cnbc--2020-03-13--Elizabeth Warren calls for a 'grassroots' stimulus package to counter coronavirus economic impact

Sen. Elizabeth Warren on Thursday called on the U.S. government to respond to the coronavirus outbreak by passing a `` big stimulus package '' that offers health-care guarantees and injects money at the `` grassroots level . ''
In an interview with CNBC 's Jim Cramer , the Massachusetts Democrat explained that her far-reaching proposal addresses everything from COVID-19 testing to student loan holders to workers and businesses .
The total package would cost $ 750 billion , up from the $ 400 billion original plan she presented last week .
`` We need to show that we have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem and understands that the approach to it is to get money ... Down into the hands of the people who will put it down at the grassroots level and help support this economy from the ground up , '' she said in a `` Mad Money '' interview .
`` So that 's the basic approach . ''
Warren , who put out an initial proposal earlier this month , counted off three policy guarantees intended to stop the spread of the deadly virus that has infected at least 1,323 people and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States as of Thursday .
Those steps include boosting the number of and making coronavirus tests free to everyone , ensuring that a vaccine , when developed , will be free to all and earmarking a `` pot of money '' to cover workers that call off sick or to care for an infected individual .
`` Those are good for all of us in terms of our health and reduce the amount of contagion , '' Warren said .
`` They are also good for us economically , so that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this . ''
Warren , who ended her campaign to seek the Democratic nomination for president a week ago , included not just employees but employers in her plan .
The plan includes a measure to allocate low-interest or interest-free loans to help businesses weather through the health crisis as many consumers limit their time outside the house .
Companies would be required to keep workers on payroll .
`` That will help the economy in multiple ways [ to ] keep these businesses open so that when people are venturing out again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the other direction … They 'll have open stores to come to and goods to buy , '' she explained .
`` This keeps the circle going and that 's what we want to do in this economy . ''
In efforts to increase the amount of money that consumers are spending in the economy , the senator wants to get more money into the hands of student loan borrowers and social security recipients .
That includes canceling college debt obligations at least for the next three months , while increasing social security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month `` at least for a year , '' she said .
`` If you assume we 're only going to spend a certain amount of money here , I 'd much rather see us target it rather than an across the board that disproportionately advantages rich folks , '' she said .
Warren has an additional week to try to woo her colleagues in a bitterly divided Washington to include her proposals in a response package .
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell earlier Thursday canceled the Senate 's recess scheduled for next week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hash out a plan to address the economic impacts of the pandemic .
In his announcement , McConnell said he hopes `` Congress can pass bipartisan legislation to continue combating the coronavirus and keep our economy strong . ''
Over in the House , Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been in negotiations with the Trump administration .
House Republicans opposed a response plan their Democratic colleagues presented in the afternoon .
Last week , Trump signed a wide-reaching spending bill that put $ 8.3 billion towards prevention efforts and research to develop a vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked by Cramer whether she thought Vice President Joe Biden or Sen. Bernie Sanders — the remaining Democratic hopefuls — was better equipped to handle the outbreak , Warren deflected .
The senator has yet to endorse a candidate since leaving the race .
`` Right now I 'm pushing the administration to do a better job , '' she said .
`` That 's the urgency of this moment .
Let 's talk about what we can do tomorrow . ''

Sen. Elizabeth Warren on Thursday called on the U.S. government to respond to the coronavirus outbreak by passing a "big stimulus package" that offers health-care guarantees and injects money at the "grassroots level."
In an interview with CNBC's Jim Cramer, the Massachusetts Democrat explained that her far-reaching proposal addresses everything from COVID-19 testing to student loan holders to workers and businesses. The total package would cost $750 billion, up from the $400 billion original plan she presented last week.
"We need to show that we have a government that understands the scale of this problem and understands that the approach to it is to get money ... Down into the hands of the people who will put it down at the grassroots level and help support this economy from the ground up," she said in a "Mad Money" interview. "So that's the basic approach."
Warren, who put out an initial proposal earlier this month, counted off three policy guarantees intended to stop the spread of the deadly virus that has infected at least 1,323 people and led to at least 38 deaths in the United States as of Thursday. Those steps include boosting the number of and making coronavirus tests free to everyone, ensuring that a vaccine, when developed, will be free to all and earmarking a "pot of money" to cover workers that call off sick or to care for an infected individual.
"Those are good for all of us in terms of our health and reduce the amount of contagion," Warren said. "They are also good for us economically, so that's where I start every part of this."
Warren, who ended her campaign to seek the Democratic nomination for president a week ago, included not just employees but employers in her plan. The plan includes a measure to allocate low-interest or interest-free loans to help businesses weather through the health crisis as many consumers limit their time outside the house. Companies would be required to keep workers on payroll.
"That will help the economy in multiple ways [to] keep these businesses open so that when people are venturing out again and we are putting money in from the other direction … They'll have open stores to come to and goods to buy," she explained. "This keeps the circle going and that's what we want to do in this economy."
In efforts to increase the amount of money that consumers are spending in the economy, the senator wants to get more money into the hands of student loan borrowers and social security recipients. That includes canceling college debt obligations at least for the next three months, while increasing social security and disability payments by $200 a month "at least for a year," she said.
"If you assume we're only going to spend a certain amount of money here, I'd much rather see us target it rather than an across the board that disproportionately advantages rich folks," she said.
Warren has an additional week to try to woo her colleagues in a bitterly divided Washington to include her proposals in a response package. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell earlier Thursday canceled the Senate's recess scheduled for next week as lawmakers in both chambers work to hash out a plan to address the economic impacts of the pandemic.
In his announcement, McConnell said he hopes "Congress can pass bipartisan legislation to continue combating the coronavirus and keep our economy strong."
Over in the House, Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been in negotiations with the Trump administration. House Republicans opposed a response plan their Democratic colleagues presented in the afternoon.
Last week, Trump signed a wide-reaching spending bill that put $8.3 billion towards prevention efforts and research to develop a vaccine to combat the deadly disease.
When asked by Cramer whether she thought Vice President Joe Biden or Sen. Bernie Sanders — the remaining Democratic hopefuls — was better equipped to handle the outbreak, Warren deflected. The senator has yet to endorse a candidate since leaving the race.
"Right now I'm pushing the administration to do a better job," she said. "That's the urgency of this moment. Let's talk about what we can do tomorrow."


cnbc--2020-03-12--Bernie Sanders will win California primary, NBC News projects

Democratic White House hopeful Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders , accompanied by his wife Jane Sanders , speaks during a campaign rally at the Convention Center in Los Angeles , California on March 1 , 2020 .
The Golden State , home to nearly 40 million people , was the biggest prize of Super Tuesday 's 14 state contests , awarding 415 delegates , or nearly a third of the day 's total .
With just over three-quarters of the vote in , Sanders is projected to win 200 delegates , while Biden will collect 145 , according to NBC News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a week after voting and after the trajectory of the race has been reshaped .
Biden 's impressive performance on Super Tuesday , following a decisive win in South Carolina , effectively catapulted the former vice president to front-runner status and transformed the race into a two-person contest between himself and Sanders .
California is notorious for its slow counting of election results and warned that final results could take weeks to come in .
In addition to California , Sanders notched victories in his home state of Vermont , Utah and Colorado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , North Carolina , Alabama , Tennessee , Oklahoma , Arkansas , Texas , Minnesota , Maine and Massachusetts .
Biden had another successful showing on Tuesday , when six more states cast ballots .
Biden was projected to win in Michigan , the most important state of the night , as well as Missouri , Mississippi and Idaho .
Sanders was projected to win in North Dakota .
Washington state remains too close to call .
Biden has also collected endorsements from many of the race 's former moderate contenders , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Amy Klobuchar and former Texas Rep. Beto O'Rourke .
Sen. Elizabeth Warren , a progressive who dropped out after a disappointing showing on Super Tuesday , has yet to endorse .
Democrats must win at least 1,991 delegates by the Democratic National Convention in July to secure the nomination .
As of Thursday , Biden had won 848 delegates and Sanders had 695 .

Democratic White House hopeful Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, accompanied by his wife Jane Sanders, speaks during a campaign rally at the Convention Center in Los Angeles, California on March 1, 2020.
Sen. Bernie Sanders will win California's democratic presidential primary, NBC News projects.
The Golden State, home to nearly 40 million people, was the biggest prize of Super Tuesday's 14 state contests, awarding 415 delegates, or nearly a third of the day's total. With just over three-quarters of the vote in, Sanders is projected to win 200 delegates, while Biden will collect 145, according to NBC News.
But the projection comes more than a week after voting and after the trajectory of the race has been reshaped. Biden's impressive performance on Super Tuesday, following a decisive win in South Carolina, effectively catapulted the former vice president to front-runner status and transformed the race into a two-person contest between himself and Sanders.
California is notorious for its slow counting of election results and warned that final results could take weeks to come in.
In addition to California, Sanders notched victories in his home state of Vermont, Utah and Colorado on Super Tuesday. Biden won Virginia, North Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, Minnesota, Maine and Massachusetts.
Biden had another successful showing on Tuesday, when six more states cast ballots.
Biden was projected to win in Michigan, the most important state of the night, as well as Missouri, Mississippi and Idaho. Sanders was projected to win in North Dakota. Washington state remains too close to call.
Biden has also collected endorsements from many of the race's former moderate contenders, including former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Sen. Amy Klobuchar and former Texas Rep. Beto O'Rourke. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a progressive who dropped out after a disappointing showing on Super Tuesday, has yet to endorse.
Democrats must win at least 1,991 delegates by the Democratic National Convention in July to secure the nomination. As of Thursday, Biden had won 848 delegates and Sanders had 695.


cnbc--2020-03-13--Trump indicates he opposes House coronavirus plan as Pelosi vows to pass it

President Donald Trump indicated he does not back the current form of a relief bill House Speaker Nancy Pelosi vowed to pass Friday to combat the global coronavirus pandemic .
As the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus disease , or COVID-19 , rise in the U.S. and the outbreak upends daily life and the U.S. economy , the California Democrat called for a `` coordinated , science-based and whole of government response '' to the crisis .
She urged Congress to pass a `` response that puts families first to stimulate the economy . ''
`` Today , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , '' she said during remarks in front of a row of American flags designed to stress the gravity of the moment .
But the fate of her Democratic-backed plan was in limbo Friday afternoon as the president called it inadequate , reducing its chances for GOP support in Congress .
Trump said , `` we just do n't think they 're giving enough , '' contending Democrats are `` not doing what 's right for the country . ''
He did not explicitly say what he wanted negotiators to change .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secretary Steven Mnuchin on a potential agreement to provide economic relief to Americans affected by the crisis .
They had their 12th call of the day just before 5 p.m .
ET , after Trump 's Rose Garden news conference wrapped up , according to Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill .
On Thursday night , Pelosi said Democrats and the administration were close to a final deal .
On Friday afternoon , a senior administration official told CNBC that `` several pieces of the text , which go beyond provisions kept limited to address @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off from us . ''

President Donald Trump indicated he does not back the current form of a relief bill House Speaker Nancy Pelosi vowed to pass Friday to combat the global coronavirus pandemic.
As the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus disease, or COVID-19, rise in the U.S. and the outbreak upends daily life and the U.S. economy, the California Democrat called for a "coordinated, science-based and whole of government response" to the crisis. She urged Congress to pass a "response that puts families first to stimulate the economy."
"Today, we are passing a bill that does just that," she said during remarks in front of a row of American flags designed to stress the gravity of the moment.
But the fate of her Democratic-backed plan was in limbo Friday afternoon as the president called it inadequate, reducing its chances for GOP support in Congress. Trump said, "we just don't think they're giving enough," contending Democrats are "not doing what's right for the country." He did not explicitly say what he wanted negotiators to change.
Pelosi carried out intense negotiations with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on a potential agreement to provide economic relief to Americans affected by the crisis. They had their 12th call of the day just before 5 p.m. ET, after Trump's Rose Garden news conference wrapped up, according to Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill.
On Thursday night, Pelosi said Democrats and the administration were close to a final deal. On Friday afternoon, a senior administration official told CNBC that "several pieces of the text, which go beyond provisions kept limited to address Covid-19, do not yet have sign off from us."


cnbc--2020-03-13--Louisiana postpones Democratic primary over coronavirus, the first state to do so

A man enters a voting booth to cast his ballot on December 10 , 2016 in New Orleans , Louisiana .
Louisiana will postpone its presidential primaries set for next month , becoming the first state to take the step as fears about the coronavirus outbreak spread .
The state will push its presidential nominating contests back to June 20 from the planned date of April 4 , Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announced Friday .
It has also delayed its municipal elections until July 25 .
`` We want to protect the health and safety of all Louisianans by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this highly infectious disease , '' Ardoin told reporters .
Louisiana 's move to delay the primaries , and its allocation of 54 pledged delegates in the Democratic race , underscores the widespread havoc the global pandemic has wreaked on American life and institutions .
Wyoming separately announced it would suspend the in-person portion of its caucuses and instead encouraged residents to vote by mail .
The outbreak has ground pivotal 2020 presidential campaign operations to a near halt .
Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders , the leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump in November , have temporarily stopped large , in-person campaign events to curb the coronavirus disease 's transmission .
The one-on-one debate between Biden and Sanders will take place in Washington , D.C. , on Sunday with no live audience .
It was initially set to take place in Arizona with a crowd in attendance .
No other states voting next month , including New York , Pennsylvania and Maryland , have yet said they will follow Louisiana 's lead .
Arizona , Florida , Illinois and Ohio , which hold primaries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday , have moved forward with their election events as planned .
Some states have encouraged more voters to cast absentee or mail-in ballots to reduce the risk of the virus spreading .
In a joint statement Friday , the top elections officials in the four states voting Tuesday said , `` we are working closely with our state health officials to ensure that our poll workers and voters can be confident that voting is safe . ''
`` Americans have participated in elections during challenging times in the past , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from public health officials , we are confident that voters in our states can safely and securely cast their ballots in this election , and that otherwise healthy poll workers can and should carry out their patriotic duties on Tuesday , '' they said .
Here 's what some of the states with upcoming primaries told CNBC about their elections : • `` The election is still on in Illinois , '' said Matt Dietrich , a spokesman for the Illinois State Board of Elections .
• New York Democratic Party Chair Jay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are no discussions or plans '' to change the state 's primary date .
• A spokesperson for the secretary of state 's office in Georgia — which holds its primary on March 24 — told CNBC that `` we want to make sure this gets done right '' and `` we share a lot of the same concerns Louisiana has . ''
• Alaska Democratic Party spokeswoman Jeanne Devon told CNBC that `` at this time , we have not changed plans for our last-chance in-person voting on April 4 , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from local health authorities . ''
In response to Louisiana 's decision to postpone the primary , Biden campaign spokeswoman Kate Bedingfield said , `` our elections can be conducted safely in consultation with public health officials . ''
`` If voters are feeling healthy , not exhibiting symptoms , and do n't believe they 've been exposed to COVID-19 , please vote on Tuesday , '' she said in a statement .
`` If voters are members of an at-risk population , exhibiting symptoms , or have been exposed to a diagnosed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to explore absentee ballots and vote by mail options . ''
The U.S. has at least 1,700 cases of the coronavirus disease , known as COVID-19 , and it has killed at least 40 people , according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University .
— CNBC 's Steve Kopack , Yelena Dzhanova and Brian Schwartz contributed to this report .

A man enters a voting booth to cast his ballot on December 10, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Louisiana will postpone its presidential primaries set for next month, becoming the first state to take the step as fears about the coronavirus outbreak spread.
The state will push its presidential nominating contests back to June 20 from the planned date of April 4, Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announced Friday. It has also delayed its municipal elections until July 25.
"We want to protect the health and safety of all Louisianans by doing our part to prevent the spread of this highly infectious disease," Ardoin told reporters.
Louisiana's move to delay the primaries, and its allocation of 54 pledged delegates in the Democratic race, underscores the widespread havoc the global pandemic has wreaked on American life and institutions. Wyoming separately announced it would suspend the in-person portion of its caucuses and instead encouraged residents to vote by mail.
The outbreak has ground pivotal 2020 presidential campaign operations to a near halt. Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders, the leading Democratic candidates to take on President Donald Trump in November, have temporarily stopped large, in-person campaign events to curb the coronavirus disease's transmission.
The one-on-one debate between Biden and Sanders will take place in Washington, D.C., on Sunday with no live audience. It was initially set to take place in Arizona with a crowd in attendance.
No other states voting next month, including New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland, have yet said they will follow Louisiana's lead.
Arizona, Florida, Illinois and Ohio, which hold primaries and award a trove of pledged delegates on Tuesday, have moved forward with their election events as planned. Some states have encouraged more voters to cast absentee or mail-in ballots to reduce the risk of the virus spreading.
In a joint statement Friday, the top elections officials in the four states voting Tuesday said, "we are working closely with our state health officials to ensure that our poll workers and voters can be confident that voting is safe."
"Americans have participated in elections during challenging times in the past, and based on the best information we have from public health officials, we are confident that voters in our states can safely and securely cast their ballots in this election, and that otherwise healthy poll workers can and should carry out their patriotic duties on Tuesday," they said.
Here's what some of the states with upcoming primaries told CNBC about their elections:
"The election is still on in Illinois," said Matt Dietrich, a spokesman for the Illinois State Board of Elections.
New York Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs said "at present, there are no discussions or plans" to change the state's primary date.
A spokesperson for the secretary of state's office in Georgia — which holds its primary on March 24 — told CNBC that "we want to make sure this gets done right" and "we share a lot of the same concerns Louisiana has."
Alaska Democratic Party spokeswoman Jeanne Devon told CNBC that "at this time, we have not changed plans for our last-chance in-person voting on April 4, but we are paying close attention for guidance from local health authorities."
In response to Louisiana's decision to postpone the primary, Biden campaign spokeswoman Kate Bedingfield said, "our elections can be conducted safely in consultation with public health officials."
"If voters are feeling healthy, not exhibiting symptoms, and don't believe they've been exposed to COVID-19, please vote on Tuesday," she said in a statement. "If voters are members of an at-risk population, exhibiting symptoms, or have been exposed to a diagnosed case of COVID-19, we encourage them to explore absentee ballots and vote by mail options."
The U.S. has at least 1,700 cases of the coronavirus disease, known as COVID-19, and it has killed at least 40 people, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
— CNBC's Steve Kopack, Yelena Dzhanova and Brian Schwartz contributed to this report.


cnbc--2020-03-13--Government leans on tech and telecom firms to help students forced to stay home

The federal government wants technology companies ' aid in helping students continue their education , as more are asked to do so from home amid the coronavirus outbreak , putting unprecedented pressure on America 's network .
Representatives from companies including Amazon , Google , IBM and Cisco met at the White House on Wednesday with officials who asked the firms how they can help manage the crisis .
The discussion ranged from how the technology companies could use their data to help track the virus to rooting out misinformation spreading online , according to people familiar with the discussions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ included U.S. Chief Technology Officer Michael Kratsios and representatives from departments including the Department of Health and Human Services , the Department of Labor , Department of Education and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services .
Participants in the meeting described the tone as collaborative , with each company offering their own ideas and ways to help .
Of keen interest to some of the people who either dialed into the call or participated in person was how companies will support schools and companies as the country deals with quarantines , people familiar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Michigan , New Mexico , Ohio and Oregon are among the states that have already asked some students to learn from home .
Nearly 43 % of the American population do not have broadband or high-speed internet access , according to testimony by Gigi Sohn , a fellow at the Institute for Technology Law & Policy at Georgetown University , before Congress earlier this year .
Roughly 18 % of schoolchildren in remote rural areas either had no home internet access or dial-up connections only , according to a 2018 Education Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience providing wide-scale educational services online for all students , and not all families have access to home computers and high-speed internet to take advantage of such online options , '' Sen. Patty Murray , D-Wash. , wrote to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos , seeking guidance on how schools using online learning can work for students without computers or access to the internet .
Murray 's home state has been one of the states hit hardest by the coronavirus epidemic .
Some lawmakers are hoping that companies such as Microsoft , Google and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or work with manufacturers that support their service , will either provide those products to schools in need for free or give them priority purchases , a person familiar with the situation told CNBC .
That issue was not a focus in the White House meeting , a person familiar with the situation said .
Microsoft , Apple and Google did not immediately respond to requests for comment .
Google said earlier this month it is rolling out free advanced video-conferencing capabilities to all customers of G Suite and G Suite for Education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jerry McNerney , D-Calif. , and other Democrats sent a letter to communication providers including T-Mobile , AT & T , CenturyLink , Verizon and Comcast asking them to outline any potential plans they are considering implementing to address connectivity challenges related to the pandemic , particularly for individuals who are impacted by the digital divide .
`` As an operator of a network so critical to ensuring vital education , health , and employment continuity , we hope that you are thoughtfully considering all the ways you can serve the broader community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McNerney and 11 other Democrats .
The representatives asked the companies how they are working with schools to help those without broadband services and what steps they are taking to provide low-income , highly affected areas broadband connectivity .
There are limitations , though , to how quickly companies could move to broaden their bandwidth to meet the country 's immediate need .
The FCC had sought to expedite the expansion , announcing in April new initiatives aimed at making it easier for internet providers to more rapidly expand into rural areas .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ more wireless spectrum , and an auction to supply that does n't begin until December .
Still , there are steps companies could do with their existing infrastructure , such as opening their networks for free .
The FCC on Friday said major internet providers have agreed not to cancel service for consumers who ca n't pay due to coronavirus for the next 60 days and open its Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them .
Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel , meantime , has called on the agency to identify how it can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on loan for students whose schools have closed .
She 's also called on companies to remove potentially prohibitive data limits .
Comcast on Thursday announced plans to expand its affordable `` Internet Essentials '' program by increasing speeds and offering 60-day complimentary programs .
Verizon also announced plans to increase network infrastructure investment by $ 500 million .
Disclosure : Comcast is the owner of NBCUniversal , parent company of CNBC .

The federal government wants technology companies' aid in helping students continue their education, as more are asked to do so from home amid the coronavirus outbreak, putting unprecedented pressure on America's network.
Representatives from companies including Amazon , Google , IBM and Cisco met at the White House on Wednesday with officials who asked the firms how they can help manage the crisis. The discussion ranged from how the technology companies could use their data to help track the virus to rooting out misinformation spreading online, according to people familiar with the discussions and a meeting readout.
The meeting included U.S. Chief Technology Officer Michael Kratsios and representatives from departments including the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Labor, Department of Education and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Participants in the meeting described the tone as collaborative, with each company offering their own ideas and ways to help.
Of keen interest to some of the people who either dialed into the call or participated in person was how companies will support schools and companies as the country deals with quarantines, people familiar with the matter told CNBC.
Maryland, Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio and Oregon are among the states that have already asked some students to learn from home.
Nearly 43% of the American population do not have broadband or high-speed internet access, according to testimony by Gigi Sohn, a fellow at the Institute for Technology Law & Policy at Georgetown University, before Congress earlier this year. Roughly 18% of schoolchildren in remote rural areas either had no home internet access or dial-up connections only, according to a 2018 Education Department report.
"Few school districts have experience providing wide-scale educational services online for all students, and not all families have access to home computers and high-speed internet to take advantage of such online options," Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., wrote to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, seeking guidance on how schools using online learning can work for students without computers or access to the internet.
Murray's home state has been one of the states hit hardest by the coronavirus epidemic.
Some lawmakers are hoping that companies such as Microsoft , Google and Apple , which make educational devices, or work with manufacturers that support their service, will either provide those products to schools in need for free or give them priority purchases, a person familiar with the situation told CNBC. That issue was not a focus in the White House meeting, a person familiar with the situation said.
Microsoft, Apple and Google did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Google said earlier this month it is rolling out free advanced video-conferencing capabilities to all customers of G Suite and G Suite for Education cloud-computing product.
On Friday, Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Calif., and other Democrats sent a letter to communication providers including T-Mobile , AT&T , CenturyLink, Verizon and Comcast asking them to outline any potential plans they are considering implementing to address connectivity challenges related to the pandemic, particularly for individuals who are impacted by the digital divide.
"As an operator of a network so critical to ensuring vital education, health, and employment continuity, we hope that you are thoughtfully considering all the ways you can serve the broader community during this worldwide challenge," wrote McNerney and 11 other Democrats.
The representatives asked the companies how they are working with schools to help those without broadband services and what steps they are taking to provide low-income, highly affected areas broadband connectivity.
There are limitations, though, to how quickly companies could move to broaden their bandwidth to meet the country's immediate need. The FCC had sought to expedite the expansion, announcing in April new initiatives aimed at making it easier for internet providers to more rapidly expand into rural areas. But, even then, carriers need more wireless spectrum, and an auction to supply that doesn't begin until December.
Still, there are steps companies could do with their existing infrastructure, such as opening their networks for free.
The FCC on Friday said major internet providers have agreed not to cancel service for consumers who can't pay due to coronavirus for the next 60 days and open its Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.
Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel, meantime, has called on the agency to identify how it can use its authority to provide Wi-Fi hotspots on loan for students whose schools have closed. She's also called on companies to remove potentially prohibitive data limits.
Comcast on Thursday announced plans to expand its affordable "Internet Essentials" program by increasing speeds and offering 60-day complimentary programs. Verizon also announced plans to increase network infrastructure investment by $500 million.
Disclosure: Comcast is the owner of NBCUniversal, parent company of CNBC.


cnbc--2020-03-13--Trump declares national emergency over coronavirus

President Donald Trump on Friday declared a national emergency over the coronavirus pandemic , and announced a set of specific measures aimed at stemming the effects of the outbreak .
Stock marked indices sharply rallied during Trump 's press conference , posting their largest single-day gain since October 2008 .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 1,985 points higher , or 9.4 % , at 23,185.62. , the index 's biggest-ever point gain on a single day .
The emergency declaration will free up as much as $ 50 billion in financial resources to efforts by states and U.S. territories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , warned , `` There will be many more cases '' of coronavirus in coming weeks .
As of Friday , the number of positive tests for people in the United States with coronavirus had reached 2,006 , according to NBC News.. A total of at least 42 people have died after contracting the virus .
Trump announced the national emergency declaration at a news conference in the Rose Garden at the White House , where he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who is leading the Trump administration 's coronavirus task force .
Also with president were members of that task force and the CEOs of Target and Walmart , who met with Trump earlier in the day .
`` To unleash the full power of the federal government ...
I am officially declaring a national emergency , '' Trump said .
`` Two very big words . ''
`` The next eight weeks are critical , '' the president said .
Officials announced a web questionnaire set up by Google that people can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms or risk factors that warrant them getting a test for coronavirus .
If they should be tested , under the website 's criteria , they will be directed to `` drive-thru '' sites , so so that people can stay in their cars when they are screened for the virus .
Trump said Google has 1,700 engineers working on the effort now .
Trump said he expected the U.S. to have 1.4 million coronavirus test kits available within a week , and a total of 5 million kits within the next month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country will `` need anywhere near '' 5 million kits .
He also said he had ordered all states to set up emergency operation centers , and urged hospitals to engage emergency operation plans .
But , Trump said , `` we do n't want people to take a test if we feel that they should n't be doing it , and we do n't want everyone running out and taking .
Only if you have certain symptoms . ''
Trump said he `` most likely '' will himself undergo testing for coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have any symptoms .
Trump last week posed for a photo at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida with the press secretary for Brazil 's president , Jair Bolsonaro , who has tested positive for the virus .
Bolsonaro , who had dined with Trump during that visit , tested negative for coronavirus , his son announced Friday .
Trump said the emergency declaration will grant new authority to Health and Human Service Secretary Alex Azar to waive several rules governing how hospitals take in patients , and how long they can stay .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal , Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services , announced that all visitations to nursing homes would be suspended except in certain cases , such as a resident dying .
Trump also announced that he was waiving all interest on student loan debt held by the federal government .
Trump dismissed as `` a nasty question '' a query from a reporter about how he can claim he is not responsible for a lag in testing people for coronavirus when his administration in 2018 dissolved a National Security Council group that was tasked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't know anything about that , '' Fauci said , in reference to the group getting shut down .
But Fauci only two days ago had commented on the dissolution of the group .
`` We worked very well with that office .
It would be nice if it were still there , '' Fauci said at a House Oversight and Reform Committee hearing In 2018 , Trump fired Tom Bossert as the NSC 's homeland security adviser , whose responsibilities included coordinating the response to global pandemics .
Bossert was not replaced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the press conference , which lasted more than an hour , he walked away without answering as a reporter asked if he could explain why his recent prediction that the number of coronavirus cases would soon go down to close to zero had not come true .
The Senate 's top Democrat , Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York , said , `` I 'm pleased the president heeded our calls to invoke the Stafford Act to extend vital financial assistance to help keep communities safe from the coronavirus outbreak . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to immediately request these newly available funds and for the Trump administration to approve these requests without delay , '' Schumer said .
`` As other steps are considered , the president must not overstep his authority or indulge his autocratic tendencies for purposes not truly related to this public health crisis . ''
Trump 's emergency designation under the Stafford Act allows for two types of presidential declarations .
The first is an emergency , which Trump declared .
The second is a major disaster , which gives emergency management even more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FEMA in charge of what happens .
French President Emmanuel Macron said Friday that he , Trump and the rest of leaders of the Group of 7 economic giant nations have `` agreed to organize an extraordinary Leaders Summit by videoconference on Monday on Covid-19 . ''
`` We will coordinate research efforts on a vaccine and treatments , and work on an economic and financial response , '' Macron announced in a tweet .
The announcement of a U.S. national emergency comes just a day after Trump said he was not yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We have very strong emergency powers under the Stafford Act , and we are — we have it — I mean , I have it memorized , practically , as to the powers in that act .
If I need to do something , I 'll do it , '' Trump had said in an Oval Office meeting on Thursday with Ireland 's prime minister , Leo Varadkar .
`` I have the right to do a lot of things that people do n't even know about , '' Trump said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of debate within the White House , where different factions of Trump 's top aides disagreed about whether a Stafford Act declaration is necessary .
Those opposed to making the declaration , which had included Trump himself , worried that it would cause financial markets to panic .
They also feared political fallout if it appeared Trump was sending the opposite message about coronavirus , namely that it is an emergency , from the one he had consistently delivered so far .
Trump has claimed that coronavirus is no more dangerous than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely disappear quickly and without a significant impact on American life .
Health officials say neither of these statements is accurate .
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio declared a state of emergency in the city on Thursday .
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo on the same day banned gatherings of 500 or more in the state `` for the forseeable future . ''
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told CNBC earlier Friday the White House and Congress are nearing a deal that would provide stimulus to the U.S. economy amid the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very close to getting this done , '' Mnuchin said in a `` Squawk on the Street '' interview .
`` The president is absolutely committed that this will be an entire government effort , that we will be working with the House and Senate . ''
But during the press conference , said he problems with the plan announced Friday afternoon by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. As of Friday , there were more than 135,000 known cases of coronavirus globally , including nearly 5,000 deaths , according to data compiled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States , there have been at least 1,700 known cases , with at least 40 deaths , according to Johns Hopkins University .
Correction : An earlier version misstated when the mayor declared an emergency in New York City .
It was Thursday .

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Dr. Debbie Birx, White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator speaks as US President Donald Trump (R) and other members of the White House Coronavirus Task Forcee listen at a press conference on COVID-19, known as the coronavirus, in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC, March 13, 2020. Saul Loeb | AFP | Getty Images
But, Trump said, "we don't want people to take a test if we feel that they shouldn't be doing it, and we don't want everyone running out and taking. Only if you have certain symptoms." Trump said he "most likely" will himself undergo testing for coronavirus, but noted that he does not have any symptoms. Trump last week posed for a photo at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida with the press secretary for Brazil's president, Jair Bolsonaro, who has tested positive for the virus. Bolsonaro, who had dined with Trump during that visit, tested negative for coronavirus, his son announced Friday. Trump said the emergency declaration will grant new authority to Health and Human Service Secretary Alex Azar to waive rules governing how hospitals take in patients, and how long they can stay. Seema Verma, the administrator of the federal, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, announced that all visitations to nursing homes would be suspended except in certain cases, such as a resident dying. Trump also announced that he was waiving all interest on student loan debt held by the federal government. Trump dismissed as "a nasty question" a query from a reporter about how he can claim he is not responsible for a lag in testing people for coronavirus when his administration in 2018 dissolved a National Security Council group that was tasked with preparing for pandemics. "I didn't do it," Trump said of the group being disbanded. "You say we did that. I don't know anything about it."
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But Fauci only two days ago had publicly commented on negative impact from the dissolution of the group. "We worked very well with that office. It would be nice if it were still there," Fauci said at a House Oversight and Reform Committee hearing In 2018, Trump fired Tom Bossert as the NSC's homeland security adviser, whose responsibilities included coordinating the response to global pandemics. Bossert was not replaced. As Trump ended the press conference, which lasted more than an hour, he walked away without answering as a reporter asked if he could explain why his recent prediction that the number of coronavirus cases would soon go down to close to zero had not come true. The Senate's top Democrat, Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York, said, "I'm pleased the president heeded our calls to invoke the Stafford Act to extend vital financial assistance to help keep communities safe from the coronavirus outbreak." "I urge New York and other states to immediately request these newly available funds and for the Trump administration to approve these requests without delay," Schumer said. "As other steps are considered, the president must not overstep his authority or indulge his autocratic tendencies for purposes not truly related to this public health crisis." Trump's emergency designation under the Stafford Act allows for two types of presidential declarations.
watch now
The first is an emergency, which Trump declared. The second is a major disaster, which gives emergency management even more access to resources. Both designations place FEMA in charge of what happens. French President Emmanuel Macron said earlier Friday that he, Trump and the rest of leaders of the Group of 7 economic giant nations have "agreed to organize an extraordinary Leaders Summit by videoconference on Monday on Covid-19." "We will coordinate research efforts on a vaccine and treatments, and work on an economic and financial response," Macron announced in a tweet. Tweet The announcement of a U.S. national emergency came just a day after Trump said he was not yet ready to make such a declaration. "We have very strong emergency powers under the Stafford Act, and we are — we have it — I mean, I have it memorized, practically, as to the powers in that act. If I need to do something, I'll do it," Trump had said in an Oval Office meeting on Thursday with Ireland's prime minister, Leo Varadkar. "I have the right to do a lot of things that people don't even know about," Trump said. An emergency declaration puts to rest weeks of debate within the White House, where different factions of Trump's top aides disagreed about whether a Stafford Act declaration is necessary. Those opposed to making the declaration, which had included Trump himself, worried that it would cause financial markets to panic. They also feared political fallout if it appeared Trump was sending the opposite message about coronavirus, namely that it is an emergency, from the one he had consistently delivered so far. Trump has claimed that coronavirus is no more dangerous than the common flu, and that it will likely disappear quickly and without a significant impact on American life. Health officials say neither of these statements is accurate. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio declared a state of emergency in the city on Thursday. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on the same day banned gatherings of 500 or more in the state "for the forseeable future." Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told CNBC earlier Friday the White House and Congress are nearing a deal that would provide stimulus to the U.S. economy amid the coronavirus outbreak. "I think we're very close to getting this done," Mnuchin said in a "Squawk on the Street" interview.
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cnbc--2020-03-13--Brazilian president Bolsonaro, who dined with Trump, says he tested negative for coronavirus

President Donald Trump shakes hands with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro before attending a working dinner at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach , Florida , U.S. , March 7 , 2020 .
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro , who met and dined with President Donald Trump at his Florida resort over the weekend , tested negative for the new coronavirus , his official Facebook page announced Friday .
His son , Eduardo Bolsonaro , who has shared updates about the Brazilian leader 's coronavirus testing , also said that the results came back negative .
`` Result of Jair Bolsonaro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Eduardo Bolsonaro said , a translation of his tweet shows .
That diagnosis came a day after Brazil revealed that Bolsonaro 's press secretary , who also attended the Mar-a-Lago gathering , tested positive for the fast-spreading disease .
Trump said Thursday that he was `` not concerned '' about his exposure to that official , Fabio Wajngarten , and the White House said there were no plans for the president or Vice President Mike Pence , who was also at Mar-a-Lago , to get tested .
Trump put Pence in charge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But Bolsonaro did receive testing despite not showing any symptoms of the COVID-19 virus , according to a tweet from his son .
Earlier reports indicated that Bolsonaro had tested positive for the fast-spreading virus .
Fox News initially reported that Bolsonaro had undergone multiple tests for the virus , the first of which came back positive .
Other Brazilian outlets also reported that the first test showed Bolsonaro had contracted the coronavirus .
The president himself attacked the `` fake news '' on Twitter later Friday morning .
`` DO NOT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' a translation of Bolsonaro 's tweet reads .
`` THEY ARE THEY WHO NEED YOU ! ''
The president 's press office told CNBC in a statement that `` the PR informed through social networks that the test was negative '' for coronavirus .
CNBC translated that statement from Portuguese .
Republican Sens .
Rick Scott of Florida and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said in statements Thursday that they had been in proximity to Wajngarten over the weekend .
Both of those lawmakers said that they would quarantine themselves as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shared a photo on his Instagram page of himself standing directly next to Trump and near Pence in an ornate room .
The Brazilian press aide is wearing a baseball cap emblazoned with the phrase `` Make Brazil Great Again , '' a riff on Trump 's campaign slogan .

President Donald Trump shakes hands with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro before attending a working dinner at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., March 7, 2020.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who met and dined with President Donald Trump at his Florida resort over the weekend, tested negative for the new coronavirus, his official Facebook page announced Friday.
His son, Eduardo Bolsonaro, who has shared updates about the Brazilian leader's coronavirus testing, also said that the results came back negative.
"Result of Jair Bolsonaro @jairbolsonaro for coronavirus it was NEGATIVE," Eduardo Bolsonaro said, a translation of his tweet shows.
Eduardo TWEET
That diagnosis came a day after Brazil revealed that Bolsonaro's press secretary, who also attended the Mar-a-Lago gathering, tested positive for the fast-spreading disease.
Trump said Thursday that he was "not concerned" about his exposure to that official, Fabio Wajngarten, and the White House said there were no plans for the president or Vice President Mike Pence, who was also at Mar-a-Lago, to get tested. Trump put Pence in charge of the U.S. response to the coronavirus.
But Bolsonaro did receive testing despite not showing any symptoms of the COVID-19 virus, according to a tweet from his son.
EDUARDO TWEET
Earlier reports indicated that Bolsonaro had tested positive for the fast-spreading virus. Fox News initially reported that Bolsonaro had undergone multiple tests for the virus, the first of which came back positive. Other Brazilian outlets also reported that the first test showed Bolsonaro had contracted the coronavirus.
The president himself attacked the "fake news" on Twitter later Friday morning.
"DO NOT BELIEVE IN THE MEDIA FAKE NEWS!" a translation of Bolsonaro's tweet reads. "THEY ARE THEY WHO NEED YOU!"
Bolsonaro TWEET
The president's press office told CNBC in a statement that "the PR informed through social networks that the test was negative" for coronavirus. CNBC translated that statement from Portuguese.
Republican Sens. Rick Scott of Florida and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said in statements Thursday that they had been in proximity to Wajngarten over the weekend. Both of those lawmakers said that they would quarantine themselves as a precautionary measure.
On Saturday, Wajngarten shared a photo on his Instagram page of himself standing directly next to Trump and near Pence in an ornate room. The Brazilian press aide is wearing a baseball cap emblazoned with the phrase "Make Brazil Great Again," a riff on Trump's campaign slogan.


cnbc--2020-03-13--Progressive groups urge Supreme Court to broadcast arguments during coronavirus closure

Crowds line up outside the Supreme Court as it resumes oral arguments at the start of its new term in Washington , October 7 , 2019 .
The coronavirus pandemic has shuttered the doors to major sporting events , concerts and Broadway plays .
It could also keep the public from hearing major arguments at the Supreme Court , which announced it would close indefinitely on Thursday .
That includes high-profile cases scheduled for later this month over whether President Donald Trump may keep his tax returns shielded from investigators and an April dispute over a policy that makes it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for contraception .
On Friday , 11 national progressive and civil rights groups representing millions of members urged the top court not to let that happen .
The coalition is pressing the justices to broadcast all of its arguments live to the public while the building remains closed to spectators .
`` Though we applaud the Court 's quick response to the threat , we believe strongly that it must make alternative arrangements in order to ensure that the public has full transparency into the Court 's dealings , '' the groups wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Demand Justice , NARAL Pro-Choice America , Indivisible , the Center for Popular Democracy , People for the American Way , the Planned Parenthood Action Fund , the Progressive Turnout Project , the National Action Network , the National Women 's Law Center , the National Partnership For Women and Families and The Revolving Door Project .
`` In order to ensure full transparency and maintain trust from the public , the Supreme Court must make its oral arguments available to the public via live audio and video , at least until it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' they wrote .
The plea with the court comes one day after the Supreme Court announced that it would bar the public from its historic building indefinitely even as it moves full steam ahead with its ongoing cases .
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a state of emergency on Wednesday .
The court has long resisted calls from lawmakers , court observers and activists to make its arguments available live over the internet or television , fearing that it would affect the manner in which attorneys and the justices operate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that position last year during an appearance before the House Appropriations Committee .
Kagan warned that cameras would be `` a very bad bargain '' and Alito cautioned they could come `` at the expense of damaging the decision-making process . ''
The court provides same-day transcripts of oral arguments and releases audio generally within a week .
Reporters and court artists are allowed to attend arguments and take notes , though without access to electronic devices .
Those who wish to attend oral arguments in person must wait for hours in line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope for one of about 250 seats available to the public .
Cases involving religious disputes often draw professional line-waiters who camp out by the court to reserve seats for their generally anonymous benefactors .
Gabe Roth , the executive director of Fix the Court , a nonpartisan Supreme Court watchdog group , said in a statement on Thursday that the court `` at a minimum '' could provide live-streamed audio .
Roth noted that the court appeared to already have the technological capacity to do so , citing the 2016 webcast of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Live audio is the smartest way to balance the now-competing concerns of public safety and public access , '' Roth said .
Lawmakers have introduced legislation that would require the court to provide greater transparency around its arguments .
In January , House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler , D-N.Y. , Rep. Mike Quigley , D-Ill. , Rep. Gerry Connolly , D-Va. and Rep. Steve Chabot , R-Ohio , introduced the Eyes on the Court act , which would require cameras in virtually all Supreme Court and federal appellate court proceedings .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rep. Hank Johnson , D-Ga. , introduced the 21st Century Courts Act , which makes live audio a requirement at the top court within two years of enactment , among other measures championed by court watchdogs .
That legislation , though , provides an exception in cases where the building is not open to the public .
The Supreme Court did not respond to a request for comment .

Crowds line up outside the Supreme Court as it resumes oral arguments at the start of its new term in Washington, October 7, 2019.
The coronavirus pandemic has shuttered the doors to major sporting events, concerts and Broadway plays.
It could also keep the public from hearing major arguments at the Supreme Court, which announced it would close indefinitely on Thursday.
That includes high-profile cases scheduled for later this month over whether President Donald Trump may keep his tax returns shielded from investigators and an April dispute over a policy that makes it easier for employers to deny insurance coverage for contraception.
On Friday, 11 national progressive and civil rights groups representing millions of members urged the top court not to let that happen. The coalition is pressing the justices to broadcast all of its arguments live to the public while the building remains closed to spectators.
"Though we applaud the Court's quick response to the threat, we believe strongly that it must make alternative arrangements in order to ensure that the public has full transparency into the Court's dealings," the groups wrote in a statement.
The signatories are Demand Justice, NARAL Pro-Choice America, Indivisible, the Center for Popular Democracy, People for the American Way, the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, the Progressive Turnout Project, the National Action Network, the National Women's Law Center, the National Partnership For Women and Families and The Revolving Door Project.
"In order to ensure full transparency and maintain trust from the public, the Supreme Court must make its oral arguments available to the public via live audio and video, at least until it can reopen its doors to the public," they wrote.
The plea with the court comes one day after the Supreme Court announced that it would bar the public from its historic building indefinitely even as it moves full steam ahead with its ongoing cases. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a state of emergency on Wednesday.
The court has long resisted calls from lawmakers, court observers and activists to make its arguments available live over the internet or television, fearing that it would affect the manner in which attorneys and the justices operate.
Justices Elena Kagan and Samuel Alito reiterated that position last year during an appearance before the House Appropriations Committee. Kagan warned that cameras would be "a very bad bargain" and Alito cautioned they could come "at the expense of damaging the decision-making process."
The court provides same-day transcripts of oral arguments and releases audio generally within a week. Reporters and court artists are allowed to attend arguments and take notes, though without access to electronic devices.
Those who wish to attend oral arguments in person must wait for hours in line — overnight in high-profile cases — and hope for one of about 250 seats available to the public. Cases involving religious disputes often draw professional line-waiters who camp out by the court to reserve seats for their generally anonymous benefactors.
Gabe Roth, the executive director of Fix the Court, a nonpartisan Supreme Court watchdog group, said in a statement on Thursday that the court "at a minimum" could provide live-streamed audio.
Roth noted that the court appeared to already have the technological capacity to do so, citing the 2016 webcast of Justice Antonin Scalia's memorial service.
"Live audio is the smartest way to balance the now-competing concerns of public safety and public access," Roth said.
Lawmakers have introduced legislation that would require the court to provide greater transparency around its arguments.
In January, House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill., Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va. and Rep. Steve Chabot, R-Ohio, introduced the Eyes on the Court act, which would require cameras in virtually all Supreme Court and federal appellate court proceedings.
A month later, Nadler, Quigley and Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga., introduced the 21st Century Courts Act, which makes live audio a requirement at the top court within two years of enactment, among other measures championed by court watchdogs. That legislation, though, provides an exception in cases where the building is not open to the public.
The Supreme Court did not respond to a request for comment.


cnbc--2020-03-13--Trump gives people with student loans a break amid coronavirus

President Donald Trump said Friday that he would waive the interest on all federal student loans amid the coronavirus outbreak , meaning borrowers could pause their payments without any penalties .
The measure is part of a larger strategy to mitigate the economic consequences of the pandemic which has so far infected more than 130,000 people and killed over 5,000 worldwide since January .
Further details were n't immediately available such as how long the pause might last .
Currently , the U.S. Department of Education allows borrowers to put their federal student loans into a so-called deferment or forbearance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from their monthly bills .
However , interest can accrue on the debt under those options , leaving a borrower with a bigger balance when they resume repayment .
While details are still scant on Trump 's proposal , it appears that borrowers could use these options without their debt growing .
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer sent a letter to the president on Wednesday with 30 Senate Democrats , asking him to grant six months of forgiveness for those with student debt .
Meanwhile , consumer advocates have warned that the impacts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for many people to keep up with their student loan bills .

President Donald Trump said Friday that he would waive the interest on all federal student loans amid the coronavirus outbreak, meaning borrowers could pause their payments without any penalties.
The measure is part of a larger strategy to mitigate the economic consequences of the pandemic which has so far infected more than 130,000 people and killed over 5,000 worldwide since January. Further details weren't immediately available such as how long the pause might last.
Currently, the U.S. Department of Education allows borrowers to put their federal student loans into a so-called deferment or forbearance if they want or need a break from their monthly bills. However, interest can accrue on the debt under those options, leaving a borrower with a bigger balance when they resume repayment.
While details are still scant on Trump's proposal, it appears that borrowers could use these options without their debt growing.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer sent a letter to the president on Wednesday with 30 Senate Democrats, asking him to grant six months of forgiveness for those with student debt. Meanwhile, consumer advocates have warned that the impacts of the pandemic could make it hard for many people to keep up with their student loan bills.


cnbc--2020-03-13--Trump demands more Fed action in coronavirus response even after $1.5 trillion liquidity injection

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks as Jerome Powell , governor of the U.S. Federal Reserve and Trumps nominee as chairman of the Federal Reserve , left , listens during a nomination announcement in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington , D.C. , U.S. , on Thursday , Nov. 2 , 2017 .
President Donald Trump on Friday angrily demanded that the Federal Reserve lower a key interest rate in response to the coronavirus crisis , a day after the Fed announced it would make up to a massive $ 1.5 trillion worth of short-term loans to support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Federal Reserve must FINALLY lower the Fed Rate to something comparable to their competitor Central Banks , '' Trump wrote in a tweet that called out Fed Chair Jerome Powell by name .
`` Jay Powell and group are putting us at a decided economic & physiological disadvantage .
Should never have been this way .
Also , STIMULATE ! ''
Trump previously has lashed out against Powell for not lowering the Fed rate to make it more in line with European central banks and boost the economy .
The New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buying Treasury bonds , notes , bills and other financial instruments as part of efforts to support the financial system .
`` These purchases are intended to address highly unusual disruptions in the market for Treasury securities associated with the coronavirus outbreak , '' the New York Fed said in a statement .
This is a breaking news story .
Check back for updates .

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks as Jerome Powell, governor of the U.S. Federal Reserve and Trumps nominee as chairman of the Federal Reserve, left, listens during a nomination announcement in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017.
President Donald Trump on Friday angrily demanded that the Federal Reserve lower a key interest rate in response to the coronavirus crisis, a day after the Fed announced it would make up to a massive $1.5 trillion worth of short-term loans to support credit markets and assure liquidity.
"The Federal Reserve must FINALLY lower the Fed Rate to something comparable to their competitor Central Banks," Trump wrote in a tweet that called out Fed Chair Jerome Powell by name.
"Jay Powell and group are putting us at a decided economic & physiological disadvantage. Should never have been this way. Also, STIMULATE!"
Tweet
Trump previously has lashed out against Powell for not lowering the Fed rate to make it more in line with European central banks and boost the economy.
The New York Federal Reserve said Friday it will begin buying Treasury bonds, notes, bills and other financial instruments as part of efforts to support the financial system.
"These purchases are intended to address highly unusual disruptions in the market for Treasury securities associated with the coronavirus outbreak," the New York Fed said in a statement.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.


cnbc--2020-03-13--Trump pressures Congress to 'approve a payroll tax cut' for the rest of the year

WASHINGTON , DC - MARCH 11 : President Donald J. Trump meets with bank CEOs about Coronavirus COVID-19 response in the Cabinet Room at the White House on Wednesday , March 11 , 2020 in Washington , DC .
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump pressed Congress on Friday to include a nine-month payroll tax holiday in the coronavirus relief package that is being finalized in the Democratic-led House .
But after several days of intense negotiations between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , the bill that 's coming together does not include a suspension of payroll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very close to getting this done , '' Mnuchin told CNBC on Friday morning .
Unlike Trump , however , Mnuchin did not expressly endorse a payroll tax cut .
Instead , he said on `` Squawk on the Street '' that Trump is committed to helping individuals , `` whether it 's through the payroll tax cut or whether it 's through another means . ''
The uncertainty over the payroll tax cut raises the question of how far the president would be willing to go to force Congress to include the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House spokesman on Friday did not immediately respond to questions from CNBC about the president 's intentions .
Mnuchin also sought to play down public fears of air travel , telling CNBC , `` I 'd get on a commercial airline and fly to LA if I was n't working 24 hours a day . ''
Trump , in an Oval Office address Wednesday night , had asked lawmakers to consider implementing payroll tax relief amid the U.S. response to the virus .
But even some Republicans have been reluctant to endorse this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fund programs such as Social Security and Medicare .
Democrats have resisted , saying it does n't help people who have lost their jobs .

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 11 : President Donald J. Trump meets with bank CEOs about Coronavirus COVID-19 response in the Cabinet Room at the White House on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 in Washington, DC.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump pressed Congress on Friday to include a nine-month payroll tax holiday in the coronavirus relief package that is being finalized in the Democratic-led House.
TRUMP TWEET
But after several days of intense negotiations between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, the bill that's coming together does not include a suspension of payroll taxes.
"I think we're very close to getting this done," Mnuchin told CNBC on Friday morning.
Unlike Trump, however, Mnuchin did not expressly endorse a payroll tax cut. Instead, he said on "Squawk on the Street" that Trump is committed to helping individuals, "whether it's through the payroll tax cut or whether it's through another means."
The uncertainty over the payroll tax cut raises the question of how far the president would be willing to go to force Congress to include the provision in the bill. A White House spokesman on Friday did not immediately respond to questions from CNBC about the president's intentions.
Mnuchin also sought to play down public fears of air travel, telling CNBC, "I'd get on a commercial airline and fly to LA if I wasn't working 24 hours a day."
Trump, in an Oval Office address Wednesday night, had asked lawmakers to consider implementing payroll tax relief amid the U.S. response to the virus. But even some Republicans have been reluctant to endorse this, in large part because payroll taxes fund programs such as Social Security and Medicare. Democrats have resisted, saying it doesn't help people who have lost their jobs.


cnbc--2020-03-13--Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, wife of Canada PM Justin Trudeau, tests positive for coronavirus

`` Following medical advice , she will remain in isolation for the time being .
She is feeling well , is taking all the recommended precautions and her symptoms remain mild , '' according to a statement tweeted by Cameron Ahmad , the prime minister 's communications director .
Health professionals are set to reach out to people who have been in close contact with Gregoire Trudeau .
The prime minister himself is in `` good health with no symptoms , '' Ahmad said .
`` As a precautionary measure and following the advice of doctors , he will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14 days , '' the statement added .
`` Also on the advice of doctors , he will not be tested at this stage since he has no symptoms . ''
Trudeau will address Canadians on Friday , the statement said .
Gregoire Trudeau thanked people in a personal statement that Ahmad shared on Twitter .
She said although she is experiencing `` uncomfortable symptoms of the virus , I will be back on my feet soon , '' and noted that other Canadian families and patients may be facing more serious health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a speaking engagement in London and began exhibiting `` mild flu-like symptoms including a low fever '' late Wednesday .
As of Thursday , Canada has at least 138 confirmed cases , according to government data .
The coronavirus outbreak , which has affected at least 125,000 people worldwide , has been declared a global pandemic by WHO .
Canada said Trudeau on Thursday held phone meetings with leaders of Italy , the United States and the United Kingdom and participated in a special cabinet committee meeting on the virus outbreak .

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's wife, Sophie Gregoire, has tested positive for COVID-19.
"Following medical advice, she will remain in isolation for the time being. She is feeling well, is taking all the recommended precautions and her symptoms remain mild," according to a statement tweeted by Cameron Ahmad, the prime minister's communications director.
Health professionals are set to reach out to people who have been in close contact with Gregoire Trudeau. The prime minister himself is in "good health with no symptoms," Ahmad said.
Tweet: Update on Sophie & the Prime Minister.
"As a precautionary measure and following the advice of doctors, he will be in isolation for a planned period of 14 days," the statement added. "Also on the advice of doctors, he will not be tested at this stage since he has no symptoms."
Trudeau will address Canadians on Friday, the statement said.
Gregoire Trudeau thanked people in a personal statement that Ahmad shared on Twitter. She said although she is experiencing "uncomfortable symptoms of the virus, I will be back on my feet soon," and noted that other Canadian families and patients may be facing more serious health concerns.
Tweet: Personal message from Sophie.
Gregoire Trudeau had recently returned from a speaking engagement in London and began exhibiting "mild flu-like symptoms including a low fever" late Wednesday.
As of Thursday, Canada has at least 138 confirmed cases, according to government data. The coronavirus outbreak, which has affected at least 125,000 people worldwide, has been declared a global pandemic by WHO.
Trudeau tweet: I have some additional news to share this evening. Unfortunately, the results of Sophie's COVID-19 test are positive. Therefore, she will be in quarantine for the time being. Her symptoms remain mild and she is taking care of herself and following the advice of our doctor.
Canada said Trudeau on Thursday held phone meetings with leaders of Italy, the United States and the United Kingdom and participated in a special cabinet committee meeting on the virus outbreak.


cnbc--2020-03-14--Trump declares national emergency over coronavirus

President Donald Trump on Friday declared a national emergency over the coronavirus pandemic , and announced a set of specific measures aimed at stemming the effects of the outbreak .
Stock marked indices sharply rallied during Trump 's press conference , posting their largest single-day gain since October 2008 .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 1,985 points higher , or 9.4 % , at 23,185.62. , the index 's biggest-ever point gain on a single day .
The emergency declaration will free up as much as $ 50 billion in financial resources to efforts by states and U.S. territories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , warned , `` There will be many more cases '' of coronavirus in coming weeks .
As of Friday , the number of positive tests for people in the United States with coronavirus had reached 2,006 , according to NBC News .
At least 42 people in the country have died after contracting the virus .
Trump announced the national emergency declaration at a news conference in the Rose Garden at the White House , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pence , who is leading the administration 's coronavirus task force .
Also with president were members of that task force and the CEOs of Target and Walmart , who met with Trump earlier in the day .
`` To unleash the full power of the federal government ...
I am officially declaring a national emergency , '' Trump said .
`` Two very big words . ''
`` The next eight weeks are critical , '' the president said .
Officials announced a web questionnaire set up by Google that people can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms or risk factors that warrant them getting a test for coronavirus .
If they should be tested , under the website 's criteria , they will be directed to `` drive-thru '' sites , so so that people can stay in their cars when they are screened for the virus , according to officials .
Trump said Google has 1,700 engineers working on the effort now .
But Trump and his officials appear to have overstated the current state of the tool , which is being developed by Verily , the life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are Alphabet companies .
Google 's communications team said in a statement , `` We are developing a tool to help triage individuals for Covid-19 testing . ''
`` Verily is in the early stages of development , and planning to roll testing out in the Bay Area , with the hope of expanding more broadly over time , '' the statement said .
Trump said he expected the U.S. to have 1.4 million coronavirus test kits available within a week , and a total of 5 million kits within the next month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country will `` need anywhere near '' 5 million kits .
Trump was asked by a reporter if he took responsbility for what Fauci earlier in the week called `` a failing , '' in reference to the lag so far in testing Americans .
The president replied , `` No , I do n't take responsibility at all . ''
`` Because we were given a ... set of circumstances , and we were given rules , regulations and specifications from a different time , '' Trump said .
`` It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event with the kind of numbers that we 're talking about . ''
Trump said he had ordered all states to set up emergency operation centers , and urged hospitals to engage emergency operation plans .
But , Trump said , `` we do n't want people to take a test if we feel that they should n't be doing it , and we do n't want everyone running out and taking .
Only if you have certain symptoms . ''
Trump said he `` most likely '' will himself undergo testing for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not have any symptoms .
Trump last week posed for a photo at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida with the press secretary for Brazil 's president , Jair Bolsonaro , who has tested positive for the virus .
Bolsonaro , who had dined with Trump during that visit , tested negative for coronavirus , his son announced Friday .
Trump said the emergency declaration will grant new authority to Health and Human Service Secretary Alex Azar to waive rules governing how hospitals take in patients , and how long they can stay .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal , Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services , announced that all visitations to nursing homes would be suspended except in certain cases , such as a resident dying .
Trump also announced that he was waiving all interest on student loan debt held by the federal government .
Trump dismissed as `` a nasty question '' a query from a reporter about how he can claim he is not responsible for a lag in testing people for coronavirus when his administration in 2018 dissolved a National Security Council group that was tasked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did n't do it , '' Trump said of the group being disbanded .
`` You say we did that .
I do n't know anything about it . ''
But Fauci only two days ago had publicly commented on negative impact from the dissolution of the group .
`` We worked very well with that office .
It would be nice if it were still there , '' Fauci said at a House Oversight and Reform Committee hearing In 2018 , Trump fired Tom Bossert as the NSC 's homeland security adviser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to global pandemics .
Bossert was not replaced .
As Trump ended the press conference , which lasted more than an hour , he walked away without answering as a reporter asked if he could explain why his recent prediction that the number of coronavirus cases would soon go down to close to zero had not come true .
The Senate 's top Democrat , Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York , said , `` I 'm pleased the president heeded our calls to invoke the Stafford Act to extend vital financial assistance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak . ''
`` I urge New York and other states to immediately request these newly available funds and for the Trump administration to approve these requests without delay , '' Schumer said .
`` As other steps are considered , the president must not overstep his authority or indulge his autocratic tendencies for purposes not truly related to this public health crisis . ''
Trump 's emergency designation under the Stafford Act allows for two types of presidential declarations .
The first is an emergency , which Trump declared .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gives emergency management even more access to resources .
Both designations place FEMA in charge of what happens .
French President Emmanuel Macron said earlier Friday that he , Trump and the rest of leaders of the Group of 7 economic giant nations have `` agreed to organize an extraordinary Leaders Summit by videoconference on Monday on Covid-19 . ''
`` We will coordinate research efforts on a vaccine and treatments , and work on an economic and financial response , '' Macron announced in a tweet .
The announcement of a U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump said he was not yet ready to make such a declaration .
`` We have very strong emergency powers under the Stafford Act , and we are — we have it — I mean , I have it memorized , practically , as to the powers in that act .
If I need to do something , I 'll do it , '' Trump had said in an Oval Office meeting on Thursday with Ireland 's prime minister , Leo Varadkar .
`` I have the right to do a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about , '' Trump said .
An emergency declaration puts to rest weeks of debate within the White House , where different factions of Trump 's top aides disagreed about whether a Stafford Act declaration is necessary .
Those opposed to making the declaration , which had included Trump himself , worried that it would cause financial markets to panic .
They also feared political fallout if it appeared Trump was sending the opposite message about coronavirus , namely that it is an emergency , from the one he had consistently delivered so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no more dangerous than the common flu , and that it will likely disappear quickly and without a significant impact on American life .
Health officials say neither of these statements is accurate .
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio declared a state of emergency in the city on Thursday .
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo on the same day banned gatherings of 500 or more in the state `` for the forseeable future . ''
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told CNBC earlier Friday the White House and Congress are nearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. economy amid the coronavirus outbreak .
`` I think we 're very close to getting this done , '' Mnuchin said in a `` Squawk on the Street '' interview .
`` The president is absolutely committed that this will be an entire government effort , that we will be working with the House and Senate . ''
But during the press conference , Trump said he problems with the plan announced Friday afternoon by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif .
There was no deal between Congress and the White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As of Friday , there were more than 135,000 known cases of coronavirus globally , including nearly 5,000 deaths , according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University .
In the United States , there have been at least 1,700 known cases , with at least 40 deaths , according to Johns Hopkins University .
Correction : An earlier version misstated when the mayor declared an emergency in New York City .
It was Thursday .


cnbc--2020-03-14--Trump blames Obama for lack of coronavirus tests: 'I don't take responsibility at all'

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump refused to accept any responsibility for the slow rate of coronavirus testing in the United States , saying on Friday that he was `` given a set of circumstances '' that was n't meant for the high numbers of potential COVID-19 infections .
`` What we 've done , and one of the reasons people are respecting what we 've done , is we 've gotten it done very early , and we 've also kept a lot of people out , '' Trump said during a press conference in the Rose Garden .
During @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked Trump whether he took responsibility for the testing lag , which one member of his own task force called `` a failing . ''
`` No , I do n't take responsibility at all .
Because we were given a — a set of circumstances , and we were given rules , regulations and specifications from a different time .
It was n't meant for this kind of — an event with the kind of numbers that we 're talking about , '' Trump responded .
In reality , America 's low @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from health experts around the world , who say the slow rate of testing obscures the actual rate of infection in the United States , which is likely far higher than tests have so far confirmed .
During the earliest stages of the outbreak , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention distributed faulty tests to state and local health departments .
Once the flawed tests were discovered and discarded , bureaucratic red tape held up the process of granting exemptions to private labs to make their own tests .
As criticism of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has intensified , and testing in other countries such as South Korea has outpaced the U.S. by orders of magnitude , Trump has sought to shift the blame onto his predecessor , Barack Obama .

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump refused to accept any responsibility for the slow rate of coronavirus testing in the United States, saying on Friday that he was "given a set of circumstances" that wasn't meant for the high numbers of potential COVID-19 infections.
"What we've done, and one of the reasons people are respecting what we've done, is we've gotten it done very early, and we've also kept a lot of people out," Trump said during a press conference in the Rose Garden.
During the briefing, NBC's Kristen Welker asked Trump whether he took responsibility for the testing lag, which one member of his own task force called "a failing."
"No, I don't take responsibility at all. Because we were given a — a set of circumstances, and we were given rules, regulations and specifications from a different time. It wasn't meant for this kind of — an event with the kind of numbers that we're talking about," Trump responded.
In reality, America's low rate of COVID-19 testing has drawn criticism from health experts around the world, who say the slow rate of testing obscures the actual rate of infection in the United States, which is likely far higher than tests have so far confirmed.
During the earliest stages of the outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention distributed faulty tests to state and local health departments. Once the flawed tests were discovered and discarded, bureaucratic red tape held up the process of granting exemptions to private labs to make their own tests.
As criticism of the Trump administration's coronavirus testing protocol has intensified, and testing in other countries such as South Korea has outpaced the U.S. by orders of magnitude, Trump has sought to shift the blame onto his predecessor, Barack Obama.


cnbc--2020-03-14--House passes coronavirus relief bill, sending it to Senate

The House passed a coronavirus relief plan early Saturday after hours of talks between Democrats and the Trump administration on how to blunt the economic damage of the global pandemic .
The chamber approved the 110-page bill to provide relief to consumers and workers walloped by the outbreak less than an hour after text was released .
The measure passed in an overwhelming 363-40-1 vote .
The legislation now heads to the Senate .
The upper chamber left Washington for the weekend and will not have a chance to approve it until next week .
In a statement Saturday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said senators `` will need to carefully review '' the proposal .
`` But I believe the vast majority of Senators in both parties will agree we should act swiftly to secure relief for American workers , families , and small businesses , '' he said .
It marks only one piece of the likely congressional response to the coronavirus , which has disrupted American life and economic activity .
Congress already approved $ 8.3 billion in emergency spending to curb the pandemic 's spread .
House Speaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pass a third measure to respond to the outbreak .
Confusion swirled around the economic relief plan 's fate throughout the day Friday as the coronavirus spread .
Earlier , Pelosi wrote to colleagues that `` we are proud to have reached an agreement '' with the White House .
But after 7:30 p.m .
ET , the second-ranking Democrat in the House , Majority Leader Steny Hoyer , said his party had not actually made a final agreement with the White House .
Later , though , President Donald Trump voiced his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ endorsement for House Republicans wary about supporting it .
In a series of tweets , the president said `` I fully support '' the legislation negotiated by Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin .
He urged Republicans and Democrats in the House to support the bill and said he looks forward to signing it `` ASAP ! ''
According to House Appropriations Committee Democrats , the legislation : • Requires private health plans to cover coronavirus testing at no cost , and allocates $ 1 billion for testing for uninsured Americans • Ensures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government employers offer two weeks of paid sick leave .
The provision expires at the end of the year • Requires those same kinds of employers to provide up to 3 months of paid family and medical leave for people forced to quarantine due to the virus or care for children or family members because of the outbreak • Puts $ 1 billion into emergency state grants for providing unemployment insurance benefits .
It includes $ 500 million for staffing and logistical costs for states , with an additional $ 500 million reserved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase in unemployment • Puts $ 500 million into food assistance for low-income pregnant women and mothers with young children , $ 400 million into local food banks and $ 250 million into a senior nutrition program • Suspends the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program work requirements for the duration of the crisis

The House passed a coronavirus relief plan early Saturday after hours of talks between Democrats and the Trump administration on how to blunt the economic damage of the global pandemic.
The chamber approved the 110-page bill to provide relief to consumers and workers walloped by the outbreak less than an hour after text was released. The measure passed in an overwhelming 363-40-1 vote.
The legislation now heads to the Senate. The upper chamber left Washington for the weekend and will not have a chance to approve it until next week.
In a statement Saturday, after the House passed the bill, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said senators "will need to carefully review" the proposal. "But I believe the vast majority of Senators in both parties will agree we should act swiftly to secure relief for American workers, families, and small businesses," he said.
It marks only one piece of the likely congressional response to the coronavirus, which has disrupted American life and economic activity. Congress already approved $8.3 billion in emergency spending to curb the pandemic's spread. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has mentioned the need to pass a third measure to respond to the outbreak.
Confusion swirled around the economic relief plan's fate throughout the day Friday as the coronavirus spread. Earlier, Pelosi wrote to colleagues that "we are proud to have reached an agreement" with the White House. But after 7:30 p.m. ET, the second-ranking Democrat in the House, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, said his party had not actually made a final agreement with the White House.
Later, though, President Donald Trump voiced his support for the package – a key endorsement for House Republicans wary about supporting it.
In a series of tweets, the president said "I fully support" the legislation negotiated by Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. He urged Republicans and Democrats in the House to support the bill and said he looks forward to signing it "ASAP!"
Trump tweet 1
Trump tweet 2
According to House Appropriations Committee Democrats, the legislation: