cnbc--2020-03-17--Joe Biden is the apparent winner of the Washington Democratic primary, NBC News reports

Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden speaks on stage after declaring victory in the South Carolina presidential primary on February 29 , 2020 in Columbia , South Carolina .
Former Vice President Joe Biden is the apparent winner of Washington 's Democratic primary , NBC News reported Monday , chalking up another victory in a string of recent upsets over Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. With 99 % of results in , Biden led with about 38 % of the vote , edging out Sanders at 36 % .
Biden will win at least 42 of the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 40 , according to NBC .
Washington , which has 89 delegates up for grabs , was seen as a necessary pickup for Sanders following Biden 's astounding gains in the Super Tuesday elections .
Biden continued with his momentum the following week , with relatively easy wins in Michigan , Missouri and Mississippi .
But the results of Washington 's primary were too close for NBC to call until days after voters cast their ballots on March 10 , as the Evergreen State worked to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than nearly any other state in the nation , and was the first to announce fatalities from the disease .
Gov .
Jay Inslee – himself a former Democratic presidential candidate – has overseen the state 's response efforts , which include announcing school closures and working with the federal government to make testing kits more available .
Biden and Sanders , the last remaining major candidates in the race , laid out their own visions for responding to the outbreak during a debate Sunday night , as they vied for the chance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November .
Many political commentators had written off Biden 's campaign as a failure just before his sizable victory in South Carolina , which was buoyed by a crucial endorsement from House Majority Whip James Clyburn , D-S.C. Biden , who served as vice president under Barack Obama , rode that momentum to a wildly successful Super Tuesday , clinching a lead in delegates over Sanders and regaining his front-runner status virtually overnight .
That wave of primary elections washed many of the remaining candidates out of the Democratic field , which included @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Three of the candidates – billionaire Tom Steyer , Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar and former South Bend , Ind.
, Mayor Pete Buttigieg – threw in the towel on the eve of Super Tuesday .
Multibillionaire and former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren dropped out shortly after the 14-state primary day .
Klobuchar and Buttigieg , along with one-time 2020 candidate Beto O'Rourke , a former Texas representative , endorsed Biden the night before Super Tuesday , along with a slew of other Democrats .
The massive alignment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort to defeat Sanders , a self-described democratic socialist who establishment Democrats fear would lose to Trump in a general election .
Polls showed Sanders as the favored candidate heading into the Washington primary , albeit by a much narrower margin than he had previously enjoyed .
FiveThirtyEight 's polling aggregate of the state gave Sanders a double-digit lead over Biden as recently as the end of February – but that lead shrunk to just about a six-point spread after Super Tuesday .
Still , Sanders remained a strong contender .
He won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ besting then-rival Hillary Clinton in every county and walking away with about 73 % of the vote , according to data from The New York Times .
Mail-in ballots submitted prior to the primary accounted for more than a quarter of the total vote share , the Washington Secretary of State 's website showed .
The majority of those early votes were cast before Biden 's turnaround , boding well for Sanders .
Washington was one of six states to hold primary elections March 10 .
Of them , only Michigan , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reward for the remaining candidates in the race .
Idaho , Missouri , Mississippi and North Dakota also held primary elections that day .
On Tuesday , four delegate-rich states – including Florida , with its many swing voters crucial to a general election win – will hold their primaries .
The other states are Illinois , Ohio and Arizona .
This is breaking news .
Please check back for updates .

Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden speaks on stage after declaring victory in the South Carolina presidential primary on February 29, 2020 in Columbia, South Carolina.
Former Vice President Joe Biden is the apparent winner of Washington's Democratic primary, NBC News reported Monday, chalking up another victory in a string of recent upsets over Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.
With 99% of results in, Biden led with about 38% of the vote, edging out Sanders at 36%. Biden will win at least 42 of the state's delegates, while Sanders will receive 40, according to NBC.
Washington, which has 89 delegates up for grabs, was seen as a necessary pickup for Sanders following Biden's astounding gains in the Super Tuesday elections. Biden continued with his momentum the following week, with relatively easy wins in Michigan, Missouri and Mississippi.
But the results of Washington's primary were too close for NBC to call until days after voters cast their ballots on March 10, as the Evergreen State worked to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Washington has more confirmed coronavirus cases than nearly any other state in the nation, and was the first to announce fatalities from the disease. Gov. Jay Inslee – himself a former Democratic presidential candidate – has overseen the state's response efforts, which include announcing school closures and working with the federal government to make testing kits more available.
Biden and Sanders, the last remaining major candidates in the race, laid out their own visions for responding to the outbreak during a debate Sunday night, as they vied for the chance to take on President Donald Trump in November.
Many political commentators had written off Biden's campaign as a failure just before his sizable victory in South Carolina, which was buoyed by a crucial endorsement from House Majority Whip James Clyburn, D-S.C.
Biden, who served as vice president under Barack Obama, rode that momentum to a wildly successful Super Tuesday, clinching a lead in delegates over Sanders and regaining his front-runner status virtually overnight.
That wave of primary elections washed many of the remaining candidates out of the Democratic field, which included two dozen contenders at its peak.
Three of the candidates – billionaire Tom Steyer, Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar and former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg – threw in the towel on the eve of Super Tuesday. Multibillionaire and former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren dropped out shortly after the 14-state primary day.
Klobuchar and Buttigieg, along with one-time 2020 candidate Beto O'Rourke, a former Texas representative, endorsed Biden the night before Super Tuesday, along with a slew of other Democrats.
The massive alignment behind Biden was viewed as a broad effort to defeat Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist who establishment Democrats fear would lose to Trump in a general election.
Polls showed Sanders as the favored candidate heading into the Washington primary, albeit by a much narrower margin than he had previously enjoyed. FiveThirtyEight's polling aggregate of the state gave Sanders a double-digit lead over Biden as recently as the end of February – but that lead shrunk to just about a six-point spread after Super Tuesday.
Still, Sanders remained a strong contender. He won overwhelmingly in Washington's 2016 caucuses, besting then-rival Hillary Clinton in every county and walking away with about 73% of the vote, according to data from The New York Times.
Mail-in ballots submitted prior to the primary accounted for more than a quarter of the total vote share, the Washington Secretary of State's website showed. The majority of those early votes were cast before Biden's turnaround, boding well for Sanders.
Washington was one of six states to hold primary elections March 10. Of them, only Michigan, with 125 delegates available, offered a larger reward for the remaining candidates in the race.
Idaho, Missouri, Mississippi and North Dakota also held primary elections that day.
On Tuesday, four delegate-rich states – including Florida, with its many swing voters crucial to a general election win – will hold their primaries. The other states are Illinois, Ohio and Arizona.
This is breaking news. Please check back for updates.
-- CNBC's Jacob Pramuk contributed to this report.


cnbc--2020-03-17--Trump attacks Cuomo again on coronavirus response: 'Andrew, keep politics out of it'

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo briefing on updates on spread of covid-19 in New York State at NYPA White Plains Office .
President Donald Trump and New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo traded insults on Twitter , ramping up their attacks on each other over their efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic .
The president kept the feud alive Tuesday morning , admonishing Democrat Cuomo to `` keep politics out of '' the coronavirus response .
Cuomo attacked first , during a phone conference with reporters Monday morning , when he said the federal government has been `` behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The administration 's response to the deadly virus has been `` inexcusable , '' Cuomo said .
Cuomo made his remarks before he announced that he and Govs .
Phil Murphy of New Jersey and Ned Lamont of Connecticut had agreed to coordinate the closings of certain businesses and limit public gatherings to fewer than 50 people in their states .
`` States , frankly , do n't have the capacity or the power to make up for the federal government , '' Cuomo said , citing `` a lack of federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in the afternoon , responded on social media following a `` very good tele-conference with Nation 's Governors . ''
`` Cuomo of New York has to 'do more , ' '' Trump said .
It was not clear whom the president appeared to be quoting in the tweet .
He later issued another version of the tweet that corrected a typo .
During the video conference Monday morning , Trump reportedly suggested that the governors work on their own to try to obtain breathing equipment needed for people diagnosed with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of the equipment – try getting it yourselves , '' Trump told the state leaders , The New York Times reported , citing a recording of the conference call .
`` We will be backing you , but try getting it yourselves , '' Trump added , according to the Times .
`` Point of sales , much better , much more direct if you can get it yourself . ''
Shortly after the president 's tweet , Cuomo hit back : `` I have to do more ?
No — YOU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supposed to be the President . ''
On Tuesday morning , Trump took another swing at the New York governor .
`` Cuomo wants 'all states to be treated the same . '
But all states are n't the same , '' Trump wrote .
`` Some are being hit hard by the Chinese Virus , some are being hit practically not at all .
New York is a very big 'hotspot ' , West Virginia has , thus far , zero cases . ''
`` Andrew , keep politics out of it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's not the first time the two have banged heads amid the nationwide efforts to rein in the spread of the coronavirus , which has been confirmed in more than 3,800 people in the U.S. , killing 69 , according to data from Johns Hopkins University .
Earlier in March , Trump lashed out at the governor after Cuomo complained in a television interview about the `` mixed messages '' coming from the Trump administration .
`` There are no mixed messages , only political weaponization by people like you and your brother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ referencing a comment made toward CNN broadcaster Chris Cuomo , the governor 's brother , in a viral video .
The video showed Chris Cuomo in a heated exchange with a man he accused of derisively calling him `` Fredo '' — the weak brother in the Corleone family in `` The Godfather '' movies .
Chris Cuomo called it a slur against Italians .
Trump has since described the CNN anchor as Fredo on numerous occasions .

