cnbc--2020-03-30--Cuomo says he doesn't want to fight with Trump over politics in coronavirus response: 'I think it's

Cuomo says he doesn't want to fight with Trump over politics in coronavirus response: 'I think it's anti-American'

New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said Monday that he refuses to get in a political fight with President Donald Trump amid their efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic .
`` I 'm not going to engage in politics , '' Cuomo said at a press conference from the Jacob K. Javits Center , which was converted into temporary hospital space by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers last week .
`` Not because I 'm unwilling to tangle , but because I think it 's inappropriate , and I think it 's counterproductive , and I think it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Forget the politics !
We have a national crisis .
We are at war . ''
Cuomo 's comments came hours after Trump suggested that the Democratic governor would make a better presidential nominee than former Vice President Joe Biden , who leads the 2020 primary .
Days earlier , Trump suggested he would treat governors differently if they were n't `` appreciative '' of his administration 's efforts to slow the spread of the virus in their states .
Cuomo and Trump have been largely complimentary toward one another – but they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well .
After Cuomo said in mid-March that the federal government `` has been behind from day one of this crisis , '' Trump replied on Twitter , `` Cuomo of New York has to 'do more . '
'' Cuomo was quick to hit back : `` I have to do more ?
No — YOU have to do something !
You 're supposed to be the President . ''
Last week , the two men clashed over whether the draconian restrictions being imposed to `` flatten the curve '' of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort to quickly revive the U.S. economy .
Cuomo was asked at the presser Monday afternoon if he was unwilling to lock horns with the Republican president .
Both political leaders have approved extreme measures to contain the virus in New York , the U.S. epicenter of the crisis .
`` How many years have you known me ? ''
Cuomo responded with a smirk .
`` I 'm a tangler ! ''
But `` I am not engaging the president in politics , '' Cuomo said .
`` This is no time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I 'm not going to get into a political dispute with the president , I 'm not going to rise to the bait of a political challenge . ''
Cuomo added that he was not running for president .
In a Fox News interview Monday morning , Trump said , `` I would n't mind running against Andrew .
I 've known Andrew for a long time .
I would n't mind that but I 'll be honest , I think he 'd be a better candidate than sleepy Joe . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a `` compliment '' that stemmed from a recent poll showing widespread approval toward the governor 's handling of the outbreak .
`` I just want partnership to deal with '' the coronavirus outbreak , Cuomo said .
`` Look , when you do good things for my state and you 're a good partner , I will be the first one to say , 'You 've been a good partner . '
And I have . ''
`` If I believe New York is not being served – the federal legislation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , too , '' Cuomo said , referring to the $ 2 trillion stimulus bill Trump signed into law last week .
Cuomo called that bill `` reckless '' and `` irresponsible '' because it did not provide enough money to cover New York 's projected revenue loss .
On Friday , Trump said he had instructed Vice President Mike Pence not to call governors who have not been `` appreciative '' of his administration 's efforts in their states .
`` If they do n't treat you right , I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time .
Trump said that Pence , who leads the U.S. response to the coronavirus , `` calls all the governors .
And I tell him , I 'm a different type of person , and I say , 'Mike , do n't call the governor of Washington .
You 're wasting your time with him . '
'' `` Do n't call the woman in Michigan .
It does n't make any difference what happens , '' Trump also said he told Pence .
But the president noted that Cuomo had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conference Monday , Cuomo called on health-care workers across the country to travel to New York to help the state deal with the flood of COVID-19 cases that are overwhelming medical facilities .
`` Help New York .
We are the ones who are hit now , '' Cuomo said in the makeshift hospital at the Javits Center .
`` That 's today , tomorrow it is going to be somewhere else ...
It is going to work its way across the country . ''

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday that he refuses to get in a political fight with President Donald Trump amid their efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
"I'm not going to engage in politics," Cuomo said at a press conference from the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, which was converted into temporary hospital space by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers last week.
"Not because I'm unwilling to tangle, but because I think it's inappropriate, and I think it's counterproductive, and I think it's anti-American," Cuomo said.
"Forget the politics! We have a national crisis. We are at war."
Cuomo's comments came hours after Trump suggested that the Democratic governor would make a better presidential nominee than former Vice President Joe Biden, who leads the 2020 primary.
Days earlier, Trump suggested he would treat governors differently if they weren't "appreciative" of his administration's efforts to slow the spread of the virus in their states.
Cuomo and Trump have been largely complimentary toward one another — but they have traded shots over the coronavirus, as well.
After Cuomo said in mid-March that the federal government "has been behind from day one of this crisis," Trump replied on Twitter, "Cuomo of New York has to 'do more.'"
Cuomo was quick to hit back: "I have to do more? No — YOU have to do something! You're supposed to be the President."
Last week, the two men clashed over whether the draconian restrictions being imposed to "flatten the curve" of coronavirus transmission should be lifted in an effort to quickly revive the U.S. economy.
Cuomo was asked at the presser Monday afternoon if he was unwilling to lock horns with the Republican president. Both political leaders have approved extreme measures to contain the virus in New York, the U.S. epicenter of the crisis.
"How many years have you known me?" Cuomo responded with a smirk. "I'm a tangler!"
But "I am not engaging the president in politics," Cuomo said.
"This is no time for politics," he said. "I'm not going to get into a political dispute with the president, I'm not going to rise to the bait of a political challenge."
Cuomo added that he was not running for president. In a Fox News interview Monday morning, Trump said, "I wouldn't mind running against Andrew. I've known Andrew for a long time. I wouldn't mind that but I'll be honest, I think he'd be a better candidate than sleepy Joe."
Cuomo said he took Trump's suggestion as a "compliment" that stemmed from a recent poll showing widespread approval toward the governor's handling of the outbreak.
"I just want partnership to deal with" the coronavirus outbreak, Cuomo said. "Look, when you do good things for my state and you're a good partner, I will be the first one to say, 'You've been a good partner.' And I have."
"If I believe New York is not being served — the federal legislation that they passed — I will say that, too," Cuomo said, referring to the $2 trillion stimulus bill Trump signed into law last week. Cuomo called that bill "reckless" and "irresponsible" because it did not provide enough money to cover New York's projected revenue loss.
On Friday, Trump said he had instructed Vice President Mike Pence not to call governors who have not been "appreciative" of his administration's efforts in their states.
"If they don't treat you right, I don't call," Trump said at the time.
Trump said that Pence, who leads the U.S. response to the coronavirus, "calls all the governors. And I tell him, I'm a different type of person, and I say, 'Mike, don't call the governor of Washington. You're wasting your time with him.'"
"Don't call the woman in Michigan. It doesn't make any difference what happens," Trump also said he told Pence.
But the president noted that Cuomo had complimented him publicly.
In the press conference Monday, Cuomo called on health-care workers across the country to travel to New York to help the state deal with the flood of COVID-19 cases that are overwhelming medical facilities.
"Help New York. We are the ones who are hit now," Cuomo said in the makeshift hospital at the Javits Center.
"That's today, tomorrow it is going to be somewhere else. ... It is going to work its way across the country."


cnbc--2020-03-30--House, like Senate, will not to return to DC until April 20 after passing $2 trillion coronavirus st

House, like Senate, will not to return to DC until April 20 after passing $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus

Fog blankets the U.S. Capitol dome as seen from North Capitol Street on Sunday morning , March 29 , 2020 .
( Photo By Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call , Inc via Getty Images ) Both the House and Senate have no plans to return to Washington for at least three weeks after passing an unprecedented $ 2 trillion bill that aims to limit the economic destruction from the coronavirus pandemic .
The House `` is not expected to meet '' before April 20 , Majority Leader Steny Hoyer 's office told representatives on Monday .
When the Senate passed the stimulus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mitch McConnell said that chamber would not take any votes until the same day .
Hoyer 's office noted that the House could return to the Capitol earlier than expected , if needed , during the evolving crisis .
McConnell previously said the Senate would be `` nimble '' and could come back to Washington before April 20 as well .
Democratic congressional leaders have already started to outline their priorities for another emergency response bill , which would be the fourth drawn up by Congress , as the pandemic rips through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 148,000 cases of COVID-19 , and at least 2,599 deaths have been linked to the disease , according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University .
The historic relief plan passed last week includes direct payments to Americans , beefed-up unemployment insurance and increased funding for the health-care system .
But some in Congress have argued the package will not go far enough , as workers face widespread layoffs from closed businesses and the disease 's spread overwhelms some states and hospitals .
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo , who has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. outbreak , called the relief bill `` irresponsible '' and `` reckless . ''
Economists at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis recently projected the unemployment rate in the U.S. could hit 32.1 % .
Last week , a record 3.3 million people filed unemployment claims .
Both Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley , R-Iowa , and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin have said they hope the $ 2 trillion package will buoy the economy for three months .

Fog blankets the U.S. Capitol dome as seen from North Capitol Street on Sunday morning, March 29, 2020. (Photo By Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
Both the House and Senate have no plans to return to Washington for at least three weeks after passing an unprecedented $2 trillion bill that aims to limit the economic destruction from the coronavirus pandemic.
The House "is not expected to meet" before April 20, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer's office told representatives on Monday. When the Senate passed the stimulus legislation last week, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said that chamber would not take any votes until the same day.
Hoyer's office noted that the House could return to the Capitol earlier than expected, if needed, during the evolving crisis. McConnell previously said the Senate would be "nimble" and could come back to Washington before April 20 as well.
Democratic congressional leaders have already started to outline their priorities for another emergency response bill, which would be the fourth drawn up by Congress, as the pandemic rips through the country. The U.S. now has more than 148,000 cases of COVID-19, and at least 2,599 deaths have been linked to the disease, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
The historic relief plan passed last week includes direct payments to Americans, beefed-up unemployment insurance and increased funding for the health-care system. But some in Congress have argued the package will not go far enough, as workers face widespread layoffs from closed businesses and the disease's spread overwhelms some states and hospitals.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who has overseen the response in the epicenter of the U.S. outbreak, called the relief bill "irresponsible" and "reckless."
Economists at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis recently projected the unemployment rate in the U.S. could hit 32.1%. Last week, a record 3.3 million people filed unemployment claims.
Both Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin have said they hope the $2 trillion package will buoy the economy for three months.
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cnbc--2020-03-30--DOJ investigating at least one lawmaker's stock trades ahead of coronavirus-driven declines, report

DOJ investigating at least one lawmaker's stock trades ahead of coronavirus-driven declines, report says

The Department of Justice is investigating stock transactions made by at least one lawmaker earlier this year before the market 's steep , coronavirus-driven declines , according to a report Monday .
The inquiry is being conducted in coordination with the Securities and Exchange Commission , CNN , citing two people familiar with the matter .
So far , the FBI has reached out to at least one member of Congress , Republican Sen. Richard Bur of North Carolina , the report said .
The Justice Department declined to comment Monday when CNBC asked whether it was investigating the stock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likewise declined to comment , citing agency policy .
Burr , chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee , came under scrutiny earlier this month about his decision to sell $ 630,000 to $ 1.7 million worth of stock .
The sales came about a week before global financial markets began a precipitous drop as concerns intensified over the coronavirus ' economic consequences .
At the time of the sales , Burr had been receiving information about the spread of COVID-19 .
Officials from the executive branch had been briefing senators since at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jan. 24 .
Burr previously said in a statement that his stock moves were based `` solely on public news reports , '' including those from CNBC .
Alice Fisher , an attorney at the firm of Latham & Watkins , who is advising Burr , said in a statement Monday to NBC News that , `` The law is clear that any American — including a senator — may participate in the stock market based on public information , as Senator Burr did . ''

The Department of Justice is investigating stock transactions made by at least one lawmaker earlier this year before the market's steep, coronavirus-driven declines, according to a report Monday.
The inquiry is being conducted in coordination with the Securities and Exchange Commission, CNN, citing two people familiar with the matter.
So far, the FBI has reached out to at least one member of Congress, Republican Sen. Richard Bur of North Carolina, the report said.
The Justice Department declined to comment Monday when CNBC asked whether it was investigating the stock transactions. The chairman of the SEC likewise declined to comment, citing agency policy.
Burr, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, came under scrutiny earlier this month about his decision to sell $630,000 to $1.7 million worth of stock. The sales came about a week before global financial markets began a precipitous drop as concerns intensified over the coronavirus' economic consequences.
At the time of the sales, Burr had been receiving information about the spread of COVID-19.
Officials from the executive branch had been briefing senators since at least January, including an all-senators briefing on Jan. 24.
Burr previously said in a statement that his stock moves were based "solely on public news reports," including those from CNBC.
Alice Fisher, an attorney at the firm of Latham & Watkins, who is advising Burr, said in a statement Monday to NBC News that, "The law is clear that any American — including a senator — may participate in the stock market based on public information, as Senator Burr did."


cnbc--2020-03-30--Mark Meadows resigning from Congress to become Trump's chief of staff

Acting White House Chief of Staff , Mark Meadows , traveling with US President Donald Trump , returns to the White House in Washington , DC , on March 28 , 2020 .
Rep. Mark Meadows , R-N.C. , will resign from Congress on Monday to become President Donald Trump 's chief of staff .
Meadows ' former communications director , Ben Williamson , confirmed to CNBC in an email that he has `` moved to the White House to serve as senior advisor to White House Chief of Staff , Mark Meadows . ''
Multiple outlets reported that Meadows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief of staff will begin Tuesday .
CNN reported that his resignation from Congress will take effect at 5 p.m .
ET on Monday , citing an aide to Meadows .
Meadows will succeed Mick Mulvaney , who had served as acting chief of staff since December 2018 along with being the Director of the Office of Management and Budget .
Earlier Monday morning , Meadows tweaked his Twitter handle to remove his congressional title — from `` @ RepMarkMeadows '' to simply `` @ MarkMeadows . ''
Trump had announced on March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who remained `` acting chief of staff '' for his entire tenure , even though the position does not require Senate confirmation .
Mulvaney will become United States Special Envoy for Northern Ireland , Trump said in that announcement on Twitter .
Politico reported in December that Mulvaney was never able to win Trump 's full backing and had been largely sidelined as his time in the White House wore on .
A former GOP congressman from South Carolina , Mulvaney came under fire after an October press briefing , as scrutiny was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ push Ukraine to announce an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden and his son .
Mulvaney acknowledged in that presser Trump had sought a quid pro quo when it came to releasing military aid to Ukraine .
Trump and other officials had denied seeking a quid pro quo of any kind regarding Ukraine .
Mulvaney walked back his remarks shortly thereafter .
Trump was impeached by the Democrat-led House in mid-December on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress , both related to his Ukraine dealings .
He was acquitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meadows , one of the president 's most loyal supporters in Congress , is Trump 's fourth chief of staff in just over three years .
Mulvaney had replaced retired Marine Gen. John Kelly , who left the post after a tumultuous run reportedly marked by infighting and distrust .
The president 's first chief of staff , Reince Priebus , served from Trump 's inauguration until July 2017 .

Acting White House Chief of Staff, Mark Meadows, traveling with US President Donald Trump, returns to the White House in Washington, DC, on March 28, 2020.
Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., will resign from Congress on Monday to become President Donald Trump's chief of staff.
Meadows' former communications director, Ben Williamson, confirmed to CNBC in an email that he has "moved to the White House to serve as senior advisor to White House Chief of Staff, Mark Meadows."
Multiple outlets reported that Meadows' first official day as Trump's chief of staff will begin Tuesday. CNN reported that his resignation from Congress will take effect at 5 p.m. ET on Monday, citing an aide to Meadows.
Meadows will succeed Mick Mulvaney, who had served as acting chief of staff since December 2018 along with being the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
Earlier Monday morning, Meadows tweaked his Twitter handle to remove his congressional title — from "@RepMarkMeadows" to simply "@MarkMeadows."
TWEET
Trump had announced on March 6 that Meadows would replace Mulvaney, who remained "acting chief of staff" for his entire tenure, even though the position does not require Senate confirmation.
Mulvaney will become United States Special Envoy for Northern Ireland, Trump said in that announcement on Twitter.
Trump TWEETS
Politico reported in December that Mulvaney was never able to win Trump's full backing and had been largely sidelined as his time in the White House wore on.
A former GOP congressman from South Carolina, Mulvaney came under fire after an October press briefing, as scrutiny was ramping up over Trump's efforts to push Ukraine to announce an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden and his son.
Mulvaney acknowledged in that presser Trump had sought a quid pro quo when it came to releasing military aid to Ukraine. Trump and other officials had denied seeking a quid pro quo of any kind regarding Ukraine. Mulvaney walked back his remarks shortly thereafter.
Trump was impeached by the Democrat-led House in mid-December on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, both related to his Ukraine dealings. He was acquitted by the Republican-majority Senate in February.
Meadows, one of the president's most loyal supporters in Congress, is Trump's fourth chief of staff in just over three years. Mulvaney had replaced retired Marine Gen. John Kelly, who left the post after a tumultuous run reportedly marked by infighting and distrust.
The president's first chief of staff, Reince Priebus, served from Trump's inauguration until July 2017.


cnbc--2020-03-30--Joe Biden launches podcast as coronavirus forces 2020 campaigns to improvise

Former Vice President Joe Biden , 2020 Democratic presidential candidate , speaks during a virtual press briefing on a smartphone in this arranged photograph in Arlington , Virginia , U.S. , on Wednesday , March 25 , 2020 .
`` Here 's the Deal . ''
Joe Biden now has a podcast .
As the coronavirus pandemic forces it to suspend in-person campaign events , Biden 's presidential campaign launched an audio show on Monday called `` Here 's the Deal . ''
The episode , the first in what the campaign describes as a series of discussions on pressing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between the former vice president and his ex-chief of staff and Obama administration Ebola czar Ron Klain .
In the episode , Klain criticized the Trump administration for its delays in ramping up testing — considered a core weapon against COVID-19 .
Biden ran through his plans to encourage development of more hospital sites and production of protective medical equipment and ventilators , along with his proposals to boost Social Security benefits , forgive a chunk of student loan debt and expand family and medical leave during the crisis .
`` We 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overwhelming faith in the American people , '' Biden said near the end of the 21-minute podcast .
The new offering underscores the lengths the Biden campaign has gone to stay relevant as coronavirus developments swallow up interest in the 2020 presidential campaign .
Biden finds himself stuck in limbo , unable to extend his wide pledged delegate lead over Sen. Bernie Sanders as most states that have not voted push back their primaries until June .
Sanders has said he is reevaluating his campaign but has remained in the race .
Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get their message out while they pause in-person campaigning ( though Sanders ' digital transition had fewer hiccups ) .
They stand at a decided disadvantage to President Donald Trump , who has participated in a series of extended government press briefings , photo opportunities and media interviews to detail his administration 's response to the pandemic .
His 2020 campaign has also canceled its rallies temporarily .
Trump called into the Fox News show `` Fox & Friends '' for 54 minutes on Monday .
The president has chatted with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as Trump last week joined in a Fox town hall on the coronavirus and was interviewed on `` Hannity . ''
Since notching primary wins over Sanders in key states such as Michigan , Washington , Florida and Illinois , Biden has tried to project himself as a general election candidate .
Asked at a virtual news conference last week if he would participate in a primary debate if the Democratic National Committee held one in April , Biden said , `` I think we 've had enough debates .
I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Sanders , whose campaign has said he would join in a potential debate , has also used his standing to get his priorities across in the Senate .
On Wednesday , he threatened to hold up a $ 2 trillion coronavirus relief bill after four Republican senators pushed to dial back the expanded unemployment benefits included in it .
The Senate passed the legislation unanimously that night , and Trump signed it Friday after House approval .
Biden leads Trump by about 6 percentage points in an average of recent general election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrat has also narrowly led the incumbent in the latest surveys of the pivotal states of Pennsylvania , Michigan and Wisconsin — though most of those were taken early this month .
Trump 's approval rating has ticked higher during the crisis , though it is unclear if the trend will hold as the economic damage from the pandemic continues to take its toll .

Former Vice President Joe Biden, 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, speaks during a virtual press briefing on a smartphone in this arranged photograph in Arlington, Virginia, U.S., on Wednesday, March 25, 2020.
"Here's the Deal." Joe Biden now has a podcast.
As the coronavirus pandemic forces it to suspend in-person campaign events, Biden's presidential campaign launched an audio show on Monday called "Here's the Deal." The episode, the first in what the campaign describes as a series of discussions on pressing topics, features a coronavirus question-and-answer session between the former vice president and his ex-chief of staff and Obama administration Ebola czar Ron Klain.
In the episode, Klain criticized the Trump administration for its delays in ramping up testing — considered a core weapon against COVID-19. Biden ran through his plans to encourage development of more hospital sites and production of protective medical equipment and ventilators, along with his proposals to boost Social Security benefits, forgive a chunk of student loan debt and expand family and medical leave during the crisis.
"We're going to beat this. I have overwhelming faith in the American people," Biden said near the end of the 21-minute podcast.
The new offering underscores the lengths the Biden campaign has gone to stay relevant as coronavirus developments swallow up interest in the 2020 presidential campaign. Biden finds himself stuck in limbo, unable to extend his wide pledged delegate lead over Sen. Bernie Sanders as most states that have not voted push back their primaries until June. Sanders has said he is reevaluating his campaign but has remained in the race.
Biden and Sanders have resorted to video streams to get their message out while they pause in-person campaigning (though Sanders' digital transition had fewer hiccups). They stand at a decided disadvantage to President Donald Trump, who has participated in a series of extended government press briefings, photo opportunities and media interviews to detail his administration's response to the pandemic. His 2020 campaign has also canceled its rallies temporarily.
Trump called into the Fox News show "Fox & Friends" for 54 minutes on Monday. The president has chatted with his favorite news channel a few times recently, as Trump last week joined in a Fox town hall on the coronavirus and was interviewed on "Hannity."
Since notching primary wins over Sanders in key states such as Michigan, Washington, Florida and Illinois, Biden has tried to project himself as a general election candidate. Asked at a virtual news conference last week if he would participate in a primary debate if the Democratic National Committee held one in April, Biden said, "I think we've had enough debates. I think we should get on with this."
Sanders, whose campaign has said he would join in a potential debate, has also used his standing to get his priorities across in the Senate. On Wednesday, he threatened to hold up a $2 trillion coronavirus relief bill after four Republican senators pushed to dial back the expanded unemployment benefits included in it. The Senate passed the legislation unanimously that night, and Trump signed it Friday after House approval.
Biden leads Trump by about 6 percentage points in an average of recent general election polls, according to RealClearPolitics. The Democrat has also narrowly led the incumbent in the latest surveys of the pivotal states of Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin — though most of those were taken early this month.
Trump's approval rating has ticked higher during the crisis, though it is unclear if the trend will hold as the economic damage from the pandemic continues to take its toll.
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cnbc--2020-03-30--Coronavirus: Feds charge Georgia man with billing for fraudulent COVID-19, cancer testing claims

Federal prosecutors have criminally charged a Georgia man for allegedly conspiring to defraud federal and private health-care benefit programs `` by submitting fraudulent testing claims '' for coronavirus and genetic cancer screenings , authorities announced Monday .
The man , 49-year-old Erik Santos is accused in a complaint by the U.S. Attorney 's Office for the District of New Jersey of one count of conspiring to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute , and a single count of conspiring to commit health care fraud .
He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of both counts .
Prosecutors said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Santos explained how he viewed the coronavirus outbreak as a chance to make money .
`` [ W ] hile there are people going through what they are going through , you can either go bankrupt or you can prosper , '' Santos said on that call , according to prosecutors .
During the same call , prosecutors said , `` Santos noted that his other work was on hold because 'everybody has been chasing the Covid dollar bird . '
'' Santos was arrested at his home in Braselton , Georgia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is scheduled to appear in Atlanta federal court later in the day , according to authorities .
Santos ' alleged `` scheme aimed to submit more than $ 1.1 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare , '' according to a statement from the U.S. attorney 's office in New Jersey .
U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito in a statement said , `` The complaint in this case describes a defendant who saw the spread of COVID-19 as nothing more than an opportunity to profit personally . ''
`` As the complaint alleges , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unnecessary tests – including potentially hard-to-obtain COVID-19 tests – thus preying on people 's fear in order to defraud the government and make money for himself , '' Carpenito said .
Special Agent in Charge Gregory Ehrie of the FBI 's Newark office said , `` This defendant not only allegedly defrauded the government , he conspired to bilk his fellow citizens of a valuable resource that 's in high demand . ''
`` His profiteering is akin to receiving blood money , '' Ehrie said .
According to Carpenito 's office , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generated leads to testing companies . ''
`` From November 2019 through the present , Santos and others engaged in a large-scale scheme to defraud Medicare by soliciting and receiving kickback payments from companies involved in clinical and diagnostic testing in exchange for steering to those companies individuals eligible for testing that Medicare would reimburse , '' the office said .
Prosecutors claim that Santos `` agreed with others to be paid kickbacks on a per-test basis for submitting genetic cancer screening tests to diagnostic testing facilities , regardless of medical necessity .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ diagnostic tool that tests for a genetic predisposition to cancer .
Santos ' scheme aimed to submit more than $ 1.1 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare .
Prosecutors also said that as the coronavirus pandemic grew , Santos used it as an opportunity `` to expand his pre-existing kickback schemes and to capitalize on a national emergency for his own financial gain . ''
`` Santos agreed with others to be paid kickbacks on a per-test basis for COVID-19 tests , provided that those tests were bundled with a much more expensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which does not identify or treat COVID-19 , '' the New Jersey U.S. attorney 's office said in a statement .
`` Santos sought to maximize his kickback profits and to bleed federal health care resources at a time when Medicare beneficiaries across the United States were in dire need of coverage for medical treatment and services . ''
A spokesman for prosecutors said they did not know if Santos has a lawyer .

Federal prosecutors have criminally charged a Georgia man for allegedly conspiring to defraud federal and private health-care benefit programs "by submitting fraudulent testing claims" for coronavirus and genetic cancer screenings, authorities announced Monday.
The man, 49-year-old Erik Santos is accused in a complaint by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey of one count of conspiring to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute, and a single count of conspiring to commit health care fraud. He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of both counts.
Prosecutors said that during a phone call on March 19, Santos explained how he viewed the coronavirus outbreak as a chance to make money.
"[W]hile there are people going through what they are going through, you can either go bankrupt or you can prosper," Santos said on that call, according to prosecutors.
During the same call, prosecutors said, "Santos noted that his other work was on hold because 'everybody has been chasing the Covid dollar bird.'"
Santos was arrested at his home in Braselton, Georgia, on Monday by FBI agents, and is scheduled to appear in Atlanta federal court later in the day, according to authorities.
Santos' alleged "scheme aimed to submit more than $1.1 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare," according to a statement from the U.S. attorney's office in New Jersey.
U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito in a statement said, "The complaint in this case describes a defendant who saw the spread of COVID-19 as nothing more than an opportunity to profit personally."
"As the complaint alleges, he offered kickbacks in exchange for medically unnecessary tests – including potentially hard-to-obtain COVID-19 tests – thus preying on people's fear in order to defraud the government and make money for himself," Carpenito said.
Special Agent in Charge Gregory Ehrie of the FBI's Newark office said, "This defendant not only allegedly defrauded the government, he conspired to bilk his fellow citizens of a valuable resource that's in high demand."
"His profiteering is akin to receiving blood money," Ehrie said.
According to Carpenito's office, "Santos ran a marketing company that generated leads to testing companies."
"From November 2019 through the present, Santos and others engaged in a large-scale scheme to defraud Medicare by soliciting and receiving kickback payments from companies involved in clinical and diagnostic testing in exchange for steering to those companies individuals eligible for testing that Medicare would reimburse," the office said.
Prosecutors claim that Santos "agreed with others to be paid kickbacks on a per-test basis for submitting genetic cancer screening tests to diagnostic testing facilities, regardless of medical necessity." A genetic cancer screening is a diagnostic tool that tests for a genetic predisposition to cancer. Santos' scheme aimed to submit more than $1.1 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare.
Prosecutors also said that as the coronavirus pandemic grew, Santos used it as an opportunity "to expand his pre-existing kickback schemes and to capitalize on a national emergency for his own financial gain."
"Santos agreed with others to be paid kickbacks on a per-test basis for COVID-19 tests, provided that those tests were bundled with a much more expensive respiratory pathogen panel (RPP) test, which does not identify or treat COVID-19," the New Jersey U.S. attorney's office said in a statement.
"Santos sought to maximize his kickback profits and to bleed federal health care resources at a time when Medicare beneficiaries across the United States were in dire need of coverage for medical treatment and services."
A spokesman for prosecutors said they did not know if Santos has a lawyer.


cnbc--2020-03-30--Ted Cruz, other senators, warn Saudis to stop using oil in 'economic warfare' against the US

Sen. Ted Cruz told CNBC on Monday he and eight other GOP senators recently ripped into the Saudi ambassador in a conference call over the oil price war with Russia that has threatened to put American producers out of business .
In a `` Squawk Box '' interview , Cruz said the call with Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was `` as candid a call , and direct a call , as I 've ever had with a foreign leader . ''
`` We quite frankly unloaded on her , '' the Texas Republican said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arabia and Russia remain locked in a price war that began after Russia earlier this month rejected an additional 1.5 million barrels per day production cut proposed by OPEC .
U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude briefly dipped below $ 20 on Monday .
Brent , the international benchmark , fell to its lowest price in nearly 18 years .
Following Russia 's rejection , Saudi Arabia slashed its official oil price and announced that it will increase production to 12.3 million barrels per day when the current production cuts expire at the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it unprofitable for many U.S. firms to to remain active , analysts have said .
Cruz said the senators warned that they would take action against Saudi Arabia if the `` economic warfare '' continued , though he did not mention any specific retaliatory measure .
`` We said .
'Look , there are a whole series of steps we can take to escalate foreign policy pressure ' — and we outlined a number of them — 'if you continue engaging in economic warfare against the United States , trying to drive down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exploit this coronavirus crisis to drive a bunch of American producers out of business . '
'' The Saudi embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
Cruz said the senators on the call were among the 13 Republicans who wrote a letter to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman earlier in March urging him to halt Saudi efforts to boost production and lower prices .
He said the lawmakers have `` historically been the strongest allies in the Senate of Saudi Arabia , '' suggesting that support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If they do n't change their course , their relationship with the United States is going to change very fundamentally , '' Cruz said .
In addition to Cruz , the Senate Republicans who signed the letter were Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska ; North Dakota 's Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven ; Ron Johnson of Wisconsin ; John Cornyn of Texas ; John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana ; John Barrasso of Wyoming ; Tom Cotton of Arkansas and James Lankford and James Inhofe of Oklahoma .
Cruz did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conference call .
Princess Reema sought to pin the blame on Russia .
Cruz said he responded that Russia was not expected to be a friend to the United States , while Saudi Arabia was .
`` You are not behaving like a friend when you are trying to destroy thousands and thousands of small businesses all across Texas and the country , '' he said he told her .
`` The Saudis are hoping to drive out of business American producers , and in particular shale producers , largely in the Permian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Cruz told CNBC .
`` That behavior is wrong , and I think it is taking advantage of a country that is a friend . ''
Cruz also said he hoped that President Donald Trump , scheduled to speak with Russian leader Vladimir Putin by phone on Monday morning , would bring up the issue .
Trump said on Fox News earlier on Monday that he would bring up the price war , noting that Saudi Arabia and Russia `` both went crazy . ''
-- CNBC 's Pippa Stevens and @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Sen. Ted Cruz told CNBC on Monday he and eight other GOP senators recently ripped into the Saudi ambassador in a conference call over the oil price war with Russia that has threatened to put American producers out of business.
In a "Squawk Box" interview, Cruz said the call with Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was "as candid a call, and direct a call, as I've ever had with a foreign leader."
"We quite frankly unloaded on her," the Texas Republican said.
Oil prices have plummeted as Saudi Arabia and Russia remain locked in a price war that began after Russia earlier this month rejected an additional 1.5 million barrels per day production cut proposed by OPEC.
U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude briefly dipped below $20 on Monday. Brent, the international benchmark, fell to its lowest price in nearly 18 years.
Following Russia's rejection, Saudi Arabia slashed its official oil price and announced that it will increase production to 12.3 million barrels per day when the current production cuts expire at the end of March. Tanking prices have made it unprofitable for many U.S. firms to to remain active, analysts have said.
Cruz said the senators warned that they would take action against Saudi Arabia if the "economic warfare" continued, though he did not mention any specific retaliatory measure.
"We said, 'Look, there are a whole series of steps we can take to escalate foreign policy pressure' — and we outlined a number of them — 'if you continue engaging in economic warfare against the United States, trying to drive down the price of oil in order to exploit this coronavirus crisis to drive a bunch of American producers out of business.'"
The Saudi embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Cruz said the senators on the call were among the 13 Republicans who wrote a letter to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman earlier in March urging him to halt Saudi efforts to boost production and lower prices. He said the lawmakers have "historically been the strongest allies in the Senate of Saudi Arabia," suggesting that support could be on the line.
"If they don't change their course, their relationship with the United States is going to change very fundamentally," Cruz said.
In addition to Cruz, the Senate Republicans who signed the letter were Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska; North Dakota's Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven; Ron Johnson of Wisconsin; John Cornyn of Texas; John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana; John Barrasso of Wyoming; Tom Cotton of Arkansas and James Lankford and James Inhofe of Oklahoma.
Cruz did not say which nine were on the conference call.
Princess Reema sought to pin the blame on Russia. Cruz said he responded that Russia was not expected to be a friend to the United States, while Saudi Arabia was.
"You are not behaving like a friend when you are trying to destroy thousands and thousands of small businesses all across Texas and the country," he said he told her.
"The Saudis are hoping to drive out of business American producers, and in particular shale producers, largely in the Permian Basin in Texas and in North Dakota," Cruz told CNBC. "That behavior is wrong, and I think it is taking advantage of a country that is a friend."
Cruz also said he hoped that President Donald Trump, scheduled to speak with Russian leader Vladimir Putin by phone on Monday morning, would bring up the issue.
Trump said on Fox News earlier on Monday that he would bring up the price war, noting that Saudi Arabia and Russia "both went crazy."
-- CNBC's Pippa Stevens and Kevin Breuninger contributed to this report.


