cnbc--2020-03-14--Trump asks Walmart, Target and other retail giants to help tackle the coronavirus crisis

Brian Cornell , chief executive officer and chairman of Target Corp. , left , speaks during a news conference with President Donald Trump in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington , D.C. , on Friday , March 13 , 2020 .
Two days after the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a global pandemic , President Donald Trump brought in leaders of some of the country 's biggest companies to showcase a plan to tackle the outbreak .
Trump spoke Friday flanked by the CEOs of Target , Walmart , Walgreens and others as he updated the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus .
As he handed the mike and podium over to them the message was clear : we 're in good hands .
The market reacted well to the message , with the Dow Jones Industrial Average closing 1,985 points higher Friday .
Trump lauded the CEOs as `` celebrities in their own right '' and praised their companies as the greatest in the world .
The executives , like Walmart chief Doug McMillon , said they will help America ramp up its testing by offering space in their parking lots .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ out tests has been marred by missteps and an underfunded system .
In recent days , though , it has approved new tests , such as one from Swiss diagnostics-maker Roche , giving the government the capacity to make more .
`` Today I trust that people in America are looking on at this extraordinary public and private partnership to address the issue of testing with particular inspiration , '' said White House Vice President Mike Pence .
`` After you tapped me to lead the White House coronavirus task force , Mr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all hands on deck ' .
You directed us to immediately reach out to the American business sector ... to meet what we knew then would be the need [ for ] testing across the spectrum . ''
`` And today with this historic private-public partnership we have laid the foundation to meet that need . ''
The Friday press conference topped two weeks of meetings with business leaders in banking , technology , pharmaceutical and other industries .
Some have been described as `` brainstorming sessions , '' as was Trump 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Others offered words of reassurance .
Citigroup CEO Michael Corbat said during the banks ' meeting with the White House `` this is not a financial crisis . ''
Announcements have followed suit .
Trump also announced Friday that Google will launch a website to help people out to determine whether they should get a test for coronavirus .
Still , many of the details around these private-public partnerships remain scarce , including those announced Friday .
Google 's communications team said the tool Trump referred to , which is being developed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company to Google , remains in its early stages .
Both Google and Verily are Alphabet companies .
`` We are developing a tool to help triage individuals for Covid-19 testing , '' it said in a statement .
`` 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 .
The retailers , meantime , had limited details to share around which locations will be rolling out tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have .
For the retailers , the move is a natural expansion of efforts to utilize their vast footprint to provide medical care .
CVS Health bought insurer Aetna for roughly $ 69 billion two years ago , and has since expanded health-care services in its stores .
Walmart has long been a pioneer in health care , including with its own employees .
Ninety percent of the U.S. population lives within 10 miles of a Walmart , giving it unique reach to Americans , particularly those in rural areas .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government , like an experiment in telehealth with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs .
The retailer has also taken an increasing interest in dipping its toe into public policy .
The retailer 's decision to dramatically step back from ammunition sales after `` horrific '' shootings let other major retailers to follow suit .
CEO Doug McMillon leads the Business Roundtable , a group representing the CEOs of nearly 200 companies .
The Business Roundtable last year made a splash as it embraced stakeholder capitalism as its new purpose .
With that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is on serving not only its shareholders but all stakeholders , including customers and communities .
None of the companies disclosed what financial impact , if any , the moves would have on their financials .
`` These are extraordinary times that call for extraordinary measures , '' said Richard Ashworth , Walgreens president .
`` Collaboration with health officials , the government , and across our industry and other sectors is critical at this time .
Walgreens has a long history of being there when our customers and communities needs us most @ @

Brian Cornell, chief executive officer and chairman of Target Corp., left, speaks during a news conference with President Donald Trump in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Friday, March 13, 2020.
Two days after the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a global pandemic, President Donald Trump brought in leaders of some of the country's biggest companies to showcase a plan to tackle the outbreak.
Trump spoke Friday flanked by the CEOs of Target , Walmart , Walgreens and others as he updated the country on the government's response to the virus. As he handed the mike and podium over to them the message was clear: we're in good hands.
The market reacted well to the message, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average closing 1,985 points higher Friday.
Trump lauded the CEOs as "celebrities in their own right" and praised their companies as the greatest in the world. The executives, like Walmart chief Doug McMillon, said they will help America ramp up its testing by offering space in their parking lots.
The administration's ability to quickly roll out tests has been marred by missteps and an underfunded system. In recent days, though, it has approved new tests, such as one from Swiss diagnostics-maker Roche , giving the government the capacity to make more.
"Today I trust that people in America are looking on at this extraordinary public and private partnership to address the issue of testing with particular inspiration," said White House Vice President Mike Pence.
"After you tapped me to lead the White House coronavirus task force, Mr. President, you said, 'this is all hands on deck'. You directed us to immediately reach out to the American business sector ... to meet what we knew then would be the need [for] testing across the spectrum."
"And today with this historic private-public partnership we have laid the foundation to meet that need."
The Friday press conference topped two weeks of meetings with business leaders in banking, technology, pharmaceutical and other industries.
Some have been described as "brainstorming sessions," as was Trump's meeting with technology leaders earlier this week. Others offered words of reassurance. Citigroup CEO Michael Corbat said during the banks' meeting with the White House "this is not a financial crisis."
Announcements have followed suit. Trump also announced Friday that Google will launch a website to help people out to determine whether they should get a test for coronavirus.
Still, many of the details around these private-public partnerships remain scarce, including those announced Friday.
Google's communications team said the tool Trump referred to, which is being developed by Verily, the life sciences sister company to Google, remains in its early stages. Both Google and Verily are Alphabet companies.
"We are developing a tool to help triage individuals for Covid-19 testing," it said in a statement. "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.
The retailers, meantime, had limited details to share around which locations will be rolling out tests, and how many of them they will have.
For the retailers, the move is a natural expansion of efforts to utilize their vast footprint to provide medical care. CVS Health bought insurer Aetna for roughly $69 billion two years ago, and has since expanded health-care services in its stores.
Walmart has long been a pioneer in health care, including with its own employees. Ninety percent of the U.S. population lives within 10 miles of a Walmart, giving it unique reach to Americans, particularly those in rural areas. The retailer has explored other partnerships with the government, like an experiment in telehealth with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The retailer has also taken an increasing interest in dipping its toe into public policy. The retailer's decision to dramatically step back from ammunition sales after "horrific" shootings let other major retailers to follow suit.
CEO Doug McMillon leads the Business Roundtable, a group representing the CEOs of nearly 200 companies. The Business Roundtable last year made a splash as it embraced stakeholder capitalism as its new purpose. With that statement, the companies said their focus is on serving not only its shareholders but all stakeholders, including customers and communities.
None of the companies disclosed what financial impact, if any, the moves would have on their financials.
"These are extraordinary times that call for extraordinary measures," said Richard Ashworth, Walgreens president.
"Collaboration with health officials, the government, and across our industry and other sectors is critical at this time. Walgreens has a long history of being there when our customers and communities needs us most."
—CNBC's Melissa Repko contributed to this story.


cnbc--2020-03-13--Trump says he will 'most likely' be tested for coronavirus

President Donald Trump said Friday that he will `` most likely '' be tested for the coronavirus – minutes after he said that he will not take any precautionary measures following his close contact at Mar-a-Lago with a Brazilian official who was diagnosed with the disease .
Trump , speaking in the Rose Garden after declaring the outbreak a national emergency , said that he has no symptoms of the COVID-19 virus and had not been advised by White House doctors to receive testing .
When a reporter asked if he was being `` selfish '' by not getting tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-isolation after exposure to an infected person – Trump pushed back , `` I did n't say I was n't going to be tested . ''
Asked if he would receive testing , Trump said : `` Most likely , yeah .
Most likely .
Not for that reason , but because I think I will do it anyway . ''
Trump added that he would do it `` fairly soon . ''
`` We 're working on that , we 're working out a schedule , '' he said .
Trump said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not concerned '' about his exposure to Brazilian press secretary Fabio Wajngarten , who was at Mar-a-Lago over the weekend as part of a delegation of Brazilian officials , including the country 's president , Jair Bolsonaro .
Mar-a-Lago is Trump 's Florida resort .
Brazil later revealed that Wajngarten had tested positive for the coronavirus .
The White House said at the time that Trump and Vice President Mike Pence , who leads the U.S. response to the virus and was also at Mar-a-Lago , did not need to be tested .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ He announced Friday morning that he had tested negative for the virus .
Minutes before Trump said that he would likely also get tested , he said that `` no , '' he would not take precautionary measures .
`` No symptoms whatsoever , '' Trump said .
`` We had a great meeting with the president of Brazil , Bolsonaro . ''
`` As you know , he tested negative , meaning nothing wrong this morning and we got that word , too , '' Trump added .
`` Because we did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sitting next to each other for a long period of time . ''
Another reporter noted that other U.S. politicians had opted to self-quarantine after learning of their contact with people who have tested positive for the coronavirus .
`` I do n't know that I had exposure , '' Trump responded , `` But I do n't have any of the symptoms .
And we do have a White House doctor – and , I should say , many White House doctors , frankly – and I asked them that same question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have any symptoms whatsoever . '
'' 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump 's campaign slogan .

