along well — after all, they are both officials in the old, traditional mold — and that Powell will get another four-year term beginning in February 2022," Sri-Kumar added. A collaborative effort between the Fed and the Treasury Department, Sri-Kumar wrote, would allow each to focus its effort on revitalizing the U.S. economy and setting the stage for some of the president-elect's more permanent economic priorities.
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Biden will also have more indirect ways to goad the central bank, including reinstituting certain lending facilities and adding other members to the central bank's board. Powell is expected to find a friendlier relationship with Biden than with the man who appointed him as Fed chair, President Donald Trump, who spent years haranguing him through irate Twitter posts.
Placing Powell
A former private-equity partner, Powell is liked by politicians on both sides of the political aisle for his demonstrated ability to handle an upset president, as well as for the successful rollout of the central bank's emergency lending facilities earlier this year. Whether Powell is selected for a second term as chair will also depend heavily on which party controls the Senate. Powell's odds of staying on as Fed chief are expected to rise if his fellow Republicans are able to win at least one of the two Senate seats in the Jan. 5 runoffs in Georgia. Biden could find himself under pressure from progressive Democrats to choose a member of his own party given ambitions to crack down on big banks and move toward a more equitable economy. Current Fed governor Lael Brainard, a Democrat whom Biden considered for Treasury secretary before opting for Yellen, could offer a compelling choice given her long resume in U.S. economics and government.
Lael Brainard, governor of the U.S. Federal Reserve, listens during an event sponsored by the Economic Club of New York in New York, U.S., on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. Mark Kauzlarich | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Help wanted
The Fed, which normally tries to remain apolitical in its policymaking, is most directly influenced by partisan politics through the nominees a sitting president picks to join the Board of Governors. Brainard is currently the only Democrat on the seven-member board. Powell and the others are Republicans, and one seat is vacant. Members of the board serve 14-year terms and are allowed to vote at every regular meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee, the body that sets U.S. interest rates. Other members of the FOMC are the sitting president of the New York Fed and four of the 11 other regional Federal Reserve presidents. When Biden is inaugurated, he expected to have one vacancy on the Fed's board to fill if Republicans are unable to muscle through one of Trump's nominees. Though insights on whom Biden might choose are few, Democratic strategists say Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic may be a good fit for the job given his extensive research on racial disparities in access to capital. Trump has seen four of his nominees receive Senate confirmation to the board: Randal Quarles, Richard Clarida, Miki Bowman and — as of last week — St. Louis Fed research director Christopher Waller, who will fill one of two current vacancies when he is sworn in.
Christopher Waller, U.S. President Donald Trump's nominee for governor of the Federal Reserve, listens during a Senate Banking Committee confirmation hearing in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020. Andrew Harrer | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Waller's confirmation along party lines was uncertain as recently as November thanks to Trump's simultaneous nomination of Judy Shelton to fill the other board vacancy and Democrats' frustrations with how the White House has managed economic policy during the lame-duck period. Shelton's was the more controversial nomination for Democrats and some Republicans, who raised concerns over her inconsistent or unorthodox policy views, including a return to the gold standard. Broader dissatisfaction among Democrats with the Trump administration's fiscal priorities since Election Day also weighed against Waller's approval. Many were incensed after Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin decided not to renew emergency Fed lending facilities that will expire on Dec. 31. The animosity between the two parties makes Georgia's two Senate runoff races even more critical for the Biden camp. If Democrats fail to win both seats, Republicans could use their slim majority to influence or delay Biden's Fed nominees. The state traditionally leans Republican, although Biden won it by a narrow margin this year.
Monetary and credit policy
The Fed's historic lending facilities have found themselves in the national spotlight in recent weeks after Mnuchin announced his decision not to extend the emergency provisions. Though Mnuchin argued in a November letter to Powell that the lending programs "have clearly achieved their objectives," others worry that ending them soon will snuff out a key credit safeguard as the U.S. faces what's expected to brutal winter of Covid-19 infections and deaths.
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Powell and other Fed leaders issued rare objections to the Treasury Department's decision, saying they would prefer to end the lending programs once the threat of the virus had passed and vaccines were distributed. Only a fraction of the $2 trillion in potential funding has been used, a fact Mnuchin cited in arguing that resources could be better spent elsewhere. The lending facilities have deployed a little over $100 billion in all, though the Fed has stressed that their presence alone provides confidence to markets. Biden's triumph over Trump in November, however, may make the programs' expiration at the end of the year temporary. A Yellen-led Treasury, for example, could seek to revive some or all of the programs once the new administration is sworn in.
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cnbc--2020-12-09--The Supreme Court is leaving the Trump tax case in limbo as the end of his term nears

U.S. President Donald Trump exits after speaking during an Operation Warp Speed vaccine summit at the White House in Washington , D.C. , U.S. , on Tuesday , Dec. 8 , 2020 .
President Donald Trump 's long-running effort to keep his tax returns shielded from prosecutors in New York remains in Supreme Court limbo .