cnbc--2020-03-30--Joe Biden's campaign seeks new fundraising advisors to prepare for the battle against Trump

Former Vice President Joe Biden , 2020 Democratic presidential candidate , speaks during a virtual press briefing on a laptop computer in this arranged photograph in Arlington , Virginia , U.S. , on Wednesday , March 25 , 2020 .
Joe Biden 's campaign is looking to expand its fundraising operation as it prepares to take on President Donald Trump in the general election .
Officials within Biden 's organization have discussed bringing in a new group of regional fundraising advisors , including former aides to Sen. Kamala Harris ' and Pete Buttigieg 's campaigns , who could help them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people familiar with the matter .
These people declined to be named because the talks were private .
Biden had a strong March , raising more than $ 30 million in online donations , as the coronavirus has pushed his campaign into a fully online platform , including virtual town halls and fundraising events .
This shift has made it even more imperative for the campaign to beef up its digital fundraising operation as Trump and the Republican National Committee have amassed a formidable war chest .
The RNC and Trump 's campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , combined to raise more than $ 86 million in the month of February , according to the RNC 's press release .
It was their best month of digital fundraising .
The Biden campaign raised just over $ 18 million in the same month , while the Democratic National Committee brought in close to $ 12 million but is $ 6 million in debt .
The first quarter ends Tuesday .
Then all campaigns and committees will begin filing their quarterly and monthly fundraising totals with the Federal Election Commission .
Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nomination , as several states have postponed their primary elections to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus .
Despite a lead in delegates , bolstered by several big wins on Super Tuesday and beyond , he remains in a primary fight with Sen. Bernie Sanders .
Biden and members of his team have privately signaled they have begun reaching out and taking a look at hiring people who used to work for the Buttigieg and Harris campaigns , these people said .
After dropping out , Harris and Buttigieg endorsed Biden for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the business community have recommended Harris to be his running mate .
Anthony Mercurio , a former fundraising consultant for Buttigieg , is among the names that have been floated to Biden 's team , according to former Ambassador Rufus Gifford , who is aiding Biden with fundraising .
Gifford previously told CNBC that he was pushing Mercurio to the campaign , a pro-Biden super PAC and the DNC .
Mercurio has recently spoken with members of the Biden campaign , along with some of the other groups interested in possibly bringing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted .
People within the Biden campaign have privately indicated that they 're looking at the resume of Brandon Hynes , a DNC finance director , who focuses on the West and Midwest , another one of these people noted .
Hynes ' LinkedIn page says he has worked to raise money for the DNC in states such as Colorado , Michigan , Minnesota , Missouri , Montana , Nebraska , North Dakota , South Dakota , Ohio , Utah , Wisconsin and Wyoming .
He was previously a finance director for Hillary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Biden declined to comment .
The DNC did not return a request for comment .
The moves to beef up fundraising come as as Biden 's new campaign manager , Jen O'Malley Dillon , takes the reins of an operation that 's trying to stay in the national spotlight as Trump , New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo , other state leaders and members of Congress soak up the spotlight as they battle the spread of the coronavirus .
Biden 's bundlers have adapted to campaign life in a world dominated by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they do n't need to meet the former vice president to believe in his message , these people said .
`` My pitch is simple : 'Who do you want leading this country ?
Donald or Joe ? '
'' said one of Biden 's fundraisers who works on Wall Street .
`` You do n't need to meet with Joe , just give money . ''

Former Vice President Joe Biden, 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, speaks during a virtual press briefing on a laptop computer in this arranged photograph in Arlington, Virginia, U.S., on Wednesday, March 25, 2020.
Joe Biden's campaign is looking to expand its fundraising operation as it prepares to take on President Donald Trump in the general election.
Officials within Biden's organization have discussed bringing in a new group of regional fundraising advisors, including former aides to Sen. Kamala Harris' and Pete Buttigieg's campaigns, who could help them expand their donor network, according to people familiar with the matter. These people declined to be named because the talks were private.
Biden had a strong March, raising more than $30 million in online donations, as the coronavirus has pushed his campaign into a fully online platform, including virtual town halls and fundraising events. This shift has made it even more imperative for the campaign to beef up its digital fundraising operation as Trump and the Republican National Committee have amassed a formidable war chest.
The RNC and Trump's campaign, along with their joint fundraising committee, combined to raise more than $86 million in the month of February, according to the RNC's press release. It was their best month of digital fundraising. The Biden campaign raised just over $18 million in the same month, while the Democratic National Committee brought in close to $12 million but is $6 million in debt.
The first quarter ends Tuesday. Then all campaigns and committees will begin filing their quarterly and monthly fundraising totals with the Federal Election Commission.
Biden still hasn't wrapped up the Democratic nomination, as several states have postponed their primary elections to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus. Despite a lead in delegates, bolstered by several big wins on Super Tuesday and beyond, he remains in a primary fight with Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Biden and members of his team have privately signaled they have begun reaching out and taking a look at hiring people who used to work for the Buttigieg and Harris campaigns, these people said. After dropping out, Harris and Buttigieg endorsed Biden for president. Several of Biden's allies in the business community have recommended Harris to be his running mate.
Anthony Mercurio, a former fundraising consultant for Buttigieg, is among the names that have been floated to Biden's team, according to former Ambassador Rufus Gifford, who is aiding Biden with fundraising. Gifford previously told CNBC that he was pushing Mercurio to the campaign, a pro-Biden super PAC and the DNC.
Mercurio has recently spoken with members of the Biden campaign, along with some of the other groups interested in possibly bringing him on, one of the people noted.
People within the Biden campaign have privately indicated that they're looking at the resume of Brandon Hynes, a DNC finance director, who focuses on the West and Midwest, another one of these people noted. Hynes' LinkedIn page says he has worked to raise money for the DNC in states such as Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming. He was previously a finance director for Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign.
A spokesman for Biden declined to comment. The DNC did not return a request for comment.
The moves to beef up fundraising come as as Biden's new campaign manager, Jen O'Malley Dillon, takes the reins of an operation that's trying to stay in the national spotlight as Trump, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, other state leaders and members of Congress soak up the spotlight as they battle the spread of the coronavirus.
Biden's bundlers have adapted to campaign life in a world dominated by the outbreak, telling new donors that they don't need to meet the former vice president to believe in his message, these people said.
"My pitch is simple: 'Who do you want leading this country? Donald or Joe?'" said one of Biden's fundraisers who works on Wall Street. "You don't need to meet with Joe, just give money."