President Donald Trump said Friday that he will "most likely" be tested for the coronavirus – minutes after he said that he will not take any precautionary measures following his close contact at Mar-a-Lago with a Brazilian official who was diagnosed with the disease.
Trump, speaking in the Rose Garden after declaring the outbreak a national emergency, said that he has no symptoms of the COVID-19 virus and had not been advised by White House doctors to receive testing.
When a reporter asked if he was being "selfish" by not getting tested – even when other administration officials advised self-isolation after exposure to an infected person – Trump pushed back, "I didn't say I wasn't going to be tested."
Asked if he would receive testing, Trump said: "Most likely, yeah. Most likely. Not for that reason, but because I think I will do it anyway."
Trump added that he would do it "fairly soon."
"We're working on that, we're working out a schedule," he said.
Trump said earlier this week that he was "not concerned" about his exposure to Brazilian press secretary Fabio Wajngarten, who was at Mar-a-Lago over the weekend as part of a delegation of Brazilian officials, including the country's president, Jair Bolsonaro. Mar-a-Lago is Trump's Florida resort.
Brazil later revealed that Wajngarten had tested positive for the coronavirus. The White House said at the time that Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, who leads the U.S. response to the virus and was also at Mar-a-Lago, did not need to be tested.
Bolsonaro did receive testing, however. He announced Friday morning that he had tested negative for the virus.
Minutes before Trump said that he would likely also get tested, he said that "no," he would not take precautionary measures.
"No symptoms whatsoever," Trump said. "We had a great meeting with the president of Brazil, Bolsonaro."
"As you know, he tested negative, meaning nothing wrong this morning and we got that word, too," Trump added. "Because we did have dinner with him, we were sitting next to each other for a long period of time."
Another reporter noted that other U.S. politicians had opted to self-quarantine after learning of their contact with people who have tested positive for the coronavirus.
"I don't know that I had exposure," Trump responded, "But I don't have any of the symptoms. And we do have a White House doctor – and, I should say, many White House doctors, frankly – and I asked them that same question and they said, 'You don't have any symptoms whatsoever.'"
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--2020-03-14--Trump tests negative for coronavirus, White House doctor says

U.S. President Donald Trump talks to journalists while hosting Prime Minister of Ireland Leo Varadkar in the Oval Office at the White House March 12 , 2020 in Washington , DC .
President Donald Trump has tested negative for the coronavirus , according to the White House physician .
Trump opted to take the test after the press secretary for Brazil 's president tested positive for the virus .
Trump dined with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and his press secretary at Mar-a-Lago .
Bolsonaro said Friday that he tested negative for the virus .
Trump had said earlier Saturday that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus and was awaiting results .
He said he had decided he would do so after a press conference Friday , in which he was pressed on whether he would take a test .
One reporter asked whether he was being `` selfish '' by not getting tested – even when other administration officials advised self-isolation after exposure to an infected person .
`` I did n't say I was n't going to be tested , '' Trump pushed back .
According to the note from the White House physician , `` last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President regarding COVID-19 testing , he elected to proceed . ''
`` This evening , '' the White House physician said , `` I received confirmation that the test is negative . ''
The White House physician added that he has been in `` daily contact '' with the Center for Disease Control and White House Coronavirus Task Force .
`` We are encouraging the implementation of all their best practices for exposure reduction and transmission mitigation , '' he said .
Vice President Mike Pence said on Saturday that he has not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing so .
`` I 'm going to speak immediately after this press conference with White House physician 's office , '' Pence said .
`` Mrs. Pence and I would be more than happy to be tested . ''
Deputy Press Secretary Judd Deere said in a statement that temperature checks are now being performed on individuals in close contact with the Trump and Pence .
This includes members of the media who attended the news conference .
Several members of Congress , including Texas Sen. Ted Cruz , have gone into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases of the virus .
Actor Tom Hanks and Utah Jazz basketball player Rudy Gobert have also tested positive .
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau , wife of Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau , tested positive for the virus .
The prime minister has shown no symptoms but both are in isolation .
CNBC 's Jesse Pound and Kevin Breuninger contributed to this report

U.S. President Donald Trump talks to journalists while hosting Prime Minister of Ireland Leo Varadkar in the Oval Office at the White House March 12, 2020 in Washington, DC.
President Donald Trump has tested negative for the coronavirus, according to the White House physician.
Trump opted to take the test after the press secretary for Brazil's president tested positive for the virus. Trump dined with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and his press secretary at Mar-a-Lago. Bolsonaro said Friday that he tested negative for the virus.
Trump had said earlier Saturday that he had taken a test for the coronavirus and was awaiting results. He said he had decided he would do so after a press conference Friday, in which he was pressed on whether he would take a test. One reporter asked whether he was being "selfish" by not getting tested – even when other administration officials advised self-isolation after exposure to an infected person.
"I didn't say I wasn't going to be tested," Trump pushed back.
According to the note from the White House physician, "last night after an in-depth discussion with the President regarding COVID-19 testing, he elected to proceed."
"This evening," the White House physician said, "I received confirmation that the test is negative."
The White House physician added that he has been in "daily contact" with the Center for Disease Control and White House Coronavirus Task Force.
"We are encouraging the implementation of all their best practices for exposure reduction and transmission mitigation," he said.
Vice President Mike Pence said on Saturday that he has not yet been tested, but would consider doing so.
"I'm going to speak immediately after this press conference with White House physician's office," Pence said. "Mrs. Pence and I would be more than happy to be tested."
Deputy Press Secretary Judd Deere said in a statement that temperature checks are now being performed on individuals in close contact with the Trump and Pence. This includes members of the media who attended the news conference.
Several members of Congress, including Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, have gone into self-isolation after exposure to people with confirmed cases of the virus. Actor Tom Hanks and Utah Jazz basketball player Rudy Gobert have also tested positive.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, wife of Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, tested positive for the virus. The prime minister has shown no symptoms but both are in isolation.
CNBC's Jesse Pound and Kevin Breuninger contributed to this report


cnbc--2020-03-14--Georgia becomes second state to delay presidential primary due to coronavirus pandemic

People vote in the Michigan primary election at Chrysler Elementary School in Detroit , Michigan , on March 10 , 2020 .
Georgia will delay its presidential primary scheduled for next week over concerns surrounding the coronavirus pandemic , a spokeswoman for the Georgia Democratic Committee confirmed to CNBC .
Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp on Saturday said he was declaring a public health state of emergency in response to a growing number of coronavirus cases .
He also encouraged faith-based organizations and similar entities to consider canceling public events and services The state will now hold its presidential primary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Georgia 's decision follows a similar move by Louisiana , which announced Friday it will push back its presidential nominating contests planned for April 4 to June 20 .
A spokesperson for the secretary of state 's office in Georgia told CNBC Friday when asked whether it would push the primary back , the state shares `` a lot of the same concerns Louisiana has . ''
No other states have pushed back their primaries yet .
Some states have encouraged more voters to cast absentee or mail-in ballots to reduce the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday , Arizona , Florida , Illinois and Ohio , will hold primaries awarding a trove of pledged delegates .
Other states , including New York , Pennsylvania and Maryland , have primaries scheduled next month .
The delayed Georgian primary is the latest in a series of disruptions the pandemic caused in the 2020 election .
Leading Democratic candidates , Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders , have stopped large , in-person campaign events to curb the coronavirus disease 's transmission .
President Donald Trump has canceled some upcoming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's national meeting this week in Las Vegas .
Trump has taken a test for the coronavirus and the results came back negative .
He took the test after the Brazillian president 's press secretary tested positive for the disease after attending a gathering at Trump 's Mar-a-Lago residence .
-- CNBC 's Jacob Pramuk and Brian Schwartz contributed to this report

