cnbc--2020-03-17--Group run by former Google CEO to hold meeting with venture capitalists about ways to fight coronavi

Group run by former Google CEO to hold meeting with venture capitalists about ways to fight coronavirus

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

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


cnbc--2020-03-17--Pentagon to free up 5 million respirator masks and 2,000 ventilators for coronavirus efforts

U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper speaks during the joint press conference with Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joseph Dunford ( not in the picture ) on August 28 , 2019 in Arlington , Virginia .
WASHINGTON — The Pentagon says it will give 5 million respirator masks and 2,000 ventilators to the Department of Health and Human Services from the military 's strategic reserve in order to support the coronavirus response .
Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said Tuesday from the Pentagon press briefing room that 1 million respirator masks would be made available immediately .
Esper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to 2,000 deployable ventilators but that the machines are different from those used by civilians and will require training before operation .
He added that the U.S. government would need to seek support from industry on procuring more ventilators .
`` When you look at the number of people that are projected that may need ventilators , 2,000 does n't really put much of a dent into it , '' Esper said .
`` The key thing is the private sector , the manufacturing side , whoever makes medical machines of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pump to get production up because we are simply not going to be able to meet the demand if the demand fits some of the profiles as we 've seen the CDC brief , '' he said .
The virus has already killed more than 7,167 people and infected more than 183,000 people around the world .
On Monday , the Pentagon announced it will keep the two highest-ranking Pentagon officials , Esper and Deputy Secretary of Defense David Norquist , physically separated from each other as a precaution to prevent the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the secretary and the deputy secretary of Defense remain physically separated , '' Jonathan Hoffman , assistant defense secretary for public affairs , told a handful of reporters at the Pentagon and many more on a teleconference line .
`` That means that they and their staff will only interact via teleconference .
We are screening people that are entering the secretary 's suite and limiting the number of people who have access as well , '' he added .
The Pentagon reservation employs more than 22,000 people , making it one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper speaks during the joint press conference with Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joseph Dunford (not in the picture) on August 28, 2019 in Arlington, Virginia.
WASHINGTON — The Pentagon says it will give 5 million respirator masks and 2,000 ventilators to the Department of Health and Human Services from the military's strategic reserve in order to support the coronavirus response.
Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said Tuesday from the Pentagon press briefing room that 1 million respirator masks would be made available immediately.
Esper said the Pentagon is able to offer up to 2,000 deployable ventilators but that the machines are different from those used by civilians and will require training before operation. He added that the U.S. government would need to seek support from industry on procuring more ventilators.
"When you look at the number of people that are projected that may need ventilators, 2,000 doesn't really put much of a dent into it," Esper said.
"The key thing is the private sector, the manufacturing side, whoever makes medical machines of this type. How do you prime that pump to get production up because we are simply not going to be able to meet the demand if the demand fits some of the profiles as we've seen the CDC brief," he said.
The virus has already killed more than 7,167 people and infected more than 183,000 people around the world.
On Monday, the Pentagon announced it will keep the two highest-ranking Pentagon officials, Esper and Deputy Secretary of Defense David Norquist, physically separated from each other as a precaution to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
"Starting today, the secretary and the deputy secretary of Defense remain physically separated," Jonathan Hoffman, assistant defense secretary for public affairs, told a handful of reporters at the Pentagon and many more on a teleconference line.
"That means that they and their staff will only interact via teleconference. We are screening people that are entering the secretary's suite and limiting the number of people who have access as well," he added.
The Pentagon reservation employs more than 22,000 people, making it one of the largest office buildings in the world.
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cnbc--2020-03-17--European Union will close external borders for 30 days to slow coronavirus pandemic

European Union member nations agreed Tuesday to close the EU 's external borders to most people from other countries for 30 days in a dramatic new effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic .
German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced the planned closings of the massive union 's external borders at a press conference .
Movement of people within the European Union 's 27 member nations will still be allowed under the restrictions .
Ursula von der Leyen , the President of the European Commission said the United Kingdom is not applying restrictions to their external borders , even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so .
The travel restrictions are due start as soon as the individual governments take the necessary internal measures , with Germany expected to do so by the end of Tuesday .
The restrictions are not applied to medical staff , medicines nor goods .
`` The union and its member states will do whatever it takes , '' said European Council President Charles Michel .
Michel said the EU will arrange for the repatriation of citizens of member countries .
Ursula von der Leyen , the President of the European Commission said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to their external borders , even though it had been invited to do so .
The EU is an economic and political union of most of the countries in Europe , including Spain , France , Germany , Italy , Ireland , the Benelux nations , Austria , Greece , Poland , Hungary , Romania , Bulgaria , the Czech Republic , Slovakia , Estonia , Latvia , Lithuania , and all Scandavian countries with the exception of Norway .
Great Britain previously was an EU member before Brexit .
Switzerland is another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the former component nations of communist Yugoslavia , with the exception of Croatia and Slovenia .
On Monday , Canada 's prime minister , Justin Trudeau , said he was closing his nation 's borders to foreigners , with the major exception of U.S. citizens .
Also Monday , French President Emmanuel Macron ordered people in that nation to stay at home for up to 15 days , except for essential needs .

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


cnbc--2020-03-17--Trump seeks stimulus package potentially worth more than $1 trillion, including direct payments to A

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

The White House is seeking a stimulus package worth anywhere from $ 850 billion to more than $ 1 trillion as the Trump administration looks to battle the economic impact from the coronavirus pandemic , according to a source familiar with the matter .
Later Tuesday , Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told GOP senators that unemployment could reach 20 % if Congress does n't enact the stimulus package , according to a person familiar with the situation .
An administration official said the package could include : • $ 500 billion to $ 550 billion in direct payments or tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 billion in airline and industry relief Potentially $ 250 billion of the package could go toward making direct payments to Americans , a White House official told The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday .
Mnuchin said earlier Tuesday that the administration wants to get emergency funds in Americans ' pockets `` immediately . ''
`` Americans need cash now , '' Mnuchin said during a White House press briefing on the administration 's latest efforts to combat the disease .
`` I mean now in the next two weeks . ''
Millionaires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receive relief in the form of direct payments .
The White House will now have to negotiate a package with Congress .
The measure will need to balance aiding individuals and workers in need , as well as industries it has already said it wants to support .
The administration has made clear its view that the airline industry is essential .
President Donald Trump and Mnuchin have also noted the cruise and hotel industries are facing particular challenges as travel has shut down .
`` We 're going big , '' Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to go big , go solid . ''
`` We do n't want airlines going out of business .
We do n't people losing their jobs , '' the president said .
Democrats , though , have made clear that any support to industries must come with significant aid to workers .
There has already been dispute in Congress about paid time off in a second coronavirus relief bill , which has yet to pass the Senate .
`` Any economic relief should be contingent on the benefits flowing to workers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Sen. Tom Udall , a New Mexico Democrat , told CNBC .
Sen. Elizabeth Warren on Tuesday outlined her own set of stipulations for any Big Business that receives federal bailout money .
They include permanently giving up stock buy-backs and adding at least one seat to the board representing workers .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer 's office said Monday that he will put forth his own plan with at least $ 750 billion in spending to combat the coronavirus pandemic .
It would include forbearance on federal loans , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assistance for small businesses and emergency child care .
Mnuchin said that the administration 's plan will come into focus by `` the end of the day '' Tuesday .
The latest daily briefing came as stocks struggled to recover from one of the worst trading sessions ever a day earlier .
Trump said in Monday 's briefing that the U.S. may be able to get the new coronavirus outbreak under control by July or August at the earliest .
Equities tanked as Trump delivered those remarks .
Major indexes rose during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when Trump and his officials signaled that the administration was mobilizing a major economic response that would go into effect soon .
Markets have shed trillions of dollars amid the coronavirus spread , which has crippled major industries and forced governments around the world to take drastic steps to try to slow transmission of the disease .
States and cities have taken sweeping measures to reduce social interaction , including limiting restaurants to delivery and takeout services .
Other businesses have had to lay off and furlough employees .

