cnbc--2020-04-15--Trump's WHO funding threat echoes action that got him impeached, Democrats say

President Donald Trump addresses the daily coronavirus task force briefing in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington , April 14 , 2020 .
President Donald Trump 's first step toward pulling World Health Organization funding during the coronavirus pandemic has set the stage for another legal tug of war with House Democrats wary of him treading on their power .
Facing sustained backlash for his handling of the outbreak as U.S. Covid-19 cases top any other country in the world , the president on Tuesday criticized the United Nations agency for what he called its `` role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread of the coronavirus . ''
Trump said he was `` instructing [ his ] administration to halt funding '' to the WHO during a 60 to 90-day review period .
House Democrats argued that suspending funding would hamper the global response to the disease ripping across the globe .
They also contended he can not withdraw money already appropriated by Congress under its constitutional authority — suggesting a court fight over Trump 's power looms if he pulls funding .
`` This decision is dangerous , illegal and will be swiftly challenged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a statement Wednesday .
The party also raised the specter of the White House 's decision to withhold congressionally-approved military aid to Ukraine last year as Trump urged the country to investigate his political rival , apparent Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden .
The action led to the House impeaching Trump .
The Senate acquitted him in February .
`` In a desperate attempt to deflect blame , President Trump is violating the same spending laws that brought about his impeachment , '' House Appropriations Committee spokesman Evan Hollander said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the unilateral authority to withhold the United States ' assessed contribution to the World Health Organization . ''

President Donald Trump addresses the daily coronavirus task force briefing in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, April 14, 2020.
President Donald Trump's first step toward pulling World Health Organization funding during the coronavirus pandemic has set the stage for another legal tug of war with House Democrats wary of him treading on their power.
Facing sustained backlash for his handling of the outbreak as U.S. Covid-19 cases top any other country in the world, the president on Tuesday criticized the United Nations agency for what he called its "role in severely mismanaging and covering up the spread of the coronavirus." Trump said he was "instructing [his] administration to halt funding" to the WHO during a 60 to 90-day review period.
House Democrats argued that suspending funding would hamper the global response to the disease ripping across the globe. They also contended he cannot withdraw money already appropriated by Congress under its constitutional authority — suggesting a court fight over Trump's power looms if he pulls funding.
"This decision is dangerous, illegal and will be swiftly challenged," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement Wednesday.
The party also raised the specter of the White House's decision to withhold congressionally-approved military aid to Ukraine last year as Trump urged the country to investigate his political rival, apparent Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden. The action led to the House impeaching Trump. The Senate acquitted him in February.
"In a desperate attempt to deflect blame, President Trump is violating the same spending laws that brought about his impeachment," House Appropriations Committee spokesman Evan Hollander said in a statement. "The President does not have the unilateral authority to withhold the United States' assessed contribution to the World Health Organization."


cnbc--2020-04-15--Executives warn Trump that Americans need more coronavirus testing before returning to work, shoppin

Executives warn Trump that Americans need more coronavirus testing before returning to work, shopping, eating out

Although showing no symptoms and being cautious , Keith Whiteing has the back of his nasal passage swabbed while being tested for the novel coronavirus at the Velocity Urgent Care April 15 , 2020 in Woodbridge , Virginia .
A group of business executives warned President Donald Trump on Wednesday that the federal government `` needed to dramatically increase '' the availability of coronavirus testing before Americans would feel comfortable returning to their normal lives , according to a new report .
The Wall Street Journal , citing people familiar with the situation , said Trump held a conference call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and beverage , hospitality and retail industry executives who are part of a new task force that will advise him on reopening the country .
It was the first of four planned calls involving task force members .
`` The people involved in the first call ... described current testing levels in the U.S. as inadequate to effectively reopen the economy , '' the Journal reported .
The participants reportedly told the president that Americans needed to see much more testing for Covid-19 before they `` would be confident enough to return to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in retail establishments . ''
A number of the executives on the hourlong call indicated that are trying to obtain tests for their own companies so that their workers and customers can be screened for the virus , according to the Journal .
The number of Americans tested daily for the coronavirus has been between 120,000 and 140,000 in recent weeks , according to a Washington Post report that noted that rate still leaves the U.S. behind South Korea , Germany , Canada and Italy on testing per capita .
Paul Romer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nobel laureate , has said that more than 20 million Americans should be tested each day .
The Journal , in its report , said that during the call Trump called `` on participants who largely praised the president and his administration . ''
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from CNBC .
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo , echoing advice from many health experts , said Wednesday that there needs to be widespread testing for the coronavirus , coupled with the tracing of people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , before life could return to close to normal in the absence of a vaccine for the virus .
Cuomo called on the federal government to play a lead role in expanding testing .

Although showing no symptoms and being cautious, Keith Whiteing has the back of his nasal passage swabbed while being tested for the novel coronavirus at the Velocity Urgent Care April 15, 2020 in Woodbridge, Virginia.
A group of business executives warned President Donald Trump on Wednesday that the federal government "needed to dramatically increase" the availability of coronavirus testing before Americans would feel comfortable returning to their normal lives, according to a new report.
The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the situation, said Trump held a conference call with about three dozen financial, food and beverage, hospitality and retail industry executives who are part of a new task force that will advise him on reopening the country.
It was the first of four planned calls involving task force members.
"The people involved in the first call ... described current testing levels in the U.S. as inadequate to effectively reopen the economy," the Journal reported.
The participants reportedly told the president that Americans needed to see much more testing for Covid-19 before they "would be confident enough to return to work, eat at restaurants or shop in retail establishments."
A number of the executives on the hourlong call indicated that are trying to obtain tests for their own companies so that their workers and customers can be screened for the virus, according to the Journal.
The number of Americans tested daily for the coronavirus has been between 120,000 and 140,000 in recent weeks, according to a Washington Post report that noted that rate still leaves the U.S. behind South Korea, Germany, Canada and Italy on testing per capita.
Paul Romer, a New York University economics professor and Nobel laureate, has said that more than 20 million Americans should be tested each day.
The Journal, in its report, said that during the call Trump called "on participants who largely praised the president and his administration."
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from CNBC.
Tweet
He expressed confidence that the U.S. economy would eventually recover. But he added, "It may not be in June or July. It may be in August."
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, echoing advice from many health experts, said Wednesday that there needs to be widespread testing for the coronavirus, coupled with the tracing of people who have been in contact with infected people, before life could return to close to normal in the absence of a vaccine for the virus.
Cuomo called on the federal government to play a lead role in expanding testing.


cnbc--2020-04-15--Trump says US has 'passed the peak' of coronavirus outbreak

President Donald Trump said the U.S. has `` passed the peak '' of the coronavirus outbreak , which has infected more than 632,000 people in America .
`` While we must remain vigilant , it is clear that our aggressive strategy is working , '' Trump said at a White House news briefing with coronavirus task force on Wednesday .
`` The battle continues , but the data suggests that nationwide we have passed the peak on new cases . ''
Trump said new cases are `` declining '' in New York , which has more confirmed cases than any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that cases are `` flat '' in Denver and Detroit , while other cities including Baltimore and Philadelphia `` are showing great signs of success . ''
`` Some states are looking at other states and they 're saying I ca n't imagine what they 're going through because they 're not in that position .
They 're in very good shape , '' he said .
`` I would say that we have 20 states , at least , but you really have 29 that are in extremely good shape .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Trump said he will discuss guidelines for reopening the country on Thursday .
The governors of seven states on the East Coast and three states on the West Coast have announced regional working groups to coordinate the reopening of the regions .
`` My administration is using every available authority to accelerate the development , study and delivery of therapies , '' he said , adding that at least 35 clinical trials of treatments are underway .
Over the past six days , the rate of new cases has declined across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Deborah Birx said , adding that nine states have less than 1,000 cases each and report fewer than 30 new cases per day .
However , she said the administration is concerned about Providence , Rhode Island , which is in a `` unique situation , '' caught between two hot spots , New York and Boston .
She added that now is the time to continue practicing social distancing .
`` Social gatherings , coming together , there is always a chance that an asymptomatic person can spread the virus unknowingly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of you that are out there that would like to join together and just have that dinner party for 20 , do n't do it yet .
Continue to follow the presidential guidelines . ''
More than 3.3 million tests have been `` conducted and completed , '' Vice President Mike Pence said , adding that 24 % of all counties in the country have not reported a single case of Covid-19 .
He also said half of all states in the country have fewer than 2,500 cases each .
`` We 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as the president said , there will be areas of the country that will require continued mitigation and strong efforts and there will be other areas of the country that will be given guidance for greater flexibility , the president has so directed our team , '' Pence said .
Even as the infection rate appears to fall across the country , according to the White House , New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio acknowledged earlier Wednesday that the city is likely undercounting Covid-19 deaths as the city struggles to test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City officials said they would begin counting `` probable '' Covid-19 deaths , which are people `` who had no known positive laboratory test , '' but are believed to have died due to Covid-19 .
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene estimates that there have been 3,778 probable Covid-19 deaths since March 11 that were n't previously counted in the city 's official tally .
There have been 6,589 confirmed Covid-19 deaths in New York City so far .
`` I want the whole truth out .
Wherever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the whole truth out , '' de Blasio said Wednesday at a news briefing .
`` Absolutely , I believe there are more people who died because of Covid-19 , in one way or another , because of something that happened to them related to Covid-19 . ''