People vote in the Michigan primary election at Chrysler Elementary School in Detroit, Michigan, on March 10, 2020.
Georgia will delay its presidential primary scheduled for next week over concerns surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, a spokeswoman for the Georgia Democratic Committee confirmed to CNBC.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp on Saturday said he was declaring a public health state of emergency in response to a growing number of coronavirus cases. He also encouraged faith-based organizations and similar entities to consider canceling public events and services
The state will now hold its presidential primary on May 19 instead of March 24.
Georgia's decision follows a similar move by Louisiana, which announced Friday it will push back its presidential nominating contests planned for April 4 to June 20.
A spokesperson for the secretary of state's office in Georgia told CNBC Friday when asked whether it would push the primary back, the state shares "a lot of the same concerns Louisiana has."
No other states have pushed back their primaries yet. Some states have encouraged more voters to cast absentee or mail-in ballots to reduce the risk of the virus spreading.
On Tuesday, Arizona, Florida, Illinois and Ohio, will hold primaries awarding a trove of pledged delegates.
Other states, including New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland, have primaries scheduled next month.
The delayed Georgian primary is the latest in a series of disruptions the pandemic caused in the 2020 election.
Leading Democratic candidates, Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders, have stopped large, in-person campaign events to curb the coronavirus disease's transmission.
President Donald Trump has canceled some upcoming events, including the Republican Jewish Coalition's national meeting this week in Las Vegas.
Trump has taken a test for the coronavirus and the results came back negative. He took the test after the Brazillian president's press secretary tested positive for the disease after attending a gathering at Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence.
-- CNBC's Jacob Pramuk and Brian Schwartz contributed to this report


cnbc--2020-03-14--White House signals third relief bill to help airline and cruise industries hit by coronavirus pande

White House signals third relief bill to help airline and cruise industries hit by coronavirus pandemic

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence takes a question during a news conference in the briefing room of the White House in Washington , D.C. , U.S. , on Saturday , March 14 , 2020 .
Trump administration officials on Saturday made the clearest indication yet they expect to bring forward a third coronavirus bill aimed in part at helping industries struck by the pandemic .
President Donald Trump signed an $ 8.3 billion relief bill earlier this month , helping states fund their efforts to battle and contain the virus .
The House passed a bill last night aimed largely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enhanced unemployment benefits , local food bank funding and paid leave .
`` We got the initial support on $ 8.3 billion of Congress , [ and ] the House passed legislation to act on the president 's priorities , '' said Vice President Mike Pence at a press conference Saturday .
`` We understand the president has made clear that , whether its our airline industry or cruise line industry , we expect to be coming back to Congress . ''
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin made assurances there was `` bipartisan support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it is not yet clear what sorts of demands Democrats would require along with any package that supports the airline or cruise industries .
Both Mnuchin and Pence made reference to the ailing travel industry , which has been pummeled around the world with canceled trips , conferences , and cruises , as authorities have increasingly urged individuals , particularly those who are vulnerable , to avoid travel .
In some cases , the administration has added outright bans .
Trump earlier this week announced that foreigners who have been in 26 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wo n't be allowed in the U.S. for 30 days .
Pence said Saturday that , effective midnight Monday , those restrictions will expand to the U.K. and Ireland .
It has been widely expected the government will step in to support the largest airlines if need be , because of the critical role they play in the U.S. economy .
Mnuchin expressed that view Saturday .
`` Airlines are the most obvious because we have a unique circumstance where we 've shut down travel , and these are of strategic importance to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many industries that are impacted by this – and I would also say that there many individuals , '' Mnuchin said .
The CEOs of both United Airlines and Delta have confirmed they 've been in talks with the administration about potential government aid .
`` We are in discussions with the White House and Congress regarding the support they can provide to help us through this period , '' Delta 's CEO Ed Bastian wrote to employees on Friday , announcing the largest capacity cuts in the airline 's history and warning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to 300 planes .
`` I 'm optimistic we will receive their support .
That said , the form and value is unpredictable , and we ca n't put our company 's future at risk waiting on aid from our government . ''
Other industries have also argued their case .
`` Temporarily shutting off travel from Europe is going to exacerbate the already heavy impact of coronavirus on the travel industry and the 15.8 million Americans whose jobs depend on travel , '' wrote US Travel Association CEO Roger Dow when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel restrictions .
`` We have and will continue to engage Congress and the administration on policy steps that are necessary to ensure that travel employers—83 % of which are small businesses—can keep the lights on for their employees . ''
The travel and leisure industry is pushing for a number of relief measures , including tax credits for employee retention and the ability to carry back net operating losses , CNBC has reported .
The Cruise Lines International Association has highlighted its role in the U.S. economy when announcing the decision to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The cruise industry is a vital artery for the U.S. economy , supporting over 421,000 American jobs , with every 30 cruisers supporting one U.S. job , and annually contributes nearly $ 53 billion to the U.S. economy , '' it said in a statement .
`` Cruise activity supports travel agencies , airlines , hotels and a broad supply chain of industries that stretches across the United States . ''
Pence met with cruise executives in Florida last week . ''

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence takes a question during a news conference in the briefing room of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Saturday, March 14, 2020.
Trump administration officials on Saturday made the clearest indication yet they expect to bring forward a third coronavirus bill aimed in part at helping industries struck by the pandemic.
President Donald Trump signed an $8.3 billion relief bill earlier this month, helping states fund their efforts to battle and contain the virus. The House passed a bill last night aimed largely at protecting individuals, offering measures like enhanced unemployment benefits, local food bank funding and paid leave.
"We got the initial support on $8.3 billion of Congress, [and] the House passed legislation to act on the president's priorities," said Vice President Mike Pence at a press conference Saturday.
"We understand the president has made clear that, whether its our airline industry or cruise line industry, we expect to be coming back to Congress."
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin made assurances there was "bipartisan support" for some economic relief. Still, it is not yet clear what sorts of demands Democrats would require along with any package that supports the airline or cruise industries.
Both Mnuchin and Pence made reference to the ailing travel industry, which has been pummeled around the world with canceled trips, conferences, and cruises, as authorities have increasingly urged individuals, particularly those who are vulnerable, to avoid travel.
In some cases, the administration has added outright bans. Trump earlier this week announced that foreigners who have been in 26 European countries over the last two weeks won't be allowed in the U.S. for 30 days. Pence said Saturday that, effective midnight Monday, those restrictions will expand to the U.K. and Ireland.
It has been widely expected the government will step in to support the largest airlines if need be, because of the critical role they play in the U.S. economy. Mnuchin expressed that view Saturday.
"Airlines are the most obvious because we have a unique circumstance where we've shut down travel, and these are of strategic importance to us, but I appreciate there's many industries that are impacted by this – and I would also say that there many individuals," Mnuchin said.
In an interview Sunday with Fox News, Mnuchin was more explicit: "We're going back to the Senate this week on other things," Mnuchin said
"Airlines − very focused on airlines − hotels, cruise ships, workers for these industries," he added.
The CEOs of both United Airlines and Delta have confirmed they've been in talks with the administration about potential government aid.
"We are in discussions with the White House and Congress regarding the support they can provide to help us through this period," Delta's CEO Ed Bastian wrote to employees on Friday, announcing the largest capacity cuts in the airline's history and warning the carrier will defer aircraft and park up to 300 planes.
"I'm optimistic we will receive their support. That said, the form and value is unpredictable, and we can't put our company's future at risk waiting on aid from our government."
Other industries have also argued their case.
"Temporarily shutting off travel from Europe is going to exacerbate the already heavy impact of coronavirus on the travel industry and the 15.8 million Americans whose jobs depend on travel," wrote US Travel Association CEO Roger Dow when Trump announced the first round of European travel restrictions.
"We have and will continue to engage Congress and the administration on policy steps that are necessary to ensure that travel employers—83% of which are small businesses—can keep the lights on for their employees."
The travel and leisure industry is pushing for a number of relief measures, including tax credits for employee retention and the ability to carry back net operating losses, CNBC has reported.
The Cruise Lines International Association has highlighted its role in the U.S. economy when announcing the decision to temporarily suspend cruise ship operations.
"The cruise industry is a vital artery for the U.S. economy, supporting over 421,000 American jobs, with every 30 cruisers supporting one U.S. job, and annually contributes nearly $53 billion to the U.S. economy," it said in a statement.
"Cruise activity supports travel agencies, airlines, hotels and a broad supply chain of industries that stretches across the United States."
Pence met with cruise executives in Florida last week.
-- CNBC's Leslie Josephs contributed to this report


cnbc--2020-03-14--Op-Ed: The US should call NATO to action and defend Europe against coronavirus