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo briefing on updates on spread of covid-19 in New York State at NYPA White Plains Office.
President Donald Trump and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo traded insults on Twitter, ramping up their attacks on each other over their efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
The president kept the feud alive Tuesday morning, admonishing Democrat Cuomo to "keep politics out of" the coronavirus response.
Cuomo attacked first, during a phone conference with reporters Monday morning, when he said the federal government has been "behind from day one of this crisis." The administration's response to the deadly virus has been "inexcusable," Cuomo said.
Cuomo made his remarks before he announced that he and Govs. Phil Murphy of New Jersey and Ned Lamont of Connecticut had agreed to coordinate the closings of certain businesses and limit public gatherings to fewer than 50 people in their states.
"States, frankly, don't have the capacity or the power to make up for the federal government," Cuomo said, citing "a lack of federal direction and nationwide standards."
Trump, in the afternoon, responded on social media following a "very good tele-conference with Nation's Governors."
"Cuomo of New York has to 'do more,'" Trump said. It was not clear whom the president appeared to be quoting in the tweet. He later issued another version of the tweet that corrected a typo.
TRUMP TWEET
During the video conference Monday morning, Trump reportedly suggested that the governors work on their own to try to obtain breathing equipment needed for people diagnosed with the coronavirus.
"Respirators, ventilators, all of the equipment – try getting it yourselves," Trump told the state leaders, The New York Times reported, citing a recording of the conference call.
"We will be backing you, but try getting it yourselves," Trump added, according to the Times. "Point of sales, much better, much more direct if you can get it yourself."
Shortly after the president's tweet, Cuomo hit back: "I have to do more? No — YOU have to do something! You're supposed to be the President."
Cuomo TWEET
On Tuesday morning, Trump took another swing at the New York governor.
"Cuomo wants 'all states to be treated the same.' But all states aren't the same," Trump wrote.
"Some are being hit hard by the Chinese Virus, some are being hit practically not at all. New York is a very big 'hotspot', West Virginia has, thus far, zero cases."
"Andrew, keep politics out of it," the president added.
Trump TWEET
It's not the first time the two have banged heads amid the nationwide efforts to rein in the spread of the coronavirus, which has been confirmed in more than 3,800 people in the U.S., killing 69, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
Earlier in March, Trump lashed out at the governor after Cuomo complained in a television interview about the "mixed messages" coming from the Trump administration.
"There are no mixed messages, only political weaponization by people like you and your brother, Fredo!" Trump tweeted, referencing a comment made toward CNN broadcaster Chris Cuomo, the governor's brother, in a viral video.
The video showed Chris Cuomo in a heated exchange with a man he accused of derisively calling him "Fredo" — the weak brother in the Corleone family in "The Godfather" movies. Chris Cuomo called it a slur against Italians. Trump has since described the CNN anchor as Fredo on numerous occasions.
Trump TWEET 2


cnbc--2020-03-18--Joe Biden wins Florida primary, NBC News projects, as he pushes to seal the Democratic nomination

Former Vice President Joe Biden speaks as Florida Democratic gubernatorial nominee Andrew Gillum and U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson ( D-FL ) listen behind him during a campaign rally held at the University of South Florida Campus Recreation Building on October 22 , 2018 in Tampa , Florida .
Joe Biden will win Florida 's Democratic primary , NBC News projected Tuesday , taking another huge step toward the 2020 Democratic nomination in the shadow of the coronavirus .
The former vice president looked headed for a blowout , setting him up for a trove of delegates as he pushes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
With more than 90 % of results in Tuesday , he had about 62 % of the vote , compared to about 23 % for Sen. Bernie Sanders .
Florida 's primary allocates 219 pledged delegates , making it one of the biggest prizes on the calendar .
Biden will win at least 133 delegates , while Sanders will come away with at least 23 .
Speaking from his home in Wilmington , Delaware on Tuesday night , Biden said `` tackling this pandemic is a national emergency akin to fighting a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the states moving ahead with their elections with precautions , saying `` it 's important for us to get through this crisis protecting both the public health and our democracy . ''
`` Our campaign has had a very good night .
We moved closer to securing the Democratic Party 's nomination for president , '' he said after projected wins in both Florida and Illinois .
He spoke directly to Sanders ' supporters , saying he and his opponent `` may disagree on tactics , but we share a common vision '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more affordable , reduce income inequality and curb climate change .
Florida forged ahead with its primary despite fears about the outbreak that forced Ohio , another state set to vote Tuesday , to stop in-person voting .
The state said it took steps to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease while voters cast ballots , including by giving poll workers disinfecting materials and moving polling sites away from high-risk places such as hospitals and nursing homes .
Even so , some local elections officials reported having to find replacements for poll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voted early or by mail by Tuesday morning , according to state data .

Former Vice President Joe Biden speaks as Florida Democratic gubernatorial nominee Andrew Gillum and U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) listen behind him during a campaign rally held at the University of South Florida Campus Recreation Building on October 22, 2018 in Tampa, Florida.
Joe Biden will win Florida's Democratic primary, NBC News projected Tuesday, taking another huge step toward the 2020 Democratic nomination in the shadow of the coronavirus.
He would pile up delegates with wins in Illinois and Arizona on Tuesday night, as well.
The former vice president looked headed for a blowout, setting him up for a trove of delegates as he pushes to take on President Donald Trump in November. With more than 90% of results in Tuesday, he had about 62% of the vote, compared to about 23% for Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Florida's primary allocates 219 pledged delegates, making it one of the biggest prizes on the calendar. Biden will win at least 148 delegates, while Sanders will come away with at least 33.
Biden had won 1,132 national delegates to Sanders' 817 as of late Tuesday, according to NBC. A candidate needs 1,991 delegates to clinch the party's nomination.
Speaking from his home in Wilmington, Delaware, on Tuesday night, Biden said "tackling this pandemic is a national emergency akin to fighting a war." He seemed to endorse the states moving ahead with their elections with precautions, saying "it's important for us to get through this crisis protecting both the public health and our democracy."
"Our campaign has had a very good night. We moved closer to securing the Democratic Party's nomination for president," he said after projected wins in both Florida and Illinois. He spoke directly to Sanders' supporters, saying he and his opponent "may disagree on tactics, but we share a common vision" on the need to make health care more affordable, reduce income inequality and curb climate change.
Florida forged ahead with its primary despite fears about the outbreak that forced Ohio, another state set to vote Tuesday, to stop in-person voting. The state said it took steps to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease while voters cast ballots, including by giving poll workers disinfecting materials and moving polling sites away from high-risk places such as hospitals and nursing homes.
Even so, some local elections officials reported having to find replacements for poll workers. Nearly 2 million people had voted early or by mail by Tuesday morning, according to state data.


cnbc--2020-03-18--Bernie Sanders calls for monthly $2,000 payment to every US household during coronavirus crisis

Senator Bernie Sanders speaks at a press conference at his campaign office in Burlington , Vermont , March 4 , 2020 .
Sen. Bernie Sanders called Tuesday for a monthly $ 2,000 payment to every U.S. household for the duration of the coronavirus crisis .
During a speech on how to respond to the destruction caused by the global pandemic , Sanders said he guessed the federal government would have to spend roughly $ 2 trillion `` to prevent deaths , jobs losses and to avoid an economic catastrophe . ''
`` We can do it .
We can address @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pain , '' the 2020 Democratic presidential candidate said during a livestream on a night when Florida , Illinois and Arizona hold primary elections .
Sanders did not mention the primaries or campaign strategy during the remarks .
The senator also called for unemployment insurance of up to 100 % of a worker 's prior salary with a cap of $ 75,000 .
He proposed a moratorium on evictions , foreclosures and utility shutoffs , and a waiver on all student loan payments as workers face job losses .
Sanders also called for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coverage during the crisis .
He pushed for the government to use emergency authority to spur increased production of supplies such as masks and ventilators .
He also called to impose conditions on corporations if they receive taxpayer aid , such as a ban on stock buybacks and executive bonuses .
Officials in Washington have scrambled to head off economic disaster as the restaurant , travel and entertainment industries take a drubbing from the outbreak .
Many cities and states have shut down schools and regular activities to encourage residents to stay home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease .
Congress is working on a massive stimulus package that could cost more than $ 1 trillion , with more measures to combat the outbreak likely ahead .
The Trump administration 's stimulus proposal could include a one-time cash payment to all Americans , an idea that has gained traction among Republicans .
At least 5,984 cases have been reported in the U.S. , and at least 100 people have died , according to data from Johns Hopkins University .

Senator Bernie Sanders speaks at a press conference at his campaign office in Burlington, Vermont, March 4, 2020.
Sen. Bernie Sanders called Tuesday for a monthly $2,000 payment to every U.S. household for the duration of the coronavirus crisis.
During a speech on how to respond to the destruction caused by the global pandemic, Sanders said he guessed the federal government would have to spend roughly $2 trillion "to prevent deaths, jobs losses and to avoid an economic catastrophe."
"We can do it. We can address this crisis. We can minimize the pain," the 2020 Democratic presidential candidate said during a livestream on a night when Florida, Illinois and Arizona hold primary elections.
Sanders did not mention the primaries or campaign strategy during the remarks.


cnbc--2020-03-18--Joe Biden wins Illinois Democratic primary, NBC News projects, in another blow to Bernie Sanders

Democratic U.S. presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden appears at his Super Tuesday night rally in Los Angeles , California , U.S. , March 3 , 2020 .
Joe Biden will win the Illinois Democratic primary , NBC News projected Tuesday , notching another key win as the coronavirus pandemic drowns out the 2020 race .
The former vice president will extend a commanding run in contests against Sen. Bernie Sanders after an easy victory in Florida earlier in the night .
With a big delegate haul expected from the states voting Tuesday , Biden moves closer to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to face President Donald Trump in November .
Illinois allocates 155 pledged delegates , the second biggest haul of the states voting on Tuesday .
Biden will take at least 61 delegates , while Sanders will win at least 37 , according to NBC .
With more than half of the votes counted , Biden led Sanders by about a 59 % to 36 % margin .
Speaking from his home in Wilmington , Delaware on Tuesday night , Biden said `` tackling this pandemic is a national emergency akin to fighting a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the states moving ahead with their elections with precautions , saying `` it 's important for us to get through this crisis protecting both the public health and our democracy . ''
`` Our campaign has had a very good night .
We moved closer to securing the Democratic Party 's nomination for president , '' he said after the two projected wins .
He spoke directly to Sanders ' supporters , saying he and his opponent `` may disagree on tactics , but we share a common vision '' on the need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduce income inequality and curb climate change .

Democratic U.S. presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden appears at his Super Tuesday night rally in Los Angeles, California, U.S., March 3, 2020.
Joe Biden will win the Illinois Democratic primary, NBC News projected Tuesday, notching another key win as the coronavirus pandemic drowns out the 2020 race.
The former vice president will extend a commanding run in contests against Sen. Bernie Sanders after an easy victory in Florida earlier in the night. With a big delegate haul expected from the states voting Tuesday, Biden moves closer to putting his rival out of the race to face President Donald Trump in November.
Illinois allocates 155 pledged delegates, the second biggest haul of the states voting on Tuesday. Biden will take at least 61 delegates, while Sanders will win at least 37, according to NBC.
With more than half of the votes counted, Biden led Sanders by about a 59% to 36% margin.
Speaking from his home in Wilmington, Delaware on Tuesday night, Biden said "tackling this pandemic is a national emergency akin to fighting a war." He seemed to endorse the states moving ahead with their elections with precautions, saying "it's important for us to get through this crisis protecting both the public health and our democracy."
"Our campaign has had a very good night. We moved closer to securing the Democratic Party's nomination for president," he said after the two projected wins. He spoke directly to Sanders' supporters, saying he and his opponent "may disagree on tactics, but we share a common vision" on the need to make health care more affordable, reduce income inequality and curb climate change.


cnbc--2020-03-17--Group run by former Google CEO to hold meeting with VCs, philanthropists about ways to fight coronav

Group run by former Google CEO to hold meeting with VCs, philanthropists about ways to fight coronavirus

A group founded by the former CEO and executive chairman of Google is huddling with venture capitalists to discuss how they can quickly use their resources to help fight the coronavirus .
Seth Bannon , a founding partner of venture capital firm Fifty Years , told CNBC in an interview that the group , Schmidt Futures , is hosting a conference call on Wednesday with philanthropists , including leaders of firms like Bannon 's , to discuss groups they can start funding that are looking to combat COVID-19 .
Eric Braverman , CEO of Schmidt Futures , will lead the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head of partnerships at Schmidt Futures , according to people with direct knowledge of the matter .
The call will also include representatives of Google.org , the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation , the Sergey Brin Family Foundation , the Bridgespan Group , the Science Philanthropy Alliance , the National Science Foundation and many others , the people said .
The Schmidt group , Schmidt Futures , which also lists Schmidt 's wife Wendy as a co-founder on its website , describes itself as a group that `` invests in and makes grants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to support the most talented people and most promising ideas , '' including those focused on scientific breakthroughs .
`` This call is particularly for smaller , and more nimble funders , '' Bannon said .
`` It 's for people who can write checks from $ 100,000 to up to $ 1 million , but people who can do it quickly , '' he added .
The call is the latest of many moves being made by Silicon Valley as an extra deterrent against a virus that has led to over 5,700 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least 94 deaths .
Last week , Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins held a call with tech leaders about the best ways they can help and invest into organizations on the front lines .
Executives at the behemoths of Facebook , Apple , Alphabet and Salesforce were all invited to attend .
A spokesman for Schmidt declined to comment .
A Schmidt Futures representative did not return a request for comment .
Still , beyond the giant tech companies , venture capital firms , often a key source of funding for startups , have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to take on the virus .
Bannon 's firm has a slew of health care companies in his portfolio , and he says they expect to spend millions in investments to help fund businesses such as HelixNano , a California based biotech company that is trying to create a vaccine strategy for the coronavirus .
`` In the last few weeks , they 've developed a broad COVID-19 vaccine strategy -- essentially a plan to make a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine that will work as the virus mutates , '' Bannon said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hands on deck situation—this response has been pretty inspiring . ''
There are at least eight other organizations that are part of Bannon 's partfolio that are looking to assist in the nationwide effort , such as a company called Nurx , that previously specialized in delivering birth control but now , according to its website , are preparing to launch home testing for the coronavirus .
Outside of venture capital , there are Silicon Valley backed lobbying groups , such as FWD.us , that are calling on executives in the tech world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political organization that advocates for a better immigration and criminal justice system .
A note FWD sent potential investors calls on business leaders to help raise funds for Global Response Management , a nonprofit that assists in medical needs in low income areas .
The group , according to the memo , is looking to `` immediately erect a triage operation and field hospital equivalent for care '' in Mexico , close to the U.S. border .
FWD 's founder , Todd Schulte , told CNBC it helped raise over $ 400,000 so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power players such as Schmidt , Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates , Greylock partner Reid Hoffman , and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg .

A group founded by the former CEO and executive chairman of Google is huddling with venture capitalists to discuss how they can quickly use their resources to help fight the coronavirus.
Seth Bannon, a founding partner of venture capital firm Fifty Years, told CNBC in an interview that the group, Schmidt Futures, is hosting a conference call on Wednesday with philanthropists, including leaders of firms like Bannon's, to discuss groups they can start funding that are looking to combat COVID-19.
Eric Braverman, CEO of Schmidt Futures, will lead the call along with and Kumar Garg, head of partnerships at Schmidt Futures, according to people with direct knowledge of the matter. The call will also include representatives of Google.org, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Sergey Brin Family Foundation, the Bridgespan Group, the Science Philanthropy Alliance, the National Science Foundation and many others, the people said.
The Schmidt group, Schmidt Futures, which also lists Schmidt's wife Wendy as a co-founder on its website, describes itself as a group that "invests in and makes grants to for-profit and nonprofit organizations in order to support the most talented people and most promising ideas," including those focused on scientific breakthroughs.
"This call is particularly for smaller, and more nimble funders," Bannon said. "It's for people who can write checks from $100,000 to up to $1 million, but people who can do it quickly," he added.
The call is the latest of many moves being made by Silicon Valley as an extra deterrent against a virus that has led to over 5,700 cases in the United States with at least 94 deaths.
Last week, Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins held a call with tech leaders about the best ways they can help and invest into organizations on the front lines. Executives at the behemoths of Facebook , Apple , Alphabet and Salesforce were all invited to attend.
A spokesman for Schmidt declined to comment. A Schmidt Futures representative did not return a request for comment.
Still, beyond the giant tech companies, venture capital firms, often a key source of funding for startups, have become capital hubs for businesses that are trying to take on the virus.
Bannon's firm has a slew of health care companies in his portfolio, and he says they expect to spend millions in investments to help fund businesses such as HelixNano, a California based biotech company that is trying to create a vaccine strategy for the coronavirus.
"In the last few weeks, they've developed a broad COVID-19 vaccine strategy -- essentially a plan to make a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine that will work as the virus mutates," Bannon said. "It really does feel like an all hands on deck situation—this response has been pretty inspiring."
There are at least eight other organizations that are part of Bannon's partfolio that are looking to assist in the nationwide effort, such as a company called Nurx, that previously specialized in delivering birth control but now, according to its website, are preparing to launch home testing for the coronavirus.
Outside of venture capital, there are Silicon Valley backed lobbying groups, such as FWD.us, that are calling on executives in the tech world for help. FWD is a bipartisan political organization that advocates for a better immigration and criminal justice system.
A note FWD sent potential investors calls on business leaders to help raise funds for Global Response Management, a nonprofit that assists in medical needs in low income areas. The group, according to the memo, is looking to "immediately erect a triage operation and field hospital equivalent for care" in Mexico, close to the U.S. border.
FWD's founder, Todd Schulte, told CNBC it helped raise over $400,000 so far. The organizations founders include tech power players such as Schmidt, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, Greylock partner Reid Hoffman, and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.


cnbc--2020-03-18--European Union will close external borders for 30 days to slow coronavirus pandemic

European leaders agreed Tuesday to close the European Union 's ( EU ) external borders for 30 days in a new effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic .
The travel restrictions at the border are temporary and aim to reduce most non-essential travel from other countries into the European Union .
The new rules will apply to 26 members of the EU , plus Iceland , Liechtenstein , Norway and Switzerland .
Ireland has not yet decided whether to implement the restrictions .
Ursula von der Leyen , president of the European Commission , the executive arm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not applying restrictions to its external borders , but its citizens would still be allowed to travel into the EU .
The U.K. has an interesting relationship with the EU : it exited the bloc in January but remains subject to its rules until the end of the year .
`` It 's up to them now to implement it .
They said they would immediately do that , '' von der Leyen told reporters Tuesday evening .
about when the external border checks would be applied .
Movement of people within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed under the restrictions .
This means that people in the so-called Schengen area will be able to move from one country to the other .
The travel restrictions do not apply to medical staff , medicines or goods .
`` The flow of goods has to be swift , we need these goods for the functioning of the internal market , '' von der Leyen said at a press conference .
`` But we have also to make sure that the commuters can go back and forth where they live , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some countries have imposed certain restrictions at borders with other EU countries and that could ultimately raise issues in the supply chain .
`` It is absolutely crucial that we unblock the situation , '' von der Leyen said .
The EU will also arrange for the repatriation of citizens of member countries .
`` The Union and its member states will do whatever it takes , '' said European Council President Charles Michel , who chairs the discussions among the heads of state .
The EU is an economic and political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europe , including Spain , France , Germany , Italy , Ireland , the Benelux nations , Austria , Greece , Poland , Hungary , Romania , Bulgaria , the Czech Republic , Slovakia , Estonia , Latvia , Lithuania , and all Scandavian countries with the exception of Norway .
On Monday , Canada 's prime minister , Justin Trudeau , said he was closing his nation 's borders to foreigners , with the major exception of U.S. citizens .
This story has been updated to reflect that Ireland has not yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions .

European leaders agreed Tuesday to close the European Union's (EU) external borders for 30 days in a new effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
The travel restrictions at the border are temporary and aim to reduce most non-essential travel from other countries into the European Union. The new rules will apply to 26 members of the EU, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Ireland has not yet decided whether to implement the restrictions.
"It's up to them now to implement it. They said they would immediately do that," Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission told reporters Tuesday evening about when the external border checks would be applied.
Von der Leyen also suggested the U.K. was not applying restrictions to its external borders, but its citizens would still be allowed to travel into the EU. The U.K. has a unique relationship with the EU: it exited the bloc in January but remains subject to its rules until the end of the year.
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Movement of people within the European free-passport area will still be allowed under the restrictions. This means that people in the so-called Schengen area will be able to move from one country to the other.
The travel restrictions do not apply to medical staff, medicines or goods.
"The flow of goods has to be swift, we need these goods for the functioning of the internal market," von der Leyen said at a press conference. "But we have also to make sure that the commuters can go back and forth where they live, or where they work," she added.
Some countries have imposed certain restrictions at borders with other EU countries and that could ultimately raise issues in the supply chain. "It is absolutely crucial that we unblock the situation," von der Leyen said.
The EU will also arrange for the repatriation of citizens of member countries.
"The Union and its member states will do whatever it takes," said European Council President Charles Michel, who chairs the discussions among the heads of state.
The EU is an economic and political union of most of the countries in Europe, including Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, the Benelux nations, Austria, Greece, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and all Scandavian countries with the exception of Norway.
On Monday, Canada's prime minister, Justin Trudeau, said he was closing his nation's borders to foreigners, with the major exception of U.S. citizens.
This story has been updated to reflect that Ireland has not yet announced whether it will impose the travel restrictions.


cnbc--2020-03-18--Trump seeks stimulus package potentially worth more than $1 trillion, including direct payments to A

Trump seeks stimulus package potentially worth more than $1 trillion, including direct payments to Americans

`` Americans need cash now , '' Mnuchin said during a White House press briefing on the administration 's latest efforts to combat the disease .
`` I mean now in the next two weeks . ''
Potentially $ 250 billion of the package could go toward making direct payments to Americans , a White House official told The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday .
Mnuchin said earlier Tuesday that the administration wants to get emergency funds in Americans ' pockets `` immediately . ''
Later Tuesday , Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told GOP senators that unemployment could reach 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stimulus package , according to a person familiar with the situation .
The White House is seeking a stimulus package worth anywhere from $ 850 billion to more than $ 1 trillion as the Trump administration looks to battle the economic impact from the coronavirus pandemic , according to a source familiar with the matter .
Millionaires are unlikely to be among those who receive relief in the form of direct payments .
The White House will now have to negotiate a package with Congress .
The measure will need to balance aiding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as industries it has already said it wants to support .
The administration has made clear its view that the airline industry is essential .
President Donald Trump and Mnuchin have also noted the cruise and hotel industries are facing particular challenges as travel has shut down .
`` We 're going big , '' Trump said at the presser .
`` We want to go big , go solid . ''
`` We do n't want airlines going out of business .
We do n't people losing their jobs , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , have made clear that any support to industries must come with significant aid to workers .
There has already been dispute in Congress about paid time off in a second coronavirus relief bill , which has yet to pass the Senate .
`` Any economic relief should be contingent on the benefits flowing to workers and their families , not CEOs and shareholders , '' Sen. Tom Udall , a New Mexico Democrat , told CNBC .
Sen. Elizabeth Warren on Tuesday outlined her own set of stipulations for any Big Business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include permanently giving up stock buy-backs and adding at least one seat to the board representing workers .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer 's office said Monday that he will put forth his own plan with at least $ 750 billion in spending to combat the coronavirus pandemic .
It would include forbearance on federal loans , a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures , assistance for small businesses and emergency child care .
Mnuchin said that the administration 's plan will come into focus by `` the end of the day '' Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stocks struggled to recover from one of the worst trading sessions ever a day earlier .
Trump said in Monday 's briefing that the U.S. may be able to get the new coronavirus outbreak under control by July or August at the earliest .
Equities tanked as Trump delivered those remarks .
Major indexes rose during the coronavirus task force 's briefing Tuesday , when Trump and his officials signaled that the administration was mobilizing a major economic response that would go into effect soon .
Markets have shed trillions of dollars amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major industries and forced governments around the world to take drastic steps to try to slow transmission of the disease .
States and cities have taken sweeping measures to reduce social interaction , including limiting restaurants to delivery and takeout services .
Other businesses have had to lay off and furlough employees .