cnbc--2020-03-30--Coronavirus response highlights deepening partisan divide

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti speaks during a Los Angeles County Health Department press conference on the novel coronavirus , ( COVID-19 ) on March 4 , 2020 in Los Angeles , California , along with Los Angeles County Public Health director Barbara Ferrer ( L ) and Supervisor Hilda Solis ( 2ndR ) .
- In Los Angeles , Mayor Eric Garcetti has instituted a shutdown on a city of nearly 4 million people and threatened uncooperative business owners with power shutoffs and arrest .
In Mississippi , home to nearly 3 million people , Gov .
Tate Reeves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — even restaurants , so long as they serve no more than 10 people at a time .
The divergent approaches are evidence that not even a global pandemic can bridge the gaping political divisions of the Trump era .
The fierce tribalism that has characterized debates over immigration , taxes and health care is now coloring policy-making during a coronavirus outbreak that threatens countless lives and local economies across nation .
There are exceptions , but Republican leaders have been far more likely to resist the most aggressive social distancing measures , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rosy outlook and a smaller early caseload in their more rural communities across middle America .
But in the more crowded population centers on the East and West coasts where the disease first appeared , the Democrats in charge have been more willing to embrace strict steps such as curfews , sweeping business closures and law enforcement assistance .
`` This epidemic has been a window into our politics , '' said Larry Levitt , who leads health policy for the Kaiser Family Foundation , which has been tracking responses .
`` Particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a political divide has emerged . ''
It is an election year divide that could have deadly consequences .
As his campaign struggles for attention , leading Democratic presidential contender Joe Biden has called for a nationwide lockdown to replace the patchwork of local responses , which have varied even among neighboring communities in the same states .
Trump , meanwhile , is largely allowing local officials to choose their own course and has encouraged them to compete for scant federal resources .
On Sunday , the president extended social distancing guidelines through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death toll could exceed 100,000 .
Politically , the strategy may be working for the first-term Republican president .
With the election just seven months away , Trump 's favorable ratings are ticking up , even if his numbers have fallen short of past presidents during times of crisis .
Yet the GOP 's loyalty will almost certainly be tested in the weeks ahead as the virus spreads from the blue-state coastal communities deeper into red-state middle America .
Democrats like Garcetti fear the politics that are shaping conflicting pandemic responses will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next election .
`` I do worry that making this a partisan issue will kill more people in redder states , '' the Los Angeles mayor said in an interview .
`` There is no way to keep this out of your city . ''
In Mississippi , Reeves has adopted many social distancing measures such as limiting groups to 10 people , even if he 's resisted some of the most aggressive steps .
In an interview late last week , the Republican governor reiterated his opposition to a stay-at-home order , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of state health officials and Vice President Mike Pence himself , who told him directly during a recent conversation that the Trump administration is not recommending a blanket shutdown .
Reeves dismissed those who think he 's not doing enough as enemies of Trump who `` do n't like the fact that I 'm a conservative and I 'm willing to pray . ''
He warned that extended social distancing orders could cause a more dangerous fallout than the pandemic by destroying the nation 's economy .
`` I do n't think there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States found themselves in a severe depression with 20 % to 30 % unemployment that the abject poverty that could create could lead to more health problems than this particular virus is causing , '' Reeves said .
He added : `` One size does n't fit all in this country . ''
No nation has more documented cases of the deadly virus than the United States , which surpassed 125,000 total infections and 2,200 related deaths over the weekend .
The partisan divide in infections and responses is difficult to ignore .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the seven with the most infections are led by Democrats .
New York may offer a cautionary tale for other states : The state reported its first case on March 1 and surpassed 52,000 infections and 730 deaths in less than a month .
The bottom six states in total cases are rural states led by Republicans .
Numbers have been escalating virtually everywhere , however , particularly in more populous red states like Louisiana , Tennessee and Texas , which reported more than 7,200 cases and 175 deaths combined as of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that have issued statewide stay-at-home orders so far are led by Democratic governors , according to Kaiser .
The Republican-led holdouts include Florida , where Gov .
Ron DeSantis has so far agreed with Trump 's preference for a more incremental approach in the premier swing state , suggesting that restrictive measures be put in place only in the hardest-hit counties .
The GOP 's resistance was perhaps best explained in recent days by Texas Lt. Gov .
Dan Patrick , who told a Fox News audience that he would be willing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing measures that have essentially shut down local economies .
There are exceptions , of course .
Maryland Gov .
Larry Hogan , a Republican , has split with Trump over when normal life might resume .
And Ohio 's Republican governor , Mike DeWine , has been one of the most aggressive leaders in either party , banning spectators from sporting events the first week of March .
He was among the first governors in the nation to close public schools .
Aggressive steps by DeWine and others , however , have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After repeatedly downplaying the threat at first , the Republican president adopted a more serious tone before suddenly suggesting last week that the worst could be over by Easter , which is April 12 .
He has now reversed that view , calling it an `` aspiration , '' with the extension of the social distancing guidelines .
Trump has also engaged in a war of words with Democratic governors in key states , where elected officials have openly complained about the lack of federal assistance to stem a dangerous shortage of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week , Trump told Pence , `` do n't call the woman in Michigan '' — referring to Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer , who is considered a potential vice presidential pick for the ultimate Democratic nominee .
Trump dubbed her as `` Gretchen 'Half ' Whitmer '' on Twitter , claiming that she 's `` way in over her head . ''
At the same time , the Trump administration began to contemplate a plan to encourage increased economic activity in areas where infections are low , which is largely in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , too , appeared to be sidelined by the president 's new view that fatalities could reach 100,000 or more .
Many conservatives welcome the president 's preference to loosen restrictions .
`` They have no right to tell me I need to stay in my house .
They can not impose a travel ban on me .
They ca n't .
it 's unconstitutional , '' said Texas-based activist Mark Meckler , a co-founder of the Tea Party Patriots who now leads the Convention of States Project .
Meckler began conversations in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to explore the possibility of filing lawsuits to block some of the more aggressive social distancing measures .
In the meantime , he 's encouraging like-minded conservatives to embrace `` peaceful resistance . ''
`` I 'm not going along with it , '' Meckler said .
`` It does n't mean we wo n't be smart , but we do n't want to be sheep . ''
Meanwhile , the numbers are shooting up in California , which has reported more than 5,000 infections and 100 deaths .
Los Angeles Mayor Garcetti @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure non-essential local businesses are complying with shut down orders .
He is empowered to shut off their water and power if necessary , and the California Democrat has authorized the police to arrest those who continue to resist .
Garcetti said there have been no shutoffs or arrests so far and predicts that `` 99 out of 100 will comply . ''
He also offered a dire message to Republicans who have resisted similar steps : `` In the projections , you could see this taking tens of thousands of lives in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But I do n't think anybody wants the second to be on their hands . ''