The justices have been silent on a petition filed by the president 's attorneys in October seeking to reverse lower court rulings that would force his longtime accounting firm to hand over his financial information to New York investigators examining potential tax and insurance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the court to act , and no indication of when it may do so , it is becoming increasingly likely that Trump could leave office with the case unresolved .
It is not immediately clear whether the president benefits from the justices ' inaction .
While Trump 's exit could weaken some of his legal arguments , investigators have warned that delays are hamstringing their efforts .
It has been more than a year since Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance Jr. obtained a subpoena for the high-profile records , which include returns for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2011 .
In his legal arguments , Trump has asserted that the subpoena for his records is particularly burdensome because of the demands of his job as president .
That argument will fade away when he returns to life as a private citizen .
On the other hand , it 's possible some of the potential crimes Vance is investigating carry statutes of limitations in danger of running out .
Nearly six months have passed since Trump lost his first attempt to keep the records private at the Supreme Court .
The court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent the case back to the lower courts .
In the time since , Trump lost an election to President-elect Joe Biden , Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died at 87 and Justice Amy Coney Barrett was confirmed to the high court , giving conservatives a 6-3 majority on the panel .
Vance 's office is reported to be investigating hush money payments , made in the run-up to the 2016 election , to two women who both have alleged having sexual encounters with Trump .
The president has denied the affairs .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information about his closely guarded inquiry , for the first time saying in a court filing that Trump could face a potential criminal tax probe .
Trump 's efforts to conceal his financial information are unprecedented for a president in recent times .
Since Richard Nixon , every president except for Gerald Ford and Trump have made their tax returns public .
In the first round of litigation , Trump 's attorneys argued that presidents were entitled to temporary absolute immunity from state criminal investigations .
In a notable court exchange , one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if Trump shot someone on Fifth Avenue in New York , he could not be investigated until he left office .
The Supreme Court rejected that argument in July , with all nine justices — including those who otherwise sided with Trump — agreeing that presidents are not entitled to such sweeping immunity .
In a separate case decided on the same day , the court also said that the House of Representatives could obtain a subpoena for Trump 's tax records , but struck down a lower court ruling in the Democratic-controlled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must meet a higher level of scrutiny .
After the Supreme Court rulings , Trump once again asked lower courts to allow him to keep his financial records private .
Though he acknowledged he did not have absolute immunity , Trump argued that Vance 's subpoena was still too broad and that it was issued in bad faith , amounting to `` harassment of the President . ''
But those arguments did n't go anywhere .
A federal district court rejected Trump 's reasoning .
In the opinion , District Judge Victor Marrero @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back door . ''
A three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the decision .
The congressional case has not returned to the Supreme Court yet , and is still being reviewed by an appeals court in Washington .
A new Congress will take office in January , which could effectively end the matter .
Peter Shane , a professor at Ohio State University 's Moritz College of Law , said it was not unusual that the court had not acted on the president 's petition .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a case , and they generally do so to resolve particularly high-profile matters or important unresolved questions of law .
`` Although obviously a case in which a soon-to-be former president is involved is a noteworthy event , it 's not clear that the legal issues are that noteworthy , '' Shane said .
`` They may intentionally be waiting until he 's out of office .
I do n't know .
It 's not because the issues are weighty . ''
Shane said that he was speculating , as no one except @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what 's really going on .
But he added that he `` could imagine the chief justice thinking that keeping things low profile for a while would be a contribution to the public impression of the court . ''
Chief Justice John Roberts , a George W. Bush appointee , is known to fiercely guard the court 's reputation against criticism that it is partisan .
Possibly adding to Roberts ' concerns , the top court has faced an unusual amount of scrutiny in recent weeks because of Trump 's efforts there to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Tuesday , the justices turned back a lawsuit championed by conservatives that sought to overturn Biden 's win in Pennsylvania .
The justices dispatched with the case in a one-line order , with no noted dissents .
Also Tuesday , the state of Texas sued Pennsylvania and three other battleground states in a case it brought directly to the Supreme Court .
Texas is seeking to erase Biden 's wins in Pennsylvania , Georgia , Wisconsin and Michigan .
Trump quickly downplayed Tuesday 's loss and trumpeted the Texas suit , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serious case .
The president has previously complained of the difficulty of getting the Supreme Court to review election cases , acknowledging that the justices likely would not take any .
On Wednesday , though , Trump said the Texas case is the one `` everyone has been waiting for . ''
`` It is very strong , ALL CRITERIA MET , '' the president tweeted .
Shane said that the election cases have similarities to the case over Trump 's taxes .
`` Although they involve a current and soon-to-be former president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the court regarding the election — I 'm trying to say this with a straight face — they do n't present close questions of law , '' he said .
An attorney for Trump did not return a request for comment .
Danny Frost , a spokesperson for the Manhattan district attorney 's office , declined to comment .

U.S. President Donald Trump exits after speaking during an Operation Warp Speed vaccine summit at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020.
President Donald Trump's long-running effort to keep his tax returns shielded from prosecutors in New York remains in Supreme Court limbo.
The justices have been silent on a petition filed by the president's attorneys in October seeking to reverse lower court rulings that would force his longtime accounting firm to hand over his financial information to New York investigators examining potential tax and insurance fraud.
With no firm deadline for the court to act, and no indication of when it may do so, it is becoming increasingly likely that Trump could leave office with the case unresolved.
It is not immediately clear whether the president benefits from the justices' inaction. While Trump's exit could weaken some of his legal arguments, investigators have warned that delays are hamstringing their efforts.
It has been more than a year since Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance Jr. obtained a subpoena for the high-profile records, which include returns for the president and his businesses dating to 2011.
In his legal arguments, Trump has asserted that the subpoena for his records is particularly burdensome because of the demands of his job as president.
That argument will fade away when he returns to life as a private citizen. On the other hand, it's possible some of the potential crimes Vance is investigating carry statutes of limitations in danger of running out.
Nearly six months have passed since Trump lost his first attempt to keep the records private at the Supreme Court. The court ruled 7-2 against the president, and sent the case back to the lower courts.
In the time since, Trump lost an election to President-elect Joe Biden, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died at 87 and Justice Amy Coney Barrett was confirmed to the high court, giving conservatives a 6-3 majority on the panel.
Vance's office is reported to be investigating hush money payments, made in the run-up to the 2016 election, to two women who both have alleged having sexual encounters with Trump. The president has denied the affairs.
In September, Vance's office revealed more information about his closely guarded inquiry, for the first time saying in a court filing that Trump could face a potential criminal tax probe.
Trump's efforts to conceal his financial information are unprecedented for a president in recent times. Since Richard Nixon, every president except for Gerald Ford and Trump have made their tax returns public.
In the first round of litigation, Trump's attorneys argued that presidents were entitled to temporary absolute immunity from state criminal investigations.
In a notable court exchange, one of Trump's attorneys argued that even if Trump shot someone on Fifth Avenue in New York, he could not be investigated until he left office.
The Supreme Court rejected that argument in July, with all nine justices — including those who otherwise sided with Trump — agreeing that presidents are not entitled to such sweeping immunity.
In a separate case decided on the same day, the court also said that the House of Representatives could obtain a subpoena for Trump's tax records, but struck down a lower court ruling in the Democratic-controlled chambers' favor, saying the House must meet a higher level of scrutiny.
After the Supreme Court rulings, Trump once again asked lower courts to allow him to keep his financial records private. Though he acknowledged he did not have absolute immunity, Trump argued that Vance's subpoena was still too broad and that it was issued in bad faith, amounting to "harassment of the President."
But those arguments didn't go anywhere. A federal district court rejected Trump's reasoning. In the opinion, District Judge Victor Marrero called it "absolute immunity through a back door." A three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the decision.
The congressional case has not returned to the Supreme Court yet, and is still being reviewed by an appeals court in Washington. A new Congress will take office in January, which could effectively end the matter.
Peter Shane, a professor at Ohio State University's Moritz College of Law, said it was not unusual that the court had not acted on the president's petition. It takes four justices to agree to hear a case, and they generally do so to resolve particularly high-profile matters or important unresolved questions of law.
"Although obviously a case in which a soon-to-be former president is involved is a noteworthy event, it's not clear that the legal issues are that noteworthy," Shane said. "They may intentionally be waiting until he's out of office. I don't know. It's not because the issues are weighty."
Shane said that he was speculating, as no one except for the justices and their staff knows what's really going on. But he added that he "could imagine the chief justice thinking that keeping things low profile for a while would be a contribution to the public impression of the court."
Chief Justice John Roberts, a George W. Bush appointee, is known to fiercely guard the court's reputation against criticism that it is partisan.
Possibly adding to Roberts' concerns, the top court has faced an unusual amount of scrutiny in recent weeks because of Trump's efforts there to overturn the results of the election.
On Tuesday, the justices turned back a lawsuit championed by conservatives that sought to overturn Biden's win in Pennsylvania. The justices dispatched with the case in a one-line order, with no noted dissents.
Also Tuesday, the state of Texas sued Pennsylvania and three other battleground states in a case it brought directly to the Supreme Court. Texas is seeking to erase Biden's wins in Pennsylvania, Georgia, Wisconsin and Michigan.
Trump quickly downplayed Tuesday's loss and trumpeted the Texas suit, though legal experts say it is not a serious case. The president has previously complained of the difficulty of getting the Supreme Court to review election cases, acknowledging that the justices likely would not take any.
On Wednesday, though, Trump said the Texas case is the one "everyone has been waiting for."
"It is very strong, ALL CRITERIA MET," the president tweeted.
Shane said that the election cases have similarities to the case over Trump's taxes.
"Although they involve a current and soon-to-be former president, the cases that are being presented to the court regarding the election — I'm trying to say this with a straight face — they don't present close questions of law," he said.