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


cnbc--2020-03-17--Trump dismissed coronavirus pandemic worry in January — now claims he long warned about it

In recent days Trump has announced new , strict guidelines designed to slow the rate of virus transmission , called for cash payments to Americans to alleviate their financial distress from the pandemic , and said he was contemplating other actions .
At the same time , U.S. deaths from coronavirus have increased to at least 85 , with more than 4,660 reported cases .
Worldwide , there are more than 183,000 cases of coronavirus , and at least 7,167 deaths .
Some news reports have tied Trump 's new stance on coronavirus response to a projection that more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alone would die from COVID-19 if the government and individuals did not take radical steps to restrict interactions between people .
That projection was made by an epidemic modeling group at Imperial College London , whose lead author , Neil Ferguson , has said he sent the analysis to the White House last week , according to The New York Times .
`` Was there a shift in tone ? ''
the reporter asked the president .
`` I 've always known this is a , this is a real , this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I 've felt that it was a pandemic long before it was called a pandemic . ''
`` All you had to do was look at other countries , I think now it 's in almost a 120 countries , all over the world .
`` No , I 've always viewed it as serious , '' he said .
`` There was no difference yesterday from days before .
I feel the tone is similar but some people said it was n't . ''
But during his Jan. 22 interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` totally under control . ''
Kernen opened that interview by noting that `` a case of coronavirus '' had been identified in Washington state by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
`` Have you been briefed by the CDC ? ''
Kernen asked .
Kernen then asked : `` Are there worries about a pandemic at this point ? ''
Trump said : `` No .
Not at all . ''
`` And , we 're , we have it totally under control , '' Trump said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from China , and we have it under control .
It 's going to be just fine . ''
On Feb. 28 , Trump said that Democrats are using the coronavirus outbreak as a `` hoax '' to damage him and his administration .
`` The Democrats are politicizing the coronavirus , '' the president said at a campaign rally in South Carolina .
`` One of my people came up to me and said : 'Mr .
President they tried to beat you on Russia , Russia , Russia .
That did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They could n't do it .
They tried the impeachment hoax that was on a perfect conversation , '' he continued .
`` This is their new hoax , '' Trump said .
He also said that same day , `` We have to take it very , very seriously .
... We are preparing for the worst . ''
`` `` My administration has taken the most aggressive action in modern history to prevent the spread of this illness in the United States .
We are ready .
We are ready .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , `` It 's going to disappear .
One day , it 's like a miracle , it will disappear . ''
Here is a timeline of Trump 's comments on coronavirus : Feb. 7 ( tweet ) : `` … as the weather starts to warm & the virus hopefully becomes weaker , and then gone . ''
Feb. 10 : `` I think the virus is going to be — it 's going to be fine . ''
Feb. 14 : `` We have a very small number of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with it .
It 's like around 12 .
Many of them are getting better .
Some are fully recovered already .
So we 're in very good shape . ''
Feb. 19 : `` I think it 's going to work out fine .
I think when we get into April , in the warmer weather , that has a very negative effect on that and that type of a virus .
So let 's see what happens , but I think it 's going to work out fine . ''
Feb. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coronavirus is very much under control in the USA .
… Stock Market starting to look very good to me ! ''
Feb. 25 : `` You may ask about the coronavirus , which is very well under control in our country .
We have very few people with it , and the people that have it are … getting better .
They 're all getting better .
… As far as what we 're doing with the new virus , I think that we 're doing a great job . ''
Feb. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've done , the risk to the American people remains very low .
… When you have 15 people , and the 15 within a couple of days is going to be down to close to zero .
That 's a pretty good job we 've done . ''
Feb. 28 : `` I think it 's really going well .
… We 're prepared for the worst , but we think we 're going to be very fortunate . ''
Feb. 28 : `` It 's going to disappear .
One day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will disappear . ''
Feb. 28 : `` This is their new hoax . ''
March 4 : `` Some people will have this at a very light level and wo n't even go to a doctor or hospital , and they 'll get better .
There are many people like that . ''
March 9 ( tweet ) : `` So last year 37,000 Americans died from the common Flu .
It averages between 27,000 and 70,000 per year .
Nothing is shut down , life & the economy go on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed cases of CoronaVirus , with 22 deaths .
Think about that ! ''
March 10 : `` And it hit the world .
And we 're prepared , and we 're doing a great job with it .
And it will go away .
Just stay calm .
It will go away . ''
March 11 : `` I think we 're going to get through it very well . ''
March 12 : `` It 's going to go away .
...
The United States , because of what I did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we have 32 deaths at this point … when you look at the kind of numbers that you 're seeing coming out of other countries , it 's pretty amazing when you think of it . ''
March 15 : `` This is a very contagious virus .
It 's incredible .
But it 's something that we have tremendous control over . ''
March 16 : `` If you 're talking about the virus , no , that 's not under control for any place in the world . ''
March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is a , this is a real , this is a pandemic … I 've felt that it was a pandemic long before it was called a pandemic . ''

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U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a Coronavirus Task Force news conference in the briefing room of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Kevin Dietsch | Bloomberg | Getty Images
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Kernen opened that interview by noting that "a case of coronavirus" had been identified in Washington state by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Have you been briefed by the CDC?" Kernen asked. "I have," Trump replied. Kernen then asked: "Are there worries about a pandemic at this point?" Trump said: "No. Not at all." "And, we're, we have it totally under control," Trump said. "It's one person coming in from China, and we have it under control. It's going to be just fine." On Feb. 28, Trump said that Democrats are using the coronavirus outbreak as a "hoax" to damage him and his administration. "The Democrats are politicizing the coronavirus," the president said at a campaign rally in South Carolina.
President Donald Trump speaks during a CNBC Exclusive interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on Jan. 22nd, 2020. Adam Galica | CNBC


cnbc--2020-03-17--Pompeo calls Iranian regime 'an accomplice' amid deepening coronavirus outbreak

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks at the U.S. State Department January 07 , 2020 in Washington , DC .
WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , the nation 's top diplomat , called out the Iranian regime on Tuesday for a lack of transparency amid the deadly coronavirus outbreak .
`` Instead of focusing on the needs of the Iranian people and accepting genuine offers of support , senior Iranians lied about the Wuhan virus outbreak for weeks , '' Pompeo said during a press briefing at the Department of State .
`` The Iranian leadership is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incompetent and deadly governments .
The Wuhan virus is a killer and the Iranian regime is an accomplice , '' he added .
The virus — which has already killed more than 7,167 people and infected more than 183,000 people around the world — is spreading as the Iranian regime deals with intensifying U.S. sanctions .
Tehran has urged other countries to back its call for the lifting of U.S. sanctions due to the coronavirus pandemic .
`` Unlawful US sanctions drained Iran 's economic resources , impairing ability to fight # COVID19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zarif tweeted on Tuesday .
`` We are trying to help , we continue to offer assistance to Iran in numerous ways .
We have an open humanitarian channel to facilitate legitimate transactions even while ensuring that our maximum pressure campaign denies terrorists money , '' Pompeo said , adding that he hopes Tehran will accept U.S. support .
The sanctions are the lastest move in aggressive tit-for-tat exchanges between Tehran and Washington that began in 2018 , when Trump unilaterally withdrew from a 2015 international agreement to limit Iran 's nuclear program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced new sanctions days after Iran fired missiles at U.S. targets in Iraq in retaliation for an American airstrike in Baghdad that killed Iran 's top military leader , Qasem Soleimani .
After the January missile strikes , President Donald Trump said the U.S. will `` immediately impose additional punishing economic sanctions on the Iranian regime . ''
In December , State Department officials said that the maximum pressure campaign on Iran will intensify in 2020 , as the U.S. seeks to rein in Tehran 's pursuit of nuclear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be more sanctions to come , and Iran 's economic problems and challenges are going to compound in 2020 , '' a senior State Department official said on a Dec. 30 call with reporters .
`` They are already deep into a recession , and we are also seeing Iran come under greater diplomatic isolation . ''