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti speaks during a Los Angeles County Health Department press conference on the novel coronavirus, (COVID-19)on March 4, 2020 in Los Angeles, California, along with Los Angeles County Public Health director Barbara Ferrer(L) and Supervisor Hilda Solis(2ndR). -
In Los Angeles, Mayor Eric Garcetti has instituted a shutdown on a city of nearly 4 million people and threatened uncooperative business owners with power shutoffs and arrest.
In Mississippi, home to nearly 3 million people, Gov. Tate Reeves has allowed most businesses to stay open — even restaurants, so long as they serve no more than 10 people at a time.
The divergent approaches are evidence that not even a global pandemic can bridge the gaping political divisions of the Trump era. The fierce tribalism that has characterized debates over immigration, taxes and health care is now coloring policy-making during a coronavirus outbreak that threatens countless lives and local economies across nation.
There are exceptions, but Republican leaders have been far more likely to resist the most aggressive social distancing measures, emboldened by President Donald Trump's initial rosy outlook and a smaller early caseload in their more rural communities across middle America. But in the more crowded population centers on the East and West coasts where the disease first appeared, the Democrats in charge have been more willing to embrace strict steps such as curfews, sweeping business closures and law enforcement assistance.
"This epidemic has been a window into our politics," said Larry Levitt, who leads health policy for the Kaiser Family Foundation, which has been tracking responses. "Particularly over the past couple of weeks, a political divide has emerged."
It is an election year divide that could have deadly consequences.
As his campaign struggles for attention, leading Democratic presidential contender Joe Biden has called for a nationwide lockdown to replace the patchwork of local responses, which have varied even among neighboring communities in the same states. Trump, meanwhile, is largely allowing local officials to choose their own course and has encouraged them to compete for scant federal resources. On Sunday, the president extended social distancing guidelines through April as public health officials warned the death toll could exceed 100,000.
Politically, the strategy may be working for the first-term Republican president. With the election just seven months away, Trump's favorable ratings are ticking up, even if his numbers have fallen short of past presidents during times of crisis. Yet the GOP's loyalty will almost certainly be tested in the weeks ahead as the virus spreads from the blue-state coastal communities deeper into red-state middle America.
Democrats like Garcetti fear the politics that are shaping conflicting pandemic responses will have real-world consequences far more important than the next election.
"I do worry that making this a partisan issue will kill more people in redder states," the Los Angeles mayor said in an interview. "There is no way to keep this out of your city."
In Mississippi, Reeves has adopted many social distancing measures such as limiting groups to 10 people, even if he's resisted some of the most aggressive steps. In an interview late last week, the Republican governor reiterated his opposition to a stay-at-home order, adding that he's heeding the guidance of state health officials and Vice President Mike Pence himself, who told him directly during a recent conversation that the Trump administration is not recommending a blanket shutdown.
Reeves dismissed those who think he's not doing enough as enemies of Trump who "don't like the fact that I'm a conservative and I'm willing to pray."
He warned that extended social distancing orders could cause a more dangerous fallout than the pandemic by destroying the nation's economy.
"I don't think there's any doubt that if the United States found themselves in a severe depression with 20% to 30% unemployment that the abject poverty that could create could lead to more health problems than this particular virus is causing," Reeves said.
He added: "One size doesn't fit all in this country."
No nation has more documented cases of the deadly virus than the United States, which surpassed 125,000 total infections and 2,200 related deaths over the weekend.
The partisan divide in infections and responses is difficult to ignore.
All 50 states have reported cases, but the seven with the most infections are led by Democrats. New York may offer a cautionary tale for other states: The state reported its first case on March 1 and surpassed 52,000 infections and 730 deaths in less than a month.
The bottom six states in total cases are rural states led by Republicans. Numbers have been escalating virtually everywhere, however, particularly in more populous red states like Louisiana, Tennessee and Texas, which reported more than 7,200 cases and 175 deaths combined as of Sunday.
Fifteen of the 21 states that have issued statewide stay-at-home orders so far are led by Democratic governors, according to Kaiser. The Republican-led holdouts include Florida, where Gov. Ron DeSantis has so far agreed with Trump's preference for a more incremental approach in the premier swing state, suggesting that restrictive measures be put in place only in the hardest-hit counties.
The GOP's resistance was perhaps best explained in recent days by Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who told a Fox News audience that he would be willing to die if necessary to avoid severe social distancing measures that have essentially shut down local economies.
There are exceptions, of course.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, has split with Trump over when normal life might resume. And Ohio's Republican governor, Mike DeWine, has been one of the most aggressive leaders in either party, banning spectators from sporting events the first week of March. He was among the first governors in the nation to close public schools.
Aggressive steps by DeWine and others, however, have been complicated by Trump's inconsistent rhetoric. After repeatedly downplaying the threat at first, the Republican president adopted a more serious tone before suddenly suggesting last week that the worst could be over by Easter, which is April 12. He has now reversed that view, calling it an "aspiration," with the extension of the social distancing guidelines.
Trump has also engaged in a war of words with Democratic governors in key states, where elected officials have openly complained about the lack of federal assistance to stem a dangerous shortage of coronavirus tests and medical equipment.
Late last week, Trump told Pence, "don't call the woman in Michigan" — referring to Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who is considered a potential vice presidential pick for the ultimate Democratic nominee. Trump dubbed her as "Gretchen 'Half' Whitmer" on Twitter, claiming that she's "way in over her head."
At the same time, the Trump administration began to contemplate a plan to encourage increased economic activity in areas where infections are low, which is largely in Republican-led states at the moment. That, too, appeared to be sidelined by the president's new view that fatalities could reach 100,000 or more.
Many conservatives welcome the president's preference to loosen restrictions.
"They have no right to tell me I need to stay in my house. They cannot impose a travel ban on me. They can't. it's unconstitutional," said Texas-based activist Mark Meckler, a co-founder of the Tea Party Patriots who now leads the Convention of States Project.
Meckler began conversations in recent days with other grassroots conservatives leaders to explore the possibility of filing lawsuits to block some of the more aggressive social distancing measures. In the meantime, he's encouraging like-minded conservatives to embrace "peaceful resistance."
"I'm not going along with it," Meckler said. "It doesn't mean we won't be smart, but we don't want to be sheep."
Meanwhile, the numbers are shooting up in California, which has reported more than 5,000 infections and 100 deaths.
Los Angeles Mayor Garcetti has assigned teams of city workers to ensure non-essential local businesses are complying with shut down orders. He is empowered to shut off their water and power if necessary, and the California Democrat has authorized the police to arrest those who continue to resist.
Garcetti said there have been no shutoffs or arrests so far and predicts that "99 out of 100 will comply."
He also offered a dire message to Republicans who have resisted similar steps: "In the projections, you could see this taking tens of thousands of lives in America or millions. You chose. But I don't think anybody wants the second to be on their hands."


cnbc--2020-03-28--Trump pushes back against congressional oversight for $500 billion bailout fund

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and President Donald Trump attend briefing about the coronavirus outbreak in the press briefing room at the White House on March 17 , 2020 in Washington , DC .
The Trump administration is considering an $ 850 billion stimulus package to counter the economic fallout as the coronavirus spreads .
President Donald Trump on Friday wrote in a signing statement accompanying the $ 2 trillion stimulus bill that he believes the inspector general overseeing a $ 500 billion relief fund for businesses will not have as much regulatory power as Democrats had sought .
The bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ companies , such as the struggling airlines , can tap to support their business .
The fund is overseen by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin .
In original drafts of the Republican Senate bill , Mnuchin had wide discretion in overseeing that money .
After criticisms from Democrats , Republicans agreed to add on a congressional oversight committee and Inspector General as added control measures .
The language gives the Inspector General power to report back to Congress information including the nature of the loan and its recipients .
It has the power to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to extent practicable and not in contravention of any existing law . ''
It is required to let Congress know if those requests are blocked .
Trump , though , said Friday he believes the Inspector General needs his permission in order to make such reports to Congress .
`` I do not understand , and my Administration will not treat , this provision as permitting the [ the Inspector General ] to issue reports to the Congress without the presidential supervision , '' he wrote in a signing statement .
A signing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interpret a law .
Trump has a record of seeking to withhold information from Congress , most notably during the recent House Intelligence Committee 's probe of his dealings with Ukraine .
He likewise fought efforts by House committees to subpoena his financial records Oversight of that $ 500 billion fund was one of the last major sticking points in Senate negotiations , CNBC previously reported .
Senate Democrats cheered the ultimately agreed-upon language as a victory .
They were wary of repeating the mistakes of the bank bailout after the financial crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowing bank executives to reward themselves with bonuses after receiving federal money .
`` The president 's statement is indicative of the difference between Democrats and Republicans when it came to this bill , '' House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told MSNBC 's Rachel Maddow on Friday about the language .
`` It 's not a surprise to anyone , '' she said of Trump 's signing language .
`` But Congress will exercise its oversight — and we will have our panel appointed by the House to , in real-time , make sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expended . ''
A Senate Democratic aide said , `` We fully anticipated Trump shenanigans , so that 's why there are multiple layers of strict oversight in this bill , including a council of existing inspectors general and GAO review , in addition to the Special IG , reporting requirements and a Congressional Oversight Commission . ''

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and President Donald Trump attend briefing about the coronavirus outbreak in the press briefing room at the White House on March 17, 2020 in Washington, DC. The Trump administration is considering an $850 billion stimulus package to counter the economic fallout as the coronavirus spreads.
President Donald Trump on Friday wrote in a signing statement accompanying the $2 trillion stimulus bill that he believes the inspector general overseeing a $500 billion relief fund for businesses will not have as much regulatory power as Democrats had sought.
The bill includes a $500 billion fund that companies, such as the struggling airlines, can tap to support their business. The fund is overseen by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. In original drafts of the Republican Senate bill, Mnuchin had wide discretion in overseeing that money. After criticisms from Democrats, Republicans agreed to add on a congressional oversight committee and Inspector General as added control measures.
The language gives the Inspector General power to report back to Congress information including the nature of the loan and its recipients. It has the power to make informational requests from other agencies "to extent practicable and not in contravention of any existing law." It is required to let Congress know if those requests are blocked.
Trump, though, said Friday he believes the Inspector General needs his permission in order to make such reports to Congress.
"I do not understand, and my Administration will not treat, this provision as permitting the [the Inspector General] to issue reports to the Congress without the presidential supervision," he wrote in a signing statement. A signing statement indicates how the president intends to interpret a law. Trump has a record of seeking to withhold information from Congress, most notably during the recent House Intelligence Committee's probe of his dealings with Ukraine. He likewise fought efforts by House committees to subpoena his financial records
Oversight of that $500 billion fund was one of the last major sticking points in Senate negotiations, CNBC previously reported. Senate Democrats cheered the ultimately agreed-upon language as a victory. They were wary of repeating the mistakes of the bank bailout after the financial crisis, in which Democrats were criticized for allowing bank executives to reward themselves with bonuses after receiving federal money.
"The president's statement is indicative of the difference between Democrats and Republicans when it came to this bill," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told MSNBC's Rachel Maddow on Friday about the language.
"It's not a surprise to anyone," she said of Trump's signing language. "But Congress will exercise its oversight — and we will have our panel appointed by the House to, in real-time, make sure we know where those funds are being expended."
A Senate Democratic aide said, "We fully anticipated Trump shenanigans, so that's why there are multiple layers of strict oversight in this bill, including a council of existing inspectors general and GAO review, in addition to the Special IG, reporting requirements and a Congressional Oversight Commission."


cnbc--2020-03-28--Trump signs $2 trillion coronavirus relief bill as the US tries to prevent economic devastation

The plan , which includes one-time payments to individuals , strengthened unemployment insurance , additional health-care funding and loans and grants to businesses to deter layoffs , got through the Senate unanimously on Wednesday night .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had described the bill `` as mitigation '' of the pandemic 's destruction , predicting Congress will draft more plans to aid in `` recovery . ''
Rep. Thomas Massie , R-Ky. , tried to force a full yes or no vote on the measure , which could have pushed back its approval by hours .
Irritated House members rushed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planes to head off his effort , and some eviscerated him for risking their safety .
Trump called Massie a `` third rate Grandstander '' and said he should be booted out of the Republican Party .
The House earlier passed the stimulus package , believed to be the largest in U.S. history , by voice vote , which simply measures if more lawmakers shout for `` aye '' or `` nay '' on whether to support it .
The chamber scrambled Friday to block an effort to delay its passage .
President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus relief bill on Friday , as Washington tries to blunt economic destruction from the pandemic ripping through the United States .
U.S. President Donald Trump signs H.R .
748 , the CARES Act in the Oval Office of the White House on March 27 , 2020 in Washington , DC .
`` I signed the single biggest economic relief package in American history , '' Trump said in the Oval Office as his top economic advisors and Republican congressional leaders stood behind him shoulder to shoulder .
`` This will deliver urgently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , workers and businesses , and that 's what this is all about . ''
While it is unclear how quickly the government will dole out some of the money such as increased unemployment benefits and small business loans , the White House and congressional leaders have said some individuals will receive direct payments of up to $ 1,200 within three weeks .
Trump signed the bill into law a day after data showed unemployment claims skyrocketed to a record 3.3 million last week , as businesses across the country closed to slow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particularly in ravaged New York , have asked for more resources as they struggle to keep up with a rush of coronavirus patients .
The U.S. now has more than 92,000 coronavirus cases , the most in the world , according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University .
At least 1,380 deaths in the U.S. have been linked to COVID-19 .
The moments before the House vote Friday underscored the risks the outbreak poses and the unconventional tactics Congress has deployed to pass recent bills to combat the disease .
As representatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fresh off last-second trips back to Washington , leaders urged them to use `` proper social distancing practices . ''
House leaders gathered a majority of members to block Massie from requesting a traditional recorded vote on the legislation .
Representatives sat in the gallery usually reserved for the public to increase the distance among them .
Presiding over the chamber , Rep. Anthony Brown , D-Md.
, moved to pass the legislation by voice vote .
Massie then asked for a full tally of `` yes '' and `` no '' votes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outcome .
It would have forced lawmakers to go to the floor , in groups of 30 to avoid crowding , for a vote that could have delayed passage by hours .
In making his motion , the libertarian Massie said he wanted to ensure `` our republic does n't die by unanimous consent in an empty chamber . ''
He argued the House did not have a quorum , or majority of members , present .
Brown determined that it did , and the bill passed overwhelmingly by voice vote .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday , Massie signaled he would oppose the bill because of its effect on U.S. national debt , according to the Louisville-based Courier-Journal .
After the vote , the House adjourned until March 31 .
The Senate does not have another vote scheduled until April 20 , though Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the chamber could convene before then if it needs to take more action .
Pelosi gave extended remarks before the vote Friday as she waited for enough members to reach the floor .
She joked , `` the sooner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be . ''
The California Democrat stressed that `` this can not be our final bill '' to respond to the crisis .
She has outlined priorities such as bigger direct payments , expanded eligibility for family and medical leave and more grant money for states .

The plan, which includes one-time payments to individuals, strengthened unemployment insurance, additional health-care funding and loans and grants to businesses to deter layoffs, got through the Senate unanimously on Wednesday night. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had described the bill "as mitigation" of the pandemic's destruction, predicting Congress will draft more plans to aid in "recovery."
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., tried to force a full yes or no vote on the measure, which could have pushed back its approval by hours. Irritated House members rushed back to Washington in cars and near-empty planes to head off his effort, and some eviscerated him for risking their safety. Trump called Massie a "third rate Grandstander" and said he should be booted out of the Republican Party .
The House earlier passed the stimulus package, believed to be the largest in U.S. history, by voice vote, which simply measures if more lawmakers shout for "aye" or "nay" on whether to support it. The chamber scrambled Friday to block an effort to delay its passage.
President Donald Trump signed a $2 trillion coronavirus relief bill on Friday, as Washington tries to blunt economic destruction from the pandemic ripping through the United States.
U.S. President Donald Trump signs H.R. 748, the CARES Act in the Oval Office of the White House on March 27, 2020 in Washington, DC.
"I signed the single biggest economic relief package in American history," Trump said in the Oval Office as his top economic advisors and Republican congressional leaders stood behind him shoulder to shoulder. "This will deliver urgently needed relief to our nation's families, workers and businesses, and that's what this is all about."
While it is unclear how quickly the government will dole out some of the money such as increased unemployment benefits and small business loans, the White House and congressional leaders have said some individuals will receive direct payments of up to $1,200 within three weeks.
Trump signed the bill into law a day after data showed unemployment claims skyrocketed to a record 3.3 million last week, as businesses across the country closed to slow the disease's spread. Hospitals, particularly in ravaged New York, have asked for more resources as they struggle to keep up with a rush of coronavirus patients.
The U.S. now has more than 92,000 coronavirus cases, the most in the world, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. At least 1,380 deaths in the U.S. have been linked to COVID-19.
The moments before the House vote Friday underscored the risks the outbreak poses and the unconventional tactics Congress has deployed to pass recent bills to combat the disease. As representatives were called into the chamber, some fresh off last-second trips back to Washington, leaders urged them to use "proper social distancing practices."
House leaders gathered a majority of members to block Massie from requesting a traditional recorded vote on the legislation. Representatives sat in the gallery usually reserved for the public to increase the distance among them.
Presiding over the chamber, Rep. Anthony Brown, D-Md., moved to pass the legislation by voice vote. Massie then asked for a full tally of "yes" and "no" votes. House leaders wanted to avoid that outcome. It would have forced lawmakers to go to the floor, in groups of 30 to avoid crowding, for a vote that could have delayed passage by hours.
In making his motion, the libertarian Massie said he wanted to ensure "our republic doesn't die by unanimous consent in an empty chamber." He argued the House did not have a quorum, or majority of members, present. Brown determined that it did, and the bill passed overwhelmingly by voice vote.
In an interview with a Kentucky radio station Thursday, Massie signaled he would oppose the bill because of its effect on U.S. national debt, according to the Louisville-based Courier-Journal.
"Not a good deal," Massie tweeted later Thursday morning.
After the vote, the House adjourned until March 31. The Senate does not have another vote scheduled until April 20, though Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the chamber could convene before then if it needs to take more action.
Pelosi gave extended remarks before the vote Friday as she waited for enough members to reach the floor. She joked, "the sooner you come, the shorter my remarks will be."
The California Democrat stressed that "this cannot be our final bill" to respond to the crisis. She has outlined priorities such as bigger direct payments, expanded eligibility for family and medical leave and more grant money for states.