"My administration is using every available authority to accelerate the development, study and delivery of therapies," he said, adding that at least 35 clinical trials of treatments are underway.
Trump said he will discuss guidelines for reopening the country on Thursday. The governors of seven states on the East Coast and three states on the West Coast have announced regional working groups to coordinate the reopening of the regions.
"Some states are looking at other states and they're saying I can't imagine what they're going through because they're not in that position. They're in very good shape," he said. "I would say that we have 20 states, at least, but you really have 29 that are in extremely good shape. You have others that are getting much better."
Trump said new cases are "declining" in New York, which has more confirmed cases than any country outside the U.S. He added that cases are "flat" in Denver and Detroit, while other cities including Baltimore and Philadelphia "are showing great signs of success."
"While we must remain vigilant, it is clear that our aggressive strategy is working," Trump said at a White House news briefing with coronavirus task force on Wednesday. "The battle continues, but the data suggests that nationwide we have passed the peak on new cases."
President Donald Trump said the U.S. has "passed the peak" of the coronavirus outbreak, which has infected more than 632,000 people in America.
Over the past six days, the rate of new cases has declined across the country, Coronavirus Response Coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx said, adding that nine states have less than 1,000 cases each and report fewer than 30 new cases per day. However, she said the administration is concerned about Providence, Rhode Island, which is in a "unique situation," caught between two hot spots, New York and Boston.
She added that now is the time to continue practicing social distancing.
"Social gatherings, coming together, there is always a chance that an asymptomatic person can spread the virus unknowingly," she said. "To all of you that are out there that would like to join together and just have that dinner party for 20, don't do it yet. Continue to follow the presidential guidelines."
More than 3.3 million tests have been "conducted and completed," Vice President Mike Pence said, adding that 24% of all counties in the country have not reported a single case of Covid-19. He also said half of all states in the country have fewer than 2,500 cases each.
"We're going to reflect on the fact that, as the president said, there will be areas of the country that will require continued mitigation and strong efforts and there will be other areas of the country that will be given guidance for greater flexibility, the president has so directed our team," Pence said.
Even as the infection rate appears to fall across the country, according to the White House, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio acknowledged earlier Wednesday that the city is likely undercounting Covid-19 deaths as the city struggles to test everyone.
On Tuesday, New York City officials said they would begin counting "probable" Covid-19 deaths, which are people "who had no known positive laboratory test," but are believed to have died due to Covid-19. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene estimates that there have been 3,778 probable Covid-19 deaths since March 11 that weren't previously counted in the city's official tally. There have been 6,589 confirmed Covid-19 deaths in New York City so far.
"I want the whole truth out. Wherever the facts take us, I want the whole truth out," de Blasio said Wednesday at a news briefing. "Absolutely, I believe there are more people who died because of Covid-19, in one way or another, because of something that happened to them related to Covid-19."


cnbc--2020-04-15--Senate Democrats seek $30 billion for national coronavirus testing

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ( D-NY ) makes a statement after meetings to wrap up work on coronavirus economic aid legislation , during the coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) outbreak , in Washington , U.S. , March 22 , 2020 .
U.S. Senate Democrats on Wednesday unveiled a $ 30 billion plan to vastly increase nationwide testing for the novel coronavirus , and called the Trump administration 's efforts on this score seriously insufficient .
`` We have to ramp up testing so it can be done on a broader scale , '' Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the nationwide effort should include more rapid tests and contact tracing .
`` The administration is at best scattershot and at worst just chaotic when it comes to testing , '' Schumer said .
Businesses across the United States have temporarily shuttered or significantly curtailed their operations since March as the coronavirus swept across the nation and governments urged workers to stay at home to help stop its spread .
Many health-care experts believe it is essential for comprehensive testing to be put in place before the economy can start to open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mulls taking actions to encourage the reopening of businesses in some regions next month , the No .
2 Senate Democrat , Dick Durbin , said the United States `` can not safely end sheltering-in-place until we have testing everywhere . ''
Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow compared the level of testing in the United States with South Korea 's , saying the latter has conducted tests on `` 40 times more people per million '' and has seen far fewer confirmed cases of coronavirus .
The nation 's top infectious disease expert , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday that public health officials needed to be able to test for the virus quickly and to isolate new cases and track down new infections before social distancing and other restrictions could be eased .
Schumer , who has been engaged in renewed talks with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on a new coronavirus response bill , said he hoped the Democratic testing proposal would make it into such a measure .
Republican congressional leaders have argued that the bill — the fourth since last month — should simply add around $ 250 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government loan program to help small businesses hurt by the pandemic .
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer , a Democrat , in a separate briefing for reporters , said he did not know whether the talks were progressing enough to attempt a vote on passage by the end of this week in the House of Representatives `` but that would be optimal if we could . ''

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) makes a statement after meetings to wrap up work on coronavirus economic aid legislation, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Washington, U.S., March 22, 2020.
U.S. Senate Democrats on Wednesday unveiled a $30 billion plan to vastly increase nationwide testing for the novel coronavirus, and called the Trump administration's efforts on this score seriously insufficient.
"We have to ramp up testing so it can be done on a broader scale," Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said in a call with reporters, adding that the nationwide effort should include more rapid tests and contact tracing.
"The administration is at best scattershot and at worst just chaotic when it comes to testing," Schumer said.
Businesses across the United States have temporarily shuttered or significantly curtailed their operations since March as the coronavirus swept across the nation and governments urged workers to stay at home to help stop its spread.
Many health-care experts believe it is essential for comprehensive testing to be put in place before the economy can start to open up again.
As the Trump administration mulls taking actions to encourage the reopening of businesses in some regions next month, the No. 2 Senate Democrat, Dick Durbin, said the United States "cannot safely end sheltering-in-place until we have testing everywhere."
Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow compared the level of testing in the United States with South Korea's, saying the latter has conducted tests on "40 times more people per million" and has seen far fewer confirmed cases of coronavirus.
The nation's top infectious disease expert, Anthony Fauci, said in an interview on Tuesday that public health officials needed to be able to test for the virus quickly and to isolate new cases and track down new infections before social distancing and other restrictions could be eased.
Schumer, who has been engaged in renewed talks with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on a new coronavirus response bill, said he hoped the Democratic testing proposal would make it into such a measure.
Republican congressional leaders have argued that the bill — the fourth since last month — should simply add around $250 billion to a recently-approved $349 billion government loan program to help small businesses hurt by the pandemic.
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, a Democrat, in a separate briefing for reporters, said he did not know whether the talks were progressing enough to attempt a vote on passage by the end of this week in the House of Representatives "but that would be optimal if we could."


cnbc--2020-04-15--Trump-RNC fundraising committee plans to expand operation with finance chairs in all 50 states

U.S. President Donald Trump responds to reporter 's questions as he exits the press briefing room at the White House on March 14 , 2020 in Washington , DC .
A joint fundraising committee formed by President Donald Trump 's campaign and the Republican National Committee is expanding its reach by putting finance chairs in all 50 states as the general election race gets under way .
The heads of Trump Victory briefed its top bundlers Tuesday by phone about steps to expand the group 's already formidable war chest .
The call , according to people with direct knowledge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kimberly Guilfoyle , a former Fox News host and current national chair of the finance committee , and businessman Roy Bailey , who has led fundraising efforts for the organization throughout the 2020 election cycle .
The people who described the briefing declined to be named as the conversation was deemed private .
Guilfoyle and Bailey told the Trump-RNC financiers that they are planning to deploy multiple finance chairs to every state , these people added .
Guilfoyle , who is in a relationship with the president 's eldest son , Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Victory team in January to help raise funds and put together a network of bundlers to boost Trump 's reelection effort .
Donors on the call were not told who would lead the fundraising efforts in each of the 50 states .
Trump and RNC officials confirmed these contents of the call to CNBC .
It occurred the same day President Barack Obama endorsed his former vice president and apparent Democratic nominee Joe Biden .
The decision to send finance committee leaders to all 50 states plus Washington , D.C. , is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operated during the 2016 election against Hillary Clinton .
Then , the committee launched with finance chairs in 33 states and the nation 's capital , according to a press release just months before that election .
The Trump-RNC development represents another major obstacle to Biden , who has yet to form a joint fundraising agreement with the Democratic National Committee .
Biden 's fundraising operation , which had to compete for dollars with a historically large Democratic primary field , also is not yet as formidable as Trump 's .
Trump Victory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states across the country , including in California , Minnesota , West Virginia , Kansas and Alabama .
State finance chairs are often involved with organizing fundraising events and engage with donors to give anywhere from $ 2,800 , the maximum donation one can give to a campaign , to six-figure checks for the joint committee .
Tim Murtaugh , a spokesman for the Trump campaign , said that the addition of more fundraising leaders in all of the states this election cycle shows that the president still has extensive support , despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health and the economy .
Trump and the RNC have had to take campaign and fundraising events fully virtual in the wake of states being forced to shut down as the virus spread throughout the country .
`` This is proof that people enthusiastically support President Trump 's leadership and they know that his policies drove the economy to historic heights before it was artificially interrupted by the coronavirus , '' Murtaugh said in an email .
`` President Trump is clearly the leader to restore us to that position . ''
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his administration 's handling of the coronavirus and the way he 's taken on a slew of governors .
The Trump Victory committee has been a key weapon for the president 's reelection bid .
Trump Victory , the Trump campaign , the RNC and other fundraising committees combined to raise over $ 212 million in the first quarter .
The two organizations saw a slight dip though in their monthly totals with a $ 63 million haul in March , compared with $ 86 million in February .
Biden has yet to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first quarter .
Wednesday is the deadline to file his campaign 's fundraising documents .

U.S. President Donald Trump responds to reporter's questions as he exits the press briefing room at the White House on March 14, 2020 in Washington, DC.
A joint fundraising committee formed by President Donald Trump's campaign and the Republican National Committee is expanding its reach by putting finance chairs in all 50 states as the general election race gets under way.
The heads of Trump Victory briefed its top bundlers Tuesday by phone about steps to expand the group's already formidable war chest. The call, according to people with direct knowledge of the matter, was led by Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host and current national chair of the finance committee, and businessman Roy Bailey, who has led fundraising efforts for the organization throughout the 2020 election cycle.
The people who described the briefing declined to be named as the conversation was deemed private.
Guilfoyle and Bailey told the Trump-RNC financiers that they are planning to deploy multiple finance chairs to every state, these people added. Guilfoyle, who is in a relationship with the president's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., signed on with the Trump Victory team in January to help raise funds and put together a network of bundlers to boost Trump's reelection effort.
Donors on the call were not told who would lead the fundraising efforts in each of the 50 states.
Trump and RNC officials confirmed these contents of the call to CNBC. It occurred the same day President Barack Obama endorsed his former vice president and apparent Democratic nominee Joe Biden.
The decision to send finance committee leaders to all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., is a major shift from how the fundraising group operated during the 2016 election against Hillary Clinton. Then, the committee launched with finance chairs in 33 states and the nation's capital, according to a press release just months before that election.
The Trump-RNC development represents another major obstacle to Biden, who has yet to form a joint fundraising agreement with the Democratic National Committee. Biden's fundraising operation, which had to compete for dollars with a historically large Democratic primary field, also is not yet as formidable as Trump's.
Trump Victory already has political operations set up in states across the country, including in California, Minnesota, West Virginia, Kansas and Alabama.
State finance chairs are often involved with organizing fundraising events and engage with donors to give anywhere from $2,800, the maximum donation one can give to a campaign, to six-figure checks for the joint committee.
Tim Murtaugh, a spokesman for the Trump campaign, said that the addition of more fundraising leaders in all of the states this election cycle shows that the president still has extensive support, despite the coronavirus pandemic's impact on public health and the economy. Trump and the RNC have had to take campaign and fundraising events fully virtual in the wake of states being forced to shut down as the virus spread throughout the country.
"This is proof that people enthusiastically support President Trump's leadership and they know that his policies drove the economy to historic heights before it was artificially interrupted by the coronavirus," Murtaugh said in an email. "President Trump is clearly the leader to restore us to that position."
Trump has come under fire by Democrats for his administration's handling of the coronavirus and the way he's taken on a slew of governors.
The Trump Victory committee has been a key weapon for the president's reelection bid. Trump Victory, the Trump campaign, the RNC and other fundraising committees combined to raise over $212 million in the first quarter. The two organizations saw a slight dip though in their monthly totals with a $63 million haul in March, compared with $86 million in February.
Biden has yet to announce how much he raised in the first quarter. Wednesday is the deadline to file his campaign's fundraising documents.


cnbc--2020-04-15--Elizabeth Warren endorses Joe Biden for president

The Massachusetts Democrat , a one-time presidential primary rival of the former vice president , made the announcement online .
In a video , Warren highlighted Biden 's work during the recovery from the 2008 financial crisis and his efforts to soothe her state 's largest city after the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing — casting him as a crisis manager as the coronavirus pandemic ravages the country .
`` He knows that a government run with integrity , competence , and heart will save lives and save livelihoods , '' Warren said in the more than three-minute video .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump continue to endanger the lives and livelihoods of every American .
And that 's why I 'm proud to endorse Joe Biden as president of the United States . ''
Her support for Biden , the apparent Democratic presidential nominee , comes a day after former President Barack Obama endorsed him .
Sen. Bernie Sanders , a Vermont independent and Biden 's final primary opponent , supported Biden on Monday only a few days after he dropped out of the race .
In a statement responding to Warren 's endorsement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more passionate in her convictions or sharper in her arguments '' than the senator .
He added that the detailed policy plans for which Warren has become known are `` more important than ever '' as the pandemic wrecks the U.S. economy .
`` We know how much work it will take to come through this crisis , and I am proud to have Senator Warren in my corner for the fight ahead — not just as we work to defeat Donald Trump in November , but in the years to come , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progressive policy agenda for the American people , '' he said .
With Warren 's support , all of the serious contenders for the 2020 Democratic nomination have backed Biden .
Her Senate colleagues — including those in presidential battlegrounds — have also started to coalesce around the former vice president .
Sens .
Tammy Baldwin , D-Wisc.
, and Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters , D-Mich. , backed Biden on Wednesday , following Sen. Sherrod Brown , D-Ohio , earlier this month .
The senator , who built her campaign around a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ companies and transitioning to `` Medicare for All , '' has views that at times clash with Biden 's .
When Biden first entered the presidential race , Warren — a fierce advocate for consumer protection and stricter bank regulations — criticized him over his support in the Senate for a 2005 bankruptcy bill that she opposed .
Since Warren left the race last month , Biden has tried to win over her supporters by adopting some of her policies .
He backed her plan to change bankruptcy rules , including by allowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bankruptcy process in a similar way to other debts .
He also called to forgive $ 10,000 per person in federal student loan debt during the coronavirus outbreak , a plan put forward by Warren and other Democratic senators .
In the endorsement video , Warren acknowledged her differences with Biden — a man she labeled a `` Washington insider '' during the campaign .
She said she had no Democratic primary opponents `` I 've agreed with 100 % of the time over the years . ''
But she added that Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stands '' and `` listen . ''
`` And he 's shown throughout this campaign that when you come up with new facts or a good argument , he 's not too afraid or too proud to be persuaded , '' Warren said .
Biden is the last Democrat standing in the presidential primary , but it is unclear when he will become the nominee .
He has amassed 1,288 pledged delegates — about two-thirds of what he needs to become his party 's standard bearer , according to NBC News .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ primaries back to June , he will not hit the delegate threshold for weeks .
Since she left the presidential race , Warren has proposed a string of coronavirus relief measures in the Senate .
Along with the debt forgiveness proposal , she has put forward a plan calling for higher pay , guaranteed sick leave and stronger safety protections for people who have to go into their workplaces during the pandemic .
On Wednesday , she also proposed a $ 50 billion injection to stabilize the child care system during the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go back to work .

Sen. Elizabeth Warren endorsed Joe Biden for president Wednesday morning.
The Massachusetts Democrat, a one-time presidential primary rival of the former vice president, made the announcement online. In a video, Warren highlighted Biden's work during the recovery from the 2008 financial crisis and his efforts to soothe her state's largest city after the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing — casting him as a crisis manager as the coronavirus pandemic ravages the country.
"He knows that a government run with integrity, competence, and heart will save lives and save livelihoods," Warren said in the more than three-minute video. "And we can't afford to let Donald Trump continue to endanger the lives and livelihoods of every American. And that's why I'm proud to endorse Joe Biden as president of the United States."
Elizabeth Warren tweet
Her support for Biden, the apparent Democratic presidential nominee, comes a day after former President Barack Obama endorsed him. Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent and Biden's final primary opponent, supported Biden on Monday only a few days after he dropped out of the race.
In a statement responding to Warren's endorsement, Biden said he had "no competitor more passionate in her convictions or sharper in her arguments" than the senator. He added that the detailed policy plans for which Warren has become known are "more important than ever" as the pandemic wrecks the U.S. economy.
"We know how much work it will take to come through this crisis, and I am proud to have Senator Warren in my corner for the fight ahead — not just as we work to defeat Donald Trump in November, but in the years to come, as we push through a bold and progressive policy agenda for the American people," he said.
With Warren's support, all of the serious contenders for the 2020 Democratic nomination have backed Biden. Her Senate colleagues — including those in presidential battlegrounds — have also started to coalesce around the former vice president. Sens. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisc., and Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, D-Mich., backed Biden on Wednesday, following Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, earlier this month.
The senator, who built her campaign around a steep wealth tax, breaking up large companies and transitioning to "Medicare for All," has views that at times clash with Biden's. When Biden first entered the presidential race, Warren — a fierce advocate for consumer protection and stricter bank regulations — criticized him over his support in the Senate for a 2005 bankruptcy bill that she opposed.
Since Warren left the race last month, Biden has tried to win over her supporters by adopting some of her policies. He backed her plan to change bankruptcy rules, including by allowing people to shed student loans during a bankruptcy process in a similar way to other debts.
He also called to forgive $10,000 per person in federal student loan debt during the coronavirus outbreak, a plan put forward by Warren and other Democratic senators.
In the endorsement video, Warren acknowledged her differences with Biden — a man she labeled a "Washington insider" during the campaign. She said she had no Democratic primary opponents "I've agreed with 100% of the time over the years." But she added that Biden will "always tell you where he stands" and "listen."
"And he's shown throughout this campaign that when you come up with new facts or a good argument, he's not too afraid or too proud to be persuaded," Warren said.
Biden is the last Democrat standing in the presidential primary, but it is unclear when he will become the nominee. He has amassed 1,288 pledged delegates — about two-thirds of what he needs to become his party's standard bearer, according to NBC News.
But since a slew of states pushed their primaries back to June, he will not hit the delegate threshold for weeks.
Since she left the presidential race, Warren has proposed a string of coronavirus relief measures in the Senate. Along with the debt forgiveness proposal, she has put forward a plan calling for higher pay, guaranteed sick leave and stronger safety protections for people who have to go into their workplaces during the pandemic.
On Wednesday, she also proposed a $50 billion injection to stabilize the child care system during the pandemic, to ensure parents are able to go back to work.
Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube.


cnbc--2020-04-15--Trump critic and ex-GOP Rep. Justin Amash will decide soon whether he will run for president

Rep. Justin Amash , I-Mich. , is seen on the House steps of the Capitol before the House passed a $ 2 trillion coronavirus aid package by voice vote on Friday , March 27 , 2020 .
Rep. Justin Amash , a former Republican who voted to impeach President Donald Trump , is getting close to making a decision about a third-party bid for the White House , his campaign said Wednesday .
Speculation heated up after the Michigan independent tweeted on Monday that `` Americans who believe in limited government deserve another option . ''
His tweet came in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , `` When somebody 's president of the United States , the authority is total , and that 's the way it 's got ta be . ''
Replying to a tweet urging him to be that other `` option , '' Amash said he is weighing whether to run and will make a decision shortly .
`` Thanks .
I 'm looking at it closely this week , '' he wrote .
In a statement Wednesday , his campaign said : `` In mid-February , Justin Amash paused active campaigning for his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run .
He has been discussing the potential campaign with his family , his friends , his team , and others , and a decision can be expected soon . ''
Amash made a splash last summer when he came out in support of impeachment and decided to leave the Republican Party , saying he felt `` disenchanted with party politics and frightened by what I see from it .
The two-party system has evolved into an existential threat to American principles and institutions . ''
Since then , he has continued to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receiving heat from top GOP officials and from the president himself .
On Monday , he criticized the president for claiming that he has control over how states respond to the coronavirus pandemic .
In an extension of the rivalry between Amash and the president , Donald Trump Jr. said in June that he planned to campaign against him during the primary .
There is little evidence that the president 's son has done so amid the coronavirus outbreak .
It 's unclear whether the 39-year-old Amash would run as an independent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidate if he decides to go for it .
It 's unlikely that a third-party candidate would win the presidency .
However , third-party candidates can swing elections in tight contests .
Michigan is considered a swing state , with its 16 electoral college votes coveted by Trump and the apparent Democratic nominee Joe Biden .
Amash , the son of Christian Arab immigrants , represents Grand Rapids in Congress .

Rep. Justin Amash, I-Mich., is seen on the House steps of the Capitol before the House passed a $2 trillion coronavirus aid package by voice vote on Friday, March 27, 2020.
Rep. Justin Amash, a former Republican who voted to impeach President Donald Trump, is getting close to making a decision about a third-party bid for the White House, his campaign said Wednesday.
Speculation heated up after the Michigan independent tweeted on Monday that "Americans who believe in limited government deserve another option."
Tweet
His tweet came in response to a quote from Trump stating, "When somebody's president of the United States, the authority is total, and that's the way it's gotta be."
Replying to a tweet urging him to be that other "option," Amash said he is weighing whether to run and will make a decision shortly.
"Thanks. I'm looking at it closely this week," he wrote.
Tweet
In a statement Wednesday, his campaign said: "In mid-February, Justin Amash paused active campaigning for his congressional seat to carefully consider a presidential run. He has been discussing the potential campaign with his family, his friends, his team, and others, and a decision can be expected soon."
Amash made a splash last summer when he came out in support of impeachment and decided to leave the Republican Party, saying he felt "disenchanted with party politics and frightened by what I see from it. The two-party system has evolved into an existential threat to American principles and institutions."
Since then, he has continued to position himself as a Trump critic, receiving heat from top GOP officials and from the president himself.
On Monday, he criticized the president for claiming that he has control over how states respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
Tweet
In an extension of the rivalry between Amash and the president, Donald Trump Jr. said in June that he planned to campaign against him during the primary. There is little evidence that the president's son has done so amid the coronavirus outbreak.
It's unclear whether the 39-year-old Amash would run as an independent, a libertarian, or as another third-party candidate if he decides to go for it.
It's unlikely that a third-party candidate would win the presidency. However, third-party candidates can swing elections in tight contests. Michigan is considered a swing state, with its 16 electoral college votes coveted by Trump and the apparent Democratic nominee Joe Biden.
Amash, the son of Christian Arab immigrants, represents Grand Rapids in Congress.


cnbc--2020-04-15--An Indiana firefighter was waiting for his stimulus check, but found $8.2 million in his account ins

An Indiana firefighter was waiting for his stimulus check, but found $8.2 million in his account instead

Charles Calvin 's ATM receipt showing a bank balance of $ 8,200,000 .
Calvin 's bank believes the error was due to the ATM , the Times of Northwest Indiana reported Monday .
April 13 , 2020 .
Charles Calvin went to a local ATM to see if he 'd received the $ 1,700 government stimulus check he was waiting for .
The figure he saw on his bank balance made him do a double take .
`` I went to the ATM at the Family Express , and once I withdraw $ 200 out of my account , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still left in my account , '' Calvin , a volunteer firefighter in New Chicago , Indiana , told news station WGN9 .
`` Apparently , my account had $ 8.2 million in it .
I 'm like , 'what in the world is going on here ? '
'' Calvin was in such disbelief that he brought his colleague , a fellow firefighter , to see it .
`` I ran the card again , and again $ 8.2 million .
I said man , something is up with this , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clerk at the gas station where the ATM was to ask if there was something wrong with the machine , but no issues had been reported , he recalled .
`` I showed her the receipt and she looks at the receipt , she looks at me , looks back at the receipt , '' he told NBC Chicago in a separate interview .
`` She said , 'You have this much money in your account ? '
I said , 'No , I am poor .
I 'm over here trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my rent ' . ''
Calvin took out $ 800 that he needed to pay his rent , but told NBC he then showed his ATM receipt to a friend who was a local police officer .
`` When he looked at it he goes , 'Holy crap you 've got 8,200,000 ? '
I 'm like , 'No man , I do n't have that kind of money in my account ' .
He goes , 'Well do n't touch it .
If it is in there do n't touch it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' That 's just what Calvin did , and his millionaire status turned out to be short-lived — by the time he called his bank on Monday , the amount was no longer there .
But the $ 1,700 check he 'd been waiting for had been deposited .
`` Of course , it makes you pause and think what is going on if there is some kind of clerical error or what have you , they should be on top of it , '' Calvin told WGN9 , wondering if the error @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ATM or the federal government .
Local newspaper the Northwest Indiana Times reported that Calvin 's bank believes the error came from an issue with the ATM .
`` It kind of sucks you go from being a millionaire on paper one second then back to being broke again , but I guess once you 're poor you ai n't got nowhere else to go but up . ''
`` You would never expect to see an available balance for $ 8.2 million unless you 're Bill Gates or a Rockefeller or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NBC Chicago .
`` I wish there was $ 8.2 million in everybody 's accounts . ''

Charles Calvin's ATM receipt showing a bank balance of $8,200,000. Calvin's bank believes the error was due to the ATM, the Times of Northwest Indiana reported Monday. April 13, 2020.
Charles Calvin went to a local ATM to see if he'd received the $1,700 government stimulus check he was waiting for. The figure he saw on his bank balance made him do a double take.
"I went to the ATM at the Family Express, and once I withdraw $200 out of my account, I looked at the available balance that was still left in my account," Calvin, a volunteer firefighter in New Chicago, Indiana, told news station WGN9.
"Apparently, my account had $8.2 million in it. I'm like, 'what in the world is going on here?'"
Calvin was in such disbelief that he brought his colleague, a fellow firefighter, to see it. "I ran the card again, and again $8.2 million. I said man, something is up with this," he said.
He went to the clerk at the gas station where the ATM was to ask if there was something wrong with the machine, but no issues had been reported, he recalled.
"I showed her the receipt and she looks at the receipt, she looks at me, looks back at the receipt," he told NBC Chicago in a separate interview. "She said, 'You have this much money in your account?' I said, 'No, I am poor. I'm over here trying to get money out so I can pay my rent'."
Calvin took out $800 that he needed to pay his rent, but told NBC he then showed his ATM receipt to a friend who was a local police officer.
"When he looked at it he goes, 'Holy crap you've got 8,200,000?' I'm like, 'No man, I don't have that kind of money in my account'. He goes, 'Well don't touch it. If it is in there don't touch it. Call your bank Monday morning'."
That's just what Calvin did, and his millionaire status turned out to be short-lived — by the time he called his bank on Monday, the amount was no longer there. But the $1,700 check he'd been waiting for had been deposited.
Tweet1
"Of course, it makes you pause and think what is going on if there is some kind of clerical error or what have you, they should be on top of it," Calvin told WGN9, wondering if the error was the fault of his bank, the ATM or the federal government.
Local newspaper the Northwest Indiana Times reported that Calvin's bank believes the error came from an issue with the ATM.
"It kind of sucks you go from being a millionaire on paper one second then back to being broke again, but I guess once you're poor you ain't got nowhere else to go but up."
"You would never expect to see an available balance for $8.2 million unless you're Bill Gates or a Rockefeller or something like that," Calvin told NBC Chicago. "I wish there was $8.2 million in everybody's accounts."


cnbc--2020-04-15--Bill Gates calls Trump's decision to halt funding for WHO 'as dangerous as it sounds'

Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates is defending the World Health Organization , blasting President Donald Trump 's decision to halt funding for the U.N. agency in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic .
Microsoft co-founder and his wife , Melinda , voiced support for the WHO in separate Twitter posts early Wednesday , a day after Trump announced that he is halting U.S. funding while the administration reviews the agency 's response to the Covid-19 outbreak .
`` Halting funding for the World Health Organization during a world health crisis is as dangerous as it sounds .
Their work is slowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work is stopped no other organization can replace them .
The world needs @ WHO now more than ever , '' Gates tweeted .
`` Any suggestion that the President is putting the health and safety of the American people or global health aid in jeopardy is false , '' deputy press secretary Judd Deere said in a statement .
`` The WHO 's response to COVID has been filled with one misstep after another , and President Trump is standing up for the American taxpayer to ensure we hold WHO accountable for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long focused on the health field within his work at the nonprofit Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation , though he often avoids diving into political issues .
However , he has been speaking out on the coronavirus pandemic .
In late March he said the United States missed its chance to avoid mandated shutdowns because it did n't act fast enough on the pandemic .
Trump said Tuesday that his administration is suspending funding from the WHO as it investigates how the agency reacted to the coronavirus outbreak .
Trump said the international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so much death , '' as the virus continues to spread .
Since it emerged more than three months ago in Wuhan , China , the coronavirus has infected more than 1.9 million people worldwide and killed at least 125,678 , according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University .
The WHO designated the virus as a global health emergency on Jan. 30 , when there were fewer than 10,000 confirmed cases across the globe .
It 's unclear exactly what mechanism Trump intends to use to withhold WHO funding , much of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president typically does not have the authority to unilaterally redirect congressional funding .

Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates is defending the World Health Organization, blasting President Donald Trump's decision to halt funding for the U.N. agency in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
Microsoft co-founder and his wife, Melinda, voiced support for the WHO in separate Twitter posts early Wednesday, a day after Trump announced that he is halting U.S. funding while the administration reviews the agency's response to the Covid-19 outbreak.
"Halting funding for the World Health Organization during a world health crisis is as dangerous as it sounds. Their work is slowing the spread of COVID-19 and if that work is stopped no other organization can replace them. The world needs @WHO now more than ever," Gates tweeted.
Tweet
The White House defended Trump's announcement.
"Any suggestion that the President is putting the health and safety of the American people or global health aid in jeopardy is false," deputy press secretary Judd Deere said in a statement. "The WHO's response to COVID has been filled with one misstep after another, and President Trump is standing up for the American taxpayer to ensure we hold WHO accountable for their flawed actions."
Gates has long focused on the health field within his work at the nonprofit Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, though he often avoids diving into political issues. However, he has been speaking out on the coronavirus pandemic. In late March he said the United States missed its chance to avoid mandated shutdowns because it didn't act fast enough on the pandemic.
Trump said Tuesday that his administration is suspending funding from the WHO as it investigates how the agency reacted to the coronavirus outbreak. Trump said the international health agency made mistakes that "caused so much death," as the virus continues to spread.
Since it emerged more than three months ago in Wuhan, China, the coronavirus has infected more than 1.9 million people worldwide and killed at least 125,678, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. The WHO designated the virus as a global health emergency on Jan. 30, when there were fewer than 10,000 confirmed cases across the globe.
It's unclear exactly what mechanism Trump intends to use to withhold WHO funding, much of which is appropriated by Congress. The president typically does not have the authority to unilaterally redirect congressional funding.


cnbc--2020-04-14--Trump says some state economies may open for business by May 1

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he believes some states will be able to `` reopen '' their economies before the end of April by lifting the social distancing restrictions imposed to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
Trump 's announcement came a day after he claimed `` total '' authority over when to lift the state-imposed measures .
Legal experts say that despite Trump 's claims about his presidential powers , he can not override the public-health measures that were implemented by states .
Still , Trump said during a White House press briefing on the virus that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are close to being finalized . ''
`` I will be speaking to all 50 governors very shortly , '' Trump said , `` And I will then be authorizing each individual governor of each individual state to implement a reopening and a very powerful reopening plan of their state at a time and in a manner as most appropriate . ''
`` The day will be very close because certain states as you know are in a much different condition and are in a much different place than other states .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Maybe even before the date of May 1st , '' he said .
As he left the briefing in the Rose Garden , Trump said that if the governors `` do n't do a good job , we 're going to come down on them very hard . ''

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he believes some states will be able to "reopen" their economies before the end of April by lifting the social distancing restrictions imposed to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Trump's announcement came a day after he claimed "total" authority over when to lift the state-imposed measures. Legal experts say that despite Trump's claims about his presidential powers, he cannot override the public-health measures that were implemented by states.
Still, Trump said during a White House press briefing on the virus that "the plans to reopen the country are close to being finalized."
"I will be speaking to all 50 governors very shortly," Trump said, "And I will then be authorizing each individual governor of each individual state to implement a reopening and a very powerful reopening plan of their state at a time and in a manner as most appropriate."
"The day will be very close because certain states as you know are in a much different condition and are in a much different place than other states. It's going to be very very close. Maybe even before the date of May 1st," he said.
As he left the briefing in the Rose Garden, Trump said that if the governors "don't do a good job, we're going to come down on them very hard."


cnbc--2020-04-15--US airlines, Treasury Department reach agreement billions in aid

A JetBlue Airways Corp. plane taxis next to American Airlines Group Inc. , Delta Air Lines Inc. , and Alaska Airlines Inc. aircraft at Reagan National Airport ( DCA ) in Arlington , Virginia , U.S. , on Monday , April 6 , 2020 .
Several U.S. airlines on Tuesday said they reached agreements with the Treasury Department for billions in government grants aimed at softening the blow from the coronavirus .
Shares of airline stocks initially rallied on the news but were trading lower on Wednesday .
The virus and harsh measures to stop it from spreading , such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel demand to the lowest levels in decades .
Carriers have grounded hundreds of jetliners and are asking thousands of employees to take voluntary unpaid leave , in a race to cut costs as cancellations outpaced bookings .
Airlines including American , Delta , United , Southwest , Spirit , JetBlue and Alaska , applied for portions of $ 25 billion in payroll grants -- airlines ' largest ever government aid package -- that require airlines not to furlough or cut the pay rates of employees through Sept. 30 .
U.S. airlines employ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the more than $ 2 trillion coronavirus relief package , the CARES Act , which was signed into law last month .
American said the Treasury Department approved $ 5.8 billion in assistance — a $ 4.1 billion grant and a $ 1.7 billion low-interest loan .
The Fort Worth , Texas-based carrier said it plans to apply for another government loan of around $ 4.75 billion .
`` By accepting these funds , we have happily agreed to not involuntarily furlough or reduce the hourly pay rates of our U.S.-based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which point we hope and expect that Americans are regularly flying again , '' American 's CEO , Doug Parker , and the airline 's president , Robert Isom , wrote to employees announcing its deal with the Treasury Department .
Dallas-based Southwest said it expects to receive $ 3.2 billion under the program , more than $ 2.3 billion in payroll support and a 10-year low-interest loan of close to $ 1 billion .
The loan will likely include 2.6 million warrants for the Treasury Department , and that the aid prohibits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2021 , and requires limits on executive compensation for nearly two years , the airline said .
Delta said it reached a deal with the Treasury Department for $ 5.4 billion , including a 10-year , $ 1.6 billion , unsecured-loan and the airline will give the government warrants to acquire around 1 % of the Delta stock at $ 23.39 a share , last Friday 's closing price , over five years .
New York-based JetBlue said it will get $ 935.8 million , close to $ 251 million as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that a number of major airlines intend to participate in the Payroll Support Program , '' the Treasury Department said in a statement .
`` This is an important CARES Act program that will support American workers and help preserve the strategic importance of the airline industry while allowing for appropriate compensation to the taxpayers . ''
Other airlines are planning to detail their expected portion of the aid Tuesday or later this week , people familiar with the discussions said .
Talks had dragged on for longer than some carriers expected .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ airlines pay back 30 % of the grants , terms that appear to have stuck , at least with American and Southwest .
Lawmakers and labor unions objected to those terms , saying the aid package Congress passed last month intended that the funds would be structured as payroll grants .
The Treasury Department last week said airlines seeking less than $ 100 million would not have to provide that compensation for the funds .
Sara Nelson , president of the Association of Flight Attendants , which represents about 50,000 cabin crew members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and had pushed lawmakers to dedicate a portion of the aid solely for workers , applauded the progress toward disbursing the aid .
`` This is an unprecedented accomplishment — a truly workers-first stimulus that keeps people connected to their jobs and provides stability and hope to millions of aviation workers and sets a template we must now work to extend to every worker , '' she said in a statement .

Several U.S. airlines on Tuesday said they reached agreements with the Treasury Department for billions in government grants aimed at softening the blow from the coronavirus.
Shares of airline stocks initially rallied on the news but were trading lower on Wednesday.
The virus and harsh measures to stop it from spreading, such as stay-at-home orders, have driven air travel demand to the lowest levels in decades. Carriers have grounded hundreds of jetliners and are asking thousands of employees to take voluntary unpaid leave, in a race to cut costs as cancellations outpaced bookings.
Airlines including American, Delta, United, Southwest, Spirit , JetBlue and Alaska , applied for portions of $25 billion in payroll grants -- airlines' largest ever government aid package -- that require airlines not to furlough or cut the pay rates of employees through Sept. 30. U.S. airlines employ some 750,000 people. The grants were part of the more than $2 trillion coronavirus relief package, the CARES Act, which was signed into law last month.
American said the Treasury Department approved $5.8 billion in assistance — a $4.1 billion grant and a $1.7 billion low-interest loan. The Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier said it plans to apply for another government loan of around $4.75 billion.
"By accepting these funds, we have happily agreed to not involuntarily furlough or reduce the hourly pay rates of our U.S.-based team members through Sept. 30, at which point we hope and expect that Americans are regularly flying again," American's CEO, Doug Parker, and the airline's president, Robert Isom, wrote to employees announcing its deal with the Treasury Department.
Dallas-based Southwest said it expects to receive $3.2 billion under the program, more than $2.3 billion in payroll support and a 10-year low-interest loan of close to $1 billion. The loan will likely include 2.6 million warrants for the Treasury Department, and that the aid prohibits share repurchases and dividends until Sept. 30, 2021, and requires limits on executive compensation for nearly two years, the airline said.
Delta said it reached a deal with the Treasury Department for $5.4 billion, including a 10-year, $1.6 billion, unsecured-loan and the airline will give the government warrants to acquire around 1% of the Delta stock at $23.39 a share, last Friday's closing price, over five years. New York-based JetBlue said it will get $935.8 million, close to $251 million as a loan.
"We welcome the news that a number of major airlines intend to participate in the Payroll Support Program," the Treasury Department said in a statement. "This is an important CARES Act program that will support American workers and help preserve the strategic importance of the airline industry while allowing for appropriate compensation to the taxpayers."
Other airlines are planning to detail their expected portion of the aid Tuesday or later this week, people familiar with the discussions said.
Talks had dragged on for longer than some carriers expected. The Treasury Department last week proposed that airlines pay back 30% of the grants, terms that appear to have stuck, at least with American and Southwest. Lawmakers and labor unions objected to those terms, saying the aid package Congress passed last month intended that the funds would be structured as payroll grants. The Treasury Department last week said airlines seeking less than $100 million would not have to provide that compensation for the funds.
Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants, which represents about 50,000 cabin crew members at airlines including United and Spirit, and had pushed lawmakers to dedicate a portion of the aid solely for workers, applauded the progress toward disbursing the aid.
"This is an unprecedented accomplishment — a truly workers-first stimulus that keeps people connected to their jobs and provides stability and hope to millions of aviation workers and sets a template we must now work to extend to every worker," she said in a statement.


cnbc--2020-04-14--Democratic bundlers struggle to find time to help Biden as they contend with coronavirus

Former Vice President Joe Biden , presumptive Democratic presidential nominee , speaks during a virtual event seen on an Apple Inc. laptop computer in Arlington , Virginia , U.S. , on Monday , April 13 , 2020 .
Democratic Party financiers are struggling to find the time to raise money for Joe Biden 's campaign for president as they contend with the impact of the coronavirus on their businesses and personal finances .
Several fundraisers and people close to them spoke to CNBC about how they are in a bind over how to prioritize Biden 's bid to defeat President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their own battles stemming from Covid-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
`` They are all scared witless , '' said John Morgan , a Florida-based businessman helping Biden , describing fundraisers ' state of mind .
The former vice president is facing a tough haul in keeping up with Trump 's massive campaign war chest .
Trump and the Republican National Committee combined to raise more than $ 63 million in the month of March and have more than $ 200 million on hand .
While that monthly total is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 86 million in February , it 's unclear how Biden is measuring up as of now .
The Biden campaign has yet to release either his first-quarter or March fundraising totals .
All campaigns must file their quarterly fundraising documents by Wednesday .
Biden 's totals will be a key indicator of whether the pandemic has impacted his fundraising abilities .
The bundlers ' struggles make it even more important for Biden to be successful in his virtual fundraisers , which the campaign has embraced since governments enacted restrictions against social gatherings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surrogates have scheduled at least 14 virtual fundraising events from mid-April until May 6 , according to a list of donor gatherings distributed to CNBC .
A bundler helping Biden , who declined to be named as these efforts are deemed private , is working on having former President Barack Obama and his allies take part in some future events .
Obama endorsed Biden on Tuesday .
The former president said he plans to get on the campaign trail as soon as he can .
The tweet that included his video remarks got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under 40 minutes .
Obama also signed a fundraising email to Biden supporters in the wake of his endorsement , asking people to `` pitch in $ 5 to his campaign . ''
People who have either started fundraising for Biden or have been waiting to use their resources are leaders in a variety of industries , from entertainment to Wall Street .
There 's Haim Saban , a music and media producer who privately told his allies as far back as January that he was going to decide after Super Tuesday how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the presidential election to support a Democratic candidate for president .
Saban spent millions helping Hillary Clinton in 2016 .
A person close to him now says that he is n't focused on politics and he told The Hollywood Reporter in a recent interview that the election is not a priority for him , at this point , due to the coronavirus .
`` I think it is on the back burner , frankly .
I mean , yes , we 're watching everything play out , but it 's not the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saban told the publication .
A spokeswoman for Saban did not return a request for comment .
Then there 's a Biden bundler who is involved with the restaurant chain Buffalo Wild Wings , and asked not to be named in this story in order to speak freely .
This person says the company laid off hundreds of people after New York state restricted restaurants to take-out and delivery service instead of dine in .
`` A certain degree of distraction is certainly prevalent .
I feel it myself .
Stopped serving at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , '' this person said , while noting there might be a lack of involvement by some in the business community until June .
A spokesman for the company confirmed to CNBC that it has started laying off employees but would not say how many people have lost their jobs .
`` These decisions are incredibly painful , and we do n't take them lightly , '' said Jack D'Amato , the spokesman .
Then there 's the Wall Street executive who is also helping Biden and said that the priority right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on track as the economy struggles to overcome the coronvirus pandemic .
He noted he may not get back involved with assisting Biden until September .
A founder of a Chicago-based construction company recently said he 's not paying attention to the campaign as he is in the midst of dealing with some of his employees coming down with Covid-19 , including one worker being put on a ventilator .
`` I 've been in total crisis mode in my business right now and I 'm not paying any attention to the campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Many of these financiers say the current circumstances illustrate the need for a joint fundraising operation between the Biden campaign and the Democratic National Committee .
That would allow big-money donors to give six-figure checks , instead of the $ 2,800 individual max to campaigns .
The DNC previously told CNBC that it is starting to hold talks with the Biden campaign about possibly moving ahead with a joint fundraising effort .
`` Even though it 's only been three weeks it feels like three years .
Very wealthy people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Morgan , the Florida businessman .
Still , he noted that he does n't believe the former vice president will struggle raising money in the long run .
And he thinks that the DNC is going to be where Biden sees a real boost in resources .
A spokesman for Biden did not return a request for comment .

Former Vice President Joe Biden, presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, speaks during a virtual event seen on an Apple Inc. laptop computer in Arlington, Virginia, U.S., on Monday, April 13, 2020.
Democratic Party financiers are struggling to find the time to raise money for Joe Biden's campaign for president as they contend with the impact of the coronavirus on their businesses and personal finances.
Several fundraisers and people close to them spoke to CNBC about how they are in a bind over how to prioritize Biden's bid to defeat President Donald Trump this fall while they fight their own battles stemming from Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
"They are all scared witless," said John Morgan, a Florida-based businessman helping Biden, describing fundraisers' state of mind.
The former vice president is facing a tough haul in keeping up with Trump's massive campaign war chest. Trump and the Republican National Committee combined to raise more than $63 million in the month of March and have more than $200 million on hand.
While that monthly total is less than the joint GOP-Trump haul of $86 million in February, it's unclear how Biden is measuring up as of now. The Biden campaign has yet to release either his first-quarter or March fundraising totals. All campaigns must file their quarterly fundraising documents by Wednesday. Biden's totals will be a key indicator of whether the pandemic has impacted his fundraising abilities.
The bundlers' struggles make it even more important for Biden to be successful in his virtual fundraisers, which the campaign has embraced since governments enacted restrictions against social gatherings during the outbreak.
Biden and his surrogates have scheduled at least 14 virtual fundraising events from mid-April until May 6, according to a list of donor gatherings distributed to CNBC. A bundler helping Biden, who declined to be named as these efforts are deemed private, is working on having former President Barack Obama and his allies take part in some future events.
Obama endorsed Biden on Tuesday. The former president said he plans to get on the campaign trail as soon as he can. The tweet that included his video remarks got more than 1 million views in just under 40 minutes. Obama also signed a fundraising email to Biden supporters in the wake of his endorsement, asking people to "pitch in $5 to his campaign."
People who have either started fundraising for Biden or have been waiting to use their resources are leaders in a variety of industries, from entertainment to Wall Street.
There's Haim Saban, a music and media producer who privately told his allies as far back as January that he was going to decide after Super Tuesday how he was going to use his resources in the presidential election to support a Democratic candidate for president. Saban spent millions helping Hillary Clinton in 2016. A person close to him now says that he isn't focused on politics and he told The Hollywood Reporter in a recent interview that the election is not a priority for him, at this point, due to the coronavirus.
"I think it is on the back burner, frankly. I mean, yes, we're watching everything play out, but it's not the first thing on my mind," Saban told the publication.
A spokeswoman for Saban did not return a request for comment.
Then there's a Biden bundler who is involved with the restaurant chain Buffalo Wild Wings, and asked not to be named in this story in order to speak freely. This person says the company laid off hundreds of people after New York state restricted restaurants to take-out and delivery service instead of dine in.
"A certain degree of distraction is certainly prevalent. I feel it myself. Stopped serving at 16 restaurants - laid off about 900 people," this person said, while noting there might be a lack of involvement by some in the business community until June.
A spokesman for the company confirmed to CNBC that it has started laying off employees but would not say how many people have lost their jobs. "These decisions are incredibly painful, and we don't take them lightly," said Jack D'Amato, the spokesman.
Then there's the Wall Street executive who is also helping Biden and said that the priority right now is to keep his investment firm on track as the economy struggles to overcome the coronvirus pandemic. He noted he may not get back involved with assisting Biden until September.
A founder of a Chicago-based construction company recently said he's not paying attention to the campaign as he is in the midst of dealing with some of his employees coming down with Covid-19, including one worker being put on a ventilator.
"I've been in total crisis mode in my business right now and I'm not paying any attention to the campaign at this point," this person said.
Many of these financiers say the current circumstances illustrate the need for a joint fundraising operation between the Biden campaign and the Democratic National Committee. That would allow big-money donors to give six-figure checks, instead of the $2,800 individual max to campaigns. The DNC previously told CNBC that it is starting to hold talks with the Biden campaign about possibly moving ahead with a joint fundraising effort.
"Even though it's only been three weeks it feels like three years. Very wealthy people are facing financial ruination and uncertainty," said Morgan, the Florida businessman. Still, he noted that he doesn't believe the former vice president will struggle raising money in the long run. And he thinks that the DNC is going to be where Biden sees a real boost in resources.
A spokesman for Biden did not return a request for comment.


cnbc--2020-04-14--Barack Obama endorses Joe Biden for president

`` And I know he 'll surround himself with good people – experts , scientists , military officials who actually know how to run the government and care about doing a good job running the government , and know how to work with our allies , and who will always put the American people 's interests above their own . ''
`` Joe has the character and the experience to guide us through one of our darkest times and heal us through a long recovery , '' Obama said .
Obama praised Biden for his efforts during the H1N1 outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Ebola epidemic from becoming the type of pandemic we 're seeing now . ''
While Obama 's lengthy statement never addressed President Donald Trump by name , the remarks centered around the need for strong , principled leadership in the White House – especially in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic .
`` Choosing Joe to be my vice president was one of the best decisions I ever made , and he became a close friend .
And I believe Joe has all the qualities we need in a president right now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posted to Twitter .
Former President Barack Obama endorsed Joe Biden , his two-term vice president , on Tuesday morning in the race for the White House .
Biden said in a tweet that Obama 's endorsement `` means the world to Jill and me .
We 're going to build on the progress we made together , and there 's no one I 'd rather have standing by my side . ''
`` There is no better partner in the battle for the soul of this nation , and no one I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Biden said in a statement later Tuesday .
`` We need to restore the qualities of presidential leadership President Obama provided — and that is what I intend to do . ''
The endorsement came only after Biden emerged as the last candidate left standing in the Democratic primary to take on Trump in November .
Sen. Bernie Sanders , a self-described democratic socialist from Vermont and Biden 's final opponent , dropped out last week and endorsed his former rival on Monday .
In his speech , Obama extended an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's an American original – a man who has devoted his life to giving voice to working people 's hopes , dreams , and frustrations , '' Obama said .
`` He and I have n't always agreed on everything , but we 've always shared a conviction that we have to make America a fairer , more just , more equitable society . ''
Obama 's decision to steer largely clear of the primary fight raised eyebrows among some political watchers , who questioned why the 44th president did not immediately offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Biden said at that time that he asked Obama `` not to endorse '' him .
`` Whoever wins this nomination should win it on their own merit , '' the former vice president said .
Biden was considered the clear frontrunner .
But his momentum slowed as the competitive nominating contest wore on , and he fell well behind Sanders in the polls following the first few primary elections .
A crucial endorsement in February from Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn , the influential House majority whip , marked a major shift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Biden , who won the South Carolina primary with resounding support from the state 's highly diverse electorate .
`` Now that Biden is the only candidate left in the Democrat field , Obama has no other choice but to support him .
Even Bernie Sanders beat him to it , '' campaign boss Brad Parscale said in a statement .
In the 2016 election , Obama did not endorse Hillary Clinton – his former secretary of State – until June , when she had secured enough delegates to become the presumptive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nominee Trump in November 2016 .
But Obama 's popularity has grown since leaving the White House – a fact evident in polls and in the rhetoric of many former Democratic presidential candidates , who regularly praised Obama 's achievements in office .
In his endorsement , the former president advocated for a progressive approach to the 2020 election '' If I were running today , I would n't run the same race or have the same platform as I did in 2008 .
The world is different ; there 's too much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backwards .
We have to look to the future , '' Obama said .
`` Bernie understands that .
And Joe understands that .
It 's one of the reasons that Joe already has what is the most progressive platform of any major party nominee in history , '' Obama said .
`` Because even before the pandemic turned the world upside down , it was already clear that we needed real structural change . ''
Obama said that the Affordable Care Act , the signature legislative achievement of his presidency , should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expand Medicare .
He also said that America should return to the Paris climate agreement , from which Trump withdrew the U.S. '' Our country 's future hangs on this election .
And it wo n't be easy , '' Obama said .
`` The other side has a massive war chest .
The other side has a propaganda network with little regard for the truth . ''
Since Trump 's inauguration in January 2017 , Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama have maintained a consistent , and tightly controlled , public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains wildly popular , boasting more than 30 million more followers than Trump 's handle despite the current president 's more frequent use of the platform .
The Obamas have branched out into other popular media , as well .
In May 2018 , they signed a multiyear Netflix deal with the stated goal of promoting `` greater empathy and understanding between peoples . ''
`` American Factory , '' the first film produced by Barack and Michelle 's Higher Ground Productions , won an Oscar for best documentary .

"And I know he'll surround himself with good people – experts, scientists, military officials who actually know how to run the government and care about doing a good job running the government, and know how to work with our allies, and who will always put the American people's interests above their own."
"Joe has the character and the experience to guide us through one of our darkest times and heal us through a long recovery," Obama said.
Obama praised Biden for his efforts during the H1N1 outbreak in 2009, helping "to prevent the Ebola epidemic from becoming the type of pandemic we're seeing now."
While Obama's lengthy statement never addressed President Donald Trump by name, the remarks centered around the need for strong, principled leadership in the White House – especially in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic .
"Choosing Joe to be my vice president was one of the best decisions I ever made, and he became a close friend. And I believe Joe has all the qualities we need in a president right now," Obama said in a video posted to Twitter.
Former President Barack Obama endorsed Joe Biden, his two-term vice president, on Tuesday morning in the race for the White House.
Biden said in a tweet that Obama's endorsement "means the world to Jill and me. We're going to build on the progress we made together, and there's no one I'd rather have standing by my side."
"There is no better partner in the battle for the soul of this nation, and no one I'd rather have standing by my side," Biden said in a statement later Tuesday. "We need to restore the qualities of presidential leadership President Obama provided — and that is what I intend to do."
The endorsement came only after Biden emerged as the last candidate left standing in the Democratic primary to take on Trump in November. Sen. Bernie Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist from Vermont and Biden's final opponent, dropped out last week and endorsed his former rival on Monday.
In his speech, Obama extended an olive branch to Sanders.
"Bernie's an American original – a man who has devoted his life to giving voice to working people's hopes, dreams, and frustrations," Obama said. "He and I haven't always agreed on everything, but we've always shared a conviction that we have to make America a fairer, more just, more equitable society."
Obama's decision to steer largely clear of the primary fight raised eyebrows among some political watchers, who questioned why the 44th president did not immediately offer his endorsement when Biden launched his campaign.
Biden said at that time that he asked Obama "not to endorse" him.
"Whoever wins this nomination should win it on their own merit," the former vice president said.
Biden was considered the clear frontrunner. But his momentum slowed as the competitive nominating contest wore on, and he fell well behind Sanders in the polls following the first few primary elections.
A crucial endorsement in February from Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn, the influential House majority whip, marked a major shift back to the top of the field for Biden, who won the South Carolina primary with resounding support from the state's highly diverse electorate.
The Trump campaign mocked Obama's endorsement.
"Now that Biden is the only candidate left in the Democrat field, Obama has no other choice but to support him. Even Bernie Sanders beat him to it," campaign boss Brad Parscale said in a statement.
In the 2016 election, Obama did not endorse Hillary Clinton – his former secretary of State – until June, when she had secured enough delegates to become the presumptive Democratic nominee. Clinton lost to Republican nominee Trump in November 2016.
But Obama's popularity has grown since leaving the White House – a fact evident in polls and in the rhetoric of many former Democratic presidential candidates, who regularly praised Obama's achievements in office.
In his endorsement, the former president advocated for a progressive approach to the 2020 election
"If I were running today, I wouldn't run the same race or have the same platform as I did in 2008. The world is different; there's too much unfinished business for us to just look backwards. We have to look to the future," Obama said.
"Bernie understands that. And Joe understands that. It's one of the reasons that Joe already has what is the most progressive platform of any major party nominee in history," Obama said. "Because even before the pandemic turned the world upside down, it was already clear that we needed real structural change."
Obama said that the Affordable Care Act, the signature legislative achievement of his presidency, should be expanded to provide a public and expand Medicare. He also said that America should return to the Paris climate agreement, from which Trump withdrew the U.S.
"Our country's future hangs on this election. And it won't be easy," Obama said. "The other side has a massive war chest. The other side has a propaganda network with little regard for the truth."
Since Trump's inauguration in January 2017, Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama have maintained a consistent, and tightly controlled, public presence.
Obama's official Twitter account remains wildly popular, boasting more than 30 million more followers than Trump's handle despite the current president's more frequent use of the platform.
The Obamas have branched out into other popular media, as well. In May 2018, they signed a multiyear Netflix deal with the stated goal of promoting "greater empathy and understanding between peoples."
"American Factory," the first film produced by Barack and Michelle's Higher Ground Productions, won an Oscar for best documentary.