U.S. President Donald Trump ( R ) , French President Emmanuel Macron ( L ) and German Chancellor Angela Merkel ( C ) at the start of the first working session of the G-20 meeting in Hamburg , Germany , on July 7 , 2017 .
While listening to President Trump announce the European travel ban in his Oval Office address , my mind wandered back in time to the early G20 meetings of finance ministers and heads of government in 2009 when the United States and its European partners worked together to head off a global financial meltdown .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in time to the terrorist attacks of 9/11 , a day on which I found myself traveling on the Eurostar between London and Brussels , my two homes at the time .
For the first time in NATO 's history , our European and Canadian allies triggered the alliance 's Article 5 commitment to common defense .
Going back to read the language of this provision , written in 1949 to deter Soviet aggression , it struck me that Trump could have produced a far more presidential moment this week if he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States back then .
He should offer the transatlantic community an Article 5 declaration of war against this deadly pathogen .
If NATO could bend Article 5 to combat a non-state terrorist actor striking the United States , why not also to combat the Chinese-originated COVID-19 , which by Friday had infected more than 28,000 individuals and killed more than 1,200 among NATO allies .
Given current transatlantic divisions , there is far greater need now than after 9/11 for a symbolic gesture of unity .
President Trump could have confounded his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outlined common cause efforts – including travel limitations – that he and his administration had agreed to during consultations with our NATO partners and the European Union .
`` Article 5 provides that an attack on one of us is an attack on all , '' he could have said , Three Muskateer-like .
`` It 's all for one , and one for all ! ''
There 's also a strong America First reason why President Trump should have leaned more in that direction .
He 's going to need Europe , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2009 , as this health crisis is quickly becoming a markets and financial crisis that could be addressed far more effectively through coordinated public health and fiscal stimulus measures .
Though no one wishes the world a financial crisis of the 2008 and 2009 dimensions , it would be irresponsible not to begin talks among the world 's major economies and democracies about what strains they see in the system and what contingency planning they should be undertaking should the coronavirus economic slowdown continue .
Compared to 2009 , the world 's record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest rates provide far less capability and then demand even more common cause .
Instead , what unfolded on 3/11/2020 in Europe and the United States were events that further underscored how divided the United States and its European partners are when they should be most united .
Without consulting our allies at all , he implemented the ban – which took effect at midnight Friday in an Oval Office address on all American television networks that left his own national security team scratching their heads , correcting mistakes ( cargo would n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said ) , and filling in critical omissions ( Americans could still travel home from Europe ) .
The result was one of the harshest responses ever recorded from EU leaders to an American President .
A joint statement by President of the European Commission , Ursula von der Leyen , and President of the European Council , Charles Michel , read : `` The Coronavirus is a global crisis , not limited to any continent and it requires cooperation rather than unilateral action .
The European Union disapproves of the fact that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ban was taken unilaterally and without consultation .
The European Union is taking strong action to limit the spread of the virus . ''
`` When it comes to solidarity and unity , the United States is failing the coronavirus test , '' Benjamin Haddad , the director of the Atlantic Council 's Future Europe Initiative , wrote in the Washington Post .
`` President Trump 's speech Wednesday on the response to COVID-19 marked one of the most consequential foreign policy turning points of his presidency .
This moment represents the lowest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Sadly , the recent days have also shown how divided Europeans are among themselves , with Italians that there call for help has brought insufficient assistance to the country so far hardest hit in Europe by the virus .
At previous such times of European uncertainty , the United States could provide necessary glue to keep everyone together .
`` ….it 's time now for the EU to go beyond engagement and consultations , '' Maurizio Massari , the Italian permanent representative to the European Union , wrote in Politico , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , concrete and effective . ''
He complained that `` not a single EU country '' had responded to Italy 's call to active the European Union Mechanism of Civil Protection for the supply of medical equipment for individual protection .
`` Only China responded bilaterally .
Certainly , this is not a good sign of European solidarity . ''
Unimaginably , Italian newspapers were full of Beijing 's outreach to help on the very same day that President Trump declared his European travel ban .
A plane carrying a team of specialist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left China on Wednesday for Italy , the European epicenter of the pandemic , with urgently needed medical equipment .
That includes 2 million facemasks , 20,0000 protective suits and 10,000 ventilators .
The gesture was widely publicized in China and Italy .
A report in China Daily said that thanks to donations from people living in the East China Zhejian province , some 4,556 boxes of disaster-relief materials were on their way to Italy .
More than 300,000 people from the province live and work in Italy .
Crises either make institutions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they do n't leave them unchanged .
A pandemic 's political danger is that countries – just like some individuals – feel that it 's everyone for themselves .
Yet after an unforgivable initial delay , Europeans are beginning to show more solidarity among themselves .
EU leaders have committed 25 billion euros to respond to the economic fallout , of which $ 7.5 billion euros should be available quickly to provide emergency necessities .
Now it 's the United States ' turn to mend the message of this week .
As fanciful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's time to invoke NATO 's Article 5 to tackle the virus .
It may take that dramatic of a symbolic action to repair the transatlantic damage that has been done .
Frederick Kempe is a best-selling author , prize-winning journalist and president & CEO of the Atlantic Council , one of the United States ' most influential think tanks on global affairs .
He worked at The Wall Street Journal for more than 25 years as a foreign correspondent , assistant managing editor and as the longest-serving editor of the paper 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Berlin 1961 : Kennedy , Khrushchev , and the Most Dangerous Place on Earth '' – was a New York Times best-seller and has been published in more than a dozen languages .
Follow him on Twitter @ FredKempe and subscribe here to Inflection Points , his look each Saturday at the past week 's top stories and trends .
For more insight from CNBC contributors , follow @ CNBCopinion on Twitter .

U.S. President Donald Trump (R), French President Emmanuel Macron (L) and German Chancellor Angela Merkel (C) at the start of the first working session of the G-20 meeting in Hamburg, Germany, on July 7, 2017.
While listening to President Trump announce the European travel ban in his Oval Office address, my mind wandered back in time to the early G20 meetings of finance ministers and heads of government in 2009 when the United States and its European partners worked together to head off a global financial meltdown.
I then traveled back a little further in time to the terrorist attacks of 9/11, a day on which I found myself traveling on the Eurostar between London and Brussels, my two homes at the time. For the first time in NATO's history, our European and Canadian allies triggered the alliance's Article 5 commitment to common defense.
Going back to read the language of this provision, written in 1949 to deter Soviet aggression, it struck me that Trump could have produced a far more presidential moment this week if he had done what the Europeans did for the United States back then. He should offer the transatlantic community an Article 5 declaration of war against this deadly pathogen.
If NATO could bend Article 5 to combat a non-state terrorist actor striking the United States, why not also to combat the Chinese-originated COVID-19, which by Friday had infected more than 28,000 individuals and killed more than 1,200 among NATO allies. Given current transatlantic divisions, there is far greater need now than after 9/11 for a symbolic gesture of unity.
President Trump could have confounded his critics, calmed markets and perhaps even outlined common cause efforts – including travel limitations – that he and his administration had agreed to during consultations with our NATO partners and the European Union. "Article 5 provides that an attack on one of us is an attack on all," he could have said, Three Muskateer-like. "It's all for one, and one for all!"
There's also a strong America First reason why President Trump should have leaned more in that direction. He's going to need Europe, just as the United States did in 2009, as this health crisis is quickly becoming a markets and financial crisis that could be addressed far more effectively through coordinated public health and fiscal stimulus measures.
Though no one wishes the world a financial crisis of the 2008 and 2009 dimensions, it would be irresponsible not to begin talks among the world's major economies and democracies about what strains they see in the system and what contingency planning they should be undertaking should the coronavirus economic slowdown continue. Compared to 2009, the world's record debt levels and its low to negative interest rates provide far less capability and then demand even more common cause.
Instead, what unfolded on 3/11/2020 in Europe and the United States were events that further underscored how divided the United States and its European partners are when they should be most united. Without consulting our allies at all, he implemented the ban – which took effect at midnight Friday in an Oval Office address on all American television networks that left his own national security team scratching their heads, correcting mistakes (cargo wouldn't be banned, as the President initially said), and filling in critical omissions (Americans could still travel home from Europe).
The result was one of the harshest responses ever recorded from EU leaders to an American President. A joint statement by President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and President of the European Council, Charles Michel, read: "The Coronavirus is a global crisis, not limited to any continent and it requires cooperation rather than unilateral action. The European Union disapproves of the fact that the U.S. decision to impose a travel ban was taken unilaterally and without consultation. The European Union is taking strong action to limit the spread of the virus."
"When it comes to solidarity and unity, the United States is failing the coronavirus test," Benjamin Haddad, the director of the Atlantic Council's Future Europe Initiative, wrote in the Washington Post. "President Trump's speech Wednesday on the response to COVID-19 marked one of the most consequential foreign policy turning points of his presidency. This moment represents the lowest point in transatlantic relations in recent memory."
Sadly, the recent days have also shown how divided Europeans are among themselves, with Italians that there call for help has brought insufficient assistance to the country so far hardest hit in Europe by the virus. At previous such times of European uncertainty, the United States could provide necessary glue to keep everyone together.
"….it's time now for the EU to go beyond engagement and consultations," Maurizio Massari, the Italian permanent representative to the European Union, wrote in Politico, "with emergency actions that are quick, concrete and effective."
He complained that "not a single EU country" had responded to Italy's call to active the European Union Mechanism of Civil Protection for the supply of medical equipment for individual protection. "Only China responded bilaterally. Certainly, this is not a good sign of European solidarity."
Unimaginably, Italian newspapers were full of Beijing's outreach to help on the very same day that President Trump declared his European travel ban.
A plane carrying a team of specialist doctors with battleground experience fighting the virus left China on Wednesday for Italy, the European epicenter of the pandemic, with urgently needed medical equipment. That includes 2 million facemasks, 20,0000 protective suits and 10,000 ventilators.
The gesture was widely publicized in China and Italy. A report in China Daily said that thanks to donations from people living in the East China Zhejian province, some 4,556 boxes of disaster-relief materials were on their way to Italy. More than 300,000 people from the province live and work in Italy.
Crises either make institutions and relationships stronger or weaker, but they don't leave them unchanged. A pandemic's political danger is that countries – just like some individuals – feel that it's everyone for themselves.
Yet after an unforgivable initial delay, Europeans are beginning to show more solidarity among themselves. EU leaders have committed 25 billion euros to respond to the economic fallout, of which $7.5 billion euros should be available quickly to provide emergency necessities.
Now it's the United States' turn to mend the message of this week. As fanciful as this idea might sound, it's time to invoke NATO's Article 5 to tackle the virus. It may take that dramatic of a symbolic action to repair the transatlantic damage that has been done.
Frederick Kempe is a best-selling author, prize-winning journalist and president & CEO of the Atlantic Council, one of the United States' most influential think tanks on global affairs. He worked at The Wall Street Journal for more than 25 years as a foreign correspondent, assistant managing editor and as the longest-serving editor of the paper's European edition. His latest book – "Berlin 1961: Kennedy, Khrushchev, and the Most Dangerous Place on Earth" – was a New York Times best-seller and has been published in more than a dozen languages. Follow him on Twitter @FredKempe and subscribe here to Inflection Points, his look each Saturday at the past week's top stories and trends.
For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter.


cnbc--2020-03-15--Trump says 'relax,' urges against hoarding as coronavirus cases soar and Fed cuts rates to zero

WASHINGTON , DC - MARCH 15 : U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media in the press briefing room at the White House on March 15 , 2020 in Washington , DC .
The United States has surpassed 3,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus , and the death toll climbed to at least 61 , with 25 of the deaths associated with the Life Care Center in Kirkland , Washington .
( Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images ) President Donald Trump urged Americans not to hoard food on Sunday during a White House press conference that came just minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to shield the U.S. economy from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic .
`` You do n't have to buy so much , '' Trump said .
`` Take it easy .
Relax . ''
Read more : Consumer companies like Clorox are calling on the White House to help prevent product shortages In brief remarks , Trump cautioned against panic buying and said that food supply chains remained intact .
He noted that earlier in the day he had met with executives from consumer and grocery companies including Target , Campbell 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me to say , 'Could you buy a little bit less please . '
'' Trump said .
`` I thought I would never hear that from a retailer . ''
U.S. cases of COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus , have ballooned over the last two weeks from roughly 100 confirmed infections on March 1 to almost 3,300 on Sunday , according to data compiled by the World Health Organization , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Johns Hopkins University .

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 15: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media in the press briefing room at the White House on March 15, 2020 in Washington, DC. The United States has surpassed 3,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, and the death toll climbed to at least 61, with 25 of the deaths associated with the Life Care Center in Kirkland, Washington. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump urged Americans not to hoard food on Sunday during a White House press conference that came just minutes after the Federal Reserve announced new steps to shield the U.S. economy from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
"You don't have to buy so much," Trump said. "Take it easy. Relax."
Read more: Consumer companies like Clorox are calling on the White House to help prevent product shortages
In brief remarks, Trump cautioned against panic buying and said that food supply chains remained intact. He noted that earlier in the day he had met with executives from consumer and grocery companies including Target , Campbell's and Costco .
"They have asked me to say, 'Could you buy a little bit less please.'" Trump said. "I thought I would never hear that from a retailer."
U.S. cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, have ballooned over the last two weeks from roughly 100 confirmed infections on March 1 to almost 3,300 on Sunday, according to data compiled by the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Johns Hopkins University.


cnbc--2020-03-15--Biden and Sanders to face off in first one-on-one Democratic primary debate as coronavirus pandemic

Biden and Sanders to face off in first one-on-one Democratic primary debate as coronavirus pandemic rages

Democratic presidential hopefuls Former Vice President Joe Biden ( L ) and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders participate of the seventh Democratic primary debate of the 2020 presidential campaign season co-hosted by CNN and the Des Moines Register at the Drake University campus in Des Moines , Iowa on January 14 , 2020 .
Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders will face off on Sunday in the first one-on-one debate of the Democratic presidential primary , a key milestone in the 2020 race that will take place in the shadow of a raging public health crisis .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caused by coronavirus , has already re-shaped the race , absorbing a panicked nation 's attention and throwing both Biden and Sanders off the campaign trail .
Both men have ordered campaign staffers to work from home , canceled rallies and shifted campaign events to virtual formats .
Coronavirus also caused a last-minute change of plans for the debate itself .
Originally scheduled to be hosted before a live audience in Phoenix , Arizona , CNN moved the event this week to Washington , where there will be no public spectators .
Arizona @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each host Democratic primaries on Tuesday .
The event will be broadcast on CNN and Univision from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m .
ET on Sunday evening .
Even in the absence of a crisis , the debate between the two elder statesmen was likely to be an essential moment in the battle for the Democratic nomination that has now gone on for more than a year .
Biden and Sanders each represent competing factions of a deeply divided party that has struggled for more than a year to pick a nominee to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The two men , both in their late 70s , are the final serious contenders left from a historically crowded and diverse Democratic field .
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is also competing for the nomination , but the Hawaii lawmaker has not won delegates in any contest outside of American Samoa and polls at less than 3 % in national surveys .
Gabbard has not qualified for a debate since November .
Biden , the face of the party 's moderate wing , is once again the front-runner for the nomination after temporarily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top three in Iowa and New Hampshire and in a distant second place in Nevada .
The former vice president found his turnaround in South Carolina , where black voters powered him to a dominant victory .
In a whirlwind , Biden picked up endorsements from vanquished rivals ahead of Super Tuesday , which voted just three days later .
Biden emerged from Super Tuesday with a strong delegate lead , notching victories in Virginia , North Carolina , Alabama , Tennessee , Oklahoma , Arkansas , Texas , Minnesota , Maine and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidate to win a state on Super Tuesday , effectively dispatched with Sen. Elizabeth Warren , the other main progressive candidate .
Sanders carried the biggest delegate prize of the night , California , as well as Vermont , Utah and Colorado , but failed to perform up to expectations in Texas as well as in several of the northeastern states , giving Biden a possibly insurmountable advantage .
Biden solidified his advantage a week later , defeating Sanders in Michigan , where the self-described democratic socialist had scored an upset victory four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the race being all-but-over , Biden has expanded his lead in national polls to 20 points , the highest since he launched his campaign .
In a significant demonstration of the state of the race , Warren has not endorsed either candidate after dropping from the race , withholding support that could entrench Sanders as the progressive standard bearer .
Speculation grew after it looked like Biden would carry Michigan on Tuesday that Sanders would exit .
But in an address in Burlington , Vt. , on Wednesday , Sanders vowed to press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the debate `` with my friend , Joe Biden . ''
`` And let me be very frank as to the questions that I will be asking Joe , '' Sanders said , before listing off a range of questions about health care , climate change , student debt and childhood poverty .
`` Are you really going to veto a 'Medicare for All ' bill if it is passed in congress ? ''
Sanders asked , referring to comments Biden made on MSNBC earlier in the week .
With just two candidates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to direct the conversation to a greater degree than in past debates .
Biden , who is likely to carry the nomination unless the race 's trajectory changes dramatically , will be looking to defend his record and policy stances without creating too many headlines .
That could be a challenge for a candidate who typically performs better in one-on-one interactions with voters than on the national debate stage .
But Biden , who has criticized the previous formats for being full of `` one-minute assertions , '' may also welcome the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a less crowded debate stage .
All-in-all , it would take something momentous to knock Biden from his position .
Going into the debate Biden had won 854 delegates compared to Sanders ' 701 as of Saturday , according to an NBC News tally , and the states yet to vote look likely to be in his favor .
Candidates must win at least 1,991 of a total 3,979 pledged delegates to be named the party nominee in July .

Democratic presidential hopefuls former US vice president Joe Biden (L) and Senator Bernie Sanders (R) greet each other with an elbow bump as they arrive for the 11th Democratic Party 2020 presidential debate in a CNN Washington Bureau studio in Washington, DC on March 15, 2020.
Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders will face off on Sunday in the first one-on-one debate of the Democratic presidential primary, a key milestone in the 2020 race that will take place in the shadow of a raging public health crisis.
The rapid spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, has already re-shaped the race, absorbing a panicked nation's attention and throwing both Biden and Sanders off the campaign trail. Both men have ordered campaign staffers to work from home, canceled rallies and shifted campaign events to virtual formats.
Coronavirus also caused a last-minute change of plans for the debate itself. Originally scheduled to be hosted before a live audience in Phoenix, Arizona, CNN moved the event this week to Washington, where there will be no public spectators. Arizona, Illinois, Ohio and Florida will each host Democratic primaries on Tuesday.
The event will be broadcast on CNN and Univision from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET on Sunday evening.
Even in the absence of a crisis, the debate between the two elder statesmen was likely to be an essential moment in the battle for the Democratic nomination that has now gone on for more than a year.
Biden and Sanders each represent competing factions of a deeply divided party that has struggled for more than a year to pick a nominee to take on President Donald Trump in November. The two men, both in their late 70s, are the final serious contenders left from a historically crowded and diverse Democratic field.
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is also competing for the nomination, but the Hawaii lawmaker has not won delegates in any contest outside of American Samoa and polls at less than 3% in national surveys. Gabbard has not qualified for a debate since November.
Biden, the face of the party's moderate wing, is once again the front-runner for the nomination after temporarily losing that status after finishing outside the top three in Iowa and New Hampshire and in a distant second place in Nevada.
The former vice president found his turnaround in South Carolina, where black voters powered him to a dominant victory. In a whirlwind, Biden picked up endorsements from vanquished rivals ahead of Super Tuesday, which voted just three days later.
Biden emerged from Super Tuesday with a strong delegate lead, notching victories in Virginia, North Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, Minnesota, Maine and Massachusetts.
Sanders, the only other candidate to win a state on Super Tuesday, effectively dispatched with Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the other main progressive candidate.
Sanders carried the biggest delegate prize of the night, California, as well as Vermont, Utah and Colorado, but failed to perform up to expectations in Texas as well as in several of the northeastern states, giving Biden a possibly insurmountable advantage.
Biden solidified his advantage a week later, defeating Sanders in Michigan, where the self-described democratic socialist had scored an upset victory four years before. In a sign of the race being all-but-over, Biden has expanded his lead in national polls to 20 points, the highest since he launched his campaign.
In a significant demonstration of the state of the race, Warren has not endorsed either candidate after dropping from the race, withholding support that could entrench Sanders as the progressive standard bearer.
Speculation grew after it looked like Biden would carry Michigan on Tuesday that Sanders would exit. But in an address in Burlington, Vt., on Wednesday, Sanders vowed to press on, saying he looked forward to the debate "with my friend, Joe Biden."
"And let me be very frank as to the questions that I will be asking Joe," Sanders said, before listing off a range of questions about health care, climate change, student debt and childhood poverty.
"Are you really going to veto a 'Medicare for All' bill if it is passed in congress?" Sanders asked, referring to comments Biden made on MSNBC earlier in the week.
With just two candidates on stage, Sanders will likely be able to direct the conversation to a greater degree than in past debates. Biden, who is likely to carry the nomination unless the race's trajectory changes dramatically, will be looking to defend his record and policy stances without creating too many headlines.
That could be a challenge for a candidate who typically performs better in one-on-one interactions with voters than on the national debate stage. But Biden, who has criticized the previous formats for being full of "one-minute assertions," may also welcome the chance to have more time to speak on a less crowded debate stage.
All-in-all, it would take something momentous to knock Biden from his position. Going into the debate Biden had won 854 delegates compared to Sanders' 701 as of Saturday, according to an NBC News tally, and the states yet to vote look likely to be in his favor.
Candidates must win at least 1,991 of a total 3,979 pledged delegates to be named the party nominee in July.


cnbc--2020-03-15--Trump talks coronavirus hoarding, supply chain with Target, Campbell, Costco and others

President Donald Trump on Sunday held a call with two dozen executives from consumer and grocery companies including Target , Campbell and Costco to discuss topics including hoarding and the safety of their supply chain amid the coronavirus crisis .
Trump , in a press conference Sunday , urged Americans to ease up with their shopping as people panic about not having enough food or household items while they are increasingly being asked to stay at home for extended periods of times .
The president , his spirits buoyed by the Federal Reserve cutting rates to zero , tried to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strong and stores will continue to fill their shelves .
`` You do n't have to buy so much , '' Trump said .
`` Take it easy .
Relax . ''
He added : `` Go and buy .
Enjoy it .
Have a nice dinner .
Relax . ''
Stock futures plummeted Sunday night , even after the Fed announced its latest extraordinary actions .
The coronavirus infection rate in the United States has escalated .
As Americans have fretted about quarantines and shortages , they 've raided online and brick-and-mortar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ short .
Amazon said it is out of stock on certain household items .
Chains like Texas grocer H-E-B has had to limit purchases some food items , including eggs , boxed pasta and canned soup .
Fears of product shortages have also led people to steal products like hand sanitizer and surgical masks from grocery stores and doctors ' offices .
`` The President reminded the participants that this is an all-of-America approach and each of their stores and the stores they support can help Americans feel calm and safe when shelves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' a White House spokesman said .
`` Supply chains in the United States are strong , and it is unnecessary for the American public to hoard daily essentials , '' he added .
A spokesperson for Campbell said , in the meeting , the company `` outlined the steps we are taking to ensure the health and safety of our employees and how we are meeting the increased demand for our foods in response to the COVID-19 pandemic . ''
An industry trade group , Consumer Brands Association , which represents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , requested funds in upcoming supplemental appropriations to `` mitigate supply chain disruptions '' and help manage shortages .
Trump agreed in the call to hold off for six months on new regulatory decisions that could hinder supply chains , according to a letter from the group to Trump that was obtained by CNBC .
Later Sunday , Consumer Brands Association also sent a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer , urging them to fight global export restrictions on any product used to treat or prevent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. supply chain for consumer companies is heavily reliant on foreign production .
As countries around the world battle the coronavirus pandemic , some have already begun to restrict their exports .
Germany has banned the export of protective medical products including masks , gloves and suits .
France , the Czech Republic , Turkey and Russia have enacted similar export restrictions in recent days .
`` If other countries were to follow suit by significantly disrupting the supply chain of these critical ingredients , it could substantially increase the risk of product @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thus pose a serious threat to the public health , '' wrote Bryan Zumwalt , executive vice president of public affairs for the Consumer Brands Association .
Consumer Brands Association wants Pompeo and Lightizer to determine which products are facing a possible export ban , and what the impact of that ban may be .
They also want the leaders to `` take appropriate action '' should they determine that any export restriction is in violation of a trade agreement .
They want them to considering lifting tariffs that may be adding an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Consumer Brands Association , though , wants the administration to act before problems or shortages arise , a person familiar with the group 's thinking said .
The letter comes as lawmakers are also raising increasing concern about possible drug shortages , due to U.S pharmaceutical reliance on foreign manufacturing .
About 72 % of manufacturers of pharmaceutical ingredients supplying the U.S. are overseas , including 13 % in China , according to FDA testimony last year .

President Donald Trump on Sunday held a call with two dozen executives from consumer and grocery companies including Target , Campbell and Costco to discuss topics including hoarding and the safety of their supply chain amid the coronavirus crisis.
Trump, in a press conference Sunday, urged Americans to ease up with their shopping as people panic about not having enough food or household items while they are increasingly being asked to stay at home for extended periods of times.
The president, his spirits buoyed by the Federal Reserve cutting rates to zero, tried to reassure the nation its supply chain is strong and stores will continue to fill their shelves.
"You don't have to buy so much," Trump said. "Take it easy. Relax."
He added: "Go and buy. Enjoy it. Have a nice dinner. Relax."
Stock futures plummeted Sunday night, even after the Fed announced its latest extraordinary actions. The coronavirus infection rate in the United States has escalated.
As Americans have fretted about quarantines and shortages, they've raided online and brick-and-mortar retailers, leaving shelves unstocked and warehouses short. Amazon said it is out of stock on certain household items. Chains like Texas grocer H-E-B has had to limit purchases some food items, including eggs, boxed pasta and canned soup. Fears of product shortages have also led people to steal products like hand sanitizer and surgical masks from grocery stores and doctors' offices.
"The President reminded the participants that this is an all-of-America approach and each of their stores and the stores they support can help Americans feel calm and safe when shelves are stocked with the items they need," a White House spokesman said.
"Supply chains in the United States are strong, and it is unnecessary for the American public to hoard daily essentials," he added.
A spokesperson for Campbell said, in the meeting, the company "outlined the steps we are taking to ensure the health and safety of our employees and how we are meeting the increased demand for our foods in response to the COVID-19 pandemic."
An industry trade group, Consumer Brands Association, which represents companies including Lysol-owner Reckitt Benckiser and Clorox , requested funds in upcoming supplemental appropriations to "mitigate supply chain disruptions" and help manage shortages.
Trump agreed in the call to hold off for six months on new regulatory decisions that could hinder supply chains, according to a letter from the group to Trump that was obtained by CNBC.
Later Sunday, Consumer Brands Association also sent a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, urging them to fight global export restrictions on any product used to treat or prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
The U.S. supply chain for consumer companies is heavily reliant on foreign production. As countries around the world battle the coronavirus pandemic, some have already begun to restrict their exports. Germany has banned the export of protective medical products including masks, gloves and suits. France, the Czech Republic, Turkey and Russia have enacted similar export restrictions in recent days.
"If other countries were to follow suit by significantly disrupting the supply chain of these critical ingredients, it could substantially increase the risk of product shortages in the United States, and thus pose a serious threat to the public health," wrote Bryan Zumwalt, executive vice president of public affairs for the Consumer Brands Association.
Consumer Brands Association wants Pompeo and Lightizer to determine which products are facing a possible export ban, and what the impact of that ban may be. They also want the leaders to "take appropriate action" should they determine that any export restriction is in violation of a trade agreement.
They want them to considering lifting tariffs that may be adding an extra burden to the supply chain.
The letter comes as lawmakers are also raising increasing concern about possible drug shortages, due to U.S pharmaceutical reliance on foreign manufacturing. About 72% of manufacturers of pharmaceutical ingredients supplying the U.S. are overseas, including 13% in China, according to FDA testimony last year.


cnbc--2020-03-15--Most voters in 2020 battlegrounds fear coronavirus will lead to recession, CNBC/Change Research poll

Most voters in 2020 battlegrounds fear coronavirus will lead to recession, CNBC/Change Research poll finds

Concerned about the spread of COVID-19 in large gatherings , students from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts wear respiratory masks as they wait for Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-VT ) to speak to supporters during a rally and march to early vote on February 27 , 2020 at Winston-Salem State University in Winston-Salem , North Carolina .
Most voters in the states that will decide the 2020 election worry the coronavirus pandemic will derail the economy , a new poll finds .
In the critical 2020 battlegrounds of Arizona , Florida , Michigan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 57 % of likely voters have very or somewhat serious concerns the outbreak will lead to a recession , according to States of Play , a joint CNBC/Change Research swing state poll released Sunday .
A larger share of respondents expressed significant worries about an economic contraction than they did about other damage from coronavirus .
• 51 % said they have very or somewhat serious concerns about themselves or a family member getting sick • 35 % said the same about lost wages • 16 % said they had significant concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largely mirror the fears held by 2020 battleground respondents : 54 % said they have very or somewhat serious concerns about a recession .
As the coronavirus disease spreads and hamstrings businesses and other institutions , the poll shows voters in key states have started to fear economic damage .
In addition , more than half of respondents said they or their family members have taken steps to prepare for the coronavirus disease .
The U.S. government has taken steps to mitigate the disruption : Congress has passed emergency medical funding and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while the Federal Reserve has cut interest rates and injected more liquidity into the market .
Stocks have taken a drubbing as the virus spreads , as major U.S. indexes all dropped more than 8 % last week .

Concerned about the spread of COVID-19 in large gatherings, students from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts wear respiratory masks as they wait for Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) to speak to supporters during a rally and march to early vote on February 27, 2020 at Winston-Salem State University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Most voters in the states that will decide the 2020 election worry the coronavirus pandemic will derail the economy, a new poll finds.
In the critical 2020 battlegrounds of Arizona, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, 57% of likely voters have very or somewhat serious concerns the outbreak will lead to a recession, according to States of Play, a joint CNBC/Change Research swing state poll released Sunday. A larger share of respondents expressed significant worries about an economic contraction than they did about other damage from coronavirus.
51% said they have very or somewhat serious concerns about themselves or a family member getting sick
35% said the same about lost wages
16% said they had significant concerns about losing their jobs
Like voters nationally largely mirror the fears held by 2020 battleground respondents: 54% said they have very or somewhat serious concerns about a recession.
As the coronavirus disease spreads and hamstrings businesses and other institutions, the poll shows voters in key states have started to fear economic damage. In addition, more than half of respondents said they or their family members have taken steps to prepare for the coronavirus disease.
The U.S. government has taken steps to mitigate the disruption: Congress has passed emergency medical funding and the House has approved an economic relief plan, while the Federal Reserve has cut interest rates and injected more liquidity into the market. Stocks have taken a drubbing as the virus spreads, as major U.S. indexes all dropped more than 8% last week.


cnbc--2020-03-15--The Senate has not yet scheduled a vote for the coronavirus relief bill already passed by the House

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) speaks to reporters following the Senate Republican policy luncheon which both President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence attended on March 10 , 2020 in Washington , DC .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has yet to schedule a Senate vote to pass the country 's second emergency coronavirus deal after the House passed the package early Saturday morning .
The next vote the Republican led-Senate has scheduled is over the renewal of national security surveillance law , Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act , or FISA .
That is scheduled for Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislation is passed , any action on the House coronavirus legislation will take unanimous consent , '' a spokesperson for McConnell told CNBC .
The Democrat-led house last week passed the second round of legislation , which was aimed at helping workers and individuals struggling to make it through the crisis .
Among the provisions agreed to between Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and House speaker Nancy Pelosi was increased unemployment insurance and paid sick leave .
Deal talks between the administration and the House went late into the night Friday , and Mnuchin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue a `` technical correction '' to the bill on Monday .
That means the Senate does not yet have a bill to vote on .
Majority Leader McConnell said in a statement Saturday that the Senate `` will need to carefully review the version just passed by the House . ''
He also noted that he believes , `` the vast majority of Senators in both parties will agree we should act swiftly to secure relief for American workers , families , and small businesses . ''
Already , though , paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least some Republicans .
Democrats and the White House pushed for paid sick leave , because it allows workers who are sick or quarantined the ability to stay home without losing their paycheck .
Some Republicans worry about its cost to businesses .
`` Although mandating that all employers must pay for sick leave might sound good , we need to consider the unintended consequences of this legislation , '' said Sen. Ron Johnson , a Republican from Wisconsin said in a statement after the House bill passed .
`` I fear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the House bill will exacerbate the problem by forcing small businesses to pay wages they can not afford and 'helping ' them go further into debt , '' Johnson said .
At a press conference Saturday , Mnuchin said the deal struck with the House offers certain exceptions for smaller companies that may not have the funds to cover workers forced to stay home .
`` We were also very sensitive to small and medium-sized businesses .
Many of these businesses cover sick pay but they 're going to have many more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we did n't want them to cover the cost , '' he said .
`` So , 100 % of the cost for these limited situations will be taken care of by the federal government . ''

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) speaks to reporters following the Senate Republican policy luncheon which both President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence attended on March 10, 2020 in Washington, DC.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has yet to schedule a Senate vote to pass the country's second emergency coronavirus deal after the House passed the package early Saturday morning.
The next vote the Republican led-Senate has scheduled is over the renewal of national security surveillance law, Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA. That is scheduled for Monday at 5:30 p.m.
"Until the FISA legislation is passed, any action on the House coronavirus legislation will take unanimous consent," a spokesperson for McConnell told CNBC.
The Democrat-led house last week passed the second round of legislation, which was aimed at helping workers and individuals struggling to make it through the crisis. Among the provisions agreed to between Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and House speaker Nancy Pelosi was increased unemployment insurance and paid sick leave.
Deal talks between the administration and the House went late into the night Friday, and Mnuchin said Saturday the two have agreed to issue a "technical correction" to the bill on Monday. That means the Senate does not yet have a bill to vote on.
Majority Leader McConnell said in a statement Saturday that the Senate "will need to carefully review the version just passed by the House." He also noted that he believes, "the vast majority of Senators in both parties will agree we should act swiftly to secure relief for American workers, families, and small businesses."
Already, though, paid sick leave has become an issue for at least some Republicans.
Democrats and the White House pushed for paid sick leave, because it allows workers who are sick or quarantined the ability to stay home without losing their paycheck. Some Republicans worry about its cost to businesses.
"Although mandating that all employers must pay for sick leave might sound good, we need to consider the unintended consequences of this legislation," said Sen. Ron Johnson, a Republican from Wisconsin said in a statement after the House bill passed.
"I fear that rather than offering a workable solution, the House bill will exacerbate the problem by forcing small businesses to pay wages they cannot afford and 'helping' them go further into debt," Johnson said.
At a press conference Saturday, Mnuchin said the deal struck with the House offers certain exceptions for smaller companies that may not have the funds to cover workers forced to stay home.
"We were also very sensitive to small and medium-sized businesses. Many of these businesses cover sick pay but they're going to have many more people that may be on quarantine, and we didn't want them to cover the cost," he said.
"So, 100% of the cost for these limited situations will be taken care of by the federal government."
-- CNBC's Jacob Pramuk contributed to this report


cnbc--2020-03-15--Trump considering 'full pardon' of former national security advisor Michael Flynn

President Donald Trump said Sunday that he 's strongly considering a full pardon for Michael Flynn , after the Justice @ @ @ @ @ the criminal case against Trump 's first national security advisor .
`` I am strongly @ @ @ @ @ '' Trump said in a Twitter post .
Flynn pleaded guilty in 2017 to lying @ @ @ @ @ nature of his conversations with the Russian ambassador prior to Trump 's inauguration as president @ @ @ @ @ by special counsel Robert Mueller , who was tasked with investigating Russian interference in the @ @ @ @ @ between Trump campaign members and Russian officials .
Flynn is in the process of trying @ @ @ @ @ , claiming that he 's the victim of misconduct by prosecutors .
Attorney General William @ @ @ @ @ of Flynn 's case by an outside prosecutor , U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District @ @ @ @ @ Flynn 's sentencing is on hold as a judge reviews his claims .
-- CNBC @ @ @ @ @ this report

President Donald Trump said Sunday that he's strongly considering a full pardon for Michael Flynn after the Justice Department ordered a review of the criminal case against Trump's first national security advisor.
"I am strongly considering a full pardon," Trump said in a Twitter post.
Flynn pleaded guilty in 2017 to lying to the FBI about the nature of his conversations with the Russian ambassador prior to Trump's inauguration as president.
He was originally charged by special counsel Robert Mueller, who was tasked with investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election and any links between Trump campaign members and Russian officials.
Flynn is in the process of trying to withdraw his guilty plea, claiming that he's the victim of misconduct by prosecutors.
Attorney General William Bar has ordered a review of Flynn's case by an outside prosecutor, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri Jeffrey Jensen.
Flynn's sentencing is on hold as a judge reviews his claims.
--CNBC's Dan Mangan contributed to this report


cnbc--2020-03-15--White House signals third relief bill to help airline and cruise industries hit by coronavirus pande

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence takes a question during a news conference in the briefing room of the White House in Washington , D.C. , U.S. , on Saturday , March 14 , 2020 .
Trump administration officials on Saturday made the clearest indication yet they expect to bring forward a third coronavirus bill aimed in part at helping industries struck by the pandemic .
President Donald Trump signed an $ 8.3 billion relief bill earlier this month , helping states fund their efforts to battle and contain the virus .
The House passed a bill last night aimed largely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enhanced unemployment benefits , local food bank funding and paid leave .
`` We got the initial support on $ 8.3 billion of Congress , [ and ] the House passed legislation to act on the president 's priorities , '' said Vice President Mike Pence at a press conference Saturday .
`` We understand the president has made clear that , whether its our airline industry or cruise line industry , we expect to be coming back to Congress . ''
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin made assurances there was `` bipartisan support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it is not yet clear what sorts of demands Democrats would require along with any package that supports the airline or cruise industries .
Both Mnuchin and Pence made reference to the ailing travel industry , which has been pummeled around the world with canceled trips , conferences , and cruises , as authorities have increasingly urged individuals , particularly those who are vulnerable , to avoid travel .
In some cases , the administration has added outright bans .
Trump earlier this week announced that foreigners who have been in 26 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wo n't be allowed in the U.S. for 30 days .
Pence said Saturday that , effective midnight Monday , those restrictions will expand to the U.K. and Ireland .
It has been widely expected the government will step in to support the largest airlines if need be , because of the critical role they play in the U.S. economy .
Mnuchin expressed that view Saturday .
`` Airlines are the most obvious because we have a unique circumstance where we 've shut down travel , and these are of strategic importance to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many industries that are impacted by this – and I would also say that there many individuals , '' Mnuchin said .
In an interview Sunday with Fox News , Mnuchin was more explicit : `` We 're going back to the Senate this week on other things , '' Mnuchin said '' Airlines − very focused on airlines − hotels , cruise ships , workers for these industries , '' he added .
The CEOs of both United Airlines and Delta have confirmed they 've been in talks with the administration about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in discussions with the White House and Congress regarding the support they can provide to help us through this period , '' Delta 's CEO Ed Bastian wrote to employees on Friday , announcing the largest capacity cuts in the airline 's history and warning the carrier will defer aircraft and park up to 300 planes .
`` I 'm optimistic we will receive their support .
That said , the form and value is unpredictable , and we ca n't put our company 's future at risk waiting on aid from our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argued their case .
`` Temporarily shutting off travel from Europe is going to exacerbate the already heavy impact of coronavirus on the travel industry and the 15.8 million Americans whose jobs depend on travel , '' wrote US Travel Association CEO Roger Dow when Trump announced the first round of European travel restrictions .
`` We have and will continue to engage Congress and the administration on policy steps that are necessary to ensure that travel employers—83 % of which are small businesses—can keep the lights on for their employees . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a number of relief measures , including tax credits for employee retention and the ability to carry back net operating losses , CNBC has reported .
The Cruise Lines International Association has highlighted its role in the U.S. economy when announcing the decision to temporarily suspend cruise ship operations .
`` The cruise industry is a vital artery for the U.S. economy , supporting over 421,000 American jobs , with every 30 cruisers supporting one U.S. job , and annually contributes nearly $ 53 billion to the U.S. economy , '' it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activity supports travel agencies , airlines , hotels and a broad supply chain of industries that stretches across the United States . ''
Pence met with cruise executives in Florida last week .


cnbc--2020-03-15--Op-Ed: The US should call NATO to action and defend Europe against coronavirus