usatoday--2020-04-20--Bigger checks? Relief for states? What could be in the next coronavirus bill

WASHINGTON – The White House and congressional leaders are nearing a deal to pump an additional $ 300 billion into a new program to keep small businesses from shuttering and their employees from facing unemployment as the coronavirus pandemic derails the economy .
Even before that deal is completed , talk has turned to a larger economic recovery package that could send more cash payments flowing into the pocketbooks of Americans struggling financially because of the coronavirus crisis .
Americans ages 16 and older would be eligible for cash payments of $ 2,000 per month for at least six months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ piece together the details of the next economic recovery package .
Financial relief for state and local communities could be part of that package , along with assistance to rural hospitals , hazardous pay for health care workers and infrastructure spending .
Many of the proposals won ’ t make it into the final package , which could be weeks away .
Congressional leaders and the White House agree on the need for another economic recovery bill after the $ 2.2 trillion package President Donald Trump signed into law last month .
House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cost of the next coronavirus package could easily surpass $ 1 trillion .
Here ’ s a look at some of the proposals that lawmakers are mulling over as they piece together the next economic recovery package : The checks are arriving : Treasury says first coronavirus checks have gone out , and many will get payments by April 15 Millions of Americans have received checks of up to $ 1,200 authorized under the coronavirus recovery package Trump signed into law in March .
The IRS is still delivering those checks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one check may not be enough to help Americans get back on their feet , so they are looking for ways to continue the direct payments during the pandemic .
One proposal , by Reps. Ro Khanna , D-Calif. , and Tim Ryan , D-Ohio , calls for every American age 16 and older making less than $ 130,000 annually to receive at least $ 2,000 per month for at least six months .
Married couples earning less than $ 260,000 would receive at least $ 4,000 per month .
The payments would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ A one-time $ 1,200 check isn ’ t going to cut it , ” Khanna said .
“ Americans need sustained cash infusions for the duration of this crisis in order to come out on the other side alive , healthy and ready to get back to work.
” College students and adults with disabilities who are claimed as a dependent by someone else were not eligible for a check under the recovery bill .
They would be eligible under the latest proposal .
Another proposal by Sen. Josh Hawley , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cover 80 % of wages for workers at any U.S. business , up to the national median wage , until the coronavirus crisis is over .
Businesses would be eligible for a bonus if they rehire workers laid off over the past month .
Under yet another proposal , all employers whose monthly revenue has dropped at least 20 % would be eligible for federal grants to cover a portion of payroll and benefits for at least six months .
The senators behind the “ paycheck security ” proposal are Mark Warner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; Doug Jones , D-Ala. ; and Richard Blumenthal , D-Conn .
Questions : My check was sent to an account I do n't recognize .
Where 's my check ?
Your coronavirus money questions answered States and local governments hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic have pleaded for federal assistance to help them provide essential services .
A bill filed by Sens .
Bob Menendez , D-N.J. , and Bill Cassidy , R-La.
, from two of the hardest-hit states would set up a $ 500 billion fund to help states and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic crisis while maintaining essential services .
The money would be divided into three tranches and distributed based upon population , the number of coronavirus cases and revenue losses .
Small-business relief : Congressional leaders near deal on coronavirus bill to replenish small-business program Rural hospitals would be eligible for financial relief during the coronavirus crisis under a proposal by Sens .
Tina Smith , D-Minn. , and John Barrasso , R-Wyo .
Their proposal would give rural hospitals access to the Paycheck Protection Program , which was created under the coronavirus rescue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The program provides forgivable loans to employers who maintain their payroll during the coronavirus pandemic .
Another surge ?
: When will a second wave of the coronavirus hit , and what will it look like ?
Health care workers battling the coronavirus might get “ hazard pay ” in the next package .
Trump has embraced the idea , suggesting the money could come in the form of bonuses .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. , and other Democrats unveiled a plan to increase pay for essential workers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in sanitation and at grocery stores .
The fund would increase pay up to $ 25,000 , or $ 13 an hour , from the start of the crisis to the end of the year .
Senate Democrats are pushing to ramp up coronavirus testing , which has been a source of contention between the Trump administration and governors .
Trump claimed last month that America 's coronavirus testing was better `` than any country in the world ” and more recently argued that governors have enough testing to move toward reopening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrat Ralph Northam of Virginia and Republican Larry Hogan of Maryland , said the lack of testing has been a serious problem throughout the pandemic .
Senate Democrats call on Congress to approve $ 30 billion to rapidly expand coronavirus testing in the USA .
Some of the money would be used for the production of more test kits and supplies and the development of new tests .
“ Public health experts have made clear we will need to do hundreds of millions of tests if we want to reduce social distancing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to school and back to some semblance of normal , ” said Washington Sen. Patty Murray , the top Democrat on the Senate health committee .
“ For that to happen , we need testing to be fast , free and everywhere.
” Tax questions : Here ’ s how your coronavirus stimulus check affects your taxes Republicans and Democrats have repeatedly cited the need to repair the nation ’ s aging infrastructure as an area where they could find common ground since Pelosi and Democrats reclaimed the majority in the House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called last month for a $ 2 trillion bill to fix the nation 's roads , bridges and tunnels and suggested it should be included in the next coronavirus package .
Pelosi argued for making infrastructure the centerpiece of the next relief bill but switched course .
It 's unclear whether infrastructure funding will be included in the final package .
Some Republican senators suggested they are lukewarm on that idea .

Bigger checks? Relief for states? What could be in the next coronavirus bill
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus stimulus checks are missing, delivery may be delayed The IRS says they have delivered the stimulus checks to many that qualify, however, banks beg to differ. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – The White House and congressional leaders are nearing a deal to pump an additional $300 billion into a new program to keep small businesses from shuttering and their employees from facing unemployment as the coronavirus pandemic derails the economy.
Even before that deal is completed, talk has turned to a larger economic recovery package that could send more cash payments flowing into the pocketbooks of Americans struggling financially because of the coronavirus crisis.
Americans ages 16 and older would be eligible for cash payments of $2,000 per month for at least six months under one proposal under consideration as lawmakers piece together the details of the next economic recovery package. Financial relief for state and local communities could be part of that package, along with assistance to rural hospitals, hazardous pay for health care workers and infrastructure spending.
Many of the proposals won’t make it into the final package, which could be weeks away. Congressional leaders and the White House agree on the need for another economic recovery bill after the $2.2 trillion package President Donald Trump signed into law last month. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said the cost of the next coronavirus package could easily surpass $1 trillion.
Here’s a look at some of the proposals that lawmakers are mulling over as they piece together the next economic recovery package:
The checks are arriving: Treasury says first coronavirus checks have gone out, and many will get payments by April 15
Cash payments , paycheck protections
Millions of Americans have received checks of up to $1,200 authorized under the coronavirus recovery package Trump signed into law in March. The IRS is still delivering those checks to millions of others.
Lawmakers fear that one check may not be enough to help Americans get back on their feet, so they are looking for ways to continue the direct payments during the pandemic.
One proposal, by Reps. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, calls for every American age 16 and older making less than $130,000 annually to receive at least $2,000 per month for at least six months. Married couples earning less than $260,000 would receive at least $4,000 per month. The payments would continue until employment returns to pre-coronavirus levels.
“A one-time $1,200 check isn’t going to cut it,” Khanna said. “Americans need sustained cash infusions for the duration of this crisis in order to come out on the other side alive, healthy and ready to get back to work.”
College students and adults with disabilities who are claimed as a dependent by someone else were not eligible for a check under the recovery bill. They would be eligible under the latest proposal.
Another proposal by Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., calls for the federal government to cover 80% of wages for workers at any U.S. business, up to the national median wage, until the coronavirus crisis is over. Businesses would be eligible for a bonus if they rehire workers laid off over the past month.
Under yet another proposal, all employers whose monthly revenue has dropped at least 20% would be eligible for federal grants to cover a portion of payroll and benefits for at least six months. The senators behind the “paycheck security” proposal are Mark Warner, D-Va.; Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.; Doug Jones, D-Ala.; and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.
Questions: My check was sent to an account I don't recognize. Where's my check? Your coronavirus money questions answered
Tips on how to deal with money stress and ways to seek help Marriage and family therapist Adriana Alejandre shares tips to handle anxiety over money and how to look for help during quarantine. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Financial relief for states
States and local governments hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic have pleaded for federal assistance to help them provide essential services.
A bill filed by Sens. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., and Bill Cassidy, R-La., from two of the hardest-hit states would set up a $500 billion fund to help states and local governments respond to the health and economic crisis while maintaining essential services.
The money would be divided into three tranches and distributed based upon population, the number of coronavirus cases and revenue losses.
Small-business relief: Congressional leaders near deal on coronavirus bill to replenish small-business program
Rural hospitals
Rural hospitals would be eligible for financial relief during the coronavirus crisis under a proposal by Sens. Tina Smith, D-Minn., and John Barrasso, R-Wyo. Their proposal would give rural hospitals access to the Paycheck Protection Program, which was created under the coronavirus rescue package and is targeted toward small businesses.
The program provides forgivable loans to employers who maintain their payroll during the coronavirus pandemic.
Another surge?: When will a second wave of the coronavirus hit, and what will it look like?
Hazard pay
Health care workers battling the coronavirus might get “hazard pay” in the next package.
Trump has embraced the idea, suggesting the money could come in the form of bonuses.
Senate Democrats push for similar bonuses.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and other Democrats unveiled a plan to increase pay for essential workers, including those in the health care field, in sanitation and at grocery stores. The fund would increase pay up to $25,000, or $13 an hour, from the start of the crisis to the end of the year.
Coronavirus testing
Senate Democrats are pushing to ramp up coronavirus testing, which has been a source of contention between the Trump administration and governors.
Trump claimed last month that America's coronavirus testing was better "than any country in the world” and more recently argued that governors have enough testing to move toward reopening their states. Some governors, including Democrat Ralph Northam of Virginia and Republican Larry Hogan of Maryland, said the lack of testing has been a serious problem throughout the pandemic.
Senate Democrats call on Congress to approve $30 billion to rapidly expand coronavirus testing in the USA. Some of the money would be used for the production of more test kits and supplies and the development of new tests.
“Public health experts have made clear we will need to do hundreds of millions of tests if we want to reduce social distancing and safely get people back to work, back to school and back to some semblance of normal,” said Washington Sen. Patty Murray, the top Democrat on the Senate health committee. “For that to happen, we need testing to be fast, free and everywhere.”
Tax questions: Here’s how your coronavirus stimulus check affects your taxes
Infrastructure spending
Republicans and Democrats have repeatedly cited the need to repair the nation’s aging infrastructure as an area where they could find common ground since Pelosi and Democrats reclaimed the majority in the House more than a year ago.
Trump called last month for a $2 trillion bill to fix the nation's roads, bridges and tunnels and suggested it should be included in the next coronavirus package. Pelosi argued for making infrastructure the centerpiece of the next relief bill but switched course. It's unclear whether infrastructure funding will be included in the final package. Some Republican senators suggested they are lukewarm on that idea.
Contributing: Christal Hayes


usatoday--2020-04-20--Congressional leaders near deal on coronavirus bill to replenish small-business program

WASHINGTON – The White House and congressional leaders are nearing a deal to replenish a program geared to keep small businesses from shuttering and their employees from going on unemployment .
The $ 300 billion deal is set to offer more funds to the Paycheck Protection Program , which was launched April 3 by the Small Business Administration with an initial $ 349 billion for loans to small businesses .
The program was halted Thursday – less than two weeks after its launch – after all of its funds were allocated to banks to go out to businesses across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applications .
Along with funds for small businesses , the deal is tentatively set to offer $ 75 billion to help overwhelmed hospitals and $ 25 billion to increase the capacity to test for the coronavirus .
Disagreements remain over details , including how those funds would be divided and spent .
The Senate plans to bring up the package Tuesday afternoon , so negotiators can finalize the deal .
The House notified its members that the legislation could be taken up by the chamber Wednesday .
`` At this hour , our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the administration , so the Senate regretfully will not be able to pass more funding for Americans ’ paychecks today , '' Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , said on the Senate floor Monday .
`` It is past time to get this done for the country . ''
He told reporters Monday , `` Hopefully , we 'll have an agreement later today . ''
More : Stimulus program for small businesses runs out of money as Congress remains at odds over more funds Congressional leaders and Treasury Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bill for days as the program ran dry , leaving businesses in limbo over whether they will receive financial relief .
Democrats insisted that the bill should not only include funds for businesses but also additional money for hospitals and state and local governments .
They pushed for protections to ensure small businesses without established relationships with banks , including those in rural areas or owned by minorities , could access more of the funds after complaints that larger businesses secured much of the money .
President Donald Trump and Mnuchin had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when they went over updates on the negotiations .
On the call , Republicans said funds for state and local governments and bolstered food stamp benefits , which Democrats demanded , were not being added , according to a Senate Republican leadership aide .
Getting the bill across the finish line could pose some difficulties .
The House and Senate plan to keep members home to prevent spread of the coronavirus .
Instead , the chambers plan to pass the bill by unanimous consent , a procedure that would allow just one lawmaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was unclear whether the measure could pass unanimously , and he would n't know `` until we have a product '' and final text .
Rep. Thomas Massie , R-Ky. , signaled issues with the bill .
Some liberal House Democrats also aired grievances with the details of the bill , arguing it was not enough .
`` I am not here for a $ 5 bill , and I will not insult my community with that , '' Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , D-N.Y. , said , explaining she did not support the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final text .
Republicans accused Democrats of playing politics with the money and urged swift passage of the bill .
Senate Republicans attempted this month to pass $ 250 billion to replenish the program , but Democrats blocked the measure and offered a counterproposal , which was blocked by Republicans .
Mnuchin said Sunday a deal with Democrats was `` very close '' and Congress could approve additional funding for the program this week .
Mnuchin said Trump `` is willing to consider '' allocating more money to the states in future legislation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill .
Several governors warned that their resources are depleted by the coronavirus response and that they may have to soon cut essential services .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. , was optimistic a deal was close but cautioned there were `` a lot of details '' to work out .
He said on `` Fox News Sunday '' that he and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , were happy with the way the talks are going .
`` Many of the things we have asked for on the banking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the hospital side , they 're going along with .
So we feel pretty good , '' Schumer said .
Schumer said the bill would set aside $ 60 billion in disaster loans `` to make sure it goes to the rural areas , to the minority areas '' and to businesses that did not have relationships with the banks distributing the loans .
Mnuchin touted the disaster loan program as a way to get more money to smaller businesses , though he put the figure at $ 50 billion .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bank , it was pretty easy to get a loan .
If you did n't – from one end of the country to the other – we have been hearing that people ca n't get the loans : the local restaurant , the local barbershop , the local drugstore or even startup businesses , '' Schumer said of the disbursement of the first $ 349 billion .

Christal Hayes and William Cummings, USA TODAY

Congressional leaders near deal on coronavirus bill to replenish small-business program
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: How to support small businesses during COVID-19 pandemic Here are three ways consumers can help support small businesses who are struggling financially during the coronavirus pandemic. USA TODAY, Wochit
WASHINGTON – The White House and congressional leaders are nearing a deal to replenish a program geared to keep small businesses from shuttering and their employees from going on unemployment.
The $300 billion deal is set to offer more funds to the Paycheck Protection Program, which was launched April 3 by the Small Business Administration with an initial $349 billion for loans to small businesses. The program was halted Thursday – less than two weeks after its launch – after all of its funds were allocated to banks to go out to businesses across the country through more than 1.6 million loan applications.
Along with funds for small businesses, the deal is tentatively set to offer $75 billion to help overwhelmed hospitals and $25 billion to increase the capacity to test for the coronavirus.
Disagreements remain over details, including how those funds would be divided and spent. The Senate plans to bring up the package Tuesday afternoon, so negotiators can finalize the deal.
The House notified its members that the legislation could be taken up by the chamber Wednesday.
"At this hour, our Democratic colleagues are still prolonging their discussions with the administration, so the Senate regretfully will not be able to pass more funding for Americans’ paychecks today," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said on the Senate floor Monday. "It is past time to get this done for the country."
He told reporters Monday, "Hopefully, we'll have an agreement later today."
More: Stimulus program for small businesses runs out of money as Congress remains at odds over more funds
Congressional leaders and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin have haggled over details of the bill for days as the program ran dry, leaving businesses in limbo over whether they will receive financial relief.
Democrats insisted that the bill should not only include funds for businesses but also additional money for hospitals and state and local governments. They pushed for protections to ensure small businesses without established relationships with banks, including those in rural areas or owned by minorities, could access more of the funds after complaints that larger businesses secured much of the money.
President Donald Trump and Mnuchin had a call with Senate Republicans on Sunday when they went over updates on the negotiations. On the call, Republicans said funds for state and local governments and bolstered food stamp benefits, which Democrats demanded, were not being added, according to a Senate Republican leadership aide.
Getting the bill across the finish line could pose some difficulties. The House and Senate plan to keep members home to prevent spread of the coronavirus. Instead, the chambers plan to pass the bill by unanimous consent, a procedure that would allow just one lawmaker to object.
McConnell said Monday it was unclear whether the measure could pass unanimously, and he wouldn't know "until we have a product" and final text.
Coronavirus Chronicles: Lawmakers bear heavy burdens working from home Coronavirus has made even lawmakers work from home, but since they can't vote remotely, legislating through the crisis is a whole new challenge. Hannah Gaber, USA TODAY
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., signaled issues with the bill. Some liberal House Democrats also aired grievances with the details of the bill, arguing it was not enough.
"I am not here for a $5 bill, and I will not insult my community with that," Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., said, explaining she did not support the bill currently but was waiting for the final text.
More: As the Trump administration praises coronavirus relief program, lenders and small businesses criticize delays
More: PPP loan plan a mess for small businesses riding out coronavirus crisis
Republicans accused Democrats of playing politics with the money and urged swift passage of the bill. Senate Republicans attempted this month to pass $250 billion to replenish the program, but Democrats blocked the measure and offered a counterproposal, which was blocked by Republicans.
Mnuchin said Sunday a deal with Democrats was "very close" and Congress could approve additional funding for the program this week.
Mnuchin said Trump "is willing to consider" allocating more money to the states in future legislation, something Democrats lobbied for in this bill. Several governors warned that their resources are depleted by the coronavirus response and that they may have to soon cut essential services.
Coronavirus: How much businesses and hospitals will get from stimulus Here is how the federal government is stepping in to support small businesses and health care providers. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., was optimistic a deal was close but cautioned there were "a lot of details" to work out. He said on "Fox News Sunday" that he and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., were happy with the way the talks are going.
"Many of the things we have asked for on the banking side, on the testing side, on the hospital side, they're going along with. So we feel pretty good," Schumer said.
Schumer said the bill would set aside $60 billion in disaster loans "to make sure it goes to the rural areas, to the minority areas" and to businesses that did not have relationships with the banks distributing the loans. Mnuchin touted the disaster loan program as a way to get more money to smaller businesses, though he put the figure at $50 billion.
"If you had a connection with a bank, it was pretty easy to get a loan. If you didn't – from one end of the country to the other – we have been hearing that people can't get the loans: the local restaurant, the local barbershop, the local drugstore or even startup businesses," Schumer said of the disbursement of the first $349 billion.


usatoday--2020-04-20--'It's a terrific symbol': Mnuchin takes credit for adding Trump's name to coronavirus stimulus check

WASHINGTON – Last week , President Donald Trump 's critics decried an unprecedented move to add his name to the $ 1,200 relief checks sent to taxpayers as part of the more than $ 2 trillion coronavirus rescue package .
The Washington Post , which first reported the story , said Trump asked Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to add his signature to the checks .
Sunday , Mnuchin said it was his idea to include the president 's name .
`` We did put the president 's name on the check , '' Mnuchin told CNN 's `` State of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my idea .
He is the president , and I think it 's a terrific symbol to the American public . ''
Trump 's printed name is on the memo line on the left side of the check because he is not authorized to sign Treasury Department checks .
Normally , an official from the department 's Bureau of the Fiscal Service signs the checks .
Nina Olson , the founder of the Center for Taxpayer Rights and former taxpayer advocate for the IRS , told USA TODAY the president does not normally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the perception of political patronage . ''
Mnuchin told CNN , `` The president could have been authorized to sign the checks , '' but `` that would have slowed things down .
We did n't want that . ''
Unprecedented : Trump 's name to be printed on $ 1,200 coronavirus stimulus checks going out to Americans The $ 2 trillion rescue package aims to buoy the U.S. economy during the coronavirus pandemic , which caused most of the country to shut down to slow the spread .
The Post reported that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the checks going out , but a Treasury Department spokeswoman said in a statement , `` There is absolutely no delay whatsoever . ''
Mnuchin has said the checks would go out Monday , but he did not repeat that expectation Sunday .
Millions of Americans who have their bank account information on file with the IRS have already received the funds electronically , which Mnuchin called a `` much safer '' way of distributing money .
The direct deposits do not include any mention of Trump .
Last week , House Speaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president 's name on the checks was `` another shameful example of President Trump 's catastrophic failure to treat this crisis with the urgency it demands . ''
During a White House news conference Wednesday , Trump said he `` did n't know too much about '' his name being added to the checks .
`` I do understand it ’ s not delaying anything , and I ’ m satisfied with that .
I don ’ t imagine it ’ s a big deal , '' he said , `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happy to get a big , fat , beautiful check , and my name is on it . ''

'It's a terrific symbol': Mnuchin takes credit for adding Trump's name to coronavirus stimulus checks
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus stimulus checks are missing, delivery may be delayed The IRS says they have delivered the stimulus checks to many that qualify, however, banks beg to differ. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Last week, President Donald Trump's critics decried an unprecedented move to add his name to the $1,200 relief checks sent to taxpayers as part of the more than $2 trillion coronavirus rescue package.
The Washington Post, which first reported the story, said Trump asked Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to add his signature to the checks. Sunday, Mnuchin said it was his idea to include the president's name.
"We did put the president's name on the check," Mnuchin told CNN's "State of the Union." "That was my idea. He is the president, and I think it's a terrific symbol to the American public."
Trump's printed name is on the memo line on the left side of the check because he is not authorized to sign Treasury Department checks. Normally, an official from the department's Bureau of the Fiscal Service signs the checks.
Nina Olson, the founder of the Center for Taxpayer Rights and former taxpayer advocate for the IRS, told USA TODAY the president does not normally sign government checks "to protect against the perception of political patronage."
Mnuchin told CNN, "The president could have been authorized to sign the checks," but "that would have slowed things down. We didn't want that."
Unprecedented: Trump's name to be printed on $1,200 coronavirus stimulus checks going out to Americans
The $2 trillion rescue package aims to buoy the U.S. economy during the coronavirus pandemic, which caused most of the country to shut down to slow the spread.
The Post reported that the addition of Trump's name slowed the checks going out, but a Treasury Department spokeswoman said in a statement, "There is absolutely no delay whatsoever."
Mnuchin has said the checks would go out Monday, but he did not repeat that expectation Sunday.
Millions of Americans who have their bank account information on file with the IRS have already received the funds electronically, which Mnuchin called a "much safer" way of distributing money. The direct deposits do not include any mention of Trump.
Last week, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said including the president's name on the checks was "another shameful example of President Trump's catastrophic failure to treat this crisis with the urgency it demands."
During a White House news conference Wednesday, Trump said he "didn't know too much about" his name being added to the checks.
"I do understand it’s not delaying anything, and I’m satisfied with that. I don’t imagine it’s a big deal," he said, "I’m sure people will be very happy to get a big, fat, beautiful check, and my name is on it."


usatoday--2020-04-20--Mnuchin says deal 'very close' on billions more for small-business loans

WASHINGTON – Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Sunday a deal with Democrats to replenish an emergency small-business loan program is `` very close '' and Congress could approve additional funding for the program this week .
The program designed to keep paychecks going out to workers amid the economic shutdown caused by coronavirus was paused Thursday after it burned through its initial $ 350 billion .
`` I think we 're very close to a deal today , and I 'm hopeful that we can get that done , '' Mnuchin said on CNN 's `` State of the Union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be approved by the Senate on Monday and the House could vote on it by Wednesday .
Trump at a news conference Sunday , also telegraphed that a deal was near .
`` We have some very good negotiations going on right now .
And I think you could have a nice answer tomorrow but we 'll see , '' he said .
The program was included in a $ 2 trillion rescue package approved by Congress that President Donald Trump signed into law at the end of March .
When it ran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blamed each other .
Democrats insisted that a bill to replenish the program should include money for hospitals and states , as well as additional protections to make sure the money is more evenly distributed after complaints that the funds had largely gone to larger corporations and chains .
Republicans accused Democrats of playing politics and urged quick passage of a bill as social distancing restrictions ravaged the bottom lines of businesses .
Senate Republicans tried to pass a bill April 9 to inject $ 250 billion into the program , but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the quick depletion of the funds as evidence of the program 's success .
`` We 're incredibly pleased with the participation rate , and because of that , we want Congress to approve more funds right away , '' Mnuchin said .
He said an additional $ 300 billion `` should be sufficient to reach almost everybody '' after dismissing some estimates that at least $ 1 trillion would be needed .
Mnuchin said the new bill would include $ 75 billion to help overwhelmed hospitals and $ 25 billion to increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said Trump `` is willing to consider '' allocating more money to the states in future legislation .
Several governors have warned that their resources are depleted by the coronavirus response and that they may have to soon cut essential services .
Trump said he spoke with Senate Republicans on Sunday .
A senior GOP leadership aide said Democratic requests for additional state and local government funding , and SNAP benefits , will not be included in the final deal '' The negotiations are going on , '' Pence said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the success of the president ’ s program to provide payroll support , and we ’ re going to work to expand that so that no one working in a small business in America would have to worry about missing a paycheck . ''
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. , was also optimistic a deal was near .
`` I 'm very hopeful we could come to an agreement tonight , or early tomorrow morning , '' Schumer said on `` Fox News Sunday , '' though he cautioned there were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work out .
He said he and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , are happy with the way the talks are going .
`` Many of the things we have asked for on the banking side , on the testing side , on the hospital side , they 're going along with .
So we feel pretty good , '' Schumer said .
Schumer said the bill would set aside $ 60 billion in disaster loans `` to make sure it goes to the rural areas , to the minority areas '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationships with the banks distributing the loans .
Mnuchin touted the disaster loan program as a way to get more money to smaller businesses , though he put the figure at $ 50 billion .
`` If you had a connection with a bank , it was pretty easy to get a loan .
If you did n't – from one end of the country to the other – we have been hearing that people ca n't get the loans : the local restaurant , the local barbershop , the local drugstore or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the disbursement of the first $ 350 billion .
Pelosi told `` Fox News Sunday '' she was `` very pleased at the progress being made , '' and she expected there would be an agreement `` soon . ''
The speaker defended her efforts to add items to the legislation to refund the Paycheck Protection Program , which Republicans said delayed much-needed funds .
She pushed back on the idea that House Democrats asked for too much in the new bill .
`` We want to add more money there , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It is very urgent though that we support our police and fire , our health care workers and our nurses , our teachers . ''
`` Everything that we 're doing is about the coronavirus , understand that , '' she said .
`` We 're not going afield in any other thing . ''
Though Trump and Vice President Mike Pence have touted the testing capacity of the USA as the best in the world , Mnuchin said Sunday there is wide agreement that more testing needs to be available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopen under the three-phase plan outlined by the president last week .
`` Everybody agrees we need more testing , '' Mnuchin said .
`` We 're now up to about a million tests a week we can do , which I think should give people a lot more confidence .
And that is ramping up very quickly . ''
Schumer said Democrats asked for $ 30 billion to boost the manufacturing of the tests , increase the availability of the supplies needed to conduct the tests and `` make free testing far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states should be responsible for their own testing , but Schumer said governors `` need federal help '' and `` ca n't do the testing on their own . ''
According to Schumer , when the president spoke to business leaders about what was needed to reopen the country , `` the number one call was for more testing and more federal involvement in the testing .
You ca n't have it state by state . ''
`` I believe that the president has n't been focused enough on testing , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a single official to oversee and coordinate the effort .

Mnuchin says deal 'very close' on billions more for small-business loans
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: How to support small businesses during COVID-19 pandemic Here are three ways consumers can help support small businesses who are struggling financially during the coronavirus pandemic. USA TODAY, Wochit
WASHINGTON – Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Sunday a deal with Democrats to replenish an emergency small-business loan program is "very close" and Congress could approve additional funding for the program this week.
The program designed to keep paychecks going out to workers amid the economic shutdown caused by coronavirus was paused Thursday after it burned through its initial $350 billion.
"I think we're very close to a deal today, and I'm hopeful that we can get that done," Mnuchin said on CNN's "State of the Union." He said the deal could be approved by the Senate on Monday and the House could vote on it by Wednesday.
Trump at a news conference Sunday, also telegraphed that a deal was near.
"We have some very good negotiations going on right now. And I think you could have a nice answer tomorrow but we'll see," he said.
The program was included in a $2 trillion rescue package approved by Congress that President Donald Trump signed into law at the end of March. When it ran out of money, Democrats and Republicans blamed each other.
Coronavirus: How much businesses and hospitals will get from stimulus Here is how the federal government is stepping in to support small businesses and health care providers. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Democrats insisted that a bill to replenish the program should include money for hospitals and states, as well as additional protections to make sure the money is more evenly distributed after complaints that the funds had largely gone to larger corporations and chains. Republicans accused Democrats of playing politics and urged quick passage of a bill as social distancing restrictions ravaged the bottom lines of businesses. Senate Republicans tried to pass a bill April 9 to inject $250 billion into the program, but it was blocked by Democrats.
Mnuchin cited the quick depletion of the funds as evidence of the program's success.
"We're incredibly pleased with the participation rate, and because of that, we want Congress to approve more funds right away," Mnuchin said. He said an additional $300 billion "should be sufficient to reach almost everybody" after dismissing some estimates that at least $1 trillion would be needed.
Mnuchin said the new bill would include $75 billion to help overwhelmed hospitals and $25 billion to increase the capacity to test for the virus. He said Trump "is willing to consider" allocating more money to the states in future legislation. Several governors have warned that their resources are depleted by the coronavirus response and that they may have to soon cut essential services.
Trump said he spoke with Senate Republicans on Sunday. A senior GOP leadership aide said Democratic requests for additional state and local government funding, and SNAP benefits, will not be included in the final deal
Vice President Mike Pence agreed a deal is "very close."
"The negotiations are going on," Pence said. "I think every American has seen the success of the president’s program to provide payroll support, and we’re going to work to expand that so that no one working in a small business in America would have to worry about missing a paycheck."
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., was also optimistic a deal was near.
"I'm very hopeful we could come to an agreement tonight, or early tomorrow morning," Schumer said on "Fox News Sunday," though he cautioned there were "a lot of details" to work out. He said he and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., are happy with the way the talks are going.
"Many of the things we have asked for on the banking side, on the testing side, on the hospital side, they're going along with. So we feel pretty good," Schumer said.
Schumer said the bill would set aside $60 billion in disaster loans "to make sure it goes to the rural areas, to the minority areas" and to businesses that did not have relationships with the banks distributing the loans. Mnuchin touted the disaster loan program as a way to get more money to smaller businesses, though he put the figure at $50 billion.
Coronavirus: Whole Foods converting stores to online-only and delivery Whole Foods Market is converting several stores to only fulfill online orders for grocery delivery because of the coronavirus pandemic. USA TODAY
"If you had a connection with a bank, it was pretty easy to get a loan. If you didn't – from one end of the country to the other – we have been hearing that people can't get the loans: the local restaurant, the local barbershop, the local drugstore or even startup businesses," Schumer said of the disbursement of the first $350 billion.
Pelosi told "Fox News Sunday" she was "very pleased at the progress being made," and she expected there would be an agreement "soon."
The speaker defended her efforts to add items to the legislation to refund the Paycheck Protection Program, which Republicans said delayed much-needed funds. She pushed back on the idea that House Democrats asked for too much in the new bill.
"We want to add more money there," she said of the small-business loans. "It is very urgent though that we support our police and fire, our health care workers and our nurses, our teachers."
"Everything that we're doing is about the coronavirus, understand that," she said. "We're not going afield in any other thing."
Though Trump and Vice President Mike Pence have touted the testing capacity of the USA as the best in the world, Mnuchin said Sunday there is wide agreement that more testing needs to be available for the country to safely begin to reopen under the three-phase plan outlined by the president last week.
"Everybody agrees we need more testing," Mnuchin said. "We're now up to about a million tests a week we can do, which I think should give people a lot more confidence. And that is ramping up very quickly."
Schumer said Democrats asked for $30 billion to boost the manufacturing of the tests, increase the availability of the supplies needed to conduct the tests and "make free testing far more widespread."
Trump suggested the states should be responsible for their own testing, but Schumer said governors "need federal help" and "can't do the testing on their own."
According to Schumer, when the president spoke to business leaders about what was needed to reopen the country, "the number one call was for more testing and more federal involvement in the testing. You can't have it state by state."
"I believe that the president hasn't been focused enough on testing," he said, calling for Trump to appoint a single official to oversee and coordinate the effort.
Contributing: David Jackson


usatoday--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Missouri becomes first state to sue China over 'an appalling campaign of deceit'

WASHINGTON – Missouri became the first state to sue the Chinese government , citing `` an appalling campaign of deceit '' related to the coronavirus pandemic .
The civil lawsuit was filed Tuesday in federal court by GOP state Attorney General Eric Schmitt , claiming Chinese officials are “ responsible for the enormous death , suffering , and economic losses they inflicted on the world , including Missourians.
” “ The Chinese government lied to the world about the danger and contagious nature of COVID-19 , silenced whistleblowers , and did little to stop the spread of the disease , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ They must be held accountable for their actions.
” More : Barr warns of Justice Department intervention if state lockdown orders go 'too far' Schmitt said Chinese officials and others , including laboratories and China 's Communist Party , were all `` engaged in misrepresentations , concealment , and retaliation to conceal the gravity and seriousness of the COVID-19 outbreak from the rest of the world . ''
The number of Missouri deaths statewide rose Tuesday to 215 , according to Johns Hopkins University .
The number of cases rose to 5,963 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus is very real – thousands have been infected and many have died , families have been separated from dying loved ones , small businesses are shuttering their doors , and those living paycheck to paycheck are struggling to put food on their table , ” Schmitt said .
More : Donald Trump , Andrew Cuomo agree to speed up virus testing after 'productive ' meeting The lawsuit additionally accuses the Chinese government of making the COVID-19 pandemic worse by “ hoarding ” personal protective equipment , like masks .
Jonathan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George Washington University who was the sole witness called by Republicans before the Judiciary Committee in the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump , explained that `` Such lawsuits are exceptionally difficult , '' as China is protected by sovereign immunity .
`` The Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976 extends blanket immunity to countries from most lawsuits in the United States , '' he wrote .
`` The exceptions are rather narrow and rarely accepted by American courts , which read this statute as clearly conveying the intent to discourage such lawsuits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' : GOP Texas Lt. Gov .
pushes for reopening state Besides seeking damages , the lawsuit seeks to hold the Chinese government officially accountable for `` An appalling campaign of deceit , concealment , misfeasance , and inaction by Chinese authorities unleashed this pandemic . ''
“ During the critical weeks of the initial outbreak , Chinese authorities deceived the public , suppressed crucial information , arrested whistleblowers , denied human-to-human transmission in the face of mounting evidence , destroyed critical medical research , permitted millions of people to be exposed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protective equipment – thus causing a global pandemic that was unnecessary and preventable , '' the suit said .
Missouri 's motion comes after nearly two dozen GOP lawmakers asked the Trump administration to move against China in the International Court of Justice on Monday .
They say China violated the 2005 International Health Regulations by suppressing critical information about the outbreak , and disease .

Coronavirus: Missouri becomes first state to sue China over 'an appalling campaign of deceit'
Show Caption Hide Caption States rights on reopening businesses over President Trump, explained The 10th Amendment protects state powers and puts a hamper on presidential powers. Here's how the fight for control is playing out today. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Missouri became the first state to sue the Chinese government, citing "an appalling campaign of deceit" related to the coronavirus pandemic.
The civil lawsuit was filed Tuesday in federal court by GOP state Attorney General Eric Schmitt, claiming Chinese officials are “responsible for the enormous death, suffering, and economic losses they inflicted on the world, including Missourians.”
“The Chinese government lied to the world about the danger and contagious nature of COVID-19, silenced whistleblowers, and did little to stop the spread of the disease,” said Schmitt, who is seeking damages.“They must be held accountable for their actions.”
More: Barr warns of Justice Department intervention if state lockdown orders go 'too far'
Schmitt said Chinese officials and others, including laboratories and China's Communist Party, were all "engaged in misrepresentations, concealment, and retaliation to conceal the gravity and seriousness of the COVID-19 outbreak from the rest of the world."
The number of Missouri deaths statewide rose Tuesday to 215, according to Johns Hopkins University. The number of cases rose to 5,963.
“In Missouri, the impact of the virus is very real – thousands have been infected and many have died, families have been separated from dying loved ones, small businesses are shuttering their doors, and those living paycheck to paycheck are struggling to put food on their table,” Schmitt said.
Stores, barbers, even gyms to reopen in some states Some states are moving slowly towards reopening their economies while others are moving more quickly to reopen. USA TODAY, USA TODAY
Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch joined Missouri with the intention to sue the Chinese government over the pandemic as well, she announced Wednesday.
More: Mississippi plans to sue Chinese government over coronavirus, attorney general says
"Too many Mississippians have suffered as a result of China’s cover-up," Fitch said in a statement. "They must not be allowed to act with impunity. Mississippians deserve justice and I will seek that in court."
In Mississippi, the coronavirus has sickened more than 4,700 people and killed more than 180. The state has been under a stay-at-home order since April 3, which has shut down large portions of the economy.
More: Donald Trump, Andrew Cuomo agree to speed up virus testing after 'productive' meeting
Jonathan Turley, a constitutional law professor at George Washington University who was the sole witness called by Republicans before the Judiciary Committee in the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump, explained that "Such lawsuits are exceptionally difficult," as China is protected by sovereign immunity.
"The Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976 extends blanket immunity to countries from most lawsuits in the United States," he wrote. "The exceptions are rather narrow and rarely accepted by American courts, which read this statute as clearly conveying the intent to discourage such lawsuits."
'More important things than living': GOP Texas Lt. Gov. pushes for reopening state
The Missouri lawsuit additionally accuses the Chinese government of making the COVID-19 pandemic worse by “hoarding” personal protective equipment, like masks.
Besides seeking damages, both lawsuits seek to hold the Chinese government officially accountable. Missouri's reads they wish to hold them responsbile for an "appalling campaign of deceit, concealment, misfeasance, and inaction by Chinese authorities unleashed this pandemic."
“During the critical weeks of the initial outbreak, Chinese authorities deceived the public, suppressed crucial information, arrested whistleblowers, denied human-to-human transmission in the face of mounting evidence, destroyed critical medical research, permitted millions of people to be exposed to the virus, and even hoarded personal protective equipment – thus causing a global pandemic that was unnecessary and preventable," the Missouri lawsuit said.
The motions come after nearly two dozen GOP lawmakers asked the Trump administration to move against China in the International Court of Justice on Monday. They say China violated the 2005 International Health Regulations by suppressing critical information about the outbreak, and disease.
Contributing: Associated Press; Alissa Zhu, Mississippi Clarion Ledger


usatoday--2020-04-22--Restaurants upset after missing out on fixes sought in new coronavirus relief package

Independently owned restaurants are blasting the passage of a bipartisan bill that would replenish funds to a program designed to keep small businesses from shuttering amid the nation 's coronavirus pandemic , arguing it does not make the `` fixes '' their industry desperately needs .
The $ 484 billion relief bill , which passed the Senate on Tuesday , would inject $ 320 billion into the Paycheck Protection Program , which was halted last week after it ran out of money .
That includes $ 60 billion for community-based lenders , smaller banks and credit unions to assist smaller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with big banks and had a harder time accessing the funds in the first round of loans .
But the Independent Restaurant Coalition – which represents chefs and owners of small , non-chain restaurants – has lobbied for policy changes to restrictions around how the loans are used and the timeline in which the money must be spent .
They say the rules do n't work for businesses that still are n't sure when customers will return .
The bill would not make any of these changes , however .
`` Today we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurants close forever , '' the Independent Restaurant Coalition said in a statement after the Senate approved the package by voice vote .
`` The Senate passed new funding for the Paycheck Protection Program but until that program is fixed , it still wo n't help America 's 500,000 independent restaurants reopen or ensure their 11 million employees have a job when this ends . ''
More : Will your favorite restaurant reopen ?
More coronavirus relief sought for survival The bill , which has support from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , heads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It would then head to the desk of President Donald Trump , who 's signaled he 's ready to sign the agreement .
Most restaurants have closed amid stay-at-home orders imposed by states across the country or shifted to take-out food only .
Restaurants were some of the first business to be ordered to shut down temporarily .
Restaurateurs say the PPP changes are needed for many to reopen .
The PPP , which was created with approval of the original CARES Act last month , allows businesses smaller than 500 employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial loans during the pandemic to help keep them from closing completely .
To have the loans completely forgiven , businesses are required to spend 75 % of the federal money on payroll and 25 % on fixed expenses such as rent , utilities and other bills .
A business must start spending the money 10 days after getting approved , and they have eight weeks until the loan expires .
But restaurants say these are unreasonable mandates while many are closed and not accumulating normal business expenses – and could remain closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ date .
Restaurateurs want the loan extended from eight weeks to three months after they open , noting business will probably be slow even when they open their doors again , as people remain reluctant to re-congregate until there 's a COVID-19 vaccine .
They want the origination date of the loan to be when they can legally reopen fully , not within 10 days of receipt .
They 've asked that the period to replay loans be lengthened from two years to 10 years .
`` Restaurants are cash flow businesses , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'll still have a hard time maintaining a payroll whenever they reopen , '' the group said .
`` Changes to the Paycheck Protection Program , like moving the origination date of the loan to when restaurants can legally operate , are necessary to ensure restaurants can afford to reopen and rehire our workers .
`` The last stimulus bill included a special $ 25 billion carve-out to keep 750,000 airline employees working .
Why not make a few changes to help independent restaurants , who employ 15 times more people ? ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ stabilization fund , totaling $ 100 billion , that would offer grants to restaurants to rehire employees and pay rent .
They 're also seeking changes in business interruption insurance policy so that it covers COVID-19 .
Despite the setback , the Independent Restaurant Coalition vowed to press on in a letter to members , pointing to positive meetings with both Senate and House leadership and the next round of congressional action as reasons for encouragement .
Congress is expected to take up perhaps another $ 1 trillion in the coming weeks as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 outbreak , giving restaurants another opportunity to get the changes they seek .
`` We remain hopeful that the PPP will be adjusted to reflect the changes we ’ ve advocated for – either through additional guidance on this bill or in the next round of legislation , '' the coalition said in the letter .
`` Advocacy for the next phase of legislation will begin immediately . ''
A survey from the James Beard Association found independent restaurants laid off 91 % of their hourly employees and nearly 70 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – double-digit increases in both categories since March .
The poll of 1,400 small and independent restaurants found 38 % of have closed temporarily or permanently , and 77 % have seen their sales drop in half or worse .
Twenty-eight percent of restaurants said they do n't believe they can survive another month of closure , and only one out of five are certain they can sustain their businesses until normal operations can resume .

Restaurants upset after missing out on fixes sought in new coronavirus relief package
Show Caption Hide Caption Congress reaches $484 billion deal to help small businesses The White House and congressional leaders reached a $484 billion deal to help small businesses, hospitals and coronavirus testing. USA TODAY
Independently owned restaurants are blasting the passage of a bipartisan bill that would replenish funds to a program designed to keep small businesses from shuttering amid the nation's coronavirus pandemic, arguing it does not make the "fixes" their industry desperately needs.
The $484 billion relief bill, which passed the Senate on Tuesday, would inject $320 billion into the Paycheck Protection Program, which was halted last week after it ran out of money. That includes $60 billion for community-based lenders, smaller banks and credit unions to assist smaller businesses that don't have established relationships with big banks and had a harder time accessing the funds in the first round of loans.
But the Independent Restaurant Coalition – which represents chefs and owners of small, non-chain restaurants – has lobbied for policy changes to restrictions around how the loans are used and the timeline in which the money must be spent. They say the rules don't work for businesses that still aren't sure when customers will return.
The bill would not make any of these changes, however.
"Today we learned Congress does not care if local restaurants close forever," the Independent Restaurant Coalition said in a statement after the Senate approved the package by voice vote. "The Senate passed new funding for the Paycheck Protection Program but until that program is fixed, it still won't help America's 500,000 independent restaurants reopen or ensure their 11 million employees have a job when this ends."
More: Will your favorite restaurant reopen? More coronavirus relief sought for survival
The bill, which has support from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, heads to the House for a vote Thursday. It would then head to the desk of President Donald Trump, who's signaled he's ready to sign the agreement.
Most restaurants have closed amid stay-at-home orders imposed by states across the country or shifted to take-out food only. Restaurants were some of the first business to be ordered to shut down temporarily. Restaurateurs say the PPP changes are needed for many to reopen.
Coronavirus: How much businesses and hospitals will get from stimulus Here is how the federal government is stepping in to support small businesses and health care providers. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The PPP, which was created with approval of the original CARES Act last month, allows businesses smaller than 500 employees, including restaurants, to apply for financial loans during the pandemic to help keep them from closing completely.
To have the loans completely forgiven, businesses are required to spend 75% of the federal money on payroll and 25% on fixed expenses such as rent, utilities and other bills. A business must start spending the money 10 days after getting approved, and they have eight weeks until the loan expires.
More: Senate approves measure to replenish halted coronavirus small-business loan program
But restaurants say these are unreasonable mandates while many are closed and not accumulating normal business expenses – and could remain closed for months, well past the expiration date.
Restaurateurs want the loan extended from eight weeks to three months after they open, noting business will probably be slow even when they open their doors again, as people remain reluctant to re-congregate until there's a COVID-19 vaccine. They want the origination date of the loan to be when they can legally reopen fully, not within 10 days of receipt. They've asked that the period to replay loans be lengthened from two years to 10 years.
"Restaurants are cash flow businesses, and until they can generate revenue they'll still have a hard time maintaining a payroll whenever they reopen," the group said. "Changes to the Paycheck Protection Program, like moving the origination date of the loan to when restaurants can legally operate, are necessary to ensure restaurants can afford to reopen and rehire our workers.
"The last stimulus bill included a special $25 billion carve-out to keep 750,000 airline employees working. Why not make a few changes to help independent restaurants, who employ 15 times more people?"
Other requests from independent restaurants include a stabilization fund, totaling $100 billion, that would offer grants to restaurants to rehire employees and pay rent. They're also seeking changes in business interruption insurance policy so that it covers COVID-19.
Despite the setback, the Independent Restaurant Coalition vowed to press on in a letter to members, pointing to positive meetings with both Senate and House leadership and the next round of congressional action as reasons for encouragement.
Congress is expected to take up perhaps another $1 trillion in the coming weeks as part of the government's response to the COVID-19 outbreak, giving restaurants another opportunity to get the changes they seek.
"We remain hopeful that the PPP will be adjusted to reflect the changes we’ve advocated for – either through additional guidance on this bill or in the next round of legislation," the coalition said in the letter. "Advocacy for the next phase of legislation will begin immediately."
A survey from the James Beard Association found independent restaurants laid off 91% of their hourly employees and nearly 70% of salaried employees as of April 13 – double-digit increases in both categories since March. The poll of 1,400 small and independent restaurants found 38% of have closed temporarily or permanently, and 77% have seen their sales drop in half or worse.
Twenty-eight percent of restaurants said they don't believe they can survive another month of closure, and only one out of five are certain they can sustain their businesses until normal operations can resume.
Follow Joey Garrison on Twitter @joeygarrison.


usatoday--2020-04-21--Trump says Harvard will return coronavirus stimulus money

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Harvard University would return coronavirus stimulus money he said was intended for small businesses – and added that he would ask other large entities to do so as well .
“ Harvard ’ s going to return the money , ” the president asserted at his daily press conference on Tuesday .
“ They shouldn ’ t have taken it.
” Trump later said he wants the university to return the money , but indicated that it had not agreed to do so .
`` If they won ’ t do that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ else , '' the president said , without elaborating .
Harvard has come under fire for receivingnearly $ 9 million in funding from the bipartisan coronavirusrelief package .
The school has said the money would be used for helping Harvard students who need financial assistance .
It has also said that it did not apply for or receive any money intended for small businesses .
Instead , the university said , it received a portion of Department of Education funding that was distributed to thousands of schools across the country .
`` Like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been allocated funds as part of the CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund , '' the university said in a statement .
`` Harvard has committed that 100 % of these emergency higher education funds will be used to provide direct assistance to students facing urgent financial needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic . ''
The funding was distributed to schools based on a formula that includes how many students receive federal financial aid through Pell Grants .
Trump administration officials have faced questions about other large businesses , such as Shake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the money intended for smaller companies .
Shake Shack said recently it would return the money , and Trump indicated he would ask other large companies to follow suit .
“ The intent was not for companies that have access to plenty of liquidity and resources , ” Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin told reporters , who threatened but did not specify additional “ consequences ” for companies that did not comply .

Trump says Harvard will return coronavirus stimulus money
Show Caption Hide Caption President to ask Harvard to repay virus grant President Donald Trump says he will ask Harvard University to repay the money it received as part of a coronavirus relief package. (April 21) AP
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Harvard University would return coronavirus stimulus money he said was intended for small businesses – and added that he would ask other large entities to do so as well.
“Harvard’s going to return the money,” the president asserted at his daily press conference on Tuesday. “They shouldn’t have taken it.” Trump later said he wants the university to return the money, but indicated that it had not agreed to do so.
"If they won’t do that, then we’ll do something else," the president said, without elaborating.
Harvard has come under fire for receiving nearly $9 million in funding from the bipartisan coronavirus relief package. The school has said the money would be used for helping Harvard students who need financial assistance. It has also said that it did not apply for or receive any money intended for small businesses.
Instead, the university said, it received a portion of Department of Education funding that was distributed to thousands of schools across the country.
"Like most colleges and universities, Harvard has been allocated funds as part of the CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund," the university said in a statement. "Harvard has committed that 100% of these emergency higher education funds will be used to provide direct assistance to students facing urgent financial needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic."
The funding was distributed to schools based on a formula that includes how many students receive federal financial aid through Pell Grants.
Trump administration officials have faced questions about other large businesses, such as Shake Shack, that received some portion of the money intended for smaller companies. Shake Shack said recently it would return the money, and Trump indicated he would ask other large companies to follow suit.
“The intent was not for companies that have access to plenty of liquidity and resources,” said Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, who threatened but did not specify additional “consequences” for companies that did not comply.


usatoday--2020-04-21--White House, Congress reaches $484 billion deal to help small businesses, hospitals

The White House and congressional leaders reached a $ 484 billion deal to help small businesses , hospitals and coronavirus @ @

Congress reaches $484 billion deal to help small businesses
The White House and congressional leaders reached a $484 billion deal to help small businesses, hospitals and coronavirus testing.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-04-21--Barr warns of Justice Department intervention if state lockdown orders go 'too far'

Attorney General William Barr warned Tuesday that the Justice Department would consider additional intervention if state stay-at-home orders prove too restrictive as the country weighs its reemergence from the shutdown forced by the coronavirus pandemic .
`` We ’ re looking carefully at a number of these rules that are being put into place , '' Barr said in an interview with conservative talk show host Hugh Hewitt .
`` And if we think one goes too far , we initially try to jawbone the governors into rolling them back or adjusting them .
And if they ’ re not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement of interest and side with the plaintiffs . ''
Barr comments come as President Donald Trump and governors are grappling over how the nation should restart a dormant economy – a debate that has stirred demonstrations in some parts of the country where states already have begun loosening restrictions aimed at prohibiting large gatherings .
Demonstrators get big backing : Trump defends protesters , says orders 'too tough' '' We ’ re at sort of a sensitive stage where we ’ re really transitioning to starting a process of trying to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the attorney general said .
`` As lawsuits develop , as specific cases emerge in states , we ’ ll take a look at them . ''
Last week the Justice Department took action in Mississippi , siding with a church in Greenville where worshipers were cited by police for attending a drive-in service this month .
The service took place a day after the city issued a prohibition against drive-in services , an order that appeared to conflict with a state action designating churches and religious activities as essential operations as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Mississippi Department of Health .
Barr said some of the state restrictions are placing `` unprecedented burdens on civil liberties right now . ''
`` You know , the idea that you have to stay in your house is disturbingly close to house arrest , '' Barr said .
`` I ’ m not saying it wasn ’ t justified .
I ’ m not saying in some places it might still be justified .
But it ’ s very onerous , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So these are very , very burdensome impingements on liberty , and we adopted them ... for the limited purpose of slowing down the spread – that is , bending the curve .
We didn ’ t adopt them as the comprehensive way of dealing with this disease . ''

Barr warns of Justice Department intervention if state lockdown orders go 'too far'
Show Caption Hide Caption Wash., Oregon, Calif. announce coronavirus pact The governors of Washington, California and Oregon announced Monday they'll work together to re-open their economies while continuing to control the spread of COVID-19. (April 13) AP
Attorney General William Barr warned Tuesday that the Justice Department would consider additional intervention if state stay-at-home orders prove too restrictive as the country weighs its reemergence from the shutdown forced by the coronavirus pandemic.
"We’re looking carefully at a number of these rules that are being put into place," Barr said in an interview with conservative talk show host Hugh Hewitt. "And if we think one goes too far, we initially try to jawbone the governors into rolling them back or adjusting them. And if they’re not and people bring lawsuits, we file statement of interest and side with the plaintiffs."
Barr comments come as President Donald Trump and governors are grappling over how the nation should restart a dormant economy – a debate that has stirred demonstrations in some parts of the country where states already have begun loosening restrictions aimed at prohibiting large gatherings.
Lock-down demonstrations: Protests draw thousands over state stay-at-home orders during coronavirus pandemic
Demonstrators get big backing: Trump defends protesters, says orders 'too tough'
"We’re at sort of a sensitive stage where we’re really transitioning to starting a process of trying to get the nation back up and running," the attorney general said. "As lawsuits develop, as specific cases emerge in states, we’ll take a look at them."
Last week the Justice Department took action in Mississippi, siding with a church in Greenville where worshipers were cited by police for attending a drive-in service this month.
The service took place a day after the city issued a prohibition against drive-in services, an order that appeared to conflict with a state action designating churches and religious activities as essential operations as long as they complied with guidelines published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Mississippi Department of Health.
Barr said some of the state restrictions are placing "unprecedented burdens on civil liberties right now."
"You know, the idea that you have to stay in your house is disturbingly close to house arrest," Barr said. "I’m not saying it wasn’t justified. I’m not saying in some places it might still be justified. But it’s very onerous, as is shutting down your livelihood.
"So these are very, very burdensome impingements on liberty, and we adopted them ... for the limited purpose of slowing down the spread – that is, bending the curve. We didn’t adopt them as the comprehensive way of dealing with this disease."


usatoday--2020-04-21--Donald Trump, Andrew Cuomo agree to speed up virus testing after 'productive' meeting

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump and New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo made nice after an Oval Office meeting Tuesday , pledging to work together on the issue that has divided the White House and many of the nation 's governors : More coronavirus testing .
Cuomo called the meeting `` functional and effective , '' while Trump described it as a `` very productive '' session in which he and the governor signed off on a plan to double testing in New York over the next few weeks .
`` We hope that this model will work with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told reporters at the White House .
Speaking with MSNBC about the meeting with Trump , Cuomo said : `` For me , the substance of the agenda was testing – who does what , how do we get up to scale . ''
The governor described the president as `` inquisitive '' about New York 's timeline for reopening but said Trump did not attempt to impose a deadline for that milestone .
“ He never editorialized on what he thought was an appropriate timeline , ” Cuomo told MSNBC .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prospects of aid for New York in a future federal stimulus package .
Cuomo told MSNBC that a Navy hospital ship sent to New York City to help fight the coronavirus is no longer needed , `` so if they need to deploy that somewhere else , they should take it.
” The unusual visit from Cuomo , which the president announced a day earlier , came as the Empire State works to pull out of its particularly deadly bout with the virus .
Trump and Cuomo , a Democrat , have lurched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closely watched news conferences during the health crisis .
`` What does testing mean , and how do we do it , and how can the federal government work in partnership with states ?
” Cuomo askedreporters before heading to Washington , D.C. , for his meeting at the White House .
Since the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States , Trump and Cuomo have taken turns praising and attacking each other over their responses on issues like testing , production of ventilators , and supplies of masks , gloves , and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times argued the federal government must do far more , and at other times has thanked Trump for the administration 's effort .
During his White House briefings , Trump often cites Cuomo 's praise while ignoring his criticism .
During a news briefing On Sunday , for instance , the president played a series of videos in which the New York governor praised Trump and his team .
But Trump has been dismissive of concerns raised by governors of both parties that states do not have enough testing capacity to begin reopening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indicated he would like to see happen sooner rather than later .
The president , and public health officials in his administration , say states have more testing capacity than they realize .
Asked why Cuomo was visiting the White House , Trump said , `` we get along , OK ? ''
The president then noted the governor 's `` generous '' praise of his team .
`` I appreciated it because it 's not about me , it 's about these people and thousands '' of others involved in the response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting on Thursday , Cuomo told reporters he would tell Trump `` the truth , '' both good and bad , about the administration 's response to coronavirus .
He added that Trump `` has no problem telling me when he disagrees , and he tells me when he agrees ...
I have no problem telling him when I disagree and when I agree . ''
At times , Cuomo has attacked the Trump administration for the slow delivery of necessary supplies .
Trump , meanwhile , has said Cuomo and other governors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ origins : WHO says the virus came from an animal , not made in a lab Trump hascriticized Cuomo by name over the governor 's claim New York needed 30,000 to 40,000 ventilators to meet the expected increase in coronavirus patients .
Trump said the request was too high .
Now Trump and other governors are arguing over testing .
The president said the federal government can help , but the governors are in charge of obtaining testing kits for their constituents .
`` The federal government has already made immense testing capabilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take action to fully utilize it , '' Trump said .
Cuomo said New York and other states have struggled to line up supply chains for test kits and need more assistance from the federal government .
“ You shouldn ’ t expect all these governors to run around and do an international supply chain while they ’ re trying to put together their testing protocol in their state , coordinating their labs , ” Cuomo said .
Trump and Cuomo : Trump and Andrew Cuomo clash over who has power to reopen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also differed on when states should reopen their economies , and whether the president hasthe authority to make those decisions .
Trump has claimed , without citing evidence , he has the authority but governors and constitutional scholars say it is a state power .

Donald Trump, Andrew Cuomo agree to speed up virus testing after 'productive' meeting
Show Caption Hide Caption Cuomo: Trump, 'get to work' help NY with tests Gov. Andrew Cuomo argued New York's efforts to ramp up testing and restart its outbreak-crippled economy will fall woefully short without federal help, while President Donald Trump said the governor should stop complaining and start working. (April 17) AP
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo made nice after an Oval Office meeting Tuesday, pledging to work together on the issue that has divided the White House and many of the nation's governors: More coronavirus testing.
Cuomo called the meeting "functional and effective," while Trump described it as a "very productive" session in which he and the governor signed off on a plan to double testing in New York over the next few weeks.
"We hope that this model will work with the other states as well," Trump told reporters at the White House.
Speaking with MSNBC about the meeting with Trump, Cuomo said: "For me, the substance of the agenda was testing – who does what, how do we get up to scale."
The governor described the president as "inquisitive" about New York's timeline for reopening but said Trump did not attempt to impose a deadline for that milestone.
“He never editorialized on what he thought was an appropriate timeline,” Cuomo told MSNBC.
Trump and Cuomo also said they discussed the prospects of aid for New York in a future federal stimulus package. Cuomo told MSNBC that a Navy hospital ship sent to New York City to help fight the coronavirus is no longer needed, "so if they need to deploy that somewhere else, they should take it.”
Coronavirus: How coronavirus COVID-19 attacks the body How does coronavirus enter the body, and why does it become fatal for some compared to just a cough or fever for others? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The unusual visit from Cuomo, which the president announced a day earlier, came as the Empire State works to pull out of its particularly deadly bout with the virus. Trump and Cuomo, a Democrat, have lurched between slamming and applauding each other in closely watched news conferences during the health crisis.
"What does testing mean, and how do we do it, and how can the federal government work in partnership with states?” Cuomo asked reporters before heading to Washington, D.C., for his meeting at the White House.
Since the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States, Trump and Cuomo have taken turns praising and attacking each other over their responses on issues like testing, production of ventilators, and supplies of masks, gloves, and other personal protective equipment. Cuomo has at times argued the federal government must do far more, and at other times has thanked Trump for the administration's effort.
More: Donald Trump, Andrew Cuomo talk COVID-19 testing, state funding at White House
Coronavirus: Amid coronavirus concerns, two-thirds of voter support mail-in ballots for November, poll finds
During his White House briefings, Trump often cites Cuomo's praise while ignoring his criticism. During a news briefing On Sunday, for instance, the president played a series of videos in which the New York governor praised Trump and his team.
But Trump has been dismissive of concerns raised by governors of both parties that states do not have enough testing capacity to begin reopening their economies – something the president has indicated he would like to see happen sooner rather than later. The president, and public health officials in his administration, say states have more testing capacity than they realize.
Asked why Cuomo was visiting the White House, Trump said, "we get along, OK?" The president then noted the governor's "generous" praise of his team.
"I appreciated it because it's not about me, it's about these people and thousands" of others involved in the response, Trump said.
Hours before the meeting on Thursday, Cuomo told reporters he would tell Trump "the truth," both good and bad, about the administration's response to coronavirus.
He added that Trump "has no problem telling me when he disagrees, and he tells me when he agrees ... I have no problem telling him when I disagree and when I agree."
At times, Cuomo has attacked the Trump administration for the slow delivery of necessary supplies. Trump, meanwhile, has said Cuomo and other governors have requested too much equipment.
Coronavirus origins: WHO says the virus came from an animal, not made in a lab
Trump has criticized Cuomo by name over the governor's claim New York needed 30,000 to 40,000 ventilators to meet the expected increase in coronavirus patients. Trump said the request was too high.
Now Trump and other governors are arguing over testing. The president said the federal government can help, but the governors are in charge of obtaining testing kits for their constituents.
"The federal government has already made immense testing capabilities available, but some states need to take action to fully utilize it," Trump said.
Cuomo said New York and other states have struggled to line up supply chains for test kits and need more assistance from the federal government.
“You shouldn’t expect all these governors to run around and do an international supply chain while they’re trying to put together their testing protocol in their state, coordinating their labs,” Cuomo said.
Trump and Cuomo: Trump and Andrew Cuomo clash over who has power to reopen America's economy
Trump and Cuomo have also differed on when states should reopen their economies, and whether the president has the authority to make those decisions. Trump has claimed, without citing evidence, he has the authority but governors and constitutional scholars say it is a state power.
President Donald Trump claims authority over states When asked about states' rights to decide when to reopen schools and businesses, Trump said, "The president of the United States calls the shots." USA TODAY
Contributing: John Fritze