An attorney for Trump did not return a request for comment. Danny Frost, a spokesperson for the Manhattan district attorney's office, declined to comment.


cnbc--2020-12-09--Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf tests positive for Covid and is isolating at home

Governor of Pennsylvania Tom Wolf speaks on stage during Pennsylvania Conference For Women at Pennsylvania Convention Center on November 19 , 2015 in Philadelphia , Pennsylvania .
Gov .
Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania said Wednesday that he tested positive for the coronavirus and is isolating at his home .
Wolf , 72 , in a statement from his office said he is `` feeling well '' and has experienced no symptoms of the virus since testing positive a day earlier .
The Democratic governor 's wife , first lady Frances Wolf , is quarantining at home with him as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test , the statement said .
`` I am continuing to serve the commonwealth and performing all of my duties remotely , as many are doing during the pandemic , '' Wolf said in the statement .
`` As this virus rages , my positive test is a reminder that no one is immune from COVID , that following all precautions as I have done is not a guarantee , '' Wolf said , `` but it is what we know to be vital to stopping the spread of the disease and so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mask , stay home as much as possible , socially distance yourself from those not in your household , and , most of all , take care of each other and stay safe . ''
Pennsylvania recorded more than 10,000 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday and is currently treating 5,561 patients hospitalized with the virus .
More than 287,000 people in the U.S. overall have died from Covid-19 during the pandemic , and more than 15 million cases have been reported , according to data from Johns Hopkins University .

Governor of Pennsylvania Tom Wolf speaks on stage during Pennsylvania Conference For Women at Pennsylvania Convention Center on November 19, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Gov. Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania said Wednesday that he tested positive for the coronavirus and is isolating at his home.
Wolf, 72, in a statement from his office said he is "feeling well" and has experienced no symptoms of the virus since testing positive a day earlier.
The Democratic governor's wife, first lady Frances Wolf, is quarantining at home with him as they await the results of her own Covid test, the statement said.
"I am continuing to serve the commonwealth and performing all of my duties remotely, as many are doing during the pandemic," Wolf said in the statement.
"As this virus rages, my positive test is a reminder that no one is immune from COVID, that following all precautions as I have done is not a guarantee," Wolf said, "but it is what we know to be vital to stopping the spread of the disease and so I ask all Pennsylvanians to wear a mask, stay home as much as possible, socially distance yourself from those not in your household, and, most of all, take care of each other and stay safe."
Pennsylvania recorded more than 10,000 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday and is currently treating 5,561 patients hospitalized with the virus.
More than 287,000 people in the U.S. overall have died from Covid-19 during the pandemic, and more than 15 million cases have been reported, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.


cnbc--2020-12-09--Biden officially unveils Lloyd Austin as his Defense secretary nominee

U.S. Army ( retired ) General Lloyd Austin speaks after being formally nominated to be Secretary of the Department of Defense by U.S. President-elect Joe Biden at the Queen Theatre on December 09 , 2020 in Wilmington , Delaware .
WASHINGTON — President-elect Joe Biden formally announced on Wednesday retired four-star Army Gen. Lloyd Austin as his pick to be the 28th secretary of Defense .
`` We must prepare to meet the challenges for the future , not just keep fighting wars of the past , we must build a foreign policy to lead with diplomacy , revitalizes the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ putting American leadership back at the table and rallying the world to meet global threats , '' Biden said .
`` From pandemics to climate change , from nuclear proliferation to the refugee crisis ... Lloyd Austin knows how to do this work , '' he added .
The selection of Austin has triggered some controversy related to his business ties as well as his status as a recently retired general .
Austin is currently a board member at defense giant Raytheon .
President Donald Trump 's former Pentagon chiefs James Mattis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patrick Shanahan also had ties to defense giants General Dynamics , Raytheon and Boeing .
Under the National Security Act of 1947 , Congress has prohibited any individual from serving as secretary of Defense within seven years of active-duty service .
But Austin left the Army just four years ago , and he would require a special congressional waiver in order to bypass the seven-year rule .
`` There 's a good reason for this law that I fully understand and respect .
I would not be asking for this exception if I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our history does n't call for it , '' Biden said .
`` I know this man , I know his respect for our Constitution and our respect for our system of government .
So , just as they did for Secretary Jim Mattis , I asked Congress to grant a waiver , '' Biden added .
If confirmed by the Senate , the 1975 graduate of West Point would be the first Black leader of the Pentagon , breaking one of the more enduring barriers in the U.S. government .

U.S. Army (retired) General Lloyd Austin speaks after being formally nominated to be Secretary of the Department of Defense by U.S. President-elect Joe Biden at the Queen Theatre on December 09, 2020 in Wilmington, Delaware.
WASHINGTON — President-elect Joe Biden formally announced on Wednesday retired four-star Army Gen. Lloyd Austin as his pick to be the 28th secretary of Defense.
