cnbc--2020-10-21--Voters want Senate to prioritize coronavirus relief over Supreme Court, new poll finds

Flight attendants , airline pilots and other aviation workers hold a protest organized by the Association of Flight Attendants urging the US Congress to pass a Covid-19 relief package and extend the Paycheck Support Program to save aviation jobs during a rally outside the US Capitol in Washington , DC , on September 9 , 2020 .
Asked what the Senate should make its top priority right now , 66 % of U.S. likely voters answered coronavirus relief and 34 % said filling the Supreme Court vacancy , the poll released Tuesday found .
In the states of Arizona , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pennsylvania and Wisconsin , 62 % of respondents said the Senate should focus on Covid-19 aid , and 38 % said it should prioritize filling the seat .
The surveys also find Democratic nominee Joe Biden leading President Donald Trump in a still-competitive presidential race , and Democrats leading in three Senate contests that will help to decide the chamber 's majority .
About two-thirds of voters nationally and in six electoral swing states believe the Senate should focus on passing more coronavirus aid rather than confirming Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The poll findings come as Senate Republicans try to balance the thorny politics of both issues two weeks before Election Day .
The GOP-held Senate aims to confirm Barrett to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as soon as Monday .
`` That 's a false choice , because I believe we can do both , '' White House chief of staff Mark Meadows told CNBC on Tuesday about picking between providing aid and confirming Barrett .
Facing pressure to approve more relief during a sluggish recovery from pandemic-fueled economic shutdowns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a $ 500 billion aid package this week .
But the bill , similar to one Senate Democrats blocked last month , has little chance of becoming law as Democrats and the White House negotiate legislation that would cost at least $ 1.9 trillion .
A clear majority of likely voters believe the U.S. needs more economic stimulus .
Seven-in-10 respondents to the national survey said they believe the economy is struggling and the country needs more financial relief , while 30 % said they think the economy is recovering and Americans do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the six swing states , 66 % of voters said they think the economy needs more stimulus , while 34 % responded that it does not .
But the survey found neither party has come out of the coronavirus aid fight unscathed .
In the six battleground states , 45 % of voters blame Trump and Republicans for the failure to pass more aid , while 44 % put the onus on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Democrats .
Another 10 % blame both sides equally .
The swing-state poll , taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely voters and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.8 percentage points .
The national poll , taken Saturday and Sunday , surveyed 2,711 likely voters and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.9 percentage points .
The surveys found Biden holding a steady edge over Trump .
Nationally , the Democrat leads the Republican incumbent by a 52 % to 42 % margin .
Biden holds an advantage in all six swing states surveyed , though some of those leads are narrow : Democrats also lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and North Carolina , which will play a major role in determining whether the GOP keeps its 53-47 majority in the chamber .
Democrat Mark Kelly leads incumbent Republican Sen. Martha McSally by a 54 % to 43 % margin in the Arizona special election to determine who serves the remaining two years of the late John McCain 's term .
Michigan Democratic Sen. Gary Peters has a 51 % to 46 % edge over Republican John James .
Meanwhile , Democrat Cal Cunningham holds a 51 % to 45 % advantage over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Aviation workers hold a protest organized by the Association of Flight Attendants outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 9, 2020.
Asked what the Senate should make its top priority right now, 66% of U.S. likely voters answered coronavirus relief and 34% said filling the Supreme Court vacancy, the poll released Tuesday found. In the states of Arizona, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, 62% of respondents said the Senate should focus on Covid-19 aid, and 38% said it should prioritize filling the seat.
The surveys also find Democratic nominee Joe Biden leading President Donald Trump in a still-competitive presidential race, and Democrats leading in three Senate contests that will help to decide the chamber's majority.
About two-thirds of voters nationally and in six electoral swing states believe the Senate should focus on passing more coronavirus aid rather than confirming Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett, according to new CNBC/Change Research polls.
The poll findings come as Senate Republicans try to balance the thorny politics of both issues two weeks before Election Day. The GOP-held Senate aims to confirm Barrett to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as soon as Monday.
"That's a false choice, because I believe we can do both," White House chief of staff Mark Meadows told CNBC on Tuesday about picking between providing aid and confirming Barrett.
Facing pressure to approve more relief during a sluggish recovery from pandemic-fueled economic shutdowns, Senate Republicans will try to approve a $500 billion aid package this week. But the bill, similar to one Senate Democrats blocked last month, has little chance of becoming law as Democrats and the White House negotiate legislation that would cost at least $1.9 trillion.
A clear majority of likely voters believe the U.S. needs more economic stimulus. Seven-in-10 respondents to the national survey said they believe the economy is struggling and the country needs more financial relief, while 30% said they think the economy is recovering and Americans do not need any more federal aid.
In the six swing states, 66% of voters said they think the economy needs more stimulus, while 34% responded that it does not.
But the survey found neither party has come out of the coronavirus aid fight unscathed. In the six battleground states, 45% of voters blame Trump and Republicans for the failure to pass more aid, while 44% put the onus on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Democrats. Another 10% blame both sides equally.
The swing-state poll, taken from Friday through Monday, surveyed 2,949 likely voters and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.8 percentage points. The national poll, taken Saturday and Sunday, surveyed 2,711 likely voters and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.9 percentage points.
The surveys found Biden holding a steady edge over Trump. Nationally, the Democrat leads the Republican incumbent by a 52% to 42% margin.
Biden holds an advantage in all six swing states surveyed, though some of those leads are narrow:
Arizona: Biden 51%, Trump 45% (+6)
Biden 51%, Trump 45% (+6) Florida: Biden 50%, Trump 45% (+5)
Biden 50%, Trump 45% (+5) Michigan: Biden 51%, Trump 44% (+7)
Biden 51%, Trump 44% (+7) North Carolina: Biden 50%, Trump 47% (+3)
Biden 50%, Trump 47% (+3) Pennsylvania: Biden 49%, Trump 47% (+2)
Biden 49%, Trump 47% (+2) Wisconsin: Biden 52%, Trump 44% (+8)
Democrats also lead the Senate races in Arizona, Michigan and North Carolina, which will play a major role in determining whether the GOP keeps its 53-47 majority in the chamber. Democrat Mark Kelly leads incumbent Republican Sen. Martha McSally by a 54% to 43% margin in the Arizona special election to determine who serves the remaining two years of the late John McCain's term.
Michigan Democratic Sen. Gary Peters has a 51% to 46% edge over Republican John James. Meanwhile, Democrat Cal Cunningham holds a 51% to 45% advantage over GOP Sen. Thom Tillis in North Carolina.
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cnbc--2020-10-20--Pelosi and Mnuchin make progress in stimulus talks, but big differences remain, White House chief of

Pelosi and Mnuchin make progress in stimulus talks, but big differences remain, White House chief of staff says