"Americans need cash now," Mnuchin said during a White House press briefing on the administration's latest efforts to combat the disease. "I mean now in the next two weeks."
Potentially $250 billion of the package could go toward making direct payments to Americans, a White House official told The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday . Mnuchin said earlier Tuesday that the administration wants to get emergency funds in Americans' pockets "immediately."
Later Tuesday, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told GOP senators that unemployment could reach 20% if Congress doesn't enact the stimulus package, according to a person familiar with the situation.
The White House is seeking a stimulus package worth anywhere from $850 billion to more than $1 trillion as the Trump administration looks to battle the economic impact from the coronavirus pandemic, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Millionaires are unlikely to be among those who receive relief in the form of direct payments.
The White House will now have to negotiate a package with Congress. The measure will need to balance aiding individuals and workers in need, as well as industries it has already said it wants to support. The administration has made clear its view that the airline industry is essential. President Donald Trump and Mnuchin have also noted the cruise and hotel industries are facing particular challenges as travel has shut down.
"We're going big," Trump said at the presser. "We want to go big, go solid."
"We don't want airlines going out of business. We don't people losing their jobs," the president said.
Democrats, though, have made clear that any support to industries must come with significant aid to workers. There has already been dispute in Congress about paid time off in a second coronavirus relief bill, which has yet to pass the Senate.
"Any economic relief should be contingent on the benefits flowing to workers and their families, not CEOs and shareholders," Sen. Tom Udall, a New Mexico Democrat, told CNBC.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren on Tuesday outlined her own set of stipulations for any Big Business that receives federal bailout money. They include permanently giving up stock buy-backs and adding at least one seat to the board representing workers.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's office said Monday that he will put forth his own plan with at least $750 billion in spending to combat the coronavirus pandemic. It would include forbearance on federal loans, a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures, assistance for small businesses and emergency child care.
Mnuchin said that the administration's plan will come into focus by "the end of the day" Tuesday.
The latest daily briefing came as stocks struggled to recover from one of the worst trading sessions ever a day earlier. Trump said in Monday's briefing that the U.S. may be able to get the new coronavirus outbreak under control by July or August at the earliest. Equities tanked as Trump delivered those remarks.
Major indexes rose during the coronavirus task force's briefing Tuesday, when Trump and his officials signaled that the administration was mobilizing a major economic response that would go into effect soon.
Markets have shed trillions of dollars amid the coronavirus spread, which has crippled major industries and forced governments around the world to take drastic steps to try to slow transmission of the disease. States and cities have taken sweeping measures to reduce social interaction, including limiting restaurants to delivery and takeout services. Other businesses have had to lay off and furlough employees.


cnbc--2020-03-18--Joe Biden postpones virtual fundraiser until next week following technical difficulties with online

Joe Biden postpones virtual fundraiser until next week following technical difficulties with online town hall

Former Vice President Joe Biden speaks as Florida Democratic gubernatorial nominee Andrew Gillum and U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson ( D-FL ) listen behind him during a campaign rally held at the University of South Florida Campus Recreation Building on October 22 , 2018 in Tampa , Florida .
Joe Biden 's campaign postponed a virtual fundraiser scheduled for Thursday until next week .
It was n't immediately clear why the event was delayed , but the move comes after the campaign struggled with technical difficulties during one of its recent town halls .
The campaign has moved to virtual events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discouraged to gather together in crowds .
`` We are really looking forward to convening with you virtually .
As we are adjusting to all of the changes and still in transition , we would like to postpone our virtual event until next week .
We will follow up shortly with the new date , '' a Biden campaign official said in an email to donors on Wednesday .
A seperate upcoming event that was supposed to be co-hosted by Rufus Gifford , a former U.S. ambassador to Denmark , and James Costos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , will not go virtual this week and will likely be held later in the election cycle , according to a person with direct knowledge of the matter .
Biden 's campaign decided to have all his fundraising events go virtual in the wake of the coronavirus spreading throughout the United States .
Biden previously had money-making gatherings scheduled in New York and New Jersey before he decided to go virtual .
Wall Street executive Jay Snyder was slated to host one of them .
The former vice president also had his rallies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into technical difficulties last week when they tried to host a digital town hall for his supporters in Illinois .
Shortly after publication , a spokesman for the Biden campaign noted the virtual event was not rescheduled due to a technical matter and declined to comment further .
The memo to donors also gave a glimpse into how the campaign will organize future fundraising events , including how participants can login and ask questions .
`` We will be using the Zoom platform for this event , which will allow each of you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your home .
The morning of the event , we will send out the link to participate by video as well as a dial-in in case you prefer to join by phone , '' the note said .
`` In lieu of taking live questions during the event , please let us know if there are any topics you would like covered . ''
Biden 's bundlers and team are trying to avoid any issues that could concern donors funding the former vice president 's campaign to take on President Donald Trump in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be on the cusp of clinching the Democratic nomination .
He added to his delegate lead over Sen. Bernie Sanders as he swept three major contests Tuesday night : Illinois , Florida and Arizona .

Former Vice President Joe Biden speaks as Florida Democratic gubernatorial nominee Andrew Gillum and U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) listen behind him during a campaign rally held at the University of South Florida Campus Recreation Building on October 22, 2018 in Tampa, Florida.
Joe Biden's campaign postponed a virtual fundraiser scheduled for Thursday until next week.
It wasn't immediately clear why the event was delayed, but the move comes after the campaign struggled with technical difficulties during one of its recent town halls. The campaign has moved to virtual events as the coronavirus spreads and people are discouraged to gather together in crowds.
"We are really looking forward to convening with you virtually. As we are adjusting to all of the changes and still in transition, we would like to postpone our virtual event until next week. We will follow up shortly with the new date," a Biden campaign official said in an email to donors on Wednesday.
A seperate upcoming event that was supposed to be co-hosted by Rufus Gifford, a former U.S. ambassador to Denmark, and James Costos, a former U.S. ambassador to Spain, will not go virtual this week and will likely be held later in the election cycle, according to a person with direct knowledge of the matter.
Biden's campaign decided to have all his fundraising events go virtual in the wake of the coronavirus spreading throughout the United States. Biden previously had money-making gatherings scheduled in New York and New Jersey before he decided to go virtual. Wall Street executive Jay Snyder was slated to host one of them.
The former vice president also had his rallies go virtual, but the campaign ran into technical difficulties last week when they tried to host a digital town hall for his supporters in Illinois.
Shortly after publication, a spokesman for the Biden campaign noted the virtual event was not rescheduled due to a technical matter and declined to comment further.
The memo to donors also gave a glimpse into how the campaign will organize future fundraising events, including how participants can login and ask questions.
"We will be using the Zoom platform for this event, which will allow each of you to participate by video or phone from your home. The morning of the event, we will send out the link to participate by video as well as a dial-in in case you prefer to join by phone," the note said. "In lieu of taking live questions during the event, please let us know if there are any topics you would like covered."
Biden's bundlers and team are trying to avoid any issues that could concern donors funding the former vice president's campaign to take on President Donald Trump in November.
Meanwhile, Biden appears to be on the cusp of clinching the Democratic nomination. He added to his delegate lead over Sen. Bernie Sanders as he swept three major contests Tuesday night: Illinois, Florida and Arizona.


cnbc--2020-03-18--Navy hospital ship won't be ready to help New York for weeks, Pentagon says

The hospital ship USNS Comfort is anchored off the coast of La Brea , Trinidad and Tobago as the ship prepares for a five-day medical mission .
WASHINGTON — The Pentagon said Wednesday that a Navy hospital ship intended to help New York hospitals dealing with a rapidly expanding load of coronavirus cases will not be ready for weeks .
Earlier Wednesday , New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said President Donald Trump agreed to send the USNS Comfort hospital ship to help with coronavirus cases , expected to surge in the next 45 days .
`` The Comfort is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so they are going to expedite the maintenance if they can and prepare it , '' explained Jonathan Hoffman , assistant defense secretary for public affairs .
`` That 's not a days issue , that is a weeks issue .
So it 's gon na be a little while , '' he added .
It was unclear whether the Comfort 's twin , the USNS Mercy , would also head to New York .
The Comfort and the Mercy are nearly three football fields long and 10 stories high , making them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world .
The Comfort 's home port is Norfolk , Virginia , and the Mercy 's is San Diego , California .
`` With regard to the Mercy , the Mercy will be prepared and ready to go much sooner , it has had a warning order to get ready for the last few days , so they are hopefully going to be able to go in days , not weeks , '' Hoffman said .
The vessels , which were transformed from hulking oil tankers into 1,000-bed hospital ships , are equipped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bank , a medical laboratory , a pharmacy , an optometry lab and a CAT-scan .
Both ships have side ports to take on patients at sea as well as helicopter decks for air transport .
The ships are so massive , each would be tantamount to the fourth-biggest hospital in the U.S .

The hospital ship USNS Comfort is anchored off the coast of La Brea, Trinidad and Tobago as the ship prepares for a five-day medical mission.
WASHINGTON — The Pentagon said Wednesday that a Navy hospital ship intended to help New York hospitals dealing with a rapidly expanding load of coronavirus cases will not be ready for weeks.
Earlier Wednesday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said President Donald Trump agreed to send the USNS Comfort hospital ship to help with coronavirus cases, expected to surge in the next 45 days.
"The Comfort is currently in for maintenance in Norfolk, so they are going to expedite the maintenance if they can and prepare it," explained Jonathan Hoffman, assistant defense secretary for public affairs. "That's not a days issue, that is a weeks issue. So it's gonna be a little while," he added.
It was unclear whether the Comfort's twin, the USNS Mercy, would also head to New York.
The Comfort and the Mercy are nearly three football fields long and 10 stories high, making them indisputably the largest hospital ships in the world. The Comfort's home port is Norfolk, Virginia, and the Mercy's is San Diego, California.
"With regard to the Mercy, the Mercy will be prepared and ready to go much sooner, it has had a warning order to get ready for the last few days, so they are hopefully going to be able to go in days, not weeks," Hoffman said.
The vessels, which were transformed from hulking oil tankers into 1,000-bed hospital ships, are equipped with 12 operating rooms, a blood bank, a medical laboratory, a pharmacy, an optometry lab and a CAT-scan.
Both ships have side ports to take on patients at sea as well as helicopter decks for air transport. The ships are so massive, each would be tantamount to the fourth-biggest hospital in the U.S.


cnbc--2020-03-18--Here's where things stand on the White House's push for a $1 trillion stimulus package

The White House and Congress are scrambling to hash out the details of a massive stimulus package to help a U.S. economy increasingly damaged by the coronavirus pandemic .
There had been hope on Capitol Hill that Congress could pass a deal this week , as President Donald Trump seeks a measure with over $ 1 trillion in spending .
Late Wednesday afternoon , the Senate passed another relief bill , which has been approved by the House .
Two Democratic aides , who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of negotiations , cautioned it may be difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a single week .
A first bill , signed by Trump earlier this month , focused on funding for vaccines , as well as for states and individuals battling the pandemic .
The much broader third relief bill , the details of which remain in flux , could exceed $ 1 trillion .
It may include direct payments to individuals , small-business lending , payroll tax cuts , and credit facilities for larger businesses and commercial paper facilities .
Some of the credit facilities for larger businesses will go to industries the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ familiar with the situation told CNBC .
Several companies and industries are seeking relief .
They include the U.S. travel and tourism industry , which is seeking $ 150 billion in aid , the U.S. airline industry which is seeking government aid of more than $ 50 billion , and Boeing and is seeking $ 60 billion for itself and the aerospace supply chain .
The administration has made clear it is intent on helping those industries in particular that have been pummeled by travel restrictions .
Trump said in a news conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not its fault .
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have supported offering relief to certain industries , particularly airlines , which have drastically cut back capacity as the coronavirus and resulting travel restrictions spread .
Defenders of industrywide bailouts think collapses would hurt workers as well as executives .
Airlines , in particular , are viewed as essential to the U.S economy , supporting 750,000 jobs and local hubs throughout the country .
`` Central banks need to work with major financial institutions to target cheap credit to vulnerable businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by broken supply chains and the like , '' wrote Damon Silvers director of policy and special counsel for the AFL-CIO .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has told GOP senators that unemployment could reach 20 % if Congress does n't enact the administration 's proposed stimulus package .
A number of Democrats , however , have said they will not support any bailout of an industry that does n't come with sacrifice from companies .
Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts on Tuesday outlined her own set of stipulations for any big business that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permanently giving up stock buybacks and adding at least one seat to the board representing workers .
There have also been continued disputes between the two parties over paid leave for workers .
Democrats have pushed hard to offer all U.S. workers the ability to stay home during the pandemic without fear of losing a paycheck .
Republicans , though , have argued that certain small businesses may not be able to afford that service , while cash flow freezes up .
In the second relief bill , currently with the Senate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made concessions after pressure from lobbyists and Republicans .
In that bill , employees will be entitled to two weeks of sick leave , including those whose children 's schools have closed , those who are in quarantine or are taking care of family members .
But , for the next 10 weeks , the benefit will only extend to workers who are caring for a child whose school or daycare has shut .
Democrats also conceded to allowing the government the authority to exempt health-care and emergency medical service workers from paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortages of health-care workers .
Pelosi , though , did secure as part of the deal a tax credit for small- and medium-size employers offering leave and insurance .
Leaders of both parties have implied that they intend to resume that fight in the debate over the third bill .
`` It seems increasingly clear that the House 's effort to mandate that small businesses provide new worker benefits , just [ as ] many small businesses themselves are in major jeopardy of their own , might even be actively harmful unless we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more and broader small business relief , '' McConnell said Tuesday .
Pelosi , meantime , said Tuesday that `` during negotiations , the Democratic House will continue to make clear to the administration that any emergency response package must put families first before any aid to corporate America is considered . ''
Among the issues Pelosi said she would push for are refundable tax credits for self-employed workers or those in the gig economy .
She also said the party will `` ensure that any action taken by the Administration balances the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus crisis while ensuring that first responders and health care workers have access to the paid leave that they need . ''

The White House and Congress are scrambling to hash out the details of a massive stimulus package to help a U.S. economy increasingly damaged by the coronavirus pandemic.
There had been hope on Capitol Hill that Congress could pass a deal this week, as President Donald Trump seeks a measure with over $1 trillion in spending.
Late Wednesday afternoon, the Senate passed another relief bill, which has been approved by the House.
Two Democratic aides, who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of negotiations, cautioned it may be difficult to get through both relief packages in a single week.
A White House representative didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
A first bill, signed by Trump earlier this month, focused on funding for vaccines, as well as for states and individuals battling the pandemic.
The much broader third relief bill, the details of which remain in flux, could exceed $1 trillion. It may include direct payments to individuals, small-business lending, payroll tax cuts, and credit facilities for larger businesses and commercial paper facilities.
Some of the credit facilities for larger businesses will go to industries the government is looking to aid, a person familiar with the situation told CNBC.
Several companies and industries are seeking relief. They include the U.S. travel and tourism industry, which is seeking $150 billion in aid, the U.S. airline industry which is seeking government aid of more than $50 billion, and Boeing and is seeking $60 billion for itself and the aerospace supply chain.
The administration has made clear it is intent on helping those industries in particular that have been pummeled by travel restrictions. Trump said in a news conference Tuesday that the challenges facing the industry are not its fault.
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have supported offering relief to certain industries, particularly airlines, which have drastically cut back capacity as the coronavirus and resulting travel restrictions spread. Defenders of industrywide bailouts think collapses would hurt workers as well as executives. Airlines, in particular, are viewed as essential to the U.S economy, supporting 750,000 jobs and local hubs throughout the country.
"Central banks need to work with major financial institutions to target cheap credit to vulnerable businesses — airlines, hotels, manufacturers paralyzed by broken supply chains and the like," wrote Damon Silvers director of policy and special counsel for the AFL-CIO.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has told GOP senators that unemployment could reach 20% if Congress doesn't enact the administration's proposed stimulus package.
A number of Democrats, however, have said they will not support any bailout of an industry that doesn't come with sacrifice from companies.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts on Tuesday outlined her own set of stipulations for any big business that receives federal bailout money. They include permanently giving up stock buybacks and adding at least one seat to the board representing workers.
There have also been continued disputes between the two parties over paid leave for workers. Democrats have pushed hard to offer all U.S. workers the ability to stay home during the pandemic without fear of losing a paycheck. Republicans, though, have argued that certain small businesses may not be able to afford that service, while cash flow freezes up.
In the second relief bill, currently with the Senate, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., made concessions after pressure from lobbyists and Republicans.
In that bill, employees will be entitled to two weeks of sick leave, including those whose children's schools have closed, those who are in quarantine or are taking care of family members. But, for the next 10 weeks, the benefit will only extend to workers who are caring for a child whose school or daycare has shut.
Democrats also conceded to allowing the government the authority to exempt health-care and emergency medical service workers from paid time off, should there be significant shortages of health-care workers.
Pelosi, though, did secure as part of the deal a tax credit for small- and medium-size employers offering leave and insurance.
Leaders of both parties have implied that they intend to resume that fight in the debate over the third bill.
"It seems increasingly clear that the House's effort to mandate that small businesses provide new worker benefits, just [as] many small businesses themselves are in major jeopardy of their own, might even be actively harmful unless we urgently address a broader package that includes more and broader small business relief," McConnell said Tuesday.
Pelosi, meantime, said Tuesday that "during negotiations, the Democratic House will continue to make clear to the administration that any emergency response package must put families first before any aid to corporate America is considered."
Among the issues Pelosi said she would push for are refundable tax credits for self-employed workers or those in the gig economy.
She also said the party will "ensure that any action taken by the Administration balances the workforce needs on the frontlines of the coronavirus crisis while ensuring that first responders and health care workers have access to the paid leave that they need."


cnbc--2020-03-18--Senate passes coronavirus relief plan to expand paid leave, sends it to Trump

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

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


cnbc--2020-03-18--Trump defends calling coronavirus 'Chinese virus' — 'it's not racist at all'

President Donald Trump on Wednesday defended his habit of calling coronavirus the `` Chinese virus . ''
`` It 's not racist at all , '' Trump said at a White House press conference to discuss the coronavirus pandemic .
`` No , not at all . ''
Trump was asked about his persistent use of the term despite health officials saying that ethnicity does not cause the virus — and reports that dozens of incidents of bias against Chinese-Americans who have been blamed for allegedly spreading the coronavirus .
`` Because it comes from China , '' Trump told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` That 's why . ''
`` I want to be accurate . ''
The coronavirus pandemic originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan .
The White House 's Twitter account later Wednesday noted that a number of past pandemics had been known by the places where they originated , or where they were believed to have originated .
`` Spanish Flu .
West Nile Virus .
Zika .
Ebola .
All named for places .
Before the media 's fake outrage , even CNN called it 'Chinese Coronavirus , ' the White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ divide us must stop rooting for America to fail and give Americans real info they need to get through the crisis . ''
Trump also said Wednesday that Chinese government officials originally `` tried to say at one point — maybe they stopped saying now — that it was caused by American soldiers . ''
The New York Times said Friday that a baseless conspiracy theory is circulating in China that U.S. soldiers who visited Wuhan last fall may have sparked the outbreak .
`` That ca n't happen .
It 's not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as I 'm president , '' Trump said of the theory .
`` It comes from China , '' the president repeated about the virus .
Asked about Trump 's use of the term , Dr. Mike Ryan , executive director of World Health Organization 's emergencies program , said : `` Viruses no know borders and they do n't care about your ethnicity , the color of your skin or how much money you have in the bank . ''
`` So it 's really important we be careful in the language @ @ @ @ @ @ @ profiling of individuals associated with the virus , '' Ryan said .
On Tuesday , a day before the press conference , CBS News White House correspondent Weijia Jiang , who was born in China , tweeted that , `` This morning a White House official referred to # Coronavirus as the 'Kung-Flu ' to my face . ''
`` Makes me wonder what they 're calling it behind my back , '' Jiang added .
The director of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Dr. Robert Redfield , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Frankel , D-Fla. , who asked him if it was `` absolutely wrong and inappropriate to call this the Chinese coronavirus . ''
China has strongly objected to the use of the term `` Chinese virus , '' calling it `` a despicable practice . ''
Trump has repeatedly called coronavirus the `` Chinese virus '' on Twitter , including in a tweet announcing his press conference Wednesday .
In another tweet Wednesday , Trump wrote , `` I always treated the Chinese Virus very seriously , and have done a very good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very early decision to close the `` borders '' from China - against the wishes of almost all .
Many lives were saved .
The Fake News new narrative is disgraceful & false ! ''
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called coronavirus the `` Wuhan virus '' during recent public appearances .
China Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang criticized Pompeo by name and other unnamed U.S. politicians for using such terms last week .
`` We condemn the despicable practice of individual U.S. politicians eagerly stigmatizing China and Wuhan by association with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WHO , '' Geng said at a press briefing .
`` The international society has a fair judgment , and Pompeo 's attempts of slandering China 's efforts in combating the epidemic is doomed to fail . ''
Former Vice President Joe Biden , the leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination , blasted Trump last week for using the term when the president tied it to his call for a border wall with Mexico .
Despite his current criticism of China , Trump said in January he believed that Chinese President Xi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would tell authorities around the world everything they needed to know about the virus .
Losses on U.S. stock market indexes accelerated as Trump spoke at the press conference .
The New York Stock Exchange at one point halted trading as the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell to a level below to what it was when Trump was inaugurated in January 2017 .
Later in the press conference , Trump was asked if he believes that China has inflicted the coronavirus on the United States .
`` No , I do n't believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But , Trump added , `` I think they could have given us a lot earlier notice '' about the outbreak of the virus in the city of Wuhan .
Trump announced earlier Wednesday that he and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had agreed to temporarily close their nations ' joint border , the longest in the world , to nonessential traffic in a bid to slow the spread of the pandemic .
As of Wednesday , there have been more than 210,000 cases worldwide of coronavirus , with more than 8,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The United States has had nearly 6,500 reported cases and at least 114 deaths .

President Donald Trump on Wednesday defended his habit of calling coronavirus the "Chinese virus."
"It's not racist at all," Trump said at a White House press conference to discuss the coronavirus pandemic. "No, not at all."
Trump was asked about his persistent use of the term despite health officials saying that ethnicity does not cause the virus — and reports that dozens of incidents of bias against Chinese-Americans who have been blamed for allegedly spreading the coronavirus.
"Because it comes from China," Trump told the reporter who asked the question. "That's why."
"I want to be accurate."
Tweet
The coronavirus pandemic originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan.
The White House's Twitter account later Wednesday noted that a number of past pandemics had been known by the places where they originated, or where they were believed to have originated.
"Spanish Flu. West Nile Virus. Zika. Ebola. All named for places. Before the media's fake outrage, even CNN called it 'Chinese Coronavirus,' the White House tweeted. "Those trying to divide us must stop rooting for America to fail and give Americans real info they need to get through the crisis."
Tweet
Trump also said Wednesday that Chinese government officials originally "tried to say at one point — maybe they stopped saying now — that it was caused by American soldiers." The New York Times said Friday that a baseless conspiracy theory is circulating in China that U.S. soldiers who visited Wuhan last fall may have sparked the outbreak.
"That can't happen. It's not going to happen. Not as long as I'm president," Trump said of the theory.
"It comes from China," the president repeated about the virus.
Tweet
Asked about Trump's use of the term, Dr. Mike Ryan, executive director of World Health Organization's emergencies program, said: "Viruses no know borders and they don't care about your ethnicity, the color of your skin or how much money you have in the bank."
"So it's really important we be careful in the language we use lest it lead to the profiling of individuals associated with the virus," Ryan said.
Tweet
On Tuesday, a day before the press conference, CBS News White House correspondent Weijia Jiang, who was born in China, tweeted that, "This morning a White House official referred to #Coronavirus as the 'Kung-Flu' to my face."
"Makes me wonder what they're calling it behind my back," Jiang added.
Tweet
The director of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Robert Redfield, said last week he agreed with Rep. Lois Frankel, D-Fla., who asked him if it was "absolutely wrong and inappropriate to call this the Chinese coronavirus."
China has strongly objected to the use of the term "Chinese virus," calling it "a despicable practice."
Trump has repeatedly called coronavirus the "Chinese virus" on Twitter, including in a tweet announcing his press conference Wednesday.
Tweet1
In another tweet Wednesday, Trump wrote, "I always treated the Chinese Virus very seriously, and have done a very good job from the beginning, including my very early decision to close the "borders" from China - against the wishes of almost all. Many lives were saved. The Fake News new narrative is disgraceful & false!"
Tweet
Tweet
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called coronavirus the "Wuhan virus" during recent public appearances.
China Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang criticized Pompeo by name and other unnamed U.S. politicians for using such terms last week.
"We condemn the despicable practice of individual U.S. politicians eagerly stigmatizing China and Wuhan by association with the novel coronavirus, disrespecting science and WHO," Geng said at a press briefing.
"The international society has a fair judgment, and Pompeo's attempts of slandering China's efforts in combating the epidemic is doomed to fail."
Former Vice President Joe Biden, the leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination, blasted Trump last week for using the term when the president tied it to his call for a border wall with Mexico.
"A wall won't stop a virus. Racism won't stop a virus. Do your job," Biden tweeted.
Despite his current criticism of China, Trump said in January he believed that Chinese President Xi Jinping and health officials in that country would tell authorities around the world everything they needed to know about the virus.
Losses on U.S. stock market indexes accelerated as Trump spoke at the press conference. The New York Stock Exchange at one point halted trading as the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell to a level below to what it was when Trump was inaugurated in January 2017.
Later in the press conference, Trump was asked if he believes that China has inflicted the coronavirus on the United States.
"No, I don't believe they're inflicting," he said.
But, Trump added, "I think they could have given us a lot earlier notice" about the outbreak of the virus in the city of Wuhan.
Trump announced earlier Wednesday that he and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had agreed to temporarily close their nations' joint border, the longest in the world, to nonessential traffic in a bid to slow the spread of the pandemic.
As of Wednesday, there have been more than 210,000 cases worldwide of coronavirus, with more than 8,000 deaths. Cases in China topped 81,000. The United States has had nearly 6,500 reported cases and at least 114 deaths.