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks at the U.S. State Department January 07, 2020 in Washington, DC.
WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the nation's top diplomat, called out the Iranian regime on Tuesday for a lack of transparency amid the deadly coronavirus outbreak.
"Instead of focusing on the needs of the Iranian people and accepting genuine offers of support, senior Iranians lied about the Wuhan virus outbreak for weeks," Pompeo said during a press briefing at the Department of State.
"The Iranian leadership is trying to avoid responsibility for their grossly incompetent and deadly governments. The Wuhan virus is a killer and the Iranian regime is an accomplice," he added.
The virus — which has already killed more than 7,167 people and infected more than 183,000 people around the world — is spreading as the Iranian regime deals with intensifying U.S. sanctions.
Tehran has urged other countries to back its call for the lifting of U.S. sanctions due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"Unlawful US sanctions drained Iran's economic resources, impairing ability to fight #COVID19," Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted on Tuesday.
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"We are trying to help, we continue to offer assistance to Iran in numerous ways. We have an open humanitarian channel to facilitate legitimate transactions even while ensuring that our maximum pressure campaign denies terrorists money," Pompeo said, adding that he hopes Tehran will accept U.S. support.
The sanctions are the lastest move in aggressive tit-for-tat exchanges between Tehran and Washington that began in 2018, when Trump unilaterally withdrew from a 2015 international agreement to limit Iran's nuclear program.
Earlier this year, Pompeo and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced new sanctions days after Iran fired missiles at U.S. targets in Iraq in retaliation for an American airstrike in Baghdad that killed Iran's top military leader, Qasem Soleimani.
After the January missile strikes, President Donald Trump said the U.S. will "immediately impose additional punishing economic sanctions on the Iranian regime."
In December, State Department officials said that the maximum pressure campaign on Iran will intensify in 2020, as the U.S. seeks to rein in Tehran's pursuit of nuclear infrastructure and regional aggression.
"There will be more sanctions to come, and Iran's economic problems and challenges are going to compound in 2020," a senior State Department official said on a Dec. 30 call with reporters. "They are already deep into a recession, and we are also seeing Iran come under greater diplomatic isolation."
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cnbc--2020-03-17--China expels journalists from New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Washington Post

Wall Street Journal reporters Josh Chin ( R ) and Philip Wen walk through Beijing Capital Airport before their departure on February 24 , 2020 .
China said Tuesday that it will expel American journalists working in the country for The New York Times , The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post whose press credentials are due to expire in 2020 .
The country 's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that U.S. reporters for those publications must return their press cards within 10 days .
`` They will not be allowed to continue working as journalists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including its Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions , '' the statement said .
China also demanded that Voice of America , the Times , the Journal , the Post and Time magazine provide information about their operations in the country , including staffing and finance information .
It was not immediately clear how many American journalists would be affected , and spokespeople for each of the news outlets and Voice of America , an international broadcaster funded by Congress , did not provide figures in response to inquiries .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which comes in the midst of a global public health crisis over COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus .
Washington Post Executive Editor Marty Baron said in a statement that it was `` particularly regrettable '' during the COVID-19 pandemic , when reliable information about the international response is essential .
`` Severely limiting the flow of that information , which China now seeks to do , only aggravates the situation , '' Baron said .
Wall Street Journal Editor-in-Chief Matt Murray said in a statement that `` China 's unprecedented attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a time of unparalleled global crisis .
Trusted news reporting from and about China has never been more important . ''
`` We oppose government interference with a free press anywhere in the world .
Our commitment to reporting fully and deeply on China is unchanged , '' Murray said .
New York Times Executive Editor Dean Baquet said the paper had more reporters in China than anywhere besides the U.S .
He said it was `` critical that the governments of the United States and China move quickly to resolve this dispute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work of informing the public . ''
`` The health and safety of people around the world depend on impartial reporting about its two largest economies , both of them now battling a common epidemic , '' he said .
China 's move continues a tit-for-tat battle between Washington and Beijing that began in February after the Journal ran an opinion article with the headline , `` China Is the Real Sick Man of Asia . ''
The headline infuriated the Chinese government , which responded by revoking the press passes of three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is operates independently of its opinion pages .
In response , on March 2 , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo imposed a cap on the number of individuals permitted to work for Chinese government-controlled media organizations in the United States .
The move cut the number of employees to 100 , down from 160 .
In its statement on Tuesday , China 's foreign affairs ministry slammed what it called the `` unwarranted restrictions on Chinese media agencies and personnel . ''
China said its retaliatory moves were `` entirely necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take in response to the unreasonable oppression the Chinese media organizations experience in the US . ''
`` What the US has done is exclusively targeting Chinese media organizations , and hence driven by a Cold War mentality and ideological bias , '' the ministry said .
`` It has seriously tarnished the reputation and image of Chinese media organizations , seriously affected their normal operation in the US , and seriously disrupted people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two countries . ''
The ministry said the U.S. `` exposed the hypocrisy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and urged Washington to `` immediately change course , undo the damage , and stop its political oppression and arbitrary restrictions on Chinese media organizations . ''
The ministry warned of further countermeasures if the U.S. `` choose to go further down the wrong path . ''
Pompeo , speaking during a news conference on Tuesday , addressed China 's move , saying `` I regret China 's decision to further foreclose the world 's ability to conduct free press operations . ''
`` Frankly , it would be really good for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Chinese people in these incredibly challenging global times where more information , more transparency are what will save lives . ''

Wall Street Journal reporters Josh Chin (R) and Philip Wen walk through Beijing Capital Airport before their departure on February 24, 2020.
China said Tuesday that it will expel American journalists working in the country for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post whose press credentials are due to expire in 2020.
The country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that U.S. reporters for those publications must return their press cards within 10 days.
"They will not be allowed to continue working as journalists in the People's Republic of China, including its Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions," the statement said.
China also demanded that Voice of America, the Times, the Journal, the Post and Time magazine provide information about their operations in the country, including staffing and finance information.
It was not immediately clear how many American journalists would be affected, and spokespeople for each of the news outlets and Voice of America, an international broadcaster funded by Congress, did not provide figures in response to inquiries.
But newsroom leaders criticized China's move, which comes in the midst of a global public health crisis over COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus.
Washington Post Executive Editor Marty Baron said in a statement that it was "particularly regrettable" during the COVID-19 pandemic, when reliable information about the international response is essential. "Severely limiting the flow of that information, which China now seeks to do, only aggravates the situation," Baron said.
Wall Street Journal Editor-in-Chief Matt Murray said in a statement that "China's unprecedented attack on freedom of the press comes at a time of unparalleled global crisis. Trusted news reporting from and about China has never been more important."
"We oppose government interference with a free press anywhere in the world. Our commitment to reporting fully and deeply on China is unchanged," Murray said.
New York Times Executive Editor Dean Baquet said the paper had more reporters in China than anywhere besides the U.S. He said it was "critical that the governments of the United States and China move quickly to resolve this dispute and allow journalists to do the important work of informing the public."
"The health and safety of people around the world depend on impartial reporting about its two largest economies, both of them now battling a common epidemic," he said.
VOA, in a statement posted to its website, said the Chinese "restrictions on the free press are wrong and we stand firm in our commitment to free press operations in China and around the world."
China's move continues a tit-for-tat battle between Washington and Beijing that began in February after the Journal ran an opinion article with the headline, "China Is the Real Sick Man of Asia."
The headline infuriated the Chinese government, which responded by revoking the press passes of three reporters for the Journal's news division, which is operates independently of its opinion pages.
In response, on March 2, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo imposed a cap on the number of individuals permitted to work for Chinese government-controlled media organizations in the United States. The move cut the number of employees to 100, down from 160.
In its statement on Tuesday, China's foreign affairs ministry slammed what it called the "unwarranted restrictions on Chinese media agencies and personnel."
China said its retaliatory moves were "entirely necessary and reciprocal countermeasures that China is compelled to take in response to the unreasonable oppression the Chinese media organizations experience in the US."
"What the US has done is exclusively targeting Chinese media organizations, and hence driven by a Cold War mentality and ideological bias," the ministry said. "It has seriously tarnished the reputation and image of Chinese media organizations, seriously affected their normal operation in the US, and seriously disrupted people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two countries."
The ministry said the U.S. "exposed the hypocrisy of the self-styled advocate of press freedom" and urged Washington to "immediately change course, undo the damage, and stop its political oppression and arbitrary restrictions on Chinese media organizations."
The ministry warned of further countermeasures if the U.S. "choose to go further down the wrong path."
Pompeo, speaking during a news conference on Tuesday, addressed China's move, saying "I regret China's decision to further foreclose the world's ability to conduct free press operations."
"Frankly, it would be really good for the Chinese people, really good for the Chinese people in these incredibly challenging global times where more information, more transparency are what will save lives."
-- CNBC's Amanda Macias contributed to this report.