"We must prepare to meet the challenges for the future, not just keep fighting wars of the past, we must build a foreign policy to lead with diplomacy, revitalizes the State Department, revitalizes our alliance, putting American leadership back at the table and rallying the world to meet global threats," Biden said.
"From pandemics to climate change, from nuclear proliferation to the refugee crisis ... Lloyd Austin knows how to do this work," he added.
The selection of Austin has triggered some controversy related to his business ties as well as his status as a recently retired general. Austin is currently a board member at defense giant Raytheon . President Donald Trump's former Pentagon chiefs James Mattis, Mark Esper and acting secretary of defense Patrick Shanahan also had ties to defense giants General Dynamics, Raytheon and Boeing.
Under the National Security Act of 1947, Congress has prohibited any individual from serving as secretary of Defense within seven years of active-duty service. But Austin left the Army just four years ago, and he would require a special congressional waiver in order to bypass the seven-year rule.
"There's a good reason for this law that I fully understand and respect. I would not be asking for this exception if I did not believe that this moment in our history doesn't call for it," Biden said.
"I know this man, I know his respect for our Constitution and our respect for our system of government. So, just as they did for Secretary Jim Mattis, I asked Congress to grant a waiver," Biden added.
If confirmed by the Senate, the 1975 graduate of West Point would be the first Black leader of the Pentagon, breaking one of the more enduring barriers in the U.S. government.


cnbc--2020-12-09--SPAC with ties to Biden Cabinet picks sees surge in support from Wall Street after offering 'access'

Secretary of State nominee Antony Blinken speaks after being introduced by President-elect Joe Biden as he introduces key foreign policy and national security nominees and appointments at the Queen Theatre on November 24 , 2020 in Wilmington , Delaware .
A company with ties to at least two people selected by Joe Biden for his Cabinet is seeing a surge in support from Wall Street players after pitching access to investors .
Pine Island Acquisition Corp. , a special purpose acquisition company , was first described in September to investors in a prospectus featuring its direct affiliation with the investment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The document was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Biden surged in the polls ahead of President Donald Trump .
`` We believe that with our access , network and expertise , we are well-suited to take advantage of the current and future opportunities present in the aerospace , defense and government services industries , '' the SEC filing said at the time .
Pine Island 's team includes Tony Blinken , Biden 's choice to be secretary of State , and Ret .
Gen. Lloyd Austin , his nominee for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the original SPAC proposal , while Blinken was left off as he took a leave of absence from the firm when he joined the Biden campaign .
Since the initial pitch , the SPAC has raised over $ 218 million .
Records from November indicate that at least two big Wall Street players took ownership stakes in it .
The SEC filings show that the investment arm of Citadel , whose CEO is Ken Griffin , took a nearly 7 % ownership stake .
Millennium Management , founded by longtime business executive Israel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % stake .
Each firm purchased millions of shares , with the SPAC 's asking price of up to $ 10 per share .
Citadel Advisors , which is the hedge fund business of Citadel and is listed on the document that made the Pine Island purchase , reportedly has at least $ 30 billion in assets under management .
Millennium says on its website that it has over $ 48 billion in assets under management .
The Citadel and Millennium investments were made before Blinken and Austin were officially chosen for Cabinet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the two men plan to divest any stake in Pine Island if they are confirmed by the Senate .
A SPAC is a shell company with no actual commercial operations and is often created solely for raising capital to help a company go public without going through the traditional IPO process .
Because SPACs have no previous operations or financial data to access , their track record depends on the reputation of the management teams .
The creation of the Pine Island SPAC was first reported by The Daily Poster and The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not say why they chose to buy into this SPAC after investing in similar ventures over the years .
Pine Island , Citadel and Millennium declined to comment for this story .
A Biden transition spokesperson did not return a request for comment .
One of the apparent appealing concepts about Pine Island is its team members , who include experienced financial and governmental leaders .
Its chairman is John Thain , CEO of Merrill Lynch before its merger with Bank of America .
He also was once the chief executive of CIT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ managing partner is Phil Cooper , a former Goldman Sachs executive and CEO of the SPAC .
The D.C. side is promoted on Pine Island 's website as having influence and the contacts necessary to strike deals .
`` Capitalizing on their influential networks and drawing on their deep industry knowledge and experience , Pine Island 's Washington , D.C. partners work in tandem with the investment team to source deals , conduct analyses , win bids , close transactions , and directly advise the companies in which we invest , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beyond Blinken and Austin , the website lists others who have ties to Biden and the leadership of the Democratic Party .
There are also D.C. partners with links to the Republican Party .
Michele Flournoy , who was reportedly being considered to be Biden 's choice for secretary of Defense and was undersecretary of Defense for policy under President Barack Obama , is listed as one of the D.C. partners .
Capricia Marshall , who has ties to the Obama administration , along with Bill and Hillary Clinton , is also a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dick Gephardt is also a partner .
The firm 's portfolio includes Precinmac and InVeris , two companies with ties to the aerospace and defense industries .

Secretary of State nominee Antony Blinken speaks after being introduced by President-elect Joe Biden as he introduces key foreign policy and national security nominees and appointments at the Queen Theatre on November 24, 2020 in Wilmington, Delaware.
A company with ties to at least two people selected by Joe Biden for his Cabinet is seeing a surge in support from Wall Street players after pitching access to investors.
Pine Island Acquisition Corp., a special purpose acquisition company, was first described in September to investors in a prospectus featuring its direct affiliation with the investment firm, Pine Island Capital Partners. The document was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Biden surged in the polls ahead of President Donald Trump.
"We believe that with our access, network and expertise, we are well-suited to take advantage of the current and future opportunities present in the aerospace, defense and government services industries," the SEC filing said at the time.
Pine Island's team includes Tony Blinken, Biden's choice to be secretary of State, and Ret. Gen. Lloyd Austin, his nominee for Defense secretary. Austin was listed on the original SPAC proposal, while Blinken was left off as he took a leave of absence from the firm when he joined the Biden campaign.
Since the initial pitch, the SPAC has raised over $218 million. Records from November indicate that at least two big Wall Street players took ownership stakes in it.
The SEC filings show that the investment arm of Citadel, whose CEO is Ken Griffin, took a nearly 7% ownership stake. Millennium Management, founded by longtime business executive Israel Englander, took a more than 5% stake. Each firm purchased millions of shares, with the SPAC's asking price of up to $10 per share.
Citadel Advisors, which is the hedge fund business of Citadel and is listed on the document that made the Pine Island purchase, reportedly has at least $30 billion in assets under management. Millennium says on its website that it has over $48 billion in assets under management.
The Citadel and Millennium investments were made before Blinken and Austin were officially chosen for Cabinet roles. The Biden transition team has said the two men plan to divest any stake in Pine Island if they are confirmed by the Senate.
A SPAC is a shell company with no actual commercial operations and is often created solely for raising capital to help a company go public without going through the traditional IPO process. Because SPACs have no previous operations or financial data to access, their track record depends on the reputation of the management teams.
The creation of the Pine Island SPAC was first reported by The Daily Poster and The New York Times.
The firms would not say why they chose to buy into this SPAC after investing in similar ventures over the years. Pine Island, Citadel and Millennium declined to comment for this story. A Biden transition spokesperson did not return a request for comment.
One of the apparent appealing concepts about Pine Island is its team members, who include experienced financial and governmental leaders. Its chairman is John Thain, CEO of Merrill Lynch before its merger with Bank of America. He also was once the chief executive of CIT Group.
Pine Island Capital Partners' managing partner is Phil Cooper, a former Goldman Sachs executive and CEO of the SPAC.
The D.C. side is promoted on Pine Island's website as having influence and the contacts necessary to strike deals.
"Capitalizing on their influential networks and drawing on their deep industry knowledge and experience, Pine Island's Washington, D.C. partners work in tandem with the investment team to source deals, conduct analyses, win bids, close transactions, and directly advise the companies in which we invest," the Pine Island Capital Partners website says.
Beyond Blinken and Austin, the website lists others who have ties to Biden and the leadership of the Democratic Party. There are also D.C. partners with links to the Republican Party.
Michele Flournoy, who was reportedly being considered to be Biden's choice for secretary of Defense and was undersecretary of Defense for policy under President Barack Obama, is listed as one of the D.C. partners. Capricia Marshall, who has ties to the Obama administration, along with Bill and Hillary Clinton, is also a partner.
Former Democratic House Majority Leader Dick Gephardt is also a partner.
The firm's portfolio includes Precinmac and InVeris, two companies with ties to the aerospace and defense industries.


cnbc--2020-12-09--Trump files motion to join Texas Supreme Court bid to undo Biden White House win

US President Donald Trump waves upon arrival , alongside Attorney General of Texas Ken Paxton ( L ) in Dallas , Texas , on June 11 , 2020 , where he will host a roundtable with faith leaders and small business owners .
The Supreme Court has not said whether it will take Paxton 's case , which Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel called a `` publicity stunt . ''
`` The constitutional issue is not whether voters committed fraud but whether state officials violated the law by systematically loosening the measures for ballot integrity so that fraud becomes undetectable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Rather , it suggests that the battleground states increased `` the opportunity for fraud '' through improper election handling .
Outside of court , Trump and his allies have repeatedly spread an array of unproven conspiracies about voter and electoral fraud .
But the president 's request to intervene in Paxton 's case , like many other lawsuits filed by the Trump campaign , does not allege actual fraud .
`` To many readers , the essay inevitably conveyed the ugly message that Senator Kamala Harris , a woman of color and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not truly American , '' Newsweek wrote .
Eastman last summer in a Newsweek op-ed suggested that Vice President-elect Kamala Harris was not eligible for that office , because neither of her parents were U.S. citizens when she was born in the United States in 1964 .
After a backlash to that column , Newsweek posted a lengthy editor 's note apologizing that the op-ed was `` being used by some as a tool to perpetuate racism and xenophobia . ''
Trump 's attorney , John Eastman , wrote bluntly in the motion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the votes cast in the Defendant States unlawfully for his opponent to be deemed invalid . ''
Trump , acting `` in his personal capacity '' as a presidential candidate , seeks to intervene in order `` to protect his unique and substantial personal interests as a candidate for re-election , '' according to the 39-page court filing .
Trump earlier in the day vowed to join that case , adding that he or his campaign will also ask to join lawsuits in a number of other states as part of his attempt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Hours after Paxton 's filing Tuesday , the Supreme Court refused to accept a case from a Republican congressman from Pennsylvania that challenged Biden 's win there , a refusal that could foreshadow the fate of Texas ' case .
`` We will be INTERVENING in the Texas ( plus many other states ) case .
This is the big one , '' Trump wrote in a Twitter post Wednesday .
The Republican president , who has repeatedly claimed without evidence that widespread fraud swindled him out of a victory over Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refusal to hear the Pennsylvania case filed by Rep. Mike Kelly .
`` This was not my case as has been so incorrectly reported .
The case that everyone has been waiting for is the State 's case with Texas and numerous others joining , '' Trump tweeted .
`` It is very strong , ALL CRITERIA MET . ''
`` How can you have a presidency when a vast majority think the election was RIGGED ? ''
After filing the motion for Trump to intervene in Paxton 's Supreme Court case , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump campaign that `` I 'm honored that the President asked me to represent him in this matter . ''
`` I think his intervention in this case strengthens an already very strong original action by the state of Texas , '' Eastman said in the statement .
Paxton , a Republican who remains under indictment for state felony securities fraud charges , asked the Supreme Court on Tuesday for permission to file his lawsuit that seeks to block the certification of Biden 's wins in the four battleground states .
Paxton argues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supposedly improper changes to voting procedures there in the past year , purportedly different treatment of voters in Democratic-heavy areas , and voting `` irregularities . ''
The legal action implicitly suggests that the legislatures in each of those states could effectively overrule the popular vote wins for Biden , and then appoint electors for Trump to the Electoral College , which actually chooses the winner of the national election .
That is the same end-game strategy that Trump is pursuing , both through legal cases and by his pressuring of elected officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to win 306 votes in the Electoral College when it meets next week , 36 votes more than he needs to clinch a White House victory .
If he were denied the electoral votes of the four states named in Paxton 's motion , Biden would have less than 270 Electoral College votes .
`` I feel sorry for Texans that their tax dollars are being wasted on such a genuinely embarrassing lawsuit , '' Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul said Tuesday .
`` Texas is as likely to change the outcome of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overturn the will of Wisconsin voters in the 2020 presidential election , '' said Kaul , referring to the legendary Dec. 31 , 1967 , NFL Championship Game , when Wisconsin 's Green Bay Packers defeated Texas ' Dallas Cowboys as temperatures at Lambeau Field hit 13 degrees below zero .
On the other hand , top Trump campaign lawyer Rudy Giuliani on Tuesday called Paxton 's effort `` a great filing in the Supreme Court . ''
Giuliani insisted Wednesday that the fight to overturn the election will not end even if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` No , the end of the line is when the state legislatures make the final decision on whether they 're going to assume control of this , because there 's a real battle going on , '' Giuliani said during a call to the `` Bernie & Sid '' show on WABC-AM .
Giuliani was hospitalized with the coronavirus this week .
In the call Wednesday , Giuliani implied that the Trump campaign and its surrogates have repeatedly lost legal challenges that would undercut Biden 's win as a result of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judges who heard the cases .
`` Judges are just human beings , they read — they probably read more of those newspapers than most people do , so they 're very affected by the spin that 's put on things , '' Giuliani said .
`` And the spin put on this is , 'Well , Trump really lost and he 's being a sore loser . '
'' Last month , a federal judge in Pennsylvania , Matthew Brann , blasted Giuliani 's legal arguments in a case that sought to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State .
`` This Court has been presented with strained legal arguments without merit and speculative accusations , unpled in the operative complaint and unsupported by the evidence , '' Brann wrote in a scathing opinion rejecting Trump 's case .
Brann is a former Republican Party official and a member of the conservative Federalist Society .

US President Donald Trump waves upon arrival, alongside Attorney General of Texas Ken Paxton (L) in Dallas, Texas, on June 11, 2020, where he will host a roundtable with faith leaders and small business owners.
The Supreme Court has not said whether it will take Paxton's case, which Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel called a "publicity stunt."
"The constitutional issue is not whether voters committed fraud but whether state officials violated the law by systematically loosening the measures for ballot integrity so that fraud becomes undetectable," Eastman wrote in the motion.
Rather, it suggests that the battleground states increased "the opportunity for fraud" through improper election handling.
Outside of court, Trump and his allies have repeatedly spread an array of unproven conspiracies about voter and electoral fraud. But the president's request to intervene in Paxton's case, like many other lawsuits filed by the Trump campaign, does not allege actual fraud.
"To many readers, the essay inevitably conveyed the ugly message that Senator Kamala Harris, a woman of color and the child of immigrants, was somehow not truly American," Newsweek wrote.
Eastman last summer in a Newsweek op-ed suggested that Vice President-elect Kamala Harris was not eligible for that office, because neither of her parents were U.S. citizens when she was born in the United States in 1964. After a backlash to that column, Newsweek posted a lengthy editor's note apologizing that the op-ed was "being used by some as a tool to perpetuate racism and xenophobia."
Trump's attorney, John Eastman, wrote bluntly in the motion that "President Trump seeks to have the votes cast in the Defendant States unlawfully for his opponent to be deemed invalid."
Trump, acting "in his personal capacity" as a presidential candidate, seeks to intervene in order "to protect his unique and substantial personal interests as a candidate for re-election," according to the 39-page court filing.
Trump earlier in the day vowed to join that case, adding that he or his campaign will also ask to join lawsuits in a number of other states as part of his attempt to reverse the Nov. 3 election results.
Hours after Paxton's filing Tuesday, the Supreme Court refused to accept a case from a Republican congressman from Pennsylvania that challenged Biden's win there, a refusal that could foreshadow the fate of Texas' case.
"We will be INTERVENING in the Texas (plus many other states) case. This is the big one," Trump wrote in a Twitter post Wednesday.
"Our Country needs a victory!"
The Republican president, who has repeatedly claimed without evidence that widespread fraud swindled him out of a victory over Biden, also downplayed the Supreme Court's refusal to hear the Pennsylvania case filed by Rep. Mike Kelly.
"This was not my case as has been so incorrectly reported. The case that everyone has been waiting for is the State's case with Texas and numerous others joining," Trump tweeted. "It is very strong, ALL CRITERIA MET."
"How can you have a presidency when a vast majority think the election was RIGGED?"
After filing the motion for Trump to intervene in Paxton's Supreme Court case, Eastman said in a statement from the Trump campaign that "I'm honored that the President asked me to represent him in this matter."
"I think his intervention in this case strengthens an already very strong original action by the state of Texas," Eastman said in the statement.
Paxton, a Republican who remains under indictment for state felony securities fraud charges, asked the Supreme Court on Tuesday for permission to file his lawsuit that seeks to block the certification of Biden's wins in the four battleground states.
Paxton argues that a block is warranted because of supposedly improper changes to voting procedures there in the past year, purportedly different treatment of voters in Democratic-heavy areas, and voting "irregularities."
The legal action implicitly suggests that the legislatures in each of those states could effectively overrule the popular vote wins for Biden, and then appoint electors for Trump to the Electoral College, which actually chooses the winner of the national election.
That is the same end-game strategy that Trump is pursuing, both through legal cases and by his pressuring of elected officials in battleground states.
Biden is projected to win 306 votes in the Electoral College when it meets next week, 36 votes more than he needs to clinch a White House victory.
If he were denied the electoral votes of the four states named in Paxton's motion, Biden would have less than 270 Electoral College votes.
"I feel sorry for Texans that their tax dollars are being wasted on such a genuinely embarrassing lawsuit," Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul said Tuesday.
"Texas is as likely to change the outcome of the Ice Bowl as it is to overturn the will of Wisconsin voters in the 2020 presidential election," said Kaul, referring to the legendary Dec. 31, 1967, NFL Championship Game, when Wisconsin's Green Bay Packers defeated Texas' Dallas Cowboys as temperatures at Lambeau Field hit 13 degrees below zero.
On the other hand, top Trump campaign lawyer Rudy Giuliani on Tuesday called Paxton's effort "a great filing in the Supreme Court."
Giuliani insisted Wednesday that the fight to overturn the election will not end even if the Supreme Court rejects Paxton's motion.
"No, the end of the line is when the state legislatures make the final decision on whether they're going to assume control of this, because there's a real battle going on," Giuliani said during a call to the "Bernie & Sid" show on WABC-AM.
Giuliani was hospitalized with the coronavirus this week.
In the call Wednesday, Giuliani implied that the Trump campaign and its surrogates have repeatedly lost legal challenges that would undercut Biden's win as a result of media "spin" that has affected judges who heard the cases.
"Judges are just human beings, they read — they probably read more of those newspapers than most people do, so they're very affected by the spin that's put on things," Giuliani said.
"And the spin put on this is, 'Well, Trump really lost and he's being a sore loser.'"
Last month, a federal judge in Pennsylvania, Matthew Brann, blasted Giuliani's legal arguments in a case that sought to invalidate millions of votes in the Keystone State.
"This Court has been presented with strained legal arguments without merit and speculative accusations, unpled in the operative complaint and unsupported by the evidence," Brann wrote in a scathing opinion rejecting Trump's case. Brann is a former Republican Party official and a member of the conservative Federalist Society.