Mnuchin and Pelosi 's conversation Tuesday continued a desperate scurry to reach a relief agreement before the Nov. 3 election .
Democrats and the Trump administration have struggled for months to overcome fundamental disagreement about what the U.S. government needs to do to lift a health-care system and economy sagging under the weight of the pandemic .
`` It is n't that this day was a day that we would have a deal , it was a day that we would have our terms on the table to be able to go to the next step , '' Pelosi told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Pelosi downplayed the importance of a deadline she had set to strike an agreement before the end of Tuesday .
To have legislation ready before Election Day , lawmakers would have to come to a deal and write a bill before the end of the week , she said .
`` I remain hopeful that we can reach an agreement before the election .
It will be safer , bigger , and better , and it will be retroactive , '' she wrote .
In a letter to House Democrats on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provided more clarity and common ground as we move closer to an agreement . ''
The speaker said she and Mnuchin called for House committee chairs `` to resolve differences about funding levels and language . ''
`` I would think that those discussions hopefully would make progress again tomorrow and perhaps the following day , '' Meadows said , adding that he hopes to see `` some kind of agreement before the weekend . ''
Meadows outlined the state of talks following a 45-minute conversation between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sides have made `` good progress '' but `` still have a ways to go '' to strike an agreement .
Pelosi and Mnuchin plan to speak again Wednesday .
The Trump administration and Democrats made progress on coronavirus stimulus talks Tuesday but still need to overcome major differences to reach a deal before the 2020 election , White House chief of staff Mark Meadows said .
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , speaks during her weekly news conference in the Capitol on Friday , Sept. 18 , 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sides had narrowed their target for an overall relief price tag : the White House increased its offer to nearly $ 1.9 trillion , short of the $ 2.2 trillion legislation House Democrats passed earlier this month .
After a Monday afternoon conversation between the pair , Hammill , Pelosi 's spokesman , said the speaker had tasked House committee chairs with resolving remaining disputes over issues including a national testing strategy , an expansion of tax credits , and relief for state and local governments .
By Tuesday afternoon , Pelosi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a long way '' on a national testing strategy and offered legislative language that addresses the disproportionate effects of the outbreak on people of color .
She added that the sides still have not bridged a gulf over two of their biggest differences throughout the talks : state and local government aid and liability protections for businesses .
As most of the country keeps public health restrictions in place and some financial lifelines created at the start of the outbreak have long since expired , millions of Americans await aid to cover their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afloat .
Democrats have long accused Republicans , who cheered several strong months of job growth after states started to reopen , of failing to understand the weight of the crisis .
`` Leader McConnell and the Republican majority have failed to grasp the gravity of this situation from the beginning , '' Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. , said Tuesday .
The GOP , meanwhile , has contended Democrats have reached for expensive policies that exceed the demands of the moment .
Senate Republicans plan to vote this week on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion bill similar to one Democrats blocked last month .
The GOP put forward the legislation amid Democratic criticism of its effort to confirm Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett before the election .
On Tuesday , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he would bring a bipartisan bill to the chamber 's floor `` at some point '' if Democrats and the White House reach an agreement .
Most Senate Republicans have opposed injecting trillions more into the federal Covid-19 response .
During a private Senate GOP lunch Tuesday , McConnell told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump administration not to agree to a stimulus deal before the election as he worries about dividing Republicans on major legislation days before an election , NBC News reported .
The Washington Post first reported on McConnell 's stance .
Some vulnerable Republicans in swing states could embrace a sweeping spending bill , while many other GOP lawmakers would likely oppose one .
`` It would be hard '' to get 13 Republicans — the number needed to join 47 senators in the Democratic caucus to overcome a filibuster — to support such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thune of South Dakota told reporters Monday .
McConnell on Tuesday argued Democrats `` have spent months holding out for a long , far-left wish list of non-Covid related priorities . ''
He added that their position has been `` all or nothing . ''
The parties have agreed on the need to reinstate a supplemental unemployment benefit for jobless Americans , send another round of direct payments , offer a second loan to struggling small businesses and allocate money to help schools reopen their doors safely .
But Democrats and Republicans have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal money to put into the enhanced unemployment insurance , among a range of other disputes .
The biggest sticking point has come over whether to send more aid to states and municipalities , many of which have seen costs soar and revenues drop during the Covid-19 outbreak .
`` State and local spending is still an issue that remains largely unchanged and still with a long ways to go , '' Meadows said Tuesday .
Democrats most recently pushed for more than $ 400 billion in aid .
The White House offered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's opposition to what he called a `` bailout '' of Democratic-run states .
The president 's chaotic approach to relief talks has complicated matters for the negotiators .
After Trump ordered his administration to pull out of coronavirus talks with Pelosi earlier this month , he reversed course and pushed for a comprehensive deal ahead of the election .
`` I want to do it even bigger than the Democrats .
And not every Republican agrees with me , but they will , '' the president , who has not directly participated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday .
Despite Trump 's comments , Mnuchin has not appeared to push Pelosi to increase the price tag of her stimulus bill .
Pelosi said Tuesday that Democrats have received `` mixed messages '' from the GOP .
The speaker has held out for a sprawling deal rather than separate bills to address issues such as small business loans , unemployment insurance or aid to airlines to cover payrolls .
She has faced pressure from Republicans and members of her own caucus to accept a limited agreement as Americans await relief .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Capitol have said the U.S. will need more fiscal stimulus to emerge from the downturn .
Fed Chair Jerome Powell has been particularly vocal , warning a lack of action from Congress could `` lead to a weak recovery , creating unnecessary hardship for households and businesses . ''
Polls show strong public support for more relief .
Nearly three-quarters , or 72 % , of likely voters nationally support a new $ 2 trillion stimulus package , according to a New York Times/Siena College survey released Tuesday .

Mnuchin and Pelosi's conversation Tuesday continued a desperate scurry to reach a relief agreement before the Nov. 3 election. Democrats and the Trump administration have struggled for months to overcome fundamental disagreement about what the U.S. government needs to do to lift a health-care system and economy sagging under the weight of the pandemic.
"It isn't that this day was a day that we would have a deal, it was a day that we would have our terms on the table to be able to go to the next step," Pelosi told Bloomberg.
Before her call with Mnuchin, Pelosi downplayed the importance of a deadline she had set to strike an agreement before the end of Tuesday. To have legislation ready before Election Day, lawmakers would have to come to a deal and write a bill before the end of the week, she said.
"I remain hopeful that we can reach an agreement before the election. It will be safer, bigger, and better, and it will be retroactive," she wrote.
In a letter to House Democrats on Tuesday night, Pelosi said the conversation "provided more clarity and common ground as we move closer to an agreement." The speaker said she and Mnuchin called for House committee chairs "to resolve differences about funding levels and language."
"I would think that those discussions hopefully would make progress again tomorrow and perhaps the following day," Meadows said, adding that he hopes to see "some kind of agreement before the weekend."
Meadows outlined the state of talks following a 45-minute conversation between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin . He told CNBC the sides have made "good progress" but "still have a ways to go" to strike an agreement. Pelosi and Mnuchin plan to speak again Wednesday.
The Trump administration and Democrats made progress on coronavirus stimulus talks Tuesday but still need to overcome major differences to reach a deal before the 2020 election, White House chief of staff Mark Meadows said.
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., speaks during her weekly news conference in the Capitol on Friday, Sept. 18, 2020.
Heading into the phone call, the sides had narrowed their target for an overall relief price tag: the White House increased its offer to nearly $1.9 trillion, short of the $2.2 trillion legislation House Democrats passed earlier this month. After a Monday afternoon conversation between the pair, Hammill, Pelosi 's spokesman, said the speaker had tasked House committee chairs with resolving remaining disputes over issues including a national testing strategy, an expansion of tax credits, and relief for state and local governments.
By Tuesday afternoon, Pelosi said the White House has "come a long way" on a national testing strategy and offered legislative language that addresses the disproportionate effects of the outbreak on people of color. She added that the sides still have not bridged a gulf over two of their biggest differences throughout the talks: state and local government aid and liability protections for businesses.
As most of the country keeps public health restrictions in place and some financial lifelines created at the start of the outbreak have long since expired, millions of Americans await aid to cover their costs of living or keep their businesses afloat. Democrats have long accused Republicans, who cheered several strong months of job growth after states started to reopen, of failing to understand the weight of the crisis.
"Leader McConnell and the Republican majority have failed to grasp the gravity of this situation from the beginning," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Tuesday.
The GOP, meanwhile, has contended Democrats have reached for expensive policies that exceed the demands of the moment. Senate Republicans plan to vote this week on a more narrow, roughly $500 billion bill similar to one Democrats blocked last month. The GOP put forward the legislation amid Democratic criticism of its effort to confirm Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett before the election.
On Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he would bring a bipartisan bill to the chamber's floor "at some point" if Democrats and the White House reach an agreement. Most Senate Republicans have opposed injecting trillions more into the federal Covid-19 response.
During a private Senate GOP lunch Tuesday, McConnell told his caucus that he is encouraging the Trump administration not to agree to a stimulus deal before the election as he worries about dividing Republicans on major legislation days before an election, NBC News reported. The Washington Post first reported on McConnell's stance.
Some vulnerable Republicans in swing states could embrace a sweeping spending bill, while many other GOP lawmakers would likely oppose one. "It would be hard" to get 13 Republicans — the number needed to join 47 senators in the Democratic caucus to overcome a filibuster — to support such a bill, Republican Majority Whip John Thune of South Dakota told reporters Monday.
McConnell on Tuesday argued Democrats "have spent months holding out for a long, far-left wish list of non-Covid related priorities." He added that their position has been "all or nothing."
The parties have agreed on the need to reinstate a supplemental unemployment benefit for jobless Americans, send another round of direct payments, offer a second loan to struggling small businesses and allocate money to help schools reopen their doors safely. But Democrats and Republicans have not found common ground on how much federal money to put into the enhanced unemployment insurance, among a range of other disputes.
The biggest sticking point has come over whether to send more aid to states and municipalities, many of which have seen costs soar and revenues drop during the Covid-19 outbreak.
"State and local spending is still an issue that remains largely unchanged and still with a long ways to go," Meadows said Tuesday.
Democrats most recently pushed for more than $400 billion in aid. The White House offered $250 billion despite President Donald Trump's opposition to what he called a "bailout" of Democratic-run states.
The president's chaotic approach to relief talks has complicated matters for the negotiators. After Trump ordered his administration to pull out of coronavirus talks with Pelosi earlier this month, he reversed course and pushed for a comprehensive deal ahead of the election.
"I want to do it even bigger than the Democrats. And not every Republican agrees with me, but they will," the president, who has not directly participated in talks, told Fox News on Tuesday. Despite Trump's comments, Mnuchin has not appeared to push Pelosi to increase the price tag of her stimulus bill.
Pelosi said Tuesday that Democrats have received "mixed messages" from the GOP.
The speaker has held out for a sprawling deal rather than separate bills to address issues such as small business loans, unemployment insurance or aid to airlines to cover payrolls. She has faced pressure from Republicans and members of her own caucus to accept a limited agreement as Americans await relief.
Many economists and policymakers outside of the Capitol have said the U.S. will need more fiscal stimulus to emerge from the downturn. Fed Chair Jerome Powell has been particularly vocal, warning a lack of action from Congress could "lead to a weak recovery, creating unnecessary hardship for households and businesses."
Polls show strong public support for more relief. Nearly three-quarters, or 72%, of likely voters nationally support a new $2 trillion stimulus package, according to a New York Times/Siena College survey released Tuesday.
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cnbc--2020-10-20--Pro-Trump super PAC America First Action raised over $42 million in September

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters as he arrives at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix , Arizona , October 19 , 2020 .
Pro-Trump super PAC America First Action had its biggest fundraising month of the year in September , just in time for the home stretch of the presidential campaign .
America First Action raised just more than $ 42 million last month .
Some of the top donors included Ike Perlmutter , chairman of Marvel Entertainment and a reputed outside advisor to President Donald Trump on the Department of Veterans Affairs .
Perlmutter and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 21 million to the committee .
The PAC has spent millions blasting Biden over the TV airwaves and online , including in the key states of Florida , Wisconsin , Pennsylvania and Ohio .
The group plans to announce another round of spending later this week .
With its successful September fundraising haul , the PAC finished raising more than $ 75 million in the third quarter .
Its nonprofit , America First Policies , brought in just more than $ 20 million over the past three months .
With two weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voting , the Trump and Biden campaigns , and related groups , are spending millions of dollars to make their last push .
Biden finished raising over $ 383 million last month , while Trump 's team brought in a notch above $ 240 million .
Another pro-Trump super PAC , Preserve America , raised over $ 80 million in the third quarter , with $ 75 million coming in September from casino magnate Sheldon Adelson and his wife , Miriam .
CNBC first reported that Adelson was preparing a last-minute spending blitz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late Tuesday afternoon , most pro-Biden super PACs had yet to file their September fundraising disclosures .
Priorities USA previously announced it raised more than $ 92 million across its three entities in the third quarter , which includes a super PAC .