cnbc--2020-03-18--Coronavirus response: Trump administration wants to send $500 billion in payments to Americans in tw

Coronavirus response: Trump administration wants to send $500 billion in payments to Americans in two rounds

President Donald J. Trump speaks with his coronavirus task force in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic during a briefing @ @ @ @ @ Press Briefing Room at the White House on Tuesday , March 17 , 2020 in @ @ @ @ @ Trump administration 's proposed stimulus package to combat economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic will @ @ @ @ @ payments to taxpayers totaling $ 500 billion , according to a document obtained by NBC @ @ @ @ @ to send out its first round of checks on April 6 , and the second @ @ @ @ @ will base payments on income level and family size , according to the document .
@ @ @ @ @ government is looking to set aside $ 50 billion for the ailing airline industry , @ @ @ @ @ billion for `` other distressed sectors . ''
It was not immediately clear which industries @ @ @ @ @ the tourism and hotel industries are among those that have also asked the government for @ @

President Donald J. Trump speaks with his coronavirus task force in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic during a briefing in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 in Washington, DC.
The Trump administration's proposed stimulus package to combat economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic will include two rounds of direct payments to taxpayers totaling $500 billion, according to a document obtained by NBC.
The White House hopes to send out its first round of checks on April 6, and the second on May 18. It will base payments on income level and family size, according to the document.
Beyond direct payments, the government is looking to set aside $50 billion for the ailing airline industry, as well as $150 billion for "other distressed sectors." It was not immediately clear which industries would be covered, but the tourism and hotel industries are among those that have also asked the government for relief.


cnbc--2020-03-18--Mnuchin vows to prevent 20% unemployment in coronavirus response

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin speaks to the press outside of the West Wing of the White House on March 13 , 2020 in Washington , DC .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin promised Wednesday that the U.S. will not have a 20 % unemployment rate , a day after he reportedly warned Republican senators that they risked seeing that high rate if they did not pass President Donald Trump 's coronavirus plan .
`` I 've seen that number in the press , '' Mnuchin told CNBC 's Jim Cramer in a television interview .
`` I did n't in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to have that . ''
`` Let me be clear : If we follow the president 's plan we will not have that , '' Mnuchin said .
A day earlier , multiple outlets reported that Mnuchin told GOP lawmakers that the country 's unemployment rate could hit 20 % if they failed to act on a proposed coronavirus rescue package .
Treasury officials later pushed back on those reports , saying that Mnuchin was not providing a forecast but trying to illustrate the potential risks of inaction .
`` What I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Mnuchin told CNBC on Wednesday .
`` Which is , 40 percent of the people that are employed in the private workforce are employed by companies [ of ] 500 people and less . ''
`` It was just a mathematical statement to to say , 'If half these people were to lose their jobs , this is what it would be , ' '' he said .
`` But we 're not going to let that happen , '' Mnuchin added .
`` This is n't like the [ 2008 ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end in sight . ''
Mnuchin 's words of reassurance did nothing to boost investor confidence , as stocks continued to fall Wednesday , erasing the slight market rebound from a day earlier .
The White House is seeking a stimulus package worth anywhere from $ 850 billion to more than $ 1 trillion as the Trump administration looks to battle the economic impact from the coronavirus pandemic .
The COVID-19 virus , which is believed to have originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan , has quickly spread to dozens of countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worldwide and at least 8,007 deaths so far , according to data from Johns Hopkins University .
There are at least 6,496 cases in the United States and at least 114 deaths , according to Johns Hopkins .

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin speaks to the press outside of the West Wing of the White House on March 13, 2020 in Washington, DC.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin promised Wednesday that the U.S. will not have a 20% unemployment rate, a day after he reportedly warned Republican senators that they risked seeing that high rate if they did not pass President Donald Trump's coronavirus plan.
"I've seen that number in the press," Mnuchin told CNBC's Jim Cramer in a television interview. "I didn't in any way say I think we're going to have that."
"Let me be clear: If we follow the president's plan we will not have that," Mnuchin said.
A day earlier, multiple outlets reported that Mnuchin told GOP lawmakers that the country's unemployment rate could hit 20% if they failed to act on a proposed coronavirus rescue package.
Treasury officials later pushed back on those reports, saying that Mnuchin was not providing a forecast but trying to illustrate the potential risks of inaction.
"What I said was just a mathematical statement," Mnuchin told CNBC on Wednesday. "Which is, 40 percent of the people that are employed in the private workforce are employed by companies [of] 500 people and less."
"It was just a mathematical statement to to say, 'If half these people were to lose their jobs, this is what it would be,'" he said.
"But we're not going to let that happen," Mnuchin added. "This isn't like the [2008] financial crisis. There will be an end in sight."
Mnuchin's words of reassurance did nothing to boost investor confidence, as stocks continued to fall Wednesday, erasing the slight market rebound from a day earlier.
The White House is seeking a stimulus package worth anywhere from $850 billion to more than $1 trillion as the Trump administration looks to battle the economic impact from the coronavirus pandemic.
The COVID-19 virus, which is believed to have originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan, has quickly spread to dozens of countries globally. More than 201,000 confirmed cases worldwide and at least 8,007 deaths so far, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
There are at least 6,496 cases in the United States and at least 114 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins.


cnbc--2020-03-18--Coronavirus response: US and Canada closing world's longest border to non-essential traffic, Trump a

Coronavirus response: US and Canada closing world's longest border to non-essential traffic, Trump and Trudeau say

The United States border with Canada will temporarily close to `` non-essential traffic '' due to the coronavirus pandemic , the leaders of both countries said Wednesday morning .
The U.S.-Canada is the world 's longest border between two countries .
The closing will affect tourism , but not trade , or workers involved in so-called essential work .
`` We will be , by mutual consent , temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic , '' President Donald Trump wrote on Twitter .
`` Trade will not be affected . ''
Canada 's prime minister Justin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ottawa , said `` I just spoke to President Trump again this morning , and we have agreed that both Canada and the United States will temporarily restrict all non-essential travel across the Canada-U.S .
border . ''
`` Travelers will no longer be permitted to cross the border for recreation and tourism .
In both our countries , we 're encouraging people to stay home , '' Trudeau said .
`` We 're telling our citizens not to visit their neighbors unless they absolutely have to .
Well , this colloborative and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prudent approach . ''
That , he said , includes Americans and Canadians crossing the border to do `` essential work and for other urgent reasons . ''
`` Our governments recognize that we preserve supply chains between both countries , '' he said .
`` These supply chains ensure that food , fuel and life-saving medicines reach people on both sides of the border .
Supply chains including trucking will not be affected by this new measure . ''
At the same press conference , Trudeau announced a nearly $ 21 billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy in the face of the coronavirus crisis .
The announcement is just the latest in a flurry of dramatic action in recent days aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus .
On Monday , Trudeau said he was closing his country 's borders to foreigners , with the exception of American citizens .

The United States border with Canada will temporarily close to "non-essential traffic" due to the coronavirus pandemic, the leaders of both countries said Wednesday morning.
The U.S.-Canada is the world's longest border between two countries. The closing will affect tourism, but not trade, or workers involved in so-called essential work.
"We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic," President Donald Trump wrote on Twitter.
"Trade will not be affected."
Tweet
Canada's prime minister Justin Trudeau, at a press conference in Ottawa, said "I just spoke to President Trump again this morning, and we have agreed that both Canada and the United States will temporarily restrict all non-essential travel across the Canada-U.S. border."
"Travelers will no longer be permitted to cross the border for recreation and tourism. In both our countries, we're encouraging people to stay home," Trudeau said.
"We're telling our citizens not to visit their neighbors unless they absolutely have to. Well, this colloborative and reciprocal measure is an extension of that prudent approach."
Trudeau emphasized that "essential travel will continue."
That, he said, includes Americans and Canadians crossing the border to do "essential work and for other urgent reasons."
Tweet
"Our governments recognize that we preserve supply chains between both countries," he said.
"These supply chains ensure that food, fuel and life-saving medicines reach people on both sides of the border. Supply chains including trucking will not be affected by this new measure."
At the same press conference, Trudeau announced a nearly $21 billion fiscal stimulus package to bolster Canada's economy in the face of the coronavirus crisis.
The announcement is just the latest in a flurry of dramatic action in recent days aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus.
On Monday, Trudeau said he was closing his country's borders to foreigners, with the exception of American citizens.