cnbc--2020-03-17--Former California Rep. Duncan Hunter sentenced to 11 months for misuse of campaign funds

After years of denying any wrongdoing , former Rep. Duncan Hunter has been sentenced to 11 months in prison and three years of supervised probation , according to NBC 's San Diego TV station KNSD .
A California Republican who represented the state 's 50th Congressional district , Hunter and his wife were charged with 60 criminal counts of campaign finance violations in August 2018 ahead of the midterm election .
They faced allegations of spending campaign funds on personal items such as vacations , gas , groceries -- and airfare for a pet rabbit .
Federal Election Commission finance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use .
Hunter initially denied any wrongdoing , pleading not guilty and dubbing his prosecution a `` witch hunt . ''
But in December , he swiftly changed course .
In an interview with KUSI News when he announced his plan to change his plea , Hunter said , `` I think it 's important that people know that I did make mistakes .
I did not properly monitor or account for my campaign money .
I justify my plea with the understanding that I am responsible for my own campaign and my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he pleaded guilty to a single felony count of misuse of campaign funds , but he stayed on in his lawmaker role for a month longer , resigning only on Jan. 7 .
Even after submitting his guilty plea , Hunter continued to receive his taxpayer-funded salary , which is about $ 477 per day , according to the Huffington Post .
Hunter , 43 , faced a maximum of five years in jail , but prosecutors asked Judge Thomas Whelan to impose a much lighter sentence on account of the December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whelan , who presided over Hunter 's case , delivered the sentence in San Diego 's Southern District of California court .
The judge ordered Hunter to surrender to the court on May 29 due to concerns over the increasingly deadly coronavirus outbreak , according to a PBS reporter .
Despite concerns related to the coronavirus , the trial took place in person , with several parties who are within the age range that health officials cite as the most vulnerable to the outbreak .
Whelan is 80 years old , and Hunter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late 60s , according to the Times of San Diego .
California Gov .
Gavin Newsom decided not to call a special election to replace Hunter , his office told CNBC in January , meaning California 's 50th Congressional district will go unrepresented until the November midterm elections .
Margaret , Hunter 's wife and former campaign treasurer , took a plea deal earlier this year .
She admitted to her role in the scandal and agreed to testify against her husband .
Hunter was first elected to his seat in 2008 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 51.7 % of the vote , despite facing indictment .
His family has served in Congress for decades .
Hunter 's father was in the House for 28 years before him .

After years of denying any wrongdoing, former Rep. Duncan Hunter has been sentenced to 11 months in prison and three years of supervised probation, according to NBC's San Diego TV station KNSD.
NBC7 Tweet
A California Republican who represented the state's 50th Congressional district, Hunter and his wife were charged with 60 criminal counts of campaign finance violations in August 2018 ahead of the midterm election. They faced allegations of spending campaign funds on personal items such as vacations, gas, groceries -- and airfare for a pet rabbit.
Federal Election Commission finance rules prohibit spending campaign funds for personal use.
Hunter initially denied any wrongdoing, pleading not guilty and dubbing his prosecution a "witch hunt."
But in December, he swiftly changed course.
In an interview with KUSI News when he announced his plan to change his plea, Hunter said, "I think it's important that people know that I did make mistakes. I did not properly monitor or account for my campaign money. I justify my plea with the understanding that I am responsible for my own campaign and my own campaign money."
In December, he pleaded guilty to a single felony count of misuse of campaign funds, but he stayed on in his lawmaker role for a month longer, resigning only on Jan. 7. Even after submitting his guilty plea, Hunter continued to receive his taxpayer-funded salary, which is about $477 per day, according to the Huffington Post.
Hunter, 43, faced a maximum of five years in jail, but prosecutors asked Judge Thomas Whelan to impose a much lighter sentence on account of the December deal, recommending 14 months instead.
Whelan, who presided over Hunter's case, delivered the sentence in San Diego's Southern District of California court. The judge ordered Hunter to surrender to the court on May 29 due to concerns over the increasingly deadly coronavirus outbreak, according to a PBS reporter.
PBS tweet
Despite concerns related to the coronavirus, the trial took place in person, with several parties who are within the age range that health officials cite as the most vulnerable to the outbreak. Whelan is 80 years old, and Hunter's attorney Paul Pfingst is in his late 60s, according to the Times of San Diego.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom decided not to call a special election to replace Hunter, his office told CNBC in January, meaning California's 50th Congressional district will go unrepresented until the November midterm elections.
Margaret, Hunter's wife and former campaign treasurer, took a plea deal earlier this year. She admitted to her role in the scandal and agreed to testify against her husband.
Hunter was first elected to his seat in 2008. He won again in November 2018 with 51.7% of the vote, despite facing indictment.
His family has served in Congress for decades. Hunter's father was in the House for 28 years before him.


cnbc--2020-03-17--Cuomo and Trump patch up their war of words over coronavirus as cases mount

New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo and President Donald Trump agreed Tuesday to work together to fight the coronavirus pandemic , reaching a cease-fire in their war of words .
The Democratic governor asked the federal government to help his state fight the spread of COVID-19 , a day after he accused the Trump administration of a lack of leadership in the crisis .
`` It is essential that the federal government works with this state , '' Cuomo said at a press conference in Albany .
`` We can not do this on our own . ''
The remarks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just a day earlier , when the governor said the Trump administration has been `` behind from day one of this crisis . ''
At Tuesday 's news conference , Cuomo announced that the virus had spread to at least 1,374 people in New York , hospitalizing 19 % of them and killing at least 12 .
During the news conference , the state health commissioner announced that about 1,700 cases had been confirmed .
Cuomo , said he spoke to Trump earlier in the day and `` put my hand out in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work together 100 % , '' Cuomo said .
`` I need your help , I want your help , and New Yorkers will do everything they can to be good partners with the federal government . ''
`` I think the president was 100 % sincere in saying that he wanted to work together ... in a spirit of cooperation , '' Cuomo added .
`` I want to say thank you ... they will have nothing but cooperation and partnership from the state of New York . ''
`` There 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , Cuomo added .
`` The president is doing the right thing in offering to step up with New York , and I appreciate it . ''
Trump responded in kind during a midday briefing at the White House .
`` With respect to Governor Cuomo , we had a really good talk this morning , '' Trump said .
`` We 're both doing a really good job . ''
The efforts to bury the hatchet came just a few hours after the president admonished the governor for his prior comments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be treated the same . '
But all states are n't the same , '' Trump tweeted Tuesday morning .
`` Some are being hit hard by the Chinese Virus , some are being hit practically not at all .
New York is a very big 'hotspot ' , West Virginia has , thus far , zero cases . ''
`` Andrew , keep politics out of it , '' the president added .
Tempers flared between the two after Cuomo 's initial comments a day earlier .
`` Cuomo of New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump tweeted Monday afternoon following a conference call with governors .
It was not clear whom the president appeared to be quoting in the tweet .
Cuomo shot off a fiery response shortly after : `` I have to do more ?
No — YOU have to do something !
You 're supposed to be the President . ''

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and President Donald Trump agreed Tuesday to work together to fight the coronavirus pandemic, reaching a cease-fire in their war of words.
The Democratic governor asked the federal government to help his state fight the spread of COVID-19, a day after he accused the Trump administration of a lack of leadership in the crisis.
"It is essential that the federal government works with this state," Cuomo said at a press conference in Albany. "We cannot do this on our own."
The remarks offered a stark change in tone from just a day earlier, when the governor said the Trump administration has been "behind from day one of this crisis."
At Tuesday's news conference, Cuomo announced that the virus had spread to at least 1,374 people in New York, hospitalizing 19% of them and killing at least 12. During the news conference, the state health commissioner announced that about 1,700 cases had been confirmed.
Cuomo, said he spoke to Trump earlier in the day and "put my hand out in partnership."
"I want to work together 100%," Cuomo said. "I need your help, I want your help, and New Yorkers will do everything they can to be good partners with the federal government."
"I think the president was 100% sincere in saying that he wanted to work together ... in a spirit of cooperation," Cuomo added. "I want to say thank you ... they will have nothing but cooperation and partnership from the state of New York."
"There's no time for" hyper-partisan politicking right now, Cuomo added. "The president is doing the right thing in offering to step up with New York, and I appreciate it."
Trump responded in kind during a midday briefing at the White House.
"With respect to Governor Cuomo, we had a really good talk this morning," Trump said. "We're both doing a really good job."
The efforts to bury the hatchet came just a few hours after the president admonished the governor for his prior comments.
"Cuomo wants 'all states to be treated the same.' But all states aren't the same," Trump tweeted Tuesday morning.
"Some are being hit hard by the Chinese Virus, some are being hit practically not at all. New York is a very big 'hotspot', West Virginia has, thus far, zero cases."
"Andrew, keep politics out of it," the president added.
TWEET
Tempers flared between the two after Cuomo's initial comments a day earlier.
"Cuomo of New York has to 'do more,'" Trump tweeted Monday afternoon following a conference call with governors. It was not clear whom the president appeared to be quoting in the tweet.
TWEET
Cuomo shot off a fiery response shortly after: "I have to do more? No — YOU have to do something! You're supposed to be the President."
TWEET


cnbc--2020-03-17--Trump spoke with restaurant company CEOs about coronavirus response

President Donald Trump spoke with executives of the largest U.S. restaurant companies on Tuesday about keeping drive-thru options open to feed people and financial support for the industry .
Participants on the call with Trump included the CEOs of Domino 's Pizza , Chick-fil-A , Subway , Restaurant Brands International , Bloomin ' Brands , Yum Brands , Darden Restaurants , Papa John 's , Wendy 's and Raising Cane 's .
McDonald 's U.S. president also participated .
The White House said that the executives all committed encouraging customers to use drive-thru , pickup or delivery options in response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive on the call with the president urged the White House to take action to support small business owners with a fund that would provide cash flow for business owners to remain solvent during the coronavirus pandemic , keep employees on payroll and continue to grow once things stabilize , according to a person with direct knowledge of the call .
In response the president indicated his support , saying that `` I think you 're really going to like what we 're doing , '' the source said .
Another source with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was productive and Trump made `` completely clear '' the White House was not considering shutting down restaurants or delivery services at this time .
Yum Brands , which owns Taco Bell , KFC and Pizza Hut , said in a statement that it was a very productive meeting .
A representative for Domino 's Pizza said that the call was `` very brief , '' and Trump expressed support for the industry and its role in feeding and employing people during this time .
`` We shared our commitment to supporting public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essential access to food , '' Wendy 's spokeswoman Heidi Schauer said in a statement .
`` We are grateful that the White House sought our collective industry perspective . ''
`` They have been fantastic , '' the president said .
`` They 're keeping it open , smaller staffs .
Very capable people , very capable companies . ''
At least 19 states across the country have mandated that restaurants and bars close their dining rooms amid the outbreak .
Restaurant companies like Chick-fil-A , McDonald 's and Starbucks have already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the U.S .
Separately , McDonald 's said Tuesday it may offer some franchisees rent deferrals as restaurants close or see traffic plunge .
The global fast-food giant also warned that the `` negative financial impact '' to its results can not be reasonably estimated at this time .
The chief executives of the International Franchise Association and the National Retail Federation were also on the call , as well as Treasury Secretary Steve Mnunchin and Larry Kudlow , the president 's top economic advisor .
Here are the participants : Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mnuchin , Department of the Treasury Larry Kudlow , Assistant to the President and Director of the National Economic Council Tim Pataki , Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Public Liaison External participants Richard Allison , CEO , Domino 's Pizza Dan Cathy , CEO , Chick-fil-A John Chidsey , CEO , Subway Jose Cil , CEO , Restaurant Brands International Robert Cresanti , President and CEO¸ International Franchise Association David Deno , CEO , Bloomin ' Brands Joe Erlinger , President , McDonald 's USA David Gibbs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kumaran , Co-CEO and COO , Raising Cane 's Gene Lee , President and CEO , Darden Restaurants Rob Lynch , CEO , Papa Johns Todd Penegor , CEO , Wendy's Matt Shay , National Retail Federation

President Donald Trump spoke with executives of the largest U.S. restaurant companies on Tuesday about keeping drive-thru options open to feed people and financial support for the industry.
Participants on the call with Trump included the CEOs of Domino's Pizza , Chick-fil-A, Subway, Restaurant Brands International , Bloomin' Brands , Yum Brands , Darden Restaurants , Papa John's , Wendy's and Raising Cane's. McDonald's U.S. president also participated.
The White House said that the executives all committed encouraging customers to use drive-thru, pickup or delivery options in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
One industry executive on the call with the president urged the White House to take action to support small business owners with a fund that would provide cash flow for business owners to remain solvent during the coronavirus pandemic, keep employees on payroll and continue to grow once things stabilize, according to a person with direct knowledge of the call.
In response the president indicated his support, saying that "I think you're really going to like what we're doing," the source said.
Another source with direct knowledge of the call said it was productive and Trump made "completely clear" the White House was not considering shutting down restaurants or delivery services at this time.
Yum Brands, which owns Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut, said in a statement that it was a very productive meeting. A representative for Domino's Pizza said that the call was "very brief," and Trump expressed support for the industry and its role in feeding and employing people during this time.
"We shared our commitment to supporting public health and safety while continuing to ensure essential access to food," Wendy's spokeswoman Heidi Schauer said in a statement. "We are grateful that the White House sought our collective industry perspective."
Trump praised the executives at a late morning briefing Tuesday.
"They have been fantastic," the president said. "They're keeping it open, smaller staffs. Very capable people, very capable companies."
At least 19 states across the country have mandated that restaurants and bars close their dining rooms amid the outbreak. Restaurant companies like Chick-fil-A, McDonald's and Starbucks have already closed their dining rooms in company-owned locations in the U.S.
Separately, McDonald's said Tuesday it may offer some franchisees rent deferrals as restaurants close or see traffic plunge. The global fast-food giant also warned that the "negative financial impact" to its results cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.
The chief executives of the International Franchise Association and the National Retail Federation were also on the call, as well as Treasury Secretary Steve Mnunchin and Larry Kudlow, the president's top economic advisor.
Here are the participants:
Trump administration
President Donald J. Trump
Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Department of the Treasury
Larry Kudlow, Assistant to the President and Director of the National Economic Council
Tim Pataki, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Public Liaison
External participants
Richard Allison, CEO, Domino's Pizza
Dan Cathy, CEO, Chick-fil-A
John Chidsey, CEO, Subway
Jose Cil, CEO, Restaurant Brands International
Robert Cresanti, President and CEO¸ International Franchise Association
David Deno, CEO, Bloomin' Brands
Joe Erlinger, President, McDonald's USA
David Gibbs, CEO, YUM! Brands
AJ Kumaran, Co-CEO and COO, Raising Cane's
Gene Lee, President and CEO, Darden Restaurants
Rob Lynch, CEO, Papa Johns
Todd Penegor, CEO, Wendy's
Matt Shay, National Retail Federation


cnbc--2020-03-17--Regulators consider loosening bank liquidity rules amid coronavirus crisis, could boost loan volume

Federal regulators are discussing relaxing liquidity rules on banks and raising the amount of leverage they can hold to reduce financial pressure on them stemming from the coronavirus pandemic , sources said Tuesday .
The steps being discussed could allow banks to take on a higher proportion of loans with lower credit ratings , and make banks more likely to extend loans to companies that could , in the near future , be classified as risky .
Those companies include firms in the energy and travel sectors , which have been particularly hit by the unfolding public health crisis and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Federal Reserve , which determines how much extra capital , or liquidity , a bank should hold , on Tuesday released new guidance relaxing those guidelines , and may move to relax banks ' leverage ratios as well , according to three sources familiar with the matter .
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency , which regulates banks and federal savings associations , is considering relaxing its rules related to leveraged lending that were introduced in 2013 , according to sources .
But the OCC has not made a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules — and there is substantial resistance to doing so , according to sources .

Federal regulators are discussing relaxing liquidity rules on banks and raising the amount of leverage they can hold to reduce financial pressure on them stemming from the coronavirus pandemic, sources said Tuesday.
The steps being discussed could allow banks to take on a higher proportion of loans with lower credit ratings, and make banks more likely to extend loans to companies that could, in the near future, be classified as risky.
Those companies include firms in the energy and travel sectors, which have been particularly hit by the unfolding public health crisis and a related global pullback in economic activity.
The Federal Reserve, which determines how much extra capital, or liquidity, a bank should hold, on Tuesday released new guidance relaxing those guidelines, and may move to relax banks' leverage ratios as well, according to three sources familiar with the matter.
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, which regulates banks and federal savings associations, is considering relaxing its rules related to leveraged lending that were introduced in 2013, according to sources.
But the OCC has not made a final decision on whether to loosen the rules — and there is substantial resistance to doing so, according to sources.


cnbc--2020-03-17--Joe Biden gets Secret Service detail as he closes in on the 2020 Democratic nomination

Former Vice President Joe Biden , 2020 Democratic presidential candidate , right , watches as his wife Jill Biden , center , blocks a protester from arriving on stage during an primary night rally in the Baldwin Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles , California , U.S. , on Tuesday , March 3 , 2020 .
Former Vice President Joe Biden has been assigned Secret Service to tail him as his 2020 bid for president ramps up , according to the Secret Service .
`` The U.S. Secret Service can confirm that we have initiated full protective coverage for Democratic Presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' a spokesperson for the agency said in a statement to CNBC .
Biden 's campaign submitted a formal request for protection from the Secret Service last week .
Senior congressional officials consult with Homeland Security to determine whether a request for Secret Service from candidates is warranted .
Presidential candidates , especially as November nears , begin to gain attention , sometimes putting them at greater risk of danger .
The request for Secret Service comes even as Biden said he will largely stay off the campaign trail , adhering to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' to combat the deadly coronavirus outbreak , which has killed thousands of people globally .
Biden was assigned Secret Service during his tenure in former President Barack Obama 's administration .
On the campaign trail , Biden 's Secret Service code name will be `` Celtic , '' CNN reported , the same as when he was vice president .
Discussion of Biden 's protection arose after earlier this month , when an anti-dairy protester stormed on stage where the candidate was delivering a victory speech .
Biden 's wife , Jill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her husband , using her arms to hold her back .
The incident was a `` wake-up call '' for Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont , his chief rival in the Democratic nomination , former Secret Service agent Jonathan Wackrow told NPR .
Sanders ' campaign rallies have also experienced situations that could have escalated to dangerous levels .
On March 5 , as the Vermont senator was delivering a speech in Arizona , a man in the crowd stood up and held up over his head a red flag bearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were to secure the Democratic nomination and win the election in November , would be the first Jewish president .
The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately return a request for comment asking if the Sanders campaign submitted a request for Secret Service .
Biden and Sanders have emerged from a crowded field of Democrats as the front-runners vying for the chance to take on President Donald Trump in November .
Several rounds of state primaries gave Biden a boost just as his campaign looked like it was collapsing .
Biden maintains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earned 871 delegates so far , compared with Sanders ' 719 .
To claim victory as the Democratic nominee , a candidate must secure 1,991 delegates .
Biden is favored in primaries Tuesday in Arizona , Florida and Illinois .
Tuesday 's Ohio primary was recommended to be postponed on Monday night by the governor because of the coronavirus pandemic .

Former Vice President Joe Biden, 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, right, watches as his wife Jill Biden, center, blocks a protester from arriving on stage during an primary night rally in the Baldwin Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, U.S., on Tuesday, March 3, 2020.
Former Vice President Joe Biden has been assigned Secret Service to tail him as his 2020 bid for president ramps up, according to the Secret Service.
"The U.S. Secret Service can confirm that we have initiated full protective coverage for Democratic Presidential Candidate and former Vice President Joseph Biden," a spokesperson for the agency said in a statement to CNBC.
Biden's campaign submitted a formal request for protection from the Secret Service last week.
Senior congressional officials consult with Homeland Security to determine whether a request for Secret Service from candidates is warranted. Presidential candidates, especially as November nears, begin to gain attention, sometimes putting them at greater risk of danger.
The request for Secret Service comes even as Biden said he will largely stay off the campaign trail, adhering to warnings from officials about "social distancing" to combat the deadly coronavirus outbreak, which has killed thousands of people globally.
Biden was assigned Secret Service during his tenure in former President Barack Obama's administration.
On the campaign trail, Biden's Secret Service code name will be "Celtic," CNN reported, the same as when he was vice president.
Discussion of Biden's protection arose after earlier this month, when an anti-dairy protester stormed on stage where the candidate was delivering a victory speech. Biden's wife, Jill, blocked the protester from getting near her husband, using her arms to hold her back.
The incident was a "wake-up call" for Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, his chief rival in the Democratic nomination, former Secret Service agent Jonathan Wackrow told NPR.
Sanders' campaign rallies have also experienced situations that could have escalated to dangerous levels.
On March 5, as the Vermont senator was delivering a speech in Arizona, a man in the crowd stood up and held up over his head a red flag bearing a swastika. Sanders, if he were to secure the Democratic nomination and win the election in November, would be the first Jewish president.
The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately return a request for comment asking if the Sanders campaign submitted a request for Secret Service.
Biden and Sanders have emerged from a crowded field of Democrats as the front-runners vying for the chance to take on President Donald Trump in November.
Several rounds of state primaries gave Biden a boost just as his campaign looked like it was collapsing. Biden maintains a solid lead over Sanders, having earned 871 delegates so far, compared with Sanders' 719. To claim victory as the Democratic nominee, a candidate must secure 1,991 delegates.
Biden is favored in primaries Tuesday in Arizona, Florida and Illinois. Tuesday's Ohio primary was recommended to be postponed on Monday night by the governor because of the coronavirus pandemic.


cnbc--2020-03-17--Trump administration wants an $850 billion stimulus plan to curb coronavirus damage

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference in the briefing room of the White House in Washington , D.C. , U.S. , on Monday , March 16 , 2020 .
The Trump administration wants an $ 850 billion economic stimulus plan , two administration officials told NBC News .
The White House 's proposal would include about $ 50 billion in aid to an airline industry battered by the global pandemic , according to The Washington Post , which along with Politico reported the $ 850 billion figure earlier Tuesday .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin heads to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus response package with Senate Republicans as policymakers try to stave off economic calamity .
Congress already passed $ 8.3 billion in emergency funding to help stop the coronavirus disease 's spread .
A separate plan to expand paid leave benefits , boost unemployment insurance and make testing more affordable is working its way through the Capitol this week .
The outbreak has wreaked havoc on the economy , as restaurants , bars and event venues close down or limit service and stores take a hit from Americans staying inside .
The travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and cruise lines , has taken a beating .
Washington has scrambled to blunt a potential economic free fall .
The push includes efforts to protect workers who lose their jobs or wages because of the crisis .
The Federal Reserve has also taken emergency steps such as cutting interest rates to zero and launching a quantitative easing program .
Stocks had their worst day Monday since 1987 .
Officials have put forward a bevy of options to inject cash into the economy .
The White House has repeatedly mentioned the possibility of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have also floated giving money directly to Americans .
On Monday , Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer 's office said the New York Democrat would propose a relief package of at least $ 750 billion .
It would include measures such as forbearance on federal loans and a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures .

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference in the briefing room of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Monday, March 16, 2020.
The Trump administration wants an $850 billion economic stimulus plan, two administration officials told NBC News. The White House's proposal would include about $50 billion in aid to an airline industry battered by the global pandemic, according to The Washington Post , which along with Politico reported the $850 billion figure earlier Tuesday.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin heads to the Capitol on Tuesday to discuss a third coronavirus response package with Senate Republicans as policymakers try to stave off economic calamity.
Congress already passed $8.3 billion in emergency funding to help stop the coronavirus disease's spread. A separate plan to expand paid leave benefits, boost unemployment insurance and make testing more affordable is working its way through the Capitol this week.
The outbreak has wreaked havoc on the economy, as restaurants, bars and event venues close down or limit service and stores take a hit from Americans staying inside. The travel and leisure industry, such as hotels and cruise lines, has taken a beating.
Washington has scrambled to blunt a potential economic free fall. The push includes efforts to protect workers who lose their jobs or wages because of the crisis.
The Federal Reserve has also taken emergency steps such as cutting interest rates to zero and launching a quantitative easing program. Stocks had their worst day Monday since 1987.
Officials have put forward a bevy of options to inject cash into the economy. The White House has repeatedly mentioned the possibility of a payroll tax holiday. Several lawmakers have also floated giving money directly to Americans.
On Monday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's office said the New York Democrat would propose a relief package of at least $750 billion. It would include measures such as forbearance on federal loans and a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures.
— CNBC's Eamon Javers contributed to this report
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cnbc--2020-03-17--Senators push to let every American vote by mail as coronavirus keeps people at home

Democratic Sens .
Amy Klobuchar and Ron Wyden are pushing to make vote-by-mail available to every American as the coronavirus pandemic threatens to keep people at home during election season .
`` The best way to ensure that this virus does n't keep people from the ballot box is to bring the ballot box to them .
We must allow every American the ability to vote by mail , '' the lawmakers wrote in an opinion article in The Washington Post published Monday .
`` And we must expand early voting so that voters who are not able to vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elevated infection risks of long lines and crowded polling locations . ''
The Democrats unveiled legislation last week known as the Natural Disaster and Emergency Ballot Act that will expand vote by mail and early in-person voting to all states .
For those who are disabled and can not mark ballots by hand , the legislation provides for remote ballot marking .
The proposal comes as COVID-19 is already wreaking havoc with voting in the Democratic presidential primary .
Louisiana , Georgia and Kentucky have announced postponements of their elections , and Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do away with the in-person portion of their caucuses .
In Ohio , which had been scheduled to vote on Tuesday , Republican Gov .
Mike DeWine announced late Monday that the state 's polls will be ordered closed , despite a judge 's ruling just hours earlier that rejected DeWine 's bid for a delay .
The legislation would also boost participation in states facing weather-related national emergencies , the lawmakers wrote .
Tornadoes in Tennessee threatened voters on Super Tuesday , and hurricanes and wildfires have also disrupted elections .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which federal leadership is most important .
States and local elections offices ca n't bear the burden alone , '' Klobuchar and Wyden wrote .
`` Our bill ensures they have the resources and guidance necessary to protect the constitutional rights of every American voter and keep democracy functioning as we weather this disaster . ''
Klobuchar , who dropped out of the Democratic primary earlier this month , and Wyden , whose home state of Oregon was the first to institute vote-by-mail exclusively , are longtime advocates for voting reform .

Democratic Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Ron Wyden are pushing to make vote-by-mail available to every American as the coronavirus pandemic threatens to keep people at home during election season.
"The best way to ensure that this virus doesn't keep people from the ballot box is to bring the ballot box to them. We must allow every American the ability to vote by mail," the lawmakers wrote in an opinion article in The Washington Post published Monday. "And we must expand early voting so that voters who are not able to vote by mail are not exposed to the elevated infection risks of long lines and crowded polling locations."
The Democrats unveiled legislation last week known as the Natural Disaster and Emergency Ballot Act that will expand vote by mail and early in-person voting to all states. For those who are disabled and cannot mark ballots by hand, the legislation provides for remote ballot marking.
The proposal comes as COVID-19 is already wreaking havoc with voting in the Democratic presidential primary. Louisiana, Georgia and Kentucky have announced postponements of their elections, and Democratic officials in Wyoming have said they will do away with the in-person portion of their caucuses.
In Ohio, which had been scheduled to vote on Tuesday, Republican Gov. Mike DeWine announced late Monday that the state's polls will be ordered closed, despite a judge's ruling just hours earlier that rejected DeWine's bid for a delay.
The legislation would also boost participation in states facing weather-related national emergencies, the lawmakers wrote. Tornadoes in Tennessee threatened voters on Super Tuesday, and hurricanes and wildfires have also disrupted elections.
"We're in a national emergency for which federal leadership is most important. States and local elections offices can't bear the burden alone," Klobuchar and Wyden wrote. "Our bill ensures they have the resources and guidance necessary to protect the constitutional rights of every American voter and keep democracy functioning as we weather this disaster."
Klobuchar, who dropped out of the Democratic primary earlier this month, and Wyden, whose home state of Oregon was the first to institute vote-by-mail exclusively, are longtime advocates for voting reform.


cnbc--2020-03-17--Ohio governor orders primary polls to be closed due to 'unacceptable health risk' of coronavirus

Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine said late Monday the state 's primary polls will closed on Tuesday due to the coronavirus outbreak .
`` During this time when we face an unprecedented public health crisis , to conduct an election tomorrow would force poll workers and voters to place themselves at an unacceptable health risk of contracting coronavirus , '' the Republican governor said in a statement .
DeWine said Amy Acton , director of the state 's health department , will order the polls closed as a health emergency .
He also said Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ohio was one of the four states scheduled to hold presidential primaries on Tuesday .
Illinois , another state expected to vote Tuesday , said in an earlier Monday statement that it was `` proceeding with plans for tomorrow 's primary as scheduled . ''
DeWine 's announcement came after a judge rejected a lawsuit that sought to postpone the state 's primaries to June 2 .
The Columbus Dispatch reported that Franklin County Judge Richard Frye said such a delay , 12 hours before voting was scheduled to begin , would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ohio polls had been scheduled to open at 6:30 a.m .
ET Tuesday .
Earlier , DeWine said that although he lacked the legal authority to suspend the election , he made the recommendation in light of guidance from public health officials .
Over the weekend , the CDC had advised people to reschedule events with 50 or more people .
On Sunday , DeWine ordered bars and restaurants in Ohio to close their doors to in-house customers .
He said , however , restaurants would still be able to continue their takeout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ p.m. Monday , the Ohio Department of Health has reported 50 cases in the state .
Nationwide , there have been at least 4,600 cases , according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University .

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said late Monday the state's primary polls will closed on Tuesday due to the coronavirus outbreak.
"During this time when we face an unprecedented public health crisis, to conduct an election tomorrow would force poll workers and voters to place themselves at an unacceptable health risk of contracting coronavirus," the Republican governor said in a statement.
DeWine said Amy Acton, director of the state's health department, will order the polls closed as a health emergency. He also said Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose will pursue voting options through the courts.
@GovMikeDeWine: As such, @DrAmyActon will order the polls closed as a health emergency. While the polls will be closed tomorrow, Secretary of State @FrankLaRose will seek a remedy through the courts to extend voting options so that every voter who wants to vote will be granted that opportunity.
Ohio was one of the four states scheduled to hold presidential primaries on Tuesday. Illinois, another state expected to vote Tuesday, said in an earlier Monday statement that it was "proceeding with plans for tomorrow's primary as scheduled."
DeWine's announcement came after a judge rejected a lawsuit that sought to postpone the state's primaries to June 2.
The Columbus Dispatch reported that Franklin County Judge Richard Frye said such a delay, 12 hours before voting was scheduled to begin, would set a "terrible precedent." Ohio polls had been scheduled to open at 6:30 a.m. ET Tuesday.
Earlier, DeWine said that although he lacked the legal authority to suspend the election, he made the recommendation in light of guidance from public health officials. Over the weekend, the CDC had advised people to reschedule events with 50 or more people.
On Sunday, DeWine ordered bars and restaurants in Ohio to close their doors to in-house customers. He said, however, restaurants would still be able to continue their takeout and delivery options.
As of 2 p.m. Monday, the Ohio Department of Health has reported 50 cases in the state. Nationwide, there have been at least 4,600 cases, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
— CNBC's Tucker Higgins contributed to this report.


cnbc--2020-03-17--Romney proposes sending $1,000 checks to every American to ease coronavirus economic pain

Republican presidential candidate , former Massachusetts Gov .
Mitt Romney speaks during a campaign stop at Lansing Community College May 8 , 2012 in Lansing , Michigan .
Last night former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum gave his endorsement to Gov .
Romney in an e-mail sent to supporters .
GOP Sen. Mitt Romney proposed on Monday sending every American adult $ 1,000 to ease the financial pain of the coronavirus pandemic that has tanked global markets and threatened to grind U.S. economic activity to a halt .
The proposal from the 2012 Republican nominee for president came as the White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement over the necessary stimulus measures to contain the unfolding economic crisis .
National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow , asked on Monday by a reporter whether the White House would support direct cash assistance to American households , paused and said `` we might . ''
`` The answer : 'could be , ' '' Kudlow said .
Markets , which have snapped their 11-year bull run , continued to plunge on Monday despite the Federal Reserve 's announcement over the weekend that it would cut its benchmark rate to nearly zero @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quantitative easing program .
Workers in service industries are getting slammed as airlines cancel travel and cities force restaurants to close or limit their capacity .
Meanwhile , school closures are forcing parents to stay home to watch their children , including hourly workers who will have to forego paychecks .
`` While expansions of paid leave , unemployment insurance , and SNAP benefits are crucial , the check will help fill the gaps for Americans that may not quickly navigate different government options , '' Romney said in a statement .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican party under President Donald Trump .
Romney was the only Republican senator to vote to convict the president in his impeachment trial earlier this year .
But the idea of sending out stimulus checks has been gaining traction in recent weeks .
In an opinion article in The Wall Street Journal published earlier this month , Harvard University economist Jason Furman proposed sending $ 1,000 to every taxpaying resident or citizen , and $ 500 to every child .
Former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb and Michael Strain , director of economic policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , have also pushed the idea of direct cash assistance to low-income Americans .
On the left , Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , D-N.Y. , has suggested a universal basic income as a possible remedy .
`` This is not the time for half measures , '' she wrote in a post on Twitter .
`` We need to take dramatic action now to stave off the worst public health & economic affects . ''
Congress used similar stimulus measures to boost consumer spending amid the 2001 and 2008 recessions .
Under President George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out tax rebate checks of about $ 300 to $ 600 per household in 2001 and about $ 600 per person in 2008 .
Romney also proposed on Monday a plan to provide grants to small businesses that have lost more than 50 % of their revenue and student loan deferment for recent graduates .
His plan would also require all private insurance companies to cover telehealth services related to COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus .
At the moment , legislation intended to address the crisis remains in limbo .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed legislation that would require some employers to provide paid sick leave and allocate funding for unemployment insurance and food assistance .
In a statement on Monday , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he had yet to receive a final draft of the bill , which Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said required a `` technical correction . ''
Romney said Monday that the House bill `` contains critical measures '' and that the Senate should vote on it quickly .
`` We also urgently need to build on this legislation with additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet their short-term financial obligations , ease the financial burden on students entering the workforce , and protect health workers on the front lines and their patients by improving telehealth services , '' he said .
Earlier this month , Trump signed an $ 8.3 billion relief bill earlier that pumped funding into prevention efforts and research .
The White House has signaled that a third piece of legislation is on its way , geared toward helping particularly hard-hit industries including the airlines .

Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney speaks during a campaign stop at Lansing Community College May 8, 2012 in Lansing, Michigan. Last night former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum gave his endorsement to Gov. Romney in an e-mail sent to supporters.
GOP Sen. Mitt Romney proposed on Monday sending every American adult $1,000 to ease the financial pain of the coronavirus pandemic that has tanked global markets and threatened to grind U.S. economic activity to a halt.
The proposal from the 2012 Republican nominee for president came as the White House and Congress work to reach an agreement over the necessary stimulus measures to contain the unfolding economic crisis.
National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow, asked on Monday by a reporter whether the White House would support direct cash assistance to American households, paused and said "we might."
"The answer: 'could be,'" Kudlow said.
Markets, which have snapped their 11-year bull run, continued to plunge on Monday despite the Federal Reserve's announcement over the weekend that it would cut its benchmark rate to nearly zero and begin a massive $700 billion quantitative easing program.
Workers in service industries are getting slammed as airlines cancel travel and cities force restaurants to close or limit their capacity. Meanwhile, school closures are forcing parents to stay home to watch their children, including hourly workers who will have to forego paychecks.
"While expansions of paid leave, unemployment insurance, and SNAP benefits are crucial, the check will help fill the gaps for Americans that may not quickly navigate different government options," Romney said in a statement.
The Utah lawmaker has little influence in the Republican party under President Donald Trump. Romney was the only Republican senator to vote to convict the president in his impeachment trial earlier this year.
But the idea of sending out stimulus checks has been gaining traction in recent weeks.
In an opinion article in The Wall Street Journal published earlier this month, Harvard University economist Jason Furman proposed sending $1,000 to every taxpaying resident or citizen, and $500 to every child.
Former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb and Michael Strain, director of economic policy studies at the conservative American Enterprise Institute, have also pushed the idea of direct cash assistance to low-income Americans.
On the left, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., has suggested a universal basic income as a possible remedy.
"This is not the time for half measures," she wrote in a post on Twitter. "We need to take dramatic action now to stave off the worst public health & economic affects."
AOC tweet
Congress used similar stimulus measures to boost consumer spending amid the 2001 and 2008 recessions. Under President George W. Bush, the federal government sent out tax rebate checks of about $300 to $600 per household in 2001 and about $600 per person in 2008.
Romney also proposed on Monday a plan to provide grants to small businesses that have lost more than 50% of their revenue and student loan deferment for recent graduates. His plan would also require all private insurance companies to cover telehealth services related to COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus.
At the moment, legislation intended to address the crisis remains in limbo.
On Saturday, the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives passed legislation that would require some employers to provide paid sick leave and allocate funding for unemployment insurance and food assistance.
In a statement on Monday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he had yet to receive a final draft of the bill, which Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said required a "technical correction."
Romney said Monday that the House bill "contains critical measures" and that the Senate should vote on it quickly.
"We also urgently need to build on this legislation with additional action to help families and small businesses meet their short-term financial obligations, ease the financial burden on students entering the workforce, and protect health workers on the front lines and their patients by improving telehealth services," he said.
Earlier this month, Trump signed an $8.3 billion relief bill earlier that pumped funding into prevention efforts and research.
The White House has signaled that a third piece of legislation is on its way, geared toward helping particularly hard-hit industries including the airlines.