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters as he arrives at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, Arizona, October 19, 2020.
Pro-Trump super PAC America First Action had its biggest fundraising month of the year in September, just in time for the home stretch of the presidential campaign.
America First Action raised just more than $42 million last month. Some of the top donors included Ike Perlmutter, chairman of Marvel Entertainment and a reputed outside advisor to President Donald Trump on the Department of Veterans Affairs. Perlmutter and his wife, Laura, combined to give $21 million to the committee.
Republican megadonor Timothy Mellon gave $10 million. Trish Duggan, a Florida-based benefactor to Scientology, gave $2 million. Billionaire Diane Hendricks gave another $2 million.
The PAC has spent millions blasting Biden over the TV airwaves and online, including in the key states of Florida, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Ohio. The group plans to announce another round of spending later this week. With its successful September fundraising haul, the PAC finished raising more than $75 million in the third quarter. Its nonprofit, America First Policies, brought in just more than $20 million over the past three months.
With two weeks until Election Day, and millions already voting, the Trump and Biden campaigns, and related groups, are spending millions of dollars to make their last push.
Biden finished raising over $383 million last month, while Trump's team brought in a notch above $240 million.
Another pro-Trump super PAC, Preserve America, raised over $80 million in the third quarter, with $75 million coming in September from casino magnate Sheldon Adelson and his wife, Miriam.
CNBC first reported that Adelson was preparing a last-minute spending blitz in support of Trump.
As of late Tuesday afternoon, most pro-Biden super PACs had yet to file their September fundraising disclosures. Priorities USA previously announced it raised more than $92 million across its three entities in the third quarter, which includes a super PAC.


cnbc--2020-10-20--Prominent New York hotel developer Chang's businesses received millions in PPP loans

Companies controlled by one of New York 's most prominent hotel developers received millions of dollars in loans from a government program intended to support small businesses as the coronavirus hammered the economy .
At least eight businesses owned by Sam Chang received between $ 2.8 million and just over $ 7 million in federal small business loans , according to a list of transactions made public this summer .
The amount and the way in which the funds were distributed to Chang 's businesses had yet to be reported .
More than 660,000 businesses were approved for the Paycheck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Treasury Department and the Small Business Administration .
Loans went to companies both small and large while the coronavirus swept through the country .
Congress and the Trump administration continue to negotiate over more stimulus funds .
The Senate plans to vote on a separate GOP backed coronavirus bill on Wednesday .
Chang founded the McSam Hotel Group , which is known for buying and developing hotel properties that offer affordable accommodations .
Some of those properties include hotels in and around Times Square , such as the Hampton Inn , Candlewood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he was worth $ 200 million in cash , according to a New York Times report from 2006 .
The Wall Street Journal reported in 2019 that he was planning to retire .
Though Chang owns many New York hotels , he does not manage them and would not have applied for the loans himself .
The commercial real estate and hotel industries suffered major losses after the pandemic hit the U.S. McSam spokesman Sam Goldstein told CNBC in a statement that the loans were intended , in part , to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as has been extensively documented , is among the hardest hit sectors of the economy due to the Covid-induced downturn , especially in New York City , '' he told CNBC in an email .
`` A number of these sites provided accommodations for health care professionals and others working for Covid-related purposes .
The PPP loans enabled the hotels to retain much of their workforces for a longer period of time and to continue operating despite extraordinary drops in guests and revenue . ''
Most of the loans went through obscure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chang owns , records show .
Meanwhile , McSam Hotel Group saw between $ 150,000 and $ 350,000 , but the total went toward Chang 's corporate office , according to McSam 's spokesman .
The other federal loans went to seven other LLCs that do not bear his company name , such as the Grandsam Island LLC and the Brisam JFK LLC , the list shows .
A company called Lopm 39 De LLC saw between $ 1 million and $ 2 million in federal loans .
CNBC discovered that these LLCs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York 's business database showed that many list the same address as the McSam Hotel Group in Great Neck , N.Y. LLCs named Grandsam Island , Brisam JFK , NDBPW 44 , SCCQ Downtown , Lopm 39 De , LSCH and NYHK West 40 , all of which received federal loans , are all Chang business entities that own single hotel properties in New York , according to the spokesman .
Grandsam owns the Radisson in Grand Island , N.Y. Brisam JFK owns the Holiday Inn hotel near John F. Kennedy Airport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Suites by Marriott in Manhattan .
NYHK West 40 owns a Manhattan Doubletree .
While Chang does n't have direct ties to President Donald Trump , he did have a stake in Trump Entertainment Resorts years ago , according to The Real Deal .
It was one of the president 's previous companies that owned and managed properties such as the Trump Taj Mahal Casino in Atlantic City , New Jersey , before the business went bankrupt .
Chang called Trump a friend in a 2008 interview with The Real Deal .
Many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump , saw a boost from the federal loan program .
G.H .
Palmer Associates , a real estate firm run by longtime Trump backer Geoffrey Palmer , was approved for a loan .
Palmer has been close to Trump for years .
He was one of many corporate leaders of Trump 's coronavirus business advisory council and has combined to give at least $ 6 million to pro-Trump super PAC America First Action , according to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics .
Dezer Development , a real estate company founded by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it has the same address as Trump International Beach Resort in Miami , Florida .
The Dezer website says that its `` branded real estate portfolio includes six-Trump branded towers . ''
Dezer got between $ 350,000 and $ 1 million from PPP

Companies controlled by one of New York's most prominent hotel developers received millions of dollars in loans from a government program intended to support small businesses as the coronavirus hammered the economy.
At least eight businesses owned by Sam Chang received between $2.8 million and just over $7 million in federal small business loans, according to a list of transactions made public this summer. The amount and the way in which the funds were distributed to Chang's businesses had yet to be reported.
More than 660,000 businesses were approved for the Paycheck Protection Program, which is run by the Treasury Department and the Small Business Administration. Loans went to companies both small and large while the coronavirus swept through the country. Congress and the Trump administration continue to negotiate over more stimulus funds. The Senate plans to vote on a separate GOP backed coronavirus bill on Wednesday.
Chang founded the McSam Hotel Group, which is known for buying and developing hotel properties that offer affordable accommodations. Some of those properties include hotels in and around Times Square, such as the Hampton Inn, Candlewood Suites and Holiday Inn.
Chang once said he was worth $200 million in cash, according to a New York Times report from 2006. The Wall Street Journal reported in 2019 that he was planning to retire.
Though Chang owns many New York hotels, he does not manage them and would not have applied for the loans himself. The commercial real estate and hotel industries suffered major losses after the pandemic hit the U.S.
McSam spokesman Sam Goldstein told CNBC in a statement that the loans were intended, in part, to help retain employees.
"The hospitality industry, as has been extensively documented, is among the hardest hit sectors of the economy due to the Covid-induced downturn, especially in New York City," he told CNBC in an email. "A number of these sites provided accommodations for health care professionals and others working for Covid-related purposes. The PPP loans enabled the hotels to retain much of their workforces for a longer period of time and to continue operating despite extraordinary drops in guests and revenue."
Most of the loans went through obscure limited liability companies to single properties that Chang owns, records show. Meanwhile, McSam Hotel Group saw between $150,000 and $350,000, but the total went toward Chang's corporate office, according to McSam's spokesman.
The other federal loans went to seven other LLCs that do not bear his company name, such as the Grandsam Island LLC and the Brisam JFK LLC, the list shows. A company called Lopm 39 De LLC saw between $1 million and $2 million in federal loans. CNBC discovered that these LLCs are linked to Chang as searches on New York's business database showed that many list the same address as the McSam Hotel Group in Great Neck, N.Y.
LLCs named Grandsam Island, Brisam JFK, NDBPW 44, SCCQ Downtown, Lopm 39 De, LSCH and NYHK West 40, all of which received federal loans, are all Chang business entities that own single hotel properties in New York, according to the spokesman.
Grandsam owns the Radisson in Grand Island, N.Y. Brisam JFK owns the Holiday Inn hotel near John F. Kennedy Airport in Queens. NDBPW owns the TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Manhattan. NYHK West 40 owns a Manhattan Doubletree.
While Chang doesn't have direct ties to President Donald Trump, he did have a stake in Trump Entertainment Resorts years ago, according to The Real Deal. It was one of the president's previous companies that owned and managed properties such as the Trump Taj Mahal Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, before the business went bankrupt. Chang called Trump a friend in a 2008 interview with The Real Deal.
Many real estate businesses, some linked to Trump, saw a boost from the federal loan program.
G.H. Palmer Associates, a real estate firm run by longtime Trump backer Geoffrey Palmer, was approved for a loan.
Palmer has been close to Trump for years. He was one of many corporate leaders of Trump's coronavirus business advisory council and has combined to give at least $6 million to pro-Trump super PAC America First Action, according to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics.
Dezer Development, a real estate company founded by Michael Dezer, says on its website that it has the same address as Trump International Beach Resort in Miami, Florida. The Dezer website says that its "branded real estate portfolio includes six-Trump branded towers." Dezer got between $350,000 and $1 million from PPP


cnbc--2020-10-20--Here's why swing-state North Carolina is 'smack in the middle' of the 2020 election

U.S. President Donald Trump points to a delegate at the Republican National Convention in Charlotte , North Carolina , August 24 , 2020 .
President Donald Trump 's reelection hopes could hinge on winning North Carolina 's 15 electoral votes , and both he and Democratic nominee Joe Biden have taken notice .
Trump and Vice President Mike Pence have visited the swing state at least half a dozen times within the past two months .
Trump alone has made five trips in that time , both before and after his hospitalization with the coronavirus .
Former Vice President Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largely virtual due to the pandemic , has visited North Carolina three times since February .
Both campaigns are spending heavily in the state , where early voters are turning out in droves in the final weeks before the Nov. 3 election .
`` Most paths to the White House go through North Carolina , '' said Chris Cooper , professor of political science at Western Carolina University .
`` It 's particularly true for President Trump . ''
The Trump campaign has signaled as much .
In September , it shared with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ envisioned at the time .
Five of them included winning North Carolina .
Polls show Biden ahead of Trump nationally , though the race is tighter in the Tar Heel State and other key battlegrounds , including Florida , Michigan and Pennsylvania .
But as a must-win state for the president , a major player in Democrats ' push to regain the Senate and a microcosm of shifting demographics throughout the country , North Carolina could set the stage for a political shake-up with generational implications .
The state 's makeup and influence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smack in the middle '' of the 2020 election .
`` It 's American politics , perfectly distilled , like an 18-year-old scotch , '' he said .
`` If the Republicans do n't win North Carolina , it suggests the GOP stranglehold of the South is lessening and may be gone . ''

U.S. President Donald Trump points to a delegate at the Republican National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, August 24, 2020.
President Donald Trump's reelection hopes could hinge on winning North Carolina's 15 electoral votes, and both he and Democratic nominee Joe Biden have taken notice.
Trump and Vice President Mike Pence have visited the swing state at least half a dozen times within the past two months. Trump alone has made five trips in that time, both before and after his hospitalization with the coronavirus.
Former Vice President Biden, whose campaign until recently had been largely virtual due to the pandemic, has visited North Carolina three times since February. Both campaigns are spending heavily in the state, where early voters are turning out in droves in the final weeks before the Nov. 3 election.
"Most paths to the White House go through North Carolina," said Chris Cooper, professor of political science at Western Carolina University. "It's particularly true for President Trump."
The Trump campaign has signaled as much. In September, it shared with reporters seven potential paths to victory it envisioned at the time. Five of them included winning North Carolina.
Polls show Biden ahead of Trump nationally, though the race is tighter in the Tar Heel State and other key battlegrounds, including Florida, Michigan and Pennsylvania. But as a must-win state for the president, a major player in Democrats' push to regain the Senate and a microcosm of shifting demographics throughout the country, North Carolina could set the stage for a political shake-up with generational implications.
The state's makeup and influence, Cooper said, place it "smack in the middle" of the 2020 election.
"It's American politics, perfectly distilled, like an 18-year-old scotch," he said. "If the Republicans don't win North Carolina, it suggests the GOP stranglehold of the South is lessening and may be gone."


cnbc--2020-10-20--More than 35 million Americans have voted with two weeks until Election Day

Voters wait in line to enter a polling place and cast their ballots on the first day of the state 's in-person early voting for the general elections in Durham , North Carolina , October 15 , 2020 .
With two weeks until Election Day , more than 35 million Americans have already voted in the 2020 presidential election , according to U.S .
Elections Project data Tuesday .
Votes cast by mail and in person this election cycle have now reached 25.5 % of the more than 136 million total ballots cast in the 2016 presidential election .
By @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million Americans had voted early .
While Democrats have dominated vote-by-mail , Republicans are starting to make up ground with in-person early voting .
Of about 14.1 million returned mail ballots tracked by the U.S .
Elections Project , registered Democrats have sent in 54.5 % , compared with 23.5 % by Republicans and 21.5 % by voters with no party affiliation .
When it comes to the over 2.2 million reported in-person votes , the margin is narrower .
Registered Democrats have cast 43.3 % of in-person ballots , with Republicans closely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 20.7 % , according to the project .
As President Donald Trump has , without evidence , criticized and stoked fears about mail-in ballots throughout his reelection campaign , it 's not surprising that Republicans might prefer in-person voting .
`` Republicans will show up in person on Election Day and reelect President Trump , '' Trump spokesperson Thea McDonald said in an email last week .
Will GOP turnout on Nov. 3 be enough to overcome the Democrats ' early voting lead ?
`` If I were running a campaign , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one where I 've already banked millions of votes more than my opponent , '' Michael McDonald , director of the U.S .
Elections Project and political science professor at the University of Florida , wrote on the project 's website Sunday .
High early-voting turnout allows Democratic organizers to cross off names on their targeting lists and focus resources on turning out a smaller pool of remaining voters closer to Election Day , McDonald said .
Democratic challenger Joe Biden 's campaign is not resting on its laurels .
`` Early voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Millions of voters have already cast their ballots .
But there is still a long way to go in this campaign , and we think this race is far closer than folks on [ Twitter ] think .
Like a lot closer , '' Biden campaign manager Jen O'Malley Dillon said on Twitter last Wednesday .
Party breakdown totals so far include only states that report party registration data .
Several critical states do not report political affiliation at this stage , including Texas , which has led early voting with a staggering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afternoon .
Texas kicked off in-person early voting last week and has already seen over 52.5 % of total voter turnout in the 2016 presidential election in the state .
Over a quarter of registered voters have cast their ballots both in-person and by mail .
In North Carolina , about a quarter of registered voters have cast their ballots for president as of early Tuesday morning .
As one-stop in-person early voting started last Thursday , North Carolina 's turnout is far outpacing that of 2016 .
Registered Democrats have cast 44.98 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 26.26 % from Republicans and 28.40 % from unaffiliated voters , according to tallies released by state election officials .
In-person early voting opened in Florida on Monday morning with long lines even amid stormy weather .
As of Tuesday morning , state election officials reported a record 366,436 votes cast at the polls .
The Tampa Bay Times reported that in-person voting is predicted to bring a wave of conservative voters , with around two-thirds of Florida GOP voters expected to cast ballots in person this election .
Wisconsin voters began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump won the swing state by less than a percentage point in 2016 , ending Wisconsin 's seven-election streak of backing Democratic candidates .
While Biden has maintained a sizable lead over the president in the national polls , he holds a narrower advantage in key battleground states .
The final weeks until Election Day still hold plenty of opportunity and uncertainty for both candidates , including the final presidential debate on Thursday , potential developments in the search for a coronavirus vaccine and , of course , any October surprises .

Voters wait in line to enter a polling place and cast their ballots on the first day of the state's in-person early voting for the general elections in Durham, North Carolina, October 15, 2020.
With two weeks until Election Day, more than 35 million Americans have already voted in the 2020 presidential election, according to U.S. Elections Project data Tuesday.
Votes cast by mail and in person this election cycle have now reached 25.5% of the more than 136 million total ballots cast in the 2016 presidential election. By Oct. 23, 2016, only 5.9 million Americans had voted early.
While Democrats have dominated vote-by-mail, Republicans are starting to make up ground with in-person early voting.
Of about 14.1 million returned mail ballots tracked by the U.S. Elections Project, registered Democrats have sent in 54.5%, compared with 23.5% by Republicans and 21.5% by voters with no party affiliation.
When it comes to the over 2.2 million reported in-person votes, the margin is narrower. Registered Democrats have cast 43.3% of in-person ballots, with Republicans closely trailing at 35.5% and unaffiliated voters at 20.7%, according to the project.
As President Donald Trump has, without evidence, criticized and stoked fears about mail-in ballots throughout his reelection campaign, it's not surprising that Republicans might prefer in-person voting.
"Republicans will show up in person on Election Day and reelect President Trump," Trump spokesperson Thea McDonald said in an email last week.
Will GOP turnout on Nov. 3 be enough to overcome the Democrats' early voting lead?
"If I were running a campaign, I'd much prefer to be the one where I've already banked millions of votes more than my opponent," Michael McDonald, director of the U.S. Elections Project and political science professor at the University of Florida, wrote on the project's website Sunday.
High early-voting turnout allows Democratic organizers to cross off names on their targeting lists and focus resources on turning out a smaller pool of remaining voters closer to Election Day, McDonald said. Democratic challenger Joe Biden's campaign is not resting on its laurels.
"Early voting is already underway in many states. Millions of voters have already cast their ballots. But there is still a long way to go in this campaign, and we think this race is far closer than folks on [Twitter] think. Like a lot closer," Biden campaign manager Jen O'Malley Dillon said on Twitter last Wednesday.
Party breakdown totals so far include only states that report party registration data. Several critical states do not report political affiliation at this stage, including Texas, which has led early voting with a staggering 4.7 million ballots cast as of Tuesday afternoon.
Texas kicked off in-person early voting last week and has already seen over 52.5% of total voter turnout in the 2016 presidential election in the state. Over a quarter of registered voters have cast their ballots both in-person and by mail.
In North Carolina, about a quarter of registered voters have cast their ballots for president as of early Tuesday morning. As one-stop in-person early voting started last Thursday, North Carolina's turnout is far outpacing that of 2016. Registered Democrats have cast 44.98% of ballots so far, compared with 26.26% from Republicans and 28.40% from unaffiliated voters, according to tallies released by state election officials.
In-person early voting opened in Florida on Monday morning with long lines even amid stormy weather. As of Tuesday morning, state election officials reported a record 366,436 votes cast at the polls. The Tampa Bay Times reported that in-person voting is predicted to bring a wave of conservative voters, with around two-thirds of Florida GOP voters expected to cast ballots in person this election.
Wisconsin voters began casting ballots in person Tuesday morning. Trump won the swing state by less than a percentage point in 2016, ending Wisconsin's seven-election streak of backing Democratic candidates.
While Biden has maintained a sizable lead over the president in the national polls, he holds a narrower advantage in key battleground states. The final weeks until Election Day still hold plenty of opportunity and uncertainty for both candidates, including the final presidential debate on Thursday, potential developments in the search for a coronavirus vaccine and, of course, any October surprises.


cnbc--2020-10-20--Iran celebrates 'momentous day' as UN arms embargo lifts. Here's what it means

DUBAI , United Arab Emirates — Iran is now free to buy a range of previously restricted weapons , its government announced Sunday , hailing a `` momentous day '' as a 13-year-old U.N. arms embargo on the country was lifted as part of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal — and against vociferous opposition from Washington .
The government in Tehran insists that any weapons purchases would be `` based on its defensive needs , '' as allowed under the multilateral deal , from which the Trump administration withdrew in 2018 .
`` A momentous day for the international community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US efforts—has protected UNSC Res .
2231 and JCPOA , '' Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif tweeted on Sunday , referring to the 2015 agreement .
The Foreign Ministry said in a statement Sunday that `` as of today , the Islamic Republic of Iran may procure any necessary arms and equipment from any source without any legal restrictions and solely based on its defensive needs . ''
Opponents of the embargo 's lifting do n't believe weapons buys will be solely defensive .
They also take issue with another part of Iran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` export defensive armaments based on its own policies , '' in the words of Iran 's Foreign Ministry .
That could mean selling weapons to its proxies , analysts say , including militant and political group Hezbollah , designated by the U.S. as a terrorist organization .
`` The legitimate concern when it comes to the lifting of the embargo is that Iran will be more capable of accessing weapons from states such as Russia and China , or selling weapons to non-state actors , '' Aniseh Tabrizi , a senior research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in London , told CNBC .
`` This is a concern that even countries that oppose the U.S. position have . ''
Washington has already threatened to slap sanctions on any individual or entity supporting Iran 's weapons program .
What can Iran actually do now ?
The embargo 's expiration allows Iran to buy major conventional weapons systems , including everything from battle tanks and large caliber artillery to combat aircraft and warships , and perhaps most importantly , missiles and missile launchers — the latter group already highly developed indigenously in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem for Iran : It 's cash-strapped .
Additionally , no number of jets or armored vehicles it can afford will enable it to match the conventional forces of its adversaries .
And U.S. sanctions will likely again come into play to deter potential sellers .
But what Iran can now do is purchase new weapons parts to upgrade the systems it already has .
`` While concerns that Tehran will become a conventional military power overnight are overblown , this is a critical juncture for the country to enhance lethality , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fellow at the hawkish Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington , D.C .
The FDD is highly critical of the 2015 nuclear deal , which gave Iran sanctions relief in exchange for curbs to its nuclear program .
Tehran has said it has no intention of going on a conventional arms buying spree — though it 's restricted by its sanctions-hobbled economy regardless .
Given its strained budget , Iran will likely pursue more selective modernization , Ben Taleblu said , `` with a likely emphasis on homeland defense and long-range strike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and reproducible capacity' Iran 's specialty is asymmetric warfare , honed under years of sanctions with the help of reverse engineering to replicate other countries ' missiles and smaller arms — and in some cases , make them better .
Kirsten Fontenrose , director of the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council , predicts this capability will only get stronger .
`` What we 're worried about is not so much the drones themselves , but the pieces on them , so things like higher-quality engines for the units and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said during a webinar hosted by Washington-based think tank AGSIW .
`` What Iran has shown is that even if they buy a small number of weapons , within 20 years they will produce a variant of that which in some instances is even better than what they bought , '' Dave DesRoches , an associate professor and senior military fellow at the National Defense University in Washington , D.C. , said during the same webinar .
`` So as they make incremental improvements , as they reverse engineer new technologies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting much more quickly operational , lethal and reproducible capability . ''
Initial purchases for Iran might be solid fuel rocket motors , guidance systems , optical jammers that could counter drones or anti-tank missiles , and small arms like upgraded anti-tank guided missiles , DesRoches said , with China and former Soviet states as key sellers .
There may even be some aircraft purchases from Russia as a symbolic move , and Tehran is also likely to pursue Russia 's S-400 missile defense system , as an upgrade to the S-300 system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea that they 're going to build an air force that can counter the Saudi Air Force in the air I think is misguided , '' DesRoches said .
Still , drone and missile attacks are a serious threat to Iran 's arch-rival Saudi Arabia , as demonstrated during the September 2019 Abqaiq and Khurais attacks .
Now that Iran has easier means of delivering weapons to its proxies , the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels fighting the Saudis in Yemen will likely enjoy the benefits of some of those potential upgrades .
Why did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?

An Iranian military truck carries surface-to-air missiles past a portrait of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a parade on the occasion of the country's annual army day on April 18, 2018, in Tehran. Atta Kenare | AFP | Getty Images
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran is now free to buy a range of previously restricted weapons, its government announced Sunday, hailing a "momentous day" as a 13-year-old U.N. arms embargo on the country was lifted as part of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal — and against vociferous opposition from Washington. The government in Tehran insists that any weapons purchases would be "based on its defensive needs," as allowed under the multilateral deal, from which the Trump administration withdrew in 2018. "A momentous day for the international community, which — in defiance of malign US efforts—has protected UNSC Res. 2231 and JCPOA," Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif tweeted on Sunday, referring to the 2015 agreement. The Foreign Ministry said in a statement Sunday that "as of today, the Islamic Republic of Iran may procure any necessary arms and equipment from any source without any legal restrictions and solely based on its defensive needs." Opponents of the embargo's lifting don't believe weapons buys will be solely defensive. They also take issue with another part of Iran's newfound freedom: it can now "export defensive armaments based on its own policies," in the words of Iran's Foreign Ministry. That could mean selling weapons to its proxies, analysts say, including militant and political group Hezbollah, designated by the U.S. as a terrorist organization. "The legitimate concern when it comes to the lifting of the embargo is that Iran will be more capable of accessing weapons from states such as Russia and China, or selling weapons to non-state actors," Aniseh Tabrizi, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute in London, told CNBC. "This is a concern that even countries that oppose the U.S. position have." Washington has already threatened to slap sanctions on any individual or entity supporting Iran's weapons program.
What can Iran actually do now?
The embargo's expiration allows Iran to buy major conventional weapons systems, including everything from battle tanks and large caliber artillery to combat aircraft and warships, and perhaps most importantly, missiles and missile launchers — the latter group already highly developed indigenously in Iran. But there's one major problem for Iran: It's cash-strapped. Additionally, no number of jets or armored vehicles it can afford will enable it to match the conventional forces of its adversaries. And U.S. sanctions will likely again come into play to deter potential sellers. But what Iran can now do is purchase new weapons parts to upgrade the systems it already has.
What Iran has shown is that even if they buy a small number of weapons, within 20 years they will produce a variant of that which in some instances is even better than what they bought. Dave DesRoches associate professor and senior military fellow, National Defense University
"While concerns that Tehran will become a conventional military power overnight are overblown, this is a critical juncture for the country to enhance lethality," said Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the hawkish Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington, D.C. The FDD is highly critical of the 2015 nuclear deal, which gave Iran sanctions relief in exchange for curbs to its nuclear program. Tehran has said it has no intention of going on a conventional arms buying spree — though it's restricted by its sanctions-hobbled economy regardless. Given its strained budget, Iran will likely pursue more selective modernization, Ben Taleblu said, "with a likely emphasis on homeland defense and long-range strike capability."
'Much more capable lethal and reproducible capacity'
Iran's specialty is asymmetric warfare, honed under years of sanctions with the help of reverse engineering to replicate other countries' missiles and smaller arms — and in some cases, make them better. Kirsten Fontenrose, director of the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council, predicts this capability will only get stronger. "What we're worried about is not so much the drones themselves, but the pieces on them, so things like higher-quality engines for the units and optical lenses to improve targeting," she said during a webinar hosted by Washington-based think tank AGSIW.
Members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) march during the annual military parade In Iran's southwestern city of Ahvaz before the attack. STRINGER | AFP | Getty Images
"What Iran has shown is that even if they buy a small number of weapons, within 20 years they will produce a variant of that which in some instances is even better than what they bought," Dave DesRoches, an associate professor and senior military fellow at the National Defense University in Washington, D.C., said during the same webinar. "So as they make incremental improvements, as they reverse engineer new technologies, integrate new imported motors, they're getting much more quickly operational, lethal and reproducible capability." Initial purchases for Iran might be solid fuel rocket motors, guidance systems, optical jammers that could counter drones or anti-tank missiles, and small arms like upgraded anti-tank guided missiles, DesRoches said, with China and former Soviet states as key sellers.
Fires burn in the distance after a drone strike by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group on Saudi company Aramco's oil processing facilities, in Buqayq, Saudi Arabia September 14, 2019 in this still image taken from a social media video obtained by REUTERS
There may even be some aircraft purchases from Russia as a symbolic move, and Tehran is also likely to pursue Russia's S-400 missile defense system, as an upgrade to the S-300 system it already has. "But this idea that they're going to build an air force that can counter the Saudi Air Force in the air I think is misguided," DesRoches said. Still, drone and missile attacks are a serious threat to Iran's arch-rival Saudi Arabia, as demonstrated during the September 2019 Abqaiq and Khurais attacks. Now that Iran has easier means of delivering weapons to its proxies, the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels fighting the Saudis in Yemen will likely enjoy the benefits of some of those potential upgrades.
Why did the Security Council let the embargo lift?
The U.S. was overwhelmingly defeated by other U.N. Security Council members when it attempted to extend the arms embargo in August. It subsequently declared a "snapback" of nearly all U.N. sanctions on Iran last month against the opposition of the 2015 deal's European, Russian and Chinese signatories, who called the move void. Pompeo called the failure to extend the embargo "inexcusable." But for the vast majority of the Security Council, lifting the embargo is crucial to the Iranian nuclear deal's survival, says RUSI's Tabrizi.
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cnbc--2020-10-20--Treasury encouraged banks to prioritize PPP loans for existing clients, hurting minority- and women-

Treasury encouraged banks to prioritize PPP loans for existing clients, hurting minority- and women-owned small businesses, House report says

US President Donald Trump shows a signed Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington , DC , on April 24 , 2020 .
The Treasury Department privately encouraged banks to prioritize existing clients when implementing the federal government 's Paycheck Protection Program , which provided coronavirus relief to small businesses , according to a report Friday from a House oversight panel .
The Trump administration 's directive to favor existing clients in PPP lending decisions disproportionately hurt minority- and women-owned business , the Democratic-led Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As a result , small businesses that were truly in need of financial support during the economic crisis often faced longer waits and more obstacles to receiving PPP funding than larger , wealthier companies , '' the congressional panel said in a statement .
Congress established the PPP as a part of the CARES Act , designed to provide forgivable loans to small businesses and nonprofit organizations to help them weather the Covid-19 pandemic and preserve jobs .
The Small Business Administration relied on banks and other private lenders to process the funds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Treasury told banks to `` go to their existing customer base '' when issuing loans , according to an email sent by the CEO of the American Bankers Association , Rob Nichols , to the group 's board of directors on March 28 .
`` From early on there was an understanding from Treasury that banks were working with existing clients , '' Jennifer Roberts , a senior banker at JPMorgan Chase & Co , told the subcommittee in July , according to the report .
Nichols said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missed key context in its assessment of banks ' involvement in the PPP program .
`` Banks of all sizes were always encouraged by the administration to process loans for both new and existing customers at the onset of the PPP program .
They were also encouraged to start processing loans as quickly as possible to support the deteriorating economy , '' Nichols wrote .
`` To achieve that goal , many banks processed applications from existing borrowers first since they already had the necessary borrower information needed to meet regulatory requirements , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The congressional panel found , however , that seven of the eight banks involved in its investigation limited PPP lending to existing clients .
This tactic hurt underserved groups , the House panel found .
Research shows minority- and women-owned businesses are less likely to have existing relationships with lenders .
An August report by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that 41 % of Black-owned businesses closed between February and April 2020 — higher than any other demographic group .
The New York Fed pointed to `` racial disparities in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including `` stark PPP coverage gaps . ''
In the CARES Act , Congress specified `` the Administrator should issue guidance to lenders and agents to ensure that the processing and disbursement of covered loans prioritizes small business concerns and entities in underserved and rural markets . ''
The report concluded neither the Treasury nor SBA offered `` meaningful '' directives for lenders to prioritize underserved groups , according to financial institutions interviewed by the subcommittee .
The congressional panel also found that several banks in its investigation processed PPP funds for larger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smaller loans , offering different channels and levels of assistance for customers depending on the type of customer .
`` JPMorgan processed loans above $ 5 million almost four times faster than loans under $ 1 million , '' the report detailed .
`` PNC processed loans above $ 5 million more than twice as fast as loans under $ 1 million . ''
The Treasury in a statement sent to CNBC denied the subcommittee 's claims .
`` From the outset of the Paycheck Protection Program , Treasury and SBA consistently urged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We encouraged all banks to offer loans to their existing small business customers , but no Treasury official ever suggested that banks should do so to the exclusion of new customers .
The Subcommittee 's conclusion to the contrary is false and unsupported by its own record , '' a spokesperson for the Treasury said .
A spokesperson for the SBA said in a statement , `` PPP loans have ... been broadly distributed , with about 27 percent of the funds going to low and moderate income communities , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ population . ''
A Republican Select Subcommittee spokesperson said in a statement , `` PPP helped support more than 51 million jobs across the country , including tens of millions of jobs in minority and rural communities .
Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats have harmed minority-owned small businesses and underserved populations by blocking an extension of PPP nearly 40 times on the House floor . ''
The report comes as efforts to pass a new coronavirus stimulus package continue , with President Donald Trump , Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Senate leaders at @ @

US President Donald Trump shows a signed Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on April 24, 2020.
The Treasury Department privately encouraged banks to prioritize existing clients when implementing the federal government's Paycheck Protection Program, which provided coronavirus relief to small businesses, according to a report Friday from a House oversight panel.
The Trump administration's directive to favor existing clients in PPP lending decisions disproportionately hurt minority- and women-owned business, the Democratic-led Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis said in its report.
"As a result, small businesses that were truly in need of financial support during the economic crisis often faced longer waits and more obstacles to receiving PPP funding than larger, wealthier companies," the congressional panel said in a statement.
Congress established the PPP as a part of the CARES Act, designed to provide forgivable loans to small businesses and nonprofit organizations to help them weather the Covid-19 pandemic and preserve jobs. The Small Business Administration relied on banks and other private lenders to process the funds.
Documents obtained by the subcommittee revealed that the Treasury told banks to "go to their existing customer base" when issuing loans, according to an email sent by the CEO of the American Bankers Association, Rob Nichols, to the group's board of directors on March 28.
"From early on there was an understanding from Treasury that banks were working with existing clients," Jennifer Roberts, a senior banker at JPMorgan Chase & Co , told the subcommittee in July, according to the report.
Nichols said in a statement Friday that the House panel's report missed key context in its assessment of banks' involvement in the PPP program.
"Banks of all sizes were always encouraged by the administration to process loans for both new and existing customers at the onset of the PPP program. They were also encouraged to start processing loans as quickly as possible to support the deteriorating economy," Nichols wrote.
"To achieve that goal, many banks processed applications from existing borrowers first since they already had the necessary borrower information needed to meet regulatory requirements, including Know Your Customer rules."
The congressional panel found, however, that seven of the eight banks involved in its investigation limited PPP lending to existing clients.
This tactic hurt underserved groups, the House panel found. Research shows minority- and women-owned businesses are less likely to have existing relationships with lenders.
An August report by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that 41% of Black-owned businesses closed between February and April 2020 — higher than any other demographic group. The New York Fed pointed to "racial disparities in access to federal relief funds," including "stark PPP coverage gaps."
In the CARES Act, Congress specified "the Administrator should issue guidance to lenders and agents to ensure that the processing and disbursement of covered loans prioritizes small business concerns and entities in underserved and rural markets."
The report concluded neither the Treasury nor SBA offered "meaningful" directives for lenders to prioritize underserved groups, according to financial institutions interviewed by the subcommittee.
The congressional panel also found that several banks in its investigation processed PPP funds for larger commercial clients at a faster rate than smaller loans, offering different channels and levels of assistance for customers depending on the type of customer.
"JPMorgan processed loans above $5 million almost four times faster than loans under $1 million," the report detailed. "PNC processed loans above $5 million more than twice as fast as loans under $1 million."
The Treasury in a statement sent to CNBC denied the subcommittee's claims. "From the outset of the Paycheck Protection Program, Treasury and SBA consistently urged PPP lenders to serve all eligible businesses. We encouraged all banks to offer loans to their existing small business customers, but no Treasury official ever suggested that banks should do so to the exclusion of new customers. The Subcommittee's conclusion to the contrary is false and unsupported by its own record," a spokesperson for the Treasury said.
A spokesperson for the SBA said in a statement, "PPP loans have ... been broadly distributed, with about 27 percent of the funds going to low and moderate income communities, which is in proportion to their percentage of the population."
A Republican Select Subcommittee spokesperson said in a statement, "PPP helped support more than 51 million jobs across the country, including tens of millions of jobs in minority and rural communities. Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats have harmed minority-owned small businesses and underserved populations by blocking an extension of PPP nearly 40 times on the House floor."
The report comes as efforts to pass a new coronavirus stimulus package continue, with President Donald Trump, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Senate leaders at odds.


cnbc--2020-10-22--Iran and Russia obtained U.S. voter registration data in effort to influence election, national secu

Iran and Russia obtained U.S. voter registration data in effort to influence election, national security officials say

Iran and Russia have both obtained information about American voter registrations and are trying to influence the public about the upcoming U.S. presidential election , national security officials said Wednesday night .
`` Iran and Russia have taken specific actions to influence public opinion related to our elections , '' said Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe at a hastily scheduled press conference .
`` First we have confirmed that some voter registration information has been obtained by Iran and separately by Russia , '' Ratcliffe said at the briefing , which comes less than two weeks before Election Day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by foreign actors to attempt to communicate false information to registered voters that they hope will cause confusion , sow chaos and undermine your confidence in American democracy . ''
Specifically , Ratcliffe said , Iran has been sending `` spoofed emails designed to intimidate voters , incite social unrest and damage President '' Donald Trump , who is facing former Vice President Joe Biden , the Democratic nominee , in the election .
`` Additionally Iran is distributing other content to include a video that implies that individuals could cast fraudulent ballots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` This video and any claims about such allegedly fraudulent ballots are not true , '' Ratcliffe said .
He added that `` these actions are desperate attempts by desperate adversaries .
Even if the adversaries pursue further attempts to intimidate or attempt to undermine voter confidence , know that our election systems are resilient and you can be confident that your votes are secure .
`` Although we have not seen the same actions from Russia , we are aware that they have obtained some voter information just as they did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minutes before the press conference , The Washington Post reported that U.S. officials had warned state and local authorities that Iran had conducted a deceptive campaign to send threatening emails to Democratic voters while posing as members of the far-right group the Proud Boys .
A Homeland Security official also told the state and local election administrators on a call Wednesday that holes had been detected in their election websites , the Post reported .
The emails appeared to target Democrats using information from digital voter databases , according to the Post , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ messages threatened recipients , some of whom were in swing states , to `` vote for Trump on Election Day or we will come after you , '' the Post reported .
FBI Director Christopher Wray , who spoke after Ratcliffe at the press conference , said , `` We are not going to tolerate foreign interference in our elections or any criminal activity that threatens the sanctity of your vote or undermines public confidence in the outcome of the election . ''
`` You should be confident that your vote counts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unverified claims to the contrary should be viewed with a healthy dose of skepticism . ''
A White House official said that the White House was briefed on the findings by the FBI and Ratcliffe 's office .
`` Since the beginning of the administration , President Trump has directed law enforcement , defense and intel agencies to monitor and thwart any attempts to interfere in our election , '' the official said .
`` This shows the efforts of our great law enforcement are working . ''
However , Trump , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has aggressively criticized state leaders ' efforts to expand mail-in ballot access in order to offer a safe way to vote during the coronavirus pandemic .
The president has claimed , without providing evidence , that such plans will lead to massive levels of voter fraud and his campaign has filed lawsuits to block some of the new mail-in voting rules .
Before the press conference , the leaders of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence issued a joint statement about `` threats from adversaries to U.S. election systems and infrastructure . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the Vice Chairman Mark Warner , D-Va. , said they `` urge every American – including members of the media – to be cautious about believing or spreading unverified , sensational claims related to votes and voting . ''

Iran and Russia have both obtained information about American voter registrations and are trying to influence the public about the upcoming U.S. presidential election, national security officials said Wednesday night.
"Iran and Russia have taken specific actions to influence public opinion related to our elections," said Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe at a hastily scheduled press conference.
"First we have confirmed that some voter registration information has been obtained by Iran and separately by Russia," Ratcliffe said at the briefing, which comes less than two weeks before Election Day.
"This data can be used by foreign actors to attempt to communicate false information to registered voters that they hope will cause confusion, sow chaos and undermine your confidence in American democracy."
Specifically, Ratcliffe said, Iran has been sending "spoofed emails designed to intimidate voters, incite social unrest and damage President" Donald Trump, who is facing former Vice President Joe Biden, the Democratic nominee, in the election.
"Additionally Iran is distributing other content to include a video that implies that individuals could cast fraudulent ballots even from overseas," he said.
"This video and any claims about such allegedly fraudulent ballots are not true," Ratcliffe said.
He added that "these actions are desperate attempts by desperate adversaries. Even if the adversaries pursue further attempts to intimidate or attempt to undermine voter confidence, know that our election systems are resilient and you can be confident that your votes are secure.
"Although we have not seen the same actions from Russia, we are aware that they have obtained some voter information just as they did in 2016," Ratcliffe said.
Minutes before the press conference, The Washington Post reported that U.S. officials had warned state and local authorities that Iran had conducted a deceptive campaign to send threatening emails to Democratic voters while posing as members of the far-right group the Proud Boys.
A Homeland Security official also told the state and local election administrators on a call Wednesday that holes had been detected in their election websites, the Post reported.
The emails appeared to target Democrats using information from digital voter databases, according to the Post, which cited two U.S. officials.
The messages threatened recipients, some of whom were in swing states, to "vote for Trump on Election Day or we will come after you," the Post reported.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., shortly after the press conference told MSNBC that he had received a classified briefing earlier that afternoon about election security. He cast doubt on Ratcliffe's statement about Iran's emails affecting peoples' view of Trump.
"It was clear to me that the intent of Iran in this case and Russia in many more cases is to basically undermine confidence in our elections. This action I do not believe was aimed ... at discrediting President Trump," Schumer said in the interview.
FBI Director Christopher Wray, who spoke after Ratcliffe at the press conference, said, "We are not going to tolerate foreign interference in our elections or any criminal activity that threatens the sanctity of your vote or undermines public confidence in the outcome of the election."
"You should be confident that your vote counts," Wray said. "Early, unverified claims to the contrary should be viewed with a healthy dose of skepticism."
A White House official said that the White House was briefed on the findings by the FBI and Ratcliffe's office.
"Since the beginning of the administration, President Trump has directed law enforcement, defense and intel agencies to monitor and thwart any attempts to interfere in our election," the official said. "This shows the efforts of our great law enforcement are working."
However, Trump, who is trailing Biden in national polls, has aggressively criticized state leaders' efforts to expand mail-in ballot access in order to offer a safe way to vote during the coronavirus pandemic.
The president has claimed, without providing evidence, that such plans will lead to massive levels of voter fraud and his campaign has filed lawsuits to block some of the new mail-in voting rules.
Before the press conference, the leaders of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence issued a joint statement about "threats from adversaries to U.S. election systems and infrastructure."
Acting committee Chairman Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and the Vice Chairman Mark Warner, D-Va., said they "urge every American – including members of the media – to be cautious about believing or spreading unverified, sensational claims related to votes and voting."


cnbc--2020-10-22--Obama hammers Trump in his first rally for Joe Biden: 'We have to vote like never before'

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama delivered a rousing campaign speech on Wednesday night in Philadelphia , his first full-fledged drive-in rally event for Democratic nominee Joe Biden and his running mate Sen. Kamala Harris .
`` I am asking you to remember what this country can be .
What it is like when we treat each other with respect and dignity .
What is it is like when our elected officials actually behave responsibly , '' Obama said during an impassioned 30 minute speech at Lincoln Financial Field .
`` I am asking you to believe in Joe 's ability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country out of these dark times and help us build it back better , '' he said .
Obama did not pull his punches , attacking his successor , President Donald Trump early in his speech over recent reports that the president has a previously unreported bank account in China .
`` We know that he continues to do business with China , because he has got a secret Chinese bank account !
How is that possible ? ''
Obama said , incredulously .
`` Can you imagine if I had a secret @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for reelection ? ''
The line was especially relevant given the Trump campaign 's monthslong effort to portray Biden as overly sympathetic to China , and his more recent effort to paint Biden as financial entangled with Chinese companies , despite no evidence of any financial relationships .
Trump also blames Beijing for the coronavirus pandemic that has killed 220,000 Americans this year .
Obama , however , laid responsibility squarely on Trump 's shoulders for America 's outsized infection and death rates , among the highest in the developed world .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country is better off than it was four years ago .
I will tell you one thing .
Four years ago , you would be tailgating here at the Lincoln Field , instead of watching this speech from your cars , '' said Obama , a reference to the drive-in rally that has become a feature of the Biden campaign during the pandemic .
Trump , meanwhile , continues to hold large , open air campaign rallies that pack thousands of people in close quarters with few masks or safety precautions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign rally in Sanford , Florida , on Oct. 12 .

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama delivered a rousing campaign speech on Wednesday night in Philadelphia, his first full-fledged drive-in rally event for Democratic nominee Joe Biden and his running mate Sen. Kamala Harris.
"I am asking you to remember what this country can be. What it is like when we treat each other with respect and dignity. What is it is like when our elected officials actually behave responsibly," Obama said during an impassioned 30 minute speech at Lincoln Financial Field.
"I am asking you to believe in Joe's ability and Kamala's ability to lead this country out of these dark times and help us build it back better," he said.
Obama did not pull his punches, attacking his successor, President Donald Trump early in his speech over recent reports that the president has a previously unreported bank account in China.
"We know that he continues to do business with China, because he has got a secret Chinese bank account! How is that possible?" Obama said, incredulously. "Can you imagine if I had a secret Chinese bank account when I was running for reelection?"
The line was especially relevant given the Trump campaign's monthslong effort to portray Biden as overly sympathetic to China, and his more recent effort to paint Biden as financial entangled with Chinese companies, despite no evidence of any financial relationships.
Trump also blames Beijing for the coronavirus pandemic that has killed 220,000 Americans this year. Obama, however, laid responsibility squarely on Trump's shoulders for America's outsized infection and death rates, among the highest in the developed world.
"Presidents up for reelection usually ask if the country is better off than it was four years ago. I will tell you one thing. Four years ago, you would be tailgating here at the Lincoln Field, instead of watching this speech from your cars," said Obama, a reference to the drive-in rally that has become a feature of the Biden campaign during the pandemic.
Trump, meanwhile, continues to hold large, open air campaign rallies that pack thousands of people in close quarters with few masks or safety precautions. Below is a photo from Trump's campaign rally in Sanford, Florida, on Oct. 12.


cnbc--2020-10-21--Hearing in rape claim defamation case against Trump called off after DOJ lawyer barred from court ov

Hearing in rape claim defamation case against Trump called off after DOJ lawyer barred from court over New York's Covid restrictions

President Donald Trump rape accuser E. Jean Carroll and her lawyers arrive for her hearing at federal court during the coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) pandemic in the New York , October 21 , 2020 .
A Manhattan federal court hearing for a case that hinges on the allegation that President Donald Trump raped a writer more than two decades ago ended abruptly Wednesday , after a government lawyer was barred from the courthouse due to New York 's coronavirus rules .
Lawyers for the Department of Justice had planned to make oral arguments in person before Judge Lewis Kaplan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be allowed to intervene in E. Jean Carroll 's defamation lawsuit against Trump .
But one of those lawyers was denied entry to the courthouse in lower Manhattan earlier in the day because he had traveled there from his home in Virginia .
Virginia is among a group of states whose residents must quarantine for 14 days if they travel to New York state , because of Covid-19 precautions .
DOJ lawyer William Lane told Judge Lewis Kaplan via a telephone hookup that DOJ would rest on its current written court filings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oral arguments over the phone , or having a fellow prosecutor do so in person .
The case involves Carroll 's claim that Trump defamed her when he said she was lying about having been raped by him in a Manhattan department store in the mid-1990s .
The DOJ last month said it wanted the case transferred to federal court from New York state court and wanted to substitute the U.S. government as the defendant in the case , replacing Trump .
The DOJ has said that it had certified that Trump `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office or employment at the time of the incident out of which the claim arose . ''
In other words , the DOJ argues that Trump was acting as president when he adamantly denied Carroll 's allegations and said she was motivated by money .
Carroll 's lawyers are opposing the DOJ 's request to swap out Trump as a defendant .
In a written filing shortly before the hearing , Lane 's fellow DOJ lawyer Stephen Terrell asked Kaplan for a postponement of the hearing because of one of the DOJ lawyers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

President Donald Trump rape accuser E. Jean Carroll and her lawyers arrive for her hearing at federal court during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in the New York, October 21, 2020.
A Manhattan federal court hearing for a case that hinges on the allegation that President Donald Trump raped a writer more than two decades ago ended abruptly Wednesday, after a government lawyer was barred from the courthouse due to New York's coronavirus rules.
Lawyers for the Department of Justice had planned to make oral arguments in person before Judge Lewis Kaplan to support their position that the DOJ should be allowed to intervene in E. Jean Carroll's defamation lawsuit against Trump.
But one of those lawyers was denied entry to the courthouse in lower Manhattan earlier in the day because he had traveled there from his home in Virginia.
Virginia is among a group of states whose residents must quarantine for 14 days if they travel to New York state, because of Covid-19 precautions.
DOJ lawyer William Lane told Judge Lewis Kaplan via a telephone hookup that DOJ would rest on its current written court filings in the case, instead of making oral arguments over the phone, or having a fellow prosecutor do so in person.
The case involves Carroll's claim that Trump defamed her when he said she was lying about having been raped by him in a Manhattan department store in the mid-1990s.
The DOJ last month said it wanted the case transferred to federal court from New York state court and wanted to substitute the U.S. government as the defendant in the case, replacing Trump.
The DOJ has said that it had certified that Trump "was acting within the scope of his office or employment at the time of the incident out of which the claim arose."
In other words, the DOJ argues that Trump was acting as president when he adamantly denied Carroll's allegations and said she was motivated by money.
Carroll's lawyers are opposing the DOJ's request to swap out Trump as a defendant.
In a written filing shortly before the hearing, Lane's fellow DOJ lawyer Stephen Terrell asked Kaplan for a postponement of the hearing because of one of the DOJ lawyers being blocked due to the coronavirus restrictions.


cnbc--2020-10-21--'More work needs to be done': Pelosi, Mnuchin set more coronavirus stimulus talks as time runs short

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin worked to resolve outstanding differences over coronavirus stimulus again Wednesday as they run out of time to reach a deal before the 2020 election .
In a 48-minute phone call , the negotiators moved `` closer to being able to put pen to paper to write legislation '' and left `` better prepared to reach compromise on several priorities , '' Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill said in a tweeted statement .
The pair will talk again Thursday .
`` Differences continue to be narrowed on health priorities , including language providing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan , but more work needs to be done to ensure that schools are the safest places in America for children to learn , '' Hammill said .
Ahead of the conversation Wednesday , Pelosi told MSNBC that the sides `` have a prospect for an agreement . ''
While the California Democrat said she is hopeful about a deal , she signaled Democrats and Republicans may not reach an accord until after Election Day .
`` I 'm optimistic that there will be a bill , '' Pelosi said .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in time to pay the November rent , which is my goal , or is it going to be shortly thereafter and retroactive ? ''
The phone call followed Senate Republicans ' unsuccessful Wednesday attempt to pass a more narrow $ 500 billion relief bill over unified Democratic opposition .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , cautioned the White House against agreeing to a comprehensive deal before the election because legislation that could cost $ 2 trillion or more would divide his caucus ahead of the election , NBC News reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returning home to campaign after the chamber 's expected vote to confirm Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett on Monday , according to NBC .
If Pelosi and Mnuchin reach a deal , they will have to try to win support from Senate Republicans resistant to much more federal spending on the virus response .
Asked Wednesday how many GOP votes a potential deal could get , White House chief of staff Mark Meadows told reporters `` it would be hard to tell you '' until the negotiators have actually clinched an agreement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the so-called lame-duck period between the election and when winners take office in January could pose its own challenges .
As officials in Washington struggle to find common ground , millions of Americans thrown out of work by the pandemic try to scrape together enough money to eat and stay in their homes .
The U.S. had an unemployment rate of about 8 % in September , weeks after a $ 600 per week supplemental unemployment benefit , a federal moratorium on evictions and the Paycheck Protection Program small business loan initiative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and many economists have warned of potentially devastating effects if Congress waits too long to send more relief .
Negotiators have in recent days said they made progress on resolving a dispute over a national Covid-19 testing strategy .
But they still have not figured out how to get past two of the biggest obstacles present during months of discussions : state and local government aid and liability protections for businesses .
Pelosi has insisted on more relief for cash-crunched states and municipalities , over the objections of President Donald Trump and McConnell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McConnell have insisted on including legal immunity , which Democrats have resisted .
Trump started pressuring lawmakers to reach a deal late in the game , only after he temporarily ordered his administration to stop talking to Democrats about aid .

Nancy Pelosi and Steven Mnuchin Reuters
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin worked to resolve outstanding differences over coronavirus stimulus again Wednesday as they run out of time to reach a deal before the 2020 election. In a 48-minute phone call, the negotiators moved "closer to being able to put pen to paper to write legislation" and left "better prepared to reach compromise on several priorities," Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill said in a tweeted statement. The pair will talk again Thursday. "Differences continue to be narrowed on health priorities, including language providing a national strategic testing and contract tracing plan, but more work needs to be done to ensure that schools are the safest places in America for children to learn," Hammill said.
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Ahead of the conversation Wednesday, Pelosi told MSNBC that the sides "have a prospect for an agreement." While the California Democrat said she is hopeful about a deal, she signaled Democrats and Republicans may not reach an accord until after Election Day. "I'm optimistic that there will be a bill," Pelosi said. "It's a question of, is it in time to pay the November rent, which is my goal, or is it going to be shortly thereafter and retroactive?" The phone call followed Senate Republicans' unsuccessful Wednesday attempt to pass a more narrow $500 billion relief bill over unified Democratic opposition. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., cautioned the White House against agreeing to a comprehensive deal before the election because legislation that could cost $2 trillion or more would divide his caucus ahead of the election, NBC News reported. Vulnerable GOP senators also worry about returning home to campaign after the chamber's expected vote to confirm Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett on Monday, according to NBC. If Pelosi and Mnuchin reach a deal, they will have to try to win support from Senate Republicans resistant to much more federal spending on the virus response. Asked Wednesday how many GOP votes a potential deal could get, White House chief of staff Mark Meadows told reporters "it would be hard to tell you" until the negotiators have actually clinched an